Cloud-based Academic Library Interlibrary Loan (ILL) System

Eastern Washington University (EWU) has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ 25-VMD02) for a cloud-based academic library interlibrary loan (ILL) management system spanning Spokane County, Spokane City, and Spokane Valley City. The procurement seeks a three-year site license for a comprehensive system that will serve all EWU students and faculty, with a targeted implementation start date of July 1, 2025, and potential options to extend the service for two additional one-year terms. The system must provide a robust international resource sharing network for tangible and electronic materials, with critical technical requirements including integration with existing library systems (Ex Libris Alma and Primo), support for customized request forms, and capabilities for copyright management. Specific technical standards such as NCIP, Z39.50, OpenURL, and ISO 18626 must be supported, along with integration with EWU's authentication system (SAML) and external services like Reprints Desk and Scannx. The solicitation requires vendors to submit comprehensive pricing information, with quotes due by June 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM PDT, and mandates detailed proposer certification covering legal and operational aspects.

The RFQ encourages participation from minority and women-owned businesses, suggesting potential set-aside or preferential considerations for such enterprises. Vendors must demonstrate authorization to conduct business in Washington state and provide evidence of financial solvency. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the system must seamlessly integrate with existing technological infrastructure, including Ex Libris Alma and Primo library management systems. The procurement emphasizes that pricing should be all-inclusive, covering all potential cost components for the three-year site license. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive technical requirements and multi-year commitment suggest a significant investment in the ILL management system. The solicitation allows for potential contract extensions, indicating the university's interest in establishing a long-term partnership with a qualified vendor capable of meeting their complex library resource sharing needs.