P-690_Attachment_9_-_WCAG_Information_Factsheet.docx

Sourcing Event 0000011689 Attachment 9 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA (“WCAG”) Information Factsheet

I. Background The goods/services being sought in this Solicitation are subject to the federally mandated Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA (“WCAG”) for digitally provided public services. This Attachment serves as an informational resource for interested Proposers to determine the documents necessary to demonstrate their satisfaction of Minimum Qualification # 4, “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA (“WCAG”) compliance.”

Below are definitions and, where applicable, links to additional resource(s), for the documents that you may submit to demonstrate your product’s compliance with this Solicitation’s Minimum Qualification # 4, “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA (“WCAG”) compliance.”

II. WCAG Minimum Qualification Documentation Accessibility Conformance Report: The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a standardized template created by the Information Technology Industry Council that vendors use to document how their product conforms to digital accessibility standards. An Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is the completed version of that template for a specific product. A VPAT is the blank form, while the ACR is the filled-out report that explains whether and how a product meets each accessibility requirement. When organizations request a “VPAT” during procurement, they are typically asking for the completed document—the ACR. Additional details can be found at Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) | Section508.gov and VPAT - Information Technology Industry Council.

Third-Party Assessment: An independent evaluation of a website, application, or other digital service conducted by an external digital accessibility expert or firm to determine whether it meets digital accessibility standards. A comprehensive assessment typically includes automated testing to identify detectable issues, manual expert review to evaluate real-world usability and assistive technology compatibility, and testing against specific compliance criteria. The result is usually a detailed report outlining accessibility barriers, the level of conformance, risk areas, and recommended remediation steps, providing organizations with an objective, credible basis for improving accessibility and reducing legal and compliance risk.

Automated Testing Report: The use of software tools to scan websites, web applications, and digital documents to identify accessibility issues based on digital accessibility standards. These tools automatically detect common problems like missing alt text on images, low color contrast, improper heading structure, missing form labels, and certain keyboard navigation issues. Additional details can be found at Overview of Testing Methods for 508 Conformance | Section508.gov.

Governance or Competency Indicators Accessibility Statement: A public-facing statement that explains an organization’s commitment to making its digital content accessible to people with disabilities. It should identify the accessibility standards the organization strives to meet and provides contact information so users can report accessibility barriers, request alternative formats, or seek assistance. Additional details can be found at Developing a Website Accessibility Statement | Section508.gov.

Accessibility Policy: A formal document that outlines an organization’s commitment to ensuring equal access to its programs, services, and digital content for people with disabilities. It explains the digital accessibility standards the organization follows and describes how accessibility will be implemented and maintained. The policy typically identifies roles and responsibilities, approaches, scope, milestones, monitoring and review process. Additional details can be found at Developing Organizational Policies on Web Accessibility | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C.

Staff Certification: An official credential that shows a person has met specific standards or demonstrated certain skills in digital accessibility. It is usually awarded by a professional organization, institution, or governing body after the individual completes required training, passes an exam, or meets established criteria. Additional details can be found at International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP)

User Testing Attestation: An attestation from a disability community-based organization could be a formal written statement confirming that the organization has facilitated, supported, or verified the participation of individuals with disabilities in user research activities. This attestation serves as documentation that outreach and engagement were conducted in partnership with a recognized disability-serving organization and that feedback was obtained directly from members of the disability community, demonstrating a good-faith commitment to accessibility compliance, inclusive design, and community engagement. Additional information can be found at Conducting User Research with People with Disabilities | Section508.gov.