Tri-C could save $70,000 a year through technical assistance collaboration

October 28, 2016

Cuyahoga Community College is in line to save tens of thousands in technical assistance costs through a new contract with Blackboard Inc., approved by College trustees on Thursday.

The reason? Tri-C has collaborated with other regional schools to leverage total call volume for a better price.

Earlier this year, Tri-C, Kent State University and Lorain County Community College issued a collaborative request for proposal to technology solutions firms. Negotiating as a collective entity, with the offer of widespread regional business for the winning bidder, allowed the schools to bargain for a higher total value, which could benefit all three schools once the new contract or contracts take effect next year.

According to a Cleveland.com article published Thursday, all three schools are in differing stages of consideration and approval regarding Blackboard’s proposal. While Tri-C has approved its contract, Kent State is still in the process of finalizing its deal. LCCC has yet to make a decision on whether to move forward with the offer it received.

Tri-C could save an estimated $70,000 a year over its contract with its current technical services provider, which expires at the end of the year.

Blackboard Inc. is Washington, D.C.- based technology solutions company that maintains the education space as a major area of focus.