Safeguards IT Computer Security Support 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) has issued a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) for Safeguards IT Computer Security Support Services. This is market research to identify vendors capable of providing cybersecurity and IT expertise for the IRS Safeguards program, focusing on securing Federal Tax Information (FTI) across partner agencies. This opportunity is designated as an 8(a) Set-Aside. Responses are due by May 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT.
Purpose
This SSN is for information and planning purposes only, not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP). The IRS is conducting market research to identify qualified vendors for a potential future contract to support its Safeguards program, which aims to enhance the security of Federal Tax Information (FTI) and ensure consistent application of information security standards.
Scope of Work
The anticipated scope of work, as outlined in the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS), includes:
- Providing cybersecurity and IT expertise to support the IRS Safeguards program.
- Optimizing processes to reduce costs and minimize risk to FTI.
- Conducting computer security reviews of partner agencies, including system configuration checks, user interviews, and artifact examination against standards like NIST and IRS Publication 1075.
- Evaluating agency submissions such as Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), Safeguard Security Reports (SSRs), Notifications (N), and Technical Inquiries (TIs).
- Developing and updating Safeguards methodology, including Safeguards Computer Security Evaluation Matrices (SCSEMs) and automated evaluation files.
- Supporting risk-based review selection processes and facilitating transition-in and transition-out services.
- Crucially, contractors will not process, store, or have access to FTI, PII, SSI, Classified, or controlled unclassified information.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought Notice (SSN)
- Set-Aside: 8(a) Set-Aside (FAR 19.8)
- NAICS Code: 541512 "Computer Systems Design Services" (Size Standard: $37.0 million)
- Anticipated Period of Performance: A base period from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, with four additional option years, potentially extending through September 30, 2031.
- Response Due: May 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT.
- Published Date: April 21, 2026.
Submission Requirements
Interested vendors must submit a capability statement (limited to 6 pages: 1 cover, 5 body/conclusion) in single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-pitch font (8-pitch for drawings/diagrams). Submissions must include:
- Company name, address, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and Point of Contact(s).
- Business size (e.g., small, 8(a)-certified, HUBZone, WOSB, VOSB, SDVOSB) based on NAICS 541512.
- Identification of associated Government Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) vehicles (e.g., GSA Schedule, OASIS, SEWP, 8a STARS III).
- A statement confirming if quoted/proposed items were manufactured in America.
- Confirmation of interest in the requirement and intent to submit a quote/proposal if a solicitation is issued.
- Proprietary information should not be included.
Special Requirements
- Work will be primarily performed at the Contractor's facilities in Washington, DC.
- Contractor personnel must meet eligibility and suitability requirements, including background investigations and tax compliance.
- "Staff-like Access" to IRS systems and data requires specific approvals and adherence to security protocols.
- The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is permitted for certain tasks.
Contact Information
All responses must be submitted electronically to Kim Cardinali at kimberly.m.cardinali@irs.gov with the subject line "Sources Sought – Safeguards IT Computer Security Support".