SourceAuthority your online quote resource for machining and manufacturing needs. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Partnering with NTMA.
 

Did You Know?

The Aberdeeon Group estimates that 80% of the total cost, quality and structure of products are determined by the end of the design and sourcing cycles.

Why Use SourceAuthority?

Immediate Value
We provide immediate free access to world-class suppliers.

Sourcing Best Practices
Our sourcing process is time-tested, documented and effective.

Sourcing Technology
We give you free access to world-class technology which streamlines supplier discovery.

Amazing ROI
This free service typically saves buyers 5-24% and improves quality, delivery and engineering support.

Buyer Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SourceAuthority.com?
How do we set up an account with SourceAuthority?
What manufacturing processes are supported by SourceAuthority?
What are the benefits of using SourceAuthority?
What are the benefits of using SourceAuthority's Project Management services?
What are SourceAuthority's Supplier Qualification services?
What are the costs of SourceAuthority's Buyer Services?
How do I submit an RFQ?
What happens after RFQ submission?
May I attach CAD, Word or other file types to the RFQ?
How can I protect my intellectual property?
What happens if an RFQ is incomplete or requires changes?
In the quoting process, can I collaborate with suppliers?
As a buyer, can I remain anonymous during the RFQ process?
Is due diligence available on quoting suppliers?
Is supplier due diligence verifiable?
Am I obligated to use a quoting supplier?
How do I place an order with the supplier I have selected?
What is the NTMA?

What is SourceAuthority.com?
A product of SourceHorizon, Inc., SourceAuthority is a marketplace where buyers of custom manufactured parts and related services connect with world class suppliers.
Back to top

How do we set up an account with SourceAuthority?
As a Buyer, you may register online or by contacting us.
Back to top

What manufacturing processes are supported by SourceAuthority?
With suppliers practicing in more than one hundred and fifty manufacturing disciplines, SourceAuthority is your source for custom manufactured parts. For detailed look at our areas of focus, please click here.
Back to top

What are the benefits of using SourceAuthority?
SourceAuthority's RFQ Marketplace and Supplier Qualification tools enable your immediate access to qualified suppliers while reducing both the time and cost traditionally associated with outsourcing.
Back to top

What are the benefits of using SourceAuthority's Project Management services?
SourceAuthority Project Management Services enable you to obtain support throughout the sourcing process. A SourceAuthority Project Manager is available at your request to act as a guide and/or coordinator of the Request for Quote event. This service helps with the management of large or difficult projects.
Back to top

What are SourceAuthority's Supplier Qualification services?
Reference Checks
All suppliers participating in the market must agree to the implementation of a customer listening survey or reference check. SourceAuthority will survey up to fifteen of the supplier's customers, scoring them in areas such as quality, price, delivery and customer / technical support. The results of the survey are available to you at the time it matters most - when you are evaluating the potential supplier.

Other Surveys
SourceAuthority will implement your existing supplier survey or we will work with you to create something new. Creating a new survey involves outlining your objectives, defining the depth of the study and determining the most appropriate methodology. Pricing is commensurate with the scope of the project.

Supplier Facility Audits
SourceAuthority can implement facility audits on your potential or existing suppliers nationwide. Our quality auditors have the ability to conduct ISO gap analysis or perform a custom audit based on your unique needs.
Back to top

What are the costs of SourceAuthority's Buyer Services?
Buyer participate in the marketplace at no costs. Fees exist for related services such as Engineering and Supplier Qualification services. Pricing is commensurate with the scope of the project. For more information contact us today.
Back to top

How do I submit an RFQ?
After becoming a registered buyer, simply complete the online RFQ form.
Back to top

What happens after RFQ submission?
Your RFQ requirements are matched against the SourceAuthority supplier database. Qualified suppliers will be notified and given the opportunity to review, collaborate and submit quotations.

Back to top

May I attach CAD, Word or other file types to the RFQ?
Buyers may attach files which are appropriate and necessary for a supplier to formulate an accurate quotation including: Word, Excel and CAD files etc.
Back to top

How can I protect my intellectual property?
When creating an RFQ, suppliers are required to enter into a Non-Disclosure Agreement before viewing any associated files.

Back to top

What happens if a RFQ is incomplete or requires changes?
Every effort should be made to ensure that RFQs are complete and accurate upon submission. This ensures that suppliers understand your requirements and are able to provide reliable quotations. SourceAuthority will review each RFQ to ensure it is complete and ready for Supplier viewing. If the RFQ is incomplete the Buyer will be notified and after corrections are made the RFQ will be posted to the marketplace. RFQ revisions may be made through the registered buyer's menu.
Back to top

In the quoting process, can I collaborate with suppliers?
Buyers and suppliers are urged to communicate! Once you have created and submitted a RFQ, qualified suppliers have the ability to ask questions and make comments or suggestions. Buyers have the ability to respond. Messages are archived with the corresponding RFQ. Please note that all communication must be in compliance with the Terms of Use.
Back to top

As a buyer, can I remain anonymous during the RFQ process?
While SourceAuthority works to ensure buyer anonymity your company name is presented to suppliers in the RFQ process. In order to maintain anonymity buyers should use discretion during the collaboration process. Please note that contact information contained in your CAD file will be visible to suppliers.
Back to top

Is due diligence available on quoting suppliers?
SourceAuthority is committed to creating a level of buying confidence unsurpassed in the industry. To this end we have developed due diligence tools to help you gain critical insight into potential new suppliers. SourceAuthority builds in-depth supplier profiles enabling you to evaluate suppliers in a manner that is efficient, consistent and cost-effective.
Back to top

Is supplier due diligence verifiable?
Buyers may request an audit of the suppliers facility through the registered buyer's menu. Audit costs vary based upon factors such as supplier type, size and location.
Back to top

Am I obligated to use a quoting supplier?
No. Although SourceAuthority's suppliers are cost effective and reliable, occasionally buyers wish to maintain their current supply base. For your convenience, buyers have the opportunity to invite existing suppliers when creating a RFQ.
Buyers are encouraged to acknowledge supplier effort through the SourceAuthority messaging system. SourceAuthority will also contact participating suppliers and express our gratitude for their efforts.
Back to top

How do I place an order with the supplier I have selected?
Buyers have the ability to select and notify the winning supplier directly through the suppliers quotation. Buyers contract directly with the supplier for production. As per the Terms of Use SourceAuthority is copied on all purchase orders for the life of the product.
Back to top

What is the NTMA?
The National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) is the national representative for over 1,800 precision custom manufacturing companies throughout the United States. Member companies design and manufacture special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, gages, molds, special machines, and precision machined parts. The industry supplies the necessary precision tooling and machining for such vital industries as defense, automotive, aerospace, appliance, agricultural equipment, electronics, medical, semiconductors, and many more. In fact, every manufacturer does business at one time or another with the precision custom manufacturing industry. NTMA is comprised of more than 125,000 skilled tool makers, die makers, mold makers, and machinists, with an annual capacity of close to 265 million skilled man-hours. NTMA member companies are located in 43 of the 50 states and are organized into nearly 50 local federated chapters and tool centers throughout the country.
Back to top