Defence Online

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Ref: 037078/S 000-2026
Nature of contract: Supply contract
Procedure: Not specified
Regulation of procurement: Not applicable
Type of bid required: Not applicable

UKPGA UK2: Preliminary Market Engagement Notice

I) Contracting Authority/Entity
I.1) Name and addresses
Official name: Ministry of Defence
National registration number: PHVX-4316-ZVGZ

Postal address: Abbey Wood
Town: Bristol
Region: Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Postal code: BS34 8JH
Country: United Kingdom

Email: descommercial-salmo@mod.gov.uk

I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Public authority – central government

II) Object
II.1.1) Title
715850540 – AUV Integration Frames and Support – RFI
Reference number: 715850540

II.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies

II.1.4) Short description
The Authority utilises a variety of different vessels to deploy containerised AUV equipment with deck types including:
• Flat steel decks.
• Timber deck steel transverses.
• Decks with ISO twist lock sockets.
• Decks with 1m x M20 bolt matrix.
The Authority requires a set of modular Integration Frames to integrate the AUV capability onto a host vessel, that can be stored within a separate ISO container and deployed to the vessel for assembly. The supplier would be required to design, manufacture, deliver, provide sea-fastening design onto maritime vessels, assemble / dissemble and support the integration frames over a 5 year contract.

II.1.5) Estimated Total Value
Value (including VAT)
4,800,000
Value (excluding VAT)
4,000,000
Currency
GBP

II.2) Description
II.2.1) Title
Contract/Lot No
1

II.2.2) CPV codes
Main CPV codes
35512400
44142000

II.2.7) Contract dates (estimated)
Start
2026-12-01 00:00
End
2031-12-01 23:59
Duration
5 years 1 day

III) Legal, economic, financial and technical information
III.1) Conditions for participation
III.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

VI) Complementary information
Link to source/bidding documents

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
2026-04-23 13:30

VI.6) Engagement information
Engagement deadline
2026-05-14 23:59
Engagement process description
The completed questionnaire at the link below should be returned via email to desshipscomrcl-salmo-multiuser@mod.gov.uk for the attention of Jordan Thornell by the response deadline of 1700hrs (UK time) Thursday 14th May 2026.
Potential suppliers may raise questions or seek clarification regarding response to this RFI questionnaire only at any time prior to 1700hrs (UK time) Thursday 7th May 2026. Questions must be submitted via email to desshipscomrcl-salmo-multiuser@mod.gov.uk.
Please use no more than one side of A4, Arial 11, spacing 1.0, including any pictures for each answer. Supplementary information may be provided in the way of web links.
Participation in this market consultation is voluntary. It is not a requirement to provide answers to every question. If the question is not relevant, please enter ‘Not Applicable’.
The publication of any documents at this stage is intended to provide potential suppliers with the opportunity to view and comment on the requirement.
RFI document link –