Request for Information (RFI) on Scientifically Relevant Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing Systems

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from potential vendors regarding scientifically relevant fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) systems. The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science is conducting market research to inform strategic planning, program design, and future funding mechanisms for integrating FTQC into national laboratory scientific computing infrastructure. This RFI does not constitute a solicitation.

Respondents are asked to provide input on:

• DOE Target Capabilities: Feasibility of achieving 150-250 logical qubits, a computationally universal instruction set, and the ability to execute at least 10^5 hard operations with a logical error rate of 10^-8 by 2028. Recommendations for achievable goals if the target is infeasible.

• Hardware and Software Solution: Notional system architecture, quantum register characteristics, logical architecture for fault tolerance, software environment, and packaging requirements (site, power, cooling, etc.).

• DOE Scientific Needs: How proposed systems will demonstrate scientific computing capability by 2028 and scale for high scientific value by the mid-2030s. Identification of specific high-impact scientific problems and resource requirements.

• Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) Considerations: Potential impact of NRE funding on accelerated delivery, reduced costs, increased resilience, or improved programmability.

• Subsequent Systems and Innovations: How proposed concepts will advance beyond 2028.

• Cost and Pricing: Cost estimates for proposed systems and any smaller modules.

• Partnership Structure: Effective partnership models, incentives, and intellectual property considerations.

• Response Due Date: June 9, 2026

• Format: Responses should not exceed 20 pages. Include organization name and point of contact.

• Submission: Electronically to QCInput@science.doe.gov with the subject line "Scientifically Relevant FTQC Systems".

• Confidential Information: Specific procedures for marking and submitting confidential information are detailed in the RFI.

Questions can be directed to QCInput@science.doe.gov.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks market research information from potential vendors interested in contributing hardware and/or software for Scientifically Relevant Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC) Systems. The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science aims to integrate FTQC into its scientific computing infrastructure to enable scientific discovery. This RFI is for information gathering only and does not constitute a solicitation.

Respondents are asked to address six areas:

• DOE Target Capabilities: Feasibility of achieving 150-250 logical qubits, a universal instruction set, and a logical error rate of 10-8 per quantum operation by 2028. Provide views on achievability, proposed architectures, and tracking progress.
• Hardware and Software Solution: High-level description of proposed system architecture, quantum error correction, software environment, and packaging requirements (site, power, cooling, etc.). Include how the solution fits into long-term roadmaps.
• DOE Scientific Needs: How the proposed system will demonstrate scientific computing capability by 2028 and scale for high scientific value by the mid-2030s. Identify specific high-impact scientific problems, resource requirements, and intermediate milestones. Comment on resource estimates for future DOE science campaigns (O(10^9) hard gates on 1000+ logical qubits).
• Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) Considerations: Potential impact of NRE funding on accelerated delivery, reduced costs, increased resilience, or improved programmability. Identify areas where NRE funding is needed and how it would alter the system.
• Subsequent Systems and Innovations: How the system concept is expected to advance beyond 2028, including qubit technology, fault tolerance, infrastructure, and usability.
• Cost and Pricing: Cost estimates for proposed systems and unit costs for smaller modules. Include cost drivers, hardware, software, support, and customization costs.

Respondents should describe how DOE can structure partnerships and incentives effectively, considering prize challenges, Other Transaction Authorities (OTA), and intellectual property rights.

• Response Due Date: June 9, 2026
• Submission Method: Electronic submission to QCInput@science.doe.gov with the subject line "Scientifically Relevant FTQC Systems".
• Format: Responses should not exceed 20 pages, including attachments. Confidential information must be marked according to specific DOE guidelines.

Questions can be directed to QCInput@science.doe.gov.