The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a formal Request for Information (RFI) to identify companies capable of deploying a scientifically relevant Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC) system by 2028. This initiative, managed by the Office of Science, aims to integrate advanced quantum capabilities into the national laboratory infrastructure to solve high-impact problems in chemistry, materials science, and high-energy physics. The RFI serves as a market research tool to inform strategic planning, program design, and future funding mechanisms, signaling the DOE’s intent to shift from experimental NISQ-era devices toward reliable, utility-scale quantum infrastructure.
Technical Targets for a Scientifically Relevant System
The DOE has established specific, ambitious performance metrics for the proposed 2028 system to ensure it provides meaningful scientific value. Key requirements include a minimum of 150 to 250 logical qubits and a computationally universal instruction set. Critically, the system must demonstrate the ability to accurately execute quantum circuits containing at least 105 “hard” operations (such as T or Toffoli gates) with a logical error rate of 10−8 per operation. These targets represent a significant leap in error correction and logical qubit scaling, intended to bridge the gap between current laboratory demonstrations and industrial-scale computational advantage.
Scope of the Hardware and Software Solution
Respondents are asked to provide a comprehensive overview of their technical approach, including a notional system architecture sketch and a detailed logical architecture for fault-tolerant computation. This includes the specific quantum error correction (QEC) codes, logical gate sets, and schemes for universal gate implementation. Beyond the quantum processor, the DOE is seeking information on the broader software environment—including compilation, execution, and system management—as well as physical site requirements such as power consumption, cooling, and floor space. The RFI also explores how proposed solutions align with long-term vendor roadmaps leading into the 2030s.
Addressing DOE Scientific Needs and Scaling
A primary focus of the RFI is how an FTQC system can address specific, high-impact scientific problems uniquely suited for the DOE’s mission. The department estimates that broad scientific impact across domains like plasma physics and high-energy physics will eventually require 1,000+ logical qubits and O(109) hard gates by the early-to-mid 2030s. Consequently, the DOE is requesting input on the accuracy of these resource estimates and asking vendors to identify intermediate milestones that can benchmark progress. The initiative emphasizes co-design, encouraging architectures that are optimized for scientific computing rather than general-purpose applications.
Partnership Structure and Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE)
To accelerate delivery, the DOE is exploring the use of Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) funding to support one-time expenses for designing and testing new processes that are not currently on a vendor’s plan of record. This could include investments to compress schedules, improve technology, or reduce the total cost of ownership. Furthermore, the RFI seeks advice on the most effective partnership structures, including the use of Other Transaction Authorities (OTA) and prize challenges. Responses are due by June 9, 2026, and will play a vital role in how the U.S. government structures future solicitations and intellectual property rights for the national quantum economy.
You can find the official Request for Information (RFI) on the U.S. Government’s SAM.gov website here.
May 15, 2026
