- Home
- Tenders
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Specialist Technical and Commercial Advisory for Rail and Other Transport Systems Framework (STARFour)
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 designed to succeed the existing STARThree arrangement and to secure ongoing, high‑quality specialist technical and commercial advisory support for all transport sectors across the United Kingdom. The new framework will ensure that the Department, its Access to Light Railways Bodies and other qualifying organisations retain continuous access to expert advice and services as the sector confronts growing challenges in decarbonisation, net‑zero strategy, multimodal integration and industry restructuring.
STARFour will cover an extensive range of consultancy services, including feasibility studies, civil and transport systems engineering, risk and environmental assessment, economic impact analysis, research and development, business development, financial and procurement consulting, as well as project design and supervision. By enabling small and medium‑sized enterprises to participate and by offering streamlined procurement routes such as mini‑competitions and direct awards, the framework aims to promote innovation and deliver value for money while maintaining a fit‑for‑purpose, flexible, cost‑effective route for specialist transport advice up to 2030, with a potential extension to 2031.
All contracted services must be aligned with the relevant CPV classification codes and adhere to UK public procurement regulations. All services must meet the CPV classification codes and UK procurement standards.
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: 2026-05-08T23:59:59+01:00
Contract location: UK
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