While there is the Dilithium Mine that requires getting to Tier 1 to access unless they have changed it, most Fleet Holdings are immediately accessible. Therefore, if your friend has a Fleet and is not on the console, they should have a Starbase, Embassy, Spire, and Research Lab to access provided they go to the right location.
Press the Fleet button which is under the minimap and go to the Holdings tab to contribute to upgrading your Starbase.
I forgot to mention XB1
Thats even if they have them for consoles
There's your friend's problem. Cryptic rushed out the console release to be in time for the 50th year Anniversary of Star Trek and many things that PC users take for granted like Fleet Holdings, Duty Officers, Upgrading, and R&D needs to be released in the near future. Whether Fleet Starbases will be available this year remains to be seen.
Answers
Press the Fleet button which is under the minimap and go to the Holdings tab to contribute to upgrading your Starbase.
Thats even if they have them for consoles
There's your friend's problem. Cryptic rushed out the console release to be in time for the 50th year Anniversary of Star Trek and many things that PC users take for granted like Fleet Holdings, Duty Officers, Upgrading, and R&D needs to be released in the near future. Whether Fleet Starbases will be available this year remains to be seen.