SoleSourceLegalNotice_IBM.pdf
PDF 121 KB Posted
- Attached to
- DRS Draft Sole Source Contract 26-05
- Solicitation number
- DRS 26-05
- Issued by
- Washington
About this file
This is a Sole Source Legal Notice issued by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) on September 10, 2026, announcing the department's intent to award a sole source contract to International Business Machines Corporation. The contract will provide IBM EntireX software products, including software licensing, maintenance, technical support, software updates, patches, and related product expertise to support DRS's IBM EntireX environment, which integrates the agency's legacy business applications with modern web-based systems. The contract term is two years, with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026, and the option to extend for an additional one year if required. Offerors must submit capability statements within ten working days of the announcement, detailing their qualifications to provide IBM-authorized licensing, maintenance, and technical support; demonstrate compatibility with DRS's existing IBM EntireX environment; and demonstrate experience supporting IBM EntireX software in enterprise environments while maintaining secure, uninterrupted operation of mission-critical business applications.
The total cost for the two-year contract is $216,073.12, with DRS determining that any optional one-year extensions would result in equal or slightly higher consideration added to the total contract value. DRS previously implemented this platform through competitive procurement and determined that replacing it would require significant redevelopment, additional costs, extensive testing, and introduce substantial operational risk to critical business systems. IBM Corporation is identified as the sole owner and authorized provider of the proprietary EntireX software, making continuation of this platform necessary to ensure secure, reliable, and manufacturer-supported operation of the agency's existing environment. Capability statements and inquiries should be directed to Wendy Kancianich at 360.664.7231 or drs.rfp@drs.wa.gov.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| DRS Draft Sole Source Contract_26-05 .pdf | ||
| SoleSourceContractJustification IBM.docx | DOCX document |
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Text version
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Department of Retirement Systems
SOLE SOURCE POSTING
September 10, 2026
The Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) contemplates awarding a sole source contract to International Business Machines Corporation to provide IBM EntireX software products, including software licensing, maintenance, technical support, software updates, patches, and related product expertise required to support the Department of Retirement Systems' IBM EntireX environment, which enables integration between the agency's legacy business applications and modern web-based systems.
The Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) relies on IBM EntireX software to integrate its legacy business applications with modern web-based systems that support mission-critical retirement services. IBM Corporation is the sole owner and authorized provider of the proprietary EntireX software, including licenses, maintenance, updates, security patches, and technical support. DRS previously implemented this platform through a competitive procurement, and replacing it would require significant redevelopment, additional costs, extensive testing, and introduce substantial operational risk to critical business systems. Continued use of IBM ensures secure, reliable, and manufacturer-supported operation of the agency's existing environment.
The Department of Retirement Systems will enter into a two (2) YEAR contract with International Business Machines Corporation. The contract will be issued on or after October 1, 2026 and will continue for a 2 year initial term. The cost of this two year contract is $216,073.12. DRS may opt to extend the contract for an additional one (1) year if required. DRS determines that each optional additional one year extension would result in equal (and/or slightly higher) consideration being added to the total contract value.
Offerors contemplating the above requirements are required to submit capability statements detailing their ability to meet the state’s requirements within ten (10) working days of this announcement.
Vendor capability statements should address how they are qualified and capable of performing the following requirements:
• Demonstrate the ability to provide IBM-authorized licensing, maintenance, technical support, updates, and patches for IBM EntireX software products.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide software and services that are fully compatible with DRS' existing IBM EntireX environment without requiring replacement or redevelopment of the agency's current systems.
• Demonstrate experience supporting IBM EntireX software in enterprise environments and the ability to maintain secure, uninterrupted operation of mission-critical business applications.
In the absence of other capable sources, it is the state’s intent to make a sole source award of the contract. To submit capability statements or for questions, contact:
Name: Wendy Kancianich Phone: 360.664.7231 Email: drs.rfp@drs.wa.gov mailto:drs.rfp@drs.wa.gov
| SOLE SOURCE POSTING |
| Demonstrate the ability to provide IBM-authorized licensing, maintenance, technical support, updates, and patches for IBM EntireX software products. |
| Demonstrate experience supporting IBM EntireX software in enterprise environments and the ability to maintain secure, uninterrupted operation of mission-critical business applications. |
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