IRS Explores Robotic Process Automation Expansion, Seeks Industry Input

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a request for information indicating its intent to enhance the Robotic Process Automation Program within the Information Technology branch. The initiative aims to enlist skilled software engineers, architects, business analysts and technical document specialists to bolster the program’s capabilities, according to the notice posted on SAM .gov.

Under the said program, the IRS plans to develop and deploy 35 to 50 automations annually, addressing a spectrum of complexities. The focus includes expanding optical/intelligent character recognition to streamline paper-based form processing.

The agency has been working to reduce its backlog of unprocessed paper tax returns, which reached 13.3 million at the end of the 2022 tax filing season. It aims to process up to 1 billion tax documents through its Paperless Processing Initiative by 2025.

The RFI is seeking responses from vendors with expertise in RPA, emphasizing technical software engineering concepts and scaling capabilities. The program comprises three teams: Center of Excellence/Program Management Office, Technical Platform Support and Software Development.

The IRS is interested in insights on pricing, technical capabilities, staffing structures, qualifications, subcontracting possibilities and specific advice on various aspects related to RPA implementation.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses by Jan. 2.