Problem 10-21 (Algorithmic)

United Express Service (UES) uses large quantities of packaging materials at its four distribution hubs. After screening potential suppliers, UES identified six vendors that can provide packaging materials that will satisfy its quality standards. UES asked each of the six vendors to submit bids to satisfy annual demand at each of its four distribution hubs over the next year. The following table lists the bids received (in thousands of dollars). UES wants to ensure that each of the distribution hubs is serviced by a different vendor. Which bids should UES accept, and which vendors should UES select to supply each distribution hub?

Distribution Hub
Bidder	1	2	3	4
Martin Products	190	240	120	165
Schmidt Materials	140	200	150	240
Miller Containers	215	235	145	210
D&J Burns	175	290	190	185
Larbes Furnishings	200	230	155	185
Lawler Depot	230	200	140	190

Bidder	Decision	Bid
Martin Products	Select or Reject	190,240,120,165, not applicable as bidder is not selected
Schmidt Materials	Select or Reject	140,200,150,240, not applicable as bidder is not selected
Miller Containers	Select or Reject	215, 235,145, 210, not applicable as bidder is not selected
D&J Burns	Select or Reject	190, 240, 120,165, not applicable as bidder is not selected
Larbes Furnishings	Select or Reject	200, 230, 155, 185, not applicable as bidder is not selected
Lawler Depot	Select or Reject	230, 200,140,190, not applicable as bidder is not selected

The value of the objective function is fill in the __________ thousands of dollars.