Overview
Accessibility applies both to the College (internal) and external service providers whom the College engages with to provide services, act as partners, etc.
Users
Students, Employees
Environment
Third party software, platforms or hosted services provided by a vendor.
Details
Purchasing or Contracting with 3rd Parties for Software and Services
All purchases are to be evaluated through the System Office (SO) procurement process (Risk Analysis by SO-Information Technology and Legal Terms Review by SO-Office of General Council [OGC]).
System Office has incorporated into its Contract Amendment language pertaining to WCAG 2.1 A/AA requirements, specifically:
Effective Monday, March 23, 2026, the Services Contract Template has been updated within JAGGAER. This change only affects newly created contracts. Updating to the new Minnesota State Services Contract ensures that all agreements meet current legal, accessibility, and data‑security standards.
The updated version strengthens compliance with WCAG 2.1 and nonvisual access laws, expands protections for Minnesota State data, and introduces a cleaner, more consistent structure that reduces contract‑generation errors. Using the updated template helps protect the institution, improves equity and accessibility for all users, and streamlines the contracting process for both staff and vendors.
Below is a summary of the main changes:
1. New Accessibility Requirements (WCAG 2.1 A/AA):
The template now includes a comprehensive accessibility clause requiring WCAG 2.1 A/AA compliance for all electronic deliverables, vendor‑provided accessibility documentation, no‑cost remediation for accessibility issues, and advance notice to Minnesota State when updates may affect accessibility.
2. New Nonvisual Access Standards (Minn. Stat. §16C.145):
Contracts must ensure technology is operable nonvisually, compatible with screen readers and assistive technology, and provides equivalent access for visually impaired users.
3. Expanded Government Data Practices & Privacy Language:
Updates strengthen vendor obligations related to all Minnesota State data - covering data created, collected, stored, or transmitted - and provide clearer instructions for handling data requests. The section also reinforces references to statutory civil remedies.
4. Updated Template Structure:
Fields have been replaced with standardized fields, improving list numbering integrity and supporting cleaner automation.
Impact: Fewer generation errors, reduced manual editing, and a more consistent contract‑creation process.
More Information