Section 508 Compliance: Why Government Contracting Companies Must Prioritize Accessibility

Jennifer Duncan
Oct 17, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Aug 1, 2025

In the world of government contracting, compliance is key. From cybersecurity to ethical standards, contractors working with federal agencies must meet strict regulatory requirements. One critical yet often overlooked area of compliance is Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandates that all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) be accessible to individuals both public facing and intewith disabilities.

For government contracting companies, ensuring 508 compliance isn’t just about meeting federal requirements—it’s about enhancing usability, reducing legal risks, and increasing competitiveness in the bidding process.

What is Section 508?

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that federal agencies—and any companies doing business with them—ensure that their digital content, technology, and communication materials that accessible to people with disabilities. This includes:

Websites and portals
Word documents, PDFs, and spreadsheets
PowerPoint presentations
Print and digital materials
Dashboards and digital tools
Online forms and e-learning modules
Videos and multimedia
HR documents and internal systems
Company marketing materials
Event materials

Failure to comply with Section 508 can lead to contractual penalties, legal challenges, and lost opportunities for federal contracts.

Why Section 508 Compliance Matters for Government Contractors

Compliance is Mandatory

If your company provides digital services, software, or electronic content to federal agencies, 508 compliance is not optional—it’s a contractual requirement. Non-compliance can result in:

Disqualified bids or lost contract opportunities
Legal and financial risks, including potential lawsuits
Harm to your company’s reputation and future federal business opportunities

Competitive Advantage in Bidding

508 compliance is often a deciding factor in federal contract awards. Demonstrating proactive accessibility efforts can:

Strengthen your proposals and increase your likelihood of winning bids
Show that your company understands and aligns with federal priorities
Position you as a trusted partner for long-term contracts

Avoid Costly Remediation Down The Line

Retrofitting websites, applications, or documents for 508 compliance after development can be both time-consuming and costly. By building accessibility in from the start, you can:

Reduce long-term costs
Streamline contract approvals and avoid compliance delays
Prevent rejection of non-compliant deliverables
Stay ahead of 508 audits that can hold up payments and acceptance
Strengthen your position for future awards by demonstrating accessibility readiness
Deliver better user experiences for all audiences, including federal employees and individuals with disabilities

Key 508 Compliance Areas for Government Contractors

Website & Digital Content Compliance

Government agencies require that contractor-provided digital platforms follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1/2.2 Level AA. This includes:

Screen reader compatibility for visually impaired users
Keyboard navigation for individuals with mobility impairments
Alt text for images, charts, and infographics
Color contrast to improve readability

508-Compliant Documents & PDFs

Government contractors often submit reports, proposals, and training materials. To meet Section 508 compliance, these documents must be:

Properly tagged for screen readers
Structured with clear headings, lists, and tables
Searchable (not just scanned images)
Formatted with adequate color contrast and readable fonts
Include properly labeled graphics and images with descriptive alt text

Accessible Training Materials & Multimedia

Federal agencies expect that training resources and videos meet accessibility standards. This means:

Closed captions and transcripts for all video content
Audio descriptions for visually heavy content
Accessible e-learning platforms that support screen readers
Compliant training documents and workbooks

Compliance in Virtual & Hybrid Events

With the rise of remote work and virtual government conferences, contractors must ensure that their event platforms and materials are accessible.

Real-time transcription and meeting minutes transcription for virtual meetings
Screen reader-friendly event registration pages
Accessible presentation templates for speakers

Partner With Us: Seamless Subcontracting for 508 Compliance

Navigating Section 508 compliance can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Accessify Media, LLC can serve as your trusted partner, seamlessly integrating into your existing workflows to ensure full accessibility compliance within your current contracting vehicles and within your company without disrupting your operations.

Our Team of 508 Specialists

We have a dedicated team of Section 508 compliance specialists, including professionals certified through the DHS Trusted Tester program—a qualification increasingly required in federal contracts.

Our team understands the importance of building accessibility in from the start, including your contractual obligations outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for 508 remediation of deliverables, including legacy documents.

Our expertise allows us to:

Conduct comprehensive 508 compliance audits for websites, applications, and documents
Provide remediation services for reports, PDFs, legacy documents, and marketing materials
Ensure full WCAG and Section 508 compliance across all digital content
Deliver tailored 508 accessibility training for your staff and project teams

Stay Ahead of Compliance & Win More Government Contracts

For government contracting companies, 508 compliance is more than a requirement and law—it’s an opportunity to set your business apart, gain a competitive edge, win more contracts, reduce legal risks, and create more inclusive digital experiences.

Let’s ensure your company is fully 508 compliant and ready to succeed in the federal space.