| 1. Product and grade coverage | Confirm availability of the required commercially pure or alloy grades, product forms, dimensions, and tolerances. Common bar grades include Grade 2, Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V), and Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI). | Current product list; grade and size range; dimensional tolerances; confirmation that the requested grade and condition can be supplied. | 12% | 0: No suitable range; 3: Covers the main requirement; 5: Clearly documented range and reliable supply options for the full specification. |
| 2. Standards and specification control | Check that the quotation identifies the applicable material specification and edition. ASTM B348/B348M covers titanium and titanium alloy bars and billets; confirm any additional customer or industry requirements separately. | Written specification cross-reference; order review; documented process for managing specification revisions and deviations. | 12% | 0: Standards are unclear; 3: Correct specification is stated; 5: Specification, revision, condition, and exceptions are reviewed and confirmed in writing. |
| 3. Traceability and material documentation | Ensure each shipment can be traced to its production batch or heat and that documentation matches the delivered material and purchase order. | Sample inspection or test certificate; heat or batch identification; packing-list and certificate matching process. EN 10204 Type 3.1 may be specified where appropriate by contract. | 12% | 0: No verifiable traceability; 3: Batch identification and basic certificates provided; 5: Complete, consistent records with traceability maintained through shipment. |
| 4. Quality management and process controls | Assess the quality system and controls relevant to the intended application. ISO 9001 certification is a general quality-management indicator; sector-specific requirements may apply for aerospace or medical supply chains. | Current certificate and scope; audit or quality questionnaire; inspection, nonconformance, corrective-action, and change-control procedures. | 12% | 0: No quality-system evidence; 3: Suitable documented system; 5: Current, relevant certifications and clearly demonstrated process controls. |
| 5. Testing and inspection capability | Match inspection and testing to the purchase specification, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, and any required additional examinations. | Inspection plan; sample test reports; laboratory qualifications or subcontract controls; equipment calibration records; acceptance criteria. | 10% | 0: Requirements cannot be verified; 3: Standard tests are documented; 5: Required tests, methods, acceptance criteria, and records are agreed before production. |
| 6. Export packaging and corrosion protection | Verify that bars will be protected against handling damage, contamination, and transit exposure, with packaging suited to the route and mode of transport. | Packaging specification; bundle and marking details; photographs or packing examples; written confirmation of customer-specific packaging requirements. | 8% | 0: Packaging is unspecified; 3: Basic export packaging is defined; 5: Packaging, identification, and handling controls are tailored to the shipment. |
| 7. International logistics and delivery planning | Evaluate the supplier’s ability to plan export documentation, shipment milestones, transport arrangements, and delivery terms. Confirm Incoterms® rules and the named place in the contract. | Written delivery schedule; proposed Incoterm and named place; export-document checklist; shipment-status and delay-escalation process. | 10% | 0: No reliable delivery plan; 3: Schedule and shipping responsibilities are stated; 5: Milestones, responsibilities, documents, and contingency communication are clear. |
| 8. Commercial transparency and total cost | Compare the full landed-cost basis rather than unit price alone. Review currency, quote validity, tooling or cutting charges, freight, insurance, duties, and payment terms. | Itemized quotation; clearly stated quantity and unit basis; surcharge and packaging details; payment terms; agreed responsibility for freight and insurance. | 8% | 0: Material costs or terms are unclear; 3: Main costs are itemized; 5: Price basis, exclusions, payment conditions, and shipment costs are transparent. |
| 9. Communication and technical responsiveness | Assess how promptly and accurately the supplier handles technical questions, specification clarifications, document requests, and changes to the order. | Response samples during quotation; named sales and quality contacts; documented order-confirmation and escalation process. | 8% | 0: Responses are inconsistent or incomplete; 3: Questions are answered adequately; 5: Responses are timely, technically clear, and consistently documented. |
| 10. Risk management and supplier continuity | Consider capacity, subcontracting controls, business continuity, and the impact of supply interruptions. Validate capabilities against the buyer’s required volume and risk level. | Capacity and production-planning information; subcontractor controls; business-continuity approach; references or a qualified supplier audit where appropriate. | 8% | 0: Material risks are unaddressed; 3: Basic capacity and continuity information is available; 5: Risks, controls, and contingency arrangements are clearly evidenced. |