Web Development Standard

Purpose

Create a common, compliant framework for development of accessible web sites that support the function and mission of the entity while establishing a level of effectiveness, consistency and professionalism across the State of North Dakota web sites.

Standard

1. HTML shall validate to a World Wide Web Consortium's "W3C Recommendation".
2. Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) shall validate to a "W3C Recommendation".
3. Every public web site HTML page shall display the state banner.
4. Advertisements shall not be displayed.
   1. Links to business partners are allowed if they meet all of the following:
      1. Link is related to the agency/department's business
      2. It is without compensation
      3. There is no discrimination in determining allowed links
5. Business partner sites are not subject to state standards, however they must comply with the following:
   1. Cannot display state banner
   2. Shall not appear as an official state government agency
6. Every public web site HTML page shall provide a link to or display the following:
   1. Contact information including address, phone and email
   2. Privacy policy
   3. Home page
   4. Security policy
   5. Disclaimer

Definition

Advertisement - Blatant advertisement - i.e. selling of advertisement on web site Graphics (such as logos) - links or information that endorse a business or organization. The inclusion of vendor logos and links to commercial sites with the intent to promote sales.

Business Partner Sites - A third party site providing information/applications/services on behalf of the state related to the services of the agency for the benefit of the public that is not hosted on state servers and is not directly controlled by a state agency.

HTML pages - Any page that contains HTML code. This includes static or generated pages.

Intranet web site - Web site that is only accessible to an agency's staff.

Web site - A web site is a collection of web files or application generated web pages.

Public web site - A site accessible by the general public.

Applicable North Dakota Century Code (NDCC)

The Great Seal of North Dakota is reserved for official use. Refer to NDCC 54-02-01 for regulations. For accessibility information - Refer to NDCC 14-02.4-14 and NDCC 14-02.4-15 for definitions of discrimination in the provision of public services.

Guidance

1. W3C specification for HTMLhttp://www.w3.org/TR/#tr_HTML
2. W3C specification for Cascading Style Sheetshttp://www.w3.org/TR/#tr_CSS

Policy

Implementation of development standards for accessible, consistent, and user-friendly web sites providing quick, simple access to government information and services. Thereby, reducing costs and streamlining government by providing greater access to information and more convenient government services.

Scope

This standard applies to all executive branch state agencies including the University Systems Office but excluding other higher education institutions, i.e. campuses and agricultural and research centers.

Statement of Commitment

North Dakota's CIO/CTO directs that IT Policy be created to establish statewide information technology policies and standards as defined within ND Century Code (Chapter 54-59-09).

Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with this standard shall be reported to the Office of the State Auditor.