The Department for Transport has launched STARFour, the successor to STARThree, for specialist technical and commercial advisory support across rail and other transport systems. This is not a general management consultancy framework. It is aimed at organisations with demonstrable transport expertise across strategy, operations, commercial delivery, infrastructure, assets and programme delivery.
The estimated framework value is £420 million including VAT, with an initial three-year term and an option to extend for a further year. The procurement uses a competitive flexible procedure, beginning with a Procurement Specific Questionnaire before shortlisted participants move to the tender stage. If you are assessing fit, capacity or bid strategy, contact Thornton & Lowe.
STARFour structure
STARFour has two main lots. Lot 1 covers Specialist Technical and Commercial Advice and is subdivided into categories and sub-lots. Lot 2 covers Rail and Other Transport System Agency Advice. The framework is designed for use by DfT and qualifying client bodies that enter the relevant access arrangements.
For suppliers, this means credentials need to be transport-specific. A consultancy may have excellent project management or commercial capability but still need to show how that experience translates to complex rail and transport programmes. Our professional services tender guidance covers how to turn specialist expertise into evidence that is easy for evaluators to assess.
How work can be awarded
Call-off contracts can be awarded either directly, where the framework conditions allow, or through a competitive selection between suppliers appointed to the relevant lot and category. Pricing for individual packages may use framework rates, competitive pricing or another mechanism specified in the call-off documents.
The notice also sets out management charges for some package orders placed by client bodies other than DfT, with rates varying by lot and package value. Suppliers should therefore model the commercial impact from the framework documents rather than looking only at headline rates.
Selection and evaluation
The first formal deadline is for requests to participate. DfT states that a maximum of 108 participants will be shortlisted to the ITT stage. At tender stage, the headline award criteria are 65% technical, 25% commercial and 10% social value.
That weighting puts considerable emphasis on the quality of the technical submission. Relevant case studies, the proposed team, understanding of transport delivery environments, governance, stakeholder management and evidence of successful outcomes all need to be specific. Social value should also be linked to the likely delivery footprint rather than treated as a standard corporate statement.
Key dates and facts
- Estimated value: £420 million including VAT
- Two main lots, with sub-lot/category structure under Lot 1
- Framework dates: 31 July 2027 to 30 July 2030, with possible extension to 30 July 2031
- Enquiry deadline: 21 August 2026 at 12:00pm
- Deadline for requests to participate: 14 September 2026 at 12:00pm
See the STARFour Find a Tender notice and associated procurement documents for the full lot, selection and submission requirements.
Support with STARFour
Thornton & Lowe can support specialist consultancies with the PSQ, bid strategy, evidence planning, social value and the full written tender. Speak to our professional services bid team to discuss STARFour.
