LPS Qubit Collaboratory (LQC)

The LPS Qubit Collaboratory (LQC) is a program by the U.S. Army Research Office (ARO) and the Laboratory for Physical Science (LPS) of the NSA. It encourages the submission of research proposals related to Incubator, Collaboration, and Fellowship research for participation in the program.

The LQC's mission includes pursuing innovative fundamental research and technologies, specifically focusing on qubit development for quantum computing and other applications. It aims to build solid, collaborative partnerships that can address the most complex and long-term challenges in quantum information science and technology. Additionally, the program works towards building a quantum workforce by offering research experiences within the government at LPS and collaborating partners.

The LQC also provides a platform for collaborative research among LPS, academia, industry, FFRDCs, and Government Laboratories. It aims to advance foundational and transformative research on problems hindering progress in quantum information processing and similar technologies. They hope this collaborative team will bring together expertise from both public and private sectors to offer unique solutions.

A Collaboratory is a virtual center, allowing researchers from across the nation to participate irrespective of their physical location. It offers a platform for interaction with colleagues, access to digital libraries and other resources.

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) introduces areas of interest that the LQC partners will pursue with LPS through Incubator and Collaboration agreements. The BAA also addresses creating a workforce in quantum science and technology, developing technology, establishing partnerships, and creating transition opportunities.

The BAA also calls for Quantum Computing Research (QuaCR) Graduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships for U.S. citizens. The program hopes to make significant progress on solving long-term Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) research problems.

This BAA seeks three types of proposals:

1. Incubator opportunities: Proposals from single investigators and small research groups, including those from teaching colleges with unique skills beneficial to the research process.

2. Collaboratory proposals: These are research proposals involving researchers from different sectors who seek to work on long-term, fundamental problems in qubit development and related science and technology.

3. QuaCR Research Fellowship proposals: Proposals that aim to support U.S. graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the field of quantum information processing and quantum sensing. Applicants from different backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The ultimate measure of LQC success would be considerable progress in solving QIST research problems and further rapid advancement in the field.