Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13be7-846f-7320-a61f-c50869409c87/autonomous-underwater-vehicle-auv-emergency-recovery-system-ers-pmen pending GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Emergency Recovery System (ERS) - PMEN [Ministry of Defence](https://tendernation.io/buyers/ministry-of-defence) Estimated value Not stated Published 18 Aug 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. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Below-threshold contract Buyers cannot shortlist bidders on suitability before tenders are in, so everyone gets to submit a bid (except some larger works contracts). [Procurement Act 2023, section 85](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/85) - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender The intended procurement is for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Emergency Recovery System (ERS) to provide the Ministry of Defence with a safer, more controlled and lower-risk method of recovering AUVs during non-standard or emergency recovery operations. The system should be capable of supporting the recovery of an AUV up to 7 metres in length and up to 3 tonnes in weight, either independently or in conjunction with existing vessel crane arrangements. It should be compatible with a broad range of vessels including varying deck layouts, freeboards, crane configurations and operational constraints. The ERS is intended to reduce reliance on improvised recovery arrangements and improve operational resilience where the primary recovery system is unavailable or unsuitable. The system should reduce personnel exposure at the vessel edge, help mitigate the risk of person overboard incidents, and reduce the likelihood of damage to the AUV or host vessel. The Authority is also interested in solutions that are simple to rig, transportable, recoverable in challenging maritime conditions, and support emergency recovery scenarios where the AUV has suffered propulsion, communications, navigation or power-system failures. The ERS should be suitable for use in the maritime environment, capable of repeated operational use, and supplied with the necessary certification, operating instructions, maintenance information and inspection requirements to support safe use and through-life assurance. The Authority is also interested in any maintenance and support services, as well as options around operational training, where these are applicable. The Authority will be interested in average lead times from the point of order placement to delivery. The Authority is conducting market research to understand available recovery technologies, innovation potential, vessel integration considerations, certification requirements and value for money within the market. Subject to funding and approvals, the Authority may issue a contract notice for this requirement with delivery within financial year 2026/2027, subject to lead times. In issuing this Prior Procurement Notice (PPN) and engaging with the market, the MoD are not obligated to commit to carrying out any procurement in relation to the information stated in this PPN. Read full description ## CPV classification Unmanned underwater vehicles Marine equipment Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-06e632-2026-08-18T09:39:23+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-06e632-2026-08-18T09:39:23+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. 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