This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

05 Aug 2026 at 15:11

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is launching a procurement process for the DCTO Medium Uncrewed Surface Vessel (MUSV), which falls under the industry category of 'Ships and boats'. The MUSV is intended for technology demonstration with delivery anticipated by the end of the fiscal year 2026/27. This project is currently in the 'planning' stage and is expected to advance as per the procurement timeline. Key dates include a future notice expected by 30th November 2026, with the contract period scheduled to begin on 1st March 2027 and end on 31st March 2030. The operations will primarily take place out of Portsmouth, UK, reflecting the Ministry of Defence's strategic interests.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in naval or maritime technology, especially those with expertise in uncrewed vessels, sensor technology, and autonomy systems. The procurement process allows for substantial collaboration and innovation, offering a contract valued at approximately £10 million. Given the focus on technology trials and multi-role capabilities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a proven track record in these areas are highly suitable to compete, potentially expanding their market reach and enhancing their industry reputation through successful participation in this high-profile project.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

DCTO Medium Uncrewed Surface Vessel (MUSV)

Notice Description

DCTO is looking to procure a multi-role Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) testbed, for the purpose of technology demonstration which can be delivered by the end of FY26/27. The vessel is expected to operate in three primary configurations: * Standalone uncrewed operations from a shore-based Remote Operating Centre (ROC) * Integrated operations alongside a mothership (e.g. embarked or supported by a host platform) * Distributed multi-platform operations alongside other USVs Typical mission profiles will include: * Long-range transits to operating areas * Persistent loiter operations with active payload use * Technology trials involving sensor, autonomy and payload integration

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06dccb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074351-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation


CPV Codes

34500000 - Ships and boats

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£8,333,333 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Aug 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
30 Nov 20264 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

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
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

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.

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