GSA/OGP Section 508 Program Overview Updating the Accessibility Vision: “Buy, Build, and Be Accessible” GSA/OGP Section 508 Program Overview Updating the Accessibility Vision: “Buy, Build, and Be Accessible

GSA’s Government-wide Section 508 Program Our Mission: Work with the Accessibility Community to assist Agencies to: Ensure Section 508 inclusion in acquisition solicitations Increase Website/Application accessibility Bring uniformity to Section 508 Programs across agencies We do this through a partnership GSA’s Government-wide Section 508 Program Our Mission: Work with the Accessibility Community to assist Agencies to: Ensure Section 508 inclusion in acquisition solicitations Increase Website/Application accessibility Bring uniformity to Section 508 Programs across agencies We do this through a partnership

ACoP Strategic Priorities GSA Government-wide Section 508 Program Section 508 Priorities Access Board - Section 508 Refresh Notice of Proposed Rulemaking OMB Strategic Plan Increase Transparency Strengthen Accountability Improve Collaboration ACoP Strategic Priorities Federal government acquisition strategy Agency commitment to move from coordinator to 508 program ACoP endorsed testing (Trusted Testers training program) (Road Map, Strategic Plan, Data Analytics) GSA Government-wide Section 508 Program Section 508 Strategic Plan: “Buy, Build, Be Accessible” Section 508 Priorities Access Board - Section 508 Refresh Notice of Proposed Rulemaking OMB Strategic Plan Increase Transparency Strengthen Accountability Improve Collaboration ACoP Strategic Priorities Federal government acquisition strategy Agency commitment to move from coordinator to 508 program ACoP endorsed testing (Trusted Testers training program) (Road Map, Strategic Plan, Data Analytics) GSA Government-wide Section 508 Program Section 508 Strategic Plan: “Buy, Build, Be Accessible” Coordinating governance starts with aligning priorities and work streams. While the Trusted Tester Program is a major tenet of the Plan, as neither Bill Peterson nor his team were available today, we will not focus there today, but as ideas on the program come up, we certainly will capture them for Bill. Flushing out useful ‘shared services’ and maturing 508 Programs is our primary focus today.

Changing our Approach The Major Change Why We are focusing on enabling acquisition and program management professionals to ensure Section 508 is “baked in”, not “bolted on” to all aspects of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) - from requirements development to acquisition to sustainment and retirement. Why When focus is largely on after-the-fact remediation, we are devoting our energy and resources to fixing the ‘symptom” and not addressing the root problems. Shifting our focus to acquisition, the whole SDLC and prevention rather than remediation is more efficient and has longer lasting results. The Major Change We are focusing on enabling acquisition and program management professionals to ensure Section 508 is “baked in”, not “bolted on” to all aspects of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) - from requirements development to acquisition to sustainment and retirement. Why When focus is largely on after-the-fact remediation, we are devoting our energy and resources to fixing the ‘symptom” and not addressing the root problems. Shifting our focus to acquisition, the whole SDLC and prevention rather than remediation is more efficient and has longer lasting results. What are we doing differently? (these are points in the Summary slide) Refocus Section 508 assistance to engage earlier and more strategically in the Agency’s IT acquisition processes Devote fewer OGP resources to after-the-fact compliance checking and remediation assistance Enable Agencies to do their own solicitation and website checking Capitalizing on upcoming NPRM FAR changes to incorporate more effective approaches to Section 508 compliance and conformance Rebalance OGP federal and contractual resources Focus training on more agency responsibility and less dependence on OGP’s review

OGP Government-wide Section 508 Program Focus Support Agencies in their improvement of Program Maturity: Align GSA Action Plan with ACoP Align GSA training schedule with ACoP & Access Board trainings Focus GSA resources on Agency assistance Create more data-informed guidance material on how to buy, build, and be accessible. Understand aggregate federal performance improvement OGP Government-wide Section 508 Program Focus Support Agencies in their improvement of Program Maturity: Align GSA Action Plan with ACoP Align GSA training schedule with ACoP & Access Board trainings Focus GSA resources on Agency assistance Create more data-informed guidance material on how to buy, build, and be accessible. Understand aggregate federal performance improvement

OGP Section 508 Strategic Plan GOAL STRATEGIES AND OBJECTIVES Buy Accessible Embed accessibility into ICT management and procurement processes - Policy Revise IT management and acquisition policy/guidance directives Increase Agency ownership of solicitation process Transition procurement review to agencies Increase the capability of agencies’ solicitation review processes Build Accessible Embed Section 508 conformance into all phases of the SDLC Provide processes/methods for Agencies to evaluate conformance of websites and applications Centrally monitor and track Agency website conformance via PULSE Increase Agency website/application testing capacity Establish Section §508 best practices for the SDLC and Agile Development processes Be Accessible Establish and maintain an inventory of Section 508 best practices Collect and promulgate best practices across the Section §508 community Refocus S §508 training to emphasis a “train the trainer” approach Refresh the Section §508 body of knowledge Boost outreach and communications tactics Improve the synergy among Section 508 governance entities and functions Work with key governance stakeholders (OMB, ACoP, Access Board, DoJ, DHS) and select Committees and subcommittees to achieve Section §508 goals OGP Section 508 Strategic Plan GOAL Buy Accessible Embed accessibility into ICT management and procurement processes - Policy Revise IT management and acquisition policy/guidance directives Increase Agency ownership of solicitation process Transition procurement review to agencies Increase the capability of agencies’ solicitation review processes Build Accessible Embed Section 508 conformance into all phases of the SDLC Provide processes/methods for Agencies to evaluate conformance of websites and applications Centrally monitor and track Agency website conformance via PULSE Increase Agency website/application testing capacity Establish Section §508 best practices for the SDLC and Agile Development processes Be Accessible Establish and maintain an inventory of Section 508 best practices Collect and promulgate best practices across the Section §508 community Refocus S §508 training to emphasis a “train the trainer” approach Refresh the Section §508 body of knowledge Boost outreach and communications tactics Improve the synergy among Section 508 governance entities and functions Work with key governance stakeholders (OMB, ACoP, Access Board, DoJ, DHS) and select Committees and subcommittees to achieve Section §508 goals Focus on Policy, Process, Lifecycle, Best Practices, and Governance New Direction for OGP Section §508 Program: Embed shared service spirit into §508 Use the release of the new Reg to recast the Program Refocus §508 responsibilities on agencies, rely less on end-process review and remediation Ensure §508 considerations are built in early in the agency’s ICT (SDLC) lifecycles Actions: Address the Policy Issues Fix the FAR - update the language, address responsibilities EA/CPIC/SDLC policy alignment - put out guidance to reinforce the control gates that should ensure §508 compliance is planned for Update OMB guidance - (Circ A130) Focus on Agency Assistance Assist Agencies improve Section §508 Program maturity Expand/re-tailor Agency training and guidance Improve and provide tools to agencies (solicitation review, website/appl review, SDLC tools) for acquisition and other agency IT officials Leverage Pulse to highlight web site §508 compliance - as assistance to agencies Promote the DHS Trusted Tester Program Build the §508 Community Embed our strategic planning and activities into the CIOC ACoP Incentivize Agencies to share best practices Bring the community together in forums Build on/support - Accessibility Guild (18F) Build a rotational development assignment -tap into internship programs

Embed accessibility in the procurement process Goal 1 Embed accessibility in the procurement process Objectives: Revise IT Management and acquisition policy/guidance directives Transition procurement review to agencies/508 Coordinators Increase agencies’ capability to develop their own solicitation review processes Actions: Revise Policy/Guidance directives (i.e.FAR, A-130) Transition OGP team Solicitation Review process to agencies Create a more efficient method of reviewing Federal solicitations, providing tools and processes which increase agency engagement in their own solicitation review process OUTCOMES: Reduced remediation costs through improved acquisition practices. Goal 1 Embed accessibility in the procurement process Objectives: Revise IT Management and acquisition policy/guidance directives Transition procurement review to agencies/508 Coordinators Increase agencies’ capability to develop their own solicitation review processes Actions: Revise Policy/Guidance directives (i.e.FAR, A-130) Transition OGP team Solicitation Review process to agencies Create a more efficient method of reviewing Federal solicitations, providing tools and processes which increase agency engagement in their own solicitation review process OUTCOMES: Reduced remediation costs through improved acquisition practices. Additional Actions in support of Action #2: Create a more efficient method of reviewing Federal solicitations, providing tools and processes which increase agency engagement in their own solicitation review process. Engage agencies more directly in the review process - ‘train-the- trainer” Focus soliction reviews on high value solicitations Increase use of the Buy Accessible (BA) tool create a portfolio of best practices for solicitation development and assessment Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act was enacted to eliminate barriers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. OGPs Section 508 Program provides technical assistance to agencies by developing, deploying, and managing tools, websites, and resources to help improve compliance with Section 508. OGP needs to lead the Federal Agencies in development of new policies and directives Including updating of the BuyAccessible / Section 508 websites and Wizard

Embed accessibility in the development Goal 2 Embed accessibility in the development process Objectives: Provide processes and methods for agencies to evaluate conformance of websites and applications Expand the website / application testing capacity Establish Section 508 best practices for the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile Development processes Actions: Partner with DHS to promote the Trusted Tester Program Support/partner with the development communities to collect Best Practices (e.g. 18F, Accessibility Guild, UX Community, etc.) and promote common website tools and methodologies across the Federal government In coordination with the .Gov Dashboard, continue developing and improving metrics tracking processes OUTCOMES: Reduced remediation costs to the federal government by incorporating conformance best practices into the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Goal 2 Embed accessibility in the development Process Objectives: Provide processes and methods for agencies to evaluate conformance of websites and applications Expand the website / application testing capacity Establish Section 508 best practices for the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile Development processes Actions: Partner with DHS to promote the Trusted Tester Program Support/partner with the development communities to collect Best Practices (e.g. 18F, Accessibility Guild, UX Community, etc.) and promote common website tools and methodologies across the Federal government In coordination with the .Gov Dashboard, continue developing and improving metrics tracking processes OUTCOMES: Reduced remediation costs to the federal government by incorporating conformance best practices into the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Goal 3 Encourage best practices and standardized approaches to incorporation of accessibility Objectives: Collect and promulgate best practices across the 508 Community Partner with the ACoP to support Accessibility governance Increase Section 508 Program Management knowledge and competencies within agencies Actions: Support/partner with the development communities to collect Best Practices (e.g. 18F, Accessibility Guild, UX Community, etc.) Develop a rotational ‘hands-on’ training program and establish partnership with a training program Inventory, coordinate, and make available Section 508 Programs and resources to reduce areas of duplication Outcomes: Increased Section 508 knowledge throughout the Federal government with regard to the implementation and maintenance of Section 508 programs. Increased efficiency by standardization of training and reduce duplication of efforts. Goal 3 Encourage best practices and standardized approaches to incorporation of accessibility Objectives: Collect and promulgate best practices across the 508 Community Partner with the ACoP to support Accessibility governance Increase Section 508 Program Management knowledge and competencies within agencies Actions: Support/partner with the development communities to collect Bes Practices (e.g. 18F, Accessibility Guild, UX Communities, etc) Develop a rotational “hands on” training program and establish partnership with a training program Inventory, coordinate, and make available Section 508 Programs and resources to reduce areas of duplication Outcomes: Increased Section 508 knowledge throughout the Federal government with regard to the implementation and maintenance of Section 508 programs. Increased efficiency by standardization of training and reduce duplication of efforts.

Life Cycle Support Services Assessments Agency self-reported Program Maturity Assessments (twice annually) GSA - Solicitation assessments of FBO - aggregate and individual agencies GSA - Website assessments scoring Analysis Identify common Section 508 Program weaknesses Identify common training needs Identify policy reinforcement needs Assistance Provide Agency 508 PM’s with solicitation review and website assessment information offer direct assistance to agencies in need Training Coordinate training across providers (ACoP, GSA, Access Board, Agencies) Target training to audiences - IT planners, Acquisition, and System Developers Include Executive training for CIOs and CAOs Ensure training program supports identified weaknesses Collaboration and Outreach Community building - bring agencies together in virtual and in person forums Incent agencies to share their best practices and training resources Life Cycle Support Services Assessments Agency self-reported Program Maturity Assessments (twice annually) GSA - Solicitation assessments of FBO - aggregate and individual agencies GSA - Website assessments scoring Analysis Identify common Section 508 Program weaknesses Identify common training needs Identify policy reinforcement needs Assistance Provide Agency 508 PM’s with solicitation review and website assessment information offer direct assistance to agencies in need Training Coordinate training across providers (ACoP, GSA, Access Board, Agencies) Target training to audiences - IT planners, Acquisition, and System Developers Include Executive training for CIOs and CAOs Ensure training program supports identified weaknesses Collaboration and Outreach Community building - bring agencies together in virtual and in person forums Incent agencies to share their best practices and training resources We can help mature Agency 508 programs by looking at the inter-relationships of activities.

Annual Process Life Cycle Need to look at two lifecycles: (1) the development lifecycle of architect, invest, buy, and build, (spoken to earlier) and (2) the annual process life cycle: Assess, Analyze, Assist, Train, Collaborate, and re-Assess

Coordinating Training & Technical Assistance Providers Content GSA/OGP Access Board ACoP Training Committee ACoP Best Practices Committee Agency 508 Coordinators Legislation & Rulemaking Solicitation Program Maturity Website Testing SDLC Methodology Audiences Venue/Formats IT Planners Developers Contract Officers End Users Website Webinars Agencies Training Forums (incl. virtual) Community Events Coordinating Training & Technical Assistance Providers GSA/OGP Access Board ACoP Training Committee ACoP Best Practices Committee Agency 508 Coordinators Content Legislation & Rulemaking Solicitation Program Maturity Website Testing SDLC Methodology Audiences IT Planners Developers Contract Officers End Users Venue/Formats Website Webinars Agencies Training Forums (incl. virtual) Community Events

Solicitation Analysis 2007 - 2014 Government-wide Performance based upon random sampling of FBO solicitations Solicitation Analysis 2007 – 2014 Government-wide Performance based upon random sampling of FBO solicitations Bar chart showing the Red, Yellow, and Green percentages of assessment letters for 2008 to 2014 In the past, we’ve relied heavily on random sampling of solicitations on FBO. Today we are introducing new tools that will scan the entirity of FBO, past and present if you like, and the entire .gov domain for website compliance.

New Process This diagram outlines the process by which procurements on FedBizOpps will be reviewed going forward. "This diagram outlines the process by which procurements on FedBizOpps will be reviewed going forward. Using an API developed by 18F, OGP’s software will daily collect all of the new procurements posted on fedbizopps, screen them to identify EIT solicitications, then compare the solicitations to past solicitations that were evaluated by professional assessors and assigned a grade. Based on the outcome of this comparison, the new solicitations will be assigned a predicted score with a confidence level, depending on the similarity of the procurement to past procurements that have been evaluated. Using these predicted scores, assessors at agencies will be able to target their evaluation efforts to the solicitations most likely to not be compliant with 508 standards, allowing them to correct more solicitations before they close. The process involves a data feedback loop, meaning that the model will become more accurate over time as agency assessors share the results of their evaluations."

Coming Soon to Pulse and Section 508 Conformance of Federal Websites Pulse is a project of GSA that measures publicly available information about how Federal domains are following best practices. In future versions PULSE will feature Section 508 conformance, as determined by automated tools. Improved Guidance The new, consolidated, Section508.gov will present improved guidance with detailed information on WCAG 2.0 errors and how to fix “false positives,” through best practices. Coming Soon to Pulse and Section 508 Conformance of Federal Websites Pulse is a project of GSA that measures publicly available information about how Federal domains are following best practices. In future versions PULSE will feature Section 508 conformance, as determined by automated tools. Improved Guidance The new, consolidated, Section508.gov will present improved guidance with detailed information on WCAG 2.0 errors and how to fix “false positives,” through best practices. Our ideas for .gov accessibility checking on Pulse are less developed that our Solicitation identfication side. So be sure to give Gordon your ideas.

Section 508 Resources Our two sites became one in July 2015 GSA Provides Technical Support for Section 508 Compliance at www.Section508.gov Our two sites became one in July 2015 One stop to find: Law • Guidance • Training • Agency Coordinator Information How to fix your Website • How to make Documents Accessible How to make your Procurement Right Section 508 ResourcGSA Provides Technical Support for Section 508 Compliance at www.Section508.gov es Our two sites became one in July 2015 One stop to find: Law • Guidance • Training • Agency Coordinator Information How to fix your Website • How to make Documents Accessible How to make your Procurement Right

OGP Section 508 Program Strategy: Awareness Tools/Assistance (Shared Services) Website Promotion Training Events (i.e. Disability Month) Dashboard Solicitation Review & Acq Requirements Tools DHS Trusted Tester Program Contract Services (On Acq Gateway) 18F & other Agile Development Services Metrics/Measures Website (One Stop) Gov Prog Maturity Assessments Gov §508 Compliance Use of Website Use of BAT DOJ survey results Rejuvenate Compelling Case Best Practices Community Contacts and Collaboration OGP Section 508 Program Strategy: Awareness Website Promotion Training Events (i.e. Disability Month) Dashboard Tools/Assistance (Shared Services) Solicitation Review & Acq Requirements Tools DHS Trusted Tester Program Contract Services (On Acq Gateway) 18F & other Agile Development Services Metrics/Measures Gov Prog Maturity Assessments Gov §508 Compliance Use of Website Use of BAT DOJ survey results Website (One Stop) Rejuvenate Compelling Case Best Practices Community Contacts and Collaboration Federal Government Acquisition strategy · Federal Government-wide Shared Services · Help sponsor a GWAC (NOT ADDRESSED TO DATE) · FITARA, common acquisition platform (Make reference to OPG FITARA role) · Need an “absolute” centrally managed review process for some commodities (Like FedRAMP) Agency commitment moving from a 508 coordinator to a 508 program · Creation of a roadmap to provide more guidance on how to implement 508 · Revisit strategic plan · Data analytics ACoP endorsed testing (Trusted Testers training program) · OMB Chartered · Further implementation of the trusted testing methodology · Training testers across the Federal Government · Training on document accessibility (governance?)

Questions???? Contact Information John Sullivan John.j.sullivan@gsa.gov Questions???? Contact Information John Sullivan John.j.sullivan@gsa.gov