Closed

Federal funding opportunity

NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory - Quantum Testbeds

U.S. National Science Foundation

  • Opportunity24-586
  • Agency codeNSF
  • CategoryDiscretionary (D)
0 days — this opportunity has closed Tue, April 1, 2025
PostedJun 28, 2024 ClosesApr 1, 2025
Request grant support

Competitive proposals usually start 6+ weeks out.

$32M Est. program funding
N/a Award ceiling
N/a Award floor
N/a Expected no. of awards

Program summary

Synopsis

The National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act1aims to ensure the continuing leadership of the United States (U.S.) in quantum information science and technology. In conformance with the NQI goals, an argument2-5was set forth for a renewed emphasis on identifying and fostering early adoption of quantum technologies to transform the field of Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) and to accelerate broader impacts on society. A systematic approach to maturing quantum technology platforms by integrating end-users and potential customers from other fields of science and engineering and other sectors of the economy into cycles of research, development, and demonstration should lower the barriers for end-users to pioneer new applications. NSF support for use-inspired and translational research in QISE, combined with continued strong support of the underlying foundational research, is anticipated to accelerate development of a market for quantum technologies.

With this program solicitation, the Foundation is taking the next step in implementing the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL) concept as an overarching shared infrastructure designed to facilitate the translation from basic science and engineering to the resultant technology, while at the same time emphasizing and advancing its scientific and technical value. The NQVL aims to develop and utilize use-inspired and application-oriented quantum technologies. In the process, NQVL researchers will explore quantum frontiers6, foster the development of QISE education and workforce development strategies, engage in outreach activities at all levels, and promote input and participation from the full spectrum of talent in QISE, thereby lowering barriers at all entry points of the research enterprise. Engagement with all sectors of the United States (U.S.) QISE community will be necessary for this initiative to succeed, and, indeed, the project is designed to include participation from a full spectrum of organizations who have expertise to contribute. In particular, NSF recognizes that the involvement of industry partners is essential and will welcome these to be a part of the overall structure. Partnerships with other U.S. Federal agencies under the NQI umbrella are also encouraged.

While this solicitation lays out the vision for the entire NQVL program that includes Quantum Science and Technology Demonstration (QSTD) projects, support for enabling technologies through Transformative Advances in Quantum Systems (TAQS), as well as a central coordination hub, only proposals for Design- and Implementation-phase QSTDs are solicited at this time.

Submission of a QSTD:Design proposal is contingent upon the existence of a QSTD:Pilot project in the same topical area, and the positive recommendation from the Conceptual Design Review of the QSTD:Pilot project. The QSTD:Design project builds on progress made in the QSTD:Pilot phase.

Submission of a QSTD:Implementation proposal is contingent upon the existence of a QSTD:Design project in the same topical area, and the positive recommendation from the Preliminary Design Review of the QSTD:Design project. The QSTD:Implementation project builds on progress made in the QSTD:Design phase.

It is required that prospective PIs contact the NQVL Program Officer(s) as soon as possible, but not later than two weeks before submitting a proposal in response to this solicitation, to ascertain that the focus and budget of their proposal is appropriate for this solicitation.

  1. H.R.6227 - National Quantum Initiative Act,https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/6227
  2. Accelerating Progress Towards Practical Quantum Advantage, A National Science Foundation Project Scoping Workshop (2022),https://arxiv.org/abs/2210.14757
  3. Quantum Computer Systems for Scientific Discovery, PRX Quantum 2, 017001 (2021)https://doi.org/10.1103/PRXQuantum.2.017001
  4. Development of Quantum InterConnects for Next-Generation Information Technologies, PRX Quantum 2, 017002 (2021)https://doi.org/10.1103/PRXQuantum.2.017002
  5. Quantum Simulators: Architectures and Opportunities, PRX Quantum 2, 017003 (2021)https://doi.org/10.1103/PRXQuantum.2.017003
  6. Quantum Frontiers: Report on Community Input to the Nation's Strategy for Quantum Information Science,https://www.quantum.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/QuantumFrontiers.pdf

Timeline

Key dates

  • June 28, 2024
    Opportunity posted to grants.gov
  • April 1, 2025
    Applications close
  • May 4, 2028
    Opportunity archived

Who may apply

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types as published by the awarding agency:

  • Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Additional info on eligibility
*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: - The complete process for determining eligibility to submit to the Design and Implementation Phases is described in Section II, Program Description. NQVL:QSTD:Design Submission of a QSTD:Design proposal is contingent upon the existence of a QSTD:Pilot project in the same topical area, and the positive recommendation from the site visit panel that will review the QSTD:Pilot project nine-months into the QSTD:Pilot project. Transitioning from the QSTD:Pilot to the QSTD:Design phase, the Lead Organization and the Lead PI may change subject to the eligibility limits on number of proposals per organization and per PI or co-PI stated in this solicitation. Following upon a clear and agreed-upon understanding of goals and objectives, the selection of a Lead Organization, and approval by the NSF to advance from the Pilot to the Design phase, QSTD:Pilot teams may choose to consolidate prior to submitting a QSTD:Design proposal to advance to the Design phase. There are no restrictions or limitations on the type of organization eligible to serve as Lead Organization on the proposal. NQVL:QSTD:Implementation Submission of a QSTD:Implementation proposal is contingent upon the existence of a QSTD:Design project in the same topical area, and the positive recommendation from the last annual site visit panel review of the QSTD:Design project. Transitioning from the QSTD:Design to the QSTD:Implementation phase, the Lead Organization and the Lead PI may change subject to the eligibility limits on number of proposals per organization and per PI or co-PI stated in this solicitation. Following upon a clear and agreed-upon understanding of goals and objectives, the selection of a Lead Organization, and approval by the NSF to advance from the Design to the Implementation phase, QSTD:Design teams may choose to consolidate prior to submitting a QSTD:Implementation proposal to advance to the Implementation phase. There are no restrictions or limitations on the type of organization eligible to serve as Lead Organization on the proposal.
Cost sharing or matching
Not required

Awarding agency

Additional information

Agency name
U.S. National Science Foundation
Full announcement
NSF Publication 24-586 ↗
Grantor contact
U.S. National Science Foundation
703-292-4203
grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Assistance listing

CFDA program(s)

  • 47.041 Engineering
  • 47.049 Mathematical and Physical Sciences
  • 47.070 Computer and Information Science and Engineering
  • 47.074 Biological Sciences
  • 47.076 STEM Education (formerly Education and Human Resources)
  • 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships

Government Grants Consulting

Federal, state, and local grant funding is highly competitive, and the gap between a complete application and a winning one usually comes down to strategy, compliance, and execution. GTC 360° Advisors supports organizations across the entire grant lifecycle — from identifying the right opportunities to managing the award long after it is won. The questions below cover how our grant consulting practice works and the organizations we serve.

  • What is government grant consulting, and how does GTC 360° Advisors help?

    Government grant consulting means guiding an organization through the full grant lifecycle — research, eligibility review, strategy, writing, submission, and post-award compliance. GTC 360° Advisors manages this end to end, pairing grant writers, project managers, financial analysts, and compliance analysts to maximize the odds of an award and keep it in good standing afterward.

  • What types of organizations can GTC 360° Advisors help win grants?

    GTC 360° Advisors supports municipalities, state agencies, nonprofits, school districts, tribal governments, higher education institutions, and private companies pursuing grant funding. Clients have included the City of Los Angeles, Texas A&M University, the Montana State University System, Virginia Commonwealth University, and nonprofit partners such as the Walton Family Foundation and Blue Meridian Partners.

  • What federal agencies has GTC 360° Advisors secured funding from?

    GTC 360° Advisors has secured funding from agencies including the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Commerce (EDA and NIST), Education, and State, as well as FEMA, EPA, NSF, NIH, HRSA, SAMHSA, and the CDC. The firm has won over $860 million and counting in federal and state contracts and grants for its clients.

  • Does GTC 360° Advisors handle state and local grants, or only federal?

    GTC 360° Advisors pursues grant funding at the local, state, federal, and international levels. The firm’s advisor network is positioned in every state to help clients identify and compete for regional and state-level funding in addition to federal opportunities.

  • What is GrantSignal AI, and how does it help find grant opportunities?

    GrantSignal AI is GTC 360° Advisors’ AI-powered funding intelligence platform. It aggregates federal, foundation, and other public funding sources into a single dashboard, then uses AI to match opportunities to an organization’s mission, eligibility, and capacity — rather than relying on simple keyword search — and sends alerts as new, winnable opportunities appear.

  • Does GTC 360° Advisors provide grant compliance and post-award management?

    Yes. GTC 360° Advisors manages grants through close-out, including compliance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), Davis-Bacon labor standards, Section 3, environmental review requirements, and funder reporting obligations. The firm builds compliance systems and reporting frameworks so clients stay in good standing with federal and state grantors.

  • What is GTC 360° Advisors’ track record on grant applications?

    GTC 360° Advisors has historically maintained an 88%-plus win rate on the grant applications it has submitted, including a 100% win rate in 2024 across several highly competitive programs. Recent wins include $180 million in EDA Tech Hubs funding for three consortia and $20 million in EDA Recompete funding for the City of Birmingham, Alabama.

  • Can nonprofits and higher education institutions work with GTC 360° Advisors on grants?

    Yes. GTC 360° Advisors regularly supports nonprofits and universities with grant strategy, writing, and administration, including current work with the Walton Family Foundation, Blue Meridian Partners, Texas A&M University, the Montana State University System, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Working With GTC 360° Advisors

Every engagement is scoped around the organization in front of us — its goals, its deadline, and the internal capacity it already has. Pricing, team assignments, and project milestones are agreed before any work begins, so there are no surprises mid-project. Below are the questions prospective clients and partners ask us most often.

  • How much does it cost to work with GTC 360° Advisors?

    Pricing is customized to the scope, timeline, and budget of each engagement, with both hourly and fixed-fee options available depending on the deliverable. GTC 360° Advisors prices transparently, with no hidden fees for administrative or incidental work, and structures fees so clients gain a full team of senior professionals for less than the cost of a single in-house hire.

  • What is the process for getting started with GTC 360° Advisors?

    Engagements typically start with a conversation about your organization’s goals, funding needs, or growth targets, followed by a scoped proposal outlining services, team, and pricing. From there, GTC 360° Advisors assigns team members matched to the work and begins with research, strategy, or capture planning, depending on the engagement.

  • How long does it take to see results from a grant or contract engagement?

    Timelines vary by opportunity: some grant or contract cycles run a few months from research to submission, while others (large infrastructure or multi-year programs) take longer and continue through post-award management. GTC 360° Advisors sets clear project timelines and milestones at the start of every engagement so clients know what to expect.

  • Does GTC 360° Advisors work with organizations outside the United States?

    GTC 360° Advisors primarily supports U.S.-based government contracts, grants, and business development, but its public affairs and business development services extend internationally through its global partner network for clients running cross-border campaigns.

  • Can I join the GTC 360° Advisors Network as a consultant or subject matter expert?

    Yes. GTC 360° Advisors welcomes applications from experienced firms and freelancers who align with its mission and values to join the GTC 360° Advisors Network, giving members access to mutual marketing, referrals, and new client opportunities.

  • How do I contact GTC 360° Advisors to discuss a project?

    You can reach GTC 360° Advisors at info@gtc360.com or through the contact form at gtc360.com/join-our-network. The firm typically responds to discuss goals, funding needs, or growth targets and outline next steps for an engagement.

Planning for the next cycle?

Tell us the opportunity and we will come back with an honest read on fit, the partners you would need, and what a compliant submission takes.

Request grant support
×

Request Grant Support from GTC 360° Advisors

Our expert team at GTC 360° Advisors can help develop your grant strategy, recruit partner organizations, write your full proposal, compile and manage your budgets, and help you submit a compelling and compliant proposal on time.