Dear Deputy Director Harriet Kung,

On behalf of the R Street Institute’s (RSI) Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology (QUEST) Coalition, we are pleased to submit the following response per the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Request for Information: Access to Quantum Systems (86 FR 45715). The RSI QUEST Coalition respectfully requests that DOE prioritize the advancement of quantum systems by investing in quantum system research and development (R&D), facilitating market competition and furthering near-term applications of quantum computing technology.

Below, please find more detailed information in response to DOE’s request.

(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 near-term 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?

Respectfully,

Miles Taylor
Senior Fellow, Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats
The R Street Institute

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