(CLOSED) DOE-ASCR Quantum Testbed Pathfinder (DE-FOA-0003005)

Sponsor Name: 
DOE-Office of Advanced Scientific Computing
Description of the Award: 

The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) announces its interest in receiving applications to improve our understanding of whether, when, and how quantum computing might advance the frontiers of computational science. Specifically, the purpose of this FOA is to invite applications for basic research to address the following questions:

  1. What can fundamental physical limits on quantum processors tell us about what quantum computers can and cannot do?
  2. How can we use Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices to move our understanding of when and how quantum computers might be useful as far forward as possible?
  3. How can we assess the utility of a given (existing or hypothetical) quantum processor for advancing the frontiers of computational science?

Applications may address any combination of these themes.

Supplementary Information

The mission of the ASCR program is to discover, develop, and deploy computational and networking capabilities to analyze, model, simulate and predict complex phenomena for the advancement of science. Since 2015, ASCR has held a series of workshops to assess the potential of quantum computing to advance transformative science and identify its potential impact. A wide range of high-impact applications of quantum computing were identified in areas such as chemistry, materials, and biology as well as in computational techniques such as optimization. However, the quantum resources required to achieve a practical advantage in any area of computational science remain inadequately understood. While it is possible to make a rough estimate based on the number of logic gates needed to run a specific algorithm, details such as the physical configuration of qubits in a processor device architecture, noise mechanisms, approaches to compilation and transpilation, gate set selection and implementation, etc. can have a significant impact on whether a specific quantum computer will be able to execute a useful computation. ASCR therefore invites applications for basic research to address the following questions:

  1. What can fundamental physical limits on quantum processors tell us about what quantum computers can and cannot do?
  2. How can we use NISQ devices to move our understanding of when and how quantum computers might be useful as far forward as possible?
  3. How can we best assess the utility of a given (existing or hypothetical) quantum processor for advancing the frontiers of computational science?

Applications may address any combination of these themes. Submitted applications should clearly identify which of the themes are addressed. Research should be backed by rigorous theory and strive to connect metrics for device performance to low-level physical parameters as well as application performance whenever possible. This program is aimed at assessing current and future quantum computers rather than developing or improving applications and algorithms.

Research proposed in response to this FOA should support the growth of an active, integrated research community committed to the common goal of developing quantum computing resources for advancing scientific discovery. Students and/or other junior researchers should have ample opportunity to participate in all aspects of the project. International collaboration and personnel exchange is encouraged.

Limit (Number of applicants permitted per institution): 
3
Sponsor LOI Deadline: 
Mar 31, 2023
Sponsor Final Deadline: 
May 03, 2023
OSVPR Application or NOI Instructions: 

Interested applicants should upload the following documents in sequence in one PDF file (File name: [Last name]_DOE-FOA-0003005_2023) no later than 4:00 p.m. on the internal submission deadline:

1. Cover Letter (1 page, pdf):

  • Descriptive title of proposed activity
  • PI name, departmental affiliations(s) and contact information
  • Co-PI's names and departmental affiliation(s)
  • Names of other key personnel
  • Participating institution(s)
  • Number and title of this funding opportunity
  • Estimated Budget

2. Project Description (no more than two pages, pdf) clear and concise description of the objectives and technical approach of the proposed research. References may be included on an additional page.

Formatting Guidelines:

Font/size: no smaller than 11 point
Document margins: 1.0” (top, bottom, left and right)
Standard paper size (8 ½” x 11)

To be considered as a Penn State institutional nominee, please submit a notice of intent by the date provided directly below.
This limited submission is in downselect: 
Penn State may only submit a specific number of proposals to this funding opportunity. The number of NOIs received require that an internal competition take place, thus, a downselect process has commenced. No Penn State researchers may apply to this opportunity outside of this downselect process. To apply for this limited submission, please use this link:
OSVPR Downselect Deadline: 
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 - 4:00pm
For help or questions: 

Questions concerning the limited submissions process may be submitted to limitedsubs@psu.edu.

Notes: 
No Applicants, Now first come, first served - Contact LimitedSubs@psu.edu if you wish to apply