USC is committed to ensuring that digital technologies, tools, and services procured by the university are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Early integration of accessibility into the procurement process supports access to the university’s programs and services.
Procurement requirements
When purchasing or renewing digital products and services (USC login required), including software, web applications, mobile apps, platforms, and hardware, accessibility must be evaluated alongside business need, functionality, cost, privacy, and security. USC digital products and services are expected to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standard.
Our suppliers are expected to:
- Submit a current, defined as within the past 12 months, Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) (USC login required), preferably using the latest Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).
- Participate in the HECVAT process when required, which includes questions related to digital accessibility and data privacy/cybersecurity.
- Disclose any known accessibility limitations or gaps, as well as potential timelines for remediation.
- Complete the USC Digital Accessibility Procurement Supplier Survey.
- Work with USC’s procuring party to co-create an Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan (EEAAP) (USC login required) for future accessibility improvements and clear timelines if the product or service is not fully accessible.
- Cooperate with additional testing or review upon request.
Note: EEAAPs are temporary in nature and are generally not accepted as a long-term solution for non-compliant products or services.
Accessibility is assessed against relevant standards, including:
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
- EN 301 549 (internationally used products and services).
Accessibility in contracts
Accessibility requirements must be included in all documentation (USC login required), including: EIT-related contracts, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and supplier agreements. This ensures that suppliers are aware of USC’s expectations from the outset and are contractually obligated to meet accessibility standards.
Language should include:
- a requirement to submit a current VPAT/ACR
- a statement that USC expects conformance with WCAG 2.1 AA
- obligations to remediate identified accessibility issues within a reasonable timeframe
- agreement to co-create with the USC procuring party an Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan (EEAAP) if full accessibility is not immediately possible.
- an indemnification clause
USC procuring parties and schools/divisions should work with USC’s procurement, strategic sourcing, and accessibility teams to ensure appropriate language is included in all vendor documentation.
Equally Effective Alternative Access Plans
When a product or service is not fully accessible but necessary for university operations, an accessibility roadmap (USC login required) should be provided by the supplier. Additionally, USC, in collaboration with the supplier, must create an Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan (USC login required).
An EEAAP documents outlines how individuals with disabilities will be provided with comparable access to information, programs, or functionality.
Each plan should include:
- a description of the identified accessibility barriers
- alternative methods for delivering the same service or content
- assigned responsible parties, including personnel, departments, and supplier roles.
- a timeline for reassessment or remediation.
- If there is an impacted end user, a clear communication plan, including next steps, communication of the access plan, and a check-in schedule for the impacted end user.
EEAAPs help ensure that no user is denied access to essential tools or information due to accessibility limitations.
Contact us
Please email digitalaccessibility@usc.edu for guidance or support with accessible procurement.