
What is the Difference Between VPAT and an Accessibility Conformance Report ACR?
You are in the middle of an RFP and the client is asking for accessibility documentation. Suddenly, two terms land on your desk: Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). These two terms are often mixed in compliance checklists but they are not the same. And if you submit the wrong one? You might just miss the deal.
In this guide, we will explain the difference between a VPAT andan ACR. You will discover when to use each to stay compliant and win bids.
TL;DR: A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a standardized form used to outline the accessibility criteria that digital products should follow. It is a reporting framework which does not contain actual testing results.
In contrast, an ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) is the completed version of the VPAT. It includes accessibility testing results to show product compliance with standards such as WCAG, Section 508 or EN 301 549.
Vendors typically require both: the VPAT lays the foundation while the ACR delivers the proof.
What is a VPAT?
The VPAT or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is a free blank template published by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). It is an industry recognized form that vendors use to evaluate and report digital product accessibility.
There are four types of VPAT templates:
- VPAT 2.5: It is the latest version[MT1]
- VPAT WCAG: It is used for web accessibility
- VPAT Section 508: It is used for the US government requirements
- VPAT EN 301 549: It is used for European requirements
- VPAT INT: It is the international edition
Why is a VPAT Important?
A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a formal reporting format for documenting digital accessibility. Government agencies and enterprise clients use it to identify the accessibility standards like Section 508 or WCAG 2.1 of your product. A completed VPAT is the first step in creating a full Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
[MT1]FYI: there is now a VPAT 2.5edition. i know you are thinking KWs. but want to keep you aware of standards as well
What is an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)?
An Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)is the completed version of the VPAT. It is a final report that includes specific results of VPAT accessibility testing. The testing is based on standards like:
1. WCAG 2.1 AA: It is a global accessibility standard for websites and digital tools. Level AA is a mid-tier conformance level aimed at most organizations.
2. Revised Section 508: It is the US federal regulation which mandatesan accessibility framework for government digital content and IT products.
3. EN 301 549: It is the European standard of ICT used in public procurement.
VPAT vs Accessibility Conformance Report(ACR): What is the Real Difference?
VPAT is a blank template, and the form filled after testing becomes VPAT ACR. Here is a quick differences table for yo
Table 1: Different between VPAT and ACR
Why Do Businesses Need a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report?
Businesses need a VPAT ACR to prove digital accessibility compliance and meet legal requirements. The latest and most accurate ACR increases their chances of winning enterprise or government contracts.
In simple words, providing a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report is now a legal and strategic necessity for SaaS companies, e-commerce platforms and government vendors.
Legal Compliance
Governments and public institutions are required to purchase accessible technology under Section 508 in the US and EN 301 549 in Europe. Without a valid ACR, vendors may be disqualified from procurement processes.
Win More Contracts
Procurement teams increasingly require VPATACRs in RFP submissions. A completed Accessibility Conformance Report shows transparency and builds credibility with buyers.
Better UX for All
A good ACR highlights issues that your team can fix. Eventually, it leads to a better experience for users with disabilities and all users. Better UX lowers bounce rates and you get to enjoy higher conversion sand happier customers.
Do most government contracts require a VPAT ACR?
About 71.5%of federal agencies say they "almost always" require an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) during procurement. It means skipping it may seriously impact your bid’s eligibility. Your bid may not even be considered without an ACR.
Who Should Prepare the VPAT ACR?
Trained accessibility professionals should prepare a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report. Alternatively, you can hire a third-party firm with expertise in compliance testing.
While it is possible to fill out a VPAT on your own. However, you should also know that errors in self-submitted reports are inevitable and inaccurate reporting may lead to disqualification in formal procurement.
Common mistakes in DIY VPAT ACRs
- Copy-pasting from generic templates
- Claiming "Supports" without real accessibility verification
- Ignoring assistive technology compatibility
- Overlooking PDF or mobile app testing
- Confusing WCAG 2.0 with the updated WCAG 2.1 standards
A third-party accessibility firm like ADACP can perform real testing and create an accurate ACR. We can even offer guidance for fixes that are much more reliable than DIY.
What a professionally prepared ACR looks like?
Take a look at this VPATACR example or book a free consultation with ADACP to see how we can help you meet compliance with confidence.
What Happens After You Get a VPAT ACR?
Your Accessibility Conformance Report can be a powerful tool for visibility. Once the report is ready, leverage it in the following ways:
Upload it on your website
Post the report on your accessibility statement page so buyers and users can easily find it.
Include it in proposals
Attach your ACR in government and enterprise RFP responses to show compliance.
Use it as a roadmap
If the ACR identifies areas as "Partially Supports," use that to prioritize future accessibility improvements.
Can a VPAT ACR Help You Win Government Contracts?
Yes, ADACP helped a SaaS company land a$200,000 deal by delivering a complete and compliant Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
A mid-sized tech firm reached out to ADACP with an incomplete VPAT and uncertainty about whether it would meet federal accessibility requirements.
What the ADACP team did:
We conducted a full accessibility audit using screen readers, keyboard navigation, and contrast testing. We completed the ACR based on real test results and WCAG 2.1standards.
Our expert analysts flagged 11 accessibility gaps, noted as “Partially Supports”. After the audit, we offered quick and effective remediation to the dev team through standards-aligned fixes. Then, we delivered a polished ready-to-submit ACR in just 2 weeks.
Outcome: The company won a $200,000 federal contract. It is proof that meeting regulations through accessibility compliance can attract growth opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Which one do you need?
You need both to pass more FRPs. The VPAT is a standard report format, and the ACR is the filled report that proves your product meets accessibility standards.
Downloading a free template and guessing your way through it is not a feasible option when you are serious about compliance. You need expert help to win large contracts. Let ADACP handle the testing, analysis, and reporting so you can focus on building great products.
Need Help With Your VPAT ACR?
Contact the accessibility professionals at ADACP today for a free consultation:[MT1]
- Manual audits
- Accessibility conformance testing
- VPAT 2.4 ACR creation
- Fast turnaround for enterprise and government RFPs
[MT1]this link goes to VPAT page. should go to: https://calendly.com/adacp/vpat-consultation?month=2025-07
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a VPAT ACR mandatory for US government contracts?
Yes. Any digital product being sold to federal agencies must include an Accessibility Conformance Report based on the VPAT 2.4 template.
What happens if I don’t submit the ACR?
A valid ACR is a mandatory part of the procurement process in government, education, or enterprise contracts. Most public sector buyers are required by law to select technology that meets accessibility standards like Section 508 (US) or EN 301 549 (Europe). Without an ACR to prove compliance, your application may be disqualified automatically, regardless of how good your product is.
Do you also need VPAT ACR for private sector deals?
Yes, most private sector deals also require ACR during the bidding process. An incomplete or missing ACR can signal poor accessibility practices, raise legal concerns or result in lost trust with procurement teams.
Can I reuse the same ACR for future versions of my product?
No, you cannot reuse the old ACR for future products. Your ACR must be updated whenever major features, interfaces, or code changes. Accessibility is version-specific, and buyers expect up-to-date testing.
You are in the middle of an RFP and the client is asking for accessibility documentation. Suddenly, two terms land on your desk: Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). These two terms are often mixed in compliance checklists but they are not the same. And if you submit the wrong one? You might just miss the deal.
In this guide, we will explain the difference between a VPAT andan ACR. You will discover when to use each to stay compliant and win bids.
TL;DR: A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a standardized form used to outline the accessibility criteria that digital products should follow. It is a reporting framework which does not contain actual testing results.
In contrast, an ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) is the completed version of the VPAT. It includes accessibility testing results to show product compliance with standards such as WCAG, Section 508 or EN 301 549.
Vendors typically require both: the VPAT lays the foundation while the ACR delivers the proof.
What is a VPAT?
The VPAT or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is a free blank template published by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). It is an industry recognized form that vendors use to evaluate and report digital product accessibility.
There are four types of VPAT templates:
- VPAT 2.5: It is the latest version[MT1]
- VPAT WCAG: It is used for web accessibility
- VPAT Section 508: It is used for the US government requirements
- VPAT EN 301 549: It is used for European requirements
- VPAT INT: It is the international edition
Why is a VPAT Important?
A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a formal reporting format for documenting digital accessibility. Government agencies and enterprise clients use it to identify the accessibility standards like Section 508 or WCAG 2.1 of your product. A completed VPAT is the first step in creating a full Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
[MT1]FYI: there is now a VPAT 2.5edition. i know you are thinking KWs. but want to keep you aware of standards as well
What is an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)?
An Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR)is the completed version of the VPAT. It is a final report that includes specific results of VPAT accessibility testing. The testing is based on standards like:
1. WCAG 2.1 AA: It is a global accessibility standard for websites and digital tools. Level AA is a mid-tier conformance level aimed at most organizations.
2. Revised Section 508: It is the US federal regulation which mandatesan accessibility framework for government digital content and IT products.
3. EN 301 549: It is the European standard of ICT used in public procurement.
VPAT vs Accessibility Conformance Report(ACR): What is the Real Difference?
VPAT is a blank template, and the form filled after testing becomes VPAT ACR. Here is a quick differences table for yo
Table 1: Different between VPAT and ACR
Why Do Businesses Need a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report?
Businesses need a VPAT ACR to prove digital accessibility compliance and meet legal requirements. The latest and most accurate ACR increases their chances of winning enterprise or government contracts.
In simple words, providing a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report is now a legal and strategic necessity for SaaS companies, e-commerce platforms and government vendors.
Legal Compliance
Governments and public institutions are required to purchase accessible technology under Section 508 in the US and EN 301 549 in Europe. Without a valid ACR, vendors may be disqualified from procurement processes.
Win More Contracts
Procurement teams increasingly require VPATACRs in RFP submissions. A completed Accessibility Conformance Report shows transparency and builds credibility with buyers.
Better UX for All
A good ACR highlights issues that your team can fix. Eventually, it leads to a better experience for users with disabilities and all users. Better UX lowers bounce rates and you get to enjoy higher conversion sand happier customers.
Do most government contracts require a VPAT ACR?
About 71.5%of federal agencies say they "almost always" require an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) during procurement. It means skipping it may seriously impact your bid’s eligibility. Your bid may not even be considered without an ACR.
Who Should Prepare the VPAT ACR?
Trained accessibility professionals should prepare a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report. Alternatively, you can hire a third-party firm with expertise in compliance testing.
While it is possible to fill out a VPAT on your own. However, you should also know that errors in self-submitted reports are inevitable and inaccurate reporting may lead to disqualification in formal procurement.
Common mistakes in DIY VPAT ACRs
- Copy-pasting from generic templates
- Claiming "Supports" without real accessibility verification
- Ignoring assistive technology compatibility
- Overlooking PDF or mobile app testing
- Confusing WCAG 2.0 with the updated WCAG 2.1 standards
A third-party accessibility firm like ADACP can perform real testing and create an accurate ACR. We can even offer guidance for fixes that are much more reliable than DIY.
What a professionally prepared ACR looks like?
Take a look at this VPATACR example or book a free consultation with ADACP to see how we can help you meet compliance with confidence.
What Happens After You Get a VPAT ACR?
Your Accessibility Conformance Report can be a powerful tool for visibility. Once the report is ready, leverage it in the following ways:
Upload it on your website
Post the report on your accessibility statement page so buyers and users can easily find it.
Include it in proposals
Attach your ACR in government and enterprise RFP responses to show compliance.
Use it as a roadmap
If the ACR identifies areas as "Partially Supports," use that to prioritize future accessibility improvements.
Can a VPAT ACR Help You Win Government Contracts?
Yes, ADACP helped a SaaS company land a$200,000 deal by delivering a complete and compliant Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
A mid-sized tech firm reached out to ADACP with an incomplete VPAT and uncertainty about whether it would meet federal accessibility requirements.
What the ADACP team did:
We conducted a full accessibility audit using screen readers, keyboard navigation, and contrast testing. We completed the ACR based on real test results and WCAG 2.1standards.
Our expert analysts flagged 11 accessibility gaps, noted as “Partially Supports”. After the audit, we offered quick and effective remediation to the dev team through standards-aligned fixes. Then, we delivered a polished ready-to-submit ACR in just 2 weeks.
Outcome: The company won a $200,000 federal contract. It is proof that meeting regulations through accessibility compliance can attract growth opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Which one do you need?
You need both to pass more FRPs. The VPAT is a standard report format, and the ACR is the filled report that proves your product meets accessibility standards.
Downloading a free template and guessing your way through it is not a feasible option when you are serious about compliance. You need expert help to win large contracts. Let ADACP handle the testing, analysis, and reporting so you can focus on building great products.
Need Help With Your VPAT ACR?
Contact the accessibility professionals at ADACP today for a free consultation:[MT1]
- Manual audits
- Accessibility conformance testing
- VPAT 2.4 ACR creation
- Fast turnaround for enterprise and government RFPs
[MT1]this link goes to VPAT page. should go to: https://calendly.com/adacp/vpat-consultation?month=2025-07
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a VPAT ACR mandatory for US government contracts?
Yes. Any digital product being sold to federal agencies must include an Accessibility Conformance Report based on the VPAT 2.4 template.
What happens if I don’t submit the ACR?
A valid ACR is a mandatory part of the procurement process in government, education, or enterprise contracts. Most public sector buyers are required by law to select technology that meets accessibility standards like Section 508 (US) or EN 301 549 (Europe). Without an ACR to prove compliance, your application may be disqualified automatically, regardless of how good your product is.
Do you also need VPAT ACR for private sector deals?
Yes, most private sector deals also require ACR during the bidding process. An incomplete or missing ACR can signal poor accessibility practices, raise legal concerns or result in lost trust with procurement teams.
Can I reuse the same ACR for future versions of my product?
No, you cannot reuse the old ACR for future products. Your ACR must be updated whenever major features, interfaces, or code changes. Accessibility is version-specific, and buyers expect up-to-date testing.

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