Reframing Clinical Vendor Selection: A Practical Experience With ClinAI

By Joe Coffie, Founder, Coffie Consultants

In the high-pressure world of clinical operations, vendor selection can make or break a study—yet the process often remains fragmented and difficult to justify. ClinAI transformed our approach by introducing structure, transparency, and data-driven decision-making to a traditionally chaotic RFP process.

The platform enabled seamless cross-functional collaboration, with built-in templates and tailored question libraries that streamlined proposal creation and review. Vendor submissions were easily compared side-by-side, allowing us to pinpoint cost and scope differences without hours of manual spreadsheet work. ClinAI’s scorecard module gathered structured input from all key stakeholders, fostering alignment and traceability. When selecting a CRO for a $48.5M Phase 3 trial, we ultimately chose a better-suited partner at $40M, based on clearer insights—not just price. The documentation package met ICH E6(R3) expectations, ensuring inspection readiness from day one. Beyond initial selection, ClinAI also supports change order oversight and financial tracking, helping identify budget drift before it escalates. Built by professionals who understand clinical trials firsthand, it represents a step forward in operational excellence—and a model for the kind of problem-solving our industry needs more of.