DRS Draft Sole Source Contract 26-05

The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems is announcing a sole source contract intent to International Business Machines Corporation for IBM EntireX software products, licensing, maintenance, technical support, updates, and patches supporting the agency's integration environment, with capability statements due September 25, 2026 and a contract start date of October 1, 2026.

IBM EntireX is the sole owned and authorized software enabling integration between DRS's legacy business applications and modern web-based systems. DRS determined that replacing this platform would require significant redevelopment, extensive testing, and introduce substantial operational risk to mission-critical business systems; the agency previously invested over $14 million migrating to this platform during a competitive 2019 procurement. No responses were received to the sole source posting.

Offerors must submit capability statements detailing 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 contract value for the two-year initial term is $216,073.12, with the option to extend for one additional year at equal or slightly higher cost, contingent upon a new IBM quotation. The contract runs through September 30, 2028, and incorporates IBM's Client Relationship Agreement, Data Processing Addendum, and applicable quotation by reference. Products are billed upfront for the full subscription term and cannot be modified, reduced, or returned during the subscription term. IBM must maintain Commercial General Liability ($2 million per occurrence / $4 million aggregate), Professional Errors & Omissions ($5 million per claim and aggregate), Crime Insurance ($1 million per claim), and Workers' Compensation insurance as required by law. Capability statements and inquiries should be directed to Wendy Kancianich at 360.664.7231 or drs.rfp@drs.wa.gov.