--- title: "UK SBS PR19106 SPEQTRE Spacecraft Platform and Software" ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad.json" source: "Contracts Finder" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED" published: "2020-09-23" --- # UK SBS PR19106 SPEQTRE Spacecraft Platform and Software Buyer: UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad.json) ## Summary 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. ## Notice 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/ ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Contracts Finder | | Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4bb06b82-7ade-47c6-9a15-b753713d3267 | | 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 | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 23 Sep 2020 | | Submission deadline | 9 Oct 2020 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 27 Nov 2020 - 30 Nov 2023 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £1,400,000 | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Not specified | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED | | Locality | SWINDON | | Post town | Swindon | | Postcode | SN2 1FF | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) | | ITL 2 | TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire | | ITL 3 | TLK71 Swindon | | Local authority | Swindon | | Electoral ward | Rodbourne Cheney | | Westminster constituency | Swindon North | | Delivery location | Not specified | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment ### Codes - 32534000 - Satellite platforms ## Release History - 23 Sep 2020 at 14:59 - TenderAmendment - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4bb06b82-7ade-47c6-9a15-b753713d3267 - 25 Aug 2020 at 08:31 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4bb06b82-7ade-47c6-9a15-b753713d3267 ## Documents - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4bb06b82-7ade-47c6-9a15-b753713d3267 23rd September 2020 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder - https://uksbs.delta-esourcing.com/respond/3AQ28YUSCY Delta eSourcing Portal Link ## Notice URLs - https://uksbs.delta-esourcing.com/ - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/43221e79-0bbf-41b7-b242-c47b54f09a84?origin=SearchResults&p=1 ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-e18618e6-24e1-4fd8-8d57-0e047c1f27ad.json.