NASA awards $20M R&D contract for quantum computing chip development to ColdQuanta, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,029,904 ($20.0M)
Contractor: Coldquanta, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-07-25
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 705 days
Daily Burn Rate: $28.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: QGG APP TECHNOLOGY MATURATION AND DESIGN BASED ON AN ATOM CHIP
Place of Performance
Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80301
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $20.0 million to COLDQUANTA, INC. for work described as: QGG APP TECHNOLOGY MATURATION AND DESIGN BASED ON AN ATOM CHIP Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advancing quantum computing technology for potential future applications. 2. Research and Development in Physical Sciences sector, specifically targeting advanced chip maturation. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests defined scope and cost certainty. 4. Long performance period of 705 days indicates a complex, multi-stage research effort. 5. Awarded by NASA, a key agency in space exploration and technological advancement. 6. Small business set-aside is not applicable, indicating a focus on established firms.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $20.03 million for a 705-day research and development effort appears within a reasonable range for advanced technology maturation. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in quantum computing is challenging due to the nascent and specialized nature of the field. However, the fixed-price nature provides some cost control. Further analysis would require comparing the specific deliverables and milestones against industry standards for quantum chip development.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting that while competition was sought, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders. This could be due to specialized capabilities, prior work, or unique intellectual property. The limited competition may impact price negotiation and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a broader, unrestricted competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may face slightly higher costs due to the limited competitive landscape. However, the specialized nature of quantum technology might necessitate working with specific, highly qualified contractors to ensure successful innovation.
Public Impact
Benefits the advancement of quantum computing technology, a field with potential for significant future impact. Services delivered include research and development for the maturation and design of an atom chip. Geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting domestic technological innovation. Workforce implications include potential job creation in specialized R&D roles within the quantum technology sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition could result in less favorable pricing for the government.
- The specialized nature of quantum technology may present inherent technical risks and uncertainties.
- Long performance period increases exposure to potential scope creep or evolving research needs.
Positive Signals
- Award to a specialized firm (ColdQuanta, Inc.) suggests access to unique expertise.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability for the awarded scope.
- NASA's involvement indicates a strategic investment in cutting-edge technology.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences and engineering related to quantum computing. The market for quantum computing hardware and software is rapidly evolving, with significant investment from both government and private entities. NASA's investment aligns with broader national efforts to develop quantum capabilities, which could revolutionize fields from materials science to cryptography.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The focus is on a specialized technology requiring advanced capabilities, likely favoring larger or more established firms in the quantum technology space.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be provided by NASA, likely through program managers and technical representatives who will monitor progress against contract milestones and deliverables. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency will depend on NASA's reporting practices regarding R&D contracts and any public disclosures related to the project's outcomes.
Related Government Programs
- Quantum Information Science Research
- Advanced Materials Research
- National Quantum Initiative
- NASA Technology Development Programs
Risk Flags
- Technical Risk
- Limited Competition
- Nascent Technology Field
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, colorado, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition-after-exclusion-of-sources, physical-sciences, quantum-computing, atom-chip, coldquanta-inc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $20.0 million to COLDQUANTA, INC.. QGG APP TECHNOLOGY MATURATION AND DESIGN BASED ON AN ATOM CHIP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COLDQUANTA, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-07-25. End: 2026-06-30.
What is ColdQuanta, Inc.'s track record in quantum technology development and government contracting?
ColdQuanta, Inc. is a recognized leader in cold atom technology, which is foundational for many quantum computing approaches. The company has a history of developing quantum technologies, including atom interferometers and quantum sensors, and has secured funding and contracts from various government agencies, including DARPA and the Department of Defense, in addition to NASA. Their expertise in quantum computing hardware, particularly using neutral atoms, positions them as a key player. While specific details of past government contract performance require deeper investigation into contract databases and performance reviews, their continued success in securing funding and awards suggests a generally positive track record in delivering on complex R&D projects within the quantum domain.
How does the $20 million contract value compare to other R&D investments in quantum computing?
The $20.03 million contract value for a 705-day R&D effort in quantum chip maturation is substantial but falls within the expected range for significant technological development in this field. Major government initiatives, such as the National Quantum Initiative Act, have allocated billions over several years for quantum research. Individual contracts for quantum computing hardware development can range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, phase (e.g., basic research vs. prototype development), and the specific quantum modality (e.g., superconducting qubits, trapped ions, neutral atoms). NASA's award to ColdQuanta appears to be a significant investment in advancing a specific quantum technology, consistent with the high cost of cutting-edge R&D in this nascent sector.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing an atom chip for quantum applications?
Developing an atom chip for quantum applications involves several significant technical risks. These include achieving precise control over individual atoms (qubits) and their interactions, maintaining quantum coherence for sufficient durations to perform computations, scaling the number of qubits while managing complexity and error rates, and developing robust methods for initialization, manipulation, and readout of quantum states. For atom chips specifically, challenges can involve the precise fabrication of atom traps, the generation and delivery of cooling lasers, and the integration of control electronics. Environmental factors like magnetic field noise and temperature fluctuations can also disrupt delicate quantum states. Successful maturation requires overcoming these fundamental physics and engineering hurdles.
What is the expected impact of this contract on NASA's broader research goals?
This contract is expected to significantly advance NASA's capabilities in quantum information science, a key area for future technological innovation. Quantum computing holds the potential to revolutionize complex calculations relevant to space exploration, such as materials science for spacecraft design, optimization of mission trajectories, advanced climate modeling, and drug discovery for astronaut health. By maturing atom chip technology, NASA aims to develop more powerful and efficient computational tools. This investment aligns with national quantum initiatives and positions NASA at the forefront of quantum technology development, potentially leading to breakthroughs that enhance both space missions and terrestrial applications.
How has NASA's spending on R&D in physical sciences evolved over recent years?
NASA's spending on Research and Development (R&D) in physical sciences has generally seen consistent investment, reflecting the agency's core mission in space exploration and technological advancement. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budgetary allocations and program priorities, NASA consistently funds research in areas like astrophysics, materials science, fundamental physics, and advanced propulsion. The agency often collaborates with other government bodies and private industry to leverage expertise and resources. The increasing focus on quantum technologies, as evidenced by this contract, suggests a growing allocation towards R&D that promises transformative capabilities, aligning with broader national strategic interests in emerging technologies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Coldquanta Inc.
Address: 3030 STERLING CIR, BOULDER, CO, 80301
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,029,904
Exercised Options: $20,029,904
Current Obligation: $20,029,904
Actual Outlays: $13,399,123
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $6,721,685
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-07-25
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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