In strategic sourcing in the new economy, the notion of finding the right business model: a combination of the relationship model and the economic model, is a critical step to finding the Right Deal with the Right Supplier.

In this case, NASA plans to rent space in a privately owned space station instead of building and operating the ISS. A classic buy vs. make decision with massive strategic implications. Risk management takes on a critical importance.

The article assesses the most probably partners. For critically important deals, the business usually knows who the real players are, so open, fair, competition for all comers so prized in public procurement is a waste of time. You can cut to the short list of qualified suppliers very quickly. Then the RFPartner process can help you formulate and agree on the Right Deal with the Right Supplier(s).