Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 Announcement
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a Program Announcement (PA) for its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026. This initiative seeks innovative approaches to address challenges in developing utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers. This PA encourages new entrants to the QBI program, but proposals must only be submitted in response to specific Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topics (QBITs), which will be announced separately.
Purpose & Scope
DARPA aims to examine and advance approaches for constructing utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers and their computational workflows. The QBI 2026 program specifically seeks to rigorously verify and validate if any quantum computing approach can achieve utility-scale operation by the year 2033. Proposed research should investigate revolutionary advances in the design, engineering, test, and evaluation of such systems.
Key research areas include:
- Describing a utility-scale quantum computer (USQC) concept with a plausible path to realization.
- Outlining a comprehensive research and development plan, including risks, mitigation steps, and necessary prototypes.
- Providing tools for the government to verify and validate the USQC concept's construction and operation.
- Augmenting the QBI Independent Verification and Validation team with quantum computer testing and evaluation tools.
Contract Details
- Type: Program Announcement (leading to specific QBIT solicitations)
- Anticipated Awards: Multiple awards
- Funding Type: 6.2 (Basic Research)
- Instrument Types: Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype agreements or Other Transaction (OT) for Research agreements
- Set-Aside: Not specified in this PA; eligibility and set-asides will be defined in individual QBITs.
Submission & Evaluation
This Program Announcement itself does not solicit proposals. Interested parties must await and respond to specific QBIT calls. Each QBIT will provide detailed submission instructions, including proposal formats (e.g., abstracts, written, oral proposals) and specific due dates. Evaluation criteria will also be detailed within each respective QBIT. Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
Important Notes
A "QBI Controlled Unclassified Information Guide" is attached, which is critical for understanding the handling and protection of sensitive program-related data. The PA is open until November 14, 2026.
Contact Information
For general inquiries, contact the QBI PA Coordinator at QBI@darpa.mil.