# OMB Directs Agencies to Plan PQC Migration

OMB has set deadlines for federal agencies to designate post-quantum cryptography (PQC) leads and submit migration plans, followed by pilots focused on high-value systems over the next two years. In parallel, DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is in Stage C, with participating companies expected to demonstrate utility-scale quantum computing capabilities by 2031. The signal identifies no specific solicitation or contract award, but it points to upcoming agency needs as they inventory cryptographic assets and plan and test migrations.

- Contractors may find work in cryptographic asset discovery, migration planning, implementation, and testing as agencies prepare pilots for high-value systems.
- Longer PQC keys create engineering and performance challenges that agencies and service providers will need to address during system planning and implementation.
- Companies pursuing DARPA’s quantum initiative should account for the Stage C expectation to demonstrate utility-scale capabilities by 2031; the signal does not identify a procurement vehicle or award.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** November 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

### Vendors
- IonQ (Quantum Benchmarking Initiative participant)

### Sources
- [
        3 challenges agencies need to overcome ahead of Q-Day - Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/innovation-in-government/2026/11/3-challenges-agencies-need-to-overcome-ahead-of-q-day) - Federal News Network