Introduction
The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is an essential document for vendors looking to do business with government agencies. Developed by the Information Technology Industry Council, the VPAT serves as a standardized way for vendors to communicate the accessibility compliance of their products with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This document plays a crucial role in procurement decisions by helping officials assess a product’s accessibility during Market Research under FAR Part 12.
However, while the VPAT format itself is straightforward, its accuracy and reliability depend on the expertise of the person completing it. Unfortunately, many vendors struggle with preparing comprehensive and accurate VPAT documents. The result? Submissions that are incomplete, misleading, or filled with technical inaccuracies. This is where hiring a third-party expert for VPAT preparation becomes invaluable.
Why Many VPATs Fall Short
While VPATs are meant to offer a transparent view of accessibility compliance, many vendor-submitted documents fail to meet expectations. Some of the most common issues include:
- Lack of Technical Knowledge: Many VPATs appear to be completed by individuals who lack a deep understanding of accessibility and Section 508 requirements.
- Incomplete Information: Some VPATs only cover portions of the product, making it difficult for procurement officials to assess the full scope of accessibility.
- Marketing-Driven Content: Instead of offering a factual, unbiased assessment, some VPATs are written as sales pitches, making exaggerated claims about compliance.
- Failure to Disclose Issues: Omitting known accessibility shortcomings can lead to significant consequences if discovered later in the procurement process.
The Value of a Third-Party Expert
1. Extensive Knowledge of Section 508 and Accessibility Standards
Preparing a VPAT requires a deep understanding of Section 508, WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and other accessibility frameworks. Most vendors do not have in-house accessibility experts, leading to errors and omissions in their VPATs. A third-party specialist brings in-depth technical expertise to ensure accurate and complete documentation.
2. Comprehensive and Objective Accessibility Evaluation
A well-prepared VPAT must reflect a thorough accessibility audit of the product. This includes testing all features and functionalities against accessibility standards. Many vendors fail to conduct an in-depth review, leading to incomplete VPATs. A third-party accessibility expert will perform rigorous testing and ensure that every aspect of the product is evaluated for compliance.
3. Eliminates Bias and Misleading Information
A common mistake vendors make is treating the VPAT as a marketing tool rather than a technical compliance document. Overstating compliance can result in legal disputes and damage the company’s credibility. Government agencies conducting independent web accessibility remediation assessments can easily detect discrepancies. A third-party consultant provides an objective assessment, ensuring the VPAT is factual and transparent.
4. Avoids Procurement Complications and Legal Risks
A poorly completed VPAT can have serious repercussions, including:
- Delays in procurement approvals due to requests for additional clarification.
- Increased scrutiny from government accessibility teams.
- Potential contractual disputes if the product does not meet the accessibility claims stated in the VPAT.
- Mandated accessibility remediation, which can be time-consuming and costly.
By working with an expert, vendors can minimize these risks and ensure a smoother procurement process.
Real-World Examples: Bad vs. Good VPATs
Bad VPAT Example: Oxygen Forensic Software
A VPAT submitted for Oxygen Forensic Suite 2011 demonstrated a complete lack of understanding of accessibility. Instead of providing meaningful responses, the submitter simply wrote “N/A” for every section, including areas clearly relevant to the product. This resulted in a VPAT that was effectively useless.
Bad VPAT Example: Oracle Discoverer
Oracle Discoverer’s VPAT included generic statements such as “Product has been coded to meet this standard” without offering any supporting details. Without specific remarks or explanations, such VPATs fail to provide meaningful insight into accessibility compliance.
Good VPAT Example: Adobe Captivate 5
Adobe’s VPATs are often cited as best-in-class. Their Captivate 5 VPAT provides detailed, transparent, and honest assessments, clearly disclosing any accessibility shortcomings while outlining efforts for improvement. This level of clarity and detail builds trust and ensures compliance transparency.
Third-Party VPAT Preparation: A Smart Investment
For vendors selling EIT/ICT (Electronic and Information Technology / Information and Communications Technology) products to the U.S. Federal Government and other public sector entities, a well-prepared VPAT can make or break a deal. Given the complexity of web accessibility remediation and Section 508 compliance, vendors should strongly consider hiring an expert to handle VPAT preparation.
Key Benefits of Third-Party VPAT Preparation
- Ensures compliance with all relevant accessibility standards
- Reduces the risk of procurement delays and disputes
- Enhances credibility with government agencies
- Provides clear, unbiased, and detailed accessibility assessments
- Helps identify areas for web accessibility remediation before submission
Conclusion
A VPAT is more than just a procurement requirement—it’s a critical document that reflects a vendor’s commitment to accessibility compliance. However, poorly prepared VPATs can lead to procurement challenges, legal risks, and reputational damage. By working with a knowledgeable third-party expert, vendors can ensure their VPAT is accurate, transparent, and aligned with Section 508 requirements.
Investing in a professional web accessibility remediation and VPAT preparation service not only helps secure government contracts but also demonstrates a genuine commitment to digital inclusion and accessibility for all users.
