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RFI - Royal Navy Maritime Autonomous Systems Platform Authority Industry Engagement

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

05 Aug 2026 at 09:27

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is initiating a public procurement process titled "RFI - Royal Navy Maritime Autonomous Systems Platform Authority Industry Engagement," focusing on the industry category of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles. This process is currently at the planning stage, with the procurement classified under the Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) code 35512400. It aims to engage the industry to establish a Platform Authority for Maritime Uncrewed Systems in the South East region of the United Kingdom, more specifically in Portsmouth. The engagement end date is set for 19th August 2026, providing a strategic timeline for interested parties to contribute insights and proposals.

This procurement process presents significant growth opportunities for businesses, especially those specialising in maritime systems, engineering expertise, or certification support for uncrewed technologies. With the Ministry of Defence emphasizing governance and through-life assurance, businesses capable of offering innovative solutions and robust safety certifications will find this tender particularly appealing. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) are considered suitable contenders, suggesting that diverse business sizes and types are encouraged to participate in this strategic defence initiative.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

RFI - Royal Navy Maritime Autonomous Systems Platform Authority Industry Engagement

Notice Description

The Authority is seeking industry input on the establishment of a Platform Authority for Maritime Uncrewed Systems, capable of providing the governance, engineering expertise, certification support and through-life assurance necessary to enable the safe and effective operation of current and future capabilities.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-0e2ca6c1-d3d3-4070-9e83-c6d34cd33903
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/84864661-b60c-4dec-a82c-c955f6946033
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

CPV Codes

35512400 - Unmanned underwater vehicles

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Aug 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
19 Aug 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PORTSMOUTH
Postcode
PO2 8BY
Post Town
Portsmouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ31 Portsmouth
Delivery Location
TLJ South East (England)
Local Authority
Portsmouth
Electoral Ward
Nelson
Westminster Constituency
Portsmouth North

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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