Scope
Reference
UKRI-5717
Description
Support and Maintenance for ORCA quantum computer hosted at RAL
Contract 1. UKRI-5717 Support and Maintenance for ORCA quantum computer
Supplier
Contract value
- £480,000 excluding VAT
- £576,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
20 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 23 February 2026 to 22 February 2028
- 2 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72261000 - Software support services
Contract locations
- UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
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.
Supplier
ORCA Computing Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQHT-3258-LTGM
30 Eastbourne Terrace,
London
W2 6LA
United Kingdom
Email: media@orcacomputing.com
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. UKRI-5717 Support and Maintenance for ORCA quantum computer
Contracting authority
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQJ-7126-JDHG
Polaris House
Swindon, Wiltshire
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - central government