Award

UKRI-5862 IBM Quantum Flex Plan Resource

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

29 Apr 2026 at 14:12

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

07 Apr 2026 at 14:24

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

02 Apr 2026 at 15:02

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) has successfully completed the procurement process for the "IBM Quantum Flex Plan Resource" to support the National Quantum Computing Centre. This contract was awarded on 24th April 2026, with the service period spanning from 1st May 2026 to 30th April 2027. The procurement was carried out as a direct award due to the unique capabilities of IBM being the sole commercial cloud provider offering direct access to IBM Quantum Computers. The industry category is services related to computer audit and testing, located primarily in Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. The total contract value amounts to £2,426,539.68, ensuring service continuity under the SparQ Access Programme for NQCC.

This tender represents significant growth opportunities for businesses involved in quantum computing services. As IBM is the only supplier offering these specialised services, organisations with expertise in quantum computing infrastructure and support services could benefit from future collaboration with UKRI and IBM. Large-scale technology firms, especially those focused on innovative cloud computing solutions, would be adept at leveraging similar opportunities for partnership or contract work in supporting advanced research initiatives, thereby expanding their market presence within the realm of quantum technology. Businesses that can offer complementary services or solutions that enhance the capabilities of the IBM Quantum Flex Plan may also find lucrative prospects in related projects.

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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/039308-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details 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
£2,022,116 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Apr 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
31 Mar 20262 months ago
Contract Period
30 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

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)

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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