The Complete Checklist for Reviewing Your VPAT Report in 2025
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Introduction
Why Your VPAT Review Matters in 2025
2026 is almost here and with it comes a hard deadline for digital accessibility under the ADA. By April, all government agencies, public universities and schools must ensure their websites and online content meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. If they fail to comply, it will have legal and financial consequences. That is why your VPAT review matters now more than ever.
“A well-prepared VPAT shows exactly how your digital products stack up against accessibility requirements. Your ACR (filled out VPAT report) highlights gaps that need fixing and positions you to win contracts. With the clock ticking, a thorough VPAT can be your roadmap to 508 compliance and peace of mind.”
A thorough review of your VPAT report is essential in 2025. It brings in the difference between winning contracts and losing them to competitors who checked their work twice.
This checklist is designed to show you the key steps of accuracy checks to align with Section 508. Follow it so you can submit VPAT with confidence.
Why Should I Review My VPAT in 2025?
Reviewing your VPAT protects your business. Compliance rules are getting stricter day by day. So your VPAT review can directly impact whether you win or lose the contracts.
• New Standards: WCAG 2.2 is now widely adopted and buyers expect you to align with it. If your VPAT does not match it, you will stand out for the wrong reasons.
• Stricter Procurement Rules: Due to the latest FAR updates (September 2025), agencies are doubling down on Section 508 compliance. That means your VPAT has to be airtight.
• Competitive Advantage: A polished VPAT shows that your company is serious and prepared. It shows that you are easier to work with and every buyer values it.
• Risk Reduction: Catching mistakes before buyers do saves you from legal headaches and keeps your reputation safe.
Not fully confident in your VPAT? Choose a free consultation with ADACP.
We are the VPAT compliance experts you can trust.
Who should write a VPAT report?
A VPAT is usually drafted by your product or compliance team. It should be reviewed by accessibility experts or third-party auditors. This ensures the report is accurate and aligned with WCAG 2.2 and Section 508. Expert intervention makes your VPAT ready for government or enterprise buyers.
Want to know how to write a VPAT the right way?
Read this complete guide to get started with confidence [Can I Write My Own VPAT ACR: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners]
How Do Errors in VPAT Reports Affect Bids?
Government bids are highly competitive, and any inconsistency in required documentation like an inaccurate VPAT can trigger GAO bid protests. A small mistake in your accessibility reporting can make your bid vulnerable to challenges and risks rejection. Ensuring VPAT accuracy protects your bid from legal and procedural challenges.
Source:https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-108652
Errors in your VPAT can trigger GAO Bid Protests
Due to systems like GAO, the federal procurement process is strict and closely monitored, as seen in the declining bid protests in Image 3. But even with this efficiency, an inaccurate VPAT can still put your bid at risk of protest. So errors in your VPAT are a big no-no when it comes to winning contracts.
Even minor mistakes can hurt your chances:
• Buyers may see unclear remarks as red flags.
• Inconsistent data across pages lowers trust.
• Missing WCAG 2.2 updates make your report look outdated.
Bottom line: If your VPAT looks sloppy, buyers assume your product is too.
Can a Reviewed VPAT Speed Up RFP Approvals?
Agencies are under pressure to screen faster and a well-prepared ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) avoids back-and-forth questions. Procurement officers can approve your bid if your report is clean and precise.
What is the Cost of Not Reviewing?
If businesses ignore ADA digital accessibility, the cost of non-compliance can be far greater than the cost of compliance.
Industry reports highlight that non-compliance often leads to penalties reaching tens of thousands of dollars:
• Lawsuits
• Legal actions
• Reputation loss
• Financial risks
Beyond penalties, it can also damage brand reputation and restrict market access.
For example, the Seattle School Board faced an estimated $665,000–$815,000 in expenses for website remediation and legal fees after accessibility issues were raised. These cases make it clear that the cost of a VPAT audit is always far less than the cost of non-compliance.
What Role Does ADACP Play in VPAT Reviews?
You will get the following benefits if you choose ADACP for your VPAT review
1. Deep Audit: Experts test your site/app manually & with assistive tools.
2. Error Reporting: Detailed notes on VPAT errors and their business impact.
3. Fix Guidance: Clear Section 508 compliance actionable steps for your dev team.
4. Buyer-Ready ACR: Final report prepared in a format that government buyers expect.
Client Testimony
“I reached out to ADACP as we were up against a tight timeline to complete our VPAT certification. David and his team accommodated our request for a meeting on very short notice and began the process of reviewing our website right away. Working with ADACP made all the difference in helping us to better understand digital accessibility standards and what we needed to do to improve on various aspects of our product's accessibility, including its user interface, interaction design, and compatibility with assistive technologies. The process didn't take more than a few weeks from start to finish. We are happy to be able to provide better service to our customers."
— Cynthia Wells, Muck Rack, LLC Associate Counsel
FAQs
Q1: Is reviewing my VPAT mandatory?
Not legally, but skipping it puts you at high risk of rejection in RFPs. Many government agencies and large buyers expect accurate accessibility documentation before considering your proposal. An unreviewed VPAT can lead to outright rejection in RFPs, so taking the time to review it is strongly recommended.
Q2: How often should I review my VPAT?
Review it at least once per major release or annually to stay updated with standards. Keep in mind that accessibility standards like WCAG evolve over time. So, when you update your software or website, there might be some impact on compliance levels.
Q3: Can I review my VPAT in-house?
Yes, but most internal teams lack deep accessibility expertise. On the other hand, third-party reviews add credibility. Buyers often trust reports that are independently verified, which can make a difference in competitive bids.
Q4: What’s the difference between a VPAT and an ACR?
The VPAT is the template that outlines accessibility requirements. While the ACR is the completed report you share with buyers.
Q5: Does a VPAT review guarantee I’ll win contracts?
There are no guarantees in the competitive bidding process. However, a thorough VPAT review significantly increases your chances of success. An accurate and well-documented VPAT ACR demonstrates your commitment to Section 508 compliance. It even reduces the likelihood of your proposal being challenged or rejected.
Conclusion
What you might think of as just a compliance form, your VPAT is actually a powerful trust signal for government buyers. A reviewed, polished VPAT sets you apart. It speeds up procurement and reduces risks.
If you are ready to ensure your VPAT passes every test, schedule a free VPAT 2.5 consultation with ADACP today. With years of experience and a proven track record, we deliver fast yet thorough VPAT services that make WCAG 2.2 compliance easy and reliable.
Introduction
Why Your VPAT Review Matters in 2025
2026 is almost here and with it comes a hard deadline for digital accessibility under the ADA. By April, all government agencies, public universities and schools must ensure their websites and online content meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. If they fail to comply, it will have legal and financial consequences. That is why your VPAT review matters now more than ever.
“A well-prepared VPAT shows exactly how your digital products stack up against accessibility requirements. Your ACR (filled out VPAT report) highlights gaps that need fixing and positions you to win contracts. With the clock ticking, a thorough VPAT can be your roadmap to 508 compliance and peace of mind.”
A thorough review of your VPAT report is essential in 2025. It brings in the difference between winning contracts and losing them to competitors who checked their work twice.
This checklist is designed to show you the key steps of accuracy checks to align with Section 508. Follow it so you can submit VPAT with confidence.
Why Should I Review My VPAT in 2025?
Reviewing your VPAT protects your business. Compliance rules are getting stricter day by day. So your VPAT review can directly impact whether you win or lose the contracts.
• New Standards: WCAG 2.2 is now widely adopted and buyers expect you to align with it. If your VPAT does not match it, you will stand out for the wrong reasons.
• Stricter Procurement Rules: Due to the latest FAR updates (September 2025), agencies are doubling down on Section 508 compliance. That means your VPAT has to be airtight.
• Competitive Advantage: A polished VPAT shows that your company is serious and prepared. It shows that you are easier to work with and every buyer values it.
• Risk Reduction: Catching mistakes before buyers do saves you from legal headaches and keeps your reputation safe.
Not fully confident in your VPAT? Choose a free consultation with ADACP.
We are the VPAT compliance experts you can trust.
Who should write a VPAT report?
A VPAT is usually drafted by your product or compliance team. It should be reviewed by accessibility experts or third-party auditors. This ensures the report is accurate and aligned with WCAG 2.2 and Section 508. Expert intervention makes your VPAT ready for government or enterprise buyers.
Want to know how to write a VPAT the right way?
Read this complete guide to get started with confidence [Can I Write My Own VPAT ACR: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners]
How Do Errors in VPAT Reports Affect Bids?
Government bids are highly competitive, and any inconsistency in required documentation like an inaccurate VPAT can trigger GAO bid protests. A small mistake in your accessibility reporting can make your bid vulnerable to challenges and risks rejection. Ensuring VPAT accuracy protects your bid from legal and procedural challenges.
Source:https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-108652
Errors in your VPAT can trigger GAO Bid Protests
Due to systems like GAO, the federal procurement process is strict and closely monitored, as seen in the declining bid protests in Image 3. But even with this efficiency, an inaccurate VPAT can still put your bid at risk of protest. So errors in your VPAT are a big no-no when it comes to winning contracts.
Even minor mistakes can hurt your chances:
• Buyers may see unclear remarks as red flags.
• Inconsistent data across pages lowers trust.
• Missing WCAG 2.2 updates make your report look outdated.
Bottom line: If your VPAT looks sloppy, buyers assume your product is too.
Can a Reviewed VPAT Speed Up RFP Approvals?
Agencies are under pressure to screen faster and a well-prepared ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) avoids back-and-forth questions. Procurement officers can approve your bid if your report is clean and precise.
What is the Cost of Not Reviewing?
If businesses ignore ADA digital accessibility, the cost of non-compliance can be far greater than the cost of compliance.
Industry reports highlight that non-compliance often leads to penalties reaching tens of thousands of dollars:
• Lawsuits
• Legal actions
• Reputation loss
• Financial risks
Beyond penalties, it can also damage brand reputation and restrict market access.
For example, the Seattle School Board faced an estimated $665,000–$815,000 in expenses for website remediation and legal fees after accessibility issues were raised. These cases make it clear that the cost of a VPAT audit is always far less than the cost of non-compliance.
What Role Does ADACP Play in VPAT Reviews?
You will get the following benefits if you choose ADACP for your VPAT review
1. Deep Audit: Experts test your site/app manually & with assistive tools.
2. Error Reporting: Detailed notes on VPAT errors and their business impact.
3. Fix Guidance: Clear Section 508 compliance actionable steps for your dev team.
4. Buyer-Ready ACR: Final report prepared in a format that government buyers expect.
Client Testimony
“I reached out to ADACP as we were up against a tight timeline to complete our VPAT certification. David and his team accommodated our request for a meeting on very short notice and began the process of reviewing our website right away. Working with ADACP made all the difference in helping us to better understand digital accessibility standards and what we needed to do to improve on various aspects of our product's accessibility, including its user interface, interaction design, and compatibility with assistive technologies. The process didn't take more than a few weeks from start to finish. We are happy to be able to provide better service to our customers."
— Cynthia Wells, Muck Rack, LLC Associate Counsel
FAQs
Q1: Is reviewing my VPAT mandatory?
Not legally, but skipping it puts you at high risk of rejection in RFPs. Many government agencies and large buyers expect accurate accessibility documentation before considering your proposal. An unreviewed VPAT can lead to outright rejection in RFPs, so taking the time to review it is strongly recommended.
Q2: How often should I review my VPAT?
Review it at least once per major release or annually to stay updated with standards. Keep in mind that accessibility standards like WCAG evolve over time. So, when you update your software or website, there might be some impact on compliance levels.
Q3: Can I review my VPAT in-house?
Yes, but most internal teams lack deep accessibility expertise. On the other hand, third-party reviews add credibility. Buyers often trust reports that are independently verified, which can make a difference in competitive bids.
Q4: What’s the difference between a VPAT and an ACR?
The VPAT is the template that outlines accessibility requirements. While the ACR is the completed report you share with buyers.
Q5: Does a VPAT review guarantee I’ll win contracts?
There are no guarantees in the competitive bidding process. However, a thorough VPAT review significantly increases your chances of success. An accurate and well-documented VPAT ACR demonstrates your commitment to Section 508 compliance. It even reduces the likelihood of your proposal being challenged or rejected.
Conclusion
What you might think of as just a compliance form, your VPAT is actually a powerful trust signal for government buyers. A reviewed, polished VPAT sets you apart. It speeds up procurement and reduces risks.
If you are ready to ensure your VPAT passes every test, schedule a free VPAT 2.5 consultation with ADACP today. With years of experience and a proven track record, we deliver fast yet thorough VPAT services that make WCAG 2.2 compliance easy and reliable.
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