North Star is contracted to provide consultancy support to Atkins for all railway operational requirements in their framework contract with the Department for Transport, known as Specialist Technical Advice for Rail (STAR).
The STAR framework was developed by Rail Executives to “procure the very best expertise available within the marketplace to offer specialist railway technical and commercial advisory service that support the DfT’s rail contracting, major rail projects and other rail-related activities.”
In 2015, North star were asked to review the ‘Direct Award’ submission from Cross Country Trains to enable their contract to be extended to fit with the revised DfT franchising timetable. North Star was required to review submissions in a time-bound frame, ensuring strict objectivity.
North Star provided all the safety and operational inputs, as well as participating in the senior management team. We mobilised a specialist team, all of whom had exceptional experience in the subjects they undertook to review.
As a result of North Star’s input, a Direct Award was awarded.
