Electronic Research Services- Tax Research Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to identify vendors capable of providing Electronic Research Services for Tax Research. This RFI aims to gather market capabilities and determine the appropriateness of a small business set-aside for a future acquisition. Responses, in the form of a capabilities statement, are due by March 9, 2026, 4:00 PM EST.
Purpose
The IRS Office of Research, Applied Analytics and Statistics (RAAS) requires a suite of robust electronic research services to meet the agency's tax research needs for approximately 12,000 employees. This RFI is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The government will use respondent information to determine if a small business set-aside is appropriate.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for an online research service product that provides comprehensive tax, legal, business, and news research. Key content must include the Internal Revenue Manual (IRM), legal and administrative tax content (e.g., IRC, Regulations, Rulings), full-text judicial decisions, and at least one commercial tax service. The product must offer advanced search capabilities (Boolean, proximity, exact phrase, conceptual, citation), filtering, and a tax citator. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for legal research, document analysis, summarization, and drafting is also required. The anticipated contract type is Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Special Notice
- NAICS: 519290 (Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services), Size Standard: 1,000 employees
- Set-Aside: Market research to determine small business set-aside; small businesses in all socioeconomic categories are encouraged to respond.
- Response Due: March 9, 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Published: March 3, 2026
- Anticipated Award: June 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested vendors must submit a capabilities statement package, limited to no more than 10 pages (single-spaced, 12 font minimum), demonstrating capabilities relevant to the draft Statement of Work (SOW). Submissions should be in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or a combination, and must be searchable. Email responses to Philip.J.Ward3@irs.gov and Darnesha.L.Kennedy@irs.gov with the subject line: "Sources Sought Response for Tax Research Services (TRS)". The statement should include a company profile (POC, NAICS, GWACs, socio-economic status, teaming) and detailed capability information (product offerings, AI integration, COTS vs. development, experience, training/support, sources, customization, SOW adequacy).
Additional Notes
No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included unless appropriately marked. The government reserves the right to use non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).