Opportunity overview
In line with its commitment to increasing investment in the UK’s transport infrastructure, the Department for Transport (“DfT”) requires ongoing access to high-quality, specialist technical and commercial advice services. This need is currently fulfilled through the STARThree Framework, which succeeded the Specialist Technical Advisory for Rail (STARTwo) Framework—both managed by the Department’s Group Commercial Directorate (“GCD”). DfT is now procuring the Specialist Technical & Commercial Advice for Rail & Other Transport Systems Framework (the “STARFour Framework”) to succeed the STARThree Framework (expiring 30 July 2027). The STARFour Framework will be a multi-lot, multi-supplier framework designed to provide specialist technical and commercial advice to support rail and wider transport programmes and projects. The STARFour Framework will provide DfT and other qualifying bodies (as detailed below) with access to niche transport expertise across rail and other transport modes, supporting strategic planning, operations, commercial delivery, infrastructure and asset advice, and project and programme management. Building on the success of STARThree, the new STARFour Framework will champion SME participation, promote innovation, and deliver value for money through streamlined procurement routes, including mini-competitions and direct awards, as detailed in the STARFour Framework Agreement. 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 evolve across a complex landscape including net zero strategies, decarbonisation, multi-modal integration, and industry restructuring, the STARFour Framework will ensure DfT and the other qualifying bodies have continued access to critical expertise across all transport sectors, not just rail. The STARFour Framework is intended for use by DfT and other qualifying bodies known as “Clients”. These “Clients” are detailed in the “Contracting authorities that may use the framework” section below. In order to use the STARFour Framework the Clients will enter into an Access Agreement with DfT. The appointed consultants will not be party to these Access Agreements.
Classification
- CPV71241000 — Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis
- CPV71242000 — Project and design preparation, estimation of costs
- CPV71243000 — Draft plans (systems and integration)
- CPV71244000 — Calculation of costs, monitoring of costs
- CPV71310000 — Consultative engineering and construction services
- CPV71311000 — Civil engineering consultancy services
- CPV71311200 — Transport systems consultancy services
- CPV71311230 — Railway engineering services
- CPV71311300 — Infrastructure works consultancy services
- CPV71313410 — Risk or hazard assessment for construction
- CPV71313420 — Environmental standards for construction
- CPV71313430 — Environmental indicators analysis for construction
- CPV71313440 — Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) services for construction
- CPV71313450 — Environmental monitoring for construction
- CPV72240000 — Systems analysis and programming services
- CPV73210000 — Research consultancy services
- CPV73220000 — Development consultancy services
- CPV73300000 — Design and execution of research and development
- CPV79311100 — Survey design services
- CPV79311300 — Survey analysis services
- CPV79311410 — Economic impact assessment
- CPV79312000 — Market-testing services
- CPV79313000 — Performance review services
- CPV79314000 — Feasibility study
- CPV79315000 — Social research services
- CPV79411100 — Business development consultancy services
- CPV79412000 — Financial management consultancy services
- CPV79413000 — Marketing management consultancy services
- CPV79417000 — Safety consultancy services
- CPV79418000 — Procurement consultancy services
- CPV79419000 — Evaluation consultancy services
- CPV79421100 — Project-supervision services other than for construction work
- CPV79421200 — Project-design services other than for construction work
Lots
- Specialist Technical and Commercial Advice£342.5m
- Rail and Other Transport System Agency Advice£7.5m
Documents and notices
- Tender notice on Find a TenderOpen source ↗
- biddingDocumentsOpen source ↗