What is the UT System Supply Chain Alliance?
The UT System Supply Chain Alliance was established in 2007 to expand the use of joint purchasing
and to explore new opportunities to leverage the collective size and strength of UT System institutions.
What is strategic sourcing?
Strategic sourcing is a disciplined, systematic process for evaluating and reducing the total cost
of ownership for goods and services while maintaining or improving levels of quality, service and
technology.
What is the Strategic Sourcing Team?
The Strategic Sourcing Team is a dedicated team of experienced supply chain professionals recruited
to manage the UT System Supply Chain Alliance operational activities on a full-time basis. The Strategic
Sourcing Team is based at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
What is a preferred supplier?
A preferred supplier is the unique distinction bestowed on a few suppliers who have demonstrated
"best value" to the UT System Supply Chain Alliance and the UT System institutions as the
result of a competitive bid process.
Click here for more information on preferred supplier contracts.
Are the UT System Supply Chain Alliance members mandated to purchase goods and services from
the contracts awarded to preferred suppliers?
No. However, UT System Supply Chain Alliance members are involved in every step of the strategic
sourcing process. They make the recommendations on who should be awarded the contract. Therefore,
stakeholders and end-users are champions of the process from beginning to end.
Does a strategic sourcing event lead to a single-supplier award?
No, Strategic sourcing does not automatically lead to single-supplier selection. If more than
one supplier is required to meet the needs of the UT System Supply Chain Alliance, then multiple
suppliers may be awarded for a single event.
How does strategic sourcing differ from conventional purchasing?
Strategic sourcing differs from conventional purchasing by focusing on total cost of ownership
and enhancing supplier relationships, whereas conventional purchasing emphasizes purchase
price alone.
How does a company register to participate in a UT System Supply Chain Alliance strategic
sourcing event?
To participate in a UT System Supply Chain Alliance strategic sourcing event you must register
as a supplier and participate in the competitive bid process. All sourcing events are hosted
electronically on UT MD Anderson's website under the UT System Shared Services initiative.
These electronic bid documents are also posted on Texas Marketplace.
Click here to register as a supplier
