APO_RFI_Final.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

AUTOMATED ACCESSIBILITY TESTING TOOLS

RESPONSES DUE BY COB NOVEMBER 8, 2024

DISCLAIMER:

THERE IS NO COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION AS A RESULT OF THIS RFI. THIS IS BEING ISSUED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND PLANNING PURPOSES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICTIATION. IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 15.202(e), RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE ARE NOT OFFERS AND CANNOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO FORM A BINDING CONTRACT. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL OR QUOTE. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.

INTRODUCTION

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division is requesting information on the current market capabilities of professional products related to automated accessibility testing in response to Section 508. Responses to this RFI may be used to formulate final requirements and/or to identify qualified vendors capable of meeting those requirements. The description below outlines preliminary requirements envisioned for the CJIS Accessibility Program Office (APO). The information gathered may be used to formulate acquisition strategies for competitive solicitations.

BACKGROUND

The demand for automated accessibility tools is driven by several critical factors, primarily focusing on inclusivity, legal compliance, and efficiency. These tools are essential for creating an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can access and interact with digital content. Automated accessibility tools help identify and address potential barriers, making it easier to adhere to accessibility standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Automated accessibility tools can help CJIS stay compliant by continuously monitoring digital content for accessibility issues, providing detailed reports, and offering actionable insights for remediation. This proactive approach helps mitigate the risk of non-compliance.

Manual accessibility testing can be time-consuming and resource-intensive in large organizations with extensive digital assets such as CJIS. Automated tools can streamline this process by quickly scanning and analyzing content, identifying issues that need attention, and suggesting or even implementing fixes.

PRODUCT TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Product must be able to automatically scan a webpage for accessibility compliance and relay non-compliance to the user.

· Product must be able to explain why the flagged area is not compliant and offer recommendations to remediate it.

· Product must be able to guide a user through manual testing when the product is unable to automatically test an element.

· Product must be able to export results into an accessible, readable format such as PDF.

· Product must include a code linter and be able to identify potential accessibility non-compliance while in a development stage.

· Product must be able to access webpages that require authentication or are on an intranet.

· Product must assess and be compatible with WCAG standards.

· Product should be able to test mobile and on-premises client interfaces for non-compliance.

CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

This RFI is open to software vendors for market research only to request input from potential providers of products geared towards automating accessibility testing with the goal of Section 508 compliance against WCAG standards.

The Government would like to know which firms can provide the product meeting the listed requirements by identifying themselves and responding to this RFI. The Government may request demonstrations at some point after the collection of responses are received and reviewed. The Government requests the following information:

1. Company name.

2. Include evidence to show that your company can provide the product required and that said product includes the features listed above. Information provided should be succinct and related to the requested information in this RFI. All submissions should be unclassified.

3. Any other questions, comments, and/or concerns relating to the contemplated services.

RESPONSES

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR RESPONSE

1. All interested parties should submit capability packages in response to this notice.

2. Do submit succinct, thoughtful responses to the requirements/questions listed in this RFI.

3. Do submit comments that address the FBI's requirements, conditions or contemplated approaches to this future acquisition.

4. Do submit information and suggestions that may encourage new, different, or innovative approaches that would result in products, solutions, and direct savings to the FBI.

5. Do submit a valid Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for the product if one exists.

WHAT SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN YOUR RESPONSE

1. Do not submit proposals or offers.

2. Do not submit past performance information or general descriptions of corporate experience.

3. Do not submit requests to be considered for award or to be notified of a future solicitation.

4. Do not submit requests to be added to a mailing list or distribution list.

5. Do not submit questions or comments not related to this RFI.

6. Do not respond via telephone.

RFI SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS:

The Government requests response to this RFI to be submitted via electronic means to the POC outlined below. Any request for clarification to this RFI are due by 10/30/2024 Noon Eastern to ensure response. The Government reserves the right to respond to questions provided after the deadline. Formal responses are due by 11/8/2024 5pm Eastern. Each submission shall not exceed 15 pages in length, including cover page, table of contents, and any other information. Submit RFI Information via email to the attention of:

Contracting Point of Contact: Brandon James Email: bmjames@fbi.gov image6.jpg