DoD's $27.1M Quantum Computing Research Contract Awarded to University of Maryland
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,112,418 ($27.1M)
Contractor: University of Maryland, College Park
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-12-26
End Date: 2026-12-25
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $37.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SECURING EXPERIMENTAL QUANTUM COMPUTING USAGE IN RESEARCH ENVIRONMENTS (SEQCURE) QUANTUM COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT QUANTUM COMPUTER AND QIST RESEARCH (PHASE 2)
Place of Performance
Location: COLLEGE PARK, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20742
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK for work described as: SECURING EXPERIMENTAL QUANTUM COMPUTING USAGE IN RESEARCH ENVIRONMENTS (SEQCURE) QUANTUM COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT QUANTUM COMPUTER AND QIST RESEARCH (PHASE 2) Key points: 1. This contract focuses on advancing quantum computing capabilities for research. 2. The award is a Delivery Order under a previously competed contract. 3. Potential risks include the experimental nature of quantum technology and long development timelines. 4. The sector is Research and Development, specifically in advanced computing.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for flexibility but can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult due to the highly specialized and experimental nature of quantum computing research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This award was not competed, indicating it was likely a follow-on or specialized requirement. The lack of competition may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for cutting-edge research, with the potential for significant future technological advancements, but also carries the risk of investment in unproven technologies.
Public Impact
Advancement of quantum computing technology, a field with transformative potential. Support for academic research institutions in developing next-generation capabilities. Potential for breakthroughs in national security and scientific discovery. Investment in a high-risk, high-reward area of technological development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Experimental technology risk
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D
- Potential for significant technological advancement
- Awarded to a research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced computing. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but is inherently high-risk due to the experimental nature of the work.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to a university, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
As a Delivery Order under a larger contract, oversight may be integrated into the parent contract's framework. However, the specific oversight mechanisms for this experimental R&D effort are not detailed.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition for this specific award.
- High technical risk associated with experimental quantum technology.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may not be the most cost-efficient.
- Long-term nature of R&D may delay tangible benefits.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK. SECURING EXPERIMENTAL QUANTUM COMPUTING USAGE IN RESEARCH ENVIRONMENTS (SEQCURE) QUANTUM COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT QUANTUM COMPUTER AND QIST RESEARCH (PHASE 2)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $27.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-26. End: 2026-12-25.
What is the projected return on investment for this quantum computing research, considering its experimental nature?
Quantifying ROI for experimental R&D like quantum computing is challenging. The primary goal is technological advancement and potential future applications, rather than immediate financial returns. Success will be measured by research milestones, publications, and the development of functional quantum capabilities, which could eventually lead to significant economic or strategic benefits.
What are the specific risks associated with the experimental quantum computing hardware and software being developed under this contract?
Risks include the inherent instability of quantum states (decoherence), the difficulty in scaling up quantum systems, the lack of standardized programming languages and algorithms, and the potential for unforeseen technical challenges. The experimental nature means that achieving desired performance levels or even basic functionality may be significantly delayed or prove impossible.
How will the effectiveness of the quantum computing research be measured and validated by the Department of Defense?
Effectiveness will likely be measured against predefined research objectives and milestones outlined in the contract. This could include successful execution of quantum algorithms, demonstration of quantum entanglement or superposition for specific tasks, improvements in qubit stability or coherence times, and the development of novel QIST applications. Independent reviews and validation by subject matter experts will also be crucial.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3112 LEE BUILDING, COLLEGE PARK, MD, 20742
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,112,418
Exercised Options: $27,112,418
Current Obligation: $27,112,418
Actual Outlays: $2,589,015
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ003424D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-26
Current End Date: 2026-12-25
Potential End Date: 2026-12-25 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-09
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