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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 155 / Monday, August 16, 2021 / Notices
R&D on a wide range of quantum systems. For simplicity, these systems are broadly categorized here, but many real facilities or capabilities will bridge across these flexible groups. The scope of quantum systems to be addressed in response to this RFI includes, but is not limited to:
1 Systems for synthesis, characterization, and fabrication including foundries and testbeds.
2 Sensors and measurement systemsincluding light-matter sensors, atomic sensors, magnetometers, clocks, detectors, and imaging systems.
3 Networking and communication systemsincluding interconnects, transducers, repeaters, switches, routers, entangled nodes, encrypted systems, and network testbeds.
4 Computers, processors, annealers, and analog simulatorsincluding noisy intermediate-scale quantum NISQ and beyond-NISQ computers, emulators, conventional computing systems, hybrid systems, and computing testbeds.
Existing access models and approaches, and DOE resources and programs that support R&D activities on quantum systems: DOE utilizes a range of approaches for access to R&D systems and facilities that it supports, depending on the nature of the capability, the scope of the desired interaction, the extent and composition of the community that is interested in access, and other factors.3 Other federal agencies may employ similar and/or additional models. Direct collaboration with DOE-supported researchers including but not exclusively at DOE
National Laboratories, which may involve indirect or direct usage of their systems and instruments, is one frequent method, and may not require specific agreements or obligations other than those applying generally to laboratory requirements. For instance, the Microsystems Engineering, Science, and Applications MESA facility 4 at Sandia National Laboratories offers advanced fabrication capabilities relevant to QIS, and Los Alamos National Laboratory provides a variety of quantum computing technologies to scientists and engineers.5
Technology transfer and collaboration mechanisms include Cooperative Research and Development Agreements CRADAs that formalize joint R&D
efforts between federal laboratories and external-to-government partners;
Strategic Partnership Projects SPPs, in which work is done for businesses and 3 https www.labpartnering.org/partnering.
4 https www.sandia.gov/mesa/.
5 https www.lanl.gov.

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other non-federal entities using specialized or unique facilities and/or expertise; as well as Agreements for Commercializing Technology ACTs and Technology Licensing Agreements, among others. Another approach used primarily for major facilities that host substantial numbers of external researchers is the user facility model, in which access is typically provided competitively via meritand feasibilitybased review.6 Current and nextgeneration systems at DOE user facilities that enable breakthrough scientific discoveries in QIS include but are not limited to Nanoscale Science Research Centers,7 High-Performance Computing and Networking Facilities,8 X-Ray Light Sources,9 and Neutron Scattering Facilities.10 Other programs, such as Oak Ridge National Laboratorys Quantum Computing User Program,11
facilitate access to commercial quantum computing resources via merit-based review and user agreements.
Additionally, DOE supports the development of quantum computing and quantum network testbeds for science. For instance, DOE quantum computing testbeds provide the research community with fully transparent access to novel quantum computing hardware.12
II. Questions Input is requested on information the Department should consider as it develops a roadmap to provide researchers access to quantum systems to enhance the U.S. quantum research enterprise, stimulate the fledgling U.S.
quantum computing industry, educate the future quantum computing workforce, and accelerate advancement of quantum computer capabilities. Any information that may be business proprietary and exempt by law from public disclosure should be submitted as described in Section III. Please provide data, analysis, and/or other justification for all responses to this RFI, where applicable. DOE is interested in receiving input on the following questions:
6 https science.osti.gov/User-Facilities.
7 https science.osti.gov/User-Facilities/UserFacilities-at-a-Glance/BES/Nanoscale-ScienceResearch-Centers.
8 https science.osti.gov/User-Facilities/UserFacilities-at-a-Glance/ASCR.
9 https science.osti.gov/User-Facilities/UserFacilities-at-a-Glance/BES/X-Ray-Light-Sources.
10 https science.osti.gov/User-Facilities/UserFacilities-at-a-Glance/BES/Neutron-ScatteringFacilities.
11 https www.olcf.ornl.gov/olcf-resources/
compute-systems/quantum-computing-userprogram/.
12 https qscout.sandia.gov and https
aqt.lbl.gov.

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i What role, if any, should Federal agencies play in mediating, facilitating, or coordinating access to non-Federal quantum systems?
ii What special considerations, if any, should be taken into account in accommodating the scientific communities served by these quantum systems?
iii What quantum systems should be included in this roadmap?
iv What mechanisms should be considered to assure access to quantum systems to the broadest possible user base including under-represented institutions and populations?
v What are the needs for user support to make effective use of access to quantum systems?
vi What should be the metrics for success in an access model?
vii How should software access be provided in conjunction with hardware access?
viii For competitive proposals requesting access to quantum systems, what should be the criteria in the merit review process?
ix What factors should be considered in adding, expanding, or reducing access to specific quantum systems as the field evolves or matures?
x With respect to access to various types of quantum systems, how do nearterm and longer-term priorities differ?
xi What standard intellectual property IP provisions are needed to facilitate broad access to quantum systems for the public benefit?
xii Are there other factors, issues, or opportunities, not addressed by the questions above, which should be considered in the development of such a roadmap?
Comments containing references, studies, research, and other empirical data that are not widely published should include copies of the referenced materials. Note that comments will be made publicly available as submitted.
Any information that may be confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should be submitted as described below.
III. Request for Information The Department seeks input from stakeholders to assist DOE in developing a roadmap for access to quantum systems, including the nature of quantum systems that should be considered; how the current access models can meet the needs of quantum researchers; and the appropriate timeline and sequencing for components of this roadmap. The input received will be considered by DOE in its development of the roadmap and for QIS program planning and
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