When this is useful
An existing source cannot meet a requirement. A buyer needs alternatives. Available quotations are difficult to compare. A potential supplier requires further assessment before the buyer can consider progressing. Difficult sourcing/RFQ coordination can help define the requirement and bring information onto a consistent basis.
What do you need to do?
- Identify suppliers
- Structure an RFQ
- Compare supplier offers
- Coordinate difficult or constrained requirements
- Clarify documentation and commercial terms
- Progress procurement decisions
What an assignment may cover
Requirement definition; supplier identification; documentary enquiries; request-for-quotation coordination; commercial comparison; and a record of issues that need resolution before procurement advances.
How the work progresses
Confirm the requirement
Establish the specification and commercial constraints.
Identify potential sources
Examine potential counterparties against the requirement.
Request relevant information
Bring quotations, documentation and conditions together.
Compare on a consistent basis
Assess the relevant terms and state the comparison basis.
Clarify outstanding points
Record missing information and matters requiring confirmation.
Coordinate the next step
Progress the agreed commercial actions within scope.
What we need to begin
Specification, quantity, packed or delivered basis where known, destination, required documentation, timing and the constraints the buyer cannot change.
Use the Commercial Requirement Architect to organise your position, assumptions and unanswered questions before choosing what to share.
Prepare a working paper ↗Structure the supplier request ↗Examine shipment volume and weight ↗What the client receives
An assignment may produce the following work products. The information and checks performed are stated rather than implied. Scope and delivery arrangements are agreed for the mandate.
The specification, quantity, conditions and constraints that define the requirement. Quantity units, permitted alternatives and unknown specifications are stated. RFQ preparation is agreed in scope and does not provide technical certification.
Potential sources, with the information considered and questions still open. Coverage and documentary checks are stated. Potential sources are not implied to be qualified, approved or available.
Quotations and relevant commercial conditions brought onto an agreed basis. Currency, quantity, delivery and payment basis, validity and missing costs are shown. Incompatible offers are marked as not directly comparable.
The issues and confirmations needed before procurement can advance. Each issue identifies the responsible party, required evidence and whether it blocks the next decision; this is not technical sign-off.
A practical sequence for the next commercial step within the agreed scope. Group-coordinated actions are separated from manufacturer, inspector and forwarder appointments. Recommendations do not guarantee procurement.
Scope
The Group works commercially and holds no stock, operates no catalogue and manufactures nothing. Manufacture, inspection, testing and freight forwarding remain with the manufacturers, accredited inspection bodies, laboratories and licensed forwarders appointed for the requirement.