Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act - Frequently Asked Questions

H.8. - Do private sector web sites that provide a subscription service to Federal agencies need to conform to 508 provisions?

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act does not place requirements on vendors. (See section C.3 above) However, a vendor must design and manufacture products or services that meet the applicable Access Board's technical provisions if it wishes to sell those products or services to the government. Electronic subscription services are considered to be EIT. Thus, if a Federal agency procures an electronic subscription service from a vendor, it must procure one that meets the applicable provisions of the Section 508 standards, unless an exception, such as nonavailability, applies.