RFP 1255813 UW IRB System

The University of Washington is soliciting proposals for a Software-as-a-Service solution to support the Institutional Review Board and the Human Subjects Division. The objective is to replace a legacy system with a modern platform that streamlines workflows, enhances regulatory compliance, and improves the experience for researchers and staff. Key technical requirements include support for federated identity via SAML 2.0 or OpenID Connect, core page load times of two seconds or less for at least 95 percent of interactions, and a recovery time objective of four hours or less. The system must be capable of handling restricted data, utilizing AES-256 encryption at rest, and adhering to Washington State OCIO cybersecurity standards, including a 30-day patching window for critical vulnerabilities. Proposals must be submitted via the University's Workday portal by November 20, 2026, and must include signed confidentiality and MWBE response forms. Evaluation will be conducted by a designated team and may include interviews or presentations. The contract incorporates strict IT security terms, including a cyber liability rider and digital accessibility compliance with the ADA. Vendors are encouraged to meet voluntary participation goals for minority and women-owned businesses. Awarded contractors must maintain relevant records for six years following the contract's termination and provide reasonable access for audits by university or government representatives.