# DOW Sets PQC Migration Deadlines

The Department of War is targeting **December 31, 2030**, for all systems to support post-quantum cryptography (PQC), followed by **December 31, 2031**, for systems to actively use PQC unless an approved exception applies. The department says migration covers its full enterprise, with priority for mission-critical systems and dependencies. Although no specific solicitation or award is announced, the milestones point to future needs for cryptographic inventories, system assessments, upgrades, replacements, and integration with modernization programs.

- Contractors should prepare interoperable, standards-based PQC solutions and supporting evidence for cryptographic analysis and testing.
- The department identifies its ATLAS authorization process as a route for qualifying commercial solutions; companies offering PQC products can evaluate whether this pathway applies to them.
- Procurement teams can use the support and active-use milestones to inform system assessments and modernization planning; approved exceptions may affect individual system timelines.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Cybersecurity, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of War (DOW)

### Sources
- [On Point: Q&A With Dr. Britta Hale | AFCEA International](https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/emerging-edge/point-qa-dr-britta-hale) - AFCEA International
- [DOW Works To Meet Post-Quantum Cryptography Deadlines | AFCEA International](https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/emerging-edge/dow-works-meet-post-quantum-cryptography-deadlines) - AFCEA International