In a meeting I was at last month, it was stated that both CVF and MARS are effectively in a holding pattern, awaiting "progress" on the reformation of British Shipbuilders (Warship Division) - aka ShipCo. CVF was topping and tailing its submission to the IAB and DMB, prior to submission in anticipation of the production contract. As the rumour mill has an announcememt on the BS(WD) / ShipCo fiasco pencilled in for end March, that should remove the last (government inflicted) obstacle.
The next contract award will be the main production contract. There really isn't anything left to dick about with. It will happen this year or never.