Final answer:
Rationalizing the supplier base refers to the process where a purchasing firm reduces the number of suppliers, keeping only the high-performing ones to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rationalizing the supplier base means that the purchasing firm is attempting to streamline its supplier network. This process involves eliminating poor-performing suppliers and potentially decreasing the number of suppliers to improve efficiency and quality in procurement. The strategy focuses on maintaining a supplier base that is easier to manage, increases bargaining power with fewer, more reliable partners, and seeks to reduce costs associated with managing numerous suppliers.