NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory - Quantum Testbeds

The National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent U.S. federal agency, promotes the progress of science and education through the competitive award of grants and cooperative agreements. With this solicitation, NSF advances the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL) initiative, aligning with the goals of the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act to maintain U.S. leadership in quantum information science and technology. The NSF’s NQVL aims to provide a shared infrastructure supporting the translation of foundational research into practical applications in quantum science and technology. This solicitation specifically supports the Design and Implementation phases of the Quantum Science and Technology Demonstration (QSTD) component of the NQVL, expanding upon prior Pilot phase efforts initiated in earlier solicitations. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to mature quantum technologies via co-design approaches that integrate scientific research with practical system development. The program emphasizes inclusion of diverse talents across academia, industry, and government sectors to foster quantum science and engineering applications. Eligible proposals must demonstrate a strategic vision, a collaborative and skilled team, and readiness to advance through the QSTD pipeline. The Design phase proposals require prior completion of a QSTD Pilot project and a positive recommendation from a site visit panel. Similarly, Implementation phase proposals must build on a Design project that has passed its own panel review. This grant supports up to eight Design phase awards, each up to $2 million annually for two years, and up to six Implementation phase awards, each up to $10 million annually for six years. Projects must be structured to address the full lifecycle of quantum system development, from conceptualization to deployment, including robust project execution and education and workforce development plans. NSF also mandates a dedicated project manager for Design and Implementation phases, highlighting the complexity and scale of supported efforts. Eligible lead organizations may submit only one proposal per round for either phase, and individuals may serve as PI or co-PI on only one proposal. Collaborations are encouraged, but a single lead institution must submit the proposal with any partners listed as subawardees. There are no restrictions on the type of organization eligible to apply. The proposal preparation must comply with the NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), and submission is accepted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. Proposals must provide detailed project descriptions, including work breakdown structures, budget estimates with risk assessments, project execution plans, and education/workforce development strategies. Application review will consider intellectual merit, broader impacts, technical feasibility, and management plans. Specific evaluation criteria are tailored to the Design or Implementation phase, including readiness indicators and stakeholder engagement plans. For inquiries, applicants should contact the NQVL program staff at nqvl@nsf.gov or relevant officers listed by NSF directorate. The next proposal deadline is April 1, 2025, for Design phase projects. Subsequent deadlines span through 2028, with no rolling submissions allowed. This funding opportunity is not recurring annually, but future iterations may occur based on program progress and Congressional funding availability.