GSA’s Section 508 program recently created a guidance document, “Guidance on Acquisition for Accessible EIT” (in PDF and doc format).
Federal acquisitions of accessible EIT (Electronic and Information Technology) are based on an agency or department having a detailed process for addressing Section 508. While the process can be quite involved for some acquisitions, it can be summarized in five simple steps for agency responsibility and regulations as defined in the FAR:
- Determine Need: Do acquisition deliverables include EIT subject to Section 508?
- Identify Requirement: Which sections of the Section 508 standard apply to each EIT deliverable?
- Conduct Market Research: Is accessibility information about EIT deliverables available?
- Assemble the Solicitation: What does the vendor need to know about my Section 508 requirements?
- Evaluate and Accept Deliverables: How can the Agency determine if accessibility requirements have been met?
The Guidance Document is a brief explanation of each step and the associated governing FAR language. Please send us your comments here on the Accessibility Forum 2.0 blog.
May 14th, 2013 11:50 am
Is an electronic report required under a contract as a deliverable subject to 508 compliance?
May 17th, 2013 10:13 am
Thank you for your technical assistance question. It was forwarded by GSA to the Access Board for a response. My response is based on the Standards that the Access Board issued in 2000.
As explained in the FAQs on the section508.gov website, an electronic report, such as a PDF, is considered electronic and information technology subject to 508 when it is posted on a federal website.
It is a best practice for an agency to require 508 conformance in its contract. If the agency does not ask for accessibility in advance and the delivered report is not accessible, then the document will need to be remediated before posting it on a website. Fortunately, some companies are proactive and produce accessible reports in support of their federal customer???s 508 obligations.
David Baquis
Accessibility Specialist
U.S. Access Board
October 24th, 2012 1:44 pm
Is an online survey considered EIT and subject to 508 compliance?
October 26th, 2012 10:48 am
Yes, an on-line survey is EIT. Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Act. It is a procurement requirement for the Federal government. If you are a Federal government employee it would apply. Section 508 standards are still a good idea to use, if you would like to assure your survey is accessible. Your local state or city may have their own accessibility requirements.
January 23rd, 2012 10:58 am
Why does the Web and Software standards subpart apply to documentation.
January 24th, 2012 12:46 pm
Thank you for your question Cecilia. If the contract required documentation and that documentation was provided on a website, then web standards apply.