USABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY TESTING SERVICES FOR FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

INTRODUCTION The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) have a requirement for accessibility User Testing services to meet the Government of Canada accessibility standards, which will allow DFO to enhance the quality of its digital content and products. To achieve accessibility standards, DFO has determined that conducting accessibility testing services with real users of assistive technology will significantly improve user experience, especially for individuals with disabilities. BACKGROUND The Accessible Canada Act came into effect on June 21st, 2019.DFO has been working to ensure that all its digital solutions comply with Government of Canada Accessibility Standards. To achieve this, and improve user experience for all, DFO has identified the need for accessibility testing services. These services are essential to ensuring that DFO designs and delivers accessible digital products through its various programs. This initiative is aligned with the Government of Canada’s strategy for inclusivity, “Nothing Without Us” , aiming to engage with people with disabilities to make information and communication technology usable by all. TASKS The Contractor(s) must provide the following services: Accessibility Tester(s) that are real users of assistive technology, such as but not limited to, Jaws, keyboard, Dragon, physical disability, cognitive disability. Five (5) moderated or unmoderated Accessibility Testing sessions per month in various service formats such as but not limited to; - User Interviews - Prototype Reviews - Compatibility Tests - Quality Assurance on assistive technology - Self-Guided Tasks to be performed or accomplished. Training and onboarding on how to use their services for up to five (5) employees from DFO. Technical support as needed for any issues DFO may encounter while accessing their services, including support and assistance in answering questions throughout the contract’s duration. DELIVERABLES AND ASSOCIATED SCHEDULE The Contractor must deliver the following activities based on a schedule to be finalized at the kickoff meeting. The agreed timeline will commence within 30 days of the Effective Date. Description Timeline Monthly Complete five test requests per month Monthly Quarterly Review Quarterly review to evaluate adoption and begin preparing for expansion at three months mark Once every quarter SECURITY REQUIREMENTS There are no security requirements associated with this requirement. PERIOD OF THE PROPOSED CONTRACT The proposed contract is for a period of one (1) year, from Contract Award to January 2026 with an option to extend the contract for two(2) additional 12 months periods.