Planning

RFI0013 - Animal Biomechanics and Behaviours

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

18 Aug 2021 at 07:57

Market Engagement Notice
Planning

17 Aug 2021 at 15:47

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is currently planning the procurement process for a tender titled "RFI0013 - Animal Biomechanics and Behaviours" focused on the development of unmanned underwater vehicles, inspired by animal propulsion methods. Interested parties can participate in the market engagement that will conclude on 24 September 2021. This engagement process was officially announced on 17 August 2021, with further details available in the documents provided through the Contracts Finder platform. This initiative takes place in the South East region of the United Kingdom and forms part of the broader effort to explore innovative technologies for military applications.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in advanced robotics and marine engineering, particularly those focusing on evolutionary biomechanics inspired by nature. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) stand to gain from this RFI, as it encourages innovative solutions that may reshape the capabilities of uncrewed vehicles. Companies with expertise in biomimicry, underwater vehicle design, or propulsion technologies may find this an ideal opportunity to collaborate with the Royal Navy and contribute to future defence capabilities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

RFI0013 - Animal Biomechanics and Behaviours

Notice Description

The Royal Navy is interested in progressing its use in uncrewed surface and underwater vehicles which have a unique propulsion system and/or design based on physical animal behaviours. Evolutionary biomechanics move away from using a traditional thruster, to those inspired by the flapping fins of swimming animals such as rays, penguins and turtles. Examples of this may include, but not be limited to how a dolphin manoeuvres underwater, or how a sea snake swims on the surface. This Request for Further Information (RFI) therefore aims to understand the technology that already exists in the commercial sector as a view for potential future investment.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-5bf401d4-4636-416d-b032-1b3038d531ca
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/ba49a64a-f8c0-400a-9e16-a02a4962672c
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
18 Aug 20214 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
24 Sep 2021Expired
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
Rosemary Wright
Contact Email
navycomrcl-rfi@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

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

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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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