; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note) and such other near-term technical problems and challenges facing the Department and the Armed Forces as the Secretary may identify; and (2) to provide capabilities needed by the Department and the Armed Forces in the near-term. (b) Entities specified The Secretary of Defense shall seek to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) in partnership with— (1) a federally funded research and development center, university affiliated research center, center of excellence, or similar entity; and (2) one or more private-sector entities with expertise in quantum computing and quantum information science. (c) Activities Under the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense, in partnership with the entities specified in subsection (b), may— (1) convene a group of experts and organizations to identify and articulate challenges faced by the Department of Defense, including the Armed Forces, that have the potential to be addressed by quantum and quantum-hybrid applications; (2) develop and mature demonstrations, proofs of concept, pilot programs, and other measures to address the challenges identified under paragraph (1) using quantum and quantum-hybrid applications; (3) develop pathways through which successful demonstrations, proofs of concept, pilot programs, and other measures developed and matured under paragraph (2) may be transitioned to more advanced stages of research and development or into operational use within the Department; (4) ensure that any quantum-based or quantum-hybrid application-based solutions identified under the program are capable of development and deployment within the period covered by the most recent future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code (as of the time of the pilot program); (4) assess the utility of commercial quantum and quantum-hybrid applications for meeting the near-term needs of warfighters