Tender

UKRI-5300 BAS - Provision of DriX USV Operation services

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

04 Dec 2025 at 16:25

Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), a central government public authority, is actively seeking suppliers for the provision of DriX Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) operation services for the British Antarctic Survey. This tender falls under the 'services' category, specifically "Pilot services" in the CPV classification, and is located in Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. Currently in the Tender stage of procurement, this process follows an open procedure with interested parties invited to register by 13th January 2026, with tender documents accessible via UKRI's eSourcing platform. The enquiry period ends on 30th December 2025, and the contract is expected to be awarded by 27th January 2026.

This tender presents a substantial opportunity valued at £210,000, inviting bids in the specialised maritime services sector. Ideal candidates are businesses capable of providing technical and quality-focused services, with an emphasis on social value. With suitability for SMEs, the contract period will start from 16th February 2026, with an option to extend for an additional year. Companies equipped with the appropriate expertise in USV operations and pilot services, particularly those familiar with expeditionary and scientific surveys, will find this opportunity aligns well with their capabilities and ambitions for growth.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-5300 BAS - Provision of DriX USV Operation services

Notice Description

UKRI is seeking to appoint a supplier to provide operation services of the DriX USV for the British Antarctic Survey.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The Contracting Authority may extend the contract period for an additional 1 calendar year.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ef17
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079895-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60444100 - Pilot services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£210,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£210,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Dec 2025Today
Submission Deadline
13 Jan 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
16 Feb 2026 - 15 Feb 2027 6-12 months
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
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
nercprocurement@ukri.org
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN2 1FL
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

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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