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Open for tender
Official procurement procedure
Specialist Technical and Commercial Advisory for Rail and Other Transport Systems Framework (STARFour)
services
Competitive flexible procedure
Business development consultancy services
Calculation of costs
monitoring of costs
+34 more
UK
Published value
£350,000,000
Submission deadline 14 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
Lots published2
Procurement Executive Summary
AI & Search Synopsis
Generated from official OCDS record
Tenderline Synopsis: Department for Transport: "Specialist Technical and Commercial Advisory for Rail and Other Transport Systems Framework (STARFour)". Published status: active. Published value: £350,000,000. 2 published lots. Recorded submission deadline: 14 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST. Published submission portal: dft.app.jaggaer.com.
| Contracting Authority | Department for Transport | Scope & Categories | SERVICES (2 lots) | Submission Window | 7d 4h left 14 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Submission Gateway | Legal Basis & Regime | 2023/54 · Competitive flexible procedure · Above threshold | Estimated Value (exc. VAT) | £350,000,000 |
Bidder Intelligence · Authority Profile: Department for Transport
Market Analytics
Derived from OCDS awards & bid statistics
Published history for Department for Transport. These figures describe retained records, not a forecast of bids or a measure of buyer bias.
Published-to-award variance
Not availableInsufficient comparable data
Competition Density
8.1Bids / Report
Supplier ConcentrationModerate Concentration
Niblock (Builders) LtdTop vendor: 37.3% of attributable valuePayment Terms
Check noticePublished terms
Coverage: 102 active published awards; 9 bid reports (which may be per lot). Supplier values exclude multi-supplier awards, frameworks and DPS, and use GBP only. They are published award values, not payments. Published-to-award variance compares single-lot, single-award, single-supplier GBP procedures with explicitly non-framework/non-DPS status; increases remain in the average. Unpublished data stays unknown. Awarded suppliers are winners, not all bidders.
Historical Awarded Suppliers With This Authority:
| Supplier Name | Historic Awards | Attributable GBP Value |
|---|---|---|
| Niblock (Builders) Ltd | 2 wins | £778,321 |
| Chatham Historic Dockyard | 1 win | £500,000 |
| Premier Workspace Ltd | 1 win | £250,000 |
| Stonegrove Limited | 1 win | £171,310 |
| Niblock (Builders) Ltd | 1 win | £108,358 |
Procedure terms
Contracting AuthorityDepartment for Transport | Procedure methodCompetitive flexible procedure | Procurement categoryservices |
Statusactive | Framework / DPSFramework | CompetitionNot published |
Above thresholdYes | Legal basisUKPGA · 2023/54 | Tender period startsNot published |
Clarification deadline21 Aug 2026, 12:00 BST | Electronic submissionallowed | Submission languagesen |
Published1 Sept 2026, 16:44 BST | Last source update1 Sept 2026, 16:44 BST | Recurring procurementNot published |
ClassificationBusiness development consultancy services, Calculation of costs, monitoring of costs, Civil engineering consultancy services, Consultative engineering and construction services, Design and execution of research and development, Development consultancy services, Draft plans (systems and integration), Economic impact assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) services for construction, Environmental indicators analysis for construction, Environmental monitoring for construction, Environmental standards for construction, Evaluation consultancy services, Feasibility study, Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis, Financial management consultancy services, Infrastructure works consultancy services, Market-testing services, Marketing management consultancy services, Performance review services, Procurement consultancy services, Project and design preparation, estimation of costs, Project-design services other than for construction work, Project-supervision services other than for construction work, Railway engineering services, Research consultancy services, Risk or hazard assessment for construction, Safety consultancy services, Social research services, Survey analysis services, Survey design services, Systems analysis and programming services, Transport systems consultancy services | ||
Delivery area UK | ||
OCIDocds-h6vhtk-05fd57 | ||
How to participate
Submission methodNot published | Electronic submissionallowed | Clarification deadline21 Aug 2026, 12:00 BST |
Submission languagesen | Expression of interest deadline14 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST | E-Sourcing Portal |
Submission instructions If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, you must complete the Procurement Specific Questionnaire by 12:00 BST on 14 September 2026 via the Jaggaer online portal using the following link:
https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/esop/guest/login.do?qvu=54891180019FB81922E0
Email responses will not be accepted. All queries relating to this notice should be made via the messaging function in Jaggaer.
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/
Any queries relating to registering will need to be directed to the e-Sourcing Helpdesk on the above link. | ||
What is being bought
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.
What changed
From the official release history
- Official notice release published
1 Sept 2026, 16:44 BST - Official notice release published
31 Jul 2026, 16:32 BST - Official notice release published
31 Jul 2026, 16:28 BST - Status changed to active
31 Jul 2026, 16:14 BST - Official notice release published
31 Jul 2026, 16:14 BST - Official notice release published
13 Jul 2026, 13:51 BST - Official notice release published
2 Jul 2026, 16:31 BST - Official notice release published
2 Jul 2026, 16:08 BST - Official notice release published
3 Jun 2026, 10:15 BST - Official notice release published
30 Apr 2026, 16:53 BST - Official notice release published
9 Jan 2026, 14:32 GMT - Published value updated to £350,000,000
24 Dec 2025, 13:38 GMT - Status changed to planned
24 Dec 2025, 13:38 GMT - Official notice release published
24 Dec 2025, 13:38 GMT - Buyer information updated
24 Dec 2025, 13:38 GMT - Published tender amendment
Not publishedThe publication date for the STARFour tender/transparency notice will be later than the estimate set out in the UK2 Preliminary Market Engagement notice (published on 9 January 2026). The original date of 8 May 2026 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. - Published tender amendment
Not publishedThe 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. - Published tender amendment
Not publishedThe publication date for the STARFour tender and transparency notice has been revised. The Preferred Supplier Questionnaire is now scheduled for publication during the week commencing 20 July 2026. Please note that these dates are indicative and remain subject to internal approvals. Any further updates will be communicated via the Jaggaer eSourcing portal and the Find a Tender service, so we advise for you to continue monitoring these channels for the latest information regarding the STARFour procurement. The DfT appreciates your continued patience and cooperation as the project team finalises the documentation required to commence the formal procurement process. - Published tender amendment
Not publishedThe publication date for the STARFour tender and transparency notice has been revised. The Procurement Specific Questionnaire is now scheduled for publication during the week commencing 20 July 2026. Please note that these dates are indicative and remain subject to internal approvals. Any further updates will be communicated via the Jaggaer eSourcing portal and the Find a Tender service, so we advise for you to continue monitoring these channels for the latest information regarding the STARFour procurement. The DfT appreciates your continued patience and cooperation as the project team finalises the documentation required to commence the formal procurement process. - Published tender amendment
Not publishedThe DfT appreciates your continued patience and cooperation as the project team goes through its internal governance process in order to commence the formal procurement process. The publication date for the STARFour tender and transparency notice has been further revised. The Procurement Specific Questionnaire is now scheduled for publication at the end of July 2026. Please note that this date is indicative and remains subject to internal approvals. Any further updates will be communicated via the Jaggaer eSourcing portal and the Find a Tender service; therefore, tenderers are advised to continue monitoring these channels for the latest information regarding the STARFour procurement. - Published tender amendment
Not publishedUpdated Contracting Authorities that can use the Framework document. - Published tender amendment
Not publishedUpdated Contracting Authorities that can use the Framework document. Amendment to Lot 2 Title. - Published tender amendment
Not publishedUpdated Contracting Authorities that can use the Framework document. Amendment to Lot 2 Title. DfT can confirm it has updated and amended the following documents: STARFour Procurement Specific Questionnaire Process Document, STARFour Procurement Specific Questionnaire - Technical Questions and the STARFour Framework Agreement. All three documents and a list of amendments for each document will be issued to all interested Applicants who have accessed the STARFour Project via the messaging function on the Sourcing Portal and uploaded to the Data Room. DfT can also confirm it is extending the PSQ deadline until 12:00 BST on 21 September 2026
Lots and requirements (2)
Published by the contracting authority
- Lot 1 · #1Specialist Technical and Commercial AdviceactiveRenewalPublished value£342,500,000Lot 1 provides specialist technical and commercial advice across rail and other transport modes. Lot 1 will be sub-divided into eleven (11) Sub-Lots, across five (5) categories. The eleven (11) Sub-Lots will be awarded based on whether an Applicant is successful to the PRIME Grade (one (1) Sub-Lot) or to the MEDIUM and EXPERT Grade (five (5) Sub-Lots for each Category per Grade). Please refer to Section 1, paragraph 3 (Structure of the Framework: Lots, Categories and Grades) of the PSQPD for full details. Lot 1 will be used by DfT and Clients when they require technical, commercial, operational, strategic, infrastructure, and programme delivery advice to support transport policy development, investment decision-making, and delivery. The Lot value has been determined on the basis of anticipated utilisation of the Lot taking into consideration usage of the previous frameworks and future changes to the number of Clients who may access the STARFour Framework. DfT recognises that future changes to requirements of DfT and Clients may result in an increase between the estimated and actual value which if not permitted would jeopardise the satisfactory performance of the STARFour Framework. However, whilst this is a known risk, it is not possible for DfT to sufficiently quantify the risk at this time to enable it to be addressed. As such, if this known risk materialises, DfT reserves the right to undertake a permitted modification in accordance with paragraphs 5 to 7 (Materialisation of a known risk) of Schedule 8 of the Procurement Act 2023 to change the value of this Lot. Lot values may be shared across the Lots. Categories within Lot 1: Category A – Transport Strategy, Planning and Economic Forecasting Advice Typical requirements identified by Clients include, but are not limited to: General transport strategy, planning and economic forecasting advice General transport strategy, planning and economic forecasting research, methodological reviews, literature reviews, evaluation and data collection. Strategic corporate planning and appraisal Business case support Benefits realisation support Monitoring and evaluation Control and investment period advice and analysis Strategic planning and research Transport market reviews High level general transport investment strategy support Macro and micro-economic advice Remapping and devolution studies Fare reviews and policy Ticketless travel and ticket retailing Revenue protection Modelling – revenue forecasting, fares and demand Package-specific bid evaluation support AI strategy development in transport Environment, sustainability, carbon reduction and social value. Category B – Transport Operations and Performance Advice Typical requirements identified by Clients include, but are not limited to: General transport operations, performance and customer service advice General transport operations, performance and customer service research, methodological reviews, literature reviews, evaluation and data collection. Operational proposal package Operational management Timetabling, diagramming, rostering Staffing policy/strategy Industrial relations/Trade Unions/TUPE/pensions General transport operational interfaces Management and business structure Operational mobilisation Operational safety Modal and inter-modal integration, interfaces and connectivity Passenger communication Passenger connectivity Service quality/customer service Passenger flow monitoring Cycle and walking advice Accessibility Package-specific bid evaluation support Environment, sustainability, carbon, and social value. Category C – Commercial Advice for Transport Typical requirements identified by Clients include, but are not limited to: General commercial advice for transport Commercial advice for transport research, methodological reviews, literature reviews, evaluation and data collection. Commercial risk analysis, adjustment, and profiling Model structuring and development Revenue and incentivisation commercial advice Comparator and should cost modelling and associated business case support Commercial strategy development, delivery and assurance Contract administration and contract management Estimating, cost planning, cost data analysis and benchmarking Quantitative cost risk analysis including Monte Carlo analysis Package-specific bid evaluation support Business and commercial model design Model analysis and testing of commercial models Supply chain mapping Commercial due diligence Project management commercial advice Procurement process management Environment, sustainability, carbon reduction and social value. Category D – Transport Infrastructure and Asset Advice Typical requirements identified by Clients include, but are not limited to: Transport infrastructure, rolling stock, critical equipment and general transport asset management and advice Transport infrastructure, rolling stock, critical equipment and assets research, methodological reviews, literature reviews, evaluation and data collection. Transport infrastructure predictive and preventative strategic support and advice Transport hub design, layout, logistics, passenger & pedestrian movement and facilities Stations - including access, property, parking, mobility and security Airports – including access, property, parking, mobility and security Ports – including access, property, parking, mobility and security Depots and stabling - strategy and advice Signaling and systems - strategy and advice Rolling stock - strategy and advice Rolling stock - management, acceptance, planning, leasing In operation facilities and services Technical due diligence General transport engineering, feasibility & operating advice Power / electrification including renewable and other energy sources strategy and advice Telecommunications and digital strategy and advice Intelligent infrastructure for asset management Package specific bid evaluation support Environment, sustainability, carbon reduction and social value. Category E – Transport Project and Programme Management Advice Typical requirements identified by Clients include, but are not limited to: General project, programme and portfolio management advice Project, programme and portfolio management research, methodological reviews, literature reviews, evaluation and data collection. Programme partner Programme, project and portfolio management Programme, project and portfolio delivery Programme, project and portfolio controls, risk management and change control. Programme, project and portfolio assurance Integrated assurance Stakeholder management advice Project feasibility advice Project representative Enterprise, programme and project integration management Package-specific bid evaluation support Environment, sustainability, carbon reduction and social value.Contract period31 Jul 2027, 00:00 BST — 30 Jul 2030, 23:59 BSTEligibilitySME eligibleVCSE eligibleOptions / renewalThe initial period for the framework is 3 years with the option to extend for a further year (3+1).
- Lot 2 · #Lot 2Rail and Other Transport System Agency AdviceactiveRenewalPublished value£7,500,000Lot 2 provides Rail and Other Transport System Agency Advice. Lot 2 will be used by DfT and Clients when they require interim general transport advisors, high calibre panel and review team resources and development of specialist recruitment campaigns and strategies. Please refer to Section 1, paragraph 3 (Structure of the Framework: Lots, Categories and Grades) of the PSQPD for full details. This Lot value has been determined on the basis of anticipated utilisation of the Lot taking into consideration usage of the previous frameworks and future changes to the number of Clients who may access the STARFour Framework. DfT recognises that future changes to requirements of DfT and Clients may result in an increase between the estimated and actual value which if not permitted would jeopardise the satisfactory performance of the STARFour Framework. However, whilst this is a known risk, it is not possible for DfT to sufficiently quantify the risk at this time to enable it to be addressed. As such, if this known risk materialises, DfT reserves the right to undertake a permitted modification in accordance with paragraphs 5 to 7 (Materialisation of a known risk) of Schedule 8 of the Procurement Act 2023 to change the value of this Lot. Lot values may be shared across the Lots. Category F – Rail and Other Transport System Agency Advice Typical requirements include, but are not limited to: Sourcing interim general transport advisors Sourcing high calibre panel and review team resources. Development of specialist recruitment campaigns and strategiesContract period31 Jul 2027, 00:00 BST — 30 Jul 2030, 23:59 BSTEligibilitySME eligibleVCSE eligibleOptions / renewalThe initial period for the framework is 3 years with the option to extend for a further year (3+1).
Timeline
- Pipeline notice
13 Jul 2026, 13:51 BST - Pipeline notice
2 Jul 2026, 16:31 BST - Pipeline notice
2 Jul 2026, 16:08 BST - Pipeline notice
3 Jun 2026, 10:15 BST - Pipeline notice
30 Apr 2026, 16:53 BST - Pipeline notice
9 Jan 2026, 14:32 GMT - Pipeline notice
24 Dec 2025, 13:38 GMT - Procedure published
1 Sept 2026, 16:44 BST - engagement
28 Jan 2026, 23:59 GMT · scheduledThe 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. - Submission deadline
14 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
Commercial outcome and competition
AwardsNo award published |
ContractsNo contract published |
Bid statisticsNo aggregate bid statistics published |
Buyer and organisations in this procedure
Department for Transport
Contracting authority GB-PPON-PLTC-5358-LTWZDocuments (14)
Official links; attachments are not copied
- 1 Sept 2026, 16:44 BST
- 31 Jul 2026, 16:32 BST
- 31 Jul 2026, 16:28 BST
- 31 Jul 2026, 16:14 BST
- 13 Jul 2026, 13:51 BST
- 2 Jul 2026, 16:31 BST
- 2 Jul 2026, 16:08 BST
- 3 Jun 2026, 10:15 BST
- 30 Apr 2026, 16:53 BST
- 9 Jan 2026, 14:32 GMT
- 24 Dec 2025, 13:38 GMT
Related procedures (0)
No related procedures published
Planning and rationale
Planning budgetNot published |
No-engagement rationaleNot published |
Procedure rationaleNot published |