Tender

UK SBS PR19106 SPEQTRE Spacecraft Platform and Software

UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderAmendment

23 Sep 2020 at 14:59

Tender

25 Aug 2020 at 08:31

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process involves the UK Shared Business Services Limited, which is seeking proposals for the "UK SBS PR19106 SPEQTRE Spacecraft Platform and Software" project. This initiative is based in England and focuses on the aerospace industry, specifically under the category of satellite platforms (CPV code: 32534000). As of now, the process is in the Tender stage, with the deadline for submissions set for 2 October 2020 at 14:00. The total contract value is £1.4 million, with a maximum budget of £1 million for core deliverables, and additional optional purchases valued up to £400,000 are also available. This project kicks off around November 2020 and is expected to conclude by November 2023.

This tender presents a substantial opportunity for businesses specialising in satellite technology, software development, and support equipment for aerospace applications. Companies with expertise in Quantum Key Distribution technology and those capable of delivering the specified components—such as electrical ground support equipment, mission control software, and related technical services—are particularly encouraged to participate. Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are well-suited to bid on this project, contributing to the collaborative efforts between the UK and Singapore in advancing secure online communications through satellite technology.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

UK SBS PR19106 SPEQTRE Spacecraft Platform and Software

Notice Description

The project called "Speqtre" formerly known as "QKD QubeSat" is a collaboration between the Singapore and UK (BEIS) governments, and could lead to a more secure online activity for consumers in everything from financial transactions to online conversations. The project scope is to build and fly a satellite quantum key distribution (QKD) test bed. Through this collaboration, Singapore and the UK will co-develop a satellite called "Speqtre"", a satellite based on the CubeSat standard that will use a pioneering QKD technology to test the secure distribution of cryptographic keys over globe-spanning distances. Quantum Key Distribution provides an alternative that can be seamlessly integrated onto the network systems we already use. It is resistant to all known computational attacks, including from future quantum computers. The project was kicked off around Feb 2019 and is currently around PDR stage. The satellite is expected to be launched around Q3/Q4 2023. In the UK, work will be led by the STFC, responsible for the development of the platform (BUS) and the optical payload for optical links needed for beaming QKD signals, known as the 'Optical Payload'. RAL Space is also responsible for the design, development, and implementation of an optical ground station. The UK contribution for this project is PS5M, provided to RAL Space by BEIS (UK Government). In Singapore, work will be led by the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) which will contribute its expertise in the building of a rugged and compact Quantum Key Distribution instrument, known as 'QKD Payload'. A Supplier Day had previously been held for this requirement; https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/43221e79-0bbf-41b7-b242-c47b54f09a84?origin=SearchResults&p=1 Proposal are sought by UKRI for the core deliverables of the requirement; -Proto-Flight Model -Electrical Ground Support Equipment -Mission Control Software -Mechanical Ground Support Equipment. -Agreed Flat Sat The upper value of PS1M GBP excluding VAT for the core requirement, is the maximum budget available. Therefore, Bids that exceed this value will not be accepted by the Contracting Authority. The Optional purchases, that may be taken up by UKRI within 12 months of contract commencement are; -EO Camera -Lens Cover -Flat Sat - EPS -Flat Sat - Radio -Flat Sat - ADCS The options are estimated to be up to a value of PS400K GBP excluding VAT. Bidders will be required to sign an NDA in order to receive all technical information in order to bid on the requirement. Additional information: Please Note: Do not apply directly to the Buyer. Please disregard any content in this notice that requests your organisation "to apply directly to the buyer" as this unfortunately a system generated error, that is outside of the Contracting Authorities control. The final date and time for the submission of bids is 09 October 2020 at 1400hrs. The contracting authority shall utilise the Delta eSourcing Procurement Tool available at the above link to conduct this procurement. All enquiries with respect to problems or functionality within the tool may be submitted to Delta eSourcing on 08452707050. For communication, please utilise the messaging system within the Delta e-sourcing tool at the above link. Delta is a free self-registration website and this can be done by completing the online questionnaire at https://uksbs.delta-esourcing.com/

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4bb06b82-7ade-47c6-9a15-b753713d3267
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment


CPV Codes

32534000 - Satellite platforms

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,400,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Sep 20205 years ago
Submission Deadline
9 Oct 2020Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
27 Nov 2020 - 30 Nov 2023 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON
Postcode
SN2 1FF
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad-2020-09-23T15:59:55+01:00",
    "date": "2020-09-23T15:59:55+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad",
    "language": "en",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "UK SBS PR19106",
        "title": "UK SBS PR19106 SPEQTRE Spacecraft Platform and Software",
        "description": "The project called \"Speqtre\" formerly known as \"QKD QubeSat\" is a collaboration between the Singapore and UK (BEIS) governments, and could lead to a more secure online activity for consumers in everything from financial transactions to online conversations. The project scope is to build and fly a satellite quantum key distribution (QKD) test bed. Through this collaboration, Singapore and the UK will co-develop a satellite called \"Speqtre\"\", a satellite based on the CubeSat standard that will use a pioneering QKD technology to test the secure distribution of cryptographic keys over globe-spanning distances. Quantum Key Distribution provides an alternative that can be seamlessly integrated onto the network systems we already use. It is resistant to all known computational attacks, including from future quantum computers. The project was kicked off around Feb 2019 and is currently around PDR stage. The satellite is expected to be launched around Q3/Q4 2023. In the UK, work will be led by the STFC, responsible for the development of the platform (BUS) and the optical payload for optical links needed for beaming QKD signals, known as the 'Optical Payload'. RAL Space is also responsible for the design, development, and implementation of an optical ground station. The UK contribution for this project is PS5M, provided to RAL Space by BEIS (UK Government). In Singapore, work will be led by the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) which will contribute its expertise in the building of a rugged and compact Quantum Key Distribution instrument, known as 'QKD Payload'. A Supplier Day had previously been held for this requirement; https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/43221e79-0bbf-41b7-b242-c47b54f09a84?origin=SearchResults&p=1 Proposal are sought by UKRI for the core deliverables of the requirement; -Proto-Flight Model -Electrical Ground Support Equipment -Mission Control Software -Mechanical Ground Support Equipment. -Agreed Flat Sat The upper value of PS1M GBP excluding VAT for the core requirement, is the maximum budget available. Therefore, Bids that exceed this value will not be accepted by the Contracting Authority. The Optional purchases, that may be taken up by UKRI within 12 months of contract commencement are; -EO Camera -Lens Cover -Flat Sat - EPS -Flat Sat - Radio -Flat Sat - ADCS The options are estimated to be up to a value of PS400K GBP excluding VAT. Bidders will be required to sign an NDA in order to receive all technical information in order to bid on the requirement. Additional information: Please Note: Do not apply directly to the Buyer. Please disregard any content in this notice that requests your organisation \"to apply directly to the buyer\" as this unfortunately a system generated error, that is outside of the Contracting Authorities control. The final date and time for the submission of bids is 09 October 2020 at 1400hrs. The contracting authority shall utilise the Delta eSourcing Procurement Tool available at the above link to conduct this procurement. All enquiries with respect to problems or functionality within the tool may be submitted to Delta eSourcing on 08452707050. For communication, please utilise the messaging system within the Delta e-sourcing tool at the above link. Delta is a free self-registration website and this can be done by completing the online questionnaire at https://uksbs.delta-esourcing.com/",
        "datePublished": "2020-08-25T09:31:14+01:00",
        "status": "active",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "32534000",
            "description": "Satellite platforms"
        },
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "postalCode": "OX11 0QX"
                    },
                    {
                        "postalCode": "OX11 0QX"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "minValue": {
            "amount": 700000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "value": {
            "amount": 1400000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure (above threshold)",
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2020-10-09T14:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
            "startDate": "2020-11-27T00:00:00Z",
            "endDate": "2023-11-30T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "suitability": {
            "sme": true,
            "vcse": false
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "description": "Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder",
                "url": "https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4bb06b82-7ade-47c6-9a15-b753713d3267",
                "datePublished": "2020-08-25T09:31:14+01:00",
                "format": "text/html",
                "language": "en",
                "dateModified": "2020-09-23T15:59:55+01:00"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Delta eSourcing Portal Link",
                "url": "https://uksbs.delta-esourcing.com/respond/3AQ28YUSCY"
            }
        ]
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-SRS-sid4gov.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/dXGP288m",
            "name": "UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED",
                "scheme": "GB-SRS",
                "id": "sid4gov.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/dXGP288m"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Polaris House",
                "locality": "SWINDON",
                "postalCode": "SN21FF",
                "countryName": "England"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "majorprojects@uksbs.co.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-SRS-sid4gov.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/dXGP288m",
        "name": "UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED"
    }
}