QBI Topic Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, DARPA-PA-26-02-01, is for the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic (QBIT) focused on Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) support for DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). DARPA is seeking innovative infrastructure, equipment, and expertise to support the IV&V of quantum computing hardware developers. The goal is to verify and validate approaches to building and using fault-tolerant quantum computers and to assess their potential for achieving "industrially useful" operation.

The IV&V effort should augment DARPA's existing capabilities and focus on:

• Use-case definition

• Systems engineering (especially for large-scale facilities)

• Integrated testing of prototype devices

• Defining component performance requirements

• Device testing

• Expertise in high-performance computing, quantum information science (algorithms, error correction, component modeling), and hardware design/testing is sought.

• Award instrument: Other Transaction (OT) for Research project.

• Period of Performance: Assumed to be 12 months for abstract submission.

• Resource Share: Proposers are encouraged to consider resource sharing (labor, materials, equipment, software, facilities).

• Abstract Submission Due: September 01, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Full Proposal Submission Due: October 15, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Abstract Evaluation Criterion: Value Add to the Existing QBI IV&V efforts.

• Proposal Evaluation Criteria (Descending Order): Technical Feasibility and Execution; Scientific Validation and Evidence; Budget and Price.

• Submissions must use provided templates.

• For-profit and Nonprofit organizations, Institutions of Higher Education are eligible.

• Non-U.S. organizations/individuals may participate under specific conditions.

• FFRDCs, UARCs, and Government Entities should contact DARPA before proposing.

• All proposals are anticipated to be unclassified, but classified solutions can be discussed.

• The program is subject to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) guidelines.

• Restrictions on publishing research results may apply.

• Offerors should be aware of potential organizational conflicts of interest (OCI) and future ineligibility for research on DARPA programs.

• Technical, contractual, and administrative questions should be emailed to QBIT_IVandV@darpa.mil.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for abstract submissions related to the DARPA Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) QBI 2026 Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) QBIT initiative. It outlines the required format, content, and submission process for abstracts.

• Format: PDF or Microsoft Word, English, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font (8-10 point for figures/tables/charts).
• Page Limit: Abstracts shall not exceed 5 pages. This limit includes figures, tables, and charts but excludes the cover sheet, table of contents, and bibliography.
• Classification: Abstracts should be UNCLASSIFIED or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Contact QBIT_IVandV@darpa.mil for instructions on submitting classified information.
• Submission Process: Abstracts must be submitted through the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Tool by the due date specified in the associated QBIT document. Late submissions may not be reviewed.
• Abstract Review: DARPA will provide feedback on abstracts, indicating whether a full proposal is invited or not, with rationale. A favorable abstract response does not guarantee proposal selection.
• Cover Sheet Information: Requires details such as Abstract Title, Organization Type, Prime Organization, CAGE Code, UEI, Technical and Administrative POCs, Other Team Members, Total Funds Requested, Period of Performance, Technical Areas of Expertise, Facilities and Equipment, Personnel, Estimated Budget, and Bibliography.

This template is essential for any organization intending to submit an abstract for the QBIT 2026 IV&V opportunity. Bidders must adhere strictly to the formatting, content, and submission requirements outlined herein to ensure their abstract is considered. The abstract serves as a preliminary step to a full proposal submission, and understanding these instructions is critical for successful participation.