Independent Quality Assurance Support and Services
Statewide IT Policy and Procedure No. 107-004-030 (the IQMS policy) requires IT projects that meet certain criteria to use independent quality management services (IQMS). The policy and its companion procedure provide steps that must be followed to comply with policy requirements. This page contains additional information for the planning, procurement, and administration of IQMS for executive branch agencies under EIS oversight.
Projects that need IQMS
Statewide Quality Assurance (SWQA) is responsible for determining if a project requires IQMS under the IQMS policy. This FAQ provides additional information about the IQMS determination process:
FAQ: IT Initiatives That Require Independent Quality Management Services (IQMS)
How do I get IQMS?
When a project is required to use IQMS, the project will use a contractor that holds a Master Price and Services Agreement (MPSA) that specifically authorizes IQMS. SWQA maintains IQMS procurement and contract document templates, and provides support for projects throughout the IQMS procurement process.
Steps to procure IQMS
The scope of professional services is based on the IQMS Statement of Work (SOW). The SOW template contains five tasks, which are:
- Task 1 – Independent Risk Assessment
- Task 2 – Independent Quality Planning
- Task 3 – Independent Quality Control
- Task 4 – Independent Quality Assurance
- Task 5 – Independent Testing
Within the scope determined in the IQMS SOW, an agency develops a draft Request for Quote (RFQ) and related IQMS SOW, along with any other relevant documentation for the procurement process (e.g., project charter, redacted business case). Both the RFQ and its attachments (including the related IQMS SOW) must be approved by EIS and Department of Justice (DOJ). In consultation with EIS, a project may choose to reserve selected tasks and their related deliverables within the IQMS SOW for subsequent release, if any, through contract amendments during the project’s life cycle. Requirements for DOJ legal sufficiency review apply to RFQs and their resultant contracts. The $150,000.00+ threshold is determined on the basis of the reasonably likely total value of the contract, with all reasonably likely amendments, over the duration of the contract.
With EIS and DOJ approvals as required, the agency manages the Best Value Analysis (BVA) in a Request for Quote (RFQ) process. SWQA should be included in the BVA process as an advisor.
After contractor selection and negotiation, a Work Order Contract (WOC) is executed.
Usually the Authorized Purchaser is the agency managing the project, and the Authorized Representative is an employee in that agency.
When the business needs exist, EIS may act as the Authorized Representative, with Statewide Quality Assurance (SWQA) taking on the responsibilities of contract administration. These business needs may include: federal requirement, Legislative Fiscal Office request, Governor Office request, agency request, etc.
IQMS Contract Documents
As of January 2026, there are nine contractors that hold statewide Master Price and Services Agreements (MPSAs) that authorize IQMS. Typically, IQMS for a major IT project is contracted under a Work Order Contract (WOC). The WOC is based on the IQMS Statement of Work (SOW) and supporting appendices, with engagement specific tailoring. The relevant documents are:
Administering IQMS contracts
For detailed guidance on managing IQMS contracts, including deliverable review and acceptance procedures, see:
IQMS Contract Administration (SWQA Guidance 4)
Templates:
Contact Information
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact SWQA:
Phoebe Colman, Program Manager phoebe.k.colman@das.oregon.gov
Sergey Kukharik, Program Manager
sergey.kukharik@das.oregon.gov