---
title: "RFI 0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0658c3"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0658c3"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0658c3.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0658c3.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "MINISTRY OF DEFENCE"
published: "2026-02-20"
---

# RFI 0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL

Buyer: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0658c3

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0658c3)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0658c3.json)

## Summary

The Ministry of Defence is initiating a preliminary market engagement process for the procurement titled "RFI 0070 - DCTO UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL." The project is currently in the planning stage, with an industry focus on uncrewed surface vessels within the broader category of goods. Businesses are invited to participate in a scheduled engagement before the deadline of 6th March 2026. The contracting authority, located in Portsmouth, UK, will hold this engagement as part of its efforts to gather information on available technology for multi-role vessel testbeds. The process is underpinned by legal provisions enacted in 2023 and represents a central government public authority initiative.

This tender presents significant opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs with expertise in the light and survey vessel sectors, ensuring businesses can leverage their capabilities to contribute innovatively to defence technology demonstrations. Interested parties should consider their suitability and readiness to present a viable testbed for technology showcasing. This engagement could facilitate growth by establishing footholds in defence procurement, offering businesses the chance to expand their portfolios and develop strategic partnerships within the Ministry's procurement landscape. Businesses capable of delivering on these specialised goods can expect rewarding collaborations and long-term opportunities in government contracts.

## 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

### Planning Information

Please see link below for full details:
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/c7c713fa-ef55-447f-9dc6-331aab426e52

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015496-2026 |
| 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 |
| 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 | 7 Mar 2026 - 7 Mar 2026 |
| 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 | Planning |
| 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 | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

### Codes

- 34513550 - Survey vessels
- 34513750 - Light vessels

## Release History

- 20 Feb 2026 at 09:18 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015496-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015496-2026
  20th February 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/c7c713fa-ef55-447f-9dc6-331aab426e52
- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## 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-h6vhtk-0658c3. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0658c3.json.