Outsourcing manufacturing and embly. Who do I contact to get started?

I am currently working on a engineering project in which we have brainstormed multiple options to develope a low cost version of our core compentancies. One of them was to outsource the manufacturing and embly of the unit. This is the first time I have been delegated this task and I'm really struggling with finding contacts who can get me started in the right direction. Is there a list of firms, contacts, or sites that someone can direct me to? Thanks for taking the time to answer.