Planning

RFI 0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

20 Feb 2026 at 09:18

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is initiating a preliminary market engagement process for the procurement titled "RFI 0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL." The project is currently in the planning stage, with an industry focus on uncrewed surface vessels within the broader category of goods. Businesses are invited to participate in a scheduled engagement before the deadline of 6th March 2026. The contracting authority, located in Portsmouth, UK, will hold this engagement as part of its efforts to gather information on available technology for multi-role vessel testbeds. The process is underpinned by legal provisions enacted in 2023 and represents a central government public authority initiative.

This tender presents significant opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs with expertise in the light and survey vessel sectors, ensuring businesses can leverage their capabilities to contribute innovatively to defence technology demonstrations. Interested parties should consider their suitability and readiness to present a viable testbed for technology showcasing. This engagement could facilitate growth by establishing footholds in defence procurement, offering businesses the chance to expand their portfolios and develop strategic partnerships within the Ministry's procurement landscape. Businesses capable of delivering on these specialised goods can expect rewarding collaborations and long-term opportunities in government contracts.

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Notice Title

RFI 0070 - 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

Planning Information

Please see link below for full details: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/c7c713fa-ef55-447f-9dc6-331aab426e52

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0658c3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015496-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
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

34513550 - Survey vessels

34513750 - Light vessels

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 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
6 Mar 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
7 Mar 2026 - 7 Mar 2026 24 hours
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Not specified
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
Not specified

Local Authority
Portsmouth
Electoral Ward
Nelson
Westminster Constituency
Portsmouth 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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