A small electronics manufacturer patents a new device for securing internet servers. While this device consists of standard components and is simple to manufacture, it also contains proprietary engineering and design elements not widely known in the marketplace. After receiving a large order, which exceeds the company's current manufacturing capacity, the firm's supply management department is tasked with outsourcing the manufacture of the device to the most competitive sources available. As the supply management team evaluates selected suppliers, which of the following should be given the MOST consideration?
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