# Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 Announcement

Notice 56606fabc12b49bcb35372128e7cc26d (solicitation DARPA-PA-26-02) from DEPT OF DEFENSE, DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY, posted 2026-07-29, responses due 2026-12-31T04:59:00.000Z. Status: open.

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Notice ID | 56606fabc12b49bcb35372128e7cc26d |
| Solicitation number | DARPA-PA-26-02 |
| Type | Solicitation |
| Agency | DEPT OF DEFENSE |
| Sub-tier | DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY  (DARPA) |
| Office | DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY |
| Posted | 2026-07-29T13:37:28.000Z |
| Response deadline (UTC) | 2026-12-31T04:59:00.000Z |
| Set-aside | - |
| NAICS | 541715 |
| PSC | AC12 |
| Place of performance | - |
| Award | - |

## Description

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks innovative approaches to address challenges related to quantum computing. The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) aims to examine approaches for constructing a utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer and computational workflows that include quantum compute steps. Proposed research should investigate approaches that enable revolutionary advances in design, engineering, test, and evaluation of such systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. To rapidly capitalize on new opportunities, DARPA announces the QBI 2026 opportunity, which seeks specific solutions to targeted challenges related to developing utility-scale quantum computers, as defined in specific QBI topic (QBIT) calls. Each QBIT will (1) outline specific details regarding the research topic of interest and (2) provide proposal and submission instructions, including the due date for proposal submission, in addition to those outlined in this PA. Proposals must only be submitted in response to a QBIT. Proposals submitted directly to this PA will not be considered.

## Sources

- View on SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/opp/56606fabc12b49bcb35372128e7cc26d/view
- Data as of 2026-11-14. Source: https://sam.gov/data-services/Contract%20Opportunities/datagov

## Cite this

"Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 Announcement, SAM.gov contract opportunity 56606fabc12b49bcb35372128e7cc26d." samgovapi.io, https://samgovapi.io/opportunity/56606fabc12b49bcb35372128e7cc26d, data as of 2026-11-14. Primary record: https://sam.gov/opp/56606fabc12b49bcb35372128e7cc26d/view

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