QBI Topic Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)

DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) is seeking contractors to provide independent verification and validation (IV&V) services across the full quantum‑computing stack, from systems engineering through hardware testing. The effort will augment DARPA’s QBI Test & Evaluation team, delivering rigorous, “red‑team” assessments of emerging quantum‑computer technologies and ensuring data and results are delivered with unlimited rights. The work is expected to span a 12‑month period and will be funded through an Other Transaction for Research award. • Provide end‑to‑end IV&V support: architecture reviews, HPC provisioning, application evaluation, quantum algorithm validation, and hardware test‑bed operation. • Supply or access cutting‑edge facilities (cryogenic, power, cooling, space) capable of hosting utility‑scale quantum devices. • Deliver detailed technical reports, data sets, and validation results to DARPA, with all data expected to have unlimited rights. • Must meet CMMC Level 1 self‑assessment and be able to handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). • Abstracts due 23 Oct 2026; full proposals due 30 Dec 2026.