How to include Section 508 in acquisitions, grants, and business initiatives

Gary M. Morin, NIH Section 508 Program, Analyst

How to include Section 508 in acquisitions, grants, and business initiatives

Gary M. Morin, NIH Section 508 Program, Analyst

Today’s Discussion Integrating Section 508 in the procurement process,

specifically the HHSAR language. Why 508 is important to include in RFAs and how to do

it. Business Initiatives and Section 508. Q&A - now’s your chance!

Disability LawsRehabilitation Act: 501: ensures Fed agency applicant & employee accessibility and non-discrimination

503: ensures Federal Gov’t Contractor (>$10,000) non-discrimination

504: ensures non-discrimination by “any program or activity” that is funded by the Federal Gov’t

508: requires agencies “procure, maintain, and use” EIT that is accessible.

Americans With Disabilities Act:

Title I – Requires employee accessibility (including State/tribal Gov’t)

Title II – Requires accessibility to all state activities by the public

Section 508 Covers Electronic and Information Technology

(EIT)

Requires “comparable access”

A civil rights law achieved via acquisitions

Section 508Standards-based

Accessibility, not accommodationNo cost/value factor – 508 is not a value calculation!

Most like SecuritySome limited, rare exceptions

Integrating Section 508 in Acquisitions – CO/COTR Contracting Officer

Ensure Requiring Official meets 508 responsibilities

Act as conduit for vendor questions/responses

Enforce HHS Section 508 policy and HHSAR

Ensure Clearances

COTR

Determine Applicable Provisions

Evaluate Vendor responses (HHS PAT – Product Assessment Template)

Monitor Change request impact on Section 508

Include Section 508 in acceptance testing

Integrating Section 508 in Acquisitions – Requiring Official Acquisitions Planning

Determining if EIT

Identify COTR or 508 SME

Evaluation Criteria

Clearance

Applicable Provisions

36 CFR 1194 (.21-.41)

Language (SOW)

From HHSAR

Must include applicable provisions

Integrating Section 508 in Acquisitions – Requiring OfficialEPLC

508 Critical Partnerconditions

Exceptions508 Coordinator Clearance

Evaluation Reading the PAT

AcceptanceTest against HHS acceptance criteria

Engage Section 508 Coordinator when needed

Integrating Section 508 in Acquisitions – The bottom lineAcquisitions planning

Exceptions signoffSolicitations :

Use the right language! (HHSAR) – warrants 508 Include applicable provisions in SOW Get a PAT

Contracts: Language (again!) Acceptance criteria (checklists)

Option Years Require 508 Annual Report

Why 508 is important to Grants and AgreementsOverlapping laws

504ADATelecommunications Act

Liability & Due DiligenceHHS’ name is on many of these materialsGuilt by associationCost of litigation/public impact

How to include electronic access in Grants/AgreementsTie to Section 504 requirementModify existing 504 language to require accessible

IT in program activitiesRequire accessible electronic documentsReference HHS acceptance criteria/checklistsStates may have equivalent standards

MOAs with other Fed agenciesGovTrip and MyPay – the story so farRequire Section 508

Identify applicable provisionsMandate HHS acceptance criteria unless other formal

acceptance criteria usedRequire documentation (PAT) at a minimum

General issue resolutionWhat is the mechanism for issue resolution if HHS is

unsatisfied?

Business Initiatives and 508Communications and Marketing to SDB and DV-

owned businessesReferrals to Section 508 coordinator for help with

understanding 508 requirementsPossible business opportunities

Testing 508 complianceSubcontracting re: 508 developmentHelping vendors fill out PATs

Gary M. Morin, Program Analyst NIH Office of the Chief Information Officer  (301) 402-3924 Voice, (301) 451-9326 TTY/NTS (240) 380-3063 Videophone; (301) 402-4464 Fax Section 508 Guidance, http://www.hhs.gov/web/508/index.html

[DILBERT cartoon used with Scott Adams’s Permission]

Questions and Answers