39.201
Scope of subpart
All ICT acquired by federal agencies must be accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access for employees and the public under Section 508.
Overview
- FAR 39.201 defines the scope of Subpart 39.2, which implements Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the U.S. Access Board's ICT accessibility standards. It requires federal agencies to ensure that information and communication technology (ICT) acquired is accessible to both federal employees and members of the public with disabilities, providing comparable access to those without disabilities.
Key Rules
- Implementation of Section 508 and ICT Accessibility Standards
- Agencies must follow Section 508 and the U.S. Access Board's standards (36 CFR 1194.1) when acquiring ICT.
- Comparable Access Requirement
- ICT must provide federal employees and the public with disabilities access to information and data that is comparable to that provided to those without disabilities.
- Resource Availability
- Additional Section 508 information is available at http://www.section508.gov.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure solicitations and contracts for ICT include Section 508 requirements and reference the appropriate accessibility standards.
- Contractors: Deliver ICT products and services that meet Section 508 and U.S. Access Board accessibility standards.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and ensure accessibility for both employees and the public.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures equal access to ICT for individuals with disabilities, impacting how agencies specify, acquire, and evaluate ICT solutions. Non-compliance can result in legal challenges, contract delays, or rejection of deliverables. Contractors must be familiar with Section 508 standards and integrate accessibility into their offerings from the outset.