Attachment 1 Statement of Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Submitted by: Taxpayer Advocate Service

Graphic Design Services August 26, 2025

C 1.0. Introduction/Overview

C 1.1. This acquisition is required for the Communications, Stakeholder Liaison, and Online Services (CSO) organization of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate (also known as the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)), a division of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The physical location of this office is at 1111 Constitution Ave, NW, Room 1314, Washington, DC. TAS employees work at locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

C 1.2. TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that assists taxpayers in resolving tax problems with the IRS, identifies areas in which taxpayers have problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to resolve systemic tax issues, and ensures every taxpayer is treated fairly and knows and understands their rights. TAS is the voice of the taxpayer at the IRS.

C 1.3. Congress created TAS as part of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.

Led by the National Taxpayer Advocate, TAS is a self-governing organization, independent of the IRS. TAS offers taxpayers help if their tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, if they’ve tried and been unable to resolve their issue with the IRS, or if they believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.

C 1.4. This acquisition partnership, entitled Graphic Design Services, will entail Design Production Tasks (C.3.2.0.), Design Creative Tasks (C.3.3.0. as needed), and Other Direct Costs (C.3.4.0.) in support of TAS.

C.2.0. Background

C.2.1. The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) mandates and requires the National Taxpayer Advocate to submit two annual reports to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance with no prior review or comment from the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of the IRS or other Treasury officer, or the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

C.2.2. IRC § 7803(c)(2)(B) requires the National Taxpayer Advocate to submit the first report, Publication 4054, National Taxpayer Advocate Fiscal Year Objectives Report to Congress, which identifies TAS’s objectives, goals, and activities for the coming year, by June 30 of each year.

C.2.3. IRC § 7803(c)(2)(B)(ii) requires the National Taxpayer Advocate to submit the second report, Publication 2104, National Taxpayer Advocate Annual Report to Congress, which, among other things, identifies at least ten of the most serious problems encountered by taxpayers and makes administrative and legislative recommendations to mitigate those problems, by December 31 of each year. Related Annual Report to Congress publications (Publications 2104-C and 5286) follow similar timelines as Publication 2104.

C.2.4. This contract will be based on a 12-month cycle with four Option Years.

C.3.0. Objective

C.3.1. TAS CSO seeks to work with an experienced, knowledgeable design team that can complete Design Production and Creative Tasks for multiple complex deliverables during specified timeframes. TAS seeks a design team that can provide effective, innovative creative solutions that adhere to TAS’s brand and support http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/

TAS’s mission to help taxpayers.

C.3.2.0. Design Production Tasks

C.3.2.1. This acquisition requires the production and delivery of the following publications but are not limited to:

• Publication 2104 – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Annual Report to Congress (ARC);

• Publication 2104-C – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Annual Report to Congress – Executive

Summary: Preface & Highlights;

• Publication 5286 – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Purple Book;

• Publication 4054 – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Fiscal Year Objectives Report to Congress (also known as the June Report to Congress (JRC));

• Publication 3319 – Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) Grant Application: Package and

Guidelines;

• Publication 5066 – LITC Program Report;

• Publication 4444 – TAP Program Report;

C.3.2.2. All publications in C.3.2.1. will require Design Production Tasks. Design Production Tasks include laying out publications using provided templates, reformatting data into charts or tables, and providing proofs, print-ready files, and web-friendly PDFs. The focus will be on production of reports and publications rather than application of creative vision and strategy.

C.3.3.0. Design Creative Tasks

C.3.3.1. All Design Creative Tasks if required will be on an as-needed basis. The Design Creative Tasks category will not obligate the IRS if not needed due to budget and/or time restraints. Design Creative Tasks may include but are not limited to design tasks requiring creative strategy and development, such as redesigning publications, updating design templates with a new look, developing infographics, creating figures that require data analysis, etc.

C.3.4.0. Licensing and Subscription Services

C.3.4.1. The Contractor shall obtain and maintain all necessary software and platform subscriptions required to perform design and digital communication tasks to serve TAS’s mission. This includes tools for design, stock imagery, file transfer, social media management, media outreach, brand consistency, and content archiving.

The contractor is responsible for covering associated costs for both contractor and, as applicable, TAS staff.

Examples include Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Stock, Hootsuite Enterprise, Prowly, Pantone Connect, and PageFreezer. The Contractor shall ensure that all purchases remain transferrable or accessible to TAS or that TAS retains license ownership or account control upon completion or termination of the contract.

C.4.0. Contractor Minimum Specifications

C.4.1. The Contractor shall be a complete in-house design firm capable of providing a full range of creative concept development, design execution, and final product delivery.

C.4.2. The Contractor shall be an established firm with a demonstrated record of successful performance on comparable federal or large-scale public sector projects. The firm shall employ at least two Senior Designers who possess at least five years of design experience, a varied portfolio of work on large-scale projects, demonstrable project management skills, and availability as needed. These individuals shall be considered https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pub-2104_2023_508Compliant.pdf https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pub-2104C_2023_508Compliant.pdf https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pub-2104C_2023_508Compliant.pdf https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024_PurpleBook_FINAL_03202024.pdf https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/JRC25_FullReport.pdf https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/JRC25_FullReport.pdf https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3319.pdf https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3319.pdf https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5066.pdf https://www.improveirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/publication-4444-compliant-2024-03.pdf key personnel.

C.4.3. The Contractor shall provide biographies and capabilities statements for each staff member expected to provide service to the contract. In the event of staffing changes, the Contractor will notify and discuss with TAS CSO at least four weeks in advance of change.

C.4.4. The Contractor will provide advance notice to and discussion with TAS CSO if it expects to use a subcontractor or alternate vendor for any service. The use of an alternate vendor to service the advance draft print copies portion of the contract does not need prior approval.

C.4.5. The Contractor shall be a recognized industry-standard leader for design projects and customer support. The Contractor must have prior experience supporting large-scale projects and a diverse portfolio of design work. The portfolio should include a range of technical skills, such as design, illustrations, infographics, charts/graphs, and social media. Experience with government entities is preferred but not required.

C.4.7. The Contractor shall be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (including Illustrator and InDesign), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat, and maintain necessary licensure or subscriptions to these programs. (Please note: The Contractor shall know and use all latest versions of each software program.) The Contractor must possess up-to-date knowledge and troubleshooting techniques for all software. Familiarity with social media platforms is beneficial but not required.

C.4.8. The Contractor shall provide proactive customer service, flexibility, and effective communication throughout all tasks.

C.4.9. The Contractor shall support project coordination and provide regular status reporting through a TAS-approved collaboration or project management tracking platform. The use of such a platform shall be included within the Contractor’s overall level of effort under this contract.

C.4.10. The Contractor shall provide a designated Contact Person available during core business hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, for standard project communications and needs.

During defined critical production periods, TAS requires a designated Contact Person for support after core business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. These defined critical production periods should not exceed more than eight weeks per fiscal year and will occur during the Reports to Congress timeframes.

TAS CSO expects Reports to Congress work to require immediate turnaround, with work required after core business hours.

C.4.11. During core business hours during normal work timeframes, TAS CSO expects the Contractor to respond to emails or calls within 24 hours. During the defined critical production periods for the Reports to Congress, TAS CSO expects the Contractor to return emails or calls within two hours. In the event of an emergent turnaround during non-core business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays during the defined critical production periods for the Reports to Congress, TAS CSO expects a response within two hours to establish next steps.

C.4.12. The Contractor must implement the latest industry standards for electronic document creation and digital publishing. TAS CSO will require interactive PDFs, including hyperlinks and linkable sections, for requested designs. TAS CSO may also request specific publishing techniques for digital design, such as the creation of digital books.

C.4.13.0. The Contractor shall be capable of providing advance copies of all Reports to Congress publications. For the Annual Report to Congress, this will include Publications 2104, 2104-C, and 5286. For the Objectives Report to Congress, this will include Publication 4054. Use of a subcontractor or outside vendor is acceptable for this requirement.

C.4.13.1. The Contractor must be able to provide up to 30 copies of each related publication for the Reports to Congress. These publications shall be in full color and spiral bound. The Contractor will have ten business days to print, ship, and deliver copies to TAS after receiving final approval on files. See Section C.5.4.0., Design Production Deliverables, for estimated project details to support planning.

C.4.13.2. The locations for shipping will vary each year. Deliveries to 1111 Constitution Ave., NW, in Washington, D.C. must follow strict federal building access protocols and be coordinated in advance with TAS CSO. Upon arrival, the courier shall meet with a designated employee to complete drop off.

In accordance with IRC § 7803(c)(2)(B), which prohibits IRS, Treasury, or OMB review of TAS Reports to Congress prior to submission to Congress, the Contractor shall ensure only TAS CSO opens, reviews, or holds copies prior to congressional delivery. TAS CSO will provide final delivery instructions – including addresses, scheduling, access requirements, and point-of-contact information – the week of shipment.

C.4.13.3. These advance copies are intended for high-level stakeholders, including members of the Senate Finance Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee, IRS executives, and TAS executives. Given their visibility, it is critical that these copies are professionally produced. The Contractor must include in their proposal a statement confirming their ability to meet the requirements outlined in C.4.13.0.

C.4.13.4. The Contractor shall cure any defects in the printing immediately upon notification by TAS CSO or as otherwise directed.

C.4.13.5. The Contractor is not expected to provide other print services beyond the advance copies for the Reports to Congress.

C.4.14. The Contractor shall have capabilities for the electronic transfer of files. TAS CSO currently has an agreement to use Hightail for file transfers. In the event of a change, TAS CSO may specify which file transfer service the Contractor must use. Any service used to accommodate file transfers must be capable of securely handling files up to a minimum of 50 MB and must also be FIPS 140-2 compliant. Any services considered as cloud service providers that extend secure file transfer into the cloud must be FedRAMP-certified. Note: As IRS security and technology rules change, the Contractor must be amenable to using IRS-approved file transfer methods. If electronic transfer is unavailable, the Contractor must provide an alternate means of file delivery, as specified by TAS CSO.

C.4.15. The Contractor must be knowledgeable about building documents and publications that automatically incorporate Section 508 compliance features. TAS CSO typically uses an internal IRS service to make publications compliant; however, the Contractor must be able to serve as a backup or troubleshooting expert as necessary. (Refer to C.6.0., Section 508 Compliance.) TAS CSO will furnish 508 compliant alternate text if needed. 508 compliance work is expected to be minimal.

C.5.0. Scope

C.5.1. Design Production Tasks

C.5.2. Design Production Tasks include laying out publications using provided templates, reformatting data into charts or tables, and providing proofs, print-ready files, and web-friendly PDFs. The focus will be on production of reports and publications rather than application of creative vision and strategy.

C.5.3. The Contractor can expect roughly 700 hours of work to occur in Design Production Tasks.

C.5.4.0. Design Production Deliverables

C.5.4.1. Generally, these publications requiring Design Production Tasks use similar templates from year to year. If significant design modifications or a redesign occurs, it shall fall under Design Creative Tasks.

C.5.5.0. Annual Report to Congress: Three related publications totaling about 500 pages

• Publication 2104 – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Annual Report to Congress (ARC)

• Publication 2104-C – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Annual Report to Congress – Executive

Summary: Preface & Highlights

• Publication 5286 – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Purple Book

C.5.5.1. The three Annual Report to Congress publications contain about 150 figures (charts/graphs/tables).

The Contractor is expected to complete roughly 75 tables. TAS CSO will supply print-ready Adobe Illustrator files of charts/graphs to the Contractor. Occasionally, TAS CSO may request the Contractor to work on charts/graphs. (In the past five years, fewer than 20 charts/graphs required contractor work.)

C.5.5.2. Footnotes: 4,000 between the three publications

C.5.5.3. Average hours for completion: around 300 hours

C.5.5.4. Timeframe: October to January

C.5.5.5. For Publications 2104 and 2104-C, the Contractor can expect 10-14 calendar days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to complete these two publications of the Annual Report to Congress, typically during the last three weeks of December. The timeframe for design will begin when TAS CSO delivers final content minus the Preface. The Preface content delivery will occur five days prior to the proof process. If TAS CSO needs to make changes, TAS CSO will submit them during the proof process.

C.5.5.6. For Publication 5286, the Contractor can expect 10-14 calendar days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to complete this publication typically during the month of November. Though TAS CSO expects to complete this publication in November, it may require small edits in December due to congressional activities.

C.5.5.7. The Contractor will provide a full book PDF proof for each publication. TAS CSO will typically complete the proof process for each publication in two to three business days, returning the proof to the Contractor for immediate turnaround.

C.5.5.8. The Contractor shall provide in advance of the release of the Annual Report to Congress publications separate PDF files, using file names supplied by TAS CSO. This could require the Contractor to provide 200+ PDF files for the three Annual Report to Congress publications.

C.5.5.9. For the Annual Report to Congress, the Contractor shall have staff available to complete the project in the expected timeframe. The Contractor shall provide TAS CSO with the names, roles, duties, phone numbers, and email addresses for all Contractor personnel assigned to the project.

C.5.6.0. Objectives Report to Congress: Totaling about 100 pages: Publication 4054 – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Fiscal Year Objectives Report to Congress https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pub-2104_2023_508Compliant.pdf https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pub-2104C_2023_508Compliant.pdf https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pub-2104C_2023_508Compliant.pdf https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024_PurpleBook_FINAL_03202024.pdf https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/JRC25_FullReport.pdf https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/JRC25_FullReport.pdf

C.5.6.1. Figures: About 15 figures, with the Contractor to complete roughly 15 tables. TAS CSO will supply print-ready Adobe Illustrator files of charts/graphs to the Contractor.

C.5.6.2. Footnotes: 750

C.5.6.3. Average hours for completion: around 150 hours

C.5.6.4. Timeframe: May to June

C.5.6.5. The Contractor can expect 10-14 calendar days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to complete this publication. The timeframe for design will begin when TAS CSO delivers final content minus the Preface. The Preface content delivery will occur five days prior to the proof process. If TAS CSO needs to make changes, TAS CSO will submit them during the proof process.

C.5.6.6. The Contractor shall provide in advance of the release of the Objectives Report to Congress publication separate PDF files, using file names supplied by TAS CSO. This could require the Contractor to provide 25+ PDF files for each Objectives Report to Congress.

C.5.6.7. For the Objectives Report to Congress, the Contractor shall have staff available to complete the project in the expected timeframe. The Contractor shall provide TAS CSO with the names, roles, duties, phone numbers, and email addresses for all Contractor personnel assigned to the project.

C.5.7. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics Grant Application: Totaling about 200 pages: Publication 3319 – Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) Grant Application: Package and Guidelines

C.5.8.0. Figures: about 8 figures, with the Contractor to complete all

C.5.8.1. Average hours for completion: around 80 hours

C.5.8.2. Timeframe: March to April

C.5.8.3. The Contractor can expect 14-28 business days to complete this publication. The timeframe for design will begin when TAS CSO delivers final content. If TAS CSO needs to make changes, TAS CSO will submit them during the proof process.

C.5.8.4. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics Program Report: totaling about 40 pages: Publication 5066 – LITC Program Report

C.5.8.5. Figures: about 5 figures, with the Contractor to complete all

C.5.8.6. Average hours for completion: around 40 hours

C.5.8.7. The Contractor can expect 10-14 business days to complete this publication. The timeframe for design will begin when TAS CSO delivers final content. If TAS CSO needs to make changes, TAS CSO will submit them during the proof process.

C.5.8.8. Timeframe: September to October

C.5.9.0. Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Program Report: Totaling about 75 pages: Publication 4444 – TAP Program Report https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3319.pdf https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3319.pdf https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5066.pdf https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5066.pdf

C.5.9.1. Figures: about 10 figures and 1 infographic, with the Contractor to complete all. Typically, the infographic template is the same from year to year and requires data updates rather than redesign.

C.5.9.2. Average hours for completion: around 40 hours

C.5.9.3. Timeframe: February to March

C.5.9.4. The Contractor can expect 10-14 business days to complete this publication. The timeframe for design will begin when TAS CSO delivers final content. If TAS CSO needs to make changes, TAS CSO will submit them during the proof process.

C.5.10.0. Design Creative Tasks

C.5.10.1. All Design Creative Tasks if required will be on an as-needed basis throughout the contract year.

The Design Creative Tasks category will not obligate the IRS or TAS if not needed due to budget and/or time restraints. Design Creative Tasks may include but are not limited to design tasks requiring creative strategy and development, such as redesigning publications, updating design templates with a new look, developing infographics, creating figures that require data analysis, etc.

C.5.10.2. The Contractor can expect roughly 300 hours of work to occur in Design Creative Tasks.

C.5.10.3. Examples of Design Creative Tasks completed during the previous period of performance:

• Creating outreach materials such as banners, promotional items, and signage supporting the Low Income Taxpayer Clinics

• Using translations provided by TAS CSO to change English language publications into other languages

• Using content from TAS CSO to create a publication about speaking with the media

• Developing evergreen content for social media channels based on messaging provided by TAS

CSO

• Creating a wireframe and subsequent layouts for infographics

• Refreshing existing publications with updated content/design. See Publication 1546, The

Taxpayer Advocate Service Is Your Voice at the IRS.

• Creating communications and collateral celebrating the anniversary of an organization

• Storyboarding and refining an infographic from concept to creation

C.5.11.0. Contract Kick-Off and Transition Period

C.5.11.1. The Contractor shall participate in the project kick-off call as scheduled by TAS CSO within the first 30 days of contract award. This meeting shall include the Contractor and government representatives, e.g., analysts, public affairs specialists, contracting specialists. This call will discuss the acquisition requirements in detail and review the key tasks and deliverables.

C.5.11.2. To ensure continuity in work products, the Contractor will work with TAS CSO during a ramp up/transition period to share files, templates, assets, and information. The goal of these efforts is to address issues and solve problems prior to defined critical production periods.

C.5.12.0. Scheduling

C.5.12.1. TAS CSO will share all deadline and timeline expectations with the Contractor. TAS CSO will communicate the expected timeframes for each project in writing, typically via email. The format and level of detail may vary by project and year depending on program needs.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1546.pdf http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1546.pdf

C.5.12.2. At the start of each major report cycle, TAS CSO and the Contractor shall collaborate to develop a projected production calendar. This calendar will serve as a baseline for managing project timelines and deliverables.

C.5.12.3. The Contractor shall be available for last-minute meetings/consultations/proof reviews during defined critical production periods. Outside of these defined periods, TAS CSO will coordinate support requests that fall outside of the defined core business hours.

C.5.13.0. Project Management

C.5.13.1. The Contractor shall support project coordination and provide regular status reporting through a TAS-approved collaboration or project management tracking platform. The use of such a platform shall be included within the Contractor’s overall level of effort under this contract.

C.5.13.2. TAS CSO shall provide contract oversight, art direction, and guidance to the Contractor. Other IRS government officials will participate on as-needed basis.

C.5.13.3. TAS CSO shall review each task and instruct the Contractor on any necessary changes. TAS CSO will route all task initiations, directions, and approvals to the Contractor.

C.5.13.4. TAS CSO will direct the Contractor on file naming conventions.

C.5.14.0. Graphic Design Requirements

C.5.14.1. TAS CSO shall compile and provide all text content files for each task to the Contractor. TAS CSO understands that changes to final content after submission may require reasonable adjustments to the production timeline, to be determined in coordination with the Contractor.

C.5.14.2. After receiving the text content files from TAS CSO, the Contractor shall develop all the product layouts as needed and provide TAS CSO with electronic PDF files for review.

C.5.14.3. The Contractor will furnish all publications in the latest version of Adobe InDesign with Adobe PDF files. All publications must use Adobe InDesign’s paragraph and character styles within each product, typically created from prior year templates. The Contractor will set styles with the input of TAS CSO. All project files must be accessible on PC and Mac platforms.

C.5.14.4. Publications may require a spine. The Contractor shall set the spine width, and TAS CSO will provide text for the spine.

C.5.14.5. The Contractor may use only proven, reputable foundry fonts. Shareware or freeware fonts are unacceptable unless requested or approved by TAS CSO. Text may require tracking, kerning, and leading.

C.5.14.6. The Contractor shall use Adobe Illustrator to create graphic elements, such as charts and infographics, and Adobe InDesign to create tables. If the Contractor cannot adhere to these programs, they must consult with TAS CSO for further discussion.

C.5.14.7. TAS CSO will provide charts and graphs in print-ready Illustrator files for the Reports to Congress. For figures in other publications, TAS will provide data via Word or Excel files. TAS CSO will provide tables in Word or Excel files, and the Contractor will use Adobe InDesign to format them.

Typically, TAS CSO provides a vendor with print-ready files for figures, but TAS CSO may request the

Contractor to provide some work developing figures. The expectation is that the number of figures required outside of the publications scope will be fewer than 20.

C.5.14.8. Graphics must be in available in PNG, EPS, PDF, or AI file formats or other formats as directed by TAS CSO.

C.5.14.9. Publications must use CMYK color in accordance with the TAS Design Style Guide or any related guides supplied by TAS CSO. Related publications may have their own brand style guides, which TAS CSO will provide.

C.5.14.10. TAS CSO may require photo and/or illustrations for various publications. Artwork must be 300 dpi. Images may require scanning, image enhancements, color correction, file conversion, etc. The Contractor, if needed, shall procure high-quality, royalty-free images for all photos and/or illustrations. If the project requires rights-managed images or original illustrations, the Contractor needs prior approval by TAS CSO. TAS CSO prefers using Adobe Stock, which permits the transfer of photo licenses. If the Contractor uses other sites for stock photos, it must provide TAS CSO with the stock photo identification number.

Photos must adhere to TAS’s photography guidelines, which TAS CSO will provide to the Contractor upon award. Note: All illustrations or photography must be free and clear of all copyrights. If projects require original artwork, the IRS shall acquire all rights with possessing full ownership. (Refer to Section C.14.0., Data Rights.)

C.5.15.0. Proofs

C.5.15.1. The Contractor shall review all materials prior to sending to TAS CSO to ensure that files match the submitted text content files. The Contractor shall maintain quality control of all work performed for this contract. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-reoccurrence of issues.

C.5.15.2. The Contractor will provide proofs in PDF format for review by TAS CSO.

C.5.15.3. TAS CSO will review the pages and provide feedback/changes if necessary. The Contractor shall provide up to two rounds of revisions for each project. TAS CSO typically returns proofs within two to three days for immediate turnaround upon Contractor receipt.

C.5.15.4. The Contractor shall make any corrections and/or adjustments whenever needed per deliverable as instructed by TAS CSO. The Contractor shall work with TAS CSO until each deliverable is final. In some instances, TAS CSO may request the working files to complete projects internally.

C.5.16.0. Final Files/Print Requirements

C.5.16.1. Final proofs shall have all elements properly positioned or keyed in a sufficient manner (e.g., binding edge, crop marks, colors) to ensure clear understanding for the IRS Printing Services Specialist, who will be contracting through the U.S. General Printing Office for the required final print run.

C.5.16.2. The Contractor shall furnish all final, print-ready files. This includes complete production native application files, fonts, related links, and necessary instructions with specs and notes for printing upon completion of work. The digital deliverables must be an exact representation of the final printed product.

This shall include (unless otherwise indicated):

• PDF files – High resolution with crop marks, bleeds, etc.

• PDF files – High resolution without crop marks;

• PDF files – Web resolution; and

• All native files, including all required fonts and linked items.

C.5.16.3. The Contractor must be able to provide up to 30 copies of each related publication for the Reports to Congress. See Section C.4.13.0. The Contractor is not expected to provide print copies for any other projects.

C.5.16.4. The Contractor shall communicate with TAS CSO, the IRS Printing Services Specialist, and the print vendor contracted through the U.S. General Printing Office as required.

C.5.16.5. For all publications, the Contractor will provide print-ready files to the IRS Office of the Publishing Functional Publishing’s Printing Services Specialist as directed by TAS CSO. The Printing Services Specialist will contract through the Government Printing Office to award a separate contract to a print vendor. The Specialist will specify required file types and printing marks and will handle all aspects of printing beyond the 30 advance copies for the Reports to Congress.

C.5.16.7. The Contractor shall provide both high resolution and web resolution PDFs for all final products.

The PDF requirements include but are not limited to searchable files, active hyperlinks, bookmarks, and PDF page numbers that match with actual page numbers. The Contractor shall clearly name files based on direction from TAS CSO.

C.5.16.8. The IRS shall own full copyrights to all requested layout designs of all deliverables. Therefore, all materials shall become the property of the IRS, and the IRS shall be sole owner of all rights. (Refer to Section C.14.0., Data Rights.)

C.7.0. Compliance With IRS and TAS Design Standards

C.7.1. The Contractor must comply and adhere to all design regulations according to the TAS Design Style Guide and to any additional guidance from TAS CSO on any related Contractor-created content. TAS CSO will share the TAS Design Style Guide and related guides with the Contractor at the Kick-Off Call.

C.7.2. TAS CSO will provide its official logo in different colors, file sizes, and file types as needed. The TAS logo with the IRS eagle symbol is required on all external-facing products.

C.7.3. IRM 1.17.7, Use of the Official IRS Seal, IRS Logo, Program Logos, and Internal Logos, spells out the design regulations for IRS publications and related projects. However, TAS, as an independent organization within the IRS, has its own design standards and regulations the Contractor will follow. TAS will provide direction on various regulations and standards.

C.7.4. The Contractor is forbidden to place its respective logos, watermark, color schemes, or any other insignia on any set of deliverables it creates or instructs others to create for TAS CSO or the IRS.

C.8.0. Place of Performance

C.8.1. Work shall be performed at the Contractor's facilities. During this contract, TAS CSO employees may visit the Contractor’s Facilities. The contract does not include travel.

C.9.0. Period of Performance

C.9.1. The Period of Performance for this contract shall be from the Date of Award through one year for the Base Year. This contract shall include a Base Year, based on a 12- month cycle, with four additional Option Years.

https://www.irs.gov/irm/part1/irm_01-017-007

Base Year: October 31, 2025 – October 30, 2026 Option Year 1: October 31, 2026 – October 30, 2027 Option Year 2: October 31, 2027 – October 30, 2028 Option Year 3: October 31, 2028 – October 30, 2029 Option Year 4: October 31, 2029 – October 30, 2030

C.10.0. Standard Services

C.10.1. The Contractor shall pay all charges relating to the deliverables and their submission.