Confidential sourcing decision
Prepared for Stride Robotics
Scope: supplier discovery, RFQ comparison, risk analysis, dual-source recommendation, and QC plan for Robotics.
Decision memo
Executive sourcing decision
Primary
Rack frame: Hanoi Robotics Machining
Secondary
Cooling/manifold: Pending
Backup
Domestic validation: Ohio Rapid Sheet Metal
Current blocker
Buyer must confirm landed-cost assumptions, inspection criteria, and first-touch attachment approval.
Next action
Approve RFQ clarification questions before sample commitment.
Executive summary
Stride Robotics should proceed with Hanoi Robotics Machining for the next sample quote step while maintaining regional supplier optionality across Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico, United States. The current ranking balances capability fit, price, lead time, compliance, region risk, logistics risk, communication quality, trust, and scalability.
Quote Comparison
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi Robotics Machining | Vietnam | $13.10 | $45 | 50 | 18 days | FCA Hanoi | 100% sample, 50/50 production | low | medium | low | primary | ISO 9001 | Connector standard missingNo IP rating requirement confirmed | 100/100 | Recommended for prototype mechanical parts. |
Supplier Shortlist
Hanoi Robotics Machining is the current rack-frame primary. should remain the cooling/manifold option, while a domestic supplier stays available for prototype validation and regional resilience.
Regional Options
Preferred regions: Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico, United States. Excluded regions: none. Priority: fastest prototype. Dual-source required: no.
Open Questions
- - Part type: actuator, chassis, sensor mount, gearbox, harness, PCB?
- - Torque or load requirement?
- - Tolerance and material?
- - IP rating?
- - Operating temperature?
- - Confirm sourcing-critical detail for Actuator cable harness: Connector standard still missing.
Risk Analysis
- - Connector standard missing
- - No IP rating requirement confirmed
Recommended Sourcing Strategy
Use the highest-scoring supplier for sample execution while collecting landed-cost and logistics assumptions from at least one alternate manufacturing region.
Dual-Source Recommendation
Keep one cost-competitive source and one lower-risk regional backup until sample QC, packaging, and import assumptions are verified.
Methodology
Suppliers were discovered from seed CRM data, marketplace/channel research, directory-style sources, and capability matching. Quotes were normalized by unit price, MOQ, lead time, payment terms, compliance, communication quality, regional risk, logistics risk, and scalability.
QC Plan
Require first-article measurements, finish photos, packaging proof, certification evidence, and video/photo inspection before release to shipment.
Next Steps
- - Day 0: Resolve missing technical questions and confirm RFQ package.
- - Day 1: Send controlled RFQ to matched global suppliers.
- - Day 2: Normalize quotes and negotiate unclear fields.
- - Day 3-5: Select primary and backup source after landed-cost, logistics, and QC review.