Planning

715850540 - AUV Integration Frames and Support - RFI

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

23 Apr 2026 at 12:30

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence, a central government authority based in Bristol, is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process for modular Integration Frames to support and integrate Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capabilities on maritime vessels. This tender, titled "715850540 - AUV Integration Frames and Support - RFI", falls within the industry category of goods, specifically targeting unmanned underwater vehicles and frames. The procurement process has initiated with a Request for Information (RFI), where potential suppliers are invited to engage and provide feedback. Key dates include the deadlines for questions and clarifications on 7th May 2026, and submission of completed questionnaires by 14th May 2026. This initiative, aimed at supporting the deployment of AUV equipment, represents a significant opportunity within the UK market.

This tender presents substantial business growth opportunities for innovative companies specializing in maritime engineering and modular frame design, particularly those experienced with deployment configurations on vessels. The contract allows for a five-year engagement, from December 2026 to December 2031, valued at an estimated £4,000,000. Businesses dealing with sea-fastening design and integrating complex maritime technologies alongside SME and VCSE interests should find this opportunity particularly beneficial. The ministry's focus on modular, scalable solutions underscores the potential for collaboration and development within the defence sector, offering suppliers a competitive edge through bespoke design and manufacturing capabilities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

715850540 - AUV Integration Frames and Support - RFI

Notice Description

The Authority utilises a variety of different vessels to deploy containerised AUV equipment with deck types including: * Flat steel decks. * Timber deck steel transverses. * Decks with ISO twist lock sockets. * Decks with 1m x M20 bolt matrix. The Authority requires a set of modular Integration Frames to integrate the AUV capability onto a host vessel, that can be stored within a separate ISO container and deployed to the vessel for assembly. The supplier would be required to design, manufacture, deliver, provide sea-fastening design onto maritime vessels, assemble / dissemble and support the integration frames over a 5 year contract.

Planning Information

The completed questionnaire at the link below should be returned via email to desshipscomrcl-salmo-multiuser@mod.gov.uk for the attention of Jordan Thornell by the response deadline of 1700hrs (UK time) Thursday 14th May 2026. Potential suppliers may raise questions or seek clarification regarding response to this RFI questionnaire only at any time prior to 1700hrs (UK time) Thursday 7th May 2026. Questions must be submitted via email to desshipscomrcl-salmo-multiuser@mod.gov.uk. Please use no more than one side of A4, Arial 11, spacing 1.0, including any pictures for each answer. Supplementary information may be provided in the way of web links. Participation in this market consultation is voluntary. It is not a requirement to provide answers to every question. If the question is not relevant, please enter ‘Not Applicable’. The publication of any documents at this stage is intended to provide potential suppliers with the opportunity to view and comment on the requirement. RFI document link - https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=61015

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06899a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037078-2026
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

35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

44 - Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (except electric apparatus)

CPV Codes

35512400 - Unmanned underwater vehicles

44142000 - Frames

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£4,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Apr 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
14 May 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2026 - 1 Dec 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
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
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)

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