Software and Accessibility Review Board
The Software and Accessibility Review Board (SARB) facilitates interdepartmental reviews of new software and software renewals. SARB partners with Procurement and General Counsel to ensure proper standards are followed for new University software.
Submit your SARB request
After we receive your request, please allow at least 10 business days to complete your SARB request.
The W's of the SARB
Please note that student employees, graduate teaching assistants, affiliates, and vendors are not eligible to submit SARB requests.
Contact SARB@boisestate.edu for more information.
What is SARB?
A SARB request is a collection of technical information gathered by the requester (you) and the vendor. This information is routed through a committee of campus IT professionals, each with unique areas of expertise.
This group collectively checks for compatibility with Boise State’s existing IT infrastructure, compliance with University policies, and adherence to best practices and IT standards.
Why do I have to submit a SARB?
As you select software you wish to purchase or obtain, our team will ensure the software is reviewed for the safety and security of our University community. Boise State stands to save resources by reducing redundancy and unifying toolsets.
An Accessibility Review will be performed when software is utilized by students and/or the general public, to ensure in accordance with University Policy 8140 (Information Technology Accessibility).
When should I submit a SARB request?
Submit a request to SARB as soon as you have selected the product you wish to procure.
All new procurements require SARB review.
New starting in 2025. SARB has recently updated the renewal process to better streamline it for our campus community. If software has already been reviewed by SARB and appears on the OIT Reviewed Software list, a renewal form submission is no longer required for continued use. However, you will still need to coordinate with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and Procurement to complete the purchasing process and address any contract renewals.
When is it not necessary to submit a SARB request?
- The software is listed on Boise State’s OIT Software Approved List. If your desired software is on the list, then a SARB review is not required. This includes renewals and new purchases. Please work with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and Procurement to complete the purchasing process and any contract processes that may apply.
- Procurement of non-sensitive data, specifically if no Boise State faculty or staff have access to the software and if Boise State is directing users to a third-party website (e.g., ZTRAX).
- Procurement to access a website that allows specific faculty and staff user to view content (e.g., New York Times).
- Procurement of social media applications that students and the general public are not required to utilize (e.g., X).
- Procurement of hardware that does not include software.
- Procurement of a vendor where Boise State does not take over ownership of the content that students and/or general public are not required to utilize (e.g., AAA Flag and Banner).
If you are unsure your vendor meets these thresholds please submit a SARB request.