Jane Edwards 
- Carahsoft will handle IonQ’s pricing and resale
- The agreement backs a federal quantum executive order
- The 2027 Defense R&D Summit will explore quantum computing, AI and more
Carahsoft Technology will offer IonQ’s quantum computing, networking, sensing and security technology to government agencies through its reseller partners under a partnership agreement.
Quantum computing is among the emerging technologies on the Pentagon’s research and development agenda. Defense officials and industry executives will gather at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2027 Defense R&D Summit on Feb. 4 to discuss quantum computing, trusted AI and autonomy, unmanned systems, next-generation wireless and 5G, advanced space technologies and more. Save your seat now to hear from leaders shaping the future of military technology.
IonQ said Monday the agreement supports federal efforts under the White House’s quantum innovation executive order, which calls on agencies to work with U.S. industry to commercialize and deploy quantum technologies.
How Will Carahsoft Support IonQ Through the Partnership?
Under the agreement, Carahsoft will serve as IonQ’s public sector distributor, manage procurement and pricing, connect customers to relevant contract vehicles, and oversee channel sales, product resale and distribution for IonQ. The arrangement is designed to help resellers and federal systems integrators match their offerings to agency needs.
What Does the IonQ-Carahsoft Partnership Bring to the Public Sector?
The partnership gives government agencies a way to purchase IonQ’s quantum portfolio through Carahsoft’s reseller partners and contract vehicles, with offerings that extend beyond computing to networking, security and sensing. IonQ said agencies can use its sensing, networking, security and computing technologies to gather, share, secure and analyze information.
IonQ and Carahsoft seek to widen agency access to emerging quantum tools, simplify acquisition and support national security missions.
What Did IonQ & Carahsoft Officials Say About the Partnership?
Steve Harris, senior vice president and general manager of public sector at IonQ, said the partnership will reach the entire public sector, including higher education, state and local governments, Department of War, civilian agencies and the integrator and partner community.
“Through this relationship, quantum solutions ranging from computing, networking, security to sensing will be more readily accessible during this important time when quantum progress is an immediate and critical requirement,” added Harris, a six-time Wash100 awardee.
Alex Whitworth, program executive for quantum solutions at Carahsoft, noted that the company will work with its reseller partners to simplify procurement and encourage collaboration across the government technology community.
“We are pleased to partner with IonQ to expand access to innovative quantum technologies that help address the evolving mission needs of Federal agencies and the broader public sector,” Whitworth said.
How Are IonQ & Carahsoft Building Out Their Federal Quantum Portfolios?
The distribution agreement continues IonQ’s push into the federal market, which included expanding its federal go-to-market team with the hire of Harris. The company has also secured $7.5 million in follow-on funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory to connect quantum systems through optical links and telecommunications infrastructure. It advanced to Stage C of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative under an agreement worth up to $300 million. Most recently, IonQ completed its acquisition of zero trust security company Elisity, adding identity-based network security to its post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution offerings.
For Carahsoft, the IonQ deal adds to a growing quantum lineup. In October, the company agreed to offer pQCee’s quantum-safe cybersecurity tools to government agencies as the company’s Master Government Aggregator. Carahsoft also added QuSecure’s post-quantum cryptography offerings to its GSA Schedule contract, joining a portfolio that includes ZeroTier, ISARA, Certes and Qrypt.
