Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic (QBIT) Stage A

Description: QBI will use a multi-stage approach to determine viable paths to building a USQC. This process will be divided into Stage A, Stage B, and Stage C, where each new stage represents an increased level of scrutiny into performer-proposed system designs. DARPA is currently soliciting abstracts for Stage A efforts only. Information regarding Stages B and C is provided solely for context on the overall program structure and is not part of the current solicitation under this QBIT. Stage A: Plausibility: The six-month term for Stage A will focus on the performer’s concept for a USQC. It is anticipated that in the first three months, performers will develop a system concept report which will be delivered to the government test and evaluation (T&E) team and reviewed at a concept design review at month four. This report will detail the performer’s approach to building a USQC. In the final three months of Stage A, the T&E team will evaluate and provide feedback on the draft concept report culminating in a presentation of the Government Team’s understanding of the performer’s baseline system architecture, and the performer’s delivery of a final concept report. While six months is the expected Stage A term, milestones may be completed early, allowing DARPA the opportunity to evaluate performers’ concepts ahead of the six-month timeline. See attached file.