Marked dialogue regarding underwater sensor and payloade package

The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) is preparing the procurement of a comprehensive sensor and payload package for a Strategic Infrastructure Surveillance Vessel.

DALO has acquired the offshore support vessel Norwind Helm, which will undergo conversion expectedly in Q4 2026 to fulfil its new operational role within the Royal Danish Navy. The conversion will include integration of advanced surveillance, and subsea capabilities.

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued to engage with the market and obtain relevant information regarding:
• Available technical solutions
• Integration approaches
• Commercial and contractual structures
• Market capabilities and constraints
• Delivery timelines and risk factors

Participation in this RFI is voluntary. Non-participation will not affect eligibility in any future procurement.
Procurement Intent
DALO’s current preference is for a single prime contractor delivering a turnkey solution, including:
• System design and architecture
• Integration of sensors and payloads
• Procurement of sensors and other equipment (ROV and AUVs)
• Integration of existing onboard systems where applicable
• Testing, validation and commissioning
• Documentation and lifecycle support
Alternative commercial models may be considered if clearly justified.
Desired Supplier Profile
Suppliers should demonstrate:
• Supplier Facility Security Clearance level
• Supplier Personnel Security Clearance level
• Sensor- and payload-agnostic system architecture
• Proven experience operating surface and subsea platforms
• Proven delivery and use of sensor and payload package to allied navies.
• End-to-end in-house capabilities (design, manufacturing, testing, simulation)
• Operational delivery of seabed-to-space payload solutions
• Training and maintenance
• Demonstrated lifecycle cost efficiency
Mission Definition & Multi-Mission Capability
Solutions should support:
• Critical Underwater Infrastructure (CUI) inspection
• Mine Countermeasure (MCM) route inspection
• Patrol and persistent presence operations
• System architecture modularity and configurability.
Operational Parameters
Suppliers should demonstrate adaptability to:
• Danish body of waters
• Varying water depths and seabed conditions
• Mission frequency and repetition cycles
• Environmental protection and HSE requirements
Sensor Deployment & Operations
Describe:
• On-vessel sensor deployment concepts
• ROV/AUV launch and recovery systems
• Containerised vs permanent installations
• Hoist, overside, & moon-pool installation options.
• Future integration of additional unmanned platforms
Impact on Vessel Design
Explain how payloads influence:
• Stability and weight distribution
• Power generation requirements
• Battery safety management (AUV)
• Data infrastructure and operator spaces
Data Requirements
Outline:
• ROV/AUV navigational & sensor accuracy levels per mission type
• Coverage rate and efficiency
• Data density and resolution
• Sampling capability where applicable
Data Handling & Interoperability
Provide details regarding:
• Raw vs processed data outputs
• Reporting and analytical products
• Cloud infrastructure options
• Interoperability with Royal Danish Navy systems
• Access levels (onboard, remote, shore-based)
Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
Detail compliance with defence cybersecurity standards including:
• Encryption protocols
• Secure communications architecture
• System hardening
• Network segmentation
• Data sovereignty compliance