DARPA Considering a Quantum Computing Consortium

(DataCenterAnalytics) The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is considering forming a quantum computing consortium. In a request for information, DARPA said that it is seeking “companies that would be willing to enter into a partnership with DARPA and other quantum research leaders to collaborate across and provide access to quantum hardware.”
The agency asks respondents several questions to help it “determine if a pool of qualified business firms is sufficient for a potential quantum computing consortium.” It asks whether companies are “willing to collaborate and share research information and results with other quantum hardware companies,” whether they will cost-share or offer un-priced access to hardware and software to researchers, and how much commercial access to their quantum hardware costs.