PWS 2 OCT 2009.doc

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Task: Network Learning Center Instructor

Date: 2 OCT 2009 AGENCY: 3rd Combat Communications Group (3 CCG)

NAME: Training Support

1.0 Scope

1.1 Mission Oriented Training

Objective: The objective of this contract is to provide the 3 CCG NLC with communications mission oriented training support to achieve Air Force core qualification. The 3rd Combat Communications Group (3 CCG) provides a full spectrum of communications services to active duty guard and reserve military personnel as well as government civilian employees worldwide supporting the Air Force, Anytime and Anywhere.

The 3 CCG Network Learning Center (NLC) provides mission oriented, core qualification training to active duty guard and reserve military personnel and civilian government employees performing duties in network related positions. All facets of deployed network operations are covered in the course provided at Tinker AFB, OK. Individuals attending the NLC undergo personal evaluations for their assigned tactical crew position and are certified as Network Professionals upon successful completion, thus making them ready for deployment.

The contractor shall be the 3rd Combat Communications Group (3 CCG) telecommunications Subject Matter Expert (SME), liaison, and training manager. Provides status updates to 3 CCG Commander, 3 CCSS Commander and four Mission Squadron Commanders. Maintains technical training program for the 3 CCG and maintains a center of excellence for teaching deployed computer, communications, network administration, and systems integration. The contractor shall provide the 3 CCG NLC with communications mission oriented training support to achieve Air Force core qualification. Topics include, but are not limited to, enterprise network management, network operating systems, work group management/help desk, information protection and messaging applications for a wide array of classified and unclassified LANs and WANs. In addition the contractor shall provide 3 CCG with configuration analysis and acquisition support services.

The contractor provides expert technical advice to senior leaders in the maintenance, operation, and training related to complex and sophisticated tactical communications equipment. Acts as the systems advisor to the support squadron commander, the training flight commander, group staff and four mission squadron commanders in support of over 650 3 CCG personnel.

· Recommends and tests equipment modifications, training for users and maintainers, and correction to design deficiencies through evaluation of operational capability of systems/subsystems and equipment.

· Reviews performance data against standards.

· Keeps abreast of the latest state-of-the-art equipment and procedures through review of engineering drawings and data, repair manuals, technical bulletins, manufactory’s catalogs, and supply catalog data to maintain expert technical knowledge.

· Reviews and provides advice on technical/equipment data for procurement packages and maintenance manuals.

· Prepares oral and written reports, briefings, and recommendations to senior leadership concerning equipment issues, problems, and training requirements.

· As a subject matter specialist, participates in technical reviews and conferences to provide advice on any and all technical system/subsystem and equipment issues.

· Contractor acts as a project officer responsible for the successful implementation of various telecommunications programs/projects without technical assistance.

· Plans and develops methods, procedures, policies, and techniques resulting from higher-level decisions on telecommunication systems.

· Develops new and improved operational procedures and techniques.

· Recommends solutions and actions consistent with appropriate Air Force and DoD directives.

The Contractor shall provide training services to include technical instruction, classroom configuration, appropriate presentation methods, and technical consistency of 3 CCG-developed network training. Relying on practical experience, technical knowledge, ingenuity and formal training, the contractor researches and assembles data for training purposes. Exhibits initiative in identifying training deficiencies and recommends effective training programs to correct them. The contractor conducts training in the maintenance of assigned systems/subsystems and equipment/ancillary equipment. Keeps abreast of the latest state-of-the-art systems/subsystems, equipment and associated practices and procedures and modifies training accordingly. Training focuses on improving readiness of assigned unit. Training services shall include:

· Participating in the preparation and review of all proposed 3 CCG network courseware to ensure consistency with command architectural goals.

· Making recommendations for upgrade and or additional trailing.

· Providing assistance in applying and integrating subject training to real world scenarios within the network operating environment.

The Contractor shall prepare and present training documentation and training classes, conduct training and provide monitoring services. Specific documents, topics, and classes will be defined as required and may include the development and conduct of training programs, conduct of training programs developed by 3 CCG, as well as monitoring the training of Government personnel in conjunctions with the Automated Information Systems support activities. Tasks shall include, but not be limited to:

· Identifying training requirements

· Developing a training plan and plan of actions and milestones

· Preparing training materials that shall include, but not be limited to: lesson plans, slides, computer aided training/tutorials, supporting educational materials/ notebooks, training evaluation surveys

· Scheduling/arranging for speakers and/or training facilities

· Providing training instructors and facilitators and conducting training

The Contractor shall utilize objectives and syllabi prepared in coordination with 3 CCG Training Manager to develop and present courseware for enterprise network management, network operating systems, work group management/help desk, information protection and messaging applications sustaining the 3 CCG architecture. This courseware shall include, but not be limited to Microsoft Official Curriculum, MS Server, MS Exchange, Symantec Products, ARS Remedy, Kiwi CatTools, Enterprise Security Manager, HP Openview, What’s Up Gold, Sidewinder, Bluecoat Proxy, QIP, FCOs, VMware, and common Deployable Architectures. The Contractor shall assist with the scheduling and shall be responsible for teaching those courses directed by the 3rd Combat Comm Support Squadron, Training and Standards Flight Commander’s schedule.

The Contractor shall conduct the appropriate training sessions in a Government provided and equipped classroom at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. The Contractor shall be required to travel to other 3 CCG supported location to present courseware. The Contractor shall issue a Government provided copy of all student-training materials to each class participant. At the completion of each class, the Contractor shall issue a student critique. The Contractor and 3 CCG shall review the student inputs for possible additions or deletions to the course content.

1.2 TDC Centric hands-on Training

The contractor shall provide TDC Centric hands-on training by providing students real world training in Boundary Protection, Intrusion Detection, Antivirus, Proxy Server, Email, Web Servers, and Network Infrastructure access. The contractor shall manage the needed training resources to mirror systems in a mission ready status. Assist in the maintenance of the Training Network’s DoD Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process.

Technical Approach and Staffing: Technical Approach must identify the methodology and analytical techniques you will use to fulfill the technical requirements. Describe your knowledge and understanding of the requirements as outlined in the SOW. Approach will include specific skill category(s) with a descriptive paragraph on specific duties each will perform. Technical approach will not exceed 5 pages in length, will be clearly labeled and organized for easy review. The technical approach should clearly, but briefly, describe the following which are applicable to this task order:

· A brief overview of methodology that will be used in performance of the technical requirements identified in the SOW, and a general description of how your technical approach will be applied to accomplishing the requirements. Include:

· The logical sequence of tasks/events that you will perform to accomplish the requirements. Identify and describe the specific techniques and steps that will be applied during the accomplishment of all tasks of this project. (Demonstrate how implementation of the proposed solutions will deliver timely, standard, stable, reliable, secure, flexible, responsive, compliant and cost effective services to meet the needs of those involved with this requirement (AF, ALC etc.)

· The deliverables to be produced in response to the requirements. Describe your qualifications and corporate capabilities specifically related to perform the work required in the SOW.

· Provide an explanation for handling vacancies during task performance. Include plans to manage and staff the task as well as location of office that will provide management. Include a sound management approach in providing highly qualified and experienced key personnel with a proven track record of success in providing these requirements.

1.3 Configuration Analysis

The Contractor shall be called upon to provide technical assistance that includes, but is not limited to, engineering integration solutions to meet mission objectives, installing, configuring, testing, and tuning network hardware and software, performing network system startups / shutdowns, performing network diagnostics and correcting hardware and software problems, and identifying the capabilities and deficiencies of current systems/configurations.

1.4 Acquisition Support

The contractor shall assist the 3 CCG in determining requirements for new and/or replacement equipment, software, and enhancements, develop technical solutions and will provide, install, and support new products purchased by 3 CCG.

1.5 Reports

Monthly Task Status Report or Monthly Status Report (MSR) must be submitted information as required by the client. The contractor shall document the effort performed in the completion of these tasked in a detailed Monthly Status Report (MSR). The Contractor shall develop a report format that is consistent with 3 CCG requirements.

The Contractor shall include at a minimum, the following information in the MSR:

1. Progress this Period: Support provided during the reporting period.

2. Status of all Sub-Tasks (with attached copies of meeting minuets, point and working papers).

3. Activity Planned for the Next Reporting Period: Planned support activities, as well as the status of all products/working papers, including planned delivery date and actual and/or anticipated delivery date.

4. Problems Encountered: identification of any problems, issues, or delays and recommendations as to resolution of problems submitted during the interim, and any corrective action that was taken.

The Contractor shall submit the MSR to the 3rd Combat Comm Support Squadron, Training and Standards Flight Commander no later than the 15th of each month following the month of award.

2. Place of Performance/Hours of Operation.

Contractor work under this contract shall be performed at the contractor site and Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. Travel, other than local travel will be required. Because all long distance travel may not be accurately forecasted at this time, long distance travel shall be a cost reimbursable item. Normal duty hours are 0730-1630 Monday through Friday. After hours and weekend support is required from time to time.

3. Privacy Act. Work on this project may require that personnel have access to Privacy Information. Personnel shall adhere to the Privacy Act, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 552a and applicable agency rules and regulations.

4. Personal Service. The client has determined that the contract to satisfy this requirement is in the best interest of the government, economic and other factors considered, and this task order is not being used to procure personal services prohibited by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 37.104 titled “Personal services contract”.

5. Security.

This project is unclassified but information utilized will include for official use only. There are requirements for access to classified material. Contractor must posses a minimum of Secret security classification. All documentation (i.e. DD 254) required for security certification will be the responsibility of the contractor and the client organization. Contractor must be a US Citizen with a current SECRET security clearance, and pass a SATE exam prior to being given access rights to the network. Network and computer passwords will be provided for official and work related use only.

6. Key Personnel.

6.1 The client shall identify a Clients Representative (CR) and Alternate Client Representative (ACR) under points of contact. Duties and responsibilities are identified in Appendix A

6.2 The contractor shall identify key personnel in the technical proposal regardless of the type of task. NOTE: Key personnel may not be removed from the task without express approval of the CR.

6.3 This project requires all personnel to Communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing.

7. Quality Control. The contractor shall provide a description of their Quality Control, Surveillance and Assurance detailed plan to the client. This Quality Control section includes the performance based surveillance plan and a quality assurance plan, as stated in the evaluation criteria. These plans will assist the government in ensuring the requirements of this PWS are met (to include deliverables) in an efficient, effective, economical and expedient way. Note Quality Assurance and Surveillance information in the evaluation criteria on cover page for more detail.

8. Records/Data. All documentation, programs, data, products, hardware, test equipment and associated items used during the execution of this task order are to remain the sole property of the government. This information will remain in-house at the primary site and will be returned to the Client Representative or designated alternate at the completion of the task order. The format of the data submitted shall be in paper as well as electronic formats to include, but not limited to, Microsoft Office and Visio.

9. Applicable Documents. Include: Air Force, Air Combat Command, Tinker and 3 CCG Instructions, Regulations, Policies, System/Program/Project Requirements, others will be provided upon award if applicable.

10. Points of Contact.

Client Representative (CR)

Name: Maj John Zapata Organization: Commander, 3rd Combat Communications Support Squadron

Address: 4385 S. Air Depot Blvd

Tinker AFB, OK 73145

Phone Number: (405) 734 - 2303

Fax Number: (405) 734 - 5342

Internet Address: john.zapata@tinker.af.mil Alternate Client Representative (ACR):

Name: Capt Martin T. Temaat Organization: Commander, Training and Standards Flight

Phone Number: (405) 734 - 7495

Fax Number: (405) 734 - 7085 Internet Address: martin.temaat@tinker.af.mil

Client's Security Officer.

Clearance required is Secret.

Name: TSgt James Craft Organization: 3rd Combat Communications Support Squadron

Phone Number: (405) 734 - 7055 Fax Number: (405) 734 - 5342

Internet Address: james.craft@tinker.af.mil

11. Definitions & Acronyms.

3 CCG

3rd Combat Communications Group

ACC

Air Combat Command

ACR

Alternate Client Representative

ALC

Air Logistics Command

COR

Contracting Officer Representative

CR

Client Representative

DoD

Department of Defense

FCO

Field Change Order

GFE

Government Furnished Equipment

IMMA

Installation Materiel Maintenance Activity

IA

Information Assurance

IT

Information Technology

LAN

Local Area Network

LOF

Letter of Findings

MAJCOM

Major Command

MS

Microsoft

MSR

Monthly Status Report

NCC

Network Control Center

NLC

Network Learning Center

PC

Personal Computer

PM

Program/Project Management/Manager

PMR

Program Management Review

POC

Point of Contact

PWS

Performance Work Statement

QA

Quality Assurance

SME

Subject Matter Expert

SOW

Statement of Work

TDC

Theater Deployable Communications

WAN

Wide Area Network

SECTION 3.0 Government Furnished Items.

The Government will provide the following: workspace, telephones (to include long distance, if deemed necessary), reproduction equipment and administrative supplies, including LAN/WAN access (unclassified) required Contractor performance. The government shall provide, as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), a PC workstation with access to a printing device for Contractor use during the period The Contractor is performing under this PWS. In addition the Government will provide email/internet. Standard Operational Procedures, applicable regulations, manuals, texts, briefs and other materials associated with the project and the hardware/software noted throughout this PWS.

Initial familiarization /orientation will be provided on site.

SECTION 4. Specific Requirements.

Task Description. Other than task description, Include hardware, software, versions, applications, communication and other equipment. List all relevant things to this requirement to be used to accomplish the tasks.

4.1 Specific Objectives, Results, Deliverables and/or Tasks.

4.1.1 Inventory

The Contractor shall conduct a thorough inventory of equipment types and configurations and software, including revision levels, as required for all equipment placed under their control.

The products of this task will be a complete record documenting all hardware and software maintained in the training center. This record will annotate any variances from the original configurations; problems encountered; how those problems were resolved; and any outstanding issues or concerns with the Contractors recommended actions to resolve those issues.

4.2 Travel. Any anticipated travel must be provided as an ODC or lump sum in the proposal. All travel must be approved by the CR prior to travel. In addition, all travel must be IAW JTR and other Government travel regulations. As part of the Cost Proposal, the contractor shall provide any anticipated travel costs, if known, to include: origination, destination, number of trips; number of persons, and a breakdown of lodging, meals, transportation and related costs. Actual expenses are limited by the Government Travel Regulations and must be pre-approved by the client.

4.3 Other Direct Costs (ODCs). The contractor shall provide a breakdown of any ODCs in the Cost Proposal. The breakdown shall include an identification of any “open market items" or the contracting vehicle used for the ODCs. Approval will be through the 3CCG budget office.

4.4 Other Reporting Requirements. In addition to the Monthly Status Reports, the contractor shall provide the following:

4.4.1 The contractor shall inform the CR in writing of the actual task starting date on or before the starting date.

4.4.2 The contractor shall bring problems or potential problems affecting performance to the attention of the CR as soon as possible. Verbal reports will be followed up with written reports when directed.

4.4.3 The contractor shall notify the CR when 75 % of the amount of the task has been expended (for Time and Materials task orders).

4.4.4 Additional written reports may be required as necessary.

4.5 Inspection and Acceptance. In the absence of other agreements negotiated with respect to time provided for government review, deliverables will be inspected and the contractor notified of the CR’s findings within 5 work days of normally scheduled review.

4.6 Section 508: All electronic and information technology (EIT) procured through this SOW/Bill of Materials and any resulting contracting, task order, delivery order or purchase order, must meet the applicable accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194, unless an agency exception to this requirement exists. (There is no exception by 72 CS). 36 CFR 1194 implements Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and is viewable here (Appendix C). The contractor shall indicate for each line item in the schedule and deliverables, whether each product or service is compliant or noncompliant with the accessibility standards at 36 CFT 1194. Further, the proposal must indicate where full details of compliance can be found (e.g. vendor’s website, or other exact location.). Note, this SOW must comply with all of 1194.41and as the requirement dictates, contractor must comply with various parts of all other sections of Section 508.

Appendix A. Delegation of Authority for the Client Representative.

1.0 Delegated Authority. You are specifically delegated the following duties:

1.1 Administration.

1.1.1 Act as the Government technical representative for the contract administration.

1.1.2 Represent the Government in conferences with the contractor and prepare memorandums for the record of the pertinent facts.

1.1.3 Maintain a filing system.

1.1.4 Initiate requests for letters of accreditation for logistical support of individuals performing work on this task order, in accordance with all applicable regulations.

1.2 Inspection and Acceptance.

1.2.1 Review all deliverables for full compliance with the contract requirements.

1.2.2 Promptly reject all work that does not comply with the contract requirements and notify the contracting officer .

1.2.3 Accept deliverables that conform with contract requirements.

1.2.4 Prepare and maintain a running list of items that remain at variance with contract requirements, apprising both the contractor and contracting officer of corrective action or the need for it.

1.2.5 Maintain a master copy of the official list of defects and omissions.

1.2.6 Ensure that all defects and omissions are corrected or completed.

2.0 Not Delegated. The following functions are NOT delegated:

2.1 Award, agree to, or execute a contract or contract modification.

2.2 Obligate, in any way, the payment of money by the Government.

2.3 Make a final decision on any matter that would be subject to appeal under the Disputes Clause of the Contract.

2.4 Re-designate any of your assigned duties unless specifically authorized to do so.

2.5 Cause the contractor to incur costs not specifically covered by the contract, and this delivery task order, with the expectation that such costs will be reimbursed by the Government.

2.6 Terminate for any cause the contractor’s right to proceed.

This designation as COR shall remain in effect until revocation by the contracting officer or the completion of the specified task order.

Appendix B. Monthly Status Reports.

1.0 Task Information.

1.1 Contract number and Project number.

1.2 Accounting Control Transaction (ACT) number and reporting period.

1.3 Client agency and location

1.4 Brief task description

2.0 Reporting Period Information.

2.1 For each employee: name, skill level, regular and overtime hours worked (denoting on or off site), and cumulative regular and overtime hours worked.

2.2 The portion of the report described above must contain the following statement: “I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the above named employee(s) worked the hours shown at the skill levels indicated.” Signature and date of the (Contractor) Program Manager of his/her designee directly following this statement.

2.3 A narrative review of work accomplished during the reporting period and significant events.

2.4 Deliverable process

2.5 Problem areas

2.6 Anticipated activity for the next reporting period

2.7 Description of any travel or unique services provided

2.8 Other relative information as necessary

Attachment C: SECTION 508 IT ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

STATEMENT OF WORK SECTION (Rev 5/8/01) Updates are posted at the following web sites: www.section508.gov and the Access Board's Web site at http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm]

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 IT Accessibility Requirements

A.

General

1.

Purpose (Reference 36 CFR 1194.1)

(a) The below technical standards are those issued by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board), pursuant to Section 508 (a) (2) (A) of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 (29 U.S.C. § 794 (d)) as enacted in the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. (The Access Board is an independent Federal agency established by Section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 792) whose primary mission is to promote accessibility for individuals with disabilities.)

(b) Section 508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, Federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

2.

Application (Reference 36 CFR 1194.2)

(a) This section does not apply to Electronic and Information Technology (EIT, see definitions at A. 4. below) that is acquired by the contractor incidental to the contract, or is neither used nor accessed by Federal employees or members of the public, and contractor employees in their professional capacity are not considered members of the public.

(b) For any EIT product proposed in response to this solicitation as a deliverable that is a commercial item (as defined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Subpart 2.101) or any EIT product to be developed in response to this solicitation, that will be available to meet this contract’s delivery requirements, the contractor must represent within his proposal that the product(s) complies with all of the below standards. The contractor must fully complete the spreadsheet, Electronic & Information Technology Accessibility Standards Evaluation, located as an attachment in Section J of this solicitation, and submit it with his/her proposal.

(c) If such product does not comply with all of the below standards, the contractor must specify each specific standard that is not met.

3.

Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Product General Exceptions (Reference 36 CFR 1194.3)

(a) This section does not apply to any EIT operated by agencies, the function, operation, or use of which involves:

(1) Intelligence activities

(2) Cryptographic activities related to national security

(3) Command and control of military forces

(4) Equipment as an integral part of a weapon or weapon system

(5) Systems critical to the direct fulfillment of military or intelligence missions

(b) Products acquired by a contractor incidental to a contract, or are neither used nor accessed by Federal employees or members of the public, and contractor employees and all personnel related to the contract are not considered members of the public;

(c) Products or components of products that would require a fundamental alteration in their nature.

(d) Products located in spaces frequented only by service personnel for maintenance, repair or occasional monitoring.

4.

Definitions (Reference 36 CFR 1194.4)

The following definitions apply to this section:

Agency. Any Federal department or agency, including the United

States Postal Service.

Alternate formats. Alternate formats usable by people with disabilities may include, but are not limited to, Braille, ASCII text, large print, recorded audio, and electronic formats that comply with this part.

Alternate methods. Different means of providing information, including product documentation, to people with disabilities. Alternate methods may include, but are not limited to, voice, fax, relay service, TTY, Internet posting, captioning, text-to-speech synthesis, and audio description.

Assistive technology. Any item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Electronic and information technology. Includes information technology and any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the creation, conversion, or duplication of data or information. The term electronic and information technology includes, but is not limited to, telecommunications products (such as telephones), information kiosks and transaction machines, World Wide Web sites, multimedia, and office equipment such as copiers and fax machines. The term does not include any equipment that contains embedded information technology that is used as an integral part of the product, but the principal function of which is not the acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information. For example, HVAC

(heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment such as thermostats or temperature control devices, and medical equipment where information technology is integral to its operation, are not information technology.

Information technology. Any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information. The term information technology includes computers, ancillary equipment, software, firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources.

Operable controls. A component of a product that requires physical contact for normal operation. Operable controls include, but are not limited to, mechanically operated controls, input and output trays, card slots, keyboards, or keypads.

Product. Electronic and information technology.

Self Contained, Closed Products. Products that generally have embedded software and are commonly designed in such a fashion that a user cannot easily attach or install assistive technology. These products include, but are not limited to, information kiosks and information transaction machines, copiers, printers, calculators, fax machines, and other similar types of products.

Telecommunications. The transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user's choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.

TTY. An abbreviation for teletypewriter. Machinery or equipment that employs interactive text based communications through the transmission of coded signals across the telephone network. TTYs may include, for example, devices known as TDDs (telecommunication display devices or telecommunication devices for deaf persons) or computers with special modems. TTYs are also called text telephones.

Undue burden. Undue burden means significant difficulty or expense.

In determining whether an action would result in an undue burden, an agency shall consider all agency resources available to the program or component for which the product is being developed, procured, maintained, or used.

B.

Technical Standards

1194.21 Software applications and operating systems.

(a) When software is designed to run on a system that has a keyboard, product functions shall be executable from a keyboard where the function itself or the result of performing a function can be discerned textually.

(b) Applications shall not disrupt or disable activated features of other products that are identified as accessibility features, where those features are developed and documented according to industry standards. Applications also shall not disrupt or disable activated features of any operating system that are identified as accessibility features where the application programming interface for those accessibility features has been documented by the manufacturer of the operating system and is available to the product developer.

(c) A well-defined on-screen indication of the current focus shall be provided that moves among interactive interface elements as the input focus changes. The focus shall be programmatically exposed so that assistive technology can track focus and focus changes.

(d) Sufficient information about a user interface element including the identity, operation and state of the element shall be available to assistive technology. When an image represents a program element, the information conveyed by the image must also be available in text.

(e) When bitmap images are used to identify controls, status indicators, or other programmatic elements, the meaning assigned to those images shall be consistent throughout an application's performance.

(f) Textual information shall be provided through operating system functions for displaying text. The minimum information that shall be made available is text content, text input caret location, and text attributes.

(g) Applications shall not override user selected contrast and color selections and other individual display attributes.

(h) When animation is displayed, the information shall be displayable in at least one non-animated presentation mode at the option of the user.

(i) Color coding shall not be used as the only means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

(j) When a product permits a user to adjust color and contrast settings, a variety of color selections capable of producing a range of contrast levels shall be provided.

(k) Software shall not use flashing or blinking text, objects, or other elements having a flash or blink frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz.

(l) When electronic forms are used, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.

1194.22 Web-based intranet and internet information and applications.

(a) A text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided (e.g., via "alt", "longdesc", or in element content).

(b) Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation.

(c) Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup.

(d) Documents shall be organized so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet.

(e) Redundant text links shall be provided for each active region of a server-side image map.

(f) Client-side image maps shall be provided instead of server-side image maps except where the regions cannot be defined with an available geometric shape.

(g) Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables.

(h) Markup shall be used to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers.

(i) Frames shall be titled with text that facilitates frame identification and navigation.

(j) Pages shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz.

(k) A text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality, shall be provided to make a web site comply with the provisions of this part, when compliance cannot be accomplished in any other way. The content of the text-only page shall be updated whenever the primary page changes.

(l) When pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to create interface elements, the information provided by the script shall be identified with functional text that can be read by assistive technology.

(m) When a web page requires that an applet, plug-in or other application be present on the client system to interpret page content, the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with §1194.21(a) through (l).

(n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.

(o) A method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links.

(p) When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required.

Note to 1. The Board interprets paragraphs (a) through (k) of this section as consistent with the following priority 1 Checkpoints of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 (WCAG 1.0) (May 5, 1999) published by the Web Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium:

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (a) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 1.1

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (b) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 1.4

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (c) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 2.1

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (d) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 6.1

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (e) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 1.2

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (f) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 9.1

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (g) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 5.1

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (h) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 5.2

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (i) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 12.1

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (j) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 7.1

Section 1194.22 Paragraph (k) WCAG 1.0 Checkpoint 11.4

2. Paragraphs (l), (m), (n), (o), and (p) of this section are different from WCAG 1.0. Web pages that conform to WCAG 1.0, level A (i.e., all priority 1 checkpoints) must also meet paragraphs (l), (m), (n), (o), and (p) of this section to comply with this section. WCAG 1.0 is available at http://www.w3.org/TR/1999/WAI-WEBCONTENT-19990505.

1194.23 Telecommunications products.

(a) Telecommunications products or systems which provide a function allowing voice communication and which do not themselves provide a TTY functionality shall provide a standard non-acoustic connection point for TTYs. Microphones shall be capable of being turned on and off to allow the user to intermix speech with TTY use.

(b) Telecommunications products which include voice communication functionality shall support all commonly used cross-manufacturer non-proprietary standard TTY signal protocols.

(c) Voice mail, auto-attendant, and interactive voice response telecommunications systems shall be usable by TTY users with their TTYs.

(d) Voice mail, messaging, auto-attendant, and interactive voice response telecommunications systems that require a response from a user within a time interval, shall give an alert when the time interval is about to run out, and shall provide sufficient time for the user to indicate more time is required.

(e) Where provided, caller identification and similar telecommunications functions shall also be available for users of TTYs, and for users who cannot see displays.

(f) For transmitted voice signals, telecommunications products shall provide a gain adjustable up to a minimum of 20 dB. For incremental volume control, at least one intermediate step of 12 dB of gain shall be provided.

(g) If the telecommunications product allows a user to adjust the receive volume, a function shall be provided to automatically reset the volume to the default level after every use.

(h) Where a telecommunications product delivers output by an audio transducer which is normally held up to the ear, a means for effective magnetic wireless coupling to hearing technologies shall be provided.

(i) Interference to hearing technologies (including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices) shall be reduced to the lowest possible level that allows a user of hearing technologies to utilize the telecommunications product.

(j) Products that transmit or conduct information or communication, shall pass through cross-manufacturer, non-proprietary, industry-standard codes, translation protocols, formats or other information necessary to provide the information or communication in a usable format. Technologies which use encoding, signal compression, format transformation, or similar techniques shall not remove information needed for access or shall restore it upon delivery.

(k) Products which have mechanically operated controls or keys, shall comply with the following:

(1) Controls and keys shall be tactilely discernible without activating the controls or keys.

(2) Controls and keys shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls and keys shall be 5 lbs. (22.2 N) maximum.

(3) If key repeat is supported, the delay before repeat shall be adjustable to at least 2 seconds. Key repeat rate shall be adjustable to 2 seconds per character.

(4) The status of all locking or toggle controls or keys shall be visually discernible, and discernible either through touch or sound.

1194.24 Video and multimedia products.

(a) All analog television displays 13 inches and larger, and computer equipment that includes analog television receiver or display circuitry, shall be equipped with caption decoder circuitry which appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals. As soon as practicable, but not later than July 1, 2002, widescreen digital television (DTV) displays measuring at least 7.8 inches vertically, DTV sets with conventional displays measuring at least 13 inches vertically, and stand-alone DTV tuners, whether or not they are marketed with display screens, and computer equipment that includes DTV receiver or display circuitry, shall be equipped with caption decoder circuitry which appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals.

(b) Television tuners, including tuner cards for use in computers, shall be equipped with secondary audio program playback circuitry.

(c) All training and informational video and multimedia productions which support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain speech or other audio information necessary for the comprehension of the content, shall be open or closed captioned.

(d) All training and informational video and multimedia productions which support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain visual information necessary for the comprehension of the content, shall be audio described.

(e) Display or presentation of alternate text presentation or audio descriptions shall be user-selectable unless permanent.

1194.25 Self contained, closed products.

(a) Self contained products shall be usable by people with disabilities without requiring an end-user to attach assistive technology to the product. Personal headsets for private listening are not assistive technology.

(b) When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required.

(c) Where a product utilizes touchscreens or contact-sensitive controls, an input method shall be provided that complies with §1194.23 (k) (1) through (4).

(d) When biometric forms of user identification or control are used, an alternative form of identification or activation, which does not require the user to possess particular biological characteristics, shall also be provided.

(e) When products provide auditory output, the audio signal shall be provided at a standard signal level through an industry standard connector that will allow for private listening. The product must provide the ability to interrupt, pause, and restart the audio at anytime.

(f) When products deliver voice output in a public area, incremental volume control shall be provided with output amplification up to a level of at least 65 dB. Where the ambient noise level of the environment is above 45 dB, a volume gain of at least 20 dB above the ambient level shall be user selectable. A function shall be provided to automatically reset the volume to the default level after every use.

(g) Color coding shall not be used as the only means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

(h) When a product permits a user to adjust color and contrast settings, a range of color selections capable of producing a variety of contrast levels shall be provided.

(i) Products shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz.

(j) Products which are freestanding, non-portable, and intended to be used in one location and which have operable controls shall comply with the following:

(1) The position of any operable control shall be determined with respect to a vertical plane, which is 48 inches in length, centered on the operable control, and at the maximum protrusion of the product within the 48 inch length (see Figure 1 of this part).

(2) Where any operable control is 10 inches or less behind the reference plane, the height shall be 54 inches maximum and 15 inches minimum above the floor.

(3) Where any operable control is more than 10 inches and not more than 24 inches behind the reference plane, the height shall be 46 inches maximum and 15 inches minimum above the floor.

(4) Operable controls shall not be more than 24 inches behind the reference plane (see Figure 2 of this part).

1194.26 Desktop and portable computers.

(a) All mechanically operated controls and keys shall comply with §1194.23 (k) (1) through (4).

(b) If a product utilizes touchscreens or touch-operated controls, an input method shall be provided that complies with §1194.23 (k) (1) through (4).

(c) When biometric forms of user identification or control are used, an alternative form of identification or activation, which does not require the user to possess particular biological characteristics, shall also be provided.

(d) Where provided, at least one of each type of expansion slots, ports and connectors shall comply with publicly available industry standards.

C.

Functional Performance Criteria

1194.31 Functional performance criteria.

(a) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided.

(b) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/70 shall be provided in audio and enlarged print output working together or independently, or support for assistive technology used by people who are visually impaired shall be provided.

(c) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user hearing shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be provided.

(d) Where audio information is important for the use of a product, at least one mode of operation and information retrieval shall be provided in an enhanced auditory fashion, or support for assistive hearing devices shall be provided.

(e) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user speech shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people with disabilities shall be provided.

(f) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous actions and that is operable with limited reach and strength shall be provided.

D.

Information, Documentation, and Support

1194.41 Information, documentation, and support.

(a) Product support documentation provided to end-users shall be made available in alternate formats upon request, at no additional charge.

(b) End-users shall have access to a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate methods upon request, at no additional charge.

(c) Support services for products shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities.

Figures to Part 1194, Figure 1 and 2

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