IT Purchase Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is a review process required for ICT products/services?
   Executive Order 926 mandates CSU campuses to make its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes students, faculty, staff, and the general public who visit or attend a campus sponsored event. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires the University, including self-support and auxiliaries, to apply accessibility standards to all Electronic and Information Technology products and services that it buys, creates, uses and maintains regardless of cost or funding source. CSUF is commited to buy the most universally accessible products, and the IT Purchasing review process helps ensure adherence to CSU policy and the law. 
• How do I know if my purchase request is an ICT purchase?

  The following categories of products and services are IT purchases:

  • Software applications and operating systems: licenses, subscriptions
  • Web-based information and applications: websites, online surveys, "cloud based" services, subscriptions, and other content, social media sites, etc.
  • Video and multimedia products and services: TV displays and tuners, projectors, media players and recorders, multimedia, etc.
  • Hardware: servers, computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, input devices, storage devices, etc.
  • Other office equipment: printers, scanners, copiers, kiosks, digital cameras, scientific instruments, etc.

  In general, if a product fits into one of these categories, requires user interaction, and involves creating, converting, transferring or duplicating data or information, then it is an IT purchase.

• What items are excluded from ICT purchase review?

  Items exempt from the review process include, but not limited to - writeable media, removable storage, cables/adaptors, printer consumables, and other miscellaneous technology parts.

  For a complete list, please refer to the pre-approved consumable products document.

• What are the steps involved in an ICT purchase request?

  The high-level steps are:

  1. Purchase requester completes E&IT Purchase Request Form and uploads all required documentation and forms.
  2. Request is reviewed by the ATI Coordinator.  Other IITS subject matter experts may be needed to conduct full VPAT and product accessibility reviews depending on the impact to the University community.
  3. Upon approval, purchase requester receives notification and an authorization for their ProCard or requisition form.

  For detailed steps, refer to the ICT Purchase Request User Guide.

• How long will it take for my request to be approved?
  IITS is commited to providing high quality customer service and will make contact with the purchase requester within 1-2 days of receipt of the E&IT form. However, the length of time it takes to receive approval fluctuates based on campus impact and the completion of the VPAT and other documentation.  If the requester did not supply a VPAT, there could be a delay depending on how long it takes the supplier to provide a VPAT.
• My request was approved, now what do it do?
  You may proceed with your purchase via ProCard or purchase requisition. The completed E&IT documentation provides confirmation to Procurement the purchase was reviewed by IITS.
• What is a VPAT?
  VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. A VPAT is a form to be completed by the supplier that documents their product’s conformance with the Section 508 Accessibility Standards. A completed VPAT should state which criteria the product supports, and explain what features it utilizes to support accessibility.
• I provided a VPAT when I ordered this product in the past, do I need to do it again?
  VPATs typically become null and void once a new version of the product is made available. We kindly request that you check with the supplier to verify the previously used VPAT is still valid.
• What if the supplier cannot/will not produce a VPAT?
  If no VPAT exists, or is deemed insufficent upon review from the ATI Coordinator, the purchase requester will be asked to complete an Equally Effective Access Plan (EEAAP). The EEAAP is required to verify acknowledgement of the user’s obligation to monitor the product’s use and provide reasonable access accommodations in the event of future accessibility issues or upon request.
• Do iPad apps or other mobile device apps need to use this process?
  Yes, all mobile apps will need to go through the ICT purchasing process.