A device that combines several jobs is difficult to assess through a rulebook divided only by product category. The Access Board’s January 18, 2017 technology rule replaces that approach with requirements organized by functions. For buyers comparing suppliers, the relevant question becomes what access each covered function supports, not which familiar product label a vendor uses. [2017-00395]

The February 2015 proposal had made that shift explicit and included outcome-based criteria for features not addressed by technical requirements. The final rule preserves a functional structure. This supplies a common design logic for examining products, not evidence that vendors subsequently competed harder or that procurement became cheaper. Proposal and final document one proceeding rather than independent market results. [2017-00395][2015-03467]

Supply limitations have their own mechanism. Under section 508, unavailable fully conforming products lead to a documented best-meets choice and alternative access. Undue burden or fundamental alteration also requires bounded determinations and alternative access. Exceptions protect conforming legacy components unaltered on or after January 18, 2018, national-security systems and incidental contractor equipment; the rule is not a universal replacement order. [2017-00395]

The legal routes also shape the buying context. The issue scheduled March 20, 2017 effectiveness and January 18, 2018 section 508 compliance, with procurement standards taking legal effect through FAR Council adoption. Section 255 telecommunications guidelines instead require FCC adoption and apply within a readily-achievable framework; existing duties continue. A market assessment must identify that route before assuming a single deadline or forecasting a new wave of purchases. [2017-00395]

Source documents

  1. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelineshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-01-18/html/2017-00395.htm
  2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelineshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-02-27/html/2015-03467.htm