Tender: Specialist Technical & Commercial Advisory Framework for Rail and Other Transport Systems (STARFour) – Department for Transport

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The Department for Transport (DfT) is seeking suppliers for the Specialist Technical & Commercial Advice for Rail & Other Transport Systems Framework (STARFour) to succeed the STARThree framework (expiring 30 July 2027). STARFour will be a multi-lot, multi-supplier framework providing specialist technical and commercial advice to support rail and wider transport programmes and projects, offering niche expertise across rail and other transport modes in areas including strategic planning, operations, commercial delivery, infrastructure and asset advice, and project and programme management. Building on STARThree, the framework will champion SME participation, promote innovation, and deliver value for money through streamlined procurement routes such as mini-competitions and direct awards as set out in the STARFour Framework Agreement. The framework is intended for use by DfT and other qualifying bodies (“Clients”), who will enter Access Agreements with DfT, noting that appointed consultants will not be parties to those Access Agreements, and it is designed to ensure continued access to critical expertise as transport challenges evolve, including net zero strategies, decarbonisation, multi-modal integration and industry restructuring.