Quantum Computing in Chemical and Materials Sciences
All types of applicants are eligible to apply, except Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractors, and nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995. Applicants that are not domestic organizations should be advised that: Individual applicants are unlikely to possess the skills, abilities, and resources to successfully accomplish the objectives of this FOA. Individual applicants are encouraged to address this concern in their applications and to demonstrate how they will accomplish the objectives of this FOA. Non-domestic applicants are advised that successful applications from non-domestic applicants include a detailed demonstration of how the applicant possesses skills, resources, and abilities that do not exist among potential domestic applicants.
Dr. James Horwitz, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division
Phone: (301)-903-4894
Email: James.Horwitz@science.doe.gov
Dr. Jeffrey Krause, Basic Energy Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division
Phone: (301)-903-5827
Email: Jeff.Krause@science.doe.gov
LETTER OF INTENT DUE DATE: 05.03.2018
Quantum Computing in Chemical and Materials Sciences: Proposals are requested for basic experimental and theoretical research focused on using quantum computers to solve scientific problems in chemical and materials sciences. Proposals should address the Priority Research Opportunities identified in the report from the “Basic Energy Sciences Roundtable on Opportunities for Quantum Computing in Chemical and Materials Sciences.” Areas of research include: controlling the quantum dynamics of nonequilibrium chemical and materials systems; unraveling the physics and chemistry of strongly correlated electron systems; embedding quantum hardware in classical frameworks; and bridging the classical–quantum computing divide. Proposals must focus on fundamental research that will target computations on realistic problems relevant to Basic Energy Sciences priorities using quantum computers that are available today and in the near (<10 year) term. For example, quantum materials, such as superconductors and complex magnetic materials, show novel kinds of ordered phases that are difficult to access via computation on classical computers. Quantum sensors based on solid materials could be greatly improved with insight from quantum computations, as could materials for information technologies. Another example is quantum chemical dynamics, which is a problem that is intrinsically well suited to studies on quantum computers, with applications including catalysis and artificial photosynthesis. Proposals that focus solely on algorithmic advances, software tools, or on engineering and/or building quantum computers will not be responsive.
Next-Generation Quantum Systems: Proposals are requested for basic experimental and theoretical research focused on the discovery and characterization of quantum phenomena that will enable the design and discovery of novel quantum information systems. Proposals should address the Priority Research Opportunities identified in the report from the “Basic Energy Sciences Roundtable on Opportunities for Basic Research for Next-Generation Quantum Systems.” In this context creating and controlling quantum states within atomic, molecular or condensed matter systems offers exciting opportunities for fundamental research, as well as for enabling next-generation quantum-based technologies. Areas of research include: synthesis of materials for the development of quantum coherent systems that involve in-situ characterization and real-time machine learning and target quantum information functionality; creation and control of coherent phenomena in quantum systems emphasizing an improved understanding of entanglement and enhanced coherence lifetimes; transduction of quantum coherent states between disparate physical systems (light, charge, spin) with high fidelity. Proposals will also be considered for fundamental research on quantum-based systems with potential for extreme sensing, detection, and control capabilities, for precise time, space and field measurements, as well as the development and application of these capabilities to probe material properties and chemical processes. Proposals that s
Research Grant Awards are expected to be made for a period of up to three years at a funding level appropriate for the proposed scope, with out-year support contingent on the availability of funds and satisfactory progress. DOE anticipates that the total value of grants made under this FOA will be between $10 and $24 million. DOE expects that, subject to the availability of future year appropriations, $60 million will be used to support grants, national laboratory authorizations, and interagency awards under this FOA and its companion program announcement for DOE National Laboratories.
Up to 30 awards are expected for both this FOA and the companion program announcement for DOE National Laboratories. The exact number of awards will depend on the number of meritorious applications and the availability of appropriated funds.
The successful prime applicant/awardee (lead organization) will be the responsible authority regarding the settlement and satisfaction of all contractual and administrative issues, including but not limited to, disputes and claims arising out of any agreement between the applicant and any team member, and/or sub-awardee. If an award is made to a DOE/NNSA National Laboratory, all Disputes and Claims will be resolved in accordance with the terms and conditions of the DOE/NNSA National Laboratory’s M&O contract, as applicable, in consultation between DOE and the prime awardee. If an award is made to another Federal agency or its FFRDC contractor, all Disputes and Claims will be resolved in accordance with the terms and conditions of the interagency agreement in consultation between DOE and the prime awardee