Section 508 and VPAT help for software buyers
Updated
Tualatin Federal Solutions sends the manufacturer's Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), usually written on a VPAT, with every software quote, so federal buyers can start their Section 508 review before the purchase instead of after it. If the manufacturer does not publish an ACR, we say so in writing.
What an ACR is
Section508.gov puts it this way: "An Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is a document that explains how information and communication technology (ICT) products such as software, hardware, electronic content, and support documentation meet (conform to) the Revised 508 Standards for IT accessibility."
An ACR is usually written on a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template), and Section508.gov's own guide explains how to create one that way. That is why buyers use the two names for the same thing: the VPAT is the template, the ACR is the finished report.
Why buyers ask for it
- The solicitation asks. Section508.gov says "Government solicitations which include ICT will specify accessibility requirements."
- It is the evidence reviewers use. ACRs "help Federal agency contracting officials and government buyers to assess ICT for accessibility when doing market research and evaluating proposals."
- Vendors are expected to have one. Section508.gov recommends "that vendors generate an ACR for any ICT that's intended to be marketed to the Federal government."
What we do on every software quote
- We find the manufacturer's current ACR for the exact product and version you are buying.
- We attach it to the quote, or link to the manufacturer's own copy.
- If the ACR covers an older version than the one quoted, we say so.
- If the manufacturer does not publish an ACR, we tell you in writing before you order, so you can decide how to handle it.
What to look for when you read an ACR
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Product name and version match your quote | An ACR for last year's version may not describe what you are buying |
| Date of the report | Older reports may not reflect current features |
| Standards covered (Revised 508 Standards, WCAG level) | Your solicitation names the standard you must meet |
| The conformance level given for each criterion | Criteria the product only partly meets, or does not meet, are the ones to weigh against your users' needs |
| Remarks and explanations | Good ACRs explain each gap and any workaround |
We do not certify a product's accessibility ourselves; the manufacturer writes its own ACR. Our job is to make sure you have the right one, for the right version, when you need it.
Our own site
We hold this website to the same standard we ask manufacturers to document. Our accessibility statement gives the target (WCAG 2.2 Level AA), the date we last tested and how to report a problem.
Questions buyers ask
What is a VPAT for software?
A VPAT is the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, the form an Accessibility Conformance Report is usually written on. The finished report explains how the product meets the Revised 508 Standards, item by item. Buyers use "VPAT" and "ACR" for the same finished document. We send the current report for the exact product and version on every software quote.
Do you include the ACR with every quote?
Yes. We request the manufacturer's current Accessibility Conformance Report for each software product we quote and send it with the quote, or tell you in writing if the manufacturer does not publish one. If the report covers a different version than the one quoted, we point that out so your reviewer is not surprised later.
Do you test products for Section 508 conformance yourselves?
No. The manufacturer writes and stands behind its own ACR, and your agency decides whether a product meets its requirements. What we do is make sure you have the right report for the right version at quote time, flag gaps we notice in it, and never describe a product as accessible beyond what its manufacturer states.
What if the product we need has no ACR?
We tell you before you order, in writing. Section508.gov recommends that vendors produce an ACR for anything marketed to the federal government, so we also ask the manufacturer whether one exists or is planned. Your accessibility or Section 508 office can then decide whether to proceed, request one or look at alternatives.
Request a quote with the ACR attached
Request a software quote, and see what we sell or our guide on buying software with a purchase card.