Not all accessibility evaluations are the same. Here’s what sets a managed audit apart from the alternatives.
Companies looking for accessibility documentation typically encounter three options: automated scanners that cover roughly 30–40% of WCAG criteria, traditional consultancies where the same person audits and signs off, and managed audits with independent verification, assistive technology testing, and a finished VPAT included.
The table below breaks down how each approach compares across the attributes that matter most to procurement teams.
Harbor audits are performed under the DHS Trusted Tester certification — the U.S. federal government’s own Section 508 test methodology. The final conformance report (VPAT/ACR) is then signed by an independent reviewer holding IAAP credentials (International Association of Accessibility Professionals), the industry standard for demonstrating accessibility expertise — similar to how a CPA certification works in accounting. Two credentials, two sets of eyes.
Harbor’s process separates the audit work from the final review. The team that tests the product is not the same person who signs the report. This independent verification is what gives the deliverable weight in procurement — it’s the difference between a self-assessment and a credentialed evaluation.
Every Harbor engagement is also backed by Errors & Omissions insurance, which means the company stands behind the accuracy of the work.
Automated scanners check code patterns — missing alt attributes, insufficient color contrast, empty form labels. But a significant portion of WCAG criteria require human judgment. These categories of issues only surface through manual testing with assistive technology:
Automated tools typically cover about 30–40% of WCAG success criteria. The remaining 60–70% require a person using the product with a keyboard and screen reader — that is what Harbor’s manual testing provides.
Same product, three different approaches. Here’s what each type of provider delivers.
| Attribute | Automated-Only | Traditional Firm | Harbor Accessibility Co.™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| What They Test | Code patterns only | Code + limited manual checks | Code + keyboard + screen reader + manual review |
| WCAG Coverage | ~30–40% of criteria | Varies by firm | All applicable criteria evaluated |
| Report Authority | No one (auto-generated) | Same consultant who audited | Independent IAAP-credentialed reviewer |
| Assistive Technology Testing | Not included | Sometimes included | Included in every engagement |
| Accepted by Procurement | Often rejected | Generally accepted | Designed for procurement review |
| Follow-Up Reviews | Re-run the scan | Billed separately | Up to 3 included (5 on Enterprise) |
| Timeline | Minutes | 8–12 weeks | Target 60 days* |
| Typical Cost | $0–$2,000 | $6,500–$15,000+ | Starting at $7,500 flat |
| E&O Insurance | No | Varies | Included |
*60-day timeline is typical for Standard and Professional tiers. Competitor pricing reflects typical market ranges.