QBI Topic Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)

The DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) seeks independent verification and validation (IV&V) partners to assess and validate emerging quantum‑computing technologies. Selected IV&V teams will provide systems‑engineering expertise, high‑performance‑computing resources, quantum‑algorithm knowledge, and hardware testing capabilities to evaluate prototype devices and ensure they meet performance, fault‑tolerance, and industrial‑use criteria. The effort is structured as an abstract phase (due 23 Oct 2026) followed by a full‑proposal phase (due 30 Dec 2026). Award will be an Other Transaction (OT) for Research with an anticipated 12‑month performance period. • Scope: Full‑stack IV&V of quantum‑computer concepts – from use‑case definition to hardware testing. • Required capabilities: large‑scale systems engineering, HPC provisioning, quantum‑applications expertise, quantum‑information science, hardware design/testing. • Eligibility: For‑profit, nonprofit, higher‑education, and qualified non‑U.S. entities (subject to CUI and export controls). • CMMC Requirement: Level 1 (self‑assessment). • Submission: Abstract (Oct 23 2026) → Invitation → Full proposal (Dec 30 2026). • Award instrument: Other Transaction for Research; no profit/fee allowed; resource‑share encouraged.