Specialist Technical And Commercial Advisory For Rail And Other Transport Systems Framework (starfour)
Framework Description
STARFour (Specialist Technical and Commercial Advisory for Rail and Other Transport Systems) is the Department for Transport's fourth-generation advisory framework, succeeding STARThree, which expires in July 2027. It is a multi-lot, multi-supplier framework, closed to new applications once awarded, with an estimated value of £350 million excluding VAT. Estimated dates are 31 July 2027 to 30 July 2030, with an option to extend by 12 months to 30 July 2031.
Context & Use Case
DfT and other qualifying bodies, which sign an Access Agreement with DfT, will use STARFour for specialist technical and commercial advice across all transport modes, not only rail. Lot 1 is split into sub-lots by category and grade, with categories including transport strategy and economic forecasting, operations and performance, and commercial advice. Work will be placed through mini-competitions and direct awards, and DfT says the framework will champion SME participation.
Scope of Services
Transport and rail technical advisory Commercial, financial and procurement advice Feasibility, economic impact and cost analysis Safety, risk and environmental assessment Research, survey and evaluation services Project design and supervision support
Lots
Lot 1: Specialist Technical and Commercial Advice; Lot 2: Rail and Other Transport System Agency Advice
Who Can Apply
Suits engineering consultancies, economic and commercial advisers, research firms and specialist SMEs working across transport. The PSQ stage closed on 21 September 2026, and up to 108 applicants will be shortlisted for the tender stage. Firms that did not apply cannot join until STARFour is re-tendered, around 30 July 2030, or 2031 if extended.
Buyer Benefits
DfT and its bodies get quick access to vetted advisers across every transport mode, with a choice of direct award or mini-competition depending on urgency and value. Multi-lot structure lets buyers go to specialists rather than generalists. DfT has highlighted net zero, decarbonisation, multi-modal integration and industry restructuring as drivers, so advisers with evidence in those areas are well placed.
Next Steps
Shortlisted applicants should prepare for the invitation to tender on DfT's Jaggaer portal, where technical quality carries 65%, commercial 25% and social value 10%; the award decision is estimated for 31 May 2027. STARThree suppliers should plan the transition before it expires on 30 July 2027. Others should build transport case studies and plan for the re-tender ahead of 30 July 2030, or 2031 if extended.
How Athena Can Help
STARFour work is won in two stages: getting appointed, then winning mini-competitions and direct awards. If you are shortlisted, Athena's bid writing team can build your tender responses with win themes, a score model against rival advisers and a compliance check before submission.
For SMEs new to DfT, our bid/no-bid tools help decide which call-offs are worth the effort. If you missed this round, our framework registration service finds other transport advisory frameworks that are open now or due to open.
