Program Solicitation: Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ)

The DARPA-PS-25-31 Program Solicitation,

Attachment D: DARPA-PS-25-31 Volume I: Technical and Management Proposal Template outlines mandatory instructions for proposal submissions to the DARPA HARQ program. It details formatting requirements, including page limits, font sizes, and submission formats (PDF/Microsoft Word). The document specifies content for both oral presentations and written proposals, differentiating requirements for Technical Area 1 (TA1) and Technical Area 2 (TA2). Key sections include Proposal Summary, Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Management Plan, Personnel, and Intellectual Property. Proposers must adhere to strict guidelines for content, page counts, and submission deadlines. The document also addresses requirements for government entities or FFRDCs, organizational conflict of interest, and intellectual property assertions, emphasizing the need for Government Purpose Rights (GPR) to developed IP. Oral presentations are virtual, recorded, and followed by a Q&A session, with strict rules against modifying slides or deferring answers.

The provided government file, part of federal and state RFPs and grants, contains a single link to a YouTube video titled "Proposers Day Video Recording" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUK48rBjMGU). The document's main purpose is to direct users to this external video resource. While the content of the video itself is not detailed in the file, the title suggests it pertains to a "Proposers Day," which is typically an event where government agencies brief potential contractors or grantees on upcoming solicitations, requirements, and the proposal submission process. This resource would be valuable for entities interested in bidding on government contracts or applying for grants, providing crucial information and context for future proposals.

The DARPA Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) program seeks to overcome scalability limitations in quantum computing by developing heterogeneous architectures. The program, detailed in a Proposers Day presentation, focuses on two technical areas: TA1 (MOSAIC) for software optimization across diverse qubit resources to achieve 1,000x lower resource estimates than homogeneous compilations for 1,000 logical qubit circuits, and TA2 (QSB) for hardware interconnectivity between heterogeneous qubit platforms, targeting a 10 MHz state transfer rate and 99.9% fidelity over 10 meters. The program includes a 24-month Phase 1, a potential 9-month Scale-Up Period, and a 12-24 month Expanded Program Follow-On Tasking (EPFT). Important dates include an Abstract Due Date of August 28, 2025, and a Proposal Due Date of October 14, 2025. Coordination between TA1 and TA2 performers is critical, requiring Associate Performer Agreements. The program aims to integrate diverse qubit technologies to achieve practical, large-scale quantum computing.

The DARPA-PS-25-31 Volume 2: Cost Volume Template provides comprehensive instructions for preparing cost proposals for the HARQ program. It mandates the use of Attachments E (Cost Volume Template) and F (Price Development Spreadsheet) for both prime organizations and subcontractors, emphasizing detailed, traceable cost breakdowns across all program phases and tasks. Proposals must adhere to specific formatting guidelines, including page size, margins, and font, and be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word for the Cost Volume, with spreadsheets as separate, editable files. The document outlines required cost categories such as direct labor, indirect costs, materials, equipment, travel, and sub-awardee costs, each requiring specific documentation for substantiation. It also details requirements for

The document "DARPA-PA-25-01 Price Summary Spreadsheet Version 2, 06/21/2022" is a template for compiling and presenting cost information for government proposals, likely within the context of federal grants or RFPs. It is classified as "Source Selection Information." The spreadsheet is structured to capture detailed cost breakdowns across a 24-month period (Phase 1) and a 9-month "Scale-Up Period." It includes categories for "DIRECT LABOR" (with spaces to list each category separately), "SUBCONTRACTOR(S) & CONSULTANT(S)", "MATERIALS", "EQUIPMENT", and "TRAVEL", as well as three placeholders for "OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODCs)." Each category allows for the input of "HOURS," "RATE," and "AMOUNT" on a monthly basis, culminating in "TOTAL PROPOSED HOURS" and "TOTAL PROPOSED AMOUNT." Key instructions emphasize that milestone due dates are stipulated in the "PS" (Performance Statement, likely), and that each submission must include a separate Price Summary spreadsheet for the Prime contractor and each subcontractor.

The DARPA-PS-25-31: Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) Q&A Document provides clarifications for potential performers on the HARQ program. Key areas addressed include unclassified work, submission procedures through the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT), and eligibility criteria. Both U.S. and non-U.S. entities are eligible, but government team members (UARCs, FFRDCs, and government entities) are prohibited from proposing as HARQ performers. There are no limits on the number of proposals a PI or team can submit, provided they are distinct. For-profit corporations may participate with the government team on a case-by-case basis. Not-for-profit research institutions are eligible performers. The document also outlines requirements for Associate Performer Agreements (APAs) for information sharing and IP protection, and clarifies expectations for TA1 and TA2 technical areas, including resource estimation, metrics, and deliverables.

This government file outlines an Other Transaction for Prototypes agreement (HR0011-26-9-XXXX) between DARPA and a performer for research and development of a prototype within the Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) program. It details the agreement's scope, including background questions for the proposer, definitions, and the primary goal of developing a specific prototype. The agreement specifies a 24-month term, with provisions for termination and extension by mutual written consent. It outlines project management, including annual program plans, modifications, and designated points of contact for both DARPA and the performer. The document also addresses financial obligations, milestone-based payments via WAWF, and financial record-keeping. Key articles cover patent rights, data rights (Government Purpose Rights), restrictions on foreign access to technology, safeguarding covered defense information, cyber incident reporting, and the prohibition on certain telecommunications equipment from covered foreign countries. Additionally, it includes clauses for follow-on production contracts, property disposition, civil rights compliance, security, and public release of information. The agreement emphasizes adherence to NIST SP 800-171 for cybersecurity and outlines dispute resolution procedures. Attachments include the Task Description Document and Report Requirements, emphasizing the use of the DARPA VAULT website for submissions.

DARPA-PS 25-31 outlines the "Associate Performer Agreements" for the Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) research effort, emphasizing open information exchange among performers. All award instruments stemming from this Program Solicitation will classify performers as "Associate Performers," requiring them to enter into agreements with other HARQ performers. These agreements ensure the protection of proprietary or confidential data, mandating its use solely for the HARQ effort and requiring clear identification in writing. Performers must maintain close cooperation, a free and open information network, and delineate detailed interface responsibilities. They are required to establish written agreements and promptly provide copies to the Contracting Officer. The agreement also covers the exchange of proprietary information necessary for performance. In case of disputes or delays, performers must notify the DARPA Microsystems Technology Office Program Manager for corrective action. Subcontracts requiring access to proprietary information must include similar protective language. HARQ performers in Technical Areas 1 and 2 are identified as Associate Performers.

The DARPA-PS-25-31 Attachment I outlines a detailed schedule of milestones and payments for a 24-month agreement, likely a federal grant or contract, divided into two primary technical areas (TA1 and TA2) and a 9-month Scale-Up Period. TA1 focuses on optimization frameworks, interface layouts, and compiler tool development, with nine milestones, including initial framework, interface layouts, small and large circuit demos, and final compiler delivery. Payments range from $50,000 to $300,000 per milestone. TA2 focuses on initial designs, design revisions, interconnect models, interface control documents, and comprehensive testing, also with nine milestones and payments ranging from $175,000 to $300,000. The Scale-Up Period, required regardless of TA, includes three milestones: team integration, CUI compliance readiness, and development of an Expanded Program Follow-on Tasking (EPFT) Plan, with payments ranging from $150,000 to $300,000. Each milestone has specific deliverables, presentations, and coordination requirements, often involving Government feedback and detailed technical R&D progress updates, culminating in final reports and prototype deliveries.

The DARPA-PS-25-31 document, titled "TASK DESCRIPTION DOCUMENT," serves as a template for performers to outline their proposed research and development (R&D) projects for DARPA. It is structured to guide proposers through detailing their R&D efforts, including project background, overview, goals, technical tasks, and management. Key sections require a clear, jargon-free explanation of the project's objectives, its novelty, societal impact, and associated risks. Proposers must elaborate on Phase 1 and Scale-Up Period goals, technical approaches, and mitigation strategies for identified risks. The document mandates detailed descriptions of technical tasks, objectives, methodologies, and deliverables for each phase. It also requires a comprehensive program management plan covering oversight, communication, subcontractor management, schedule/cost control, reporting, and risk management. Additionally, sections are included for meeting/travel requirements and Government Furnished Information/Property assumptions. This document ensures a standardized, thorough proposal submission, crucial for federal grants and R&D contracts.

The DARPA-PS-25-31 Attachment G outlines mandatory certifications for offerors seeking Other Transaction (OT) agreements, particularly for the Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) program. Key certifications include assurances against debarment, maintaining a drug-free workplace, and compliance with non-discrimination policies. For actions exceeding $100,000, offerors must certify against the use of federal funds for lobbying and disclose any non-federal lobbying activities. Corporations must also represent that they do not have unpaid federal tax liabilities or felony convictions, unless a waiver has been granted. The document prohibits contracts with entities requiring internal confidentiality agreements that restrict reporting of fraud, waste, or abuse. Additionally, it addresses prohibitions on the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, requiring detailed disclosures if such equipment or services are provided or utilized. Finally, offerors must provide information regarding the participation of non-traditional defense contractors, nonprofit research institutions, or small businesses, or if they are contributing at least one-third cost share, with supporting attestations for eligibility.

DARPA-PS-25-31 outlines instructions for submitting abstracts for the HARQ program. Submissions, limited to eight pages, must include Attachment A (Abstract Summary Slide) and Attachment B, covering technical concepts, approach, and proposer capabilities. Abstracts must be in PDF or Microsoft Word, adhere to formatting guidelines, and be submitted by the specified deadline. DARPA will review abstracts and provide feedback, though a favorable response does not guarantee a full proposal will be selected. A Q&A meeting will be held virtually. The document includes a cover sheet template for contact information and cost estimates, and detailed sections for technical concepts (TA1 and TA2), technical approach, and proposer capabilities. References are excluded from the page limit.

The DARPA-PS-25-31 Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) program's Question and Answer (Q&A) document addresses critical aspects of eligibility, technical requirements, and submission guidelines for abstracts and proposals. The program emphasizes unclassified work and encourages participation from diverse sources, including non-U.S. entities, with specific restrictions on government team members also participating as performers. Proposals should be unique, independent, and focus on a single solution, with no limits on the number of submissions per PI or team, provided they have distinct innovative claims. Key technical areas (TA1 and TA2) focus on quantum compiler frameworks and heterogeneous interconnect components, respectively, with defined metrics and deliverables. The document clarifies the role of Associate Performer Agreements (APAs) for IP protection and information sharing. Important updates include the requirement for SAM.gov registration by proposal submission, an 8-page limit for abstracts, and an October 1, 2025, deadline for questions. The program also defines “Fundamental Research” and outlines the 24-month Phase 1, with a potential 9-month Scale-Up Period for integration into larger testbeds. Teaming is encouraged but not required, and proposals can be software-only for TA1, while TA2 requires hardware prototypes. Radiation hardness is not a program goal.

The Controlled Unclassified Information Guide for the Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) outlines procedures for handling unclassified yet sensitive information within MTO solicitations and requests. Developed under DoDI 5200.48, this guide ensures the protection, storage, and dissemination control of CUI, excluding classified national security information. It applies to all DARPA personnel, contractors, and partners involved with MTO materials, providing marking instructions and guidance for identifying, protecting, and challenging CUI designations. Key CUI categories include Defense (Controlled Technical Information), Export Controlled information, and Proprietary Business Information. The guide also details Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) exemptions, particularly Exemption 3 (statutory exemptions) and Exemption 4 (trade secrets/commercial information). It establishes protocols for public, FOIA, proprietary, and foreign disclosures, emphasizing secure storage, authorized system processing (NIST 800-171 compliant), and mandatory reporting of unauthorized disclosures to MTOSecurity@darpa.mil. The document includes charts to aid in identifying and marking sensitive information, ensuring adherence to strict protection requirements.

The DARPA-PS-25-31 Proposal Summary Slide Template is a document designed to guide the submission of proposals for government contracts, grants, or RFPs. It outlines essential sections that proposers must complete, including a concept graphic, a detailed description of the proposed technical approach, and an analysis of critical technical challenges. A key requirement is the comparison of the proposed approach with existing methods or the state-of-the-art, specifically mentioning HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) as a point of comparison. The document is marked as "Competition Sensitive Information," indicating its use in a competitive bidding process and restricted distribution. This template ensures that proposals comprehensively address technical feasibility, innovation, and relevance within the context of federal government solicitations.

The provided document, titled "DARPA-PS-25-31 Proposal Summary Slide Template," outlines the essential components for a proposal summary slide within the context of government RFPs, federal grants, or state/local RFPs. It serves as a guide for organizations and technical points of contact (POCs) to present their proposed technical approach. Key sections include a concept graphic, a detailed description of the proposed technical approach for a selected technical area/track, and an analysis of critical technical challenges. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of comparing the proposed approach to existing solutions or the state-of-the-art. The mention of "HARQ" suggests a focus on communication or signal processing technologies. This template ensures that proposals clearly articulate their concepts, methodologies, and competitive advantages, providing a structured framework for submitting technical proposals to government agencies.

DARPA-PS-25-31, titled “Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ),” is a Program Solicitation from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and its Microsystems Technology Office (MTO). This solicitation seeks proposals for innovative research to develop heterogeneous quantum computing architectures, moving beyond current homogeneous systems. The program is structured into two Technical Areas (TAs): TA1, focusing on Multi-qubit Optimized Software Architecture through Interconnected Compilation (MOSAIC) to develop heterogeneous quantum circuit compilers, and TA2, concentrating on Quantum Shared Backbone (QSB) for hardware development of heterogeneous quantum interconnect technologies. The program anticipates multiple awards, with individual awards up to $2,000,000 for Phase 1 and a potential $650,000 for a Scale-Up Period. Key dates include a Proposal Abstract Due Date of August 28, 2025, and a Proposal Due Date of October 14, 2025. The overall goal is to achieve significant resource efficiency advantages over homogeneous architectures and develop high-performance interconnects between diverse qubit species. Proposals are evaluated based on Scientific and Technical Merit, Relevance to DARPA Mission, and Budget.

This DARPA document, Attachment I, Amendment 01, outlines the Schedule of Milestones and Payments for the DARPA-PS-25-31 agreement, detailing deliverables and payment schedules for two technical areas (TA1 and TA2), each with a 24-month Phase 1, followed by a 9-month Scale-Up Period applicable to both. TA1 focuses on optimization frameworks, interface layouts, and compiler tool development, culminating in an optimized circuit and resource estimate. TA2 emphasizes initial designs, interconnect models, and component testing, concluding with full-function testing and delivery of a functional component. Both phases include regular presentations, documentation revisions, and coordination with other performers. The Scale-Up Period involves team integration, CUI compliance, and development of an Expanded Program Follow-on Tasking (EPFT) Plan and commercialization plan for HARQ technology, with specific payment amounts and due dates tied to each milestone.

The DARPA-PS-25-31: Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) program seeks to develop quantum interconnects and compilers. The program is unclassified, and both U.S. and non-U.S. entities are eligible to participate, excluding government entities like UARCs, FFRDCs, and national laboratories from being performers. Proposals will be considered for both software-only (TA1) and hardware prototype development (TA2). Abstract submissions do not require prior SAM registration, but full proposals do. Teaming is encouraged but not mandatory, and specific guidelines exist for inter-team collaborations and intellectual property protection through Associate Performer Agreements (APAs). The program emphasizes radical innovation in interconnect components and communication modalities, with a focus on achieving ambitious performance metrics through analytical models and experimental component demonstrations.

DARPA-PS-25-31, titled “Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ),” is a program solicitation from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) aimed at developing heterogeneous quantum computing architectures. This initiative seeks innovative approaches for quantum interconnects, circuit compilers, and distributed algorithms to overcome the limitations of current homogeneous quantum systems. The program consists of a 24-month Phase 1 with two Technical Areas (TAs): TA1 focuses on software development for optimizing resource allocations between diverse qubit species, aiming for a 1,000x efficiency advantage; TA2 concentrates on hardware development for quantum interconnect technologies with metrics of 10 MHz state transfer rate and 99.9% fidelity. A 9-month Scale-Up Period is also included for hardware/software co-design. Multiple awards are anticipated, each valued at up to $2,000,000 for Phase 1 and $650,000 for the Scale-Up Period. Key dates include a proposal due date of November 3, 2025, and an estimated start date of March 16, 2026. Proposals are evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, and budget.

The DARPA-PS-25-31: Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) program is a federal government initiative focused on developing heterogeneous quantum computing architectures. This Q&A document clarifies various aspects for potential performers, including eligibility, submission guidelines, technical requirements for TA1 (compiler framework) and TA2 (hardware components), intellectual property protection, and teaming arrangements. Key points include the unclassified nature of the work, strict eligibility rules prohibiting government entities from performing R&D, and the requirement for separate, distinct proposals for different technical areas or tracks. The program encourages radical innovation to achieve ambitious metrics, with a focus on component-level development for TA2 and theoretical/software solutions for TA1.

DARPA-PS-25-31, "Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ)," is a solicitation from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeking proposals for revolutionary advances in heterogeneous quantum computing architectures. The program aims to overcome the limitations of current homogeneous quantum computers by enabling the efficient interconnection of diverse qubit species. This 24-month Phase 1 effort, with a potential 9-month Scale-Up Period, is structured into two Technical Areas (TAs): TA1 (MOSAIC) focuses on developing heterogeneous quantum circuit compilers for optimal resource allocation, targeting a 1,000x efficiency advantage; TA2 (QSB) focuses on hardware development for heterogeneous quantum interconnect technologies with 10 MHz state transfer rates and 99.9% fidelity. Multiple awards up to $2,000,000 for Phase 1 and $650,000 for the Scale-Up Period are anticipated. Proposals are due November 7, 2025, and will be evaluated on scientific and technical merit, relevance to DARPA’s mission, and budget.

DARPA-PS-25-31: Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) is a Q&A document outlining the DARPA program for developing quantum computing systems. The program focuses on heterogeneous architectures for quantum computing, with unclassified work expected from all performers. Eligibility rules are detailed, prohibiting government entities, UARCs, and FFRDCs from proposing as performers, while U.S. and non-U.S. organizations and for-profit corporations are generally eligible. The document clarifies guidelines for abstract and proposal submissions, teaming arrangements, and intellectual property protection through Associate Performer Agreements (APAs). It defines the scope, metrics, milestones, and deliverables for Technical Area 1 (TA1) focusing on software compilers for heterogeneous physical circuits, and Technical Area 2 (TA2) for hardware component development and interconnects. Key aspects include the 24-month Phase 1, the optional 9-month Scale-Up Period, and the expectation of radical innovation in interconnect components. Questions regarding CUI compliance, personnel commitments, and proposal formatting are also addressed.