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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FOR
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) for Information Returns Modernization (IR Mod) Program Management Support posted April 5, 2024 (SAM.gov) and April 16, 2024 (GSA e-buy)
Questions that were submitted by vendors, in response to the above referenced RFI are answered below:
Number
Vendor Questions
IRS Answers
| 1 |
| Does the Government require contractors to complete the MS Excel file, Part II Capability tab, in addition to a 10-page response document? |
| "Part II capability" submission is required and can be provided as a separate attachment; this attachment is excluded from the 10 page limit |
| 2 |
| Who is the current contractor providing support for IR R1 and R2 releases? |
| No contractor is currently providing IR R1 and R2 releases |
| 3 |
| Do these systems support the IRIS portal? Does the scope expand the IRIS capabilities? |
| This award is for PMO support to the Information Returns Modernization program. The IRIS portal is a primary component of that program |
| 4 |
| Is this a single-award or multi-award BPA? |
| The type of contract has not yet been determined. |
| 5 |
| Is the Scope of Work representative of BPA Level Tasks? |
| The references to a BPA will be deleted. This is a separate order, but the contract vehicle has not been determined. This effort is part of market research to identify the optimal contract option to meet mission needs. |
| 6 |
| Are there Transition-In / Transition-Out task? |
| Yes, Section 1.3.6 Task Area 6, Transition Services provides for both transition in and out. |
| 7 |
| [Access to Documentation] Please provide access to the 'IRS Cloud First Vision' documentation to better understand the strategic direction of cloud adoption within the IRS |
| This information is not relevant to this RFI regarding PMO Support. |
| 8 |
| [Strategic Product Roadmap] To ensure proper resource alignment and risk mitigation for the PMO, please provide a copy of the referenced IR Mod Strategic Product Roadmap (Appendix A), excluding specific project sizing details |
| The roadmap will be provided with the solicitation |
| 9 |
| [Project Management Software] Which project management software(s) is currently utilized in managing the IR Mod Program? |
| MS Project, Enterprise Lifecycle Management, Sharepoint, MS Teams, MS Office applications |
| 10 |
| [Technology Stack for Program Management] Please provide a detailed description of the technology stack that supports the program management functions within the IR Mod Program |
| See Question 9 |
| 11 |
| [Project Management Tools and Visualization] Which tools are used for project management and visualization within the IR Mod Program (e.g., JIRA, Tableau, Microsoft Project)? |
| Response to this question is pending confirmation; an answer will be provided NLT Wednesday 4/17/24 by noon. |
| 12 |
| [Scope of New User Stories and Epics] Please provide the average size and volume of new epics and user stories generated per month within the IR Mod Program |
| Response to this question is pending confirmation; an answer will be provided NLT Wednesday 4/17/24 by noon. |
| 13 |
| [Tracking Technical Performance Metrics] How does the IRS track and report on technical performance metrics within the Program Management Office? Please specify the KPIs, data sources, and tools utilized. |
| The PMO has been working with business units to obtain operational data from Business Objects Environment and is using PowerBI to render dashboards. |
| 14 |
| [Governance and Resource Allocation] Could you clarify the governance structure within the federated model used in the IR Mod Program, specifically whether PMO teams are expected to bring their own scrum masters and project managers to each project, or will they work with existing project scrum masters to execute tasks? |
| The IR Mod Program PMO is responsible for Scrum of Scrum facilitation. Development teams have their own Scrum master and/or Project Managers. |
| 15 |
| [Integration Points Identification] What are the critical integration points among various service providers within the IR Mod Program, particularly concerning architecture, roadmap, and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)? |
| Enterprise Architecture is a Delivery Partner responsible for architecture. EA also publishes enterprise level roadmaps. The PMO is responsible for program level roadmaps and the IMS. All Delivery Partners are expected to contribute to the IMS and provide input to roadmaps. |
| 16 |
| [Integration Management Framework] What management integration frameworks or middleware solutions are currently used by the IRS to coordinate multi-vendor environments within the IR Mod Program? |
| This information is not relevant to this RFI regarding PMO Support. |
| 17 |
| [Regulatory Constraints] Are there any specific regulatory constraints or compliance requirements that we should be aware of when integrating services within the IR Mod Program? |
| Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) cryptocurrency reporting requirements; IRS work is also held to guidance provided in the Internal Revenue Manual. |
| 18 |
| [Integration Challenges and Historical Solutions] What are the most significant technical challenges faced during program integration, and how have these been addressed in the past? |
| This information is not relevant to this RFI regarding PMO Support. |
| 19 |
| [Integration Performance Benchmarks] What are the required specific performance benchmarks for integrations within the IR Mod Program? Please provide examples of benchmark metrics |
| This information is not relevant to this RFI regarding PMO Support. |
| 20 |
| [Integration Architecture Description] Please provide a detailed description of the architecture used for integrating new technical solutions within the IR Mod Program, highlighting any key frameworks or design patterns. |
| This information is not relevant to this RFI regarding PMO Support. |
| 21 |
| [Testing Protocols] What comprehensive testing protocols are established for new integrations within the IR Mod Program? Please detail the inclusion of automated testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing. |
| This information is not relevant to this RFI regarding PMO Support. |
| 22 |
| [Scalability and Reliability Assurance] How does the IRS ensure the scalability and reliability of integrated technical solutions within the IR Mod Program? Are there specific processes or technologies employed? |
| This information is not relevant to this RFI regarding PMO Support. |
| 23 |
| [Technical Contingency Measures] What contingency measures are in place to manage technical failures during the integration process? Please provide examples of strategies or tools used to mitigate such risks. |
| This information is not relevant to this RFI regarding PMO Support. |
| 24 |
| [Tools and Technologies for Change Management and Training] What specific tools and technologies are utilized within the IR Mod Program to support change management, facilitate training, and assess organizational readiness? |
| This information is not relevant to this RFI regarding PMO Support. |
| 25 |
| [Monitoring Organizational Readiness with Technology] How does the IRS utilize technology to monitor and evaluate organizational readiness across IT projects within the IR Mod Program? Are there specific tools or platforms used? |
| Monitoring and evaluating organizational readiness across IR Mod Program is done using Microsoft Office products, Teams as a collaboration platform, and SharePoint for monitoring status of gaps and actions, Incident Management Tabletops and validations, Lessons Learned, and Communications. Additionally, Service Now is used for Incident Management preparations and validations of Incident Management Representatives and Assignment groups for ticket responses. |
| 26 |
| [Technology-Enabled Feedback Loops for Continuous Improvement] How is technology leveraged within the IR Mod Program to establish feedback loops and drive continuous improvement in organizational readiness efforts? |
| Establishing feedback loops and driving continuous improvement organizational readiness across IR Mod Program is done using Microsoft Office products and Teams as a collaboration platform for meeting with stakeholders and identifying areas for continuous improvements. |
| 27 |
| [Data Security Measures During Organizational Transitions] What specific measures are implemented within the IR Mod Program to ensure data security and protect user privacy during organizational transitions involving IT systems? |
| This information is not relevant to providing a proposal for PMO Support. |
| 28 |
| Could the IRS provide more detailed technical specifications or system requirements for the OpenShift containers mentioned for IR Mod R2.0? |
| This information is not relevant to providing a proposal for PMO Support. |
| 29 |
| What are the expectations and specific roles of the seven ACIO organizations and the four Business Operating Divisions (BODs) in the integration and ongoing management of the IR Mod? |
| Application Development ACIO - responsible for oversight of application development and program management |
Enterprise Services ACIO - responsible for architecture, engineering, and testing (integration, acceptance, and performance) Enterprise Operations ACIO - responsible for infrastructure readiness and oversight of infrastructure providers User & Network Services ACIO - responsible for network engineering and implementation Cybersecurity ACIO - responsible for cybersecurity testing, assessment and authorization Strategy & Planning ACIO - responsible for budget management, work request management, governance processes, and provides some services related to acquisition Business Units - provide requirements, system acceptance
| 30 |
| Can the IRS provide a copy of the IR Mod Strategic Product Roadmap? Appendix A is missing in the RFI package. |
| See answer to question 8. |
| 31 |
| Can the IRS provide more information on the expected timeline and key milestones for the full migration of IR data and functions to a common cloud platform? What are the major challenges foreseen in this migration? |
| See roadmap provided as a supplement to the responses to the questions. |
| 32 |
| Can you please clarify what tasks fall under integration and implementation support as it relates to development and cloud architecture? Is the expectation to bring in our own architects or technical SMEs to assist in the support (roadmapping, scheduling, etc.) from an advisory stand-point or rather to offer more facilitation support in ensuring the necessary tasks are started and completed on time using the subject matter expertise already available from across the current slate of Delivery Partners (Application Development, Cyber, Enterprise Operations, Enterprise Solutions, User & Network Services, Strategy & Planning, etc.) and the Business stakeholders? |
| PMO Team should have some resources of their own fluent in architecture and technology to ensure not only timely facilitation, but that inputs from delivery partners align and integrate effectively. |
| 33 |
| What tools are used to track epics, features, and user stories in the PI/Sprints? |
| Enterprise Lifecycle Management |
| 34 |
| Can you clarify if IR Mod Program requirements currently exist, and if they were analyzed and prioritized. What tools were used to document these requirements? And are these requirements still relevant to any recent changes? |
| Requirements exist in Enterprise Lifecycle Management and additional requirements are solicited on an ongoing basis. |
| 35 |
| What tools are used now to track performance metrics? |
| See answer to question 13. |
| 36 |
| In the capability questions the numbers go from 4 to 6 – is #5 missing or is it a typo? |
| It is an error. |
| 37 |
| Can you please confirm if you would like the entire excel file filled out as well as a separate document, in PDF format limited to ten pages, with the capability statement and any supplemental information? |
| "Part II capability" submission can be provided as a separate attachment; this attachment is excluded from the 10-page limit |
| 38 |
| If a separate document is required, can you please confirm that the cover page, table of contents and cover letter do not count against the ten page limit? |
| Only "Part II capability" submission is excluded from the 10-page limit. |
| 39 |
| When does IRS anticipate releasing the solicitation? |
| No anticipated solicitation release date is known at this time |
| 40 |
| Will program management responsibilities be split between contracting companies or will one contractor support all EPMO responsibilities? |
| See the answers to questions 4 and 5. |
| 41 |
| To validate and assess the capability and domain awareness of the complex IRA modernization environment, will the government require bidders to provide a draft Program Integration Support Plan as an evaluated section of the technical proposal? |
| This effort is for program management services, so this question is N/A. |
| 42 |
| Is IRS contemplating using a Set Aside for this opportunity? |
| This requirement is still in the planning phase, therefore, an acquisition strategy has not been determined, to include set-aside opportunity. |
| 43 |
| What contracting vehicle(s) is being considered for this procurement? |
| This requirement is still in the planning phase, therefore, an acquisition strategy has not been determined, to include a decision on the type of contracting vehicle |
| 44 |
| Will this procurement support the existing Program Management Support contract or replace it? |
| This is to provide PMO support for IR Mod. |
| 45 |
| The PWS Introduction and Background section mentions The IR Mod Strategic Product Roadmap (see Appendix A) but does not include Appendix A. Where can we find Appendix A? |
| Refer to response to Question 8. |
| 46 |
| Can you provide a range / estimate of the number of Delivery Partners and Business stakeholders which will required Integration Support? |
| The delivery partners are listed in response to question 29. |
