DRAFT SF1449 Electronic Tax Preparation Software

This is a draft solicitation notice issued by the Internal Revenue Service under the Department of the Treasury for electronic tax preparation software, identified by solicitation number 2043FY-26-R-00007 and NAICS code 541511. The notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a request for proposals, quotes, or bids; no responses are accepted, and no award will result from this posting. The formal solicitation, if issued, will be published separately on SAM.gov. The anticipated contract involves the acquisition of desktop and web-based tax preparation software, training materials, help desk support during tax season, and related services to support IRS programs including VITA, TCE, and Employee e-Tax. Delivery of software must meet technical specifications, be virus-free, formatted in Microsoft Office 2010 or later, and clearly labeled with the contract number. The base performance period is August 17, 2026, through August 16, 2027, with four optional one-year extension periods through August 16, 2031, each requiring a minimum of 8,500 perpetual software licenses. Performance will occur at the contractor’s site and may extend to IRS, Treasury, VITA, and TCE locations, with delivery timelines of two business days domestically and four internationally. Packaging requires secure electronic transmission or hand-carriage of government property, and all materials must be marked with the contract number. The contract will be awarded on a best value trade-off basis using a firm-fixed-price structure, with technical capability, relevant work experience, software capability, and past performance evaluated as critical factors; all must be rated acceptable or better to qualify. Software must pass mandatory testing and achieve a “Good” rating on all technical requirements. Past performance will be assessed using CPARS data and references, with “Unsatisfactory” ratings disqualifying offerors. Evaluation also includes a risk-based assessment, where “Excellent” or “Good” ratings indicate very low risk, while “Unsatisfactory” indicates high risk and disqualification. The contractor must comply with Section 508 accessibility standards, IRS Publications 3112, 4164, and 4812, and adhere to cybersecurity protocols including annual IRS IT security training, Nondisclosure Agreements, encryption of SBU information, and compliance with IR1052.204-9000 and