Quantum Benchmarking Initiative research contracts
Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 Announcement, Solicitation 56606fabc12b49bcb35372128e7cc26d, issued by Federal (Virginia offices).
At a glance
DARPA is seeking research proposals for quantum benchmarking initiatives as part of the 2026 program announcement. The work will be performed in Virginia and requires submission by December 30, 2026. This is an opportunity for research organizations and small businesses to contribute to quantum computing performance evaluation and validation.
Key facts
- Issuing agency
- Federal (Virginia offices)
- Solicitation number
- 56606fabc12b49bcb35372128e7cc26d
- Type
- Solicitation
- Posted
- Jul 29, 2026
- Response deadline
- Dec 30, 2026, 6:59 PM EST
- Place of performance
- VA
Official description
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks innovative approaches to address challenges related to quantum computing. The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) aims to examine approaches for constructing a utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer and computational workflows that include quantum compute steps. Proposed research should investigate approaches that enable revolutionary advances in design, engineering, test, and evaluation of such systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. To rapidly capitalize on new opportunities, DARPA announces the QBI 2026 opportunity, which seeks specific solutions to targeted challenges related to developing utility-scale quantum computers, as defined in specific QBI topic (QBIT) calls. Each QBIT will (1) outline specific details regarding the research topic of interest and (2) provide proposal and submission instructions, including the due date for proposal submission, in addition to those outlined in this PA. Proposals must only be submitted in response to a QBIT. Proposals submitted directly to this PA will not be considered.
Solicitation #DARPA-PA-26-02. Issued by DEPT OF DEFENSE › DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) › DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY. NAICS 541715. Product/Service Code AC12.
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