The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on augmenting classical high-performance computing (HPC) with quantum computing capabilities for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The objective is to develop and implement Quantum Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) or Quantum Physics Informed Neural Networks (QPINNs) to enhance the fidelity and speed of CFD simulations, particularly for air blast predictions related to counter weapons of mass destruction (C-WMD) efforts. This initiative aligns with the Department of Defense's High Performance Computing Modernization Program and requires that all computing resources be located within the United States. The solicitation is set to open on August 27, 2025, with proposals due by September 24, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR/STTR website.

## Description

The last decade has seen a tremendous amount of activity and developments in the field of Quantum Computing, Artificial Neural Networks and Hybrid Quantum / Classical computing. While classical HPC systems can be utilized for a broad range of algorithms and programming models and techniques are well understood. Quantum Computing and its programming is less mature and use of Quantum to augment classical HPC is a steppingstone in evaluation of its applicability for portions of DTRA&rsquo;s HPC workloads. For this effort the performer will Solve Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) that are relevant in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using a Quantum Computer/ Quantum Simulator or replace PDEs and other aspects of a CFD application code by use of a Physics Informed Neural Network with offload to a Quantum Computer/ Quantum Simulator to use Quantum Physics Informed Neural Networks (QPINN)s to increase speed or fidelity of CFD calculations. This research will align with the long-term goal of integrating quantum computing capabilities into the Department of Defense High Performance Computing Modernization Program (DoD HPCMP). In accordance with DoD HPCMP user access requirements, offerors must meet all DoD HPCMP user requirements for access to these systems which includes, but is not limited to, possessing a Security Clearance or having a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI). DTRA will provide an allocation of HPC system resources and assistance in obtaining successful offeror&rsquo;s user accounts on DoD HPCMP system(s).All performer provided high-performance computing (HPC) resources and quantum computing systems utilized in support of this project must be located within the United States of America. This includes all hardware, software, data storage, and associated infrastructure.

## Objective

DTRA has a need to perform high-fidelity CFD modeling of blast and shock phenomenology and associated test and evaluation activities to increase accuracy or reduce the time to solution of air blast predictions for counter weapons of mass destruction (C-WMD) defeat and deny tactics. These simulations are technically and computationally challenging. The objective is to investigate tools and techniques for offload of portions of traditional high fidelity CFD simulations from classical, silicon based High Performance Computing (HPC) systems to use of a Quantum Computer where such offloading will improve fidelity or speed of computation. The use of software that can simulate quantum effects and associated programming environment or use of a performer provided Hybrid Quantum / Classical computer is acceptable.

## Phase I

Define and develop Quantum PDEs and /or QPINNs to improve fidelity or accelerate execution of CFD algorithms for use in performing simulations of air blast including effects of terrain and blast impact on structures.

## Phase II

Further develop, test and optimize the selected approach to extend the range of applicability.&nbsp; Demonstrate use of Hybrid HPC / Quantum (physical or simulator).&nbsp; Perform detailed comparisons with the same cases on HPC systems.&nbsp; The performer may select the CFD code of their choice.&nbsp; Test cases should include air blast, air blast with terrain, and air blast impacting a structure.&nbsp; Comparison with experimental results or closed form solutions are desirable.&nbsp; Generalize and document for pre-commercial release.&nbsp; Quantum software should be modularized as a library to facilitate incorporation into other application software.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

In addition to implementing further improvements that would enhance use of the developed product by the sponsoring office, identify and exploit features that would be attractive for commercial or other private sector HPC applications.&nbsp; The software developed should be applicable to other CFD workloads.&nbsp; Investigate commercialization avenues that could include other government agencies, national labs, research institutes, and defense contractors.&nbsp; Develop a plan to enable successful technology transition at the end of this phase.

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