New Moves to Expand U.S.-Led Quantum Capabilities

Unlike traditional computers which are represented by either 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in any state to retain and process information. Thus, the possibilities of this transformative technology are significantly expanded, poised to solve complex problems at accelerated speeds. Given the superposition of qubits, however, quantum computing poses excessive cyber risk with the potential to crack public key encryptions found in many critical U.S. systems and infrastructure.

Acknowledging its threat to national security as well as quantum’s scientific and technological promises, the Biden Administration issued two directives on the technology last week: The Executive Order on Enhancing the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee and National Security Memorandum on Promoting United States Leadership in Quantum Computing While Mitigating Risks to Vulnerable Cryptographic Systems.

The Executive Order (EO) revamps the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee, called for by the 2018 National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act, to advise the White House and related councils on Quantum Information Science (QIS) research, development and demonstration activities. The committee will be led by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) or the director’s designee, and members appointed by the President from stakeholders in industry, academia and federal laboratories.

The National Security Memorandum (NSM) outlines the White House plan to address the risks posed by quantum. In it, the memorandum calls for a whole-of-government effort to inventory and update cryptographic systems at agencies to prepare for the transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic standards (draft NIST standards planned for publish by 2024). The NSM also promotes quantum-centered educational programs, workforce development activities, and encourages the strengthening of public/private/academic/international partnerships to expand foundational QIS scientific research.

Likewise, the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act introduced in the House last month also directs agencies to, “prioritize the migration to post-quantum cryptography and assessment of information technology systems of executive agencies that does not use post-quantum cryptography, including digital signatures,” within a year of NIST-published standards.

These new actions exemplify both the administration’s and Congress’ desire to deepen U.S. capabilities in quantum research and development to keep the U.S. ahead of foreign adversaries and continue competing on the global stage. While reports say that China is investing $10B in quantum, with a 7% increase in R&D spending in 2021, the U.S. is also attempting to bolster funds in the technology. In the FY 2023 budget request, for example, NIST requests an additional $15M to expand its QIS program. At NSF, $261M is requested for research to advance quantum computing, a $6M increase over FY 2021. Likewise, under the Office of Science’s requested $2.4B budget at Energy, QIS is highlighted as a core research activity at the office, amongst other technologies such as AI, exascale computing and transformative manufacturing.

As it stands, agencies are prompted to prepare for the quantum evolution. Though considered early-stage in its fruition, the U.S. government is taking steps to put in place the leadership, workforce skills, funding, and R&D to foster innovation and adoption of quantum computing.  Increased investment in QIS is expected in both the civilian and defense sectors, and agencies will be turning towards traditional and non-traditional contractors to support the innovation through mechanisms such as Broad Agency Announcement (BAAs) and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).