IRS releases solicitation for new tax research service

The Internal Revenue Service wants to improve the research capabilities employees have access to as they process tax returns and answer questions from taxpayers.

The agency is planning a firm-fixed price contract for tax research services. The IRS has not released a dollar value for the single-award contract, which will have one base year and four individual option years.

The agency released a solicitation on Monday and proposals are due April 1.

IRS leaders expect about 15,000 employees to use the system including taxpayer resolution representatives, customer service, revenue officers, revenue agents, appeals officers, and estate and gift tax attorneys.

One goal is to standardize the research capabilities available to its users. Content will be continually updated and added to the research service, which means the contractor will report monthly on sources that have been added or dropped.

The IRS has the right to have the contractor add back any dropped sources.

The agency will evaluate proposals on technical approach, management approach, past performance and price.

Price is less important than the technical approach and past performance factors.