Avoid These 5 VPAT ACR Reporting Mistakes to Win More Government Contracts

Federal buyers don’t have time to chase vendors for accessibility documentation. If your VPAT® (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) or ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) isn’t in order, your chances of winning that government contract can disappear fast.

Businesses of all sizes lose out simply because of a few avoidable reporting errors. Agencies take it seriously because it helps them meet Section 508 compliance. It is their legal obligation to make digital content accessible to everyone. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a Section 508 expert to get this right. You need to know where teams often go wrong.

So if you’re trying to compete in the federal space, here is one piece of advice: Don’t just write a VPAT ACR, write a good one.

Submitting your first ACR or refining your 20th, here are the five biggest VPAT ACR reporting mistakes that can cost you a deal.

1. Treating the VPAT Like a Marketing Document

Many vendors try to look credible by over-promising accessibility conformance. They write VPATs like sales brochures with vague terms like “fully compliant” with zero technical proof.

Reality check: Procurement officers want facts. They are looking for transparency, so if a product does not fully meet a requirement, that is okay. Make sure you clearly state the limitation and describe the workaround or roadmap.

Pro tip: Avoid words like “perfect” or “compliant in all areas.” Instead, show evidence of testing and acknowledge partial support where needed.

2. Skipping Independent VPAT Accessibility Testing

VPAT based only on developer input without actual testing is already on shaky ground. Self-assessments might cut corners, but they rarely hold up under government review.

Every product, platform or website is different. What passed WCAG 2.1 AA for one client might not hold up for yours. You think accessibility testing is optional? Well, your claims must be backed by actual results.

VPAT Writing tip: Run a thorough accessibility audit including manual and automated tests. Then document your findings clearly in your ACR. If you need help getting started, consider working with trusted VPAT experts like ADACP, who bring decades of experience.

What is the difference between a VPAT and an ACR?

A VPAT is a blank template used to document how a product meets accessibility standards like Section 508 or WCAG. An ACR is the completed version of that template. It is filled out with detailed results showing how accessible the product actually is. Simply said, VPAT is the form and ACR is the filled-out report.

3. Using an outdated VPAT Template

Many companies fill out a VPAT ACR once and then forget about it. But, did you know that VPAT versions are updated regularly?

Your ACR may be rejected immediately if you are still using an old VPAT 2.2 or earlier template.

The current version (VPAT 2.4 Rev 508) lines up with the latest WCAG guidelines. It also includes critical updates for mobile and web apps.

No regular updates on your VPAT can put you out of sync and raise red flags with reviewers. Always download the latest version from the official ITI website.

Still unsure how to write a VPAT? That brings us to the next mistake.

4. Failing to Customize the Report for Your Product

Some companies submit generic reports with placeholders like “N/A” repeated down the page. This just looks lazy and tells reviewers you haven’t actually assessed your product.

An effective ACR goes beyond checking boxes. It speaks specifically to your platform’s features, user flows, and known limitations. If your software has a dashboard then explain how it supports keyboard navigation. If there are gaps then note what updates are planned.

Detail matters so avoid filling out a generic report. Get a customized, well-written ACR that tells procurement teams you take accessibility seriously.

5. Waiting Until the Last Minute

A classic workflow mistake is when the sales or compliance team scrambles to write the VPAT right before an RFP deadline. They try to complete it as a one-day task with zero input from the people who built or tested the product.

Sometimes companies contact accessibility experts on Friday for a Monday deadline. It is doable but barely. Rushed ACRs often miss critical details or fail accessibility spot checks.

Avoid last-minute scrambles and build accessibility into your development timeline. Start preparing your VPAT before the RFP drops.

If you want to get ahead of the curve, consider a free consultation with ADACP to map out the VPAT timeline before you are up against the clock.

Closing thoughts

VPATs That Win Contracts Are Built on Honesty

Procurement officials can instantly spot a VPAT Accessibility Conformance Report that’s been slapped together. On the other side, when a vendor delivers a well-tested accurate ACR, it sends a powerful signal that they are ready for federal work.

Avoid these five mistakes and approach accessibility reporting with honesty and up-to-date testing. You will increase your chances of winning contracts and securing long-term partnerships.

When your VPAT ACR indicates that your product works for everyone, it says a lot about how you conduct business.

So write it well and write it early.