---
title: "RFI0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-b8d6bda6-d53b-4880-b655-d2ef453a827f"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-b8d6bda6-d53b-4880-b655-d2ef453a827f"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-b8d6bda6-d53b-4880-b655-d2ef453a827f.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-b8d6bda6-d53b-4880-b655-d2ef453a827f.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "MINISTRY OF DEFENCE"
published: "2026-02-20"
---

# RFI0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL

Buyer: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-b8d6bda6-d53b-4880-b655-d2ef453a827f

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[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-b8d6bda6-d53b-4880-b655-d2ef453a827f.json)

## Summary

The Ministry of Defence, located in Portsmouth, England, is in the planning stage of procuring a multi-role Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) testbed, part of the industry category for survey vessels with specific emphasis on research vessel services. This early engagement is titled "RFI0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL" and falls under the tender initiation type. Potential suppliers are encouraged to note the milestone engagement end date set for 6th March 2026, marking an important timeline for this procurement in the South East region of the United Kingdom.

This tender represents a strategic opportunity for businesses specializing in maritime technology and vessel service innovations, particularly those capable of providing cutting-edge uncrewed vessel solutions suited to technology demonstrations. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), are encouraged to participate, given the suitability criteria outlined by the Ministry. The project offers a promising platform for companies wishing to expand their role in the defence and maritime innovation sectors.

## Notice

DCTO is currently seeking information to understand the availability of a multi-role Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) testbed, for the purpose of technology demonstration.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/c7c713fa-ef55-447f-9dc6-331aab426e52 |
| Notice type | Market Engagement Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Not specified |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 6 Mar 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planning |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | MINISTRY OF DEFENCE |
| Locality | PORTSMOUTH |
| Post town | Portsmouth |
| Postcode | PO2 8BY |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLJ South East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight |
| ITL 3 | TLJ31 Portsmouth |
| Local authority | Portsmouth |
| Electoral ward | Nelson |
| Westminster constituency | Portsmouth North |
| Delivery location | TLJ South East (England) |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation
- 63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

### Codes

- 34513550 - Survey vessels
- 63726800 - Research vessel services

## Release History

- 20 Feb 2026 at 09:10 - Planning - Market Engagement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/c7c713fa-ef55-447f-9dc6-331aab426e52

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/c7c713fa-ef55-447f-9dc6-331aab426e52
  20th February 2026 - Early engagement notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/f6bda207-62fe-4344-afd3-ac048a202986
  n/a

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-b8d6bda6-d53b-4880-b655-d2ef453a827f. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-b8d6bda6-d53b-4880-b655-d2ef453a827f.json.