DRAFT_SOW_25-25 Graphic Design_v3_(Attachment 2).docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Submitted by: Taxpayer Advocate Service Graphic Design Services

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 know and understand 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 creating publications and documents as well as other as-needed design projects 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-B, 2104-C, and 5286) follow similar timelines as Publication 2104.

C.2.4. In addition to the statutorily mandated reports, TAS requires various other publications throughout the year as well as Other Design Tasks (C.7.6.) and Other Direct Costs (C.7.7.).

C.3.0. Objective

C.3.1. TAS CSO seeks to work with an experienced, knowledgeable design and print team that can deliver multiple complex and competing projects with tight, intense deadlines with minimal supervision. TAS CSO requires effective, innovative creative solutions that adhere to TAS’s brand and support TAS’s mission to help taxpayers. The Contractor shall work with the TAS CSO Office.

C.3.2. This acquisition requires the design and delivery of the following publications but are not limited to:

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

· Publication 2104-B – National Taxpayer Advocate’s 2023 Research Reports;

· 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.3.3. All publications in C.3.2. will require graphic design services. TAS CSO will oversee, strategize, and art direct this contracted project. The Contractor will prepare the layouts for each of the publications as well as any Other Design Tasks for TAS as needed throughout the year. The Contractor shall prepare the layouts for each publication, including all advanced proofs, print-ready files, and web-friendly PDFs.

C.3.4. All Other Design Tasks if required will be on an as-needed basis. These Other Design Tasks will not obligate the IRS if not needed due to budget and/or time restraints. Other Design Tasks may include but are not limited to publications, infographics, figures, custom illustrations, social media, and congressional projects.

C.3.5. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining any necessary subscriptions or licenses required to complete design tasks under this contract, including but not limited to Adobe Stock, file transfer services, and website domains. The cost of these items should be included in the offeror’s proposed pricing as Other Direct Costs.

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. The Contractor must employe, at minimum, two Senior Graphic Designers and one Creative Director on staff. These individuals shall be considered key personnel.

C.4.2. 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.4.3. The Contractor shall be a reputable firm with 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.

C.4.4. The Contractor shall submit a minimum of ten and no more than 15 samples of prior design work. The samples shall:

· Be high-resolution and relevant to graphic design and related work;

· Be accompanied by a brief description of the project and the Contractor’s role;

· Include the name and contact information for the Creative Director or Senior Graphic Designer responsible for each sample;

· Include charts/graphs and infographics where applicable to demonstrate layout and visual storytelling capabilities.

· TAS CSO will consider samples that demonstrate work most closely related to the needs of this acquisition as most relevant. The Contractor shall review links to all deliverables indicated in C.7.0, Deliverables, for an understanding of the scope of work required for each. Historic reports are also available to show differences across the years.

If the Contractor is unable to submit samples via the typical Procurement process, they shall coordinate with the Contracting Officer for alternate submission instructions.

It is preferred that:

· At least two samples reflect work completed for a government entity; and

· At least two samples reflect technically complex reports of more than 100 pages, featuring data visualization, structured page layout, footnotes, and overall formatting consistency.

C.4.5. 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.4.6. The Contractor shall provide a designated Contact Person available outside of regular business hours for urgent or time-sensitive needs. Contact information shall be provided to TAS CSO prior to contract start.

C.4.7. For the Reports to Congress, the Contractor shall ensure adequate team coverage to meet accelerated production schedules and emergency deadlines.

C.4.8. The Contractor shall be capable of providing proofreading services to support the final preparation of design products. This includes review and correction of typos, spelling, grammar, and data presentation, including charts and data visualization.

C.4.9. The Contractor must be knowledgeable about creating documents and publications that automatically incorporate Section 508 Compliance. 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.8.0., Section 508 Compliance.) TAS CSO will furnish 508 compliant alternate text if needed.

C.4.10. The Contractor must implement the latest industry standards for electronic document creation and digital publishing. TAS CSO will require interactive PDFs for requested designs. TAS CSO may also request specific publishing techniques for digital design, such as the creation of digital books.

C.4.11. The Contractor shall have capabilities to print for reviews and final proofs. If TAS CSO requires advance copies of printed materials, the Contractor will work with TAS CSO in meeting those requirements, including short turnaround times. (Refer to Section C.4.12.0).

C.4.12.0. The Contractor shall be capable of providing advance copies of all Reports to Congress publications on an urgent basis. For the Annual Report to Congress, this will include Publications 2104, 2104-B, 2104-C, and 5286. For the Objectives Report to Congress, this will include Publication 4054.

C.4.12.1. The Contractor must be able to provide up to 50 advance spiral bound copies of each related publication, in full color that match TAS brand guidelines for color within six (6) business days, including shipping time, after receiving final, approved files. The table in Section C.7.0 Deliverables provides estimated project details to support planning.

Advanced copies will be shipped to Washington, D.C. each year. Additional locations may be included and vary annually.

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 review of Taxpayer Advocate Service reports prior to submission to Congress, no copies shall be opened, reviewed, or held by IRS personnel. TAS CSO will provide final delivery instructions — including address, scheduling, access requirements, and point-of-contact information — the week of shipment.

C.4.12.2. These 50 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 executive. 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.4.12.1.

Please note: All government printing shall be done via the Government Publishing Office (GPO) unless the Joint Committee on Printing considers this an urgent or necessary means of being completed elsewhere. (Title 44 of the United States Code, Chapter 5, Section 501(1).)

C.4.13. The Contractor shall have capabilities for 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.4.14. The Contractor shall provide proactive customer service and offer flexibility with each task required. This acquisition requires the Contractor to have excellent communication and timely, interactive service.

C.5.0. Scope

C.5.1. The Contractor’s scope of work shall include the Reports to Congress and related projects, Other Design Tasks, and Other Direct Costs. Refer to Section 6.0.

C.6.0. Tasks

C.6.1. Kick-Off Call: The Contractor shall participate in the project kick-off call as scheduled by TAS CSO within the first 30 days of contractor 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.6.2. 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.

C.6.3. TAS CSO shall provide contract oversight, art direction, and guidance to the Contractor. Other IRS government officials will participate on as-needed basis.

C.6.4. The Contractor shall be available for last-minute meetings/consultations/proof reviews, including same-day and immediate requests. This may include making changes/edits often within the same business day, as well as providing support after hours or on weekends, particularly as deadlines approach. These interactions may involve relevant Contractor personnel and TAS CSO staff. Historically, such expedited support has been included in the fixed price.

C.6.5. Publications shall follow industry best practices unless otherwise directed by TAS CSO.

C.6.6. 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.6.7. 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 files for review.

C.6.8. 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.6.9. Publications may require a spine. The Contractor shall set the spine width, and TAS CSO will provide text for the spine.

C.6.10. The Contractor may use only proven, reputable foundry fonts. Shareware or freeware fonts are unacceptable unless requested. Text may require tracking, kerning, and leading.

C.6.11. 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.6.11.1. TAS CSO will typically provide charts and graphs in print-ready Illustrator files.

C.6.11.2. The Contractor will typically create all tables using Word or Excel files provided by TAS CSO.

C.6.11.3. TAS CSO may ask the Contractor to create some figures for publications. Historically, prior contracts required fewer than 50 figures (charts/graphs).

C.6.11.4. Graphics must be in available in PNG, EPS, or AI file formats.

C.6.12. 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.6.13. 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.17.0., Data Rights.)

C.6.14. The Contractor shall proofread to ensure that files match the text content files submitted by TAS CSO. 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.6.15. 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.6.16. The Contractor shall make any corrections and/or adjustments whenever needed per deliverable as instructed by TAS CSO. The Contractor shall be expected to work with TAS CSO until each deliverable is finalized. In some instances, TAS CSO may request the working files to complete projects internally.

C.6.17. The Contractor shall have printing capabilities for final proofs if requested. The Contractor may use their own vendor as long as they can meet the product specs and required timeframes. (Refer to Section C.3.12. for specific requirements related to the Reports to Congress.) The Contractor shall cure any defects in the printing immediately upon notification by TAS CSO or as otherwise directed.

C.6.18. 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 (GPO) for the required final full run of all copies.

C.6.19. 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.6.20. The IRS Office of the Publishing Functional Publishing’s Printing Services Specialist, in conjunction with TAS CSO, will direct final printing aspects, outside of the 50 advance copies specified in C.5.12.

C.6.21. The Contractor shall communicate with TAS CSO, the IRS Printing Services Specialist, and the print vendor contracted through the U.S. General Printing Office (GPO) as required.

C.6.22. 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. File naming conventions will be provided at least two weeks prior to each project’s due date.

C.6.23. 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.17.0., Data Rights.)

C.7.0. Deliverables

Annual Report to Congress

· Publication 2104 –

· Publication 2104-B – National Taxpayer Advocate’s 2023 Research Reports

· Publication 2104-C –

· Publication 5286

4,000 Footnotes

(The Contractor should expect to complete roughly 50 tables.)

For four related publications: 300 hours

(The Contractor should expect roughly half of the hours to require immediate turnaround.)

November to January

Objectives Report to Congress Publication 4054 – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Fiscal Year Objectives Report to Congress

750 Footnotes

(The Contractor should expect to complete roughly 15 tables.)

150 hours

(The Contractor should expect roughly half of the hours to require immediate turnaround.)

May to June

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics Grant Application Publication 3319 –

(The Contractor should expect to complete all figures.)

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics Program Report Publication 5066 –

(The Contractor should expect to complete all figures.)

Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Program Report Publication 4444 –

(The Contractor should expect to complete all figures.)

Other Design Tasks

C.7.0.1. The Contractor shall view the links to each publication to better understand the scope of work.

C.7.0.2. The Contractor shall adhere to all requirements indicated in the Scope of Work. Refer to Section C.5.0.

C.7.0.3. Generally, each publication uses the previous year template for layout.

C.7.1.0. Annual Report to Congress

· Four related publications totaling about 500 pages

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

· Publication 2104-B – National Taxpayer Advocate’s 2023 Research Reports

· Publication 2104-C – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Annual Report to Congress – Executive Summary: Preface & Highlights

· Publication 5286 – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Purple Book

· Figures: about 100 figures, with the Contractor to complete roughly 50 tables

· Average hours for completion: around 300 hours

· Timeframe: November to January

· Footnotes: 4,000

C.7.1.1. Generally, the Annual Report to Congress layout starts in October and continues into December. The Contractor will design the related pages and return them as PDF files to TAS CSO for review. TAS CSO will review the pages and provide feedback/changes if necessary.

C.7.1.2. The Contractor can expect a minimum of 15 business days to complete these four publications of the Annual Report to Congress. The timeframe for design will begin when TAS CSO delivers final content. If TAS CSO submits content changes prior to the galley review process (when TAS receives the final PDFs from the Contractor for review and returns them for the Contractor to make edits), the design timeframe will start over to ensure the Contractor has adequate time to execute a quality product. If TAS CSO needs to make changes, TAS CSO will submit them during the galley review process.

C.7.1.3. 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 a communication plan at kickoff, which must remain current throughout the contract period. This plan will include names, roles, duties, phone numbers, and email addresses for all contractor personnel assigned to the project. Tasks expected to require last-minute turnaround are likely to involve a senior designer. The Contractor shall remain flexible and responsive to each task as required.

C.7.1.4. Typically, the Contractor will use prior years templates to develop the Annual Report to Congress publications, eliminating the need to redevelop layouts and related elements each year. However, some years may require the creation of new templates or modifications of existing ones.

C.7.1.5. The Annual Report to Congress is likely to have multiple revisions during the proof review stages. The Contractor shall provide individual proofs for certain sections of publications as well as a full book proof once requested by TAS CSO. TAS CSO will complete reviews in fewer than three galleys. The Contractor can expect the galley review process to last three to five business days.

C.7.1.6. If TAS CSO requests, the Contractor shall provide word indexing with page numbers. TAS CSO will submit words for indexing.

C.7.1.7. Refer to Section C.4.12.1. for requirements related to providing printed proofs of the Reports to Congress.

C.7.1.8. The Contractor shall provide, in advance of the release of the Annual Report to Congress separate PDF files, using file names supplied by TAS CSO. This could require the Contractor to provide 200+ PDF files for each Report to Congress. The PDF files include, for example, a complete PDF of the publication, broken out sections of the report, broken out individual Most Serious Problems, for digital use.

C.7.2.0. Objectives Report to Congress

· Totaling about 100 pages

· Publication 4054 – National Taxpayer Advocate’s Fiscal Year Objectives Report to Congress

· Figures: about 15 figures, with the Contractor to complete roughly 15 tables

· Average hours for completion: around 150 hours

· Timeframe: May to June

· Footnotes: 750

C.7.2.1. Generally, the Objectives Report to Congress layout starts in May and continues into June. The Contractor will design the related pages and return them as PDF files to TAS CSO for review. TAS CSO will review the pages and provide feedback/changes if necessary.

C.7.2.2. The Contractor can expect a minimum of 10 business days to complete the Objectives Report to Congress. The timeframe for design will begin when TAS CSO delivers final content. If TAS CSO submits content changes prior to the galley review process, the design timeframe will start over to ensure the Contractor has adequate time to execute a quality product. If TAS CSO needs to make changes, TAS CSO will submit them during the galley review process.

C.7.2.3. For the Objectives Report to Congress, the Contractor shall have staff available to complete the project in the expected timeframe. The Contractor will provide contact information to TAS CSO for the Contact Person. The tasks expected to require last-minute turnaround are likely to involve a senior designer. The Contractor shall be flexible with each task required.

C.7.2.4. Typically, the Contractor will use prior years templates to develop the Objectives Reports to Congress publications, eliminating the need to redevelop layouts and related elements each year.

C.7.2.5. The Objectives Reports to Congress is likely to have multiple revisions during the proof review stages. The Contractor shall provide individual proofs for certain sections of publications as well as a full book proof once requested by TAS CSO. TAS CSO will complete reviews in fewer than three galleys. The Contractor can expect the galley review process to last three to five business days.

C.7.2.6. If TAS CSO requests, the Contractor shall provide word indexing with page numbers. TAS CSO will submit words for indexing.

C.7.2.7. Refer to Section C.4.12.1. for requirements related to providing printed proofs of the Objectives Reports to Congress.

C.7.2.8. The Contractor shall provide in advance of the release of the Objectives Report to Congress separate PDF files, using file names supplied by TAS CSO. This could require the Contractor to provide 200+ PDF files for each Report to Congress.

C.7.3.0. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics Grant Application

· Totaling about 200 pages

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

· Figures: about 8 figures, with the Contractor to complete all

· Average hours for completion: around 80 hours

· Timeframe: April to May

C.7.4.0. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics Program Report

· Totaling about 40 pages

· Publication 5066 – LITC Program Report

· Figures: about 5 figures, with the Contractor to complete all

· Average hours for completion: around 40 hours

· Timeframe: October to November

C.7.5.0 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Program Report

· Totaling about 75 pages

· Publication 4444 – TAP Program Report

· Figures: about 10 figures and 1 infographic, with the Contractor to complete all

· Average hours for completion: around 40 hours

· Timeframe: January to February

C.7.6.0. Other Design Tasks (See C.7.6.1.)

· Expected hours: 400 hours

· Timeframe: Throughout the year

C.7.6.1. The Contractor may be expected to design other TAS products throughout the year as needed by IRS. These Other Design Tasks will not obligate the IRS if not needed due to budget and/or time restraints. Therefore, the IRS is not obligated to the Contractor for monies or reissuing Other Design Tasks at a later date.

C.7.6.2. Other Design Tasks may include but are not limited to various design work creating and modifying infographics, graphics, reports, brochures, booklets, posters, promotional products, social media, congressional materials, etc.

C.7.6.3. Examples of Other Design 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 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

C.7.7.0. Other Direct Costs

C.7.7.1. The Contractor shall allocate 30 percent for Other Direct Costs outside of the labor mix.

C.8.0. Section 508 Compliance

C.8.1. The Contractor must be proficient in 508 Compliance.

C.8.2. The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) of Subpart 39.2 for Electronic and Information Technology has mandated by law that all federal government online publications must be 508 compliant. Therefore, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. This applies to all federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology.

Note: The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Public Law 105-220, was enacted on August 7, 1998. Title IV of the Act is the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998. Subsection 408(b) amended section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d).

C.8.3. All electronic and information technology procured through this Statement of Work (SOW) must meet the applicable accessibility standards specified in 36 CFR 1194.2, unless an agency exception to this requirement exists.

Note: Requirements documents for electronic and information technology must comply with the applicable accessibility standards issued by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board at the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board at 36 CFR Part 1194 (see Subpart 39.2).

C.8.4. The Contractor may be required to provide 508 compliant PDF dynamic files and/or other web imagery coded files with each online publication or document if requested.

C.8.5. The Contractor may be required to provide a 508 compliant PDF or HTML file with search capabilities and linked to the table of contents for internet use.

C.8.6. Web-Based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications (1194.22) may be found at .http://www.section508.gov.

C.9.0. Compliance with Internal Revenue Manual and TAS Design Standards

C.9.1. 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.9.2. 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 the IRS.

C.10.0. Compliance to TAS Design Style Guide standards shall be required.

C.10.1. 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.10.2. 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.11.0. Place of Performance

C.11.1. Work shall be performed at the Contractor's facilities. During this contract, TAS CSO employees may visit the Contractor’s Facilities.

C.12.0. Period of Performance

C.12.1. 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.

C.13.0. Standard Services

C.13.1. The Contractor shall pay all charges relating to the deliverables and their submission.

C.14.0. Order Type

C.14.1. It is the Government's intent to issue a fixed-price contract.

C.15.0. Inspection/Acceptance of Deliverables

C.15.1.TAS CSO shall obtain Government review and comments for product acceptability, in writing, on all deliverables consistent with required timelines. After acceptance of deliverable, the Contractor’s invoicing shall be first submitted for review to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and/or Printing Services Specialist, if needed, prior to submitting any invoice(s) to Beckley Finance Center, in regard to billing the IRS.

C.16.0. Payment Schedule

C.16.1. Payment(s) shall be based on completion and TAS CSO’s acceptance of above deliverables. The Contractor shall submit invoice(s) after each deliverable has been completed and accepted by TAS CSO. The IRS/TAS shall do Receipt and Acceptance (R&A)/Payment within 15 to 30 days after each accepted deliverable and the Contractor’s invoice(s) has been received by the Beckley Finance Center.

C.16.2. Payment for Publications as well as Other Design Tasks will be based on the cost of each deliverable as stated by the Contractor in response to this SOW. The Contractor shall provide a total cost estimate regarding deliverables for each aspect of the stated products listed in Section C.7.0. For Other Design Tasks, the Contractor shall provide hourly rates for other collateral publications and materials as it relates to TAS’s projects throughout the year. This contract will be a Fixed-Price Contract for overall Design Tasks.

C.16.3. Invoices will provide details on cost including number of labor hours spent on the task and details for each task listed.

C.17.0. Data Rights

C.17.1. The Contractor grants to the Government unlimited rights (as defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.227) in all contractual design products and data prepared under this SOW. FAR Clauses 52.227-14; 52-227-17; and 52-227-18 are incorporated herein by reference. With the IRS retaining all copyrights for Ownership (e.g., publications, forms, photos, illustrations), the Government may use any or all copyrighted material as needed now or in the future without any limitations. Online Current Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Search Link: https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

C.18.0. Confidentiality Clause

C.18.1. All Government Employees and the Contractor shall be requested to sign a Confidentiality Agreement prior to working on any TAS publication within this SOW after Contract Award. Please see IRC § 7803(B)(iii):

(iii) Report to be submitted directly.--Each report required under this subparagraph shall be provided directly to the committees described in clause (i) without any prior review or comment from the Commissioner, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Oversight Board, any other officer or employee of the Department of the Treasury, or the Office of Management and Budget; http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title26/pdf/USCODE-2011-title26-subtitleF-chap80-subchapA-sec7803.pdf.

NOTE: TAS CSO OFFICE- Will supply the needed Confidentiality Agreement (CA)