Award

UKRI-5862 IBM Quantum Flex Plan Resource

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

02 Apr 2026 at 15:02

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process for the contract "UKRI-5862 IBM Quantum Flex Plan Resource" was conducted by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), based in Swindon, Wiltshire. This procurement is within the services industry category, specifically focusing on computer audit and testing services. The contract was awarded directly to IBM United Kingdom Limited due to their unique capability of providing access to IBM Quantum Computers, essential for the National Quantum Computing Centre’s programme. This contract is at the award stage, with a scheduled signing date by 14 April 2026, and the delivery location is specified within the South East region (UKJ14). The contract period will commence on 1 May 2026 and conclude on 30 April 2027.

This procurement presents a strategic opportunity for businesses involved in high-tech and quantum computing sectors to align with significant technological initiatives through partnerships or subcontracting with primary suppliers like IBM. While the direct award process was utilised due to a lack of equivalent providers, businesses specialising in ancillary services, support, or complementary technologies to IBM's offerings may find opportunities for growth. The significant contract value suggests robust involvement in the national quantum computing agenda, indicative of potential future collaborative opportunities for innovative firms in technology development and support services.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-5862 IBM Quantum Flex Plan Resource

Notice Description

IBM Quantum Flex Plan Resource Unit per Annum for National Quantum Computing Centre

Procurement Information

IBM is currently the only commercial cloud provider globally offering direct access to IBM Quantum Computers, which are essential for delivering the NQCC's SparQ Access Programme and supporting internal quantum R&D. To maintain service continuity for NQCC and partner institutions, direct contracting with IBM is necessary.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067c38
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031090-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

72800000 - Computer audit and testing services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£2,022,116 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Apr 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
2 Apr 2026Yesterday
Contract Period
30 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2027 6-12 months
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
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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

IBM UNITED KINGDOM

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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