[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6227 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.R.6227
One Hundred Fifteenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
the third day of January, two thousand and eighteen
An Act
To provide for a coordinated Federal program to accelerate quantum
research and development for the economic and national security of the
United States.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National Quantum
Initiative Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Purposes.
TITLE I--NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE
Sec. 101. National Quantum Initiative Program.
Sec. 102. National Quantum Coordination Office.
Sec. 103. Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science.
Sec. 104. National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee.
Sec. 105. Sunset.
TITLE II--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY QUANTUM
ACTIVITIES
Sec. 201. National Institute of Standards and Technology activities and
quantum consortium.
TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION QUANTUM ACTIVITIES
Sec. 301. Quantum information science research and education program.
Sec. 302. Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education.
TITLE IV--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM ACTIVITIES
Sec. 401. Quantum Information Science Research program.
Sec. 402. National Quantum Information Science Research Centers.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Advisory committee.--The term ``Advisory Committee'' means
the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee established
under section 104(a).
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate
committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate; and
(C) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the
House of Representatives.
(3) Coordination office.--The term ``Coordination Office''
means the National Quantum Coordination Office established under
section 102(a).
(4) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of
higher education'' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a)
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(5) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the National Quantum
Initiative Program implemented under section 101(a).
(6) Quantum information science.--The term ``quantum
information science'' means the use of the laws of quantum physics
for the storage, transmission, manipulation, computing, or
measurement of information.
(7) Subcommittee.--The term ``Subcommittee'' means the
Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science
and Technology Council established under section 103(a).
SEC. 3. PURPOSES.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure the continued leadership of
the United States in quantum information science and its technology
applications by--
(1) supporting research, development, demonstration, and
application of quantum information science and technology--
(A) to expand the number of researchers, educators, and
students with training in quantum information science and
technology to develop a workforce pipeline;
(B) to promote the development and inclusion of
multidisciplinary curriculum and research opportunities for
quantum information science at the undergraduate, graduate, and
postdoctoral level;
(C) to address basic research knowledge gaps, including
computational research gaps;
(D) to promote the further development of facilities and
centers available for quantum information science and
technology research, testing and education; and
(E) to stimulate research on and promote more rapid
development of quantum-based technologies;
(2) improving the interagency planning and coordination of
Federal research and development of quantum information science and
technology;
(3) maximizing the effectiveness of the Federal Government's
quantum information science and technology research, development,
and demonstration programs;
(4) promoting collaboration among the Federal Government,
Federal laboratories, industry, and universities; and
(5) promoting the development of international standards for
quantum information science and technology security--
(A) to facilitate technology innovation and private sector
commercialization; and
(B) to meet economic and national security goals.
TITLE I--NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE
SEC. 101. NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The President shall implement a National Quantum
Initiative Program.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out the Program, the President,
acting through Federal agencies, councils, working groups,
subcommittees, and the Coordination Office, as the President considers
appropriate, shall--
(1) establish the goals, priorities, and metrics for a 10-year
plan to accelerate development of quantum information science and
technology applications in the United States;
(2) invest in fundamental Federal quantum information science
and technology research, development, demonstration, and other
activities to achieve the goals established under paragraph (1);
(3) invest in activities to develop a quantum information
science and technology workforce pipeline;
(4) provide for interagency planning and coordination of
Federal quantum information science and technology research,
development, demonstration, standards engagement, and other
activities under the Program;
(5) partner with industry and universities to leverage
knowledge and resources; and
(6) leverage existing Federal investments efficiently to
advance Program goals and priorities established under paragraph
(1).
SEC. 102. NATIONAL QUANTUM COORDINATION OFFICE.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--The President shall establish a National
Quantum Coordination Office.
(2) Administration.--The Coordination Office shall have--
(A) a Director appointed by the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with the
Secretary of Commerce, the Director of the National Science
Foundation, and the Secretary of Energy; and
(B) staff comprised of employees detailed from the Federal
departments and agencies described in section 103(b).
(b) Responsibilities.--The Coordination Office shall--
(1) provide technical and administrative support to--
(A) the Subcommittee; and
(B) the Advisory Committee;
(2) oversee interagency coordination of the Program, including
by encouraging and supporting joint agency solicitation and
selection of applications for funding of activities under the
Program;
(3) serve as the point of contact on Federal civilian quantum
information science and technology activities for Federal
departments and agencies, industry, universities professional
societies, State governments, and such other persons as the
Coordination Office considers appropriate to exchange technical and
programmatic information;
(4) ensure coordination among the collaborative ventures or
consortia established under section 201(a), Multidisciplinary
Centers for Quantum Research and Education established under
section 302(a), and the National Quantum Information Science
Research Centers established under section 402(a);
(5) conduct public outreach, including the dissemination of
findings and recommendations of the Advisory Committee, as
appropriate;
(6) promote access to and early application of the
technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from Program
activities to agency missions and systems across the Federal
Government, and to industry, including startup companies; and
(7) promote access, through appropriate Federal Government
agencies, and an open and competitive merit-reviewed process, to
existing quantum computing and communication systems developed by
industry, universities, and Federal laboratories to the general
user community in pursuit of discovery of the new applications of
such systems.
(c) Funding.--Funds necessary to carry out the activities of the
Coordination Office shall be made available each fiscal year by the
Federal departments and agencies described in section 103(b), as
determined by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy.
SEC. 103. SUBCOMMITTEE ON QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE.
(a) Establishment.--The President shall establish, through the
National Science and Technology Council, the Subcommittee on Quantum
Information Science.
(b) Membership.--The Subcommittee shall include a representative
of--
(1) the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
(2) the National Science Foundation;
(3) the Department of Energy;
(4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(5) the Department of Defense;
(6) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence;
(7) the Office of Management and Budget;
(8) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and
(9) such other Federal department or agency as the President
considers appropriate.
(c) Chairpersons.--The Subcommittee shall be jointly chaired by the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the
Director of the National Science Foundation, and the Secretary of
Energy.
(d) Responsibilities.--The Subcommittee shall--
(1) coordinate the quantum information science and technology
research, information sharing about international standards
development and use, and education activities and programs of the
Federal agencies;
(2) establish goals and priorities of the Program, based on
identified knowledge and workforce gaps and other national needs;
(3) assess and recommend Federal infrastructure needs to
support the Program;
(4) assess the status, development, and diversity of the United
States quantum information science workforce;
(5) assess the global outlook for quantum information science
research and development efforts;
(6) evaluate opportunities for international cooperation with
strategic allies on research and development in quantum information
science and technology; and
(7) propose a coordinated interagency budget for the Program to
the Office of Management and Budget to ensure the maintenance of a
balanced quantum information science research portfolio and an
appropriate level of research effort.
(e) Strategic Plans.--In order to guide the activities of the
Program and meet the goals, priorities, and anticipated outcomes of the
Federal departments and agencies described in subsection (b), the
Subcommittee shall--
(1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, develop a 5-year strategic plan;
(2) not later than 6 years after the date of enactment of this
Act, develop a subsequent 5-year strategic plan; and
(3) periodically update each plan, as necessary.
(f) Submittal to Congress.--The chairpersons of the Subcommittee
shall submit to the President, the Advisory Committee, and the
appropriate committees of Congress each strategic plan developed under
subsection (e) and any updates thereto.
(g) Annual Program Budget Report.--
(1) In general.--Each year, concurrent with the annual budget
request submitted by the President to Congress under section 1105
of title 31, United States Code, the chairpersons of the
Subcommittee shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress
and such other committees of Congress as the chairpersons deem
appropriate a report on the budget for the Program.
(2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) The budget of the Program for the current fiscal year,
for each Federal department and agency described in subsection
(b).
(B) The budget proposed for the Program for the next fiscal
year, for each Federal department and agency described in
subsection (b).
(C) An analysis of the progress made toward achieving the
goals and priorities established under subsection (d)(2).
SEC. 104. NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--The President shall establish a National Quantum
Initiative Advisory Committee.
(b) Qualifications.--The Advisory Committee shall consist of
members, appointed by the President, who are representative of
industry, universities, and Federal laboratories and are qualified to
provide advice and information on quantum information science and
technology research, development, demonstrations, standards, education,
technology transfer, commercial application, or national security and
economic concerns.
(c) Membership Consideration.--In selecting the members of the
Advisory Committee, the President may seek and give consideration to
recommendations from the Congress, industry, the scientific community
(including the National Academy of Sciences, scientific professional
societies, and universities), the defense community, and other
appropriate organizations.
(d) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall advise the
President and the Subcommittee and make recommendations for the
President to consider when reviewing and revising the Program.
(2) Independent assessments.--The Advisory Committee shall
conduct periodic, independent assessments of--
(A) any trends or developments in quantum information
science and technology;
(B) the progress made in implementing the Program;
(C) the management, coordination, implementation, and
activities of the Program;
(D) whether the Program activities and the goals and
priorities established under section 103(d)(2) are helping to
maintain United States leadership in quantum information
science and technology;
(E) whether a need exists to revise the Program;
(F) whether opportunities exist for international
cooperation with strategic allies on research and development
in, and the development of open standards for, quantum
information science and technology; and
(G) whether national security, societal, economic, legal,
and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the Program.
(e) Reports.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, and at least biennially thereafter, the Advisory Committee
shall submit to the President, the appropriate committees of Congress,
and such other committees of Congress as the Advisory Committee deems
appropriate a report on the findings of the independent assessment
under subsection (d), including any recommendations for improvements to
the Program.
(f) Travel Expenses of Non-Federal Members.--Non-Federal members of
the Advisory Committee, while attending meetings of the Advisory
Committee or while otherwise serving at the request of the head of the
Advisory Committee away from their homes or regular places of business,
may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States
Code, for individuals in the Government serving without pay. Nothing in
this subsection shall be construed to prohibit members of the Advisory
Committee who are officers or employees of the United States from being
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with existing law.
(g) FACA Exemption.--The Advisory Committee shall be exempt from
section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
SEC. 105. SUNSET.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
authority to carry out sections 101, 102, 103, and 104 shall terminate
on the date that is 11 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Extension.--The President may continue the activities under
such sections if the President determines that such activities are
necessary to meet national economic or national security needs.
TITLE II--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY QUANTUM
ACTIVITIES
SEC. 201. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITIES
AND QUANTUM CONSORTIUM.
(a) National Institute of Standards and Technology Activities.--As
part of the Program, the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology--
(1) shall continue to support and expand basic and applied
quantum information science and technology research and development
of measurement and standards infrastructure necessary to advance
commercial development of quantum applications;
(2) shall use the existing programs of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology, in collaboration with other Federal
departments and agencies, as appropriate, to train scientists in
quantum information science and technology to increase
participation in the quantum fields;
(3) shall establish or expand collaborative ventures or
consortia with other public or private sector entities, including
industry, universities, and Federal laboratories for the purpose of
advancing the field of quantum information science and engineering;
and
(4) may enter into and perform such contracts, including
cooperative research and development arrangements and grants and
cooperative agreements or other transactions, as may be necessary
in the conduct of the work of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology and on such terms as the Director considers
appropriate, in furtherance of the purposes of this Act.
(b) Quantum Consortium.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology shall convene a consortium of stakeholders
to identify the future measurement, standards, cybersecurity, and
other appropriate needs for supporting the development of a robust
quantum information science and technology industry in the United
States.
(2) Goals.--The goals of the consortium shall be--
(A) to assess the current research on the needs identified
in paragraph (1);
(B) to identify any gaps in the research necessary to meet
the needs identified in paragraph (1); and
(C) to provide recommendations on how the National
Institute of Standards and Technology and the Program can
address the gaps in the necessary research identified in
subparagraph (B).
(3) Report to congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology shall submit to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a
report summarizing the findings of the consortium.
(c) Funding.--The Director of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology shall allocate up to $80,000,000 to carry out the
activities under this section for each of fiscal years 2019 through
2023, subject to the availability of appropriations. Amounts made
available to carry out this section shall be derived from amounts
appropriated or otherwise made available to the National Institute of
Standards and Technology.
TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION QUANTUM ACTIVITIES
SEC. 301. QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science Foundation
shall carry out a basic research and education program on quantum
information science and engineering, including the competitive award of
grants to institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit
organizations (or consortia thereof).
(b) Program Components.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under subsection
(a), the Director of the National Science Foundation shall carry
out activities that--
(A) support basic interdisciplinary quantum information
science and engineering research; and
(B) support human resources development in all aspects of
quantum information science and engineering.
(2) Requirements.--The activities described in paragraph (1)
shall include--
(A) using the existing programs of the National Science
Foundation, in collaboration with other Federal departments and
agencies, as appropriate--
(i) to improve the teaching and learning of quantum
information science and engineering at the undergraduate,
graduate, and postgraduate levels; and
(ii) to increase participation in the quantum fields,
including by individuals identified in sections 33 and 34
of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42
U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b);
(B) formulating goals for quantum information science and
engineering research and education activities to be supported
by the National Science Foundation;
(C) leveraging the collective body of knowledge from
existing quantum information science and engineering research
and education activities;
(D) coordinating research efforts funded through existing
programs across the directorates of the National Science
Foundation; and
(E) engaging with other Federal departments and agencies,
research communities, and potential users of information
produced under this section.
(c) Graduate Traineeships.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation may establish a program to provide traineeships to graduate
students at institutions of higher education within the United States
who are citizens of the United States and who choose to pursue masters
or doctoral degrees in quantum information science.
SEC. 302. MULTIDISCIPLINARY CENTERS FOR QUANTUM RESEARCH AND
EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science Foundation,
in consultation with other Federal departments and agencies, as
appropriate, shall award grants to institutions of higher education or
eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof) to establish at
least 2, but not more than 5, Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum
Research and Education (referred to in this section as ``Centers'').
(b) Collaborations.--A collaboration receiving an award under this
subsection may include institutions of higher education, nonprofit
organizations, and private sector entities.
(c) Purpose.--The purpose of the Centers shall be to conduct basic
research and education activities in support of the goals and
priorities established under section 103(d)(2), including by--
(1) continuing to advance quantum information science and
engineering;
(2) supporting curriculum and workforce development in quantum
information science and engineering; and
(3) fostering innovation by bringing industry perspectives to
quantum research and workforce development, including by leveraging
industry knowledge and resources.
(d) Requirements.--
(1) In general.--An institution of higher education or an
eligible nonprofit organization (or a consortium thereof) seeking
funding under this section shall submit an application to the
Director of the National Science Foundation at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Director may
require.
(2) Applications.--Each application under paragraph (1) shall
include a description of--
(A) how the Center will work with other research
institutions and industry partners to leverage expertise in
quantum science, education and curriculum development, and
technology transfer;
(B) how the Center will promote active collaboration among
researchers in multiple disciplines involved in quantum
research, including physics, engineering, mathematics, computer
science, chemistry, and material science;
(C) how the Center will support long-term and short-term
workforce development in the quantum field;
(D) how the Center can support an innovation ecosystem to
work with industry to translate Center research into
applications; and
(E) a long-term plan to become self-sustaining after the
expiration of funding under this section.
(e) Selection and Duration.--
(1) In general.--Each Center established under this section is
authorized to carry out activities for a period of 5 years.
(2) Reapplication.--An awardee may reapply for additional,
subsequent periods of 5 years on a competitive, merit-reviewed
basis.
(3) Termination.--Consistent with the authorities of the
National Science Foundation, the Director of the National Science
Foundation may terminate an underperforming Center for cause during
the performance period.
(f) Funding.--The Director of the National Science Foundation shall
allocate up to $10,000,000 for each Center established under this
section for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject to the
availability of appropriations. Amounts made available to carry out
this section shall be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise
made available to the National Science Foundation.
TITLE IV--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM ACTIVITIES
SEC. 401. QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall carry out a basic
research program on quantum information science.
(b) Program Components.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall--
(1) formulate goals for quantum information science research to
be supported by the Department of Energy;
(2) leverage the collective body of knowledge from existing
quantum information science research;
(3) provide research experiences and training for additional
undergraduate and graduate students in quantum information science,
including in the fields of--
(A) quantum information theory;
(B) quantum physics;
(C) quantum computational science;
(D) applied mathematics and algorithm development;
(E) quantum networking;
(F) quantum sensing and detection; and
(G) materials science and engineering;
(4) coordinate research efforts funded through existing
programs across the Department of Energy, including--
(A) the Nanoscale Science Research Centers;
(B) the Energy Frontier Research Centers;
(C) the Energy Innovation Hubs;
(D) the National Laboratories;
(E) the Advanced Research Projects Agency; and
(F) the National Quantum Information Science Research
Centers; and
(5) coordinate with other Federal departments and agencies,
research communities, and potential users of information produced
under this section.
SEC. 402. NATIONAL QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTERS.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Energy, acting through the
Director of the Office of Science (referred to in this section as
the ``Director''), shall ensure that the Office of Science carries
out a program, in consultation with other Federal departments and
agencies, as appropriate, to establish and operate at least 2, but
not more than 5, National Quantum Information Science Research
Centers (referred to in this section as ``Centers'') to conduct
basic research to accelerate scientific breakthroughs in quantum
information science and technology and to support research
conducted under section 401.
(2) Requirements.--
(A) Competitive, merit-reviewed process.--The Centers shall
be established through a competitive, merit-reviewed process.
(B) Applications.--An eligible applicant under this
subsection shall submit to the Director an application at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
Director determines to be appropriate.
(C) Eligible applicants.--The Director shall consider
applications from National Laboratories, institutions of higher
education, research centers, multi-institutional
collaborations, and any other entity that the Secretary of
Energy determines to be appropriate.
(b) Collaborations.--A collaboration that receives an award under
this section may include multiple types of research institutions and
private sector entities.
(c) Requirements.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Centers
developed, constructed, operated, or maintained under this section
shall serve the needs of the Department of Energy, industry, the
academic community, and other relevant entities to create and develop
processes for the purpose of advancing basic research in quantum
information science and improving the competitiveness of the United
States.
(d) Coordination.--The Secretary of Energy shall ensure the
coordination, and avoid unnecessary duplication, of the activities of
each Center with the activities of--
(1) other research entities of the Department of Energy,
including--
(A) the Nanoscale Science Research Centers;
(B) the Energy Frontier Research Centers;
(C) the Energy Innovation Hubs; and
(D) the National Laboratories;
(2) institutions of higher education; and
(3) industry.
(e) Duration.--
(1) In general.--Each Center established under this section is
authorized to carry out activities for a period of 5 years.
(2) Reapplication.--An awardee may reapply for additional,
subsequent periods of 5 years. The Director shall approve or
disapprove of each reapplication on a competitive, merit-reviewed
basis.
(3) Termination.--Consistent with the authorities of the
Department of Energy, the Secretary of Energy may terminate an
underperforming Center for cause during the performance period.
(f) Funding.--The Secretary of Energy shall allocate up to
$25,000,000 for each Center established under this section for each of
fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject to the availability of
appropriations. Amounts made available to carry out this section shall
be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the
Department of Energy.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.