LPS Qubit Collaboratory (LQC)

Quick Summary

The U.S. Army Research Office (ARO), in partnership with NSA’s Laboratory for Physical Science (LPS), is soliciting research proposals for the LPS Qubit Collaboratory (LQC), specifically under a Special Notice for "LPS Qubit Collaboratory Special Topics." This initiative seeks to advance fundamental understanding of superconductor qubits and accelerate learning in quantum computing. White Papers are required and due by December 15, 2025.

Purpose & Scope

The LQC's mission is to pursue disruptive fundamental research in qubit development, foster collaborative partnerships, and build a quantum workforce. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) and its Special Notice aim to advance foundational and transformative research in quantum information processing and associated technologies through collaborative efforts between LPS and academia, industry, FFRDCs, and Government Laboratories.

Proposal Categories

The LQC BAA seeks proposals across three categories:

• Incubator: For single investigators or small groups to develop early-stage concepts, potentially leveraging LPS infrastructure.
• Collaboratory: For significant collaborations (academia, industry, FFRDCs, government labs) to pursue long-term, disruptive research on fundamental qubit problems.
• QuaCR Fellowships: For U.S. citizen graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in quantum information processing and sensing, often including an LPS internship.

Key Requirements / Research Topics

The Special Notice specifically seeks proposals for:

• Fundamental Studies of Superconducting Qubits: Identifying, quantifying, and mitigating noise sources; improving two-qubit gates.
• Next-Generation Josephson Junctions: Demonstrating prototype devices and incorporating innovative JJs into qubits.
• Accelerated Learning of Quantum Information Concepts: Innovative approaches for training technical individuals in qubit technologies through hands-on experiences.

Contract & Timeline

• Type: Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) / Special Notice. Awards may be Grants, Cooperative Agreements, or Procurement Contracts.
• BAA Validity: Continuously open through April 30, 2026.
• White Paper Due (Special Topics): December 15, 2025 (Required).
• Proposal Recommended Submission (Special Topics): March 3, 2026.
• Published: September 22, 2025.

Eligibility & Set-Aside

This is an open competition for basic research proposals under FAR 6.102(d)(2) and 10 U.S.C. 4001, 4021, and 4022. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit concerns (large and small businesses). Proposals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged. FFRDCs are not eligible for direct awards but can participate in teaming arrangements. QuaCR Fellowship applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Submission & Evaluation

• White Papers: Required for Incubator and Collaboratory proposals, and specifically for the Special Topics. For Special Topics, submit via email to usarmy.rtp.devcom-arl.mesg.qcbox@army.mil by December 15, 2025. Feedback will be provided.
• Full Proposals: For Special Topics, recommended by March 3, 2026. Evaluation will follow technical and programmatic processes in accordance with BAA W911NF21S0009-2 criteria, focusing on scientific/technical merits, potential contribution, personnel qualifications, and cost realism.
• No funding is provided for proposal development costs.

Points of Contact

• Technical Program: Dr. T.R. Govindan (t.r.govindan.civ@army.mil)
• Business/Submission: usarmy.rtp.devcom-arl.mesg.qcbox@army.mil