How to Comply with Accessibility Requirements for Federal Contractors
If you are a small business looking to expand your revenue stream, consider applying for federal contracts. While applying for a federal contract may initially seem daunting, resources are available to help you navigate the process.
One important aspect to keep in mind is accessibility requirements, which include the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). This article will explore accessibility requirements and how they fit into the federal contract application process for small businesses.
What is the VPAT?
A VPAT template provides information on how a service or product meets accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities.
It was first proposed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) in collaboration with the US government and is now widely used across the industry. In the context of federal contracts, VPAT is a vital tool to demonstrate compliance with Section 508, the section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that regulates electronics and information technology.
How to register for federal contracts
To apply for federal contracts, your business must register with the System for Award Management (SAM), a government-wide portal for vendors to provide their business information and obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number.
The SAM registration process includes completing the Representations and Certifications section, which requires vendors to certify compliance with various regulations, including Section 508.
This is where VPAT comes in – vendors can use VPAT to demonstrate how their products or services comply with accessibility requirements and include the VPAT document as part of their SAM registration.
It is important to note that while VPAT is a valuable tool to demonstrate compliance with accessibility requirements, it is not a substitute for testing and validating the product or service.
As a potential vendor, you should perform your own accessibility testing and engage with users with disabilities to ensure that the product or service is truly accessible. Additionally, you should keep in mind that accessibility requirements go beyond just Section 508 – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws may also apply, depending on the nature of the contract.
How to search and apply for federal contract opportunities
Starting May 1, 2023, the Contract Opportunities page of SAM.gov will be the main portal for federal contracting opportunities.
Once a small business is registered in SAM and obtains a DUNS number, it can search for federal contracting opportunities. Small businesses can search for opportunities set aside for small businesses or requiring a specific type of certification, such as the 8(a) Business Development Program, designed to help small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
When searching for opportunities, you should pay attention to the solicitation documents, which outline the requirements for the contract.
The solicitation may include specific requirements related to accessibility, such as the need to provide a VPAT document or the requirement to comply with Section 508.
You should also pay attention to other conditions, such as the need to obtain security clearances or certifications and ensure that you can meet all the requirements before submitting your bid.
When submitting a bid for a federal contract, you should include all relevant information, including your SAM registration, DUNS number, and any certifications you may have. You should also pay close attention to the instructions for submitting the bid, which may require specific formatting or documentation.
If the solicitation requires a VPAT document, you should include a comprehensive document clearly outlining how your product or service meets the accessibility requirements.
Accessibility compliance for federal contract eligibility
Applying for federal contracts can be an excellent way for your small business to expand its revenue stream.
However, it is essential to keep accessibility requirements in mind, including the use of VPAT to demonstrate compliance with Section 508. Your small business should perform its own accessibility testing and engage with users with disabilities to ensure that your product or service is genuinely accessible.
You should also pay close attention to the solicitation documents and ensure that you can meet all the requirements before submitting your bid.
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