QBI Topic Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)
DARPA will fund organizations that can provide independent verification and validation support for the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative using relevant infrastructure, equipment, and expertise.
⚑ DARPA Other Transaction (OT) for Research award · applicants must provide IV&V infrastructure/equipment/expertise for QBI · linked to DARPA-PA-26-02 / QBI 2026 topic submission structure · federal contract-style applicant restrictions noted in notice
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 60 good | technical depth: central; funds evaluation research (capped) |
| IPPRA | 45 partial | peripheral portfolio topic: national_security_defense; social/behavioral work is none; funds evaluation research; capped at 45 (limited social-science role) |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is issuing a Quantum Benchmarking Initiative topic (QBIT) inviting submissions of innovative infrastructure, equipment, and expertise available to provide independent verification and validation (IV&V) support for DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), described in the QBI 2026 Program Announcement (PA), DARPA-PA-26-02. All proposals in response to the technical area(s) described herein will be submitted to DARPA-PA-26-02-01 and, if selected, will result in an award of an Other Transaction (OT) for Research project. To view the original DARPA Program Announcement for QBI 2026, visit SAM.gov under solicitation number DARPA-PA-26-02: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/c26b38bf041a4d70b00ed619bebb4773/view
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: . Notice type: Solicitation. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) / DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY.
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Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.