Public procurement notice: Prior Information Notice Without Call For Competition
Published: 2024-04-30
Buyer: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd
Country: FI
Region: FI1B1
Contract type: Supplies
CPV classification: 30144000 | 30210000 | 30211100
Submission deadline: 2024-06-28

Technical requirements: The aim of this request for information is to find out possible parties on the market who can provide a photonic quantum computer system. 

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd’s (later “VTT”) goal is to get a Quantum computer with between 150-300 qubits with high enough quality to enable running quantum utility level algorithms.
The system delivery must be a full stack quantum computer, including all needed components for operation of the Quantum computer, at minimum a QPU with packaging and shielding, control and read-out electronics, a cryostat, connecting cabling as well as software to operate the system, including the ability to write quantum circuits and quantum algorithms and compile custom pulse sequences on the device and automated calibration and tune up of the system from cool down. The quantum computer must be accessible at instrument level, or at low abstraction level. System delivery must include installation, acceptance testing on-site, training (on-site and remote), full customer documentation, warranty and options for support and maintenance for at least two years. The quantum computer HW and/or software must be able to support the implementation of quantum error correction and mitigation, with SW from the supplier or from external companies. 

The quantum computer is intended for both quantum algorithm development as well as other research topics involving a quantum computer and must be able to support remote access through a cloud service provider and hybrid computations between a quantum computer and a supercomputer. 

VTT is researching and developing quantum devices such as SQUID magnetometers, travelling wave parametric amplifiers (TWPAs), qubits, read-out-resonators, single photon detectors and integrated photonics devices. For more information about VTT's quantum technologies access: https://www.vttresearch.com/en/ourservices/quantum-computer-technology 

VTT is looking for parties ready to collaborate with VTT on topics regarding scaling up quantum computers and to execute the system delivery project partially with VTT.

Questions for supplier:

1.References of delivered systems
a.Please describe delivered system performance and figures of merit
b.How large systems have been delivered to customers? How many qubits do these include?
c.How many similar-in-size reference systems have you produced and characterized?
d.If there is a publication related to your reference system, please provide a reference to it. A non-public document of similar technical quality as an academic publication is also welcome as an attachment.
e.Are any of the figures of merit you provide based on predicted or simulated performance, rather than experimentally measured data? 

2.Does the quantum computer system allow access to analog control and readout signals?

3.Description of calibration or fine-tuning tools and capabilities?

4.Quantum error correction/suppression/mitigation solution(s)?

5.Possible collaboration topics/points with VTT

6.Development schedule / estimated lead time for the system delivery?

7.Data security and management requirements, preliminary data protection requirements

8.Indicative price range

9.Preliminary requirements relating to the dataprotection
9.1:The issuance, modification and removal of the identifications and authorizations of the service to be acquired shall be organized in a manner jointly agreed with the VTT.
9.2:The supplier has a written security procedure for the processing of VTT data.
9.3:The service to be procured meets effective regulatory requirements applicable to it.
9.4: The service to be acquired is under 24-hour security monitoring. The supplier shall notify VTT without undue delay of incidents (affecting confidentiality, integrity or availability) in the service. (includes systems where VTT sensitive information will be processed i.e. laptops, email systems etc.).
9.5:If sensitive information is processed, the information shall be encrypted in transit by methods generally considered secure.
9.6:The service to be acquired has ISO 27001 certification or equivalent or has authority approval.
9.7:In case the supplier develops software to the procured service, the supplier shall use secure software development methods such as OWASP 10 or other similar methods.
9.8:The supplier must verify the security of the service provided. The requirement includes, for example, penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, as well as correcting detected anomalies.
9.9:Maintenance connections use strong authentication methods (i.e. MFA) (includes systems where VTT sensitive information will be processed i.e. email systems)
9.10: Servers used in provision of the service for processing VTT’s data are in EU/EEC area. Data (incl. personal data) is during its lifecycle processed only inside EU/EEC area (taking into account location of servers, maintenance and support services, monitoring and also legislative requirements of service provider’s country).
9.11: The supplier and sub-processors of data are in EU/EEC area.
9.12: The supplier, as a processor under GDPR, complies with the effective and applicable legislation on data protection and with any provisions on the processing and protection of personal data.
9.13: In case of IT purchase, purchased service enables/ supports fulfillment of applicable data subject rights in compliance with the effective legislation on data protection and with any provisions on the processing and protection of personal data.
9.14: In case of IT purchase, the purchased system enables determination of storage period for personal data and/or retrieval of personal data that reaches the determined period. The purchased service ensures secure and reliable destruction of such data within the determined period. 
9.15: Personal data processed on behalf of VTT is not to be used for other purposes than providing service to VTT, such as development or testing of the supplier’s own services or any other own purposes of the supplier.