Request for Quotation (RFQ) if not well planned and managed can take considerably more time than needed or worse, result in sub-optimal supplier selection decisions and inaccurate product standard cost. The process begins with CMC recommendations for RFQ strategy – which suppliers based on first-round screening results, “role” of each supplier (i.e., why recommended) and key considerations for creating the RFQ package. CMC typically manages all communications with contract manufacturers during initial information gathering, site visits and RFQ process in order to minimize impact on client team.

We create the RFQ package for subsequent release by the client. The package includes cover letter, comprehensive instructions, all cost-related assumptions and specifications, required response format, product data (BOM’s, Gerber files, custom part drawings, etc.) and other information. CMC typically coordinates responses to questions from suppliers, maintaining an action log distributed periodically to keep client personnel informed.

Incoming proposals are “scrubbed” for errors and omissions, then normalized for “apples-to-apples” comparisons. Should-cost analysis using CMC’s proprietary global production model is often used to assess the reasonableness and sustainability of supplier proposals.

Suppliers involved in this CMC guided process frequently comment that it is among the best that they see regardless of OEM company size.