“A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT™) is a document that explains how information and communication technology (ICT) products such as software, hardware, electronic content, and support documentation meet (conform to) the Revised 508 Standards for IT accessibility. VPATs™ help Federal agency contracting officials and government buyers to assess ICT for accessibility when doing market research and evaluating proposals.”*
The VPAT was created by the Information Technology Industry Council so that contracting officials and purchasers could make preliminary assessments on information technology products and service offerings. Therefore, a VPAT can be a critical component of the RFP process for any organization (private or government) where accessibility and Section 508 compliance is a key element.