Enhancing the Accessibility of Government Information and Compliance with Section 508 During the Acquisition of Electronic and Information Technologies

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENTWASHINGTON, D.C. 20240http://www.blm.govOctober 21, 2011In Reply Refer To:1261/1510 (560/800) P         EMS TRANSMISSION 10/26/2011Information Bulletin No. 2012-006To:                   All SDs, CDs and ADsAttn:  State and Center System Managers, Contracting Officers, Procurement Officials, and Contracting Officer RepresentativesFrom:               Assistant Director, Information Resources ManagementSubject:           Enhancing the Accessibility of Government Information and Compliance with Section 508 During the Acquisition of Electronic and Information TechnologiesThis Information Bulletin (IB) provides information to all employees who develop solicitations that include the purchasing of Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT). On July 19, 2010, the Department of the Interior announced that the General Services Administration (GSA) would begin conducting quarterly random samplings of agency E&IT solicitations posted on the FedBizOpps website at: www.fbo.gov to determine if they are 508 compliant.  In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), applicable standards must be applied in solicitations that include the procurement, development, and utilization of E&IT, unless an exception is documented. In order to ensure compliance with Section 508, you must follow the established E&IT solicitations guidelines at:  www.buyaccessible.gov.  The following websites also must be used to analyze and prepare E&IT purchases:  www.section508.gov and www.access-board.gov.  Attachments 1 and 2 of this IB provide additional guidance on creating well-written solicitations and background on the administration’s plans for improving accessibility to agency information. Signed by:                                                       Authenticated by:Ronnie Levine                                                 Robert M. WilliamsAssistant Director                                           Division of IRM Governance, WO-560Information Resources Management2 Attachments   1 – Improving the Accessibility of Government Information (3 pp)   2 – Guidance on Creating 508 Compliant IT Solicitations (5 pp)