IRS Awards $1.9 Billion Contract for IT Modernization Support

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has taken a significant step forward in its modernization efforts by awarding a $1.9 billion contract for Enterprise Program Project Integration Services (EPPIS). Chevo Consulting, a women-owned small business based in Rockville, Maryland, has been named as one of eleven awardees on this crucial Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA).

This 7-year contract, awarded through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), aims to provide comprehensive program, project, and integration support for the IRS Information Technology (IT) Enterprise Program Management Office (EPMO). The scope of services includes Program/Project Management, Release and Organizational Change Management, Program and Technical Integration, Cybersecurity, Cloud Services, and Legislative implementation support.

The EPPIS contract is a critical component of the IRS's ongoing transformation initiatives, aligning with the strategic objectives outlined in the agency's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Strategic Operating Plan. This plan emphasizes the need for modernizing tax administration processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery to American taxpayers.

Jeffrey I. Cooper, Vice President of Chevo and a former senior executive at the IRS, highlighted the significance of this contract, stating, "Modernizing the IRS is a crucial and long-term necessity." Cooper's remarks underscore the importance of this initiative in supporting the IRS's goal of achieving world-class tax administration.

For Chevo Consulting, this award marks their 30th prime contract with the IRS, extending a partnership that began in 2002. The company's continued involvement in major IRS initiatives demonstrates the agency's confidence in Chevo's expertise and ability to deliver critical services.

The EPPIS BPA serves as a follow-on to the previous IRS Information Technology Enterprise Program Management Support Services (IT-EPMSS) BPA, under which Chevo successfully delivered services on five prime Task Orders. This new contract vehicle is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the IRS's technological capabilities and operational efficiency.

Phil Sahady, president of Chevo, expressed gratitude for the company's selection, noting, "We look forward to continuing our 22-year partnership with the IRS, supporting their most important programs and advising on legislative impacts." This statement reflects the ongoing commitment of Chevo to support the IRS's evolving needs and strategic objectives.

The awarding of this contract comes at a crucial time for the IRS, as the agency faces increasing pressure to modernize its systems, improve taxpayer services, and enhance its overall operational efficiency. The EPPIS contract is expected to provide the IRS with access to cutting-edge expertise and resources necessary to navigate the complex landscape of tax administration in the digital age.

As the IRS continues to implement changes mandated by recent legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act, the support provided through the EPPIS contract will be instrumental in ensuring smooth transitions and effective implementation of new policies and technologies. This modernization effort has far-reaching implications for taxpayers, potentially leading to more efficient processing of tax returns, improved customer service, and enhanced security measures to protect sensitive financial information.

The selection of multiple awardees for this contract, including small businesses like Chevo, also reflects the government's commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in its procurement processes. This approach allows the IRS to tap into a broad range of expertise and perspectives as it tackles the complex challenges of modernizing its operations.

As the IRS embarks on this significant modernization journey, the impact of the EPPIS contract and the services provided by Chevo and other awardees will likely be felt across the entire spectrum of tax administration in the United States. The success of this initiative could set a new standard for government IT modernization efforts and potentially serve as a model for other federal agencies facing similar challenges in the digital era.