Final answer:
The correct option is a. Request for Quotation.
The correct document to issue when a material is not available and there is no current supplier is a Request for Quotation (RFQ). It enables buyers to compare supplier offerings before making a decision.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a material is not available in the warehouse and there is no current supplier for the item, the buyer must identify a new pool of suppliers and issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The RFQ is a standard business process whose purpose is to invite suppliers into a bidding process to bid on specific products or services. This is the initial step in the procurement process, enabling the buyer to compare prices, delivery terms, and service offerings before making a decision.
While a Purchase Order (PO) is a document issued by the buyer to the seller, indicating types, quantities, and agreed prices for products or services, it is only sent after a supplier has been selected. A Contract for Sale indicates a formal agreement between buyer and seller regarding the supply of goods, and a Sales Order is issued by a seller to confirm the sale of goods to a customer. However, in the absence of a supplier, the RFQ is the correct document to initiate potential transactions.