B08_Section_508.doc

SECTION 508 EXEMPTION

Requisition No. FY-20

“BACK OFFICE” EXEMPTION

The acquisition of USGS servers (and their components and peripherals) is subject to Section 1194.3 (General Exceptions) of 36 CFR Part 1194, which states, "… Agencies are not required to make equipment owned by the agency available for access and use by individuals with disabilities at a location other than that where the electronic and information technology is provided to the public, or to purchase equipment for access and use by individuals with disabilities at a location other than that where the electronic and information technology is provided to the public."

In addition, Section 1, paragraph 3, of the GSA Section 508 Reference Manual lists the five exceptions that may be considered when evaluating an EIT "buy" for Section 508 compliance:

· Micro-purchases under $2,500 using government purchase cards until January 1, 2003.

· Systems used for national security, military command, weaponry, intelligence, and cryptologic activities, but not routine business and administrative systems used for other defense-related purposes or by defense agencies or personnel.

· "Back office" equipment (i.e., servers, telephone switching equipment) used only by service personnel for maintenance, repair or similar purposes.

· Electronic Information Technology (EIT) acquired by a contractor that is incidental to the contract.

· Purchases that would pose an undue burden on the agency.

EQUIPMENT TO BE SUPPORTED

According to Section 1, Paragraph 3, of the GSA Section 508 Reference Manual and Section 1194.3 (General Exceptions) of 36 CFR Part 1194, the Power Pedestals listed on this procurement is considered to be “Back Office” equipment and exempt from Section 508 requirements.

The Power Pedestals will be installed in a controlled access server room, which is located at the USGS EROS Center, and is considered to be “back office” equipment that is accessed only by service or information technology personnel and are not available to the public.

Matt Nelson

Facility Operations Specialist