State plans integrated global payroll system

State Department officials are putting the finishing touches on a request for proposals that will enable it to buy commercial software and systems integration services for a global payroll system.

Their goal is to replace two existing systems with a single one known as the Worldwide Agencywide Locally Engaged Staff system, the department said in a pre-solicitation statement published June 24.

When the transition is complete, the new system will pay about 65,000 government employees, retirees and qualified beneficiaries in more than 180 countries.

In addition, officials are interested in options that would enable them to include the department’s U.S. payroll in the new system and integrate commercial time-and-attendance functions.

The announcement did not say when the RFP would be issued. However, officials at market research and consulting firm FedSources said they expect the RFP to be released by late summer.