Accessibility Information for IT Procurement

Introduction to Accessible Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT) Procurement:

The university is required to purchase E&IT products and services that conform to standards which have been established for each of the following six categories of covered items, if such is commercially available and the purchase does not result in undue burden: (http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/standards.htm):

Software Applications and Operating Systems;
Web-based intranet and Internet Information and Applications;
Telecommunications products, including telephone systems, voice response systems, and technologies involved with information transmission.
Video and Multimedia products, including television displays and computer equipment with display circuitry that receives, decodes and displays broadcasts, cable, videotape and DVD signals;
Self-contained, closed products that have embedded software and include, but are not limited to information kiosks, information transaction machines, copiers, printers, and fax machines;
Desktop and portable computers

Implementation Plan:

Sacramento State's Accessible E&IT Procurement Implementation Plan, dated 8/2007, describes the first phase of implementation for E&IT purchases.

With input from focus groups and departments, a pilot accessible IT procurement process was developed and tested in Spring 2008.

The Section 508 procurement procedures for purchases above $50,000 can be found in Steps in Accessible E&IT Procurement. Please see below for further information and forms.

For Employees with Procurement Responsibilities:

For assistance with ATI Procurement Procedures for IT purchases above $50,000 (applies September 2007), please refer to the Steps in Accessible E&IT Procurement.

The Accessible E&IT Procurement Work Group together with the ATI Steering Team and Section 508 Compliance designee are in the process of developing training to assist departments in understanding and following the new ATI accessible E&IT procurement process. Until this training is finalized, please contact ati@csus.edu for assistance in incorporating accessibility into electronic and information technology purchases with an anticipated cost greater than $50,000 (threshold drops to $15,000 in Fall 2008).

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this pilot phase of implementation.

ATI Procurement Forms:

VPAT Examples:

For more information about the CSU Accessible Technology Initiative Procurement priority, go to http://www.calstate.edu/Accessibility/EIT_Procurement/