Case Study: University of Dayton achieves $40,000 in microscope savings with GovSpend

University of Dayton Leverages Data to Save $40,000 on Microscopes

The University of Dayton, led by Sara Harrison, Executive Director of Procurement and Payable Services, faced a costly procurement challenge when the biology department needed a confocal microscope. By comparing vendor quotes to purchase records in GovSpend’s online database, the team discovered wide price disparities—sometimes up to $100,000—and identified specification differences that were driving unnecessary cost.

Using the GovSpend platform’s keyword search and line-item purchase data (including vendor contact information), the procurement team refined specifications, located qualified suppliers, and strengthened their negotiation position. GovSpend’s data-driven approach helped the University of Dayton realize $40,000 in savings on microscopes and earned the team GovSpend’s Procurement Award for Q4 2018.

University of Dayton

Sara Harrison

Executive Director of Procurement and Payable Services