The IRS intends to issue a brand name firm-fixed price delivery order for the purchase of IBM's SPSS software maintenance and hardware using the NASA SEWP vehicle. This delivery order will be made on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR Part 6.302-1 (c) brand name and FAR 11.105. The functionality provided by SPSS is unique in that it is the only software that interacts with the client version of the software that is installed on all research analysts’ computers. The SPSS software has two versions, one for the client (personal computer/laptop) and the other is for server. This renewal is for the server version. IRS needs this unique SPSS server version in order to be compatible with the client version that IRS is currently using. The IRS requires the software to create tax return classification and issue identification models for LB&I. In addition, the software interacts with the DCS servers to address a large amount of ad-hoc requests from Congressional offices, IRS Commissioners, National Office Counsel, Technical Advisors, Industry Directors, and various field personnel. SPSS software is the only software that has been programmed to populate the many models created by research. A significant amount of resources and time would be required to reprogram the models into different software and in some cases the models may not operate correctly. To change software now would result in prohibitive costs in training the staff on new software and would require major changes to the existing environment. Substantial testing would then be required. This would jeopardize the delivery of classified returns to the field for examination in LB&I. If the IRS changed name brand software it may have a critical impact on supporting the Filing Season 2010. THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. If proposals are received they will not be evaluated. This is a notice of intent

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