In the subsequent National Shipbuilding Strategy, the government outlined its intentions to tender the ships internationally to encourage competitiveness with British shipyards.

Following a competition, which began in 2018, Team Resolute was awarded a contract for the three vessels; BMT Group will provide the design, whilst Harland & Wolff and Navantia UK will construct them.

In November 2015, the British government published the Strategic Defence and Security Review which outlined a commitment to three new solid support ships by 2025.

[16] In November 2018, a list of bidders was selected for the FSS contract which consisted of a British consortium comprising Babcock, BAE Systems, Cammell Laird and Rolls-Royce, in addition to international bidders, including Fincantieri (Italy), Navantia (Spain), Japan Marine United Corporation (Japan) and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (South Korea).

[14][20] In the following month, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace made a statement describing the ships as "warships" and later confirmed that they would be built "with British involvement".

[30] To alleviate concerns from some MPs and trade unions, the CEO of H&W, John Wood, stated that the ships would have a minimum of 60% UK content.

[36] According to a May 2018 contract notice, the ships require a total cargo capacity of up to 7,000 m3 (250,000 cu ft), the ability to travel at a sustained speed of 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) without resupply, the capability of delivering non-bulk logistic material whilst underway at 12 knots and transfer single loads of up to 5 tonnes.

The ships will be capable of 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph) and will have 9,000 square metres (97,000 sq ft) of cargo space for stores.