Who can fill out a VPAT?
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The credibility of your Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (or VPAT ACR) depends heavily on who authors it.
A study by DeLancey revealed that 19.6% of VPAT entries (for automatically detectable criteria) contained inaccuracies. The authors noted that the error rate could be much higher if manual checks were included.
A VPAT with vague or self-inflated claims can lead to rejection in procurement and compliance-driven U.S. federal or state contracts. So, who fills it matters as a front door to lucrative deals.
TLDR: A weak self-authored VPAT by someone without domain knowledge may harm more than help. Get a free consultation with ADACP to ensure your VPAT is done right the first time.
What is a VPAT/ACR?
A quick primer that anchors to the context of who should fill out a VPAT.
Want to learn everything about the VPAT? Read this full guide [VPAT or ACR: Which One Do Government Buyers Prefer in 2025?]
Note: The template is “voluntary,” but an ACR/VPAT is effectively mandatory in the procurement process in governmental contracts.
Q: Is there an official certification or authority that approves VPATs?
A: No, the VPAT itself doesn’t carry third-party certification. It becomes an ACR when completed.
Want to see a sample VPAT? Click here for a VPAT template example.
Who Can Fill Out a VPAT?
Anyone technically capable and knowledgeable can fill out a VPAT accessibility report. However, there will be varying degrees of risk and credibility. Look at the options, their pros & cons, and best practices for VPAT reporting.
1. In-house vendor team
VPAT author: The company or team that owns or builds the software, hardware or ICT service.
The vendor is often the default author because
• They have the deepest understanding of functionality, architecture, modules and internal dependencies.
• They can access source code, internal test environments and internal design decisions.
Risks:
There might be bias or undue optimism. Vendors may mark “supports” when it is only “partial”.
Secondly, procurement teams may question the lack of independent verification.
ITI states that vendors or OEMs are “likely the best source to conduct the testing necessary” for a reliable VPAT.
Q: Can a reseller fill out a VPAT instead of the vendor?
A: Either resellers or vendors can complete voluntary product accessibility templates, but ITIC recommends confirming which version is the most current and accurate.
Read this step-by-step guide on VPAT here. [Can I Write My Own VPAT ACR: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners].
2. Resellers, Distributors or Channel Partners
VPAT Author: Third-party resellers or vendors who incorporate or resell the product can also create the Accessibility Conformance Report or ACR.
Resellers are a feasible choice for writing a VPAT. They get access to the necessary documentation when a reseller has a close partnership with the original vendors.
But often, resellers will ask the original vendor for the VPAT or have a co-authored ACR.
ITI explicitly notes that either party can complete it. However, the procurement requester should confirm the accuracy of the report.
3. Accessibility Consultants / Third-Party Experts
VPAT Authors: Accessibility audit firms and consultant agencies have specialists in WCAG/508 audits. They can be the best choice for VPAT 2.5 documentation.
• Third party VPAT consultants in the US bring credibility and domain expertise.
• They can cross-check internal claims and catch overstatements. They confirm consistent use of “Supports / Partially Supports / Does Not Support” language.
• They may reduce the inaccuracy rate (from that 19.6%) by rigorous validation.
The only tradeoff is the higher cost of reporting. But it’s worth it because experts verify the accuracy of the report which is the most important factor in RFP procurement.
Best practice: Many organizations use hybrid models. They use an in-house team draft and they hire a consultant to verify it and sign it off.
4. Hybrid or Collaborative Models
A mix of internal team + consultant + product manager + QA team.
• Internal engineers fill baseline responses.
• Accessibility specialist reviews and suggests changes.
• The final version is co-signed or stamped as reviewed.
This approach often gives the best ROI because this model leverages domain knowledge + external rigor for quality and trustworthiness.
Q: Do you have to redo the VPAT if the product changes?
A: Yes, UI change, added module or new version of a product should trigger an updated ACR. Use of outdated VPATs may mislead procurement reviews.
Need VPAT ACR writing help? We can audit your product and create the latest VPAT 2.5 for you. Contact us for a free consultation session today.
How to choose who should fill the VPAT accessibility conformance report?
Evaluate against these criteria to decide the VPAT author.
Q: Does filling a VPAT require an external audit?
A: The template allows self-assessment. However, some procurement contracts may require a third-party review or audit as part of their conditions.
Schedule a free consultation if you’re looking for VPAT audits or want a report that meets Section 508, WCAG, or other accessibility standards.
We provide expert VPAT writing and audit services. We ensure accuracy and compliance in your VPAT ACR.
Roles vs Responsibilities in VPAT Completion
Below is a sample responsibility mapping when multiple parties are involved.
Each member plays an important role in VPAT ACR creation. The Dev Lead provides technical details so the product can be properly assessed. The Accessibility Auditor checks if the product meets WCAG and Section 508 standards. The Technical Writer ensures the report is written clearly and simply. The Legal Team reviews the wording to make sure it meets contract requirements. The Project Manager keeps things on schedule. If any of these roles fail to do their part, the VPAT report can be inaccurate and may even get rejected in RFP reviews.
Best Practices & Tips to Maximize Credibility
Buyers and stakeholders want to see clear honest info in your VPAT. Follow the VPAT writing tips below so that buyers can trust your product and decisions more.
• Always document how you tested — Write down what tools you used, which browsers and which assistive tech.
• Be careful in conformance claims — Say it only partly works if you are not sure.
• Explain remarks clearly — Say why something doesn’t work or how you will fix it.
• Keep track of VPAT versions — Write the date, product version and any changes.
• Share it publicly — Post your VPAT so everyone, like buyers or stakeholders, can see it.
Conclusion
Anyone can fill a VPAT, but the most credible and defensible reports need authors with deep product knowledge. Accessibility expertise and accurate VPAT matter for high-stakes procurements. A weak or self-asserted VPAT may lead to rejection. Third-party validation is the best practice to ensure accuracy in the accessibility conformance report ACR.
Book a free consultation with ADACP to get expert help with VPAT writing, audit, or Section 508 compliance.
The credibility of your Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (or VPAT ACR) depends heavily on who authors it.
A study by DeLancey revealed that 19.6% of VPAT entries (for automatically detectable criteria) contained inaccuracies. The authors noted that the error rate could be much higher if manual checks were included.
A VPAT with vague or self-inflated claims can lead to rejection in procurement and compliance-driven U.S. federal or state contracts. So, who fills it matters as a front door to lucrative deals.
TLDR: A weak self-authored VPAT by someone without domain knowledge may harm more than help. Get a free consultation with ADACP to ensure your VPAT is done right the first time.
What is a VPAT/ACR?
A quick primer that anchors to the context of who should fill out a VPAT.
Want to learn everything about the VPAT? Read this full guide [VPAT or ACR: Which One Do Government Buyers Prefer in 2025?]
Note: The template is “voluntary,” but an ACR/VPAT is effectively mandatory in the procurement process in governmental contracts.
Q: Is there an official certification or authority that approves VPATs?
A: No, the VPAT itself doesn’t carry third-party certification. It becomes an ACR when completed.
Want to see a sample VPAT? Click here for a VPAT template example.
Who Can Fill Out a VPAT?
Anyone technically capable and knowledgeable can fill out a VPAT accessibility report. However, there will be varying degrees of risk and credibility. Look at the options, their pros & cons, and best practices for VPAT reporting.
1. In-house vendor team
VPAT author: The company or team that owns or builds the software, hardware or ICT service.
The vendor is often the default author because
• They have the deepest understanding of functionality, architecture, modules and internal dependencies.
• They can access source code, internal test environments and internal design decisions.
Risks:
There might be bias or undue optimism. Vendors may mark “supports” when it is only “partial”.
Secondly, procurement teams may question the lack of independent verification.
ITI states that vendors or OEMs are “likely the best source to conduct the testing necessary” for a reliable VPAT.
Q: Can a reseller fill out a VPAT instead of the vendor?
A: Either resellers or vendors can complete voluntary product accessibility templates, but ITIC recommends confirming which version is the most current and accurate.
Read this step-by-step guide on VPAT here. [Can I Write My Own VPAT ACR: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners].
2. Resellers, Distributors or Channel Partners
VPAT Author: Third-party resellers or vendors who incorporate or resell the product can also create the Accessibility Conformance Report or ACR.
Resellers are a feasible choice for writing a VPAT. They get access to the necessary documentation when a reseller has a close partnership with the original vendors.
But often, resellers will ask the original vendor for the VPAT or have a co-authored ACR.
ITI explicitly notes that either party can complete it. However, the procurement requester should confirm the accuracy of the report.
3. Accessibility Consultants / Third-Party Experts
VPAT Authors: Accessibility audit firms and consultant agencies have specialists in WCAG/508 audits. They can be the best choice for VPAT 2.5 documentation.
• Third party VPAT consultants in the US bring credibility and domain expertise.
• They can cross-check internal claims and catch overstatements. They confirm consistent use of “Supports / Partially Supports / Does Not Support” language.
• They may reduce the inaccuracy rate (from that 19.6%) by rigorous validation.
The only tradeoff is the higher cost of reporting. But it’s worth it because experts verify the accuracy of the report which is the most important factor in RFP procurement.
Best practice: Many organizations use hybrid models. They use an in-house team draft and they hire a consultant to verify it and sign it off.
4. Hybrid or Collaborative Models
A mix of internal team + consultant + product manager + QA team.
• Internal engineers fill baseline responses.
• Accessibility specialist reviews and suggests changes.
• The final version is co-signed or stamped as reviewed.
This approach often gives the best ROI because this model leverages domain knowledge + external rigor for quality and trustworthiness.
Q: Do you have to redo the VPAT if the product changes?
A: Yes, UI change, added module or new version of a product should trigger an updated ACR. Use of outdated VPATs may mislead procurement reviews.
Need VPAT ACR writing help? We can audit your product and create the latest VPAT 2.5 for you. Contact us for a free consultation session today.
How to choose who should fill the VPAT accessibility conformance report?
Evaluate against these criteria to decide the VPAT author.
Q: Does filling a VPAT require an external audit?
A: The template allows self-assessment. However, some procurement contracts may require a third-party review or audit as part of their conditions.
Schedule a free consultation if you’re looking for VPAT audits or want a report that meets Section 508, WCAG, or other accessibility standards.
We provide expert VPAT writing and audit services. We ensure accuracy and compliance in your VPAT ACR.
Roles vs Responsibilities in VPAT Completion
Below is a sample responsibility mapping when multiple parties are involved.
Each member plays an important role in VPAT ACR creation. The Dev Lead provides technical details so the product can be properly assessed. The Accessibility Auditor checks if the product meets WCAG and Section 508 standards. The Technical Writer ensures the report is written clearly and simply. The Legal Team reviews the wording to make sure it meets contract requirements. The Project Manager keeps things on schedule. If any of these roles fail to do their part, the VPAT report can be inaccurate and may even get rejected in RFP reviews.
Best Practices & Tips to Maximize Credibility
Buyers and stakeholders want to see clear honest info in your VPAT. Follow the VPAT writing tips below so that buyers can trust your product and decisions more.
• Always document how you tested — Write down what tools you used, which browsers and which assistive tech.
• Be careful in conformance claims — Say it only partly works if you are not sure.
• Explain remarks clearly — Say why something doesn’t work or how you will fix it.
• Keep track of VPAT versions — Write the date, product version and any changes.
• Share it publicly — Post your VPAT so everyone, like buyers or stakeholders, can see it.
Conclusion
Anyone can fill a VPAT, but the most credible and defensible reports need authors with deep product knowledge. Accessibility expertise and accurate VPAT matter for high-stakes procurements. A weak or self-asserted VPAT may lead to rejection. Third-party validation is the best practice to ensure accuracy in the accessibility conformance report ACR.
Book a free consultation with ADACP to get expert help with VPAT writing, audit, or Section 508 compliance.
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