QBI Topic Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals under the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) through a specific topic called QBIT, focused on providing Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) support. This solicitation, identified as DARPA-PA-26-02-01, invites entities with innovative infrastructure, equipment, and expertise to assist DARPA’s QBI program, which aims to rigorously evaluate emerging quantum computing technologies for industrial relevance and accelerated advancement. The effort involves spanning the entire quantum computing stack—from use-case definition and systems engineering to prototype testing and validation—emphasizing fault-tolerant systems and the establishment of credible, reproducible performance assessments. Proposals are first required to submit a five-page abstract following detailed formatting and content guidelines, emphasizing technical expertise, facilities, personnel qualifications, budget, and references, with abstracts due by September 1, 2026. Selected abstract submitters will be invited to submit full proposals by October 15, 2026. Awards will be made through Other Transaction (OT) agreements for research, enabling flexibility outside traditional FAR contract clauses. The evaluation criteria prioritize technical feasibility and execution, scientific validation, and budget realism, using a trade-off approach allowing technical merit to justify costs. Proposers must demonstrate compliance with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling per DoD Instruction 5200.48 and NIST SP 800-171 standards and are expected to deliver outcomes and data with unlimited rights. Special considerations include managing organizational conflicts of interest, publication restrictions requiring DARPA approval, and export control compliance, with performance anticipated primarily at proposer facilities with advanced quantum test environments. This initiative is designed to enhance the QBI program’s testing and evaluation capacity by engaging diverse organizations capable of delivering independent, rigorous verification essential for advancing quantum computing technologies at pace with DARPA’s high-risk, high-reward research mission.