Award

Ask AI about this notice

Summarise, research or assess it with AI

View Markdown

Share this notice

Send this contract to a colleague

UK5 - Transparency Notice

SUBMARINE DELIVERY AGENCY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

27 Jul 2026 at 12:34

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Submarine Delivery Agency, a central government body in the UK, has completed the procurement process for the "UK5 - Transparency Notice" concerning the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) assessments for HM Ships and Submarines. The procurement method utilised was a direct award to Cadence Design Systems Limited, as justified by technical and operational requirements under the Procurement Act 2023 regulations. This contract, valued at £199,166, is crucial for safety certification tasks performed for the Ministry of Defence and will commence on 1st January 2027, ending on 31st December 2029. The contract includes the provision of an annual Fine Marine CFD licence and advanced technical support, with options for extension via two potential one-year periods. The award was published on 27th July 2026, with a planned future signature date for the contract on 18th December 2026.

This contract presents opportunities for businesses that can offer complementary services or technologies aligned with defence and safety certifications. Companies specialising in defence services, engineering assurance, and software technical support could benefit from partnerships or subcontracting opportunities. The direct award process to Cadence underscores the importance of niche technological offerings that meet stringent defence specifications, making it particularly relevant for large-scale enterprises with specialised capabilities in computational assessments and high-performance computing environments. Engaging in such contracts can bolster a company's portfolio in defence and security operational domains, paving the way for future projects with the Ministry of Defence and similar organisations.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

UK5 - Transparency Notice

Notice Description

The Naval Authority provides Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) assessments for HM Ships and Submarines; this supports the safety certification delegated by the Defence Maritime Regulator (DMR). The CFD analysis helps assess hydrodynamic performance and structural safety, this was used recently to investigate the hull damage on HMS Northumberland which contributed to the MoD Board of Inquiry and the safety assessments of other Type 23 frigates. Cadence Design Systems Limited is the only supplier of this software. This software has been used for over 6 years and underpins current capability to move to an alternative software would require a) it to be compliant with the software test plan, b) be able to deliver on the military safety criteria the MoD uses and c) construction, & validation of a model of every RN Ship in the fleet. This whole transition would take at least 2years to complete and have to run both software side by side until all aspects of the transition were approved. This is unviable and therefore MOD's requirement is to continue to use the CFD software. The resulting contract with Cadence Design Systems Limited, will be for the continued use of the current system, for annual Fine Marine CFD licence and 150 hours per year of advanced technical support. The continued use of CFD is essential for HM Ships and Submarines safety; Hydrodynamic analyses and ongoing defence investigation and assurance work. When Ship or Submarine hydrodynamic assessments are required CFD enables rapid root cause analysis and timely support to capability solutions, operational and safety decisions. CFD is not just a technical tool it is a mission critical capability which underpins the Royal Navy fleet safety, operational readiness, engineering assurance and defence decision making. Without the software, the MoD would face reduced confidence in HM Ships and Submarine safety, slower investigations and increased operational risk.

Procurement Information

The intent is for the contract to be awarded under the Procurement Act 2023 regulations with the justification sought for a Direct Award Contract to Cadence Design Systems Limited. The CFD assessments are performed using the Naval Authority and Technology Group (NATG) high powered computer facility (Cluster). Recently the Cluster has been used to determine the loads on HMS Northumberland that caused the hull to buckle and consequential scrapping of the ship. This work feeds directly into the MoD Board of Inquiry and safety assessment for the other Type 23 frigates. The CFD assessments for HM Ships and Submarines support the safety certification delegated by the Defence Maritime Regulator (DMR).

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d447
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070782-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

75 - Administration, defence and social security services

CPV Codes

75220000 - Defence services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£199,166 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
1 Jan 2027 - 31 Dec 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SUBMARINE DELIVERY AGENCY
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06d447-2026-07-27T13:34:44+01:00",
    "date": "2026-07-27T13:34:44+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06d447",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PBHX-4625-LVPD",
            "name": "Submarine Delivery Agency",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PBHX-4625-LVPD"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "MoD Abbey Wood",
                "locality": "Bristol",
                "postalCode": "BS34 8JH",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKK12"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Andrew Morgan",
                "email": "SDA-TD-NATG-Commercial@mod.gov.uk",
                "telephone": "+443033830485"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/submarine-delivery-agency",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-02457888",
            "name": "Cadence Design Systems Limited",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "02457888"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Maxis 1 Western Road",
                "locality": "Bracknell",
                "postalCode": "RG12 1RT",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ11"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "atalbot@cadence.com"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.cadence.com/en_US/home.html",
                "scale": "large",
                "vcse": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PBHX-4625-LVPD",
        "name": "Submarine Delivery Agency"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "715875494",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "UK5 - Transparency Notice",
        "description": "The Naval Authority provides Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) assessments for HM Ships and Submarines; this supports the safety certification delegated by the Defence Maritime Regulator (DMR). The CFD analysis helps assess hydrodynamic performance and structural safety, this was used recently to investigate the hull damage on HMS Northumberland which contributed to the MoD Board of Inquiry and the safety assessments of other Type 23 frigates. Cadence Design Systems Limited is the only supplier of this software. This software has been used for over 6 years and underpins current capability to move to an alternative software would require a) it to be compliant with the software test plan, b) be able to deliver on the military safety criteria the MoD uses and c) construction, & validation of a model of every RN Ship in the fleet. This whole transition would take at least 2years to complete and have to run both software side by side until all aspects of the transition were approved. This is unviable and therefore MOD's requirement is to continue to use the CFD software. The resulting contract with Cadence Design Systems Limited, will be for the continued use of the current system, for annual Fine Marine CFD licence and 150 hours per year of advanced technical support. The continued use of CFD is essential for HM Ships and Submarines safety; Hydrodynamic analyses and ongoing defence investigation and assurance work. When Ship or Submarine hydrodynamic assessments are required CFD enables rapid root cause analysis and timely support to capability solutions, operational and safety decisions. CFD is not just a technical tool it is a mission critical capability which underpins the Royal Navy fleet safety, operational readiness, engineering assurance and defence decision making. Without the software, the MoD would face reduced confidence in HM Ships and Submarine safety, slower investigations and increased operational risk.",
        "status": "complete",
        "procurementMethod": "direct",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Direct award",
        "procurementMethodRationale": "The intent is for the contract to be awarded under the Procurement Act 2023 regulations with the justification sought for a Direct Award Contract to Cadence Design Systems Limited. The CFD assessments are performed using the Naval Authority and Technology Group (NATG) high powered computer facility (Cluster). Recently the Cluster has been used to determine the loads on HMS Northumberland that caused the hull to buckle and consequential scrapping of the ship. This work feeds directly into the MoD Board of Inquiry and safety assessment for the other Type 23 frigates. The CFD assessments for HM Ships and Submarines support the safety certification delegated by the Defence Maritime Regulator (DMR).",
        "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [
            {
                "id": "singleSuppliersTechnicalReasons"
            },
            {
                "id": "defenceSecurityOperational"
            }
        ],
        "specialRegime": [
            "defenceSecurity"
        ],
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Cadence Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Licence and Advanced Technical Support",
            "status": "pending",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 286800,
                "amount": 199166,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": false,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-02457888",
                    "name": "Cadence Design Systems Limited"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "75220000",
                            "description": "Defence services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UK",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2027-01-01T00:00:00+00:00",
                "endDate": "2029-12-31T23:59:59+00:00"
            },
            "hasOptions": true,
            "options": {
                "description": "The Contract is expected to have 2 1-year priced options."
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "070782-2026",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK5",
                    "description": "Transparency notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070782-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-07-27T13:34:44+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-12-18T23:59:59+00:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "language": "en"
}