(a) In generalThe Secretary of Energy (referred to in this section as the “Secretary”) shall establish and carry out a program, to be known as the “Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program” or “QUEST program”, to encourage and facilitate access to United States quantum computing hardware and quantum computing clouds for research purposes—
(b) ProgramIn carrying out this section, the Secretary shall—
(1) coordinate with—
(C)
the Chair of the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council established under section 8813(a) of this title; and
(2)
provide researchers based within the United States with access to, and use of, United States quantum computing resources through a competitive, merit-reviewed process;
(3)
consider applications from the National Laboratories, multi-institutional collaborations, institutions of higher education, industry stakeholders, and any other entities that the Secretary determines are appropriate to provide national leadership on quantum computing related issues;
(4)
coordinate with private sector stakeholders, the user community, and interagency partners on program development and best management practices; and
(c) LeveragingIn carrying out this section, the Secretary shall leverage resources and expertise across the Department of Energy and from—
(d) Security
In carrying out the activities authorized by this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the National Science Foundation and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall ensure proper security controls are in place to protect sensitive information, as appropriate.
(e) FundingOf the funds authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the activities under this section—
(Pub. L. 115–368, title IV, § 404, as added Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, § 10104(b)(2)(A), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1440.)