Award

UKRI-5717 Support and Maintenance for ORCA quantum computer

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

09 Feb 2026 at 13:49

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

09 Feb 2026 at 12:07

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the contract titled "UKRI-5717 Support and Maintenance for ORCA quantum computer" was conducted by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), a central government public authority based in Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. This tender falls under the services industry category, specifically software support services (CPV code 72261000). The contracting stage is at the award phase, with the award notice published on 9th February 2026. The contract, valued at £576,000 gross, is scheduled to commence on 23rd February 2026 and will conclude on 22nd February 2028. The procurement method used was a direct award, justified by technical reasons, as ORCA Computing Limited is uniquely positioned to support the bespoke quantum computing infrastructure at RAL in the UKJ14 region.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses operating in the highly specialised technology and quantum computing sectors. Companies with expertise in proprietary technology and bespoke systems might find growth potential in engagements requiring cutting-edge support and maintenance services. The direct award procurement method indicates the exclusivity and specialised nature of the services, pointing to opportunities for businesses that can develop niche capabilities in quantum computing infrastructure support. SMEs and those focusing on high-tech R&D-driven projects could particularly benefit from understanding the technical prerequisites and positioning themselves as potential future participants in such intricate projects.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-5717 Support and Maintenance for ORCA quantum computer

Notice Description

Support and Maintenance for ORCA quantum computer hosted at RAL

Procurement Information

The system is a one-off, state of the art system at the cutting edge of quantum computing R&D. It is bespoke to the SBRI testbed call and relies on proprietary technology and Orca-specific know-how and expertise. Orca Computing Ltd are the only organisation able to support and maintain this system effectively, and its continued operation is key to delivering benefits. A direct award is therefore justified for technical reasons.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-064b06
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011389-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72261000 - Software support services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£480,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
9 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
23 Feb 2026 - 22 Feb 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
stfcprocurement@ukri.org
Contact Phone
+441793442000

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN2 1FL
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ORCA COMPUTING

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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. 

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