---
title: "UKRI-5717 Support and Maintenance for ORCA quantum computer"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-064b06"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-064b06"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-064b06.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-064b06.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)"
published: "2026-02-09"
---

# UKRI-5717 Support and Maintenance for ORCA quantum computer

Buyer: UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-064b06

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[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-064b06.json)

## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011389-2026 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 9 Feb 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 9 Feb 2026 |
| Contract period | 23 Feb 2026 - 22 Feb 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £480,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Pending |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI) |
| Locality | SWINDON, WILTSHIRE |
| Post town | Swindon |
| Postcode | SN2 1FL |
| 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 |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | ORCA COMPUTING |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 72261000 - Software support services

## Release History

- 9 Feb 2026 at 13:49 - Award - UK6 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011389-2026
- 9 Feb 2026 at 12:07 - Award - UK5 - Transparency Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011337-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011389-2026
  9th February 2026 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011337-2026
  9th February 2026 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.ukri.org/

## 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-h6vhtk-064b06. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-064b06.json.