Enhancing the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee
Executive Order 14073, signed in May 2022, creates the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee (NQI Advisory Committee) to shepherd the United States’ National Quantum Initiative (NQI). Its core purpose is to ensure the NQI program is guided by evidence, broad expertise, and stakeholder input, and to provide strategic recommendations to the President and two NSTC subcommittees (the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science and the Subcommittee on Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science). The order revokes a prior related order (EO 13885) and sets out who serves on the committee, how it operates, and how it interacts with federal agencies. The order emphasizes cross-government coordination, engagement with industry, universities, national labs, and other stakeholders, and the administration of advisory activities in a way that supports national leadership in quantum information science (QIS) and its technology applications. It also clarifies governance and administrative arrangements, including potential security clearances, support services, and compensation rules for committee members.
Key Points
- 1Establishes the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee to advise the President and NSTC subcommittees on the NQI Program, ensuring evidence-based guidance and broad input.
- 2Composition: up to 26 members plus the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) or the Director’s designee; members must be United States citizens from industry, universities, and Federal laboratories with expertise relevant to QIS and associated areas.
- 3Leadership: two Co-Chairs, with the Director (or designee) serving as one Co-Chair and the President designating a second Co-Chair from among the appointed members.
- 4Functions and operations: the Committee advises the President and the two NSTC subcommittees, reviews and recommends revisions to the NQI Program, meets at least twice a year, can solicit input from a broad range of stakeholders, and responds to requests from the President, Co-Chairs, or Subcommittees.
- 5Administration and legal framework: heads of agencies provide information when requested; the Committee can form standing subcommittees and ad hoc groups; security clearances for classified information can be arranged; the National Quantum Coordination Office will provide support; members serve without compensation but may receive travel payments; EO 13885 is revoked; FACA-related functions are to be performed by the Secretary of Energy in coordination with the Director; the order does not create enforceable rights and is implemented subject to law and appropriations.