Accessibility and Goverment Procurement: VPAT Evaluation Services

VPAT Consulting ServicesMicroassist is the leading VPAT provider of VPAT creation services for vendors and product developers.  Our team also helps government and private sector purchasers evaluate VPATs provided by product developers.

Electronic information and communication technology (ICT)  products and services sold to government agencies must be accessible.   This holds true for federal agencies through Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.   State and local governments frequently pass laws and implement policies based on Section 508.  The challenge of procuring technology that complies with these regulations is a daunting task for public-sector organizations.  A VPAT  and Accessibility Conformance Report is frequently the mechanism used to ensure accessibility compliance.

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)

A VPAT is a document used by purchasers to gauge the accessibility of hardware, software, or online products and services during a procurement process. Vendors create VPATs for their products. To meet the need of purchasers, a VPAT must be accurate.   Creating an accurate VPAT requires the vendor to be knowledgeable about accessibility standards and how they affect users with disabilities.

The VPAT must be interpreted against accessibility standards by the procurement team. Without accessibility knowledge on both ends of the transaction, both vendors and agencies are at risk of entering into [...]

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