Washington Technology Solutions

What Washington Technology Solutions does

Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is the central enterprise IT agency for Washington state government, operating under statutory authority granted by RCW 43.105. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Olympia, WaTech delivers IT service, support, strategy, and security to 90+ state agencies and municipalities through a mandated oversight and shared-services model. The agency's portfolio spans cloud computing (via the Enterprise Cloud Computing Program with AWS and Microsoft partnerships), cybersecurity and privacy services, data center operations, mainframe services, enterprise automation, secure connectivity, and small-agency IT support. WaTech also operates strategic statewide programs including the Digital Experience (DEX) Program — which is replacing the legacy SecureAccess Washington portal with WA.gov accounts and migrating 223+ applications by 2027 — the Enterprise Data Platform for FedRAMP and FERPA-aligned cross-agency data sharing, the Technology Business Management (TBM) program built on Apptio, the Open Data and Geospatial Programs, and the Identity Access Management (IAM) Modernization initiative. A recently completed Resident Portal pilot introduced an AI-powered chatbot and personalized service recommendation capabilities now continuing under the DEX umbrella.

WaTech's business model is structured around state government appropriations rather than commercial revenue. The Washington State Legislature approves funding through biennial and supplemental budget processes, with services delivered via allocation models (such as the 2019-legislation Smalls Allocation for Small Agency IT Support) and direct project funding for major IT initiatives. All major state IT projects with combined level of effort exceeding $500,000 or duration longer than six months must be submitted to WaTech for oversight determination, creating a regulatory engagement funnel. The agency operates with 51–100 staff and supplements delivery capacity through strategic partners including Launch Consulting, The Athena Group, Anthro-Tech, AWS, Microsoft, and Apptio. Customer concentration is structurally total within Washington state government, with the State Legislature acting as the single funding authority. Day-to-day delivery is supported by Business Relationship Managers, the State IT Project Dashboard (a public transparency tool), a customer support portal at support.watech.wa.gov, and structured governance processes including the Enterprise Architect Committee and IT Project Management Community of Practice. Leadership is anchored by State CIO and WaTech Director Bill Kehoe, with CTO Gretchen Peri driving the AI and cloud modernization agenda.

Name

Washington Technology Solutions

Legal name

Washington Technology Solutions

Website

https://watech.wa.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government IT Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Facilities Management Services (541513)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Enablement & Adoption Services (Change Management, Adoption, Champions) (BPAEANAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

IT Asset Lifecycle Services (Procure-to-Retire) (BPAEAOAF)

Keywords

• Government IT services
• Enterprise cloud computing
• Cybersecurity services
• Data center operations
• Digital identity management

Headquarters

HQ city

Olympia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. State Government Appropriations: WaTech is funded through Washington state budget appropriations. The legislature approves funding through biennial and supplemental budget processes. Services are provided to agencies via allocation models (such as the Smalls Allocation for Small Agency IT Support) and direct project funding for major IT initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is the central enterprise IT organization for Washington state, providing IT service, support, strategy, and security to state public agencies and municipalities. The portfolio spans cloud computing, cybersecurity and privacy, data center and mainframe operations, digital experience modernization (WA.gov accounts replacing SecureAccess Washington), enterprise data sharing, identity and access management, technology business management, and strategic technology programs for 90+ state agencies.

Product overview

Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is Washington state's enterprise IT agency providing a comprehensive portfolio of technology services to state agencies and municipalities. The offering is structured as a platform-plus-services model combining shared infrastructure, modern digital platforms, and specialized programs. Key products include the Digital Experience (DEX) Program replacing the legacy SecureAccess Washington (SAW) with WA.gov accounts, the Enterprise Data Platform enabling secure cross-agency data sharing and analytics, Identity Access Management (IAM) Modernization for secure authentication, and the Enterprise Cloud Computing Program (ECCP) guiding cloud adoption. Supporting services include Cybersecurity & Privacy, Data Center, Communication & Productivity, Enterprise Automation, and Small Agency IT Support. Strategic programs encompass Technology Business Management (TBM) using Apptio, Open Data, Geospatial Program Office, and Enterprise Architecture. The Washington State Resident Portal pilot (completed June 2025) developed an AI-enabled personalized service experience now continuing through DEX.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Digital Experience (DEX) Program Statewide program replacing the legacy SecureAccess Washington (SAW) portal with WA.gov accounts, providing modern single sign-on, stronger privacy protections, and consistent user experience across state services for Washington state agencies and the residents they serve.
• Enterprise Data Platform (EDP) Cloud-based platform enabling secure data sharing, collaboration, and analytics across state agencies. Supports FedRAMP and FERPA-aligned data up to Category 4, with data pipelines, dashboards, and cross-agency reporting for Washington state government.
• Identity Access Management (IAM) Modernization Modernized identity management capabilities including cloud-based IAM and Identity Verification (IDV) solutions that enable Washington residents to access state services with confidence while reducing fraud risk.
• Washington State Resident Portal Human-centered portal providing authenticated, secure access to state services, with 'My Profile', AI chatbot, personalized service recommendations, and consent management for Washington state residents.
• Enterprise Cloud Computing Program (ECCP) Statewide program providing governance, guidance, and resources for cloud adoption across Washington state agencies, including Enterprise FinOps for cost management, Brokerage services for vendor optimization, and support for AWS and Microsoft cloud platforms.
• Enterprise Data Program Statewide data strategy comprising three pillars: Enterprise Data Strategy (vision and priorities), Enterprise Data Platform (tools and infrastructure), and Enterprise Data Governance (standards and roles) for Washington state government.
• Cloud Services Provides Public Cloud, Washington State Community Cloud, and optional features including SQL Server support and licenses, enabling Washington state agencies to host workloads in enterprise cloud environments.
• Cybersecurity & Privacy Services Enterprise security services including vulnerability assessment, logging and monitoring (SIEM), technical support, and CISO consulting, plus privacy services through the Office of Privacy and Data Protection (OPDP) for Washington state agencies.
• Data Center Services Core physical and virtual server infrastructure with an established security program, supporting Washington state agency IT operations with reliable, secure data center capabilities.
• Digital Experience Services Services for authentication, access management, and inclusive design supporting Washington state agencies in delivering consistent, accessible digital services to residents.
• Data & Integration Services Data services and integration tools enabling Washington state agencies to share, connect, and analyze data across organizational boundaries.
• Technology Business Management (TBM) Financial management program using Apptio software to help Washington state agencies understand IT costs, benchmark against peers, and align investments to business capabilities, with Application & Business, IT Planning, and Cloudability tracks.
• Open Data Program Manages Washington state's open data portal (Data.wa.gov) providing citizen-accessible tabular data, visualizations, and programming interfaces for public use.
• State Geospatial Program Office (GPO) Provides open data leadership, guidance, and policy direction for GIS across Washington state government, managing the Geo.wa.gov portal for geospatial data and coordinating statewide aerial imagery initiatives.
• Hosted Agency IT Services (formerly Small Agency IT Support) Centralized IT support for small Washington state agencies lacking technical staff, including infrastructure, LAN services, endpoint management, server support, MDM, and security services, funded under the Smalls Allocation and Secure Government Network (SGN). Renaming to Hosted Agency IT Services effective July 1, 2026.
• Enterprise Architecture Program Helps Washington state agencies make strategic technology decisions aligned with business needs, establishing enterprise services, principles, and governance through the Enterprise Architect Committee (EAC).
• Enterprise Automation Services Automation capabilities for streamlining enterprise workflows and processes across Washington state agencies.
• Communication & Productivity Services Includes workforce identity and access, productivity suite, and telephony services enabling efficient communications for Washington state agencies.
• Secure Connectivity Services Network connectivity and secure connection services for reliable, protected data transmission between Washington state agencies and systems.
• Mainframe Services Mainframe infrastructure and support services for Washington state agencies requiring legacy system capabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 223+ applications transitioning from legacy SAW portal to modern WA.gov platform by 2027
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Launch ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2024Partner in developing the Washington State Resident Portal roadmap. Launch Consulting worked with WaTech to produce the roadmap and plan for transforming how Washington residents engage with state government.
• The Athena GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2024Partner in developing the Washington State Resident Portal roadmap, contributing to the foundation and plan for the portal.
• Anthro-TechcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2024Partner in developing the Washington State Resident Portal roadmap, providing expertise in the transformation and personalization of government services.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary cloud platform partner for the Enterprise Cloud Computing Program. WaTech meets with AWS to refine alignment on business requirements for cloud services supporting state agencies.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationCloud platform partner for the Enterprise Cloud Computing Program. WaTech continues to identify potential cost savings and service enhancement through Microsoft cloud solutions.
• ApptiocoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing TBM (Technology Business Management) software platform used across Washington state agencies for cost transparency and IT spend management.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• California Department of Technology: California's central state IT organization providing consolidated IT services, oversight, and project review across state departments. Directly comparable to WaTech as a state-level central IT authority with statutory oversight and shared services mandate.
• Texas Department of Information Resources: Texas's central IT agency providing shared technology services, cybersecurity, and statewide IT oversight. Operates a comparable consolidated-services model with cooperative contracting and data center services analogous to WaTech's portfolio.
• NYS Office of Information Technology Services: New York State's central IT organization delivering enterprise services across agencies, including cybersecurity, networking, and digital services. Functionally analogous to WaTech as a large state central IT services authority.
• Florida Digital Service: Florida's state-level digital and IT modernization organization focused on resident experience, digital identity, and cross-agency technology initiatives. Comparable to WaTech's DEX Program and Resident Portal initiatives.
• Georgia Technology Authority: Georgia's central IT authority providing statewide IT infrastructure, services, and cybersecurity to state agencies. Closely comparable to WaTech's managed services and security portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• CGI Federal: Large IT services firm serving U.S. federal, state, and local government clients. A broad incumbent providing overlapping cloud, cybersecurity, and digital services to government customers that WaTech also serves.
• Deloitte Government & Public Services: Major consulting and systems integrator serving state governments with technology modernization, digital identity, and cloud programs. Comparable to WaTech in project scope and customer base.
• Accenture Federal Services: Large systems integrator serving federal, state, and local government with cloud, cybersecurity, and digital services. Comparable to WaTech's Enterprise Cloud Computing and Digital Experience programs.

Emerging players

• Slalom Government: Consulting firm with a dedicated government practice focused on state and local digital modernization. Notably, WaTech's CTO Gretchen Peri previously worked at Slalom, indicating direct talent and methodology overlap.

Others

• NASCIO (National Association of State Chief Information Officers): Industry association representing state CIOs and central IT organizations. Not a competitor but the principal peer-network, policy, and benchmarking body whose members (state CIOs) directly oversee organizations like WaTech.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WaTechGov
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wa-technology-solutions-watech

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Washington Technology Solutions