Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bcc-3ac6-72ed-8070-05f2060eaf90/cetus-trials-and-evaluation awarded GB direct award procedure Suitable for SMEs # CETUS Trials and Evaluation [Submarine Delivery Agency](https://tendernation.io/buyers/submarine-delivery-agency) Estimated value Not stated Published 8 Jul 2026 Deadline Rolling deadline ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender Defence and security - necessary to enhance or maintain operational capability, effectiveness, readiness for action, safety or security of the armed forces The SDA require Trials and Evaluation (T&E) to be undertaken using the CETUS vessel that is currently being developed by M Subs. T&E is required to de-risk underwater autonomy and demonstrate military utility through payload testing. As the sole designer and manufacturer of CETUS, M Subs hold all technical and proprietary knowledge of the vessel’s form and function, and as such are uniquely positioned to safely operate the vessel in the execution of trials. Initial trials are a repeat of S201 trials XLAUV trials previously performed by M Subs on a smaller vessel within Project Manta), which M Subs delivered through the DASA Open call (competitive) contracting. Knowledge of these trials is advantageous in allowing these activities to be repeated consistently and efficiently. While there are alternative commercial operators of AUVs, none currently hold the necessary system knowledge to operate this unique system appropriately. Choosing an alternative supplier risks delay, increased cost, or higher system risks (e.g. of system damage) while this knowledge is gained. This would impede development of this capability, which the Authority has a military imperative to advance. Once the initial trials have been undertaken there will be greater scope for the Authority to compete longer term operation of the system once it is better understood by all parties allowing a meaningful competition to be undertaken. Separate to the operation of CETUS, the Authority intends to competitively seek different payloads from the open market in the coming years, allowing a broad range of suppliers to participate in advancing military capability within this project. Read full description Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-050312-2026-07-08T09:22:00+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-050312-2026-07-08T09:22:00+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. [Track tenders free](https://tendernation.io/register) [Buyer profile Submarine Delivery Agency: past awards and live tenders](https://tendernation.io/buyers/submarine-delivery-agency) ## More tenders like this [Bannister Sports Centre Athletic Track Soft Market Testing Exercise · Harrow Council · 38 days left · 26 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a1540d-d9e4-71cb-ad57-1603e9042fec/bannister-sports-centre-athletic-track-soft-market-testing-exercise) [Hdc-1714 wadkins pavilion refurbishment · Harborough District Council · 39 days left · 27 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a155bf-f664-72f9-9823-a85d6cddbdc6/hdc-1714-wadkins-pavilion-refurbishment) [Design, supply, and Installation of Newbiggin Skatepark Extension · Newbiggin Town Council · 35 days left · 23 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15552-19a2-7348-a5cc-3f5ae51ef934/design-supply-and-installation-of-newbiggin-skatepark-extension) [Tender for the design, supply, delivery and installation of a modular UNIT and associated works at ARC healthy living, irvinestown. peaceplus funded upgrade works · Fermanagh and Omagh District Council · 14 days left · 2 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15552-1b74-73ec-a6f6-a1af37959997/tender-for-the-design-supply-delivery-and-installation-of-a-modular-unit-and-a) [Architectural, design and building consultancy services - Dalby Visitor Centre · Forestry Commission · 25 days left · 13 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15552-1b8a-7041-80fb-e4943876fc38/architectural-design-and-building-consultancy-services-dalby-visitor-centre) [QW Planned and Reactive Facilities Management Services · Qualifications Wales · 42 days left · 30 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15552-1c32-72a6-a86e-45f144e2f84b/qw-planned-and-reactive-facilities-management-services)