Strategic Sourcing Compiled by Felicia Persaud With strategic sourcing dominating corporate America today, thanks in a large part to bundling, minority companies continue to get the short end of the stick as they become pushed down to the second tier level of the supply chain. The solution to overcome this obstacle, experts say, is to unite and become first tier suppliers.

That expert advice came from Ralph Moore, a prominent consultant in the field of supplier diversity, who offered the theory at a recent panel discussion in a conference for the National Minority Supplier Diversity Corporation (NMSDC.)

The consultant also feels that the “teaming” or “coming together” of minority companies should be under the umbrella of a “certifiable joint venture” company. But in teaming, Moore advised, that not only should a written agreement be an essential part of the package, but partners need to check their egos at the door. “A good partner is one who can help you increase market share or capacity… who compliments what you’re doing businesswise. You’re looking for someone who can bring the green to your company,” said the consultant.