NSF X-Labs Initiative - Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics

Quick Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF), Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), is soliciting Written Proposals for its NSF X-Labs Initiative focusing on Quantum Systems: Interconnects and Integrated Photonics. This initiative seeks to build and accelerate novel platform technologies through ambitious, full-time R&D teams. Awards will be Other Transaction (OT) contracts.

Purpose & Scope

The NSF X-Labs initiative is designed to build and accelerate novel platform technologies capable of unlocking new sectors and advancing use-inspired scientific breakthroughs. This specific Topic Announcement focuses on quantum systems, particularly quantum interconnects and integrated quantum photonics. Teams will research and develop technologies enabling next-generation quantum interconnects, integrated quantum photonics, and supporting technologies. This includes foundational platform solutions for integrating second-generation quantum systems, such as scalable modular architectures, interconnection of heterogeneous quantum sub-systems, reconfigurable quantum photonic circuits, next-generation quantum light sources, low-loss waveguides, and integrated single-photon detectors. Solutions that are purely computational/software without practical integration, unsuitable for scaling, narrow impact, fundamental research without application potential, incremental advancements, or near full-scale commercialization are not in scope.

Contract Details

• Type: Other Transaction (OT) contracts, issued under NSF's statutory authority, not FAR-based procurement. Awards are anticipated to be milestone-based.
• Funding: Anticipated in phases: Phase 0 (approx. 9-12 months) with a maximum of $1,500,000; Phase 1 (approx. 24-36 months) with a maximum of $50,000,000 per year, with potential renewal for Phase 2.
• Set-Aside: None specified. Open to any domestic responsible entity. Lead organizations must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Submission & Evaluation

• Process: A two-step competitive evaluation process involving Written Proposals followed by Oral Presentations.
• Written Proposals Due: July 24, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
• Oral Presentations: Scheduled for August 31 to September 4, 2026.
• Evaluation Criteria: Written Proposals will be evaluated based on "Team Qualifications and Structure" and "Mission Clarity and Outcomes." Key proposal content includes Mission, Technology Landscape, Outcomes, Senior/Key Personnel Qualifications, and Team Capabilities Statement.
• Format: Proposals must be direct, concise, and limited to 8 single-sided pages (excluding Conflicts of Interest statement), typed, single-spaced, using a 12-point font. Submissions must be in PDF format.
• Submission: Electronically via the NSF submission website.
• Questions Due: July 17, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern, emailed to XLabs@nsf.gov with the subject line: NSF-Topic1-FY26-XLabsQuantumSystems.

Key Dates

• Written Proposals Due: July 24, 2026
• Oral Presentations: August 31 - September 4, 2026
• Phase 0 Begins: December 2026
• Phase 1 Go/No Go Selection: July 2027
• Phase 1 Begins: September 2027

Eligibility & Notes

• An eligible organization can submit a maximum of two Written Proposals per Topic Announcement as a lead organization. Senior/Key Personnel may be listed on a maximum of one Written Proposal per Topic.
• Certain entities and individuals are ineligible due to research security requirements (e.g., U.S. proscribed parties, "foreign entities of concern").
• Webinars are scheduled for June 4, 2026 (Introduction) and June 30, 2026 (Q&A).