1. What is the UT System Supply Chain Alliance?
Established in 2007, the UT System Supply Chain Alliance was created to expand the use of joint purchasing and explore new opportunities to leverage the collective size and strength of UT System institutions. Alliance membership includes:
Members: Institutions within The University of Texas System
Affiliates: Institutions outside The University of Texas System
2. Who is the Alliance’s Strategic Services Group?
The Strategic Services Group (SSG) is a dedicated team of experienced supply chain professionals who manage the Alliance’s daily operations on a full-time basis. The team operates remotely, with department operations based at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
3. Are Alliance members required to use contracts awarded to Preferred Suppliers?
No. Alliance members are not required to purchase under Preferred Supplier contracts. However, they are actively involved throughout the strategic sourcing process, including serving as subject matter experts, evaluating proposals, recommending contract awards and participating in supplier performance reviews. Their involvement ensures alignment and ownership throughout the process.
4. Does every strategic sourcing event result in a single-supplier award?
Not necessarily. The Alliance may make a single or multiple awards, depending on which approach provides the best value to UT System institutions.
5. How does strategic sourcing differ from conventional purchasing?
Strategic sourcing focuses on total cost of ownership and long-term value, including supplier relationships and performance. Conventional purchasing typically emphasizes lowest upfront price and transactional procurement.
6. How can a company register to participate in a strategic sourcing event?
To participate, a supplier must:
Create a profile in the Alliance’s eSourcing platform, Jaggaer.
Register for the specific sourcing event within Jaggaer.
Sourcing events are hosted electronically via UT MD Anderson's website and posted on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) (http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd). More information is available on the Bid Opportunities page.
7. What is the difference between the UT System Supply Chain Alliance and the UT System Contracts and Procurement Group?
The UT System Contracts and Procurement Group (CnP), based in Austin, Texas, supports UT System Administration. They handle procurements specifically for System Administration and may occasionally lead System-wide initiatives if requested by a UT System executive officer.
The Alliance, based in Houston, receives direction from UT System campuses and focuses on collaborative sourcing and contracting that benefits multiple institutions across the System.
