Exhibit E - Vendor Accessibility Requirements.docx

Request for Proposal (RFP) #: RXAA 2024*xxxx Project Title:

Date Due: __________ at 2:00 PM MT

Exhibit F – Vendor Accessibility Requirements In order for state agencies and local government entities to comply with HB21-1110 by July 1, 2024, state of Colorado vendors and bidders are required to demonstrate that information technology provided to the State of Colorado conforms to or addresses each of the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, level A and AA success criteria. Vendors may do so by providing either of the following:

1. An independent, third-party evaluation from an accessibility consultancy

2. A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). If a VPAT is used, it must use the VPAT 2.4 template, which is based on WCAG 2.1 level A/AA. The Information Technology Industry Council offers a VPAT 2.4 WCAG template (download).

The agency procuring the technology will attempt to validate the information provided by bidders and vendors by either:

· Reviewing the VPAT with the vendor and asking questions about where the product does not meet compliance and a roadmap for compliance by product launch

· Obtaining additional information from the bidder or vendor to develop a complete and thorough understanding of the accessibility of the product or service; (e.g. Vendor Accessibility Guidelines & Checklist)

· Consulting with independent third parties who have evaluated the product or service for accessibility

OR

· Conducting an internal evaluation of the accessibility of the product or service. It is recommended that you use a VPAT template to clearly identify all elements of the WCAG guidelines and where the product is or is not in compliance.

Ensure that the vendor can demonstrate the following:

· The vendor gives a demonstration using the latest version of Jaws, Chrome with Windows 10.

· Vendor has dedicated resources for accessibility and can document said resources. This is important for remediating issues and sustainability to compliance While we understand that these accessibility standards may be new to you and your business process, Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to providing accessible digital products and we need our vendor partners to understand that all digital products must undergo an accessibility review. In addition, the following are also reasons why the accessibility process outlined above pertains to you (the vendor):

· Software and other digital products are included as an information and communication technology (ICT) under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which would mean that it is required to meet accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 A and AA)

· If a purchased product or service turns out to have accessibility problems, Coloradans and state employees may be excluded from critical services or the ability for them to do their job.

· It is important that everyone involved in a State of Colorado procurement process ensure that accessibility is a priority.

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