Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 Announcement

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research through the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 to advance the development of utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers and associated computational workflows, with a focus on revolutionary breakthroughs rather than incremental improvements. This initiative, issued under solicitation DARPA-PA-26-02, operates through a series of targeted Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topics (QBITs), each defining specific research challenges, submission guidelines, and deadlines; proposals must respond exclusively to a published QBIT to be considered. The program is structured around three evaluation stages—assessing a plausible path to a United States Quantum Competitiveness (USQC) goal by 2033, evaluating the technical rigor and risk mitigation of the R&D plan, and verifying the concept’s validation through measurement and demonstration. Awards will be made under Other Transaction (OT) agreements, prioritizing technical merit and innovation through a trade-off analysis rather than lowest-price technically acceptable selection, and funding is expected to be distributed across multiple recipients from both traditional and non-traditional research communities. All participants must comply with stringent Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling protocols as mandated by DoDI 5200.48 and NIST SP 800-171, with documents requiring explicit CUI, Proprietary Business Information, and Export-Controlled markings on all materials and cover sheets, and secure transmission only through approved channels such as encrypted email or DoD SAFE. Contractors and performers must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a valid Unique Entity ID, maintain compliance with DFARS 252.204-7000 and 252.204-7012 for safeguarding defense information, and immediately report any unauthorized disclosures or cybersecurity incidents to the QBI Program Security Officer. Performance will be administered under the auspices of DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office in Arlington, Virginia, with invoicing conducted via the Wide Area WorkFlow system, and all technical data, budget, and source selection information designated as CUI with limited dissemination. Foreign persons may access CUI only under specific, pre-approved conditions tied to authorized DoD missions, and proprietary information must be marked and handled according to individual Other Transaction Agreements. The initiative sets a broad solicitation window through November 14, 2026, but individual QBIT deadlines and performance periods vary and are explicitly defined within