Quantum Benchmark Act

The Quantum Benchmark Act requires the Secretary of Defense to issue a policy within 180 days that defines quantum computing systems and establishes a process for validating them before development or acquisition. This policy must align with existing efforts by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to ensure consistent standards across the department. Once the policy is in place, no element of the Department of Defense may develop or acquire a quantum computing system unless it has passed these validation checks. The Secretary retains the authority to waive this requirement on a case-by-case basis but must notify congressional defense committees and provide a written justification within 15 days of issuing any waiver.