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- Corrigendum-Specialist Technical and Commercial Advisory for Rail and Other Transport Systems Framework (STARFour)
Corrigendum-Specialist Technical and Commercial Advisory for Rail and Other Transport Systems Framework (STARFour)
AI Summary
The Department for Transport is preparing to launch the STARFour Framework, a closed, multi‑lot agreement that will succeed the current STARThree framework and provide the transport sector with continued access to specialist technical and commercial advisory services. The framework is designed to support a broad range of transport challenges, including net‑zero aspirations, decarbonisation initiatives, multi‑modal integration and industry restructuring, and will be available to the Department, its associated land bodies, and other qualifying organisations across the United Kingdom.
The procurement will deliver expert advisory capabilities that cover all aspects of transport, from rail to other modes, and will be organised under a single lot. The contract, which is subject to renewal, will be managed through the Department’s Group Commercial Directorate and will employ streamlined procurement routes such as mini‑competitions and direct awards to encourage participation by small and medium‑sised enterprises and to foster innovation and value for money. The framework’s launch will be announced via the Jaggaer eSourcing portal and the Find a Tender service, with the official publication date updated to July 2026.
All service providers must demonstrate competence in delivering specialist technical and commercial advisory services that support net‑zero, decarbonisation, and multi‑modal transport integration across the UK transport sector.
Description
The Department for Transport intends to publish the STARFour Framework, a fourth generation, closed, multi-lot framework agreement to succeed the STARThree Framework (expiring July 2027). However, this will be subject to approvals and market engagement feedback.
STARFour will provide continued access to specialist technical and commercial advisory services across all transport sectors, supporting the Department, its ALBs, and other qualifying bodies. Building on the success of STARThree, the new framework will encourage SME participation, promote innovation, and deliver value for money through streamlined procurement routes including mini-competitions and direct awards.
The STARFour Framework is essential to maintain a fit-for-purpose, flexible, and cost-effective route for specialist transport technical and commercial advice following the expiry of STARThree. As transport challenges grow—across net zero strategies, decarbonisation, multi-modal integration, and industry restructuring—STARFour will ensure DfT, ALBs and qualifying bodies have continued access to critical expertise across all transport sectors, not just rail.
Estimated date of publication of contract notice: 2026-07-06T23:59:59+01:00
Contract location: UK
Amendments:
Other additional information: The publication date for the STARFour tender/transparency notice has been updated. The original date was indicative and subject to internal approvals. All future updates will be communicated through the Jaggaer eSourcing portal and Find a Tender service, so please continue to monitor these channels for any updates on the STARFour procurement.
Engagement process description
The Department for Transport is launching preliminary market engagement for the STARFour Framework. Alongside this notice, we have shared the proposed STARFour Category Chart and Category List for your review.
A short video briefing has also been prepared, providing background on the STARFour Framework and outlining its scope and objectives. This can be accessed using this link: https://tinyurl.com/STARFourFramework
We are keen to gather views on the proposed scope and overall structure of STARFour and welcome your feedback to help shape our approach. Please share your views by completing the survey using the following link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/FOUR0000MarketSoundingQuestionnaire/
We kindly ask that responses are submitted no later than 5pm on Wednesday 28 January 2026.
In order to access the proposed STARFour Category Chart and Category List, please use the Jaggaer online portal using the following link:
https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/go/77730479019BA2F83148
If you are not already registered on the Department for Transport's e-sourcing platform Jaggaer, you can register via the following link: https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/
Thank you for your engagement. We look forward to receiving your feedback.
Lot: 1
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted: En