Department for Transport launches market search for £350m transport advisory framework
DfT is seeking feedback on STARFour, a successor framework to replace its expiring STARThree agreement for specialist technical and commercial advisory services across all transport sectors.
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The Department for Transport has launched market engagement for STARFour, a closed multi-lot framework agreement valued at £350m. The framework will succeed STARThree, expiring in July 2027, and provide specialist technical and commercial advisory services across transport sectors to DfT, its arm's-length bodies and qualifying organisations.
Key facts
buyer
Department for Transport
value
£350m
supplier
To be appointed
published
2 July 2026
procedure or type
Framework agreement (prior information notice / market engagement)
The Department for Transport is testing the market on plans for STARFour, a fourth-generation framework agreement to maintain its access to specialist transport advisory expertise beyond July 2027, when the current STARThree Framework expires.
DfT says STARFour will serve the Department, its arm's-length bodies and other qualifying organisations with technical and commercial advice across all transport sectors. The framework is pitched as a response to growing transport challenges around net zero strategies, decarbonisation, multi-modal integration and industry restructuring. It will operate as a closed agreement, structured in multiple lots and open to mini-competitions and direct awards.
Building on STARThree's track record, the new framework aims to encourage small and medium-sized enterprise participation and drive innovation alongside value for money. The framework will be managed by DfT's Group Commercial Directorate.
The Department has published this market engagement notice to gather feedback before seeking formal approvals. Interested suppliers and potential framework users can respond to the engagement to shape the framework's final design.