IRS awarded Accenture Federal Services and Maximus IT modernization contracts for Enterprise Development and Operations Development.
In accordance with the terms of the contract, the two companies will engage in competitive activities for future task orders alongside Booz Allen Hamilton and IBM, both of which also hold positions on the contract.
Consolidating Legacy IRS Systems
The contract vehicle is designed to support the IRS applications development office, which is responsible for constructing, testing, and delivering integrated information application systems within the IRS bureau.
Its objective is to consolidate over 400 legacy IRS systems under a single contract in order to modernize existing systems, expand analytics capabilities, and enhance cybersecurity measures.
The Enterprise Development, Operations Services contract has a maximum value of $2.6 billion and a performance period of seven years.
Enhancing the Taxpayer Experience
The contract award details have been announced subsequent to the agency’s recent testing of a prototype for a cost-free digital tax filing system that allows Americans to file their tax returns electronically without any charges.
On May 16, the IRS submitted a report to Congress, conducted in collaboration with the nonprofit organization New America, which evaluated a direct file option for taxpayers. Following this feasibility study, the agency has expressed its intention to initiate a pilot project to test the electronic filing system during the 2024 tax filing season.
Jessica Powell, AFS Managing Director, and Client Lead, expressed her response to the contract award, highlighting the forward-looking and innovative nature of establishing a contract vehicle capable of meeting, or even surpassing, emerging legislative demands.
In addition, she emphasized, “These changes will result in faster processing of tax returns and quicker distribution of important credits and benefits that are vital to many Americans. We are thrilled to offer our assistance as they incorporate these technological advancements.”
Teresa Weipert, Maximus Federal General Manager, affirmed, “The organization has presented an ambitious strategy to transform service delivery and capabilities, ultimately enhancing the taxpayer’s journey and optimizing internal processes. Leveraging our skilled team and modernization expertise, Maximus will successfully execute this plan and elevate the taxpayer experience.”
