Can we create "contracts" in Supplier Contract Management with no supplier and use them in Strategic

We are looking at Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Contract Management.  Our early assessment of these modules indicates a linear relationship where events are awarded to a Supplier in Strategic Sourcing, a supplier and supplier user is created, then the contract is created, collaborated, modified, and signed in Supplier Contract Management; however, our current state, manual bidding process includes the contract creation and collaboration before the final award. Have others encountered this requirement?

At a minimum, we are thinking we could use Supplier Contract management to create the preliminary "contract" with no supplier assigned, so the bidders will be able to review the terms and conditions.  The event will be awarded and contract management used for ongoing management of the contract.