What the agency is buying

by RFPFinder from the notice and attachments; the solicitation governs

DARPA seeks innovative approaches for quantum computing under the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) to develop utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers. This is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for specific solutions to targeted challenges, with proposals evaluated based on individual QBI Topic (QBIT) calls.

Scope

Research into utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Computational workflows including quantum compute steps.

Areas of interest (1)

Research into approaches that enable revolutionary advances in design, engineering, test, and evalua

BAA — white paper first (FAR 35.016)Open to allDays to respond: 37

CompetitionLikely competitive

1 signal behind this label (incumbent, repeat winner, short window, brand-name or sole-source language, prior sources sought). Pro shows them with sources.

From USAspending awards and the notice text, recomputed nightly (Oct 7). A signal, not a verdict.

How to get the bid documents

Download the 3 documents below (no portal account needed)
Check the submission requirements in the compliance checklist
Submit as the notice directs before 6:59 PM ET on Nov 14

Documents · 3 items, 3 filesDownload all (zip) · Pro

PDF
DARPA-PA-26-02-Amendment-01.pdf240 KB · 9 pages
View
PDF
DARPA-PA-26-02.pdf239 KB · 8 pages
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PDF
QBI_CUI_Guide.pdf456 KB · 15 pages
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Open the original listing on SAM.gov

Details

Place of performance: ARLINGTON, Virginia
Buyer type: Federal
Notice type: Solicitation
Solicitation no.: DARPA-PA-26-02
NAICS: NAICS 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)): 108 open RFPs
PSC: PSC AC12: 24 open RFPs
Period of performance: Per award from notice
BAA open until: Nov 14, 2026 from notice
Contract type: BAA (multiple awards) from notice
Evaluation: White-paper review, then invited proposals (FAR 35.016) from notice
Local presence: Not required
Amendments: 1, last Jul 29
Contact: QBI PA Coordinator
Office: DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) · DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY
Email: QBI@darpa.mil

Not stated in the notice: estimated value. Check the bid documents.

Contact details from the source notice. Contact the buyer only about this solicitation.

Key dates

Fri, Nov 14, 2025Posted

Not statedQuestions due

~~Dec 30, 2026~~ Sat, Nov 14, 2026 · 6:59 PM ETResponses due · 37 days left

Amendment 1: Wed, Jul 29, 2026

Change log

verified Thu, Oct 8 · 12:30 AM ET

Posted · SolicitationFri, Nov 14, 2025 · 7:37 AM ET
Amendment · New version of the notice posted at the sourceWed, Jul 29, 2026 · 5:37 AM ET
Deadline moved · Sat, Nov 14, 2026 · 6:59 PM ET → Wed, Dec 30, 2026 · 6:59 PM ETWed, Jul 29, 2026 · 5:37 AM ET
Deadline moved · Wed, Dec 30, 2026 · 6:59 PM ET → Sat, Nov 14, 2026 · 6:59 PM ETWed, Oct 7, 2026 · 12:34 AM ET
Deadline moved · Sat, Nov 14, 2026 · 6:59 PM ET → Wed, Dec 30, 2026 · 6:59 PM ETThu, Oct 8, 2026 · 12:32 AM ET
Deadline moved · Wed, Dec 30, 2026 · 6:59 PM ET → Sat, Nov 14, 2026 · 6:59 PM ETThu, Oct 8, 2026 · 12:33 AM ET

Change log starts Oct 5, 2026 (tracking began); earlier amendments at SAM.gov are being pulled in.

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Notice as published

Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 Announcement

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

outline specific details regarding the research topic of interest and
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.

What this office paid before

USAspending.gov, last 36 months

25 awards matched · tier 1: this contracting office (HR0011) + PSC AC12. Most recent:

Jun 8, 2026ENGINEERING BIOLOGY RESEARCH CONSORTIUMRISK ANALYSIS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TECHNICAL OUTPUTS OF THE DARPA GENERATIVE OPTOGENETICS PROGRAMHR001126CE079 · DEFINITIVE CONTRACT · Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency · ends Jun 7, 2027$188K

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Awards updated Thu, Oct 8, 2026 · 6:20 PM ET.

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Listing collected from SAM.gov. Always confirm requirements in the original solicitation before you bid.