Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic (QBIT) Stage A

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic (QBIT): Stage A (DARPA-PA-26-02-02). It aims to clarify program details, eligibility, and submission requirements for potential bidders.

• Program Goal: To encourage new entrants into Stage A of QBI, ensuring DARPA has visibility into all approaches and potential solutions for building an industrially useful quantum computer by 2033.
• Eligibility: Companies that participated in prior QBI or US2QC efforts are not precluded from submitting new proposals if they offer distinct contributions. Those not selected in prior solicitations are also eligible if they can demonstrate a path to building a utility-scale quantum computer by 2033.
• Scope: DARPA is interested in revolutionary approaches, including quantum annealing, not just fault-tolerant, gate-based machines. Entities focused solely on applications and algorithms should join a larger team or apply to the QBI Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Topic.
• Submission Process: The opportunity has a rolling admission process for abstracts. Multiple awards are anticipated.
• Milestones & Deliverables: Performers will generally use the schedule in the Program Announcement, though alternate schedules are possible if the total Stage A payments do not exceed $1M.
• Foreign Participation: Non-U.S. organizations and individuals may participate if they comply with relevant regulations (NDAs, security, export control).
• Proprietary Information: DARPA considers submitted information selection-sensitive and protected under DoD Instruction 5200.48. Robust data and IP protection measures will be negotiated.
• Publication: Publication restrictions will be negotiated prior to award, but DARPA does not anticipate restricting performers from releasing their own company's data.

This FAQ clarifies eligibility for past participants, the breadth of acceptable quantum computing approaches, and the submission process. It also provides guidance on proposal content, such as quantifying "Computational Value" and detailing timelines for achieving quantum computing capabilities. First-time applicants are advised to thoroughly read the Program Announcement and utilize provided templates.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Other Transaction" agreement template between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a performer for research and development. It outlines the terms and conditions for a research program, including scope, term, management, payment, intellectual property rights, data rights, and property disposition. The agreement is authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 4021 and is designed for streamlined research projects, potentially involving nontraditional defense contractors.

This document details the contractual framework for a DARPA research effort. Key aspects for potential bidders include:

• Scope of Work: Research will be conducted according to the performer's proposal and specific goals outlined.
• Payment Structure: Fixed payments are tied to accomplished milestones, detailed in Attachment 2.
• Intellectual Property: Articles VI (Patent Rights) and VII (Data Rights) define how inventions and data generated during the project will be handled, including government licenses and performer retention rights.
• Reporting: Attachment 1 specifies various reports required, including milestone reports, a Data Management Plan, patent disclosures, and a final report.
• Property Management: Article IX and Attachment 8 cover the acquisition, title, and disposition of property acquired under the agreement.
• Cybersecurity: Article X mandates adherence to NIST SP 800-171 for safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and requires rapid reporting of cyber incidents.
• Foreign Access: Article VIII imposes restrictions on the transfer of technology to foreign firms or institutions.
• Prohibitions: Article XV prohibits the use of funds for certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment and services originating from covered foreign countries.

Potential bidders should review the specific requirements, reporting obligations, and intellectual property terms to assess their suitability and prepare their proposals accordingly.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an 'Other Transaction' agreement template between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a consortium for research and development efforts. It outlines the terms and conditions governing the collaboration, including scope, term, management, payment, intellectual property rights, data rights, and safeguarding of information. The agreement is authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 4021, with the principal purpose being to advance research and technology goals rather than direct acquisition of property or services for the Government.

This document defines the framework for a research and development effort. Key aspects for potential bidders include:

• Consortium Structure: The agreement operates through a consortium, with specific roles for Consortium Members and a Consortium Management Committee (CMC).
• Scope of Work: Research and development efforts are detailed in Attachment 1 (Task Description Document) and managed via milestones outlined in Attachment 3 (Schedule of Milestones and Payments).
• Funding: DARPA provides funding, but the consortium is responsible for any remaining funding needed to accomplish the Task Description Document. Payments are milestone-based.
• Intellectual Property & Data Rights: Articles VII and VIII detail the rights of the consortium and the Government regarding inventions, patents, and data generated during the project.
• Reporting: Various reports are required, including technical and business status reports, a Data Management Plan, and a Final Report, to be submitted via the DARPA VAULT website.
• Cybersecurity: Article X mandates adherence to NIST SP 800-171 for safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and requires rapid reporting of cyber incidents.
• Prohibitions: Article XV prohibits the use of funds for certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment or services from covered foreign countries.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an abstract summary slide template for the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative 2026 (QBIT), Stage A. It is intended to guide presenters in summarizing their proposed utility-scale quantum concepts.

• Abstract Title: Placeholder for the summary's title.
• Organization Name(s) & Technical POC Name(s): Fields to identify the submitting organization and technical points of contact.
• Proposed Concept Graphic: Space for a visual representation of the concept.
• Concept Summary: Outline for summarizing the utility-scale concept, including verification and validation strategy.
• Technical Challenges & Risks: Section to describe specific technical challenges, primary risks, and mitigation strategies.
• R&D Roadmap: Requirement to illustrate the research and development roadmap from the present until 2033.
• Government Identifier: DARPA-PA-26-02-02.
• Distribution Restriction: Marked as "Competition Sensitive Information – Distribution with Agreements Officer’s authorization only."

This template outlines the expected content and structure for abstract summaries related to the QBIT Stage A initiative. Bidders should use this template to prepare their submissions, ensuring all required elements such as concept details, technical challenges, risks, and R&D roadmaps are addressed. It helps bidders understand the level of detail and specific information required for this phase of the initiative.

Other / Unclassified

This document is the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide for the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program, version 2.0, dated January 6, 2026. It outlines the purpose, applicability, and scope of CUI within the QBI program, detailing CUI categories, protection requirements, and handling procedures.

This guide is crucial for potential bidders and performers involved in the QBI program. It specifies how sensitive but unclassified information related to the program must be identified, protected, marked, and disseminated. Key areas relevant to bidders include:

• CUI Categories: Defines types of information considered CUI, such as Export Control, Financial, Proprietary Business Information (PROPIN), Operations Security (OPSEC), Source Selection (SSEL), and General Procurement and Acquisition (PROCURE).
• Protection Requirements: Details how CUI must be safeguarded, including storage in locked facilities and processing on compliant information systems (DFARS 252.204-7012).
• Disclosure Rules: Outlines procedures for public disclosure, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and foreign disclosure of CUI.
• Marking Guidance: Provides instructions on how to mark documents containing CUI and performer proprietary information, including specific legends and agreements.
• Reporting: Mandates immediate reporting of unauthorized disclosures or security incidents.

Understanding and adhering to these CUI guidelines is essential for any entity participating in or responding to solicitations related to the QBI program to ensure compliance and proper handling of sensitive information.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, DARPA-PA-26-02-02, announces the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic (QBIT) to solicit innovative approaches for constructing a utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer and computational workflows. It aims to encourage new entrants and explore revolutionary advances in quantum computing design, engineering, testing, and evaluation, excluding purely evolutionary improvements.

• Stage A (Plausibility): Focuses on developing a system concept report for a utility-scale quantum computer (USQC). Deliverables include a system concept report, a concept design review, and a final concept design report.

• Stage B (Research and Development Plan): Examines the performer's R&D plan for building the USQC, assessing risks and mitigation steps.

• Stage C (Validation and Co-Design): Focuses on determining if a USQC can be constructed and operated as intended, involving component testing and prototype evaluation.

• Award Type: Other Transaction for Research (Research OT) or Other Transaction for Prototype (Prototype OT).

• Stage A Maximum Value: Up to $1 million per award.

• Stage B Maximum Value: Up to $5 million for critical tasks, with potential for additional milestones up to $10 million.

• Stage C Maximum Value: Up to $300 million.

• Abstracts: Required and may be submitted on a rolling basis. Submission deadline for abstracts is not explicitly stated but questions are due by July 15, 2026.

• Full Proposals: Invited based on abstract review. Submission deadline for full proposals is September 30, 2026.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical Plausibility, Technical Ability, Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to DARPA Mission, and Budget.

• Oral Presentations: Required for selected proposers.

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and Government Entities are encouraged to contact DARPA for potential involvement rather than proposing directly.

• Other eligible applicants include for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education.

• Non-U.S. organizations and individuals are eligible if they comply with relevant regulations.

• All submissions are anticipated to be unclassified.

• Proposers must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• DARPA has an organizational conflict of interest (OCI) policy that requires disclosure and mitigation plans.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a mandatory template for submitting abstracts for the DARPA-PA-26-02-02 Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026, Stage A. It outlines the required format and content for abstract submissions.

• Format Requirements: Submissions must be in .pdf, .odx, .doc, or .docx formats, written in English, and formatted for 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and a minimum 12-point font size (8 or 10 point allowed for figures, tables, charts).
• Page Limit: Abstracts shall not exceed 8 pages, excluding the title page. The page limit includes 'Proposed Approach,' 'Technology Challenges,' 'Technical Ability,' and 'Roadmap.' It does NOT include the 'Title Page' or 'List of citations, references, or end notes.'
• Content Sections: The template requires the following sections:
  • Title Page
  • Abstract Title
  • Proposer Organization
  • Date
  • Technical Point of Contact (POC)
  • Administrative POC
  • Other Team Members (if applicable)
  • Estimated Total Cost
  • Estimated Period of Performance
  • Identification of other solicitations to which the concept has been proposed
  • Affirmation regarding SETA/A&AS services
  • Proposed Approach (recommended 3 pages)
  • Technology Challenges (recommended 3 pages)
  • Technical Ability (recommended 1 page)
  • Roadmap (recommended 1 page)
  • References (excluded from page limit)

This template is critical for any organization intending to submit an abstract for the QBI 2026 program. Bidders must adhere strictly to the formatting, page limits, and content requirements specified in this document to ensure their abstract is considered. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Other Transaction" agreement template between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a "Performer" (a company) for research and development efforts. It outlines the terms and conditions governing the collaboration, including scope, term, management, payment, disputes, intellectual property rights (patent and data), foreign access to technology, safeguarding of covered defense information, and property disposition. The agreement is authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 4021, emphasizing that the principal purpose is to advance research and technology goals, not primarily for the acquisition of property or services for the direct benefit of the Government. Key attachments include a Task Description Document (TDD), Report Requirements, Schedule of Milestones and Payments, Funding Schedule, Certifications, and Property/Equipment details.

This document defines the contractual framework for a DARPA research and development project. Potential bidders should review it to understand:

• Scope of Work: The specific research and development effort required, detailed in Attachment 1 (TDD).
• Payment Structure: Fixed payments tied to milestones (Attachment 3).
• Cost Sharing: Requirements for performer contributions (Attachments 3 & 4).
• Intellectual Property: Rights to patents and data developed during the project (Articles VII & VIII).
• Reporting Requirements: Technical and business status reports, data management plans, and final reports (Attachment 2).
• Term and Termination: The duration of the agreement and conditions for termination (Article II).
• Cybersecurity: Requirements for safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and reporting cyber incidents (Article X).
• Prohibitions: Restrictions on using covered telecommunications equipment or services (Article XIV).

Understanding these terms is crucial for potential performers to assess the feasibility and requirements of participating in the opportunity.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Other Transaction" agreement template between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a consortium for research and development efforts. It outlines the terms and conditions governing the collaboration, including scope, term, management, payment, intellectual property rights, data rights, and reporting requirements. Key attachments include a Task Description Document (TDD), Report Requirements, Schedule of Milestones and Payments, Funding Schedule, Certifications, and Property/Equipment details.

Potential bidders should note that this is an "Other Transaction" agreement, authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 4021, with the principal purpose of stimulating advanced research and technology development, not for direct government acquisition. The document details the collaborative structure, consortium management, reporting obligations (including use of DARPA's VAULT website), payment milestones, and intellectual property/data rights. It also specifies requirements for safeguarding covered defense information and prohibits the use of certain telecommunications equipment. Bidders should review the TDD (Attachment 1) for specific research objectives and the Schedule of Milestones and Payments (Attachment 3) for payment triggers.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Other Transaction" agreement template between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a performer for research and development. It outlines the terms and conditions for a collaborative effort to advance research and technology goals, emphasizing that the principal purpose is not the acquisition of property or services for the direct benefit of the Government. The agreement details the scope of work, term, management, administration, obligation and payment procedures, dispute resolution, patent and data rights, safeguarding of covered defense information, foreign access to technology, title to property, and compliance with civil rights and telecommunications prohibitions.

This document is crucial for potential performers as it defines the legal and operational framework for a DARPA research and development project. Key aspects for bidders include:

• Scope of Work: Defined by the Task Description Document (TDD) and requires performer contributions.
• Term: Specifies the agreement duration and termination conditions.
• Payment: Outlines milestone-based payments, performer cost-sharing, and the use of the Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) system for invoicing.
• Intellectual Property: Details patent rights (Article VII) and data rights (Article VIII), including the performer's ability to retain title to subject inventions and the government's licensing rights.
• Reporting: Mandates various reports (Technical Status, Business Status, Data Management Plan, Final Report) submitted via the DARPA VAULT website.
• Cybersecurity: Requires adherence to NIST SP 800-171 for safeguarding Covered Defense Information (CDI) and rapid reporting of cyber incidents.
• Foreign Access: Imposes restrictions on transferring technology to foreign firms or institutions.
• Property: Addresses title and disposition of acquired property.

Understanding these terms is essential for bidders to assess the feasibility and requirements of participating in such an agreement with DARPA.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the Articles of Collaboration for a consortium comprising two parties (XXXX and XXXX) established under an "Other Transactions" Agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for the "APPLICABLE PROJECT." It details the terms and conditions governing their collaboration, including definitions of key terms, performance of research work, budget and payment procedures, program management structure (Administrative Board and Executive Committee), intellectual property rights, handling of confidential information, term and termination clauses, warranties, limitations of liability, and dispute resolution.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it defines the collaborative framework and operational rules for the "APPLICABLE PROJECT." It clarifies:

• Roles and Responsibilities: Outlines how the consortium members (XXXX and XXXX) will work together, managed by a Consortium Administrator (XXXX) and overseen by an Administrative Board and Executive Committee.
• Intellectual Property (IP): Details ownership and licensing of Independent and Program Intellectual Property, including Joint Subject Inventions and Copyrightable Works, as well as government rights.
• Financials: Explains how government funds will be managed and disbursed through the Consortium Administrator, and the conditions under which payments are made.
• Program Management: Describes the decision-making processes, reporting requirements to DARPA, and the roles of the Government Program Manager.
• Confidentiality and Termination: Sets forth rules for handling confidential information and conditions under which parties can withdraw or the agreement can be terminated, particularly concerning government funding.

Understanding these articles is essential for any entity considering participation or collaboration within this DARPA "Other Transactions" initiative.