CLEARBOX SOURCE CASE STUDY
Unlocking Innovation Potential: How Clearbox Source Transformed South Bend's Approach to Technology
In April 2022, the City of South Bend embarked on a journey to support innovation through data-driven conversations and boost efficiency in internal technology evaluations. However, they faced challenges such as a lack of comprehensive data, time-consuming technology evaluations, resource-intensive research, and complex procurement processes.
Clearbox Source transformed South Bend's approach to technology evaluation and decision-making, and the city was able to streamline budgeting with departments, accelerate technology evaluations, and reduce staff research efforts.
AT-A-GLANCE
- Location: South Bend, IN
- Government Type: City
- Population: 103,000
- Buyer: Office of the CIO
- Key parties: Office of the CIO, Public Works, Legal Department, Finance, Police
RESULTS
- Supported the City with Comprehensive Data
- Provided Key Governance Mechanism for Leadership
- Ensured Due Diligence in Every Project
- New Tools and Approaches for Emerging Technology
THE CHALLENGE
Transform Technology Evaluation & Decision Making Process
The City of South Bend encountered several challenges in their efforts to support innovation through data-driven conversations and enhance efficiency in internal discussions and technology evaluations. South Bend turned to Clearbox Source in April 2022 to address some of the key challenges faced including:
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Time-Consuming Technology Evaluations
- Resource-Intensive Research
- Challenges in Procurement
- Connection with Target Companies
- Lowering Selection Risk
"Marketplace.city maximizes city resources in sourcing and procurement, reducing staff time, cost and risk in all stages of technology evaluation."
- Denise Riedl, Chief Innovation Officer, South Bend, IN
THE SOLUTION
Supporting Innovation With Data
The City of South Bend turned to Clearbox Source to support innovation with data driven market research to enrich internal discussions and evaluations of technology. The platform facilitated better budgeting with departments, streamlined technology evaluations, reduced staff research efforts, enabled efficient assessment of new verticals, accelerated and simplified the procurement process, facilitated connections with target companies, and ultimately lowered the selection risk.
THE OUTCOME
Saving Hours, One Project at a Time
In year one, South Bend used Clearbox Source for over 25 project evaluations, and saved 50 hours per project, providing a clear ROI for the subscription. The projects included:
- Police Command Center Technologies
- Permitting Software
- Pavement Assessment Solution
- Forestry Management Software
- Cybersecurity Tools
- And over a dozen other technology areas
Together with Marketplace.city, South Bend has used Clearbox Source to save time and money as they researched, sourced, validated and procured all of their technology initiatives.
-
Supported the City with data at different stages of the procurement process.
-
Provided a key governance mechanism for City leadership to monitor and control a wide range of procurements, including sensitive and high-dollar procurements.
-
Closely integrated with the City’s procurement process to ensure due diligence in every project.
-
Helped introduce departments to other cities in our network to learn about new tools and different approaches to emerging technology.
