Exhibit L, DFPS Uniform Digital Accessibility Requirements.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- HHS0016857
- Issued by
- Texas
About this file
This document is a digital accessibility requirements exhibit for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) applicable to state and local contracts for vendors, grantees, and performing agencies. The exhibit establishes mandatory conformance standards for all Electronic and Information Resources (EIR), including software, hardware, documents, and information and communication technology deliverables. All EIR must conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Texas Government Code Chapter 2054 Subchapter M, and Texas Administrative Code Chapters 206 and 213. Vendors must support standardized tools including Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and NVDA or JAWS screen reader software version 2025 or later, and ensure user agent compatibility across web content, mobile applications, electronic documents, software features, hardware components, and support services.
Vendors are required to submit Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) using the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) 2.5 INT or later in accessible formats (tagged PDF, Microsoft Word, or web pages) for each EIR item before contract acceptance and final payment. For custom-developed EIR, vendors must submit a Vendor Accessibility Development Information Request (VADSIR) and Policy-driven Adoption for Accessibility (PDAA) self-assessment documenting universal design principles, remediation timelines, and user testing scenarios. DFPS reserves the right to conduct independent accessibility testing and may withhold payment or delay contract acceptance if conformance claims cannot be validated. Non-compliant products or services must be remediated, repaired, or replaced by the vendor at no cost to DFPS. All deliverables must undergo both automated and manual testing, including keyboard-only navigation testing with assistive technology, with comprehensive documentation of accessibility measures and test results maintained throughout the contract term.
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DFPS Uniform Digital Accessibility Requirements Version 2.6 – Revised May 2025
1.0 Scope
In this document, "Vendor" also refers to Grantees and Performing Agencies, regardless of contract type (Vendor Contracts, Grant Contracts, Interagency, or Interlocal Agreements).
2.0 Applicable Laws and Standards
To ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, DFPS adheres to the following:
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Titles I and II
• Texas Government Code (TGC), Chapter 2054, Subchapter M:
Access to Electronic and Information Resources by Individuals with Disabilities
• Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 206
• Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 213
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Version 2.1, Level AA
(WCAG 2.1 AA)
All Electronic and Information Resources (EIR), also known as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or Electronic Information Technology (EIT), must conform to WCAG 2.1 AA. In addition, conformance to the revised Section 508 and 255 Guidelines and Texas Administrative Code Chapters 206 and 213 is mandatory for applicable components and deliverables.
HHS0016857 Exhibit L https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/ocr-detailed-504-fact-sheet/index.html https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/section-508-law/ http://www.ada.gov/ https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?chapter=206&interface=VIEW_TAC&part=10&title=1 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?chapter=213&interface=VIEW_TAC&part=10&title=1 https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/about/ https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?interface=LANDING_PAGE
3.0 EIR Requirements
3.1 General Conformance
• Conform to all applicable WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria
• Meet Section 508 and TAC Chapters 206 and 213 requirements, including specific provisions for hosted and managed services
• Be user agent agnostic and support DFPS-standardized tools:
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and NVDA or JAWS (version 2025 or later)
3.2 Content-Specific Requirements
Web Content, Mobile Apps, and Electronic Documents:
• All applicable WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria
• Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines, Chapter 3
(Functional Performance Criteria)
• Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines, Chapter 5
(Applications)
• Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines, Chapter 5, Subsection 502 (Interoperability with Assistive Technology)
Software Features and Components:
• All applicable WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria
• Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines, Chapter 3
(Functional Performance)
• Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines, Chapter 5 (502, 503)
Hardware Features and Components:
• All applicable WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria
• Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines, Chapter 4
Support Services and Documentation:
• All applicable WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria
• Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines, Chapter 3
(Functional Performance Criteria)
• Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines, Chapter 5 (502, 503)
• Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines, Chapter 6 (Support
Documentation and Services)
HHS0016857 Exhibit L https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#302-functional-performance-criteria https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#302-functional-performance-criteria https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#503-applications https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#503-applications https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#502-interoperability-assistive-technology https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#502-interoperability-assistive-technology https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#302-functional-performance-criteria https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#302-functional-performance-criteria https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#502-interoperability-assistive-technology https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#502-interoperability-assistive-technology https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#401-general https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/
4.0 Instructions to Vendors
Vendors should closely review and follow these instructions to ensure compliance with DFPS’s digital accessibility requirements.
4.1 Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)
• Provide an ACR for each EIR item
• Create the ACR using the Voluntary Product Accessibility
Template (VPAT) 2.5 INT or later
• Each ACR must:
o Address applicable WCAG 2.1 AA and/or Section 508 criteria o Include specific details on conformance by function or role o Include evaluation methods, tools, and supporting test reports o Explain “Not Applicable” (N/A) responses with justification
4.2 Submission Format
ACRs must be in accessible formats: tagged PDF, accessible Microsoft Word document, or accessible web page. DFPS will not proceed with review until an accessible ACR is received.
4.3 Third-Party COTS Products
Submit ACRs or links to ACRs from the third party in accessible formats. DFPS may delay review until an accessible ACR is provided.
4.4 Custom-Developed EIR
• Submit a Vendor Accessibility Development Information Request
(VADSIR) and a Policy-driven Adoption for Accessibility (PDAA) self-assessment
• Describe:
o Universal design principles used o Remediation timeline for non-conforming features o Typical user scenarios/tasks for accessibility testing
5.0 DFPS Acceptance Criteria
• DFPS may conduct independent accessibility tests or reviews before final payment
• If conformance claims cannot be validated:
o Vendor must remediate at no cost o DFPS may delay or withhold payment until remediation is accepted
HHS0016857 Exhibit L https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat https://dir.texas.gov/resource-library-item/vendor-accessibility-dev-services-info-request https://dir.texas.gov/resource-library-item/vendor-accessibility-dev-services-info-request https://dir.texas.gov/resource-library-item/policy-driven-adoption-accessibility-pdaa-vendor-assessment https://dir.texas.gov/resource-library-item/policy-driven-adoption-accessibility-pdaa-vendor-assessment
6.0 Provisions and Clauses
6.1 Custom EIR Development
• Deliverables must conform to WCAG 2.1 AA and/or Revised Section 508 standards before acceptance.
• Submit VADSIR and PDAA documentation.
6.2 Installation, Configuration, and Integration
Must not reduce original level of conformance.
6.3 Maintenance, Upgrades, Replacements
Must maintain or improve original conformance level.
6.4 Service Personnel
Must possess relevant digital accessibility knowledge/skills.
Documentation may be requested.
6.5 Hosting Services
Must not reduce accessibility of hosted content. DFPS may test for conformance.
6.6 Validation for EIR Items
• Perform both automated and manual testing, including keyboard-only testing with and without JAWS 2025 or later
• Maintain documentation of accessibility measures and test results
6.7 Conformance Reporting
• Submit ACR before final payment.
• When testing is required, submit a Supplemental Accessibility
Report (SAR) including o Test results o Usability features o Inaccessible functions o Setup instructions for compatibility with assistive technology tools o Documentation regarding the accessibility of authoring tool interfaces and content produced using such tools
7.0 Non-Compliance
• DFPS will notify the vendor in writing
HHS0016857 Exhibit L
• Vendor must remediate, repair, or replace the non-compliant product or service at no cost
• DFPS may withhold payment until compliance is achieved and verified
8.0 Glossary of Terms
Term Definition
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 — a federal law that prohibits disability discrimination and requires accessibility in public programs, services, and facilities.
ACR Accessibility Conformance Report — a document that evaluates the accessibility of an EIR item against applicable standards. Based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).
COTS Commercial Off-The-Shelf— pre-built, third-party software or hardware not developed in-house.
DFPS Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
EIR Electronic and Information Resources — includes software, hardware, documents, and any ICT that delivers user content or functionality.
ICT Information and Communication Technology — alternate term for EIR, used in federal documentation.
JAWS Job Access With Speech — a popular screen reader for Windows.
PDAA Policy-driven Adoption for Accessibility — a self-assessment for vendors to evaluate internal accessibility practices.
SAR Supplemental Accessibility Report — a document supporting ACR findings, required when DFPS needs detailed validation.
TAC Texas Administrative Code — official rules for Texas state agencies; Chapters 206 and 213 contain digital accessibility requirements for EIR.
VADSIR Vendor Accessibility Development Information Request — form detailing vendor's development and testing approach for accessibility.
VPAT Voluntary Product Accessibility Template — format used to create ACRs; defines how a product meets accessibility standards.
WCAG Web Content Accessibility Guidelines — internationally recognized accessibility standards for web and digital content.
9.0 Reference Links Table
Title URL
Americ ans with Disabil ities Act of http://www.ada.gov
ADA
Title II
– Web and mobile Access ibility Final Rule https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/24/20 24-07758/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web-information-and-services-of-state
Revise d https://www.access-board.gov/ict/
HHS0016857 Exhibit L http://www.ada.gov/ https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/24/2024-07758/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web-information-and-services-of-state https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/24/2024-07758/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web-information-and-services-of-state https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/24/2024-07758/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web-information-and-services-of-state
Sectio n 508 & 255
(ICT
Access ibility Guideli nes)
Sectio n 504 https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of- 1973/index.html#:~:text=The%20Office%20for%20Civil% 20Rights,against%20otherwise%20qualified%20disabled%2 0individuals.
Sectio n 504, Part Final Rule –
HHS
Fact Sheet https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of- 1973/ocr-detailed-504-fact-sheet/index.html
Sectio n 508 Chapt er 3 – Functi onal Perfor mance Criteri a https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#chapter-3-functional-performance-criteria
Sectio n 508 Chapt er 4 – Hardw are https://www.access-board.gov/ict/chapter-4-hardware/
Sectio n 508 https://www.access-board.gov/ict/chapter-5-software/
HHS0016857 Exhibit L https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/index.html#:%7E:text=The%20Office%20for%20Civil%20Rights,against%20otherwise%20qualified%20disabled%20individuals https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/index.html#:%7E:text=The%20Office%20for%20Civil%20Rights,against%20otherwise%20qualified%20disabled%20individuals https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/index.html#:%7E:text=The%20Office%20for%20Civil%20Rights,against%20otherwise%20qualified%20disabled%20individuals https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/index.html#:%7E:text=The%20Office%20for%20Civil%20Rights,against%20otherwise%20qualified%20disabled%20individuals https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/index.html#:%7E:text=The%20Office%20for%20Civil%20Rights,against%20otherwise%20qualified%20disabled%20individuals https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/ocr-detailed-504-fact-sheet/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/ocr-detailed-504-fact-sheet/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/ocr-detailed-504-fact-sheet/index.html https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#chapter-3-functional-performance-criteria https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#chapter-3-functional-performance-criteria https://www.access-board.gov/ict/chapter-4-hardware/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/chapter-5-software/
Chapt er 5 – Softwa re
Sectio n 508 Chapt er 6 – Suppo rt Docum entatio n and Servic es https://www.access-board.gov/ict/chapter-6-support-documentation-and-services/
Sectio n 508 Overvi ew (Gener al Law) https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/section-508-law/
TAC
Chapt er 206 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?chapter=206&interface=VIEW_TAC&part=10&title =1
TAC
Chapt er 213 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?chapter=213&interface=VIEW_TAC&part=10&title =1
TGC
Chapt er 2054, Subch apter M https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2054.ht m#2054.451
VPAT
2.5
INT
https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat
HHS0016857 Exhibit L https://www.access-board.gov/ict/chapter-6-support-documentation-and-services/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/chapter-6-support-documentation-and-services/ https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/section-508-law/ https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/section-508-law/ https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?chapter=206&interface=VIEW_TAC&part=10&title=1 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?chapter=206&interface=VIEW_TAC&part=10&title=1 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?chapter=206&interface=VIEW_TAC&part=10&title=1 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?chapter=213&interface=VIEW_TAC&part=10&title=1 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?chapter=213&interface=VIEW_TAC&part=10&title=1 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?chapter=213&interface=VIEW_TAC&part=10&title=1 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm#2054.451 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2054.htm#2054.451 https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat
Forma t
WCAG
2.1 https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/
| DFPS Uniform Digital Accessibility Requirements |
| 1.0 Scope |
| 2.0 Applicable Laws and Standards |
| 3.0 EIR Requirements |
| 3.1 General Conformance |
| 3.2 Content-Specific Requirements |
| Web Content, Mobile Apps, and Electronic Documents: |
| Software Features and Components: |
| Hardware Features and Components: |
| Support Services and Documentation: |
| 4.0 Instructions to Vendors |
| 4.1 Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) |
| 4.2 Submission Format |
| 4.3 Third-Party COTS Products |
| 4.4 Custom-Developed EIR |
| 5.0 DFPS Acceptance Criteria |
| 6.0 Provisions and Clauses |
| 6.1 Custom EIR Development |
| 6.2 Installation, Configuration, and Integration |
| 6.3 Maintenance, Upgrades, Replacements |
| 6.4 Service Personnel |
| 6.5 Hosting Services |
| 6.6 Validation for EIR Items |
| 6.7 Conformance Reporting |
| 7.0 Non-Compliance |
| 8.0 Glossary of Terms |
| 9.0 Reference Links Table |
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