“To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to upgrade and improve access to quantum research resources, and for other purposes.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section amends section 301(b)(1) of the National Quantum Initiative Act by adding a new subparagraph (C) requiring the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance research facilities and access to research resources to accelerate quantum information science, technology, and engineering (QIST) research. It also adds a new section 303 directing the NSF Director, in consultation with other federal agencies as appropriate, to award grants to institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof) to upgrade research facilities and improve access to research resources (e.g., equipment and instrumentation) needed for QIST research and development. Grants under section 303 must be used to (1) upgrade or add research resources to accelerate quantum technology development, including addressing implementation roadblocks and meeting materials and device needs; (2) enhance access to equipment and instrumentation, including at partnering institutions, through information sharing, coordination, scheduling, education, and training that provides hands-on learning experiences for students (including at community and technical colleges); and (3) enable professional staff to support operation and improvement of such resources. (As background, Title III of the National Quantum Initiative Act authorizes NSF to lead federal QIST research, workforce development, and testbed activities.)