Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bd1-5686-723f-80f1-fec399556341/specialist-technical-and-commercial-advisory-for-rail-and-other-transport-system closed GB restricted procedure Suitable for SMEs # Specialist Technical and Commercial Advisory for Rail and Other Transport Systems Framework (STARFour) [Department for Transport](https://tendernation.io/buyers/department-for-transport) Open field Pays 97% within 30 days Estimated value £350,000,000 Published 1 Sept 2026 Deadline Rolling deadline ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Split into 2 lots You can usually bid for just the lots you can deliver. - Sets up a framework Winning a place does not guarantee work: contracts are awarded later as call-offs, and the list usually stays closed for years. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender 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. Read full description ## CPV classification Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis Project and design preparation, estimation of costs Draft plans (systems and integration) Calculation of costs, monitoring of costs Consultative engineering and construction services Civil engineering consultancy services Transport systems consultancy services Railway engineering services Infrastructure works consultancy services Risk or hazard assessment for construction Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-05fd57-2026-09-01T16:44:13+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-05fd57-2026-09-01T16:44:13+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. [Track tenders free](https://tendernation.io/register) [Buyer profile Department for Transport: past awards and live tenders](https://tendernation.io/buyers/department-for-transport) [Sector More Architecture, engineering & surveying tenders](https://tendernation.io/sectors/architecture-engineering-surveying) ## More tenders like this [Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services – Multi Operator Framework for Project Managers with Design/Technical Consultants for Educational Accommodation · Department of Education and Youth · 23 days left · 11 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a156a9-cb77-70bf-a940-7366ca0959f7/ireland-architectural-construction-engineering-and-inspection-services-mul) [Construction project management services – Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Gymnasium-Oberasbach – Neubau Mehrfachsporthalle · Landkreis Fürth · 28 days left · 16 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a156a9-ce57-722f-92f9-e818a29a32bc/germany-construction-project-management-services-dietrich-bonhoeffer-gymnasi) [Engineering services – Mission de Maîtrise d'oeuvre complète pour la construction de 111 logements VAULX-EN-VELIN (69120) - ZAC MAS DU TAUREAU Îlots J1/J2 · Alliade Habitat · 28 days left · 16 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a156a9-932d-7197-8cc1-ad619ede83e0/france-engineering-services-mission-de-maitrise-doeuvre-complete-pour-la-co) [Engineering studies – réalisation D'UN schéma directeur intercommunal d'assainissement · Charlieu-Belmont Communauté · 49 days left · 7 Dec 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a156a9-9427-728b-9f2e-57d5081fa516/france-engineering-studies-realisation-dun-schema-directeur-intercommunal-d) [Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services – Matthias-Claudius-Schule Tragwerk und Bauphysik · Stadt Kaarst - Der Bürgermeister · 36 days left · 24 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a156a9-cc1c-708b-90a7-a22d2885c295/germany-architectural-construction-engineering-and-inspection-services-mat) [Engineering services – Sanierung der Festhalle Stöckwiese in Bietigheim, Freianlagenplanung · Gemeindeverwaltung Bietigheim · 28 days left · 16 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a156a9-d828-701f-861f-726e9936bb48/germany-engineering-services-sanierung-der-festhalle-stockwiese-in-bietighei)