Planning

RFI0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

20 Feb 2026 at 09:10

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence, located in Portsmouth, England, is in the planning stage of procuring a multi-role Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) testbed, part of the industry category for survey vessels with specific emphasis on research vessel services. This early engagement is titled "RFI0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL" and falls under the tender initiation type. Potential suppliers are encouraged to note the milestone engagement end date set for 6th March 2026, marking an important timeline for this procurement in the South East region of the United Kingdom.

This tender represents a strategic opportunity for businesses specializing in maritime technology and vessel service innovations, particularly those capable of providing cutting-edge uncrewed vessel solutions suited to technology demonstrations. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), are encouraged to participate, given the suitability criteria outlined by the Ministry. The project offers a promising platform for companies wishing to expand their role in the defence and maritime innovation sectors.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

RFI0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL

Notice Description

DCTO is currently seeking information to understand the availability of a multi-role Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) testbed, for the purpose of technology demonstration.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-b8d6bda6-d53b-4880-b655-d2ef453a827f
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/c7c713fa-ef55-447f-9dc6-331aab426e52
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

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

CPV Codes

34513550 - Survey vessels

63726800 - Research vessel services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Feb 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
6 Mar 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

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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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