The Social Security Administration (SSA) is improving its field office kiosk technology for visitors to check-in and perform simple self-help services. We seek a solution easily usable by all members of the public that visit our field offices and accessible to people with a disability. The kiosks will be:
- Standalone, enclosed units
- Ruggedized for use in semi-supervised locations
- Zero client based systems
- USB attached peripheral devices installed inside the kiosk cabinet
- Meet agency accessibility and usability requirements
The agency will design and host the software on its own infrastructure. This includes software accessibility features that rely on hardware components. For instance, the software is designed to start a screen reader when a user inserts a headphone jack into the kiosk and this will require headphone jack sockets that include a tip switch that detects the insertion and removal of a headphone jack.
The government provided software for the check-in kiosk is nearly complete. We have an immediate need to install several hundred to a couple thousand check-in kiosks within 12-18 months.
Because the check-in kiosk solution needs to be deployed in the near future, we are interested in cabinet designs that are already “on the shelf” and will require little modification. If costs and timelines are not impacted, we may consider a custom cabinet design.
Does the solicitation indicate that this is intended as a response to the pandemic? If so, do they really think people are going to feel comfortable stepping into an "enclosed" (and presumably relatively small) kiosk that who knows how many other sick/medically-impaired people have used that day?
ReplyDeleteConsidering the current and future pandemic or disasters,SSA needs to enhance customer digital portals(Myssa)for communication with the agency.
ReplyDeleteRaise your hand if you know who will be responsible for cleaning/sanitizing these units between uses?
ReplyDeleteManagement of course....
ReplyDeleteSounds like new VIPr cabinets/kiosks based on the NFB lawsuit. Carrels are what you need to be on the lookout for. Thats the enclosure for the public to use the SHPC
ReplyDeleteWhat ever gets designed will need staff help. Can't wait. Staff rarely helps. Too busy.
ReplyDeleteMost don't know what USB means. United States Baseball
ReplyDeleteThis is almost certainly not a plan with Covid in mind. This is a plan to try and keep routine and basic tasks from occupying the field office personnel and free them up for more intensive tasks.
ReplyDelete