[ Reserved for Publication ]

Note: This draft standard is under development and subject to change. It should not be used for reference purposes.Please read this Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) legal notice (hereafter referred to as “ASC legal notice”) before using this draft standard. ,

3.1 General

The Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization (operating as “Accessibility Standards Canada”) standards are developed through a consensus-based standards development process approved by the Standards Council of Canada. This process brings together volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus and develop standards.Although Accessibility Standards Canada administers the process and establishes rules to promote fairness in achieving consensus, it does not independently test, evaluate, or verify the content of the standards. During this process, Accessibility Standards Canada makes the draft standard available for comment, review, and approval. ,

3.2 Understanding this edition of the draft standard

Revisions may have been or may eventually be developed in relation to this edition of the draft standard. It is the responsibility of the users of this document to verify if any revisions exist. ,

3.3 Disclaimer and exclusion of liability

This is a draft document for the purpose of comment, review, and approval only. This document is provided without any representations, warranties, or conditions of any kind, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, implied warranties or conditions concerning this document’s fitness for a particular purpose or use, its merchantability, or its non-infringement of any third party’s intellectual property rights. Accessibility Standards Canada does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any of the information published in this document. Accessibility Standards Canada makes no representations or warranties regarding this document’s compliance with any applicable statute, rule, regulation or combination thereof. Users of this document should consult applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations. Accessibility Standards Canada does not, by the publication of its standards documents intend to urge action that is not in compliance with applicable laws, and this document may not be construed as doing so.In no event shall Accessibility Standards Canada, its contractors, agents, employees, directors, or officers, or his majesty the king in right of Canada, his employees, contractors, agents, directors, or officers be liable for any direct, indirect, or incidental damages, injury, loss, costs, or expenses, however caused, including but not limited to special or consequential damages, lost revenue, business interruption, lost or damaged data, or any other commercial or economic loss, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), or any other theory of liability, arising out of or resulting from access to or possession or use of this document, even if accessibility standards Canada or any of them have been advised of the possibility of such damages, injury, loss, costs, or expenses.In publishing and making this document available, Accessibility Standards Canada is not undertaking to render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity or to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to another person or entity. The information in this document is directed to those who have the appropriate degree of knowledge and experience to use and apply its contents, and Accessibility Standards Canada accepts no responsibility whatsoever arising in any way from any and all use of or reliance on the information contained in this document.Accessibility Standards Canada publishes voluntary standards and related documents. Accessibility Standards Canada has no power, nor does it undertake, to enforce conformance with the contents of the standards or other documents published by Accessibility Standards Canada. ,

3.4 Intellectual property and ownership

As between Accessibility Standards Canada and users of this document (whether it be printed, electronic, or alternate form), Accessibility Standards Canada is the owner, or the authorized licensee, of all copyright and moral rights contained herein. Additionally, Accessibility Standards Canada is the owner of its official mark. Without limitation, the unauthorized use, modification, copying, or disclosure of this document may violate laws that protect Accessibility Standards Canada and/or others’ intellectual property and may give rise to a right in Accessibility Standards Canada and/or others to seek legal redress for such use, modification, copying, or disclosure. To the extent permitted by licence or by law, Accessibility Standards Canada reserves all intellectual property and other rights in this document. ,

3.5 Patent rights

Some elements of this standard may be the subject of patent rights or pending patent applications. Accessibility Standards Canada shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Users of this standard are expressly informed that determination of the existence and/or validity of any such patent rights is entirely their own responsibility. ,

3.6 Licence to comments

In this ASC Legal notice, a “comment” refers to all written or orally provided information, including all suggestions, that a user provides to Accessibility Standards Canada in relation to a standard and/or a draft standard. By providing a comment to Accessibility Standards Canada in relation to a standard and/or draft standard, the commenter grants to Accessibility Standards Canada and the Government of Canada a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide, and irrevocable licence to use, translate, reproduce, disclose, distribute, publish, modify, authorize to reproduce, communicate to the public by telecommunication, record, perform, or sublicense the comment, in whole or in part and in any form or medium, for revising the standard and/or draft standard, and/or for non-commercial purposes. By providing the comment, the commenter being the sole owner of the copyright or having the authority to license the copyright on behalf of their employer, confirms their ability to confer the licence and the commenter waives all associated moral rights, including, without limitation, all rights of attribution in respect of the comment. Where the provider of the comment is not the comment’s author, the provider confirms that a waiver of moral rights by the author has been made in favour of the provider or the comment’s copyright owner. At the time of providing a comment, the commenter must declare and provide a citation for any and all intellectual property within the comment that is owned by a third party. ,

3.7 Authorized uses of this document

This document, in all formats including alternate formats, is being provided by Accessibility Standards Canada for informational, educational, and non-commercial use only. The users of this document are authorized to do only the following:Load this document onto a computer for the sole purpose of reviewing it.Search and browse this document.Print this document if it is in electronic format.Users shall not and shall not permit others to:Alter this document in any way or remove this ASC legal notice from the attached standard.Sell this document without authorization from Accessibility Standards Canada.Use this document to mislead any users of a product, process, or service addressed by this standard.If you do not agree with any of the terms and conditions contained in this ASC legal notice, you must not load or use this document or make any copies of the contents hereof. Use of this document constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions of this ASC legal notice.

[ Reserved for Publication ]

[ Reserved for Publication ]

This Standard provides requirements to create an equitable and accessible procurement process. These requirements provide technical guidance to help organizations facilitate an equitable and accessible procurement process. This includes individuals responsible for procurement, employees who support these processes, and businesses who bid on these processes or sell their products.This Standard supports the following user groups:Procurement professionals within organizations by providing guidance on how to integrate accessibility throughout the procurement life cycle, including how to support clients in considering accessibility and ensuring that goods or services are delivered in accordance with the accessibility requirements specified in the contract.Procurement professionals can include:supply specialists;the contracting authority;contracting officers;materiel management specialists; andprocurement officers.Clients within organizations by providing guidance on how to consider and integrate accessibility when identifying specifications for their procurement needs, including how to create accessible engagement activities.A client is responsible for:defining the required capabilities, intended business outcomes, and benefits of a project, procurement, or program at its outset; andthe achievement of business outcomes and benefits following implementation. A client could also commonly be referred to as:the project authority;the technical authority; andthe requisitioner.Procurement policy and program service and delivery teams within organizations by ensuring that the user experience and accessibility requirements are incorporated when developing web and non-web content, websites, forms, and digital applications. This also includes, but is not limited to services such as:usage tutorials;frequently asked questions; andhelp desk support.End users by ensuring that individuals who use or interact with the goods or services procured are consulted throughout the procurement process to identify and remove barriers.Businesses by ensuring that the procurement process is accessible to those involved in businesses, including those owned by persons with disabilities, or where employees with disabilities support procurement processes. Businesses are also expected to demonstrate how they will meet accessibility requirements and implement them. This will be monitored and evaluated no differently than other contractual obligations.This Standard aligns with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, federal human rights legislation, and applicable provincial and territorial accessibility laws. This Standard promotes equity-based requirements that go above mandatory minimums. This means that the technical requirements in this Standard focus on areas where barriers in procurement need to be addressed to achieve the highest level of accessibility. Above all and in the spirit of this Standard, people with disabilities are involved in procurement.

This Standard specifies the technical requirements to help an organization integrate accessibility in procurement. It includes specifications for:roles and responsibilities for clients and procurement professionals;defining accessibility requirements for a procurement and a mandatory justification, with the decision-making process, when accessibility is not included;procurement information, websites, and applications;procurement engagement activities;accessibility procurement life cycle; andtraining.Organizations that follow this Standard are expected to be compliant with existing policies, directives, acts, trade agreements and regulations. These must be followed when conducting procurement activities. ,

7.1 Intended audience

This Standard is intended for use in procurement by federally regulated entities defined in the Accessible Canada Act. It should also be used for procurement in the provincial, territorial, municipal, private and non-profit sectors.  ,

7.2 Other relevant restrictions or considerations

This Standard respects and is complementary to the principles, purpose, and requirements of federal government procurement. Although written in the federal context, the principles should be adapted to other procurement contexts.  ,

7.3 Terminology

In this Standard, three terms are defined as follows:Shall: Expresses a requirement, or a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy to comply with the standard.Should: Expresses a recommendation, or that which is advised but not required.May: Expresses an option, or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard.Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate explanatory or informative material.Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

This Standard refers to the following publications, and where such reference is made, it shall be to the edition listed below:Accessibility Standards CanadaCAN-ASC-EN 301 549:2024-Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services (EN 301 549:2024, IDT)CAN-ASC-3.1:2025-Plain LanguageCAN-ASC-5.2.1-Part 1: Design and Delivery of Accessible Programs and Services: Accessible Service Delivery - Accessibility for federally regulated entities as defined by the Accessible Canada Act (draft)CSA Group - Accessibility Standards CanadaCSA/ASC-B651:23-Accessible design for the built environment

9.1 Definitions

The following definitions apply to this Standard:Accessible format — includes other formats of communicating information including, but not limited to, audio formats, braille, large print, plain language, and sign language.Bid — a proposal, quotation or tender submitted in response to a solicitation.Bidder — a legal entity, person, joint venture or company that has submitted a bid in response to a solicitation.Binding agreement — an agreement between a procuring entity and a supplier that establishes the terms and conditions for the provision of goods or services. This agreement obligates both parties to fulfill their respective commitments as specified within the contract.Client — a client is an individual or an organization who is responsible for the business or program area for which the procurement is required.Communication supports — supports that persons with disabilities may need to access information, including, but not limited to:Sign language interpretationWriting, e-mail, or textingCaptioningAudio descriptionAssistive listening systemsAugmentative and alternative communication devices including:Letter, word, or picture boardsDevices that convert text to speechReading aloudRephrasing in clear languageSource: Adapted from the definition in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Integrated Accessibility StandardsCompetitive contract — a contract that is entered into by soliciting more than one bid.Contract — a binding agreement entered into by a contracting authority and a contractor to procure a good, service or construction.Evaluation criteria — in the context of procurement, a benchmark, standard or yardstick against which the accomplishment, conformance, performance and suitability of a person, alternative, activity, product or plan is measured to select the best supplier. Criteria may be qualitative or quantitative in nature.Goods — items delivered or to be delivered under a contract.Joint Venture — describes any arrangement whereby two or more persons agree to contribute goods, services, or capital to a common commercial enterprise. It is generally regarded as a temporary relationship that is more informal than a partnership.Non-competitive contract — a contract that is entered into without soliciting bids.Person — includes an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, unincorporated association, unincorporated syndicate, unincorporated organization, trust, body corporate, and an individual in his or her capacity as trustee, executor, administrator or other legal representative.Source: Adapted from Business Names Act of OntarioPlain language — a communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended audience can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.Procurement — the process of obtaining goods, services or construction from the planning and the completion of the procurement life cycle.Procurement life cycle — the continuum of effective and efficient management of procurement phases including:planning;acquisition and execution;use and maintenance; anddisposal and closeout.Procurement professional — a procurement professional is anyone responsible for facilitating the procurement function within an organization and has the responsibility to enter into a contract or contractual agreement to purchase goods, services, and construction on behalf of a business owner.Purchasing — the buying process within the procurement cycle. Service — a service is obtained through formal arrangements such as contracts, memoranda of understanding, and letters of agreement, to support the realization of specific outcomes.Solicitation — an invitation, verbal or written, to suppliers to submit a bid, quotation or offer. Standing offer — a standing offer is an offer from a potential supplier to provide goods, services, or a combination of both at a pre-arranged price, under set terms and conditions, when and if required. It is not a contract until the government issues a “call-up” against the standing offer.Subject matter expert in accessibility — means a person who has knowledge of a specified field such as the built environment, information and communication technology, and human resources based on a combination of the following factors, which may be weighted differently depending on the circumstances:Lived experience relating to accessibility.Relevant industry work experience.Formal education or training.Professional practice within the subject area.Supplier — a person or legal entity that provides or could provide goods, services or construction.Supply Arrangement — a Supply Arrangement is a method of supply used by departments to procure goods and services. Many supply arrangements include ceiling prices that allow client departments to negotiate the price downward based on the specific requirement.Tender — a proposal, bid or offer that is submitted in response to an Invitation to Tender, Request for Proposal, or Request for Quotation from a contracting authority.

10.1 Policies and procedures

Procurement policies and procedures shall:provide the following requirements on accessibility, that shall be considered throughout a procurement regardless of dollar value; andbe flexible and person-centred, recognizing that accessibility needs vary.

10.1.1 Incorporating accessibility

Policies and procedures shall state that accessibility requirements:be included throughout the procurement process including:all phases of procurement (planning, bidding and contract award, and contract management and closeout); andany competitive or non-competitive solicitation and resulting method of supply such as contracts, standing offers, or supply arrangements;be included in the specifications for the procurement of goods and services including:developing evaluation criteria and throughout the evaluation process;identifying testing requirements at the solicitation and contract phase;developing solicitation and contract documents; anddelivering industry engagement activities; andwhen accessibility requirements are not included in the specifications for a procurement, a mandatory written justification complying with Clause 10.1.4 shall be provided.

10.1.2 Roles and responsibilities

Policies and procedures shall outline roles and responsibilities for clients and procurement professionals when defining the requirements of the procurement including:the responsibility of the client to:comply with the policies and procedures identified in Clause 10.1.1;include accessibility requirements when specifying criteria for goods and services procured;include technical evaluation criteria to assess the bidder’s capacity to deliver against accessibility specifications;verify that contract deliverables incorporated accessibility requirements as defined in the solicitation; andprovide a mandatory written justification complying with Clause 10.1.4 when accessibility requirements are not included in the specifications for a procurement; andthe responsibility of the procurement professional to:when applicable, advise the client of their responsibility to include accessibility requirements in the specifications for the goods and services being procured;Note: Item b) i) of this Clause applies to the procurement professional if they are responsible for creating and defining the requirements for a method of supply such as a supply arrangement or standing offer.assist the client by identifying subject matter experts and relevant resources that can help to develop accessibility requirements;when applicable, play a challenge function when clients have not included accessibility requirements in the procurement; andwhen accessibility requirements are not included in the specifications for a procurement, verify that a mandatory written justification complying with Clause 10.1.4 is provided.

10.1.3 Defining requirements

10.1.3.1 General

Flexibility in the procurement strategy shall provide an opportunity to integrate accessibility requirements into a procurement instead of excluding it.

10.1.3.2 Flexible procurement requirements

Procurement policies shall specify that clients adopt a flexible approach to meeting accessibility requirements when conformance at the time of solicitation closing is not possible.Note: An example of applying a flexible approach is for the purchase of a commercial, off-the-shelf solution that does not meet accessibility standards at contract award.The contractor shall provide a roadmap (a plan) in an accessible format that will include details on how they will remediate their solution to conform with the applicable standard over a timeframe set out in the contract. Note: The roadmap should provide sufficient detail to allow the client to monitor the progress towards delivering a conformant solution.At the request of the client and in addition to the roadmap, the contractor shall provide methods of remediation to end users when accessibility barriers are reported during the remediation period.The remediation shall be agreed upon by all parties.

10.1.4 Mandatory justification for excluding accessibility

10.1.4.1 Justification 

Procurement policies shall:require a mandatory written justification from clients if accessibility requirements were excluded from the procurement. It is not sufficient to state that accessibility was “not appropriate” or “not applicable”;provide the reasons why accessibility requirements were not included in the procurement and provide information on the decision-making process to exclude accessibility requirements, including the following activities, if applicable:consulting with end users, including people with disabilities, to determine the functionality of the good, service or construction;identifying accessibility standards, guidelines, and best practices;consulting with subject matter experts;engaging with industry to determine market capacity;developing a flexible procurement approach complying with Clause 10.1.3; andconducting a risk assessment for not including accessibility; andbe signed by the client with the delegated responsibility and kept on the procurement file.Note 1: Discretion must be used when determining the reasons why accessibility requirements might not be applicable. For example, there is a difference in the reasons why accessibility is not applicable for a procurement looking to acquire construction materials as compared to a procurement looking to implement a new human resource platform for employees.Note 2: An example of such a justification form can be found at the link: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/services/acquisitions/temporary-help/templates-for-federal-department-clients/accessibility-criteria-procurement-justification-form.html

10.1.4.2 Confirmation of justification

If accessibility requirements are excluded, procurement professionals shall confirm that the client has provided a written justification complying with Clause 10.1.4.1.

11.1 General

Providing clear information in an accessible format helps individuals involved throughout a procurement process, including:Clients who have a requirement for goods, services or construction.Procurement professionals assisting clients in acquiring goods, services, or construction.Employees responsible for procurement-related policies and programs.Users who interact with the good, service, or construction.Businesses who want to participate in procurement. ,

11.2 Plain language and accessible formats

11.2.1 Plain language documents

The following documents shall comply with CAN-ASC-3.1:2025:Procurement policies and directivesProcurement manualsProcurement templates and formsInstructional training materials (internal and external facing)Solicitation and contract award documentsContracting notices and alertsCustomer service and help desk support documentationCommunications to businesses (for example, news items or correspondence)

11.2.2 Plain language summary

If providing a full document in plain language is not possible, a plain language summary providing essential information on the contents of the document shall be provided and comply with CAN-ASC-3.1:2025.

11.2.3 Accessible formats

All documents listed in Clause 11.2.1 shall comply with CAN-ASC-EN 301 549:2024. ,

11.3 Websites and digital applications

All internal and external facing websites and digital applications shall comply with CAN-ASC-EN 301 549:20204. This includes those used in:planning;bidding and contract award;contract management;closeout phases; andclauses ,

11.4 Engagement activities

11.4.1 General

The following requirements help clients and procurement professionals to plan accessible and inclusive engagement activities for both in-person and virtual events. Consistent, coherent, and well-coordinated engagement activities improve procurement outcomes.Organizers shall offer accommodations, complying with Clause 11.4.3, that support participants with disabilities. This may include allowing scheduled or additional small breaks during longer sessions, to enable participants to rest, manage fatigue, or attend to personal needs such as using the washroom.Note 1: Examples of engagement activities, organized by both clients and procurement professionals, can include:Industry daysOne-on-one meetings with potential biddersBusinesses’ information and outreach activitiesNote 2: Where it is not possible for an individual in the procurement process to attend a meeting in person, a hybrid protocol will be offered such that this person can attend an event virtually, in concert with others that are there in-person.It is important to take all reasonable steps to ensure stable network services both for virtual meetings and in-person events. Inconsistent connection can impact the quality and consistency of service delivery, even when accommodations are provided.

11.4.2 Information from engagement activities

Information from engagement activities should provide clients with the information necessary to:determine whether to proceed with planned requirements for procurement;determine if refinements should be made to the procurement including:the procurement strategy;the procurement structure;cost estimates;timelines;goods and services requirements; orany other aspect of the procurement requirements;enhance their understanding of industry goods and service offerings in the areas of interest; andassess alternative solutions that would meet its requirements, such as accessibility requirements for goods.

11.4.3 Identifying accommodation needs

Whether an engagement activity will be held in-person or virtually, the organizers shall:provide the opportunity for participants to identify their accommodation requirements prior to the engagement activity;follow the list of considerations below to tailor in-person and virtual activities, including but not limited to:Any physical mobility requirements, with the opportunity to specify the requirement.Any communication requirements including:Simultaneous interpretationReal-time captioningAmerican Sign LanguageLangue des signes québécoiseService requirements including:assistive listening systems; andthe need to accommodate a service dog, guide dog or support person.Availability of accommodation, and ability to easily contact a person with decision making or remediation authority if an accommodation is not effective. Ensure that participants are aware of this availability.Lead time requirements necessary to arrange accessibility and accommodation supports, venue setup, and/or virtual platform coordination.All required documents are provided at least two (2) business days before the engagement begins.A clear protocol for remediation during engagements is established so participants whose needs are not met can contact the organizer directly.All communicated accommodation needs or medical information is treated with absolute confidentiality;provide documents complying with Clause 11;respond to any other requirements including:dietary restrictions if meals are provided;emergency evacuation procedures;modifications to the physical environment (functional, sensory, environmental); andother accessibility supports, as requested or required;proactively implement accessibility measures that support participants who may not feel safe disclosing their disability or accommodation needs. These measures should reference and align with CAN-ASC-5.2.1:Part 1 (draft standard). While not all accommodations can be universally applied, many can be adopted without overburdening the process or reducing the quality of engagement.Note 1: Organizations are encouraged to provide training for staff—both during the onboarding and as part of ongoing professional development—on arranging accommodations, understanding lead times and costs, and using checklists or protocols.Note 2: At the conclusion of each engagement, organizations are encouraged to provide participants who received accommodations the opportunity to give feedback on their effectiveness, in the spirit of continuous improvement. Feedback should be shared (in an anonymized or appropriate form) with all participants, and organizers may present a timeline of next steps for improving accommodation effectiveness.

11.4.4 In-person engagement

11.4.4.1 General

The objective of the following requirements is to expand on the need to ask attendees about accommodation requirements. Following requirements for facilities creates accessible in-person events that are inclusive for all.

11.4.4.2 Facility assessment

When an outreach session is planned in-person, the client shall conduct a site assessment to comply with the requirements of Clauses 11.4.4.3 through 11.4.4.6.

11.4.4.3 Access to facilities

The following built environment elements that facilitate access to in-person events shall comply with CSA/ASC B651:23:Exterior circulationVehicular access

11.4.4.4 Facility specifications

The following built environment elements that facilitate in-person events shall:comply with CSA/ASC B651:23 for:Assistive listening systemsDoors and doorwaysPower-assisted doorsSignageElevating devicesWashroom facilitiesDrinking fountainsPublic telephonesIlluminationVisual contrastReduce functional and cognitive barriersEnvironmental intolerances;comply with CAN-ASC-5.2.1 Part 1 (draft standard) for:Guide dog or service dog relief areas; andhave eating facilities that are accessible including:Braille or large-print menus available in eating facilities.  

11.4.4.5 Meeting rooms

Meeting rooms that are used for in-person outreach events shall provide the following, including but not limited to:Enough space to accommodate a translation booth and captioning equipment.Reserved seating for people who use wheelchairs or mobilized scooters or who are accompanied by their guide dog, service dog, or support person.Seating space for sign language interpreters or simultaneous interpreters.Seating near interpreters, captionists, or note takers.Limited background noise.A scent-free environment.

11.4.4.6 Facility emergency egress

To facilitate emergency egress for in-person events, facilities shall:have emergency provisions complying with CSA/ASC B651:23; andhave a list of participants with individual evacuation needs and provide this list to the facility manager.

11.4.5 Virtual engagement

11.4.5.1 General

There are additional considerations for organizers to consider when delivering virtual engagement activities. This includes accounting for digital accessibility and different accommodations to create virtual events where everyone can participate.

11.4.5.2 Virtual engagement requirements

If an engagement event is hosted virtually, the organizer of the event shall:identify any accommodation requirements complying with Clause 11.4.3;provide relay services complying with CAN/ASC EN-301 549:2024;provide documents complying with Clause 11; anduse web platforms complying with CAN/ASC-EN 301 549:2024.

11.4.5.3 Event testing

If an engagement activity is hosted virtually, the organizer of the event should:complete a run through of a virtual event with sufficient lead time prior to the event to determine if all identified accessibility needs have been met; andcomplete user-testing of web platforms used to host the event to determine if any potential issues exist.

12.1 Defining requirements

To identify and define accessibility requirements for procurement, clients shall:identify applicable accessibility standards, guidelines, and best practices, and in such cases where no applicable references are available, continue to follow the procurement process and make reasonable efforts to identify a solution;consult with end users, including people with disabilities, in the planning phase and throughout the procurement process;identify requirements for user and accessibility conformance testing;consult with accessibility subject matter experts including persons with disabilities; andwhere no clear suitable solution can be found, follow the mandatory justification for excluding accessibility set out in Clause 10.1.4.Note: Organizations are encouraged to collaborate with vendors to develop curated source lists that prioritize accessibility, while also identifying suppliers and organizations with demonstrated accessibility expertise to maintain a current and reliable list of resources and services.To identify and define accessibility requirements for procurement, clients should:engage with industry (network of potential suppliers) and organizations who have procured similar goods or services to understand market capacity to help develop a procurement strategy that includes accessibility requirements; andconsider exemptions from mandatory methods of supply where fulfilling the duty to accommodate under the Canadian Human Rights Act or the Accessible Canada Act requires flexibility. See Clause 12.1.1 for requirements related to individual accommodation procurement.

12.1.1 Exception - Individual accommodation procurement

Where procurement is conducted to meet the specific accommodation needs of a person with a disability, standard competitive procurement rules may be set aside in recognition of obligations under the Accessible Canada Act, the Employment Equity Act, and the Financial Administration Act. In such cases:the individual shall be involved in evaluating and selecting the solution;evaluation may include personal factors such as communication preferences, provider familiarity, and service compatibility; andprocurement policies shall not override the duty to accommodate. Flexibility must be exercised to ensure accommodations are timely, effective, and uphold the individual’s dignity and autonomy. ,

12.2 Identifying requirements for testing

Clients shall determine if:as part of an evaluation, a demonstration is required for the good or service being procured to determine conformance to established accessibility requirements; andthird-party testing is required to determine the accessibility of a good or service. If third-party testing is required, clients shall:include subcontracting requirements for this testing within the requirements of the procurement; andstate that third-party testing will be required in solicitation documents. ,

12.3 Preparing solicitation documents

Any solicitation documents including amendments shall comply with Clause 11. ,

12.4 Planning the evaluation

12.4.1 General

The purpose of bid evaluation is to determine the best responsive bid among the bids submitted before the specified bid closing time. This is done in accordance with the evaluation and selection methodology as specified in the solicitation document.

12.4.2 Determining the evaluation timeline

The evaluation of bids shall provide sufficient time to evaluate accessibility requirements of a bid. Sufficient time shall be determined by:the needed time of evaluators to review a bid;the complexity of the bid, including accessibility requirements, of the bid;the number of bids submitted; andthe time period for which a bid(s) will be valid.

12.4.3 Identifying the evaluation panel

The evaluation panel responsible for evaluating bids shall include:individuals with subject matter expertise to evaluate the accessibility requirements of the procurement including:subject matter experts on the good, service or construction being provided;people with disabilities or lived experience who are end users of the good or service; orif required, independent third-party experts with accessibility knowledge of the good, service or construction being procured.

13.1 Determining the solicitation period

When determining the solicitation period for a procurement, clients shall: respect the minimum solicitation period as specified in any applicable trade agreements; anddetermine a reasonable amount of time for submitting bids based on:the level of complexity of the procurement;the amount of subcontracting anticipated; and,the time required to obtain the solicitation in an accessible format, prepare a bid, and submit a response to a solicitation.Note: A reasonable amount of time will vary depending on the solution. Solicitations could consider the time required for a supplier to respond. Solicitations could also factor the time required to prepare documents in accessible formats. It would be important to note that people with disabilities may need to be given enough time to prepare and submit a response to a solicitation.

13.1.1 Accessibility cost treatment in bidding

To promote equitable and inclusive participation in procurement opportunities, clients and procurement professionals shall:provide bidders an opportunity to itemize any costs expected to be incurred to accommodate themselves or their employees during the performance of the work under the contract;request that bidders provide these costs separately from other costs associated to the financial proposal (e.g., these should be provided in an appendix or cost breakdown table);describe in the solicitation document how these accommodation-related costs will be assessed;ensure the accommodation-related costs are not included in the evaluation of the financial proposals;validate, prior to contract award, that the accommodation-related costs are fair and reasonable; and,ensure that the accommodation-related costs are reflected in the basis of payment of the resulting contract. ,

13.2 Planning a bidders conference

Bidders conferences shall comply with Clause 11. ,

13.3 Requiring site visits

When site visits are required, clients and procurement professionals shall:inquire proactively if there are accommodation requirements; andwork to provide accessible solutions if a site visit is required and is not accessible. ,

13.4 Responding to bidding inquiries

When preparing responses to bidding inquiries, procurement professionals and clients shall prepare a written response in plain language complying with Clause 11.2. ,

13.5 Amending (or modifying) a solicitation

If, due to an inquiry, a significant change is made to a solicitation, the remaining bid period should:be adjusted to allow interested bidders to consider and respond to the new information required for the solicitation in complying with Clause 13.1; andif the bidding period has been adjusted, an amendment must be issued and communicated in a format complying with Clause 11.2.3 to those who are bidding that solicitation requirements have been changed.  ,

13.6 Providing an unsuccessful bidder debriefing

Upon request by a business, clients and procurement professionals shall provide an unsuccessful bidder debriefing that:provides documents in an accessible format and in plain language complying with Clause 11;if required, provides alternate formats;if required, provides an equivalent accessible debrief, such as sign language translation of the debrief, in complying with EN 301 549:2024; andif required, ensures sign language interpretation is provided to debrief meetings, and allow reasonable time extension past the deadline to unsuccessful bidders.Note: When accessibility or translation service is required, the steps should be taken to prevent any conflict of interest. Where possible the service should be provided in-house to the organization, or the bidder may be invited to propose a qualified interpreter or translator for approval. This may include the translation of written debrief to sign language video format to ensure accessibility while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality.

14.1 Monitoring contract progress

Clients shall be responsible for confirming that:accessibility requirements established by the contract are being met throughout the contract;any accessibility issues identified throughout the duration of the contract are resolved; andany task authorizations, contract amendments, or work orders issued against the contract include applicable accessibility requirements. ,

14.2 Confirming deliverables

Clients shall be responsible for confirming that any contract deliverables meet the accessibility requirements established by the contract including:Any task authorizations issued against the contract.Any work orders issued against the contract.Inspection for barriers by persons with disabilities before delivery whether it be at the contractor or the delivery site. ,

14.3 Resolving end user issues

Clients shall be responsible for confirming that the contracted business resolved any end user reported accessibility issues in accordance with the contract. ,

14.4 Measuring procurement outcomes

Organizations shall identify a process for measuring, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the inclusion of accessibility in procurement.

15.1 Persons who must receive training

Organizations shall provide training on accessible procurement to:every person who is involved in procurement including:Clients who are responsible for specifying requirements for their procurement.Procurement professionals who are responsible for the procurement process.Procurement policy and program and service design and delivery employees who are responsible for developing information and services to support the procurement process.Senior management.  ,

15.2 Contents of training

Training for people identified in Clause 15.1 shall include content that provides:a review of:the purposes of the Accessible Canada Act;the requirements of this Standard; andthe organizations’ strategies, policies, and procedures related to accessible procurement;information specific to procurement on how to:consider and include accessibility requirements when identifying specifications for a procurement; andintegrate accessibility into the procurement process; andinformation specific to communication and engagement activities on how to:apply plain language to all content;apply accessible formatting techniques to documents;deliver accessible virtual or in-person engagement activities; andcommunicate with people with various disabilities. ,

15.3 Development and delivery method

Training development and delivery shall comply with CAN-ASC-5.2.1 Part 1 (draft standard).

15.3.1 Development

Training shall be developed in consultation with people with disabilities and they shall be appropriately compensated for their time and expertise.Training development may include input from organizations with relevant subject-matter expertise that represent people with disabilities.

15.3.2 Delivery method

People with disabilities should be included as key members of the team delivering the training and shall be appropriately compensated for their time and expertise.Training delivery may include input from organizations with relevant subject-matter expertise that represent people with disabilities.

15.3.3 Timing

Training complying with Clause 15.2 shall be provided:to all individuals listed in Clause 15.1;before or immediately after the person joins an organization or begins work with the organization;when there are changes to policies, practices, and information regarding accessible procurement;at a minimum of every 2 years; andwhenever a procurement involves a good or service that has received multiple accessibility complaints, or when a new or updated standard becomes available.

16.1 Acts

Government of Canada. S.C. 2019, c. 10. Accessible Canada Acthttps://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/a-0.6/ ,

16.2 Standards and codes

Accessibility Standards CanadaCAN/ASC-EN 301 549:2024, Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services (EN 301 549:2021, IDT) https://accessible.canada.ca/creating-accessibility-standards/canasc-en-301-5492024-accessibility-requirements-ict-products-and-servicesCAN-ASC-3.1:2025, Plain Language https://accessible.canada.ca/creating-accessibility-standards/can-asc-312025-plain-languageCAN-ASC-5.2.1 Part 1: Design and Delivery of Accessible Programs and Services: Accessible Service Delivery - Accessibility for federally regulated entities as defined by the Accessible Canada Act (draft standard) https://accessible.canada.ca/creating-accessibility-standards/can-asc-521-design-and-delivery-accessible-programs-and-servicesCSA Group/Accessibility Standards CanadaCSA/ASC-B651:23, Accessible design for the built environment https://accessible.canada.ca/creating-accessibility-standards/csa-asc-b651-accessible-design-built-environment ,

16.3 Online Resources

Technical Guide. Procurement of accessible goods https://accessible.canada.ca/creating-accessibility-standards/procurement-accessible-goods/2-about-technical-guideTechnical Guide. Procurement of accessible serviceshttps://accessible.canada.ca/creating-accessibility-standards/technical-guide-procurement-accessible-services/2-about-technical-guidePublicationsExample of Justification formhttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/services/acquisitions/temporary-help/templates-for-federal-department-clients/accessibility-criteria-procurement-justification-form.html ,

16.4 Publications

Adaptability Canada Corporation. 2025. The Accessible Procurement Research Project (APRP) Driving Accessibility and Positive Change in Canadian Procurement Practices.Canadian Association of the Deaf. 2023. Advancing Accessibility Standards for Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing Canadians.Canadian National Institute for the Blind. 2024. Accessible Procurement in Canada.CSA Group. 2021. Advancing Accessibility Standards Research: Review of CSA Group Standards for Accessibility Adaptation.Neil Squire Society. 2023. Procurement of Accessible Mobile Devices.Ontario College of Art and Design University. 2025. Accessible Canada, Accessible World/Un Canada accessible, Un monde accessible.Realize. n.d. INDEED (INvestigating the DEvelopment of Accessibility Standards in Canada and the Inclusion/Exclusion of Episodic Disabilities.