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Louis Bugenig
Project Manager
Progress update: October 2025
In September, the SAW Replacement Project transitioned deeper into the initiation phase, focusing on scope definition, early planning, and foundational work to support Cohort 1 agency migrations. The team advanced multiple workstreams, including agency engagement, technical planning, and communications.
Key accomplishments included finalizing a tiering model to prioritize agency migrations, resolving a dependency on Microsoft Entra ID, and developing core deliverables like the Migration Guide. The first "Transforming SecureAccess Washington" webinar was also held, successfully introducing the program to agency partners.
While work is progressing well, delays in finalizing the Cohort 1 application list and understanding legacy system dependencies particularly around Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) pose a moderate risk. Mitigation steps are underway to address these challenges.
Read the complete project status update.
Overview
Washington’s SecureAccess Washington (SAW) portal served as a statewide login for over two decades. While it was groundbreaking in 2003, the technology is no longer meeting user needs.
We’re replacing SecureAccess Washington (SAW) with simpler, faster, and more secure digital tools that work better for everyone—residents, visitors, businesses, and state agencies. This work directly supports the Governor’s Executive Order 25-06 to improve digital services statewide. It builds on the foundation laid by the Identity and Access Management Modernization and Washington State Resident Portal projects, which have now closed.
We’re building a new single sign on portal (WA.gov) to replace SAW that:
- Makes it easier to find and use state services.
- Offers a single login through a new WA.gov account.
- Protects user privacy and strengthens security.
- Helps agencies deliver better, more consistent service.
The DEX Program is actively delivering the SAW Replacement Project. WA.gov will replace SAW as the state’s online portal and will include a new Customer Identity & Access Management (CIAM) system.
The DEX Program will replace SAW with WA.gov accounts - a secure single sign-on system that allows people to manage their state profile with improved user privacy, security, and control.
In 2025–2026, we’re focused on:
- Launching the Portal Open Beta in fall.
- Continuing to onboard early agencies to the new WA.gov account login.
- Introducing shared features like service search, account management, and personalized recommendations.
- Collaborating with agencies to plan for SAW decommissioning by 2027.