What is the use of a VPAT Report During Government or Enterprise Procurement

Accessibility proof is a procurement requirement for government agencies or large enterprises. They need a VPAT report to evaluate software vendors. It is also known as an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).

While preparing for the RFP response, you should also prepare a VPAT report correctly. This document during procurement can reduce your legal risk and makes you a better vendor than those who don’t submit it. 

What is the use of a VPAT Report in Procurement?

A VPAT report tells buyers that the digital product they about to buy meets or not the required accessibility standards such as Section 508 and WCAG.

According to the U.S. Access Board and Section 508 requirements, federal agencies must ensure accessibility of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) product for people with disabilities. The VPAT is a documented evidence to support that evaluation.

Q: What is the main use of a VPAT report during procurement?

A: A VPAT report or an Accessibility Conformance Report ACR is used to measure accessibility compliance. This report identifies risks and determines if a product can be purchased under Section 508 or enterprise accessibility policies.

How Procurement Teams Use VPAT Reports

1. Initial Vendor Screening

During early procurement stages, VPATs are used to filter out non-compliant vendors. A vendor can be immediately disqualified if they cannot provide a VPAT or submits an incomplete one.

Procurement teams typically check:

• Whether the VPAT version matches required standards (WCAG 2.1/2.2, Section 508)
• If all criteria are addressed
• All remarks are meaningful or generic

A missing or vague VPAT can make it risky for you on the legal and operational grounds.

2. Accessibility Risk Assessment

This accessibility document is filled out after VPAT testing. It helps buyers understand where accessibility gaps exist and whether those gaps are acceptable.

For example:

• Supports = low risk
• Partially Supports= manageable risk with explanation
• Does Not Support = high risk

 Q: Does a VPAT report guarantee accessibility compliance?

A: A VPAT report discloses accessibility status and risks. It is not a certification of full compliance. 

How Government Agencies Evaluate VPAT Reports

Government buyers tend to be stricter when evaluating the ACR reports. It is because of the regulatory obligations.

Buyers start by comparing VPAT claims against internal testing. They carefully read the evidence-based remarks section. They even ask for updated VPATs for major product releases.

According to Section 508 procurement guidance, agencies must document due diligence even when purchasing partially compliant products.

This means a well-written VPAT can directly impact contract approval.

How enterprises us VPATs differently

Enterprises usually apply VPATs within vendor risk management frameworks rather than strict legal mandates.

• Vendor onboarding approval
• Renewal decisions
• Accessibility roadmap alignment
• Contractual accessibility commitments

 Q: Can enterprises buy software that is only partially accessible?

A: Many enterprises accept partial support if risks are documented and remediation plans exist.

How vendors should position their VPAT during procurement

A VPAT is a compliance document so you should prepare your trust signal very carefully.

Do not add the remark “Supports” everywhere without evidence. There should be reasonable explanation along with the details about the testing methods and testing environment. 

Clear explanation of limitations and workarounds is what makes your VPAT more reliable. Whatever you claim the remark section should align with WCAG success criteria. 

Do not overstate compliance, rather focus on transparency to be a preferred vendor. A vendor that clearly explains accessibility gaps often ranks higher than one that submits a misleading VPAT.

 Q: Why do procurement teams reject VPAT reports?

A: VPATs are rejected when they lack detail or use incorrect standards. You need expert guidance if your VPAT shows inconsistencies between claims and real product behavior.

How VPATs Influence Final Procurement Decisions

VPATs are not the only deciding factor for procurement decisions but they strongly influence legal approval. 

Accessibility remediation clauses can help you negotiate timelines. You can provider accessibility roadmaps and add compliance obligations to contracts to win more business. 

Conclusion

VPATs provide visibility into accessibility risks. Therefore, vendors should grab this opportunity to demonstrate honesty, maturity and readiness.

VPAT reports protect organizations legally and help you win long-term trust from your buyers. If you need expert help for VPAT testing or reports, you can consult the accessibility specialists at ADACP. They are well-known for their VPAT writing expertise which is backed with great detail and efficiency.