UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

Overview of requirement The Department for Transport is responsible for the transport system in England. We oversee the many public and private sector companies who deliver services, build infrastructure, and manage the upkeep of transport. The department has recently published the Transport Data Action Plan, recognising the importance of data and the benefits better data use will unlock. The department commits to high priority actions that will remove barriers and address problems identified from wide engagement. By tackling these barriers, the department will improve transport for users, make decision making more efficient and cost effective, and unlock innovation and technology to stimulate growth. The department is seeking information about four separate Lots, relating to commitments in the Data Action Plan. Suppliers will be welcome to apply for one or more Lots, but all applications will be considered separately. These Lots are: - Lot 1: A discovery into a Transport Data Marketplace A discovery with user research into how a Transport Data Marketplace could be designed to meet needs, learn lessons from other products and understand the possible role of modern technologies. - Lot 2: Data as asset A discovery piece to pull together previous work on data valuation, and user research, to inform the development of practical guidance and/or toolkit and/or case studies on how to apply this in a transport context. - Lot 3: Transport Data Standards ecosystem map A mapping exercise to establish which organisations convene and decide on data standards in transport, understanding where there are gaps in the system, with a possible extension to consider areas beyond transport. - Lot 4: Improving data for accessibility A review of the data landscape for disabled people and those with accessibility needs, building on reviews already done, and creating a prioritisation framework to establish the most important data to improve and data gaps to address, as well as the economic case for making these improvements.

The provision of facilities management & welfare servivces at a contingency parking site in Kent.

DfT is seeking Suppliers to carry out in depth investigations of road vehicle collisions.

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 advisory 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). The Department for Transport intends to publish the STARFour Framework, a fourth generation, closed, multi-lot framework agreement to succeed the STARThree Framework (expiring July 2027). However, this will be subject to approvals and market engagement feedback. STARFour will provide continued access to specialist technical and commercial advisory services across all transport sectors, supporting the Department, its ALBs, and other qualifying bodies. Building on the success of STARThree, the new framework will encourage SME participation, promote innovation, and deliver value for money through streamlined procurement routes including mini-competitions and direct awards. 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 grow—across net zero strategies, decarbonisation, multi-modal integration, and industry restructuring—STARFour will ensure DfT, ALBs and qualifying bodies have continued access to critical expertise across all transport sectors, not just rail.

DfT is re-procuring a contract for an external Supplier with practical experience and capacity to create accessible PDF files and to review and remediate untagged or incorrectly tagged PDF files. The Supplier must have a detailed understanding of tagging PDF files for accessibility to, at least, WCAG 2.0 standard.

DfT is re-procuring a contract for an external Supplier with practical experience and capacity to create accessible PDF files and to review and remediate untagged or incorrectly tagged PDF files. The Supplier must have a detailed understanding of tagging PDF files for accessibility to, at least, WCAG 2.0 standard.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is considering procuring a shared research, evaluation and analysis call-off contract to provide flexible access to timely, high-quality research, monitoring, evaluation, economic analysis and related analytical support across a range of transport policy areas. The proposed contract is expected to support analytical requirements across four divisions, which cover a broad range of transport policy areas: Accessible and inclusive transport (particular focus on those with physical and mental health conditions and/or groups with different protected characteristics) Active travel (cycling, wheeling and walking) Buses, planning and housing Devolution of responsibility for transport in England, including devolution deals, place-based policy, and strategy for integrated transport Local highways maintenance Local Authority capability and capacity Passenger transport (light rail, taxis, private hire vehicles, community transport) Road Freight (including: roadworthiness and vehicle regulation; international freight; HGV driver skills, hours and working conditions; traffic commissioners and operator licencing) Multimodal Freight (including: modal shift; freight innovation funding; work to improve connectivity of data and insights across the freight network) Dangerous Goods Future Borders (including policies to improve traffic management in Kent) Borders Resilience and Response (managing disruption at borders and along the strategic road network) Road safety (including supporting road users, safer vehicles, post collision care, safer infrastructure, and enforcement) Motoring Agencies (DVSA, DVLA and VCA – including MOT and driver licensing) International Vehicle Standards Connected and Autonomous vehicles AI, data, and other emerging transport technologies Vehicle Infrastructure (e.g. charging) Strategic Roads (Strategic Road Network managed by National Highways) Traffic and Technology (including traffic management, parking, street works etc.) Micro-mobility, such as e-scooters, and other forms of transport innovation (e.g. pavement robots) Lower Thames Crossing These divisions are home to more than 80 analysts with expertise in social research, evaluation, behavioural science, economics, operational research, statistics, and transport modelling; any of whom could commission work through the contract during its lifetime. The proposed contract would replace and expand the remit of an existing call-off contract that commenced in March 2023. The current draft requirement is for a call-off contract under which up to three suppliers may be appointed and individual commissions would be agreed as requirements arise. The current draft maximum budget is £6,000,000 excluding VAT. The proposed contract term is February 2027 to February 2031, or until the budget is exhausted, whichever is sooner. Commissions agreed before the contract end date may continue, provided each commission is completed within seven years of its start date. The proposed contract is expected to cover a broad range of research, evaluation, economic analysis and related analytical services. This may include, but is not limited to: evidence reviews and synthesis; qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods primary research; secondary analysis of existing datasets; advanced quantitative analysis, modelling and forecasting; behavioural, user-centred and accessibility-focused research; monitoring and evaluation, including process, impact, outcome and value for money evaluation; cost-benefit analysis, economic appraisal and economic evaluation; and analytical quality assurance. Suppliers would be expected to demonstrate broad analytical capability and be able to design, deliver, peer review, quality assure and clearly communicate high-quality, policy-relevant analysis in line with relevant government guidance, including the Magenta Book, Green Book and AQuA Book. Across all work, suppliers will be expected to apply proportionate methods, document assumptions and limitations clearly, and translate findings into practical recommendations for policy, operational or funding decisions. Suppliers would be expected to provide sufficient technical expertise, capacity, resilience and project management capability to deliver multiple commissions concurrently, including short-term, medium-term and longer-term projects of varying complexity. Suppliers may deliver requirements through their own organisation, consortium arrangements, named subcontractors or other approved delivery partners. Due to the broad nature of the proposed requirements, the Department encourages suppliers to consider whether consortium, subcontracting or other partnership arrangements would help them provide the necessary breadth of expertise, capacity and resilience. Any such arrangements should include clear lines of responsibility, with the lead supplier retaining appropriate oversight and accountability for quality, timeliness, confidentiality, continuity and management of all work delivered under the contract. Outputs from the proposed contract would be used to inform policy and operational decisions and to build the evidence base across a range of transport policy areas. Outputs may include, depending on the individual commission, reports, slide packs, spreadsheets, datasets, analytical code, models, evidence logs, technical annexes and other supporting materials. The DfT expects outputs to be robust, proportionate, clearly communicated, appropriately documented, quality assured and suitable for policy, analytical and, where relevant, public audiences. Individual commissions are expected to have tailored milestones, deliverables and outputs. Suppliers may be expected to provide sufficient documentation to enable the Department to understand, review, use and, where appropriate, update or reuse outputs in future. The DfT expects that any future contract will include requirements on the safe, transparent and proportionate use of AI, including generative AI, machine learning and AI-enabled tools used to support research, evaluation or analysis. Supplier views may be sought through preliminary market engagement on how AI can be used responsibly while managing data protection, security, ethics, transparency, bias and quality risks. The information provided in this notice is indicative and non-binding. The scope, value, timetable, procurement approach, contract structure and requirements may be refined following preliminary market engagement and internal approvals.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is considering procuring a shared research, evaluation and analysis call-off contract to provide flexible access to timely, high-quality research, monitoring, evaluation, economic analysis and related analytical support across a range of transport policy areas. The proposed contract is expected to support analytical requirements across four divisions, which cover a broad range of transport policy areas: Accessible and inclusive transport (particular focus on those with physical and mental health conditions and/or groups with different protected characteristics) Active travel (cycling, wheeling and walking) Buses, planning and housing Devolution of responsibility for transport in England, including devolution deals, place-based policy, and strategy for integrated transport Local highways maintenance Local Authority capability and capacity Passenger transport (light rail, taxis, private hire vehicles, community transport) Road Freight (including: roadworthiness and vehicle regulation; international freight; HGV driver skills, hours and working conditions; traffic commissioners and operator licencing) Multimodal Freight (including: modal shift; freight innovation funding; work to improve connectivity of data and insights across the freight network) Dangerous Goods Future Borders (including policies to improve traffic management in Kent) Borders Resilience and Response (managing disruption at borders and along the strategic road network) Road safety (including supporting road users, safer vehicles, post collision care, safer infrastructure, and enforcement) Motoring Agencies (DVSA, DVLA and VCA – including MOT and driver licensing) International Vehicle Standards Connected and Autonomous vehicles AI, data, and other emerging transport technologies Vehicle Infrastructure (e.g. charging) Strategic Roads (Strategic Road Network managed by National Highways) Traffic and Technology (including traffic management, parking, street works etc.) Micro-mobility, such as e-scooters, and other forms of transport innovation (e.g. pavement robots) Lower Thames Crossing These divisions are home to more than 80 analysts with expertise in social research, evaluation, behavioural science, economics, operational research, statistics, and transport modelling; any of whom could commission work through the contract during its lifetime. The proposed contract would replace and expand the remit of an existing call-off contract that commenced in March 2023. The current draft requirement is for a call-off contract under which up to three suppliers may be appointed and individual commissions would be agreed as requirements arise. The current draft maximum budget is £6,000,000 excluding VAT. The proposed contract term is February 2027 to February 2031, or until the budget is exhausted, whichever is sooner. Commissions agreed before the contract end date may continue, provided each commission is completed within seven years of its start date. The proposed contract is expected to cover a broad range of research, evaluation, economic analysis and related analytical services. This may include, but is not limited to: evidence reviews and synthesis; qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods primary research; secondary analysis of existing datasets; advanced quantitative analysis, modelling and forecasting; behavioural, user-centred and accessibility-focused research; monitoring and evaluation, including process, impact, outcome and value for money evaluation; cost-benefit analysis, economic appraisal and economic evaluation; and analytical quality assurance. Suppliers would be expected to demonstrate broad analytical capability and be able to design, deliver, peer review, quality assure and clearly communicate high-quality, policy-relevant analysis in line with relevant government guidance, including the Magenta Book, Green Book and AQuA Book. Across all work, suppliers will be expected to apply proportionate methods, document assumptions and limitations clearly, and translate findings into practical recommendations for policy, operational or funding decisions. Suppliers would be expected to provide sufficient technical expertise, capacity, resilience and project management capability to deliver multiple commissions concurrently, including short-term, medium-term and longer-term projects of varying complexity. Suppliers may deliver requirements through their own organisation, consortium arrangements, named subcontractors or other approved delivery partners. Due to the broad nature of the proposed requirements, the Department encourages suppliers to consider whether consortium, subcontracting or other partnership arrangements would help them provide the necessary breadth of expertise, capacity and resilience. Any such arrangements should include clear lines of responsibility, with the lead supplier retaining appropriate oversight and accountability for quality, timeliness, confidentiality, continuity and management of all work delivered under the contract. Outputs from the proposed contract would be used to inform policy and operational decisions and to build the evidence base across a range of transport policy areas. Outputs may include, depending on the individual commission, reports, slide packs, spreadsheets, datasets, analytical code, models, evidence logs, technical annexes and other supporting materials. The DfT expects outputs to be robust, proportionate, clearly communicated, appropriately documented, quality assured and suitable for policy, analytical and, where relevant, public audiences. Individual commissions are expected to have tailored milestones, deliverables and outputs. Suppliers may be expected to provide sufficient documentation to enable the Department to understand, review, use and, where appropriate, update or reuse outputs in future. The DfT expects that any future contract will include requirements on the safe, transparent and proportionate use of AI, including generative AI, machine learning and AI-enabled tools used to support research, evaluation or analysis. Supplier views may be sought through preliminary market engagement on how AI can be used responsibly while managing data protection, security, ethics, transparency, bias and quality risks. The information provided in this notice is indicative and non-binding. The scope, value, timetable, procurement approach, contract structure and requirements may be refined following preliminary market engagement and internal approvals.

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.

Overview of requirement The Department for Transport is responsible for the transport system in England. We oversee the many public and private sector companies who deliver services, build infrastructure, and manage the upkeep of transport. The department has recently published the Transport Data Action Plan, recognising the importance of data and the benefits better data use will unlock. The department commits to high priority actions that will remove barriers and address problems identified from wide engagement. By tackling these barriers, the department will improve transport for users, make decision making more efficient and cost effective, and unlock innovation and technology to stimulate growth. The department is seeking information about four separate Lots, relating to commitments in the Data Action Plan. Suppliers will be welcome to apply for one or more Lots, but all applications will be considered separately. These Lots are: - Lot 1: A discovery into a Transport Data Marketplace A discovery with user research into how a Transport Data Marketplace could be designed to meet needs, learn lessons from other products and understand the possible role of modern technologies. - Lot 2: Data as asset A discovery piece to pull together previous work on data valuation, and user research, to inform the development of practical guidance and/or toolkit and/or case studies on how to apply this in a transport context. - Lot 3: Transport Data Standards ecosystem map A mapping exercise to establish which organisations convene and decide on data standards in transport, understanding where there are gaps in the system, with a possible extension to consider areas beyond transport. - Lot 4: Improving data for accessibility A review of the data landscape for disabled people and those with accessibility needs, building on reviews already done, and creating a prioritisation framework to establish the most important data to improve and data gaps to address, as well as the economic case for making these improvements.