508_Contract_Language.docx

Section 508 Conformance Requirements Section 508 Conformance The following Section 508 standards as revised (2017) apply to the information and communication technology (ICT) deliverables listed in the tables below.

Functional performance criteria from 36 CFR Part 1194, Appendix C, Chapter 3 apply to this acquisition

Software standards from 36 CFR Part 1194, Appendix A, E207 (Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0) apply to this acquisition

Software standards from 36 CFR Part 1194, Appendix C, Chapter 5 apply to this acquisition

Support documentation and services standards from 36 CFR Part 1194, Appendix C, Chapter 6 apply to this acquisition

SSA will obtain the Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) directly from the Manufacturer. A Section 508 determination will be based on those templates and a final Section 508 conformance determination will be made before any award is made against this solicitation.

After a contract is awarded, SSA reserves the right to perform testing on information and communication technology (ICT) deliverables as described in the tables above in order to validate conformance with the applicable Section 508 requirements. If SSA performs testing, the COR shall identify issues and a timeframe sufficient for the contractor to remediate the issues. The contractor shall remediate all issues identified by the COR before the ICT deliverables are accepted.

Accessibility Terms and Conditions Maintenance Upgrades, Substitutions, & Replacements The contractor shall ensure maintenance upgrades, substitutions, and replacements to equipment and software pursuant to this contract do not reduce the original level of conformance with the applicable Section 508 standards at the time of contract award. The Agency reserves the right to evaluate maintenance upgrades, substitutions, and replacements using a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template 2.1 or by requiring the contractor to provide test units to the Agency for it to perform hands-on Section 508 and accessibility testing before acceptance.

Support Services and Accessibility The contractor shall comply with the Section 508 Standards 36 CFR Part 1194, Appendix C, Chapter 6 for information and communication technology (ICT) deliverables and services in this contract. The contractor’s support services shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities based on the following minimal criteria:

· Where the contractor provides telephone support services, the contractor shall also provide TTY access for help desk personnel who may require assistance for the hearing-impaired.

· If the contractor provides support services through an internet-based website, the contractor shall ensure the site is conformant with the Section 508 Standards 36 CFR Part 1194, Appendix C, Chapters 3 and 5.

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