Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 Announcement

The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026, solicitation DARPA-PA-26-02, is a program managed by the DARPA Multi X Office seeking revolutionary approaches to develop utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers and computational workflows. The primary objective is to verify and validate whether any quantum computing approach can achieve utility-scale operation by 2033. The program specifically targets high-risk, high-reward research in design, engineering, test, and evaluation, while explicitly excluding evolutionary improvements to existing practices. This initiative operates through specific Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic (QBIT) calls, which define the technical objectives, deliverables, and submission deadlines for individual research areas. Proposals must be submitted in response to a QBIT rather than the general program announcement. Awards are anticipated to be issued as Other Transaction (OT) agreements for either research or prototypes, with selection based on the most advantageous contribution to the overall program. Eligible offerors must maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and register in the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) system for electronic invoicing. Strict data handling requirements are in place, requiring compliance with DoD CUI policies, including DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST 800-171. The program also enforces an Organizational Conflict of Interest policy that prohibits technical performers from concurrently providing scientific engineering technical assistance or advisory and assistance services.