Published date: 25 August 2020

Last edited date: 23 September 2020

Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.


Closing: 9 October 2020, 2pm

Contract summary

Industry

  • Satellite platforms - 32534000

Location of contract

OX11 0QX

Value of contract

£700,000 to £1,400,000

Procurement reference

UK SBS PR19106

Published date

25 August 2020

Closing date

9 October 2020

Closing time

2pm

Contract start date

27 November 2020

Contract end date

30 November 2023

Contract type

Supply contract

Procedure type

Open procedure (above threshold)

Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

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 £5M, 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 £1M 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 £400K 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.

More information

Links

Additional text

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/

About the buyer

Address

Polaris House
SWINDON
SN21FF
England

Email

majorprojects@uksbs.co.uk