Procurement

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About ICT procurement and accessibility

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) includes software, websites, web applications, cloud services, learning platforms, and many types of hardware. AVÀÇ’s procurement process is designed to ensure that ICT products and services are accessible, secure, and compliant with CSU policy and law.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Acquisition Authorization Process reviews ICT acquisitions (purchased or obtained at no cost) for:

  • Accessibility, consistent with the CSU Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) and accessibility standards such as WCAG, and
  • Information security, consistent with University information security requirements.

For details about the process, visit the campus Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Purchases site.

Law and policy

It is the policy of the California State University to make information technology resources and services accessible to all students, faculty, staff, and the general public regardless of disability. This commitment is articulated in CSU Executive Order 1111 (The California State University Board of Trustees Policy on Disability Support and Accommodations), which supersedes Executive Order 926, and is implemented in part through the CSU Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI).

The ATI goals and success indicators are based on applicable federal and state laws and standards, including, but not limited to:

  • Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • California Government Code 11135
  • The U.S. Access Board’s Section 508 standards
  • The World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Under the new ADA Title II web and mobile accessibility rule, public universities must ensure that their web content and mobile applications conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA on a defined timeline. ICT procurement at AVÀÇ helps the campus consider these requirements when evaluating and adopting technology products and services.

What campus buyers and requesters must do

  • Submit an ICT review request. Use the campus ICT Acquisition Authorization Process for any ICT product or service, whether purchased or obtained at no cost, including free or trial software.
  • Gather accessibility documentation. Ask vendors for current accessibility conformance documentation, such as a VPAT® / Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), and provide it as part of the ICT review. If no documentation is available, work with the ICT review team to understand potential risks and alternatives.
  • Use pre-approved solutions when possible. Before requesting a new product, review the campus list of pre-approved ICT that have already completed accessibility and information security reviews.
  • Plan ahead. Submit ICT review requests early in your project timeline so there is time to evaluate accessibility, security, and alternatives as needed.
  • Consider impact and audience. Pay particular attention to ICT that will be used by students, employees, or the public as part of instruction, advising, or core services.

Benefits of accessible ICT procurement

Eliminating access barriers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) benefits everyone, not only people with disabilities. For example:

  • Captioned videos help students with different learning styles and those whose primary language is not English.
  • Accessible, tagged PDFs and digital files support students who use mobile devices, screen readers, or digital study tools.
  • Choosing accessible products up front can reduce or eliminate the need for individual accommodations later and may lower long-term support costs.

Key success factors

  • Executive support. Campus leadership support is essential to sustaining an accessible ICT procurement program. Ensuring equal access to educational opportunities is fundamental to the University’s mission.
  • Designated ATI leadership. An ATI designee or coordinator serves as a focal point for accessible ICT procurement, helping to:
    • Oversee consistent implementation of accessible ICT procurement procedures,
    • Review ICT accessibility compliance documentation,
    • Coordinate with vendors to resolve accessibility questions, and
    • Provide training and communication about ICT accessibility requirements.
  • Campus-wide collaboration. Procurement, Information Technology Services, Accessibility Services, Online Campus, and departmental staff all share responsibility for selecting accessible, secure ICT solutions.

Applicability

This process applies to purchases and adoptions of ICT regardless of cost or funding source (for example, State funds, auxiliary funds, grant funds, or other sources). The requirement for accessible ICT also extends to:

  • “Free” products or services, including trial or freemium applications, and
  • Products and services developed by or for the campus, including custom applications and web-based tools.

Resources and forms

For general questions about ICT accessibility or to provide feedback on the ICT acquisition process, email vpat@csueastbay.edu and iso-review@csueastbay.edu.

Accessibility of this content

We aim for this page and the resources it links to to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and the requirements of the ADA Title II web and mobile accessibility rule.

If you encounter an accessibility barrier related to an ICT product or service used at AVÀÇ, please contact the ICT review team at vpat@csueastbay.edu or complete the .

Last updated: December 2025