Planning

715728455 - Procurement and In-Service Support of Remote Case Entry (RCE) System - UK2

DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

25 Feb 2026 at 13:58

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

25 Feb 2026 at 13:36

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Defence Equipment and Support, a public authority within the central government located in Bristol, UK, is conducting a procurement planning process for the Procurement and In-Service Support of Remote Case Entry (RCE) System. This procurement, designated under industry category involving bombs, weapons, ammunition, and associated parts, is in the 'planned' stage, with market engagement previously completed on 9 August 2024. The procurement is part of a defence security special regime using a competitive flexible procedure. Key upcoming dates include the release of a Project Specific Questionnaire scheduled for 27 February 2026, with the procurement contract period set to begin on 16 December 2026, lasting up to 11 years and 4 months.

This procurement represents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in cutting-edge defence technology and systems. Companies capable of offering robust, portable, and environmentally adaptable cutting systems would be particularly well-suited to compete. The project's scope includes provision of the equipment, along with ten years of in-service support, maintenance, and training, appealing to suppliers with experience in long-term service delivery. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) might find this contract to be a suitable opportunity, given its suitability for such businesses and the potential contract value of approximately £5.3 million, promoting innovation and growth within specialised defence markets.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

715728455 - Procurement and In-Service Support of Remote Case Entry (RCE) System - UK2

Notice Description

The PROTECT Delivery Team (DT) are considering initiating a project for the Procurement and In-Service Support of 3 Remote Case entry systems with the option to procure and support a further 3 systems. The Remote Case Entry system shall provide a portable abrasive cutting capability, capable of performing cuts either remotely or semi-remotely through materials up to 40mm thick mild steel cases of Air Dropped weapons, and it should be operable at a safe distance of 250m. The cutting process must be designed to generate no significant heat, thereby mitigating the risk of inadvertently triggering or activating any sensitive devices in the vicinity. The system is expected to be portable, deployable, and robust, suitable for use in all environmental conditions. It is the Authority's intention to award a Contract for delivery of equipment and 10 years of In-Service Support from Full Operating Capability (FOC) including options, for a supplier to deliver this requirement and provide maintenance, training and supportability (through life support). A total contract duration of 11 Years and 4 months, including options. It is the Authority's intent to invite participation from suppliers who can demonstrate they are commercially compliant and can meet the technical requirements. The Authority intends to release a Project Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) associated with this opportunity, currently scheduled for 27 February 2026. This an estimated date and subject to change. Please note market engagement was previously conducted in the form of supplier briefs and can be found here: FTS - Project 1 - 2024/S 000-021192 CF - Project 1 - 71160d74-a7a5-430e-97e8-4e79bad8ee52 In issuing this UK2 notice, The Authority is not committing to commence with any procurement in relation to the requirements stated in this Notice.

Planning Information

The market engagement was previously conducted in the form supplier briefs and can be found here: FTS – Project 1 - 2024/S 000-021192 CF – Project 1 - 71160d74-a7a5-430e-97e8-4e79bad8ee52

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065c0e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/016915-2026
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
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

35300000 - Weapons, ammunition and associated parts

35333100 - Bombs

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£5,308,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Feb 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
27 Feb 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
16 Dec 2026 - 16 Apr 2036 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
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
Post Town
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)

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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