Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation
The order directs a whole-of-government push on quantum information science, updating the National Quantum Strategy and launching an effort to deliver at least one large-scale quantum computer to a Department of Energy facility for scientific use.
It also orders new plans for quantum sensing, networking, supply chains, workforce recruitment, international partnerships, and counterintelligence protections, reflecting a broader strategic race to secure U.S. leadership in quantum technology against rival nations.
What this order does
What it orders
The order directs the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST), with other officials, to update the National Quantum Strategy within 180 days. It establishes the QC-ADDS Effort to build at least one large-scale quantum computer for a Department of Energy facility, and directs agencies to develop plans for quantum sensing and networking, supply chain resilience, workforce recruitment, international engagement, and counterintelligence protections against adversarial threats to the quantum ecosystem.
Most sections direct agencies to develop plans, identify specifications, propose staffing, or submit reports within specified windows rather than making changes immediately. The order explicitly preserves existing agency legal authorities and OMB budgetary functions, states it must be implemented consistent with available appropriations, and creates no enforceable rights against the government.
Who it affects
Federal science, defense, and intelligence agencies including Energy, Commerce, War, State, Labor, NSF, NASA, NSA, FBI, and OMB; quantum computing and sensing companies; academic researchers; and workers in emerging quantum-related occupations.
Why it matters
Quantum companies and researchers may gain new federal partnerships, funding mechanisms, and market access support, while workers could see new training and recruitment programs. Actual effects depend on future agency plans, reports, and funding decisions rather than immediate binding changes.
What must happen and when
How the order is supposed to work
Implementation proceeds through a cascade of agency plans and reports feeding into APST-coordinated strategy: agencies first update the National Quantum Strategy, then align their programs to it, then submit progress reports to APST and OMB. The QC-ADDS computing effort, sensing/networking plans, supply chain analysis, workforce strategy, and international engagement each run on separate deadlines culminating in reports to the President through APST, APNSA, and OMB, with no directly enforceable requirements beyond internal reporting.
Actions and deadlines
- Update the National Quantum Strategy with commercialization and ecosystem policies
- Submit agency summaries aligning programs with the updated Strategy
- Identify technical specifications for the QC-ADDS quantum computer and release a public summary
- Explore private-sector partnership models for delivering a QC-ADDS computer
- Establish a national center to assess quantum computing system performance
- Identify at least three next-generation quantum sensor projects for fielding by a set date
- Field prioritized quantum sensor projects
- Develop 5-year agency plans for quantum sensing and networking
- Develop a plan to strengthen QIST supply chains and standards adoption
- Develop a plan to partner with private sector on quantum-enabling components
- Increase domestic access to Department of War QIST foundry resources
- Issue NSF grants for QIST user facilities under the National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure program
- Recommend revised National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee membership and task recommendations
- Propose staffing requirements to expand the Quantum Counterintelligence Protection Team
- Develop a Government-wide QIST recruitment and retention strategy
- Prioritize QIST industry needs in workforce training efforts and apprenticeships
- Develop an approach to tracking QIST labor statistics and occupation definitions
- Engage industry and academia to expand post-secondary QIST training
- Initiate a network of National QIST Workforce Development Institutes
- Provide recommendations on aligning international engagements including Pax Silica
- Submit report on supply chain plan actions under section 6(a)
- Submit report on quantum sensing/networking plans under section 5(b)
- Submit report on Counterintelligence Protection Team staffing under section 7(b)
- Submit report on international engagement actions under section 9(a)
- Submit report on national security implications of commercial quantum computing under section 4(f)