DARPA-SN-27-14.pdf

DARPA-SN-27-14

Special Notice Future Workshop Announcement:

Quantum Computing – Applications Workshops (QC-AW)

DARPA-SN-27-14

October 28, 2026

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Multi X Office 675 North Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-2114

Future Workshop Announcement Special Notice DARPA-SN-27-14

Quantum Computing – Applications Workshops (QC-AW) Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Multi X Office (MXO)

Posting Date: October 28, 2026 Technical POC: Micah Stoutimore, Ph.D., Managing Director, Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) E-mail: DARPA-SN-27-14@darpa.mil

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of this Special Notice (SN) is to provide advance notice of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA’s) intention to host future workshops to determine the commercial impact of future utility-scale quantum computers. Any future Quantum Computing – Applications Workshops (QC- AW) Request for Information (RFI) describing the workshop will be made available at https://sam.gov/.

WORKSHOP GOALS:

The findings of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative have indicated that a utility-scale quantum computer is likely to be realized by 2033. Previous DARPA programs developed application benchmarks to quantitively measure progress toward solving computational problems with scientific and industrial utility. With recent, rapid advances in quantum architecture and hardware, significant uncertainty remains regarding which application classes will run efficiently on future utility-scale quantum computers and deliver meaningful economic value.

In coordination with the Department of Energy Office of Science, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences, DARPA will announce a series of application workshops that will bring together end users and quantum-algorithm experts to identify high-value use cases, accelerate industrially relevant quantum advantage, create economic opportunity, and strengthen national defense.

A key goal of the workshops is defining a path toward pricing the value of quantum computations. DARPA has developed an initial set of benchmarks of interest to the government, but new benchmarks are needed to define commercial application workloads and expand the initial set. Benchmark instances like those used in the optimization community could have significant potential for connecting commercial companies to quantum computing capacity.

These workshops will solicit input and seek participation from multiple communities:

• End-users: DARPA is particularly interested in engaging commercial end users who will drive long-term demand for quantum computations so that industrially relevant application benchmarks may be developed as guide stars. Connecting with scientific end users (not quantum computing experts), may also be critical to near-term demand.

• Financial stakeholders: Creative funding for quantum computing and applications development, such as advanced market commitments or a futures market for quantum computing capacity, can help facilitate and power economic growth and activity in quantum information science and technology. Of specific interest are ideas for innovative public-private partnerships.

mailto:DARPA-SN-27-14@darpa.mil https://sam.gov/ https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/quantum-benchmarking-initiative

• Quantum algorithm developers: Optimized circuit designs for commercial applications are critical to evaluate the timeline for economic impact.

• Quantum hardware experts: Product roadmaps from quantum hardware vendors set the timeline to realize specific computational capabilities. Resource estimates for rigorously defined commercial applications set targets for quantum hardware vendors.

Prior to the workshops, DARPA anticipates releasing an RFI to provide further detail and solicit input from all relevant stakeholders. These workshops will begin no later than January 2027, with specific venue location(s) to be announced on the registration website. Advance registration may be required.

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DARPACONNECT:

Entities who have not worked with DARPA before are encouraged to learn more about DARPAConnect, an initiative established to facilitate collaboration between DARPA and potential performers. The DARPAConnect team offers customized support, resources, and guidance on how to prepare your ideas for high-impact conversations with DARPA program managers. Please visit DARPAConnect.us to access a digital hub of online resources, including a curriculum for self-paced learning, personalized support, and in-person and virtual events. In addition to the self-paced online materials, the DARPAConnect team is able to schedule one-on-one conversations to discuss your specific ideas, questions, and paths to DARPA.

You can use the contact form at DARPAConnect.us or email the DARPAConnect team directly at darpaconnect@darpa.mil to request assistance.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

All administrative and technical questions should be directed to DARPA-SN-27-14@darpa.mil. Please refer to the Special Notice number (DARPA-SN-27-14) in all correspondence.

This Special Notice is issued solely for information and program planning purposes; it does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals or proposal abstracts; any so sent will be disregarded. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this Special Notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. DARPA will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this Special Notice. Respondents are advised that DARPA is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this Special Notice.

NO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ANY RESPONSE TO THIS SPECIAL NOTICE.

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