REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) - Tax Software Acquisition and Support

Notice Type

Request for Information (RFI)

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued in accordance with FAR Part 10 (Market Research). This notice is for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Government.

This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quote (RFQ), and the Government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice. Responses to this RFI will not be considered as offers.

The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with the submission of this information.

Program Overview

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Large Business & International (LB&I) Division, is conducting market research to identify vendors capable of providing Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) tax software solutions and associated services.

The IRS requires software and services to support:

• Corporate tax analysis
• Income tax planning and forecasting
• Compatibility with IRS systems and taxpayer-submitted data
• Ongoing compliance with evolving federal tax laws

This effort includes software licensing, maintenance, technical support, integration services, and training to support mission-critical compliance and enforcement activities.

Scope Summary

The Government is seeking information on vendor capabilities to provide:

• COTS tax software comparable to:
  • Corporate Tax Analyzer (CTA)
  • Income Tax Planner (ITP)
• Scalable licensing (approximately 3,500 users for corporate tax analysis and 300 users for tax planning)
• Software maintenance, updates, and enhancements
• Multi-tier technical support (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3)
• Help desk services, including ticketing and performance reporting
• Integration and middleware support (including XML data exchange and system interoperability)
• Training (in-person and virtual)
• Program reporting and performance metrics

Key Capability Areas

Vendors should demonstrate capabilities in the following areas:

Technical Support & SLA Performance

• 4-hour response time
• 24-hour resolution for standard issues
• 1-hour response / 8-hour resolution for critical issues

Integration & Interoperability

• Experience integrating with enterprise and/or government systems
• Middleware and API-based integration capabilities
• Data exchange (e.g., XML)

Software Maintenance

• Timely incorporation of tax law changes
• Regular updates, patches, and enhancements

Training

• Instructor-led (in-person) and virtual training delivery
• Development of user documentation and training materials

Security & Compliance

• Compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA)
• Alignment with NIST standards and IRS security policies
• Protection of Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) data

Accessibility & Technical Standards

• Section 508 compliance
• IPv6 compatibility

Requested Information

See attached “RFI Questions 051426” for detailed vendor questions and response requirements. Please use the attached "Vendor Comments and Feedback Matrix 051426" for any PWS comments or feedback.

Submission Instructions

• Response Format: PDF or Microsoft Word
• Page Limit: Not to exceed 10 pages (this does not include the ACQUISITION & PROCUREMENT STRATEGY
  CONSIDERATIONS questions) 
• Submission Method: Email to the Points of Contact listed below
• Response Due Date: Friday, May 29, 2026, by 3:00 PM EST

Responses should be clear, concise, and limited to the information requested.

Additional Information

• This RFI is issued solely for market research and planning purposes.
• The Government may use responses to refine acquisition strategy, develop requirements, and assess industry capabilities.
• The Government does not intend to provide feedback on submissions.
• Proprietary information should be clearly marked.

Points of Contact

• Courtney K. Alston
  Contracting Officer
  Courtney.K.Alston@irs.gov
• James M. Tryniak
  Contract Specialist
  James.M.Tryniak@irs.gov

Attachments

• Draft Performance Work Statement 051426
• RFI Questions 051426
• Vendor Comments and Feedback Matrix 051426