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Market Research GuidelinesThere are numerous ways to conduct market research. These are only intended as examples to provide guidelines and not necessarily the policy of your individual agencies. Please check with your agency's Section 508 Coordinator for procedures, guidance, tools and resources. Research about the marketplace could go in many different directions depending on the purpose for which the information will be used. Because market research is the foundation for building an effective solicitation and a successful contract, the FAR appropriately requires agencies to conduct market research at the earliest stages in the acquisition process. As it relates to Section 508, market research is the mechanism for determining the availability of compliant electronic and information technology (E⁢) products and comparing products that meet the government's requirements for accessibility. The definition of market research is: A process used to collect, organize, maintain, analyze, and present data for the purpose of maximizing the capabilities, technology and competitive force of the marketplace to meet an organization's needs for supplies or services. Market research information will differ depending on whether the research is being conducted to develop a requirements document, support preparation of a solicitation, or both. Market research early in the acquisition cycle is intended to ensure that, if commercial items are available to satisfy the government requirement, then those commercial items will be acquired -- rather than a government-unique item. When to Perform Market ResearchMarket research should be conducted appropriate to the circumstances.
Market Research ExamplesThe following market research examples were developed by teams of Section 508 Coordinators to illustrate the different methodologies that can be used to provide information that and be used by a procuring official to make informed decisions for the purchase of products and/or services that meet Section 508 requirements. These examples include market research planning processes, resources and tools for market research and examples of documentation. The resulting examples relate directly to the specific Section 508 Technical Standards. However, the methodology embodied in these examples can be applied to other product research situations. Section 508 technical requirements:
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