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planningFind a Tender · planning Update

DTXG micro-AUV

Buyer: Ministry of Defence →

BuyerMinistry of Defence
Statusplanning
DeadlineNot published
Value£500,000
Published5 Dec 2025

What is being bought

This Pre-Market Engagement seeks to identify suppliers whose Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) can meet the MOD’s Minimum Viable Requirement (MVR) and to understand which platforms may support future development. This is not an evaluative exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow-on ITT. The Royal Navy’s Diving and Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG) delivers a range of operational outputs, including protection of critical undersea infrastructure in home waters and deployed support to maritime operations. Inherent in these tasks is a requirement to survey and understand the underwater battlespace; tracking undersea cables and pipelines, charting beaches, ports and maritime infrastructure, and plotting potential obstructions or objects. These operations will frequently need to be conducted from small boats by light-role teams at significant range from a host platform. The possibility for sub-surface deployment and recovery is desirable. To meet this requirement, DTXG is exploring a portable, single operator deployable AUV system for environmental data gathering, survey operations, and exploratory autonomous missions in coastal/offshore waters. The rapid procurement of this system will allow the development of the capability alongside the Original Equipment Manufacturer; the key user requirements are below in the following format: Requirement Area - Requirement Statement - Minimum Requirement 1. Depth Performance - Operate effectively in coastal and shelf-sea environments requiring mid-depth capability - equal to or greater than 300 m depth rating 2. Portability - Deployable and recoverable by a single operator without mechanical lifting assistance - Single-person portable & recoverable; no mechanical/specialist Launch And Recovery System 3. Endurance - Support meaningful survey/data-gathering missions - multi-hour mission capability 4. Navigation & Comms - Operate safely and autonomously using standard technologies - Autonomous nav/comms suite suitable for AUV operations 5. Modularity/Deployment Pathway (Desirable) - Provide scope for future payloads, upgrages or development - Modular payload or development pathway (desirable)

Categories

Unmanned underwater vehicles 35512400

Lot details

Lot 1

No lot description published.

Statusplanning
Contract periodFrom 28 Feb 2026 to 28 Feb 2027
SME suitabilitySuitable for SMEs

What is included

ItemCategoryQuantity
1Unmanned underwater vehiclesNot published

Comparable-procurement analytics

Benchmarked against retained Find a Tender procedures with CPV division 35. The category anchor is Unmanned underwater vehicles (35512400); this is a deliberately broad market comparator. The comparison is shown at several levels rather than pretending one company or region is always the best benchmark.

Comparison setProceduresReported bids per procedureNamed award suppliersPrice evidence
Market: CPV division 357983 median · 54.8 average (171 of 798 with a bid count)4.4 average (181 of 798 with named award suppliers)Not published
Same buyer31Not publishedNot publishedNot published
Similar published value (0.5×–2×)696 median · 6 average (2 of 69 with a bid count)1 average (2 of 69 with named award suppliers)Not published

“Reported bids” is an official aggregate, sometimes reported per lot; it is the closest available competition measure. “Named award suppliers” are winners, not all applicants.

Price-outcome signal

Not enough comparable procedures currently publish both a GBP tender value and a usable lowest-valid-bid value to calculate a responsible price-reduction benchmark. Tenderline deliberately does not infer a saving from named award suppliers or from missing award values.

Procurement strategy & market signals

Framework agreementNot published
Dynamic purchasing systemNot published
Competitive procurementNot published
Recurring requirementNot published
Procurement method rationaleNot published
Rationale classificationsNot published
Special regimeNot published
Covered byNot published
Submission policyNot published
Selection criteriaNot published
Risk detailsNot published

Planning & early market engagement

BudgetValue not published
No-engagement rationaleNot published
Planning documents1
Planning milestones1
MilestoneTypeDueStatus
To respond to this notice, please complete the MS Forms questionnaire available by copying the link below and pasting into your browser in a new window. The deadline for submission is 6th January 2026 at 15:00. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5W3zRlF2YItErKtGn0bBS41URE1WRUE5OVRRSFU4RFZBSUk2VFgxVUtERC4u The Authority anticipates that, subject to approvals and budget confirmation, a formal ITT will be released early in the New Year, with a desire to acquire a minimum viable product before the end of FY 2025/26. Subject to approval, the intention is to run the ITT through the Commercial X Dynamic Market. Whilst not mandatory until publication of the formal tender notice, registration on the Dynamic Market is strongly recommended now, as any future tender will only be accessible via that platform. Applying to onboard to the Dynamic Market: Registration is simple. Firstly, you will need to ensure you have created a company profile on the Central Digital Platform (paste URL into browser): https://signin.account.gov.uk/sign-in-or-create Your application to the Dynamic Market needs to be completed on the Defence Sourcing Portal (paste URL into browser): https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontracts.mod.uk%2Fesop%2Fogc-host%2Fpublic%2Fmod%2Fweb%2Flogin.html%3FVISITORID%3D115308aa-96cf-4930-8910-3e29a0cd5024%26_ncp%3D1751540045689.1365397-1&data=05%7C02%7CJosiah.Mayled101%40mod.gov.uk%7C42699efdbca84a9ce22e08de1d70ad72%7Cbe7760ed5953484bae95d0a16dfa09e5%7C0%7C0%7C638980566943315044%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZbLPNffKnHgcvvs4XeeReQU4C0dOkfIhEf1acrwWE1o%3D&reserved=0 Instructions 1. On the home page, click 'view DSP opportunities' 2. make sure you’re in the 'current opportunities tab' 3. click the 'filters' drop down and select 'project info' 4. in the 'value' field type 'commercial x' and click 'search' You should be able to access the ‘PQQ’ event that we are using for the applications. There is also downloadable content available in the opportunity listing providing further information about the Dynamic Market. Disclaimer: Neither: 1. responding to this Engagement Notice, or 2. registering on the Dynamic Marketplace will impact your ability to compete in any follow-up ITT.engagement6 Jan 2026scheduled

Related procurements

No linked framework, prior procurement or reprocurement published.

Documents & submission route

Source data inventory

Diagnostic view. “Not published” means this current release does not provide a value.

OCIDocds-h6vhtk-05ed92
Latest release ID080237-2025
Latest release timestampFri Dec 05 2025 14:39:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Sourcefind-a-tender
Official notice URLNot published
Tender statusplanning
Procurement methodNot published
Procurement method detailsNot published
Main procurement categorygoods
Above thresholdYes
Legal basis2023/54
Tender period: startNot published
Tender period: endNot published
Expression of interest deadlineNot published
Enquiry deadlineNot published
Award period: startNot published
Award period: endNot published
Submission method detailsNot published
Submission languagesNot published
Electronic catalogue policyNot published
Total tender value£500,000
Tender lots in source1
Tender items in source1
Tender documents in source0
Awards in latest release0
Contracts in latest release0
Parties in latest release1

Notice history

DateEventReference
5 Dec 2025planningUpdate080237-2025
4 Dec 2025planningUpdate079829-2025
3 Dec 2025planning079169-2025

All source data

Unmodified official OCDS data retained by Tenderline for this procurement process.

Complete current OCDS release JSON
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    "title": "DTXG micro-AUV",
    "value": {
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    "description": "This Pre-Market Engagement seeks to identify suppliers whose Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) can meet the MOD’s Minimum Viable Requirement (MVR) and to understand which platforms may support future development. This is not an evaluative exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow-on ITT.\nThe Royal Navy’s Diving and Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG) delivers a range of operational outputs, including protection of critical undersea infrastructure in home waters and deployed support to maritime operations. Inherent in these tasks is a requirement to survey and understand the underwater battlespace; tracking undersea cables and pipelines, charting beaches, ports and maritime infrastructure, and plotting potential obstructions or objects. These operations will frequently need to be conducted from small boats by light-role teams at significant range from a host platform.  The possibility for sub-surface deployment and recovery is desirable.\nTo meet this requirement, DTXG is exploring a portable, single operator deployable AUV system for environmental data gathering, survey operations, and exploratory autonomous missions in coastal/offshore waters. The rapid procurement of this system will allow the development of the capability alongside the Original Equipment Manufacturer; the key user requirements are below in the following format:\nRequirement Area   -   Requirement Statement   -   Minimum Requirement\n1. Depth Performance   -   Operate effectively in coastal and shelf-sea environments requiring mid-depth capability   -   equal to or greater than 300 m depth rating\n2. Portability   -   Deployable and recoverable by a single operator without mechanical lifting assistance   -   Single-person portable & recoverable; no mechanical/specialist Launch And Recovery System\n3. Endurance   -   Support meaningful survey/data-gathering missions   -   multi-hour mission capability\n4. Navigation & Comms   -   Operate safely and autonomously using standard technologies   -   Autonomous nav/comms suite suitable for AUV operations\n5. Modularity/Deployment Pathway (Desirable)   -   Provide scope for future payloads, upgrages or development   -   Modular payload or development pathway (desirable)",
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  "language": "en",
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        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-01-06T23:59:59+00:00",
        "description": "To respond to this notice, please complete the MS Forms questionnaire available by copying the link below and pasting into your browser in a new window. The deadline for submission is 6th January 2026 at 15:00.\nhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5W3zRlF2YItErKtGn0bBS41URE1WRUE5OVRRSFU4RFZBSUk2VFgxVUtERC4u\nThe Authority anticipates that, subject to approvals and budget confirmation, a formal ITT will be released early in the New Year, with a desire to acquire a minimum viable product before the end of FY 2025/26.\nSubject to approval, the intention is to run the ITT through the Commercial X Dynamic Market.\nWhilst not mandatory until publication of the formal tender notice, registration on the Dynamic Market is strongly recommended now, as any future tender will only be accessible via that platform.\nApplying to onboard to the Dynamic Market:\nRegistration is simple. Firstly, you will need to ensure you have created a company profile on the Central Digital Platform (paste URL into browser):\nhttps://signin.account.gov.uk/sign-in-or-create\nYour application to the Dynamic Market needs to be completed on the Defence Sourcing Portal (paste URL into browser):\nhttps://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontracts.mod.uk%2Fesop%2Fogc-host%2Fpublic%2Fmod%2Fweb%2Flogin.html%3FVISITORID%3D115308aa-96cf-4930-8910-3e29a0cd5024%26_ncp%3D1751540045689.1365397-1&data=05%7C02%7CJosiah.Mayled101%40mod.gov.uk%7C42699efdbca84a9ce22e08de1d70ad72%7Cbe7760ed5953484bae95d0a16dfa09e5%7C0%7C0%7C638980566943315044%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZbLPNffKnHgcvvs4XeeReQU4C0dOkfIhEf1acrwWE1o%3D&reserved=0\nInstructions\n1.\tOn the home page, click 'view DSP opportunities'\n2.\tmake sure you’re in the 'current opportunities tab'\n3.\tclick the 'filters' drop down and select 'project info'\n4.\tin the 'value' field type 'commercial x' and click 'search'\nYou should be able to access the ‘PQQ’ event that we are using for the applications.  There is also downloadable content available in the opportunity listing providing further information about the Dynamic Market.\nDisclaimer:\nNeither:\n1.\tresponding to this Engagement Notice, or\n2.\tregistering on the Dynamic Marketplace\nwill impact your ability to compete in any follow-up ITT."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
Complete JSON history (3 releases)
5 Dec 2025 · 080237-2025 · planningUpdate
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    "value": {
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      "amountGross": 600000
    },
    "status": "planning",
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      {
        "id": "080237-2025",
        "description": "Updated link to MS forms questionnaire required for responding to this notice."
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      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
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    "description": "This Pre-Market Engagement seeks to identify suppliers whose Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) can meet the MOD’s Minimum Viable Requirement (MVR) and to understand which platforms may support future development. This is not an evaluative exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow-on ITT.\nThe Royal Navy’s Diving and Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG) delivers a range of operational outputs, including protection of critical undersea infrastructure in home waters and deployed support to maritime operations. Inherent in these tasks is a requirement to survey and understand the underwater battlespace; tracking undersea cables and pipelines, charting beaches, ports and maritime infrastructure, and plotting potential obstructions or objects. These operations will frequently need to be conducted from small boats by light-role teams at significant range from a host platform.  The possibility for sub-surface deployment and recovery is desirable.\nTo meet this requirement, DTXG is exploring a portable, single operator deployable AUV system for environmental data gathering, survey operations, and exploratory autonomous missions in coastal/offshore waters. The rapid procurement of this system will allow the development of the capability alongside the Original Equipment Manufacturer; the key user requirements are below in the following format:\nRequirement Area   -   Requirement Statement   -   Minimum Requirement\n1. Depth Performance   -   Operate effectively in coastal and shelf-sea environments requiring mid-depth capability   -   equal to or greater than 300 m depth rating\n2. Portability   -   Deployable and recoverable by a single operator without mechanical lifting assistance   -   Single-person portable & recoverable; no mechanical/specialist Launch And Recovery System\n3. Endurance   -   Support meaningful survey/data-gathering missions   -   multi-hour mission capability\n4. Navigation & Comms   -   Operate safely and autonomously using standard technologies   -   Autonomous nav/comms suite suitable for AUV operations\n5. Modularity/Deployment Pathway (Desirable)   -   Provide scope for future payloads, upgrages or development   -   Modular payload or development pathway (desirable)",
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        "description": "To respond to this notice, please complete the MS Forms questionnaire available by copying the link below and pasting into your browser in a new window. The deadline for submission is 6th January 2026 at 15:00.\nhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5W3zRlF2YItErKtGn0bBS41URE1WRUE5OVRRSFU4RFZBSUk2VFgxVUtERC4u\nThe Authority anticipates that, subject to approvals and budget confirmation, a formal ITT will be released early in the New Year, with a desire to acquire a minimum viable product before the end of FY 2025/26.\nSubject to approval, the intention is to run the ITT through the Commercial X Dynamic Market.\nWhilst not mandatory until publication of the formal tender notice, registration on the Dynamic Market is strongly recommended now, as any future tender will only be accessible via that platform.\nApplying to onboard to the Dynamic Market:\nRegistration is simple. Firstly, you will need to ensure you have created a company profile on the Central Digital Platform (paste URL into browser):\nhttps://signin.account.gov.uk/sign-in-or-create\nYour application to the Dynamic Market needs to be completed on the Defence Sourcing Portal (paste URL into browser):\nhttps://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontracts.mod.uk%2Fesop%2Fogc-host%2Fpublic%2Fmod%2Fweb%2Flogin.html%3FVISITORID%3D115308aa-96cf-4930-8910-3e29a0cd5024%26_ncp%3D1751540045689.1365397-1&data=05%7C02%7CJosiah.Mayled101%40mod.gov.uk%7C42699efdbca84a9ce22e08de1d70ad72%7Cbe7760ed5953484bae95d0a16dfa09e5%7C0%7C0%7C638980566943315044%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZbLPNffKnHgcvvs4XeeReQU4C0dOkfIhEf1acrwWE1o%3D&reserved=0\nInstructions\n1.\tOn the home page, click 'view DSP opportunities'\n2.\tmake sure you’re in the 'current opportunities tab'\n3.\tclick the 'filters' drop down and select 'project info'\n4.\tin the 'value' field type 'commercial x' and click 'search'\nYou should be able to access the ‘PQQ’ event that we are using for the applications.  There is also downloadable content available in the opportunity listing providing further information about the Dynamic Market.\nDisclaimer:\nNeither:\n1.\tresponding to this Engagement Notice, or\n2.\tregistering on the Dynamic Marketplace\nwill impact your ability to compete in any follow-up ITT."
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4 Dec 2025 · 079829-2025 · planningUpdate
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    ],
    "title": "DTXG micro-AUV",
    "value": {
      "amount": 500000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 600000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "amendments": [
      {
        "id": "079829-2025",
        "description": "Updated link to MS forms questionnaire required for responding to this notice."
      }
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      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
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    "description": "This Pre-Market Engagement seeks to identify suppliers whose Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) can meet the MOD’s Minimum Viable Requirement (MVR) and to understand which platforms may support future development. This is not an evaluative exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow-on ITT.\nAlpha Squadron Diving and Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG) delivers a range of operational outputs, from protection of critical undersea infrastructure in home waters to deployed support to maritime special operations. Inherent in these tasks is a requirement to survey and understand the underwater battlespace; tracking undersea cables and pipelines, identifying sources of possible interference or sabotage, charting beaches, ports and maritime infrastructure, and plotting potential obstructions or objects.\nThese operations will frequently need to be conducted discreetly from small boats by light-role teams at significant range from a host platform; to maximise discretion, a sub-surface deployment and recovery option would be preferable.\nA capability shortfall exists in the provision of a very-light, multi-role, diver-deployable AUV for use in discreet Navy Special Operations tasking.\nAlpha Sqn DTXG is exploring a portable, single‑operator‑deployable AUV system for environmental data gathering, survey operations, and exploratory autonomous missions in coastal/offshore waters.  The rapid procurement of this system will allow the development of the capability alongside the Original Equipment Manufacturer; the key user requirements are below in the following format:\nRequirement Area   -   Requirement Statement   -   Minimum Requirement\n1. Depth Performance   -   Operate effectively in coastal and shelf-sea environments requiring mid-depth capability   -   equal to or greater than 300 m depth rating\n2. Portability   -   Deployable and recoverable by a single operator without mechanical lifting assistance   -   Single-person portable & recoverable; no mechanical/specialist Launch And Recovery System\n3. Endurance   -   Support meaningful survey/data-gathering missions   -   multi-hour mission capability\n4. Navigation & Comms   -   Operate safely and autonomously using standard technologies   -   Autonomous nav/comms suite suitable for AUV operations\n5. Modularity/Deployment Pathway (Desirable)   -   Provide scope for future payloads, upgrages or development   -   Modular payload or development pathway (desirable)",
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "goods"
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
      "name": "Ministry of Defence",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1A 2EU",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Ministry of Defence Main Building"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "andrew.watson198@mod.gov.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "079829-2025",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079829-2025",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-04T15:15:11Z"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-01-06T23:59:59+00:00",
        "description": "To respond to this notice, please complete the MS Forms questionnaire available by copying the link below and pasting into your browser in a new window. The deadline for submission is 6th January 2026 at 15:00.\nhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5W3zRlF2YItErKtGn0bBS41URE1WRUE5OVRRSFU4RFZBSUk2VFgxVUtERC4u\nThe Authority anticipates that, subject to approvals and budget confirmation, a formal ITT will be released early in the New Year, with a desire to acquire a minimum viable product before the end of FY 2025/26.\nSubject to approval, the intention is to run the ITT through the Commercial X Dynamic Market.\nWhilst not mandatory until publication of the formal tender notice, registration on the Dynamic Market is strongly recommended now, as any future tender will only be accessible via that platform.\nApplying to onboard to the Dynamic Market:\nRegistration is simple. Firstly, you will need to ensure you have created a company profile on the Central Digital Platform (paste URL into browser):\nhttps://signin.account.gov.uk/sign-in-or-create\nYour application to the Dynamic Market needs to be completed on the Defence Sourcing Portal (paste URL into browser):\nhttps://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontracts.mod.uk%2Fesop%2Fogc-host%2Fpublic%2Fmod%2Fweb%2Flogin.html%3FVISITORID%3D115308aa-96cf-4930-8910-3e29a0cd5024%26_ncp%3D1751540045689.1365397-1&data=05%7C02%7CJosiah.Mayled101%40mod.gov.uk%7C42699efdbca84a9ce22e08de1d70ad72%7Cbe7760ed5953484bae95d0a16dfa09e5%7C0%7C0%7C638980566943315044%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZbLPNffKnHgcvvs4XeeReQU4C0dOkfIhEf1acrwWE1o%3D&reserved=0\nInstructions\n1.\tOn the home page, click 'view DSP opportunities'\n2.\tmake sure you’re in the 'current opportunities tab'\n3.\tclick the 'filters' drop down and select 'project info'\n4.\tin the 'value' field type 'commercial x' and click 'search'\nYou should be able to access the ‘PQQ’ event that we are using for the applications.  There is also downloadable content available in the opportunity listing providing further information about the Dynamic Market.\nDisclaimer:\nNeither:\n1.\tresponding to this Engagement Notice, or\n2.\tregistering on the Dynamic Marketplace\nwill impact your ability to compete in any follow-up ITT."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
3 Dec 2025 · 079169-2025 · planning
{
  "id": "079169-2025",
  "tag": [
    "planning"
  ],
  "date": "2025-12-03T09:09:06Z",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05ed92",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
    "name": "Ministry of Defence"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "715726488",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true,
          "vcse": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-02-28T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2026-02-28T00:00:00+00:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "35512400",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Unmanned underwater vehicles"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "DTXG micro-AUV",
    "value": {
      "amount": 500000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 600000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "This Pre-Market Engagement seeks to identify suppliers whose Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) can meet the MOD’s Minimum Viable Requirement (MVR) and to understand which platforms may support future development. This is not an evaluative exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow-on ITT.\nAlpha Squadron Diving and Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG) delivers a range of operational outputs, from protection of critical undersea infrastructure in home waters to deployed support to maritime special operations. Inherent in these tasks is a requirement to survey and understand the underwater battlespace; tracking undersea cables and pipelines, identifying sources of possible interference or sabotage, charting beaches, ports and maritime infrastructure, and plotting potential obstructions or objects.\nThese operations will frequently need to be conducted discreetly from small boats by light-role teams at significant range from a host platform; to maximise discretion, a sub-surface deployment and recovery option would be preferable.\nA capability shortfall exists in the provision of a very-light, multi-role, diver-deployable AUV for use in discreet Navy Special Operations tasking.\nAlpha Sqn DTXG is exploring a portable, single‑operator‑deployable AUV system for environmental data gathering, survey operations, and exploratory autonomous missions in coastal/offshore waters.  The rapid procurement of this system will allow the development of the capability alongside the Original Equipment Manufacturer; the key user requirements are below in the following format:\nRequirement Area   -   Requirement Statement   -   Minimum Requirement\n1. Depth Performance   -   Operate effectively in coastal and shelf-sea environments requiring mid-depth capability   -   equal to or greater than 300 m depth rating\n2. Portability   -   Deployable and recoverable by a single operator without mechanical lifting assistance   -   Single-person portable & recoverable; no mechanical/specialist Launch And Recovery System\n3. Endurance   -   Support meaningful survey/data-gathering missions   -   multi-hour mission capability\n4. Navigation & Comms   -   Operate safely and autonomously using standard technologies   -   Autonomous nav/comms suite suitable for AUV operations\n5. Modularity/Deployment Pathway (Desirable)   -   Provide scope for future payloads, upgrages or development   -   Modular payload or development pathway (desirable)",
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "goods"
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
      "name": "Ministry of Defence",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1A 2EU",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Ministry of Defence Main Building"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "andrew.watson198@mod.gov.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "079169-2025",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079169-2025",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-03T09:09:06Z"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-01-06T23:59:59+00:00",
        "description": "To respond to this notice, please complete the MS Forms questionnaire available by copying the link below and pasting into your browser in a new window. The deadline for submission is 6th January 2026 at 15:00.\nhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?subpage=design&FormId=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5W3zRlF2YItErKtGn0bBS41URE1WRUE5OVRRSFU4RFZBSUk2VFgxVUtERC4u&Token=c0f3375d1bd44ec4a83084befc0446a3\nThe Authority anticipates that, subject to approvals and budget confirmation, a formal ITT will be released early in the New Year, with a desire to acquire a minimum viable product before the end of FY 2025/26.\nSubject to approval, the intention is to run the ITT through the Commercial X Dynamic Market.\nWhilst not mandatory until publication of the formal tender notice, registration on the Dynamic Market is strongly recommended now, as any future tender will only be accessible via that platform.\nApplying to onboard to the Dynamic Market:\nRegistration is simple. Firstly, you will need to ensure you have created a company profile on the Central Digital Platform (paste URL into browser):\nhttps://signin.account.gov.uk/sign-in-or-create\nYour application to the Dynamic Market needs to be completed on the Defence Sourcing Portal (paste URL into browser):\nhttps://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontracts.mod.uk%2Fesop%2Fogc-host%2Fpublic%2Fmod%2Fweb%2Flogin.html%3FVISITORID%3D115308aa-96cf-4930-8910-3e29a0cd5024%26_ncp%3D1751540045689.1365397-1&data=05%7C02%7CJosiah.Mayled101%40mod.gov.uk%7C42699efdbca84a9ce22e08de1d70ad72%7Cbe7760ed5953484bae95d0a16dfa09e5%7C0%7C0%7C638980566943315044%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZbLPNffKnHgcvvs4XeeReQU4C0dOkfIhEf1acrwWE1o%3D&reserved=0\nInstructions\n1.\tOn the home page, click 'view DSP opportunities'\n2.\tmake sure you’re in the 'current opportunities tab'\n3.\tclick the 'filters' drop down and select 'project info'\n4.\tin the 'value' field type 'commercial x' and click 'search'\nYou should be able to access the ‘PQQ’ event that we are using for the applications.  There is also downloadable content available in the opportunity listing providing further information about the Dynamic Market.\nDisclaimer:\nNeither:\n1.\tresponding to this Engagement Notice, or\n2.\tregistering on the Dynamic Marketplace\nwill impact your ability to compete in any follow-up ITT."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}