Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic (QBIT) Stage A

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative approaches through the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic (QBIT) Stage A to develop utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers and associated computational workflows. The program seeks revolutionary advances in design, engineering, testing, and evaluation, specifically excluding evolutionary improvements to current practices. This initiative is structured in three stages: Stage A focuses on concept plausibility and the development of a system concept report; Stage B involves R&D planning with potential funding up to 15 million dollars; and Stage C focuses on validation and co-design with a maximum value of 300 million dollars. Awards will be issued as Other Transaction (OT) agreements for Research or Prototypes under 10 U.S.C. 4021 or 4022. Proposals are evaluated based on overall scientific and technical merit, potential contribution to the DARPA mission and national security, and budget realism. Applicants must utilize mandatory templates for abstract summaries and detailed abstracts, with submissions managed through the DARPA BAA website. Key requirements include CMMC Level 1 certification recorded in the Supplier Performance Risk System and strict adherence to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling guidelines per DoDI 5200.48. To prevent organizational conflicts of interest, performers are prohibited from concurrently providing certain technical assistance services. Payments are milestone-based and processed through the Wide Area Workflow system.