AI rack pilot sourcing sprint

Quote comparison

1Intake 2BOM 3Discovery 4RFQ 5Outreach 6Responses 7Quotes 8Risk 9QC Plan 10Report

Decision memo

Part-specific sourcing decision

91/100 top score

Primary

Rack frame: Taichung Thermal Systems

Secondary

Cooling/manifold: Ohio Rapid Sheet Metal

Backup

Domestic validation: Ohio Rapid Sheet Metal

Current blocker

Landed-cost assumptions, packaging dimensions, and final certification evidence are still missing.

Next action

Request freight, tariff/import, packaging, and Incoterm clarification before sample commitment.

Taichung Thermal Systems

Taiwan

Capability15/15

Price30/30

Lead time10/20

Compliance15/15

Region risk7/10

Logistics5/8

Communication6/8

Trust6/8

Ohio Rapid Sheet Metal

United States

Capability15/15

Price9/30

Lead time20/20

Compliance11/15

Region risk10/10

Logistics8/8

Communication6/8

Trust6/8

Pearl River Rack Systems

China

Capability15/15

Price13/30

Lead time13/20

Compliance15/15

Region risk7/10

Logistics5/8

Communication7/8

Trust8/8

Paste supplier quote text

Supplier	Country/Region	Unit price	Tooling	MOQ	Lead time	Incoterm	Payment terms	Tariff/Import Risk	Logistics Risk	Geopolitical Risk	Dual-source Fit	Certifications	Risks	Score	Recommendation
Taichung Thermal Systems	Taiwan	$96.00	$120	20	24 days	FOB Kaohsiung	30/70	medium	medium	medium	secondary	ISO 9001, RoHS	Frame would be outsourcedPressure rating must be confirmed	91/100	Strong secondary supplier for cooling subassembly and regional optionality.
Ohio Rapid Sheet Metal	United States	$310.00	$0	4	12 days	FCA Ohio	Net 30 after sample approval	low	low	low	backup	ISO 9001	Higher unit costPilot capacity must be reserved	82/100	Recommended backup for fast validation, nearshore resilience, and tariff risk reduction.
Pearl River Rack Systems	China	$113.50	$0	10	18 days	EXW	50/50	high	medium	medium	primary	ISO 9001, RoHS	EXW excludes freightLoad rating certificate not attachedTariff exposure requires landed-cost review	77/100	Best cost-speed fit for rack frame; pair with a lower-risk regional backup.

Lowest unit price

$42.00

Fastest lead time

12d

Risk flags

Negotiation points

Supplier	Country/Region	Item	Unit price	MOQ	Lead time	Sample	Tooling	Notes
Pearl River Rack Systems	China	42U server rack frame	$185	10	18 days	$220	$0	Custom depth available; packaging not yet specified.
Pearl River Rack Systems	China	Perforated front and rear doors	$42	10	18 days	$60	$0	Black powder coat included.
Taichung Thermal Systems	Taiwan	Liquid cooling manifold kit	$96	20	24 days	$130	$120	Includes pressure test report after sample.
Ohio Rapid Sheet Metal	United States	42U server rack frame	$310	4	12 days	$340	$0	Best for prototype validation and tariff-free domestic backup.

Taichung Thermal Systems score breakdown

Total: 91/100
Capability fit: 15/15
Price competitiveness: 30/30
Lead time: 10/20
Quality/compliance: 15/15
Region/geopolitical risk: 7/10
Logistics risk: 5/8
Communication quality: 6/8
Trust/relationship: 6/8
Scalability: 4/6
Risk penalty: -8

Ohio Rapid Sheet Metal score breakdown

Total: 82/100
Capability fit: 15/15
Price competitiveness: 9/30
Lead time: 20/20
Quality/compliance: 11/15
Region/geopolitical risk: 10/10
Logistics risk: 8/8
Communication quality: 6/8
Trust/relationship: 6/8
Scalability: 4/6
Risk penalty: -8

Pearl River Rack Systems score breakdown

Total: 77/100
Capability fit: 15/15
Price competitiveness: 13/30
Lead time: 13/20
Quality/compliance: 15/15
Region/geopolitical risk: 7/10
Logistics risk: 5/8
Communication quality: 7/8
Trust/relationship: 8/8
Scalability: 6/6
Risk penalty: -12

Taichung Thermal Systems

Recommended as the current primary source based on weighted score and execution fit.

91/100

Why not the default

Do not proceed without resolving risk flags and landed-cost assumptions.

Negotiation questions

- Can you confirm landed cost assumptions and Incoterm options?
- Can you provide certification and QC evidence before sample PO?
- What changes at prototype, pilot, and production volumes?

Ohio Rapid Sheet Metal

Useful as a secondary or backup source for dual-source resilience.

82/100

Why not the default

Not the primary recommendation because the total score is lower or the scope fit is narrower.

Negotiation questions

- Can you confirm landed cost assumptions and Incoterm options?
- Can you provide certification and QC evidence before sample PO?
- What changes at prototype, pilot, and production volumes?