Electronic Research Services- Comprehensive Research Services

Quick Summary

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Research, Applied Analytics and Statistics (RAAS) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify vendors capable of providing a suite of robust electronic research services to meet the agency’s tax research needs. This RFI is for market research purposes to determine the appropriateness of a small business set-aside. Responses are due by 4:00 PM EST on March 5, 2026.

Scope of Work

The IRS requires comprehensive online research services for approximately 14,000 IRS employees and 500 Treasury employees. The services must support diverse users with unique tax, legal, business, and news research requirements. Key requirements include:

• Core Service: An online research product with a fixed number of users, adjustable semi-annually.
• Content: Must include Internal Revenue Manual (IRM), Internal Revenue Code (IRC), U.S. Tax Treaties, Income Tax Regulations, Legislative History, IRS Bulletins, Revenue Rulings/Procedures, Chief Counsel Guidance, Taxpayer Publications, Treasury Decisions, Executive Orders, full-text federal tax judicial decisions, at least one commercial tax service, and secondary tax research materials.
• Functionality: Advanced search capabilities (Boolean, proximity, exact phrase, natural language, citation), filtering, comprehensive help features with chat support, user guides, a tax citator, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for legal research, document summarization, analysis, and drafting.
• Technical: Compatibility with Windows 11, Microsoft Edge, mobile device access, and VPN for offsite users.
• Performance Standards: Monthly content update notifications, 30-day advance notice for system changes, monthly/quarterly usage reports, and AI use case/model documentation.
• Special Requirements: Enterprise access solution for user management, 24/7 technical support, coordinated marketing activities, and web-based services free from security concerns related to Java applets or ActiveX.

Contract & Timeline

• Type: Request for Information (RFI) - Market Research
• NAICS Code: 519290 (Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services) with a 1,000-employee size standard.
• Anticipated Contract Type (from SOW): Firm Fixed Price (FFP).
• Anticipated Duration (from SOW): Twelve (12) month base period with four (4) twelve (12) month option periods. Anticipated award date is June 2026.
• Set-Aside: Market research to determine if a small business set-aside is appropriate.
• Response Due: March 5, 2026, 4:00 PM EST.
• Published: March 2, 2026.

Evaluation

Responses will be used by the Government to determine whether a small business set-aside is appropriate for this acquisition and to assess industry capabilities. This is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation.

Additional Notes

Interested vendors should submit a capabilities statement package, limited to 10 pages, single-spaced, 12-point font minimum. Submissions must be in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or a combination, and be searchable. The package should include a company profile (name, address, POC, NAICS, active GWACs/IDIQs/BPAs, business classification/socio-economic status, subcontracting possibilities) and a detailed capability section addressing product offerings, AI integration, updates, COTS status, innovative solutions, relevant experience, training/support, information sources, customization options, and SOW adequacy. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included unless appropriately marked. Electronic submissions only to Philip.J.Ward3@irs.gov and Darnesha.L.Kennedy@irs.gov, with the subject line: "Sources Sought Response for Comprehensive Research Services (CRS)".