Strategic Sourcing partners with Tulane University departments to proactively manage and optimize university spend for goods and services through category management. Through data‑driven analysis, structured sourcing processes, and collaborative engagement with stakeholders, Strategic Sourcing works to achieve the best overall value, ensure supplier competitiveness, and procurement compliance that supports and aligns with the university’s operational and academic objectives.
Strategic Sourcing focuses on high‑impact sourcing initiatives by analyzing spending patterns, identifying sourcing opportunities, and leading competitive procurement events. The team collaborates closely with departments, Procurement Services, Contract Management Services, and other university stakeholders throughout the sourcing lifecycle.
Strategic Sourcing does not replace existing purchasing processes or contract review requirements. Instead, it supports departments by providing formal sourcing strategies, market insights, and supplier negotiation support prior to contract execution. Departments are encouraged to engage Strategic Sourcing early in the planning process, particularly for high-value, complex, or strategically significant purchases.
Below is a non‑exclusive list of activities supported by Strategic Sourcing:
- Spend analysis and category opportunity assessment
- Competitive solicitations (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs) for goods and services
- Supplier evaluation and bench marking
- Cost‑reduction and value‑optimization initiatives
- Contract consolidation and standardization support
- Supplier performance and relationship management
- Collaboration with Contract Management Services during contract negotiations
Strategic Sourcing primarily focuses on controllable spend categories where competitive sourcing can influence pricing, service levels, and contract terms. Certain purchases or agreements may require additional review by Procurement Services, Contract Management Services, the Office of the General Counsel, Information Security, Risk Services, or other university offices, depending on scope and risk. Strategic Sourcing supports opportunities for university-wide standardization, supplier consolidation, and coordinated sourcing initiatives where beneficial to the institution.
When to Engage Strategic Sourcing
Departments are encouraged to engage Strategic Sourcing for support with:
- Competitive procurement events, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs
- High-value, complex, or strategically significant purchases
- Supplier negotiations and bench marking
- Contract renewals, supplier transitions, or market evaluations
- Opportunities for supplier consolidation or operational efficiencies
- Multi-department or university-wide sourcing initiatives
- Category planning and sourcing strategy development
- Identification of cost-saving and value-optimization opportunities
Links
Contacts:
Reach out to discuss Strategic Sourcing support or to explore whether a sourcing initiative may be appropriate for your department. Please note engagement timelines may vary based on scope, complexity, and market conditions.
Strategic Sourcing
Strategic.Sourcing@tulane.edu
Caroline Whiting, Sr. Strategic Sourcing Manager
cwhiting1@tulane.edu
(504) 247-1044
Lesley Thornton, Strategic Sourcing Specialist
lthornton3@tulane.edu
(504) 247-1358
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Tulane Procurement Services
1555 Poydras St, 7th floor, New Orleans, La. 70112
procurementservices@tulane.edu • (504) 865-5211
