**SAMPLE MARKET RESEARCH PROCEDURE FOR PURCHASE CARD E&IT PURCHASES**

**INTRODUCTION:** If you need Electronic and Information Technology
(E&IT), then Section 508 is relevant to you. This includes computers,
software, telecommunications products, web sites, multimedia
productions, information kiosks and office equipment. Agencies must give
disabled employees and members of the public access to information that
is comparable to the access available to others.

1\. *Do I have an EIT requirement?* Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No \_\_\_\_ (If No
2-5 below do not apply)

2\. *Which of the Access Board Standards apply to this purchase?* -- For
example, acquisition of a computer would be required to meet the
provisions of desktop and portable computers. It is important to know
which standard apply so that the vendor can provide the specific 508
standards related to your product. For a complete definition of the
standards go to:
[www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/index.htm](http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/index.htm)

> \_\_\_software applications and operating systems
>
> \_\_\_web-based information or applications
>
> \_\_\_telecommunication products
>
> \_\_\_video and multimedia products
>
> \_\_\_self contained, closed products (e.g., information kiosks,
> calculators, and fax machines)
>
> \_\_\_desktop and portable computers
>
> \_\_\_Functional Performance Criteria
>
> \_\_\_Information, Documentation, and Support

3*. Conduct Market Research -- (here are some samples of market research
techniques for 508 compliance) CARDHOLDERS ARE [NOT]{.underline}
REQUIRED TO USE ALL OF THESE TECHNIQUES FOR A SINGLE PURCHASE.
CARDHOLDERS SHOULD SELECT A SINGLE MARKET RESEARCH TECHNIQUE THAT IS
BEST SUITED TO THEIR REQUIREMENT.*

*\_\_\_\_*Call the vendor for the product you are wishing to purchase
(the manufacturer). Specifically ask the Government Sales Representative
if the product is 508 compliant with the above standards. Document their
findings and the name of person you spoke to in the comments section of
the order log.

*\_\_\_\_*Visit the manufacturer's web site (for example from the Dell
Computer website, navigate to the appropriate page at:
(<http://www.dell.com/downloads/us/fed/508/hardware508.xls>) that
details the specific desktop and portable computer standards that their
hardware products meet or exceed*.)* Document findings in the comments
section of the order log. *Note this is not an endorsement of this
particular product; it is only for illustration purposes.*

*\_\_\_\_*Check for product availability using GSA's Buy Accessible
website at: [http://www.section508.gov](http://www.section508.gov/) --
on left hand side of page, type in product name i.e., "Dell" then click
"search". It will bring up a list of compliant products -- you must
click on the product and follow the links.

*\_\_\_* Go to GSA Advantage at*:
[https://www.gsaadvantage.gov](https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/) -* This
web site is progressing to include some flags for 508 compliance and
allows searches by "508 compliant products". If a specific product is
not identified or flagged Cardholders may also send an e-mail or contact
the vendor to verify that the product is 508 compliant.

4\. *Commercial fully compliant product available?* Click the radio
button on the order log found on the same page as the commodity/category
identification as follows: "yes" for EIT item, and "yes" for 508
compliant

> Electronic/Information Technology (EIT) item? \_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_no
>
> If EIT yes, \_\_\_508 compliant or \_\_\_no available 508 compliant
> item.

Include in comments section a note to support how you arrived at
conclusion i.e., manufacturers' website, telecon with Government sales
rep, GSA Advantage, etc.

5.  *No commercially available item to meet needs -* Click the radio
    button "yes" for EIT item, and "no" for no

available 508 compliant item. Support how cardholder arrived at this
conclusion in comments section of order log.

Keep a copy of all documentation with purchase card records.