**PURCHASING ADP/IT RELATED HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND SUPPLIES.**

**Prior to purchasing IT Related Hardware, Software and Supplies you are
*required*** **to use the "IT PR Tool" that is available at:
[http://itprtool.gsfc.nasa.gov.]{.underline} Make the necessary
selections:**

**Procurement Type:** Credit Card

**Item Category:** Select Supply **or** Service

**IT Category:** Select Office Automation, IT Infrastructure and
Telecommunications, **or** Multi-Program/Project IT **or** Program
Unique IT

**Portfolio Area:** Choose what is the closest selection to what you are
purchasing

**Item Description:** Choose what is the closest selection to what you
are purchasing

**Function Code:** Select Capital Investments -- General **or** Other
Costs -- General

**Material Group:** Select ADP Equipment, Software and Support Equipment
**or** ADP Supplies

**Click "Get Results"**

**You then want to use the info in the "Short Text" area as the first
part of the description in your order log (i.e., IT1-04-040 Cable) and
make sure to use the number listed under "Function Code" as your
Internal Order Number on your order log.**

**SECTION 508 PROGRAM**

When purchasing any Electronic and Information Technology (EIT)
equipment you must buy 508 compliant items and mark your order log
accordingly. Attached is a helpful check sheet to guide you through this
process.

-   Section 508 (found at 29 U.S.C. 794d) refers to a section in the
    Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which was amended by the Workforce
    Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220).  Its primary purpose is to
    provide access to and use of Federal executive agencies EIT by
    individuals with disabilities. The statutory language of Section 508
    can be found at www.section508.gov.  

-   As of April 1, 2005, micro-purchases (generally those purchases made
    through the P-Card process) will be required to conform with
    Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

For more information go to the Guide to Section 508 Standards for
Electronic and Information Technology website
(www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/index.htm) which provides an
explanation of the various criteria in easy to understand language. You
can also contact the 508 Coordinator at GSFC: **Betsy Sirk at
301-286-0150.**

**What are the Steps for Cardholders?**

1.  Do I have an E&IT requirement?

2.  Which of the Access Board Standards apply? For assistance see:

www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/index.htm or

http://www.itic.org/reports/508/vpat_guidelines.pdf

3.  Conduct market research -- call vendors, visit vendor Internet
    sites,

other government agencies, etc.

a\. Is there a 508 compliant product available in the commercial market
place?

b\. Commercial item and none or some (but not all) of the access board
standards

can be met in time to satisfy requirements?

c\. Obtain technical assistance of Center 508 coordinators when
necessary.

4\. Acquire 508 compliant commercially available goods/services as
appropriate.

5\. Document in the comments section of your order log and/or other
files the sources contacted and whether E&IT acquired items are 508
compliant or whether market research indicates that

no 508 compliant (or only partially compliant) products or services are
commercially available in time to meet your delivery requirements. Keep
copies of all documentation with your purchase card records.

**Are there consequences if I don't buy compliant products?**

Yes -- persons with disabilities can file administrative complaints or
bring civil

actions in Federal court against the agency. Court orders compelling
compliance can also be issued.

**What documentation is required on my Order Log?**

-   As a minimum, you must indicate that the product or service is EIT
    and identify the sources that you contacted to find commercially
    available accessible products, i.e. commercial vendors, internet
    market research, contacts with other federal agencies, etc. The file
    must also indicate that the goods or services:

    a\. Are E&IT and, either

    b\. meet the applicable accessibility standards, or

    c\. is for a commercial item (or service) and that some or all of
    the applicable Access Board

    standards cannot be met in time to satisfy the delivery
    requirements.

-   The market research documentation shall be included in the comments
    section of the order log or maintained in a separate file referenced
    back to the order log to support the purchase of a 508 compliant
    product.