Appointed as a PRIME Consultant to support the Department’s latest STARThree Framework

Jacobs has been selected as a PRIME Consultant by the U.K. Department for Transport (DfT) on its latest Specialist Technical and Commercial Advice for Rail and Other Transport Modes (STARThree) Framework to support the DfT’s portfolio of rail and other transport mode agreements, major projects and programs, and its policy and strategic work in transport. The DfT expects the framework to run over an initial two-year period with an option to extend by one or two years.

To offer best-in-class technical and commercial advice we will collaborate closely with other organizations including our STARThree supply chain of BMG Research Group, Direx Solutions, Grant Thornton UK LLP, HKA, MI-GSO | PCUBED, Newcastle University, PA Consulting, Simetrica-Jacobs, Steel Associates and Vectura Advisory.

As a PRIME Consultant, we are well positioned to deliver services through the framework including transport strategy, planning, operations and commercial advice to DfT as it delivers road, rail and aviation infrastructure projects, and seeks to address major transport challenges, like aging infrastructure, decarbonization, reliability and safety, and the needs of communities.

“This is an exciting opportunity enabling Jacobs to continue our track-record of delivering high caliber professional, technical and commercial advice to the Department for Transport and our other key clients who are able to access the framework, including the Great British Railways Transition Team, Network Rail and High Speed 2,” says Jacobs People & Places Solutions Senior Vice President Europe Kate Kenny. “We bring diverse capabilities and experience in rail and other critical transportation infrastructure to support DfT in creating more connected, greener transport choices that will help communities and businesses to thrive.

“Through the framework, we look forward to working collaboratively to maximize participation of small and medium enterprises in the supply chain to access more diverse innovation and experience.”

“This is a further great success in collaboration between PA Consulting and Jacobs in the U.K. transport market, cementing our relationship focused on delivering end-to-end innovation for our clients’ biggest challenges,” adds PA Global Transport Lead David Oliver.

This framework is likely to include more commissions that support the U.K. Government’s efforts to decarbonize the transport network and deliver net zero by 2050. 

Jacobs has also recently been appointed, with Grant Thornton, Direx Solutions and Atkins, as technical advisors for the in-life management of National Rail Contracts – building on our support to the DfT Rail Passenger Services team over the last three years.

Jacobs has supported the DfT for many years. In the rail franchising space, for example, we provided technical and commercial support and advice across a range of capabilities including economics, business case development, demand forecasting, cost, performance and financial modelling, train planning, procurement strategy, and more. In recent years, we have advised on designing, procuring and managing new operating contracts, to help shape thinking and activities around the future landscape for train operators and the wider rail industry.

(Cover photo courtesy of Jacobs)