Government Management of Information Mega-Technology: Lessons from the Internal Revenue Service’s Tax Systems Modernization

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By

Barry Bozeman

Professor

Georgia Institute of Technology School of Public Policy 894-0093 barry.bozeman@pubpolicy.gatech.edu

This report provides a history of computer modernization efforts by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), beginning with the initial Tax Systems Modernization project and ending with the current initiative. The study reviews the many hurdles faced by the IRS, highlighting those obstacles related to legislative constraints, bureaucratic entanglements, political complexities, civil service restrictions, and contracting and procurement requirements. Innovation

Government Management of Information Mega-Technology: Lessons from the Internal Revenue Service’s Tax Systems Modernization