Specialist Technical and Commercial Advisory for Rail and Other Transport Systems Framework (STARThree)

Tender description

To support the Department’s commitment to increase the level of investment in transport it requires access to specialist technical and commercial advisory support. Currently the demand for this support is successfully met through the Specialist Technical Advisory for Rail (STARTwo) Framework which is managed by the Department’s Group Commercial Directorate (GCD). The STARTwo Framework enables access to high quality, professionally qualified and experienced specialist third party advisory support for a range of service requirements. Subject to approvals, on behalf of the Department and other Crown Bodies, GCD intends to procure a replacement four year (2+1+1 year arrangement) framework to enable similar access to high quality, professionally qualified and experienced specialist third party advisory support for a range of service requirements once the STARTwo Framework term expires in May 2023. It is proposed that the STARThree Framework will have two lots, as further detailed in this notice. This is a change from the previous STARTwo Framework structure where there were previously three lots. Lot Lot 1: Lot 1 is proposed to have a similar structure to the current Lot 1 of the STARTwo Framework. This lot is proposed to be split into three grades of Suppliers (PRIME, MEDIUM and EXPERT) dependent on initial bidding criteria relating to capability, capacity and availability. It is proposed that Lot 1 of STARThree will provide specialist technical and commercial advisory (consultancy) services across five specialist categories; Category A – Transport Strategy, Planning and Economic Forecasting Advice; Category B – Transport Operations and Performance Advice; Category C – Commercial Advice for Transport; Category D – Transport Infrastructure and Asset Advice; and Category E – Transport Project and Programme Management Advice Please see the Additional Information for this lot for further details on Categories. Additional information: This notice is for information. A Separate Contract Notice containing further details is expected to be issued shortly to start the formal pre-qualification process. Lot Lot 2: Lot 2 is proposed to have a similar structure to the current Lot 3 of the STARTwo Framework. This lot is proposed to include up to six transport market specific ‘Agency’ Suppliers who would be measured on their ability to expediently access suitably experienced, high calibre, specialist technical and commercial advisory (consultancy) services for the following Category; Category F – Strategic Commercial Advice for Transport Typical requirements include but are not limited to: Specialist recruitment planning Development of specialist recruitment campaigns and strategies Sourcing interim staff Sourcing of high calibre panel and review team resources Additional information: This notice is for information. A Separate Contract Notice containing further details is expected to be issued shortly to start the formal pre-qualification process.