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Frequently Asked Questions About sourceNC.com Looking for Tutorials?
General FAQs
What is sourceNC.com?
sourceNC.com is an online marketplace where Department of Defense (DoD) and OEM buyers of custom manufactured parts and related services connect with world class North Carolina suppliers. For more information please see our Buyer Overview or Supplier Overview.
What manufacturing categories are supported?
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View a full list of our more than 200 Mfg Disciplines.
How do I reach customer support?
You can reach customer support by email anytime. You may also call us 8AM - 5PM EST at 1.866.873.1757, Monday - Friday.
Where can I find tutorials?
Click here to access our buyer and supplier tutorials.
What is the North Carolina Defense Machining Initiative?
The goal of the North Carolina Defense Machining Program is to help North Carolina machine shops and other aerospace vendors eliminate the complex processes of finding new Department of Defense business opportunities, win more DoD contracts and grow their businesses. The North Carolina Machining Program evaluates open contractual solicitations for aerospace and other repair parts that are posted on the Defense Logistics Agency's electronic bid board (DIBBS). Open solicitations with sufficient technical data to support bidding and manufacturing operations are identified and posted to SourceNC.com for member review.
In the first year of operations more than 550 companies registered on SourceNC.com to gain streamlined access to Department of Defense solicitations. Through SourceNC and the companies' independent efforts registrants won nearly $4.4 million in contracts from July of 2008 through May 2009.
The North Carolina Defense Machining Initiative is a product of the North Carolina Aerospace Alliance (NC AA) and is administered by the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC). Day to day operations are managed by SourceHorizon, Inc. on a contractual basis.
What is the North Carolina Aerospace Alliance? (NC AA)
The North Carolina Aerospace Alliance is a voluntary association of independent companies, academic institutions, and not for profit organizations that focus on manufacturing of spare parts for aging military systems in support of Department of Defense and defense contractors. The Alliance is establishing opportunities for a government and industry partnership in order to improve DoD weapon system readiness and substantially reduce the cost of aging weapon system ownership and operation. The Alliance is developing a sustainable manufacturing capability for critical aviation parts in North Carolina.
Learn more by visiting www.nc-aa.org.
What is the North Carolina Military Business Center? (NCMBC)
The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) is a business development organization and a collaborative effort between North Carolina business and the North Carolina Community College System. Funded in 2004 by the North Carolina General Assembly and opened in 2005, the NCMBC operates under the supervision of Fayetteville Technical Community College and has offices at thirteen Community Colleges across the state.
The mission of the Military Business Center is to leverage military and other federal business opportunities for economic development and quality of life in North Carolina.
Learn more by visiting www.ncmbc.us
What is SourceAuthority?
SourceAuthority is the marketplace technology that powers sourceNC.com. SourceAuthority is a product of SourceHorizon, Inc., an eSupply Chain technology company based in Burlington, NC. SourceAuthority technology powers manufacturing communities for a variety of industry leaders including the National Tooling & Machining Association and Cygnus Business Media.
Buyer FAQs
How do I establish an account with sourceNC.com?
In order to use sourceNC.com's advanced functionality, you must register for an account. By submitting the registration form, you warrant (a) that you are 18 years of age or older, (b) that you are authorized to sign for and bind the User, and (c) that User's business is authorized to operate and does operate as identified in the registration. Buyers are welcome from within and without North Carolina.
How much does it cost to participate?
Buyers participate in the marketplace at no costs and for a limited time, supplier participation is free.
What are the benefits of using sourceNC.com?
sourceNC gives you immediate access to qualified North Carolina suppliers while reducing both the time and cost traditionally associated with outsourcing.
How do I submit an RFQ?
After becoming a registered buyer, simply login and complete the online RFQ form.
What happens after RFQ submission?
Your RFQ requirements are matched against the sourceNC supplier database. Qualified suppliers will be notified and given the opportunity to review, collaborate and submit quotations.
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 2D and 3D CAD files etc.
How can I protect my intellectual property?
When creating an RFQ you can require suppliers to sign our standard Non-Disclosure Agreement or upload your own. If you select this option, suppliers digitally sign NDAs before viewing any associated files.
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. sourceNC will review each RFQ to ensure it is complete and ready for Supplier viewing. If we feel the RFQ has insufficient data we will work with you to resolve issues before the RFQ is posted to the marketplace. You can revise the RFQ through the buyer's menu on your dashboard.
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.
Can I collaborate with suppliers offline?
Yes, you have full access to the supplier's contact information.
Am I obligated to use a quoting supplier?
No. Although most sourceNC suppliers are cost effective and reliable, occasionally buyers wish to maintain their current supply base.
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 supplier's quotation. Buyers contract directly with the supplier for production.
Does sourceNC utilize a feedback system?
Yes, once you have completed the transaction you will have an opportunity to leave feedback on the supplier's product quality, delivery and communication. In turn, suppliers will have the opportunity to rate the quality of your technical data, communication and payment.
Supplier FAQs
How do I establish an account with sourceNC.com?
In order to use sourceNC.com, you must register for an account. By submitting the registration form, you warrant (a) that you are 18 years of age or older, (b) that you are authorized to sign for and bind the User, (c) that User's business is authorized to operate and does operate as identified in the registration, and (d) User's business is a legal North Carolina business entity with manufacturing operations in North Carolina. sourceNC will review the submitted registration form, and then approve or deny service at its sole discretion.
To participate in the NC Defense Machining Initiative your company must have a valid CAGE code. To obtain a CAGE code visit www.ccr.gov. Or click here to learn more.
How much does sourceNC.com membership cost?
Buyers participate in the marketplace at no costs and for a limited time, supplier participation is free.
What are the benefits of using sourceNC.com?
North Carolina suppliers gain access to new markets, reduce the costs of discovery and benefit from increased productivity. It's a common sense way to support your company's sales efforts.
How do I get started?
Login, and then create an online profile to begin marketing your company in the sourceNC directory. Your profile is one of the ways that buyers will find and evaluate your company so be sure to provide accurate and complete information.
How do I receive RFQs?
When a buyer searches for a supplier with your equipment, capacity and expertise your profile appears in the search results. If the buyer is interested in your company, he/she will invite you to discuss and bid on their project. Once you have logged in you can view RFQs through the Opportunities link on your supplier dashboard.
Am I obligated to quote RFQs?
Quote as much or as little as you like depending on business conditions.
In the quoting process, can I collaborate with buyers?
Buyers and suppliers are urged to communicate! We provide you with the buyer's contact information so you can engage in relevant conversation. Our most successful shops ask and receive answers to the critical questions that will affect the success of the project before they quote the work.
How will I know if I have been awarded a contract?
You should be notified online.
Am I obligated to accept the buyer's award?
As long as the award is based on the requested quantities, delivery time and the price you quoted you should accept the buyer's award.
Does sourceNC.com utilize a feedback system?
Yes, once you have completed the transaction you will have an opportunity to leave feedback on the quality of the buyer's technical data, communication and payment. In turn, buyers will have the opportunity to rate your product quality, delivery and communication.
I didn't win the contract. Can I get feedback on my quote?
If you aren't selected for a project, you still receive value from your sourceNC.com membership. We provide you with insight into your quoting performance. View our SourceInsight reports to see the high bid, low bid, median bid, winning bid and more.
Who owns the relationship?
You do! With your basic sourceNC membership there are no middle men, transaction fees or commissions.
Can I act as a buyer and get manufacturing quotes?
Yes, you can create RFQs, get quotes and search for teaming partners from within your dashboard. Simply login, and select the Buy Services link in the left hand navigation.