Excessive Specifications Are Limiting Competition for IRS Special Design Tax Return Folders
GGD-82-61
Published: Mar 24, 1982. Publicly Released: Mar 24, 1982.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed solicitations and contracts for the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) procurement of special design tax return folders to identify restrictive conditions and specifications.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Revenue Service | IRS should evaluate its tax return folder specifications with a view toward using the less costly, standard 11 point kraft paper, which conforms to GSA and the Joint Committee on Printing guidelines. Using this paper will increase the number of bidders and enhance competition. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Internal Revenue Service | IRS should, on a test basis, buy tax return folders with an outward folding gusset and subject these to actual work conditions to determine usability. |
Closed – Implemented
Based on test results, IRS determined outward folding gussets were unsuitable and reverted to the inward folding gusset.
|
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Topics
Cost controlFederal procurementFixed price contractsSolicitation specificationsSpecificationsProcurementGovernment procurementTax returnsBiddingBid solicitations