NSA and DEVCOM Army Research Office launch QuantumEAGLe initiative

The National Security Agency’s Laboratory for Physical Sciences, working with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Office, has launched a new initiative aimed at accelerating the domestic quantum computing ecosystem and bolstering U.S. leadership in the field. Announced Tuesday from Fort Meade, Md., the Quantum Ecosystem Advancement, Growth & Leadership program—dubbed QuantumEAGLe—supports the President’s recent Quantum Executive Order and will use flexible contracting tools to work directly with industry.

Program leaders said QuantumEAGLe will zero in on five priorities: deeper engagement with quantum hardware and software companies; joint development of commercial roadmaps to guide near- and mid-term milestones; strengthening the supply chain for specialized quantum components; advancing algorithms and error-correction methods needed for fault-tolerant systems; and funding foundational research to improve qubit performance, simulation, and system characterization.

“Building on LPS’s rich history in Quantum Information Science, which includes decades of foundational research and collaboration with the Department of War, QuantumEAGLe represents a significant expansion of NSA’s quantum computing efforts,” said Liji Samuel, NSA chief of the Laboratory for Physical Sciences. “This initiative is designed to cultivate a resilient U.S. industrial base capable of delivering on the promise of quantum computing for national and economic security.”

Officials framed the effort as both a research accelerator and a commercialization push, intended to connect federal labs and academic advances with U.S. manufacturers and startups building hardware, control electronics, cryogenic systems, and other components that remain bottlenecks for scaling. The Army Contracting Command has posted a special notice on SAM.gov inviting participation from industry.

According to ARO Acting Director Dr. Purush Iyer, by combining the strengths of LPS and ARO in fundamental research and technical innovation, QuantumEAGLe will accelerate progress toward fault-tolerant quantum computing and ensure the United States remains at the forefront of this critical technology. “Together, we are building the foundation for future breakthroughs that will benefit both national and economic security and the broader scientific community,” he said.

Dr. Michael Metcalfe, NSA chief of Quantum Information Science, emphasized that the QuantumEAGLe initiative represents a significant step in strengthening America’s quantum computing capabilities. “By working closely with the quantum industry, we aim to enhance our supply chain, develop cutting-edge algorithms, and overcome fundamental research challenges,” he said. “This collaborative effort will help us maintain U.S. leadership in quantum technology and ensure the security and prosperity of our nation.”

The rollout comes as the federal government expands quantum policy and investment frameworks begun under the 2018 National Quantum Initiative, with additional support through measures such as the CHIPS and Science Act and growing programs across the Defense, Energy, and Commerce departments. U.S. officials and researchers view fault-tolerant quantum machines as a long-term goal with national security and economic implications, including for secure communications, materials discovery, and advanced optimization; the same advances also heighten urgency around post-quantum cryptography.

In addition to research grants and partnerships, NSA and ARO said QuantumEAGLe will use rapid contracting authorities to align public funding with commercial needs, speeding the path from lab breakthroughs to deployable technologies. Interested organizations can find the special notice on SAM.gov and additional information through NSA’s careers portal.