Nelnet Accessibility Services Now on Civic Marketplace
Public agencies can now buy Nelnet’s ADA web accessibility services on Civic Marketplace without running a separate RFP process.
Rhea-AI Summary
Nelnet (NNI) announced that its accessibility assessment, remediation, and compliance services for public-sector digital properties are now available through Civic Marketplace under a cooperative contract awarded via the Alliance for Innovation (AFI).
This listing lets eligible state and local governments, public schools, and other public agencies procure Nelnet’s ADA Web Accessibility Consulting and Design services at pre-negotiated cooperative pricing without issuing a separate RFP. The offering aims to help agencies meet Department of Justice ADA Title II requirements to align websites, apps, and digital content with WCAG 2.1 AA standards ahead of compliance deadlines in 2027 and 2028.
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State and local agencies can now access Nelnet's accessibility assessment, remediation, and compliance services through a cooperative contract that requires no new request for proposal (RFP) ahead of approaching Department of Justice (DOJ) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II compliance deadlines.
As an awarded supplier through the AFI cooperative program, Nelnet's services have already been competitively solicited and awarded in accordance with public procurement requirements. Through Civic Marketplace, eligible public agencies can access Nelnet's services and pre-negotiated cooperative pricing without conducting a separate RFP, providing a faster path from accessibility need to implementation.
What Agencies Can Access
- Accessibility Assessments: Expert-led audits of websites, applications, and documents that surface Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 barriers and produce a clear compliance roadmap.
- Remediation Services: Hands-on repair of websites, mobile apps, documents, and video so digital content works for people using assistive technology.
- Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) Reporting, Training & Ongoing Support: Standards-based compliance documentation, staff training, and Accessibility Team as a Service (ATaaS) for continuous governance as content changes.
"Every resident deserves digital services that work for them, and every agency deserves a partner who can help them get there without adding a lengthy procurement process," said Marc Thorson, Lead Accessibility Architect at Nelnet. "Making our accessibility team available through Civic Marketplace means agencies can start real compliance work now, well ahead of the deadlines bearing down on them."
Why This Matters
Under the Department of Justice's ADA Title II rule, state and local government websites, apps, and digital content must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. The DOJ recently extended the compliance deadlines, giving larger public entities until April 26, 2027, and smaller public entities and special districts until April 26, 2028. But auditing, remediating, and retraining staff across years of legacy content takes longer than many agencies expect, and the deadline marks when compliance is required, not when the work should start.
Most agencies don't need a seven-figure platform overhaul to get there. Many compliance gaps close for a fraction of that cost through focused assessment and remediation work, without the year a standalone RFP process usually consumes.
"Digital accessibility is a growing operational priority for local governments, and many agencies need specialized expertise to address it effectively," said Michael Wilkes, President and CEO of the Alliance for Innovation. "Bringing Nelnet into our cooperative portfolio gives public agencies access to proven capabilities in an area that is becoming increasingly important to how governments operate and serve their communities."
Nelnet has already put that model to work in state and local government: its accessibility team embedded with
Access This Contract Now on Civic Marketplace
Nelnet's digital accessibility services are available now through Civic Marketplace. To explore the contract and begin procurement, view the Nelnet contract listing on Civic Marketplace, or contact Nelnet at AccessibilityWorkRequest@nelnet.net.
About Nelnet Government Services
Nelnet Government Services (NYSE: NNI) helps public sector organizations achieve and maintain digital accessibility compliance while creating more inclusive experiences for the people they serve. Our
About Alliance for Innovation
AFI is a nonprofit association of governments dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in local government. AFI assists local governments in implementing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and community impact. The organization emphasizes strategic thinking, emerging technologies, and best practices to equip public agencies with the knowledge and support to address evolving challenges.
AFI offers various programs, including innovation academies, workshops, and a comprehensive knowledge network that allows local governments to share success stories and lessons learned. It hosts annual conferences and webinars that unite municipal leaders, industry experts, and academic researchers to explore trends in governance, sustainability, civic engagement, and operational improvements. By promoting a culture of innovation, AFI empowers local governments to be more adaptive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of their communities, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for citizens nationwide.
About Civic Marketplace
Civic Marketplace is the AI procurement platform built for local governments and free for every SLED entity to use. By removing cost as a barrier, we make it easier for cities, counties, and school districts to modernize how they buy goods and services without adding strain to already tight budgets.
Our platform connects government buyers to a network of pre-approved suppliers, ensuring every contract meets compliance and quality standards from the start. We're especially committed to expanding access for historically underutilized businesses, helping local governments support regional suppliers and strengthen the communities they serve.
Procurement doesn't have to be slow, complicated, or expensive. Civic Marketplace is backed by venture investment and built to prove it. Learn more at civicmarketplace.com.
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SOURCE Nelnet Government Services
FAQ
What specific accessibility services can agencies procure from Nelnet through Civic Marketplace?
Through Civic Marketplace, eligible agencies can access Accessibility Assessments that audit websites, applications, and documents against WCAG 2.1 and provide a compliance roadmap; Remediation Services that repair websites, mobile apps, documents, and video for assistive technology users; and VPAT/ACR reporting, training, and ongoing support, including standards-based documentation, staff training, and an Accessibility Team as a Service (ATaaS) for continuous governance.
How does the cooperative contract simplify procurement for public agencies?
Nelnet’s contract, awarded through the Alliance for Innovation cooperative program, has already been competitively solicited and awarded in line with public procurement rules. Through Civic Marketplace, agencies can use this contract and its pre-negotiated cooperative pricing without issuing a new RFP, which the company describes as reducing the time from identifying an accessibility need to implementing solutions.
What ADA Title II compliance deadlines are referenced in this announcement?
The Department of Justice ADA Title II rule requires state and local government websites, apps, and digital content to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. The DOJ has extended compliance deadlines to April 26, 2027 for larger public entities and April 26, 2028 for smaller public entities and special districts. The company notes that these dates mark when compliance is required, not when agencies should start remediation work.
What example of prior government accessibility work does Nelnet highlight?
Nelnet highlights a project with Colorado’s Office of Information Technology, where its accessibility team embedded with the state to help bring the myColorado app into WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. The app is described as being used by more than 1 million residents for driver’s licenses, DMV services, and benefit applications.
How can agencies access Nelnet’s contract on Civic Marketplace?
Agencies can access Nelnet’s digital accessibility services by viewing the Nelnet contract listing on Civic Marketplace to explore contract details and begin procurement. They can also contact Nelnet directly at AccessibilityWorkRequest@nelnet.net for further information or to start the process.