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MHC Block 2 Procurement of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Associated Equipment and Support

Defence Equipment and Support

This public procurement record has 5 releases in its history.

Tender

24 Oct 2025 at 10:58

UK4 - Tender Notice
PlanningUpdate

24 Jul 2025 at 11:09

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

03 Jul 2025 at 13:34

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

14 May 2025 at 13:59

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Planning

14 Apr 2025 at 16:23

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation is seeking tenders for the procurement of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and associated equipment as part of the Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Block 2 programme. With a competitive flexible procedure in place, the procurement focuses on the defence and security sector. Located in Bristol, the buying organisation has set a deadline for the expression of interest on 21 November 2025. The procurement process is currently in the tender stage, and the procurement method being utilised is selective. The full value is anticipated to gross £150 million, with the contract award expected by June 2026. Key stages, including the Tenderers Conference and an in-water confidence assessment, are scheduled for early 2026, with tender packs to be issued by January or February 2026.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses operating within the defence and marine technology sectors. Companies with expertise in unmanned maritime systems, equipment support, and technological innovation will find this tender appealing. The procurement process allows for potentially lucrative engagements due to the contract's value and renewal options, which include extensions and additional procurement opportunities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate, provided they meet the technical and economic criteria, making this an excellent opportunity for businesses with robust UK-based facilities to expand their portfolios in the competitive defence market.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

MHC Block 2 Procurement of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Associated Equipment and Support

Notice Description

Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Team Block 2 procurement of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, associated equipment and in-service support.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: The proposed contract will include an option for the purchase of an additional quantity of UUVs, which will be exercised in the event that The Authority identifies a requirement for the procurement of similar or identical equipment.

Renewal: The proposed contract will include two options to extend the term of the agreement by an additional year each. These options will be exercised by The Authority in the event it requires an extended period of equipment support.

Planning Information

***UPDATE 24/07/2025 - The Request For Information activity for this requirement has concluded as of 30th May 2025, and submissions to participate from potential suppliers is no longer invited. Please refer to the related UK3 Planned Procurement Notice published on 3rd July for updated details of the planned timescales for this requirement.*** https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037104-2025 This Early Market Engagement Notice is to give industry advance notice of the Authority’s proposed procurement of up to 24 Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUV) and 8 Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) for mine hunting and seabed surveillance purposes, and to gain feedback from potential suppliers via the completion of a set of specific procurement-related questions. This requirement is part of the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Block 2 programme. Suppliers who do not submit a response to this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice/RFI will not be precluded from participating in any subsequent MHC Block 2 UUV competitive procurement process. Suppliers should note that following the conclusion of this RFI the Authority may, at its sole discretion, decide to proceed with the MHC Block 2 UUV procurement as planned, via a different procurement route or not to proceed. The purpose of this Early Market Engagement Notice/RFI is for the Authority to gather information and is not a commitment to future procurement activity. ***UPDATE 24/07/2025 - The Request For Information activity for this requirement has concluded as of 30th May 2025, and submissions to participate from potential suppliers is no longer invited. Please refer to the related UK3 Planned Procurement Notice published on 3rd July for updated details of the planned timescales for this requirement.*** https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037104-2025

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0502d1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/068099-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
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
£125,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£125,000,000 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Oct 202510 months ago
Submission Deadline
5 Mar 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
16 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 30 Sep 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Defence Equipment and Support
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 8JH
Postcode Area
Bristol
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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