Key Takeaways
- On June 22, 2026 the White House released two Executive Orders: one to accelerate quantum information science and technology (QIST) innovation, and another to mandate a transition to post‑quantum cryptography (PQC) by 2030‑2031.
- The Quantum Innovation Order directs updates to the National Quantum Strategy, launches the QC‑ADDS effort to deliver a breakthrough quantum computer, and emphasizes private‑sector partnership, supply‑chain development, workforce growth, and security safeguards.
- It also calls for international cooperation that promotes U.S. QIST leadership while blocking adversarial acquisition of critical quantum‑enabling technologies.
- The Secure Cryptography Order requires federal agencies and contractors to adopt NIST‑approved PQC algorithms for key establishment by end‑2030 and digital signatures by end‑2031, with new procurement rules, validation program updates, and a cryptographic bill‑of‑materials (CBOM) guidance to enable automated compliance checks.
- Together, the orders aim to capture the economic and scientific benefits of quantum computing while mitigating the looming threat it poses to existing encryption systems.
Overview of the June 2026 Executive Orders
On June 22, 2026 the Administration issued two complementary Executive Orders titled Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation and Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks. The first order focuses on fostering a robust domestic quantum ecosystem, while the second addresses the urgent need to replace vulnerable cryptographic systems before large‑scale quantum computers can break them. Together they set concrete timelines, funding mechanisms, and regulatory changes designed to keep the United States at the forefront of quantum advances while protecting national security and critical infrastructure.
Strategic Objectives of the Quantum Innovation Order
The Quantum Innovation Order declares it is Administration policy to maintain a U.S. strategic technical advantage in QIST and to lead a trusted quantum ecosystem spanning research, manufacturing, commercialization, and application. It directs the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) to coordinate updates to the National Quantum Strategy, promote commercialization, support quantum‑enabling technologies, and encourage industry partnerships. The order balances innovation with national‑security safeguards, ensuring that security controls do not unduly hinder progress.
Updating the National Quantum Strategy and the QC‑ADDS Initiative
Within 180 days the APST must refresh the National Quantum Strategy to reflect a maturing QIST landscape, emphasizing commercial deployment and the quantum‑enabling technology ecosystem. The order also establishes the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science (QC‑ADDS) effort, aiming to deliver at least one large‑scale quantum computer to a Department of Energy facility and make it available to the broader scientific community. Agency heads are tasked with supporting QC‑ADDS, identifying technical specifications within 90 days, and exploring quantum‑computer‑enabled applications for commercial, government, and national security uses.
Engaging Industry and Building Partnerships for Quantum Advancement
To accelerate QC‑ADDS, the Secretary of Energy, the OMB Director, and the Secretary of Commerce are directed to examine private‑sector partnership models, estimate cost and timelines, and devise plans to attract contributions from commercial quantum firms. The Secretary of War must create programs or a center focused on national‑security quantum applications. Additionally, agency heads are to strengthen the QIST ecosystem by encouraging adoption of QIST standards, funding research that removes manufacturing barriers, supporting quantum‑enabling component development (e.g., through prize challenges or advance market commitments), and revising statutes or regulations that impede market growth.
Advancing Quantum Supply Chains, Sensors, and Workforce
The order prioritizes next‑generation quantum sensors, mandating that relevant agencies field such sensors by September 30, 2028. A five‑year plan must advance quantum sensing, networking, timing, and distributed quantum computing projects, including hardware for civilian and defense applications. Agency leaders are to promote the QIST supply chain through information sharing, granting access to Department of War‑sponsored foundry resources, issuing grants for QIST facilities, and reinstating the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. Workforce development is emphasized via a government‑wide recruitment and retention strategy, targeted QIST training, and collaboration with academia, industry, and state/local partners to expand the quantum talent pool.
Safeguarding the Quantum Ecosystem from Adversarial Threats
While promoting innovation, the order requires agencies to maintain robust security controls for QIST activities, protecting critical information without stifling progress. It calls for information sharing, the creation of a national center to evaluate quantum‑computer performance, and an assessment of national security implications as commercial quantum systems scale. The Quantum Information Science and Technology Counterintelligence Protection Team will be expanded to coordinate defenses against adversarial threats, improve public outreach, and enhance threat intelligence sharing with federal, industry, and academic QIST stakeholders.
Aligning International Cooperation to Protect U.S. Quantum Interests
The order directs the alignment of existing bilateral and multilateral engagements to foster QIST innovation and secure supply chains with like‑minded nations, while thwarting efforts by countries of concern to obtain critical quantum‑enabling technologies. Actions include harmonizing investment restrictions, expanding R&D collaboration and personnel exchanges, synchronizing research security and export‑control policies, and promoting joint research‑technology protection initiatives. The Secretary of Commerce must recommend measures that remove foreign trade barriers, discriminatory treatment, and other policies that diminish the competitiveness of U.S. QIST firms in global markets.
Purpose and Scope of the Secure Cryptography Executive Order
Recognizing that large‑scale quantum computers could break today’s public‑key cryptography, the second order mandates a shift to post‑quantum cryptography (PQC). It declares that the United States must strengthen cryptographic protections for sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and the digital economy. The Director of OMB and the National Cyber Director are tasked with leading the PQC migration, ensuring it aligns with broader cybersecurity objectives, and issuing guidance for agencies to transition high‑value assets and high‑impact systems to PQC for key establishment by the end of 2030 and for digital signatures by the end of 2031.
Mandating Post‑Quantum Cryptography Adoption Across Federal Systems
To facilitate the migration, the Director of CISA, in coordination with NIST, must release public guidance within 270 days (by March 19, 2027) outlining the minimum elements of a cryptographic bill of materials (CBOM). This CBOM will enable automated assessment of cryptographic assets in hardware and software, helping agencies identify and replace non‑PQC algorithms. CISA is also directed to work with Sector Risk Management Agencies to assist critical infrastructure owners in their PQC transition and to engage foreign governments and industry groups to encourage adoption of NIST‑identified PQC algorithms worldwide.
Updating Acquisition Rules and Validation Programs for PQC
The order requires the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FAR Council) to publish, within 180 days, a proposed rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) that obliges covered contractors to comply with NIST’s FIPS‑approved PQC by the end of 2030. Within 270 days, a second proposed rule must update FAR requirements and contract clauses for contractor vulnerability disclosure programs, ensuring that disclosed cryptographic weaknesses—including missing encryption or use of non‑FIPS algorithms—are addressed. Simultaneously, the Director of NIST must revise the Cryptographic Module Validation Program within 180 days (by December 19, 2026) to speed validation of PQC modules, and the OMB Director must identify cost‑saving opportunities in the migration process.
Implications for Industry and the Path Forward
Together, these Executive Orders signal a major expansion of federal involvement in both the development and governance of quantum technologies. By coupling sizeable investments in quantum research, commercialization, workforce training, and international engagement with an accelerated, deadline‑driven transition to post‑quantum cryptography, the Administration aims to capture the scientific and economic benefits of quantum innovation while neutralizing the security risks it introduces. Companies in quantum computing, cybersecurity, defense, critical infrastructure, and federal contracting should anticipate forthcoming OMB guidance, FAR rule changes, and CISA’s CBOM framework, which will clarify obligations and provide a clear timeline for compliance. Successfully navigating these requirements will enable firms to contribute to—and benefit from—the United States’ strategic push to lead the next frontier of quantum advancement.
