Planning

Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Surface Vehicle

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

19 Apr 2026 at 08:44

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is currently in the planning stage for a procurement titled "Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Surface Vehicle". This initiative aims to explore options for converting a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), or similar, into an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) to be utilised in naval exercises. Classified under the industry category "Boats" (CPV code 34520000), the procurement specifically targets small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). The location specified for this procurement is Portsmouth, South East England, with the procurement process initiated through tender. A key milestone in this stage is the engagement end date on 30th April 2026.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in maritime vessel conversion and technology solutions. Companies that offer cost-effective and innovative solutions for uncrewed surface vehicles will find ample potential for growth and collaboration with the Royal Navy, especially given the project's focus on expedited trials and experimentation. Businesses with expertise in remotely operated systems, or those looking to expand their reach into defence contracts, would be well-suited to compete for this procurement. The focus on low-cost solutions, approximately under £60,000, suggests that there is an open field for cost-efficient proposals and innovative approaches to meet the Royal Navy's needs.

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How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Cost & Capability of Low-Cost Remotely Operated Uncrewed Surface Vehicle

Notice Description

The Royal Navy is keen to understand the industry options available for the conversion of a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), or similar vessel, into a remotely operated uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), to be used as a mobile target in various Naval exercises. Acknowledging the global proliferation of these systems, the goal is to assess the specifications of low-cost options (c. sub PS60,000), to further expedite Royal Navy trials and experimentation.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-925b8841-2783-461e-80b1-d2dd862e5e17
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/78ba1318-3c35-4f1b-b559-22525bae9adc
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

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

CPV Codes

34520000 - Boats

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Apr 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
30 Apr 20265 days 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)

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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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