Satellite platforms

Tender 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. 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 UKRI, 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’. 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 GBP 1 million 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. Options that may be purchased via the contract are mentioned below in Section II.2.11). An NDA will be required to be signed by bidders in order to received all tender documentation in order to bid on the requirement. About UK Shared Business Services. UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) brings a commercial attitude to the public sector; helping our contracting authorities to improve efficiency, generate savings and modernise. Where UK SBS is not named as the Contracting Authority within the documentation, UK SBS will be acting as an agent on behalf of the contracting authority. Our broad range of expert services is shared by our customers. This allows our customers the freedom to focus resources on core activities; innovating and transforming their own organisations. For full details of our partner base please review the following link: http://www.uksbs.co.uk/services/procure/contracts/Pages/default.aspx UK SBS will be using the Delta eSourcing Portal for this procurement. To register on the Delta eSourcing portal please use the link https://uksbs.deltaesourcing.com and follow the instructions to register. If you are already registered on the Delta eSourcing Portal and wish to participate in this procurement, please use the link: https://uksbs.delta-esourcing.com and the follow the instructions to ‘Login’. Once you are logged into the system you will be able to link yourself into this procurement using the access code stated in this notice. As a user of the Delta eSourcing Portal you will have access to the Delta messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to any specific tender event. Please note it is your responsibility to access these messages on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information applicable to this opportunity. The contracting authority expressly reserves the right: (i) not to award any contract as a result of the procurement process commenced by publication of this notice; and (ii) to make whatever changes it may see fit to the content and structure of the procurement; and in no circumstances will the contracting authority be liable for any costs incurred by any supplier. If the contracting authority decides to enter into a contract with the successful supplier, this does not mean that there is any guarantee of subsequent contracts being awarded. Any expenditure, work or effort undertaken prior to contract award is accordingly a matter solely for the commercial judgement of bidders.