Review of Alleged Noncompliance With Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act on MyCareer@VA Web Site

We evaluated the merits of an allegation that VA launched an enhanced version of its MyCareer@VA Web site even though it was not compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. We substantiated the allegation and found that VA Learning University (VALU) project officials did not address nearly 200 known Section 508 compliance issues and did not seek certification of compliance prior to the deployment of the Web site; therefore, they failed to ensure individuals with disabilities had access to information and data on the MyCareer@VA Web site comparable to those who do not have disabilities, as required by law. Despite no evidence to show testing was complete or a certification of compliance, VALU certified acceptance of all deliverables and deployed the Web site in November 2014. We also determined VALU added work, at a cost of $34,011, to the follow-on contract with a current contractor to remedy the outstanding Section 508 noncompliance issues. The deployment of the Web site prior to the determination of Section 508 compliance occurred because VA policy is not specific regarding Electronic Information and Technology (EIT) compliance with Section 508 requirements. In addition, we found that VALU management did not provide adequate oversight of the project. We recommended the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration (HR&A) complete testing of the MyCareer@VA Web site, address outstanding issues, and seek certification for compliance with Section 508 requirements. We also recommended the Assistant Secretary for HR&A take steps to improve controls over ensuring the products VALU develops are Section 508 compliant. In addition, we recommended the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology strengthen VA policy for ensuring EIT products are Section 508 compliant.