VPAT Report for Government Contracts – If your company sells software, hardware, or digital services to a U.S. federal agency, you will need a VPAT report. It is one of the first documents government buyers ask for during the procurement process.
If you do not have a VPAT, your proposal is rejected. Your proposal also be rejected if the VPAT is incomplete or outdated. This can happen even before your product is reviewed.
The good news is that this is easy to avoid with the right preparation.
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) shows how your product meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. In this guide, you’ll learn what a VPAT is. You’ll discover why government agencies ask for it and how it is used during procurement. You’ll also learn how to create a report that supports your proposal.
What Is a VPAT?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act says that U.S. federal agencies must buy technology that people with disabilities can use.
A VPAT is a standard document that helps vendors explain how accessible their product is. The template is created by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). After completing the template, it becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
Government buyers use the VPAT. They want to understand if people who use screen readers, keyboards, or other assistive technologies can use your product. Without a VPAT, many agencies can’t continue reviewing your proposal.
How a VPAT Is Used During Federal Procurement
Accessibility is part of the federal buying process from start to finish.
During the Solicitation Stage
Many Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Quotation (RFQs) ask vendors to show a current VPAT. This should be submitted along with their proposal.
During the Evaluation Stage
Government evaluators review your VPAT together with your pricing and technical information. If the VPAT is incomplete or unclear, it affects your overall evaluation.
After the Contract Is Awarded
Accessibility does not stop after you win the contract. Agencies ask for updated VPATs whenever your product has a major update. They also review accessibility if users report problems.
Types of VPATs
There are different VPAT templates, and choosing the correct one is important.
- VPAT 508: Used for U.S. federal Section 508 requirements.
- VPAT WCAG: Focuses on WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 accessibility standards.
- VPAT EU: Used for EN 301 549 requirements in Europe.
- VPAT INT: Combines Section 508, WCAG, and EN 301 549 into one report.
Using the correct template helps show that your organization understands accessibility requirements.
What Makes a Good VPAT?
A good VPAT is based on real accessibility testing, not guesses.
It usually includes:
- Automated accessibility testing.
- Manual testing by accessibility experts.
- Testing with assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard navigation.
- Testing with people with disabilities whenever possible.
- Clear and honest ratings such as Supports, Partially Supports, Does Not Support, or Not Applicable, with simple explanations.
Being honest is important. If your product does not fully meet every need, explain the issue and describe your plan to improve it. Government reviewers usually prefer clear and honest reports over unrealistic claims.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many vendors lose valuable opportunities because of simple mistakes, like:
- Submitting an old VPAT that does not match the latest product version.
- Using the wrong VPAT template.
- Leaving explanations blank or unclear.
- Not including a plan to fix accessibility issues.
- Treating the VPAT as a one-time document instead of updating it regularly.
Avoiding these mistakes can improve your chances of winning government contracts.
How to Prepare a Strong VPAT
Start by choosing the correct VPAT template for your customer.
Next, complete a full accessibility audit using both automated and manual testing.
Record your results honestly and explain every rating clearly.
Finally, update your VPAT whenever your product changes so government buyers always get the latest information.
Need Help with Your VPAT?
Preparing a VPAT can take time and technical knowledge. At Enabled.in, we help businesses create precise and reliable VPAT reports for Section 508 compliance.
Our team provides:
- VPAT preparation
- Accessibility audits
- WCAG testing
- Assistive technology testing
- Report reviews
- Accessibility remediation guidance
- VPAT updates for new product releases
If you are planning to bid for a federal contract, we are here to help. If you need to update your existing VPAT, we can help with that too.
Contact Enabled.in
Step by step Guide: https://enabled.in
Email: sathasivam@enabled.in
Phone: +91 9840515647
Contact our accessibility experts today to prepare, review, or update your VPAT before your next government contract.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a document that explains how well a software product, website, mobile app, or digital service meets accessibility standards such as Section 508 and WCAG. Once completed, it is called an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
Yes. Many U.S. federal agencies require a current VPAT when purchasing software, hardware, or digital services. Without a VPAT, your proposal may not meet the accessibility requirements of the procurement process.
A VPAT should be prepared by accessibility professionals who have tested your product using automated tools, manual reviews, and assistive technologies. The report should accurately reflect your product’s accessibility.
You should update your VPAT whenever your product has a major release or significant accessibility improvements. Many government agencies expect the VPAT to match the latest version of your product.
Depending on the VPAT edition, the report may cover:
1. Section 508 requirements for U.S. federal agencies
2. WCAG 2.1 or WCAG 2.2 accessibility guidelines
3. EN 301 549 accessibility requirements for Europe
Yes. Enabled.in provides complete VPAT preparation services, including accessibility audits, WCAG testing, Section 508 compliance reviews, assistive technology testing, remediation guidance, and VPAT updates. We support organizations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and APAC.
Yes. Enabled.in works with organizations worldwide. We help businesses comply with accessibility standards and regulations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and APAC, making it easier to meet both government and enterprise accessibility requirements.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Always check the specific accessibility requirements in the government solicitation or speak with your legal advisor before submitting your proposal.