Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act - Frequently Asked Questions

G.1. - Are there any exceptions to the requirement to acquire EIT that meets the technical provisions of the Access Board's standards?

Yes. Agencies are not required to acquire EIT that meets the technical provisions of the Access Board's standards if the acquisition:

1. is for a national security system (FAR 39.204(b) and 36 CFR 1194.3(a));

2. is acquired by a contractor incidental to a contract (FAR 39.204(c) and 36 CFR 1194.3(b));

3. is located in spaces frequented only by service personnel for maintenance, repair, or occasional monitoring of equipment (FAR 39.204(d) and 36 CFR 1194.3(f)); or

4. would impose an undue burden on the agency (FAR 39.204(e) and 36 CFR 1194.2)

In addition, agencies are not required to fundamentally alter their needs in order to comply with Section 508. (See section D.4, above)