The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a solicitation for the Design and Implementation phases of the Quantum Science and Technology Demonstrations (QSTD) as part of the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL) program. This effort is aligned with the goals of the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act to ensure continued U.S. leadership in quantum information science and technology. The NQVL seeks to establish a collaborative research infrastructure that accelerates the transition of quantum technologies from foundational research to practical applications, thereby fostering broad societal impacts.

The QSTD initiative under NQVL consists of a three-phase project structure: Pilot, Design, and Implementation. The current solicitation addresses only the Design and Implementation phases. QSTD:Design proposals must follow successful QSTD:Pilot projects that have received a positive recommendation after a Conceptual Design Review. Likewise, QSTD:Implementation proposals must build upon QSTD:Design projects that passed a Preliminary Design Review. These projects aim to create scalable quantum systems with application-oriented designs in collaboration with diverse user communities and stakeholders, including industry partners and other federal agencies.

Eligible applicants for the QSTD:Design phase must demonstrate progress from an NSF-approved QSTD:Pilot project and submit detailed project execution plans, including budgets, risk assessments, and workforce development strategies. Design phase awards may be up to $2 million per year for a duration of up to two years. QSTD:Implementation phase applicants, building on approved Design projects, can request up to $10 million per year for six years. These awards are issued as cooperative agreements, reflecting the complexity and collaborative nature of the projects.

Applications must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov following the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). NSF requires principal investigators to contact NQVL Program Officers at least two weeks prior to submission to ensure alignment of focus and budget. Proposals must include a description of the scientific and technological objectives, community engagement plans, and strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in quantum workforce development.

Review and selection of proposals will be based on NSF’s standard merit review criteria, focusing on intellectual merit and broader impacts, along with technical readiness, feasibility, and management plans. Each project phase involves panel reviews, site visits, and progress evaluations to determine eligibility for advancement. The overall program aims to support 14 projects—eight Design and six Implementation—over three competition cycles.

Contact information for program officers includes a general line at 703-292-8235 and email at NQVL@nsf.gov, with additional contacts listed by name and directorate. The first full proposal deadline is April 1, 2025, with additional deadlines extending through April 2028.