Watermark+Learning+-+signed.pdf

TECHNOLOGY CONTRACT: Information Technology Training Services Vendor Pool

1. PARTIES

The parties to this contract for IT Training Services and Vendor Pool are the state of North Dakota, acting through its Office of Management and Budget, State Procurement Office (STATE), and Educate 360, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company dba Watermark Learning, dba Project Management Academy, and dba Pierian Training (CONTRACTOR), having its principal place of business at 1241 Cumberland Ave, Ste A, West Lafayette, IN 47906-1304.

2. COOPERATIVE PURCHASING STATE TERM CONTRACT

This contract is a cooperative purchasing contract established pursuant to North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) sections 54-44.4-13. This contract is made available to state entities, institutions under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Higher Education, other government entities (including counties, cities, townships, public primary and secondary educational entities, governmental boards and commissions), nonprofit entities established on behalf of public entities, tribal agencies, transportation providers under N.D.C.C chapter 39-04.2, and the International Peace Garden.

3. DEFINITIONS

a) Data - means any information provided to, or collected, generated, stored, or processed by the system. Data includes user identification information and metadata which may contain Data or from which the STATE’s Data may be ascertainable.

b) Data Breach - means any access, destruction, loss, theft, use, modification or disclosure of Data by an unauthorized party or that is in violation of Contract terms and/or applicable state or federal law.

c) Data Classification - means the process of defining data into relevant categories so the information has the appropriate controls in place to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability based on the type of information.

d) Personally Identifiable Information (PII) - information about an individual maintained by an agency, including that 1) can be used to distinguish or trace an individual‘s identity, such as name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother‘s maiden name, or biometric records; or (2) is linked or linkable to an individual, such as medical, educational, financial, and employment information.

e) Software as a Service (SaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider’s applications running on a provider’s infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through interfaces such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email), or a program interface. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings. This definition is based on and consistent with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-145.

f) Users – means contractors, subcontractors, outsourcing vendors, consultants and others who have a need to use the software for the benefit of STATE.

4. SCOPE OF WORK

CONTRACTOR, in exchange for the compensation paid by STATE under this Contract, shall provide as needed training services including:

a. On-site Training

b. Online Self-Paced Training http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t54c44-4.pdf?20130131153805 http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t39c04-2.pdf?20130131161514

c. Online Instructor led Training

d. Mentoring Services

e. Provides flexibility to customize vendor course curriculum

f. Provides ability to customize/develop a course curriculum with the customer

Training topics will be provided based on Exhibit B.

5. COMPENSATION

a. Contractual Amount STATE shall pay for the accepted services provided by CONTRACTOR under this Contract at a flat discount off CONTRACTOR list price. The flat discount rate is 15% (Contractual Amount).

Course pricing is listed in Exhibit B. Club PDU access is available per user for an annual fee of $420.75.

The Contractual Amount is firm for the duration of this Contract and constitutes the entire compensation due CONTRACTOR for performance of its obligations under this Contract regardless of the difficulty, materials or equipment required, including fees, licenses, overhead, profit and all other direct and indirect costs or expenses incurred by CONTRACTOR except as provided by an amendment to this Contract.

If a scheduled class with a live instructor is cancelled or postponed within 30 days of the scheduled date it will result in a charge of 25% of the minimum payment due for that class.

However, if a postponed class is rescheduled within 90 days, 12.5% of the minimum payment due for the rescheduled class will be credited back on the invoice.

b. Retainage All deliverable payments may be subject to retainage. Retained amounts due to CONTRACTOR shall be paid upon Final Acceptance.

c. Invoicing The final cost set forth on each invoice shall be equivalent to the cost for each deliverable or service as specified in the Work Order Request Scope of Work. CONTRACTOR shall not submit an invoice for any deliverable or service specified in the Work Order Request Scope of Work that STATE has not fully accepted.

d. Payment Payment made in accordance with this Compensation section shall constitute payment in full for the services and work performed and the deliverables provided under this Contract and CONTRACTOR shall not receive any additional compensation hereunder.

STATE shall make payment under this Contract within forty-five (45) calendar days after receipt of an approved invoice.

Payment of an invoice by STATE will not prejudice STATE’s right to object to or question that or any other invoice or matter in relation thereto. CONTRACTOR's invoice will be subject to reduction for amounts included in any invoice or payment made which are determined by STATE not to constitute allowable costs, on the basis of audits conducted in accordance with the terms of this Contract. At STATE’s sole discretion, all payments shall be subject to reduction for amounts equal to prior overpayments to CONTRACTOR.

For any amounts that are or will become due and payable to STATE by CONTRACTOR, STATE reserves the right to deduct the amount owed from payments that are or will become due and payable to CONTRACTOR under this Contract.

e. Travel

STATE shall reimburse CONTRACTOR for expenses related to travel at amounts not to exceed those outlined below:

1) Lodging: Reimbursement shall not exceed the then-current, published GSA rate for the travel location. Copies of receipts are required for lodging reimbursement. STATE shall not reimburse for incidental and miscellaneous expenses charged to the room, including:

alcohol, telephone charges, or entertainment (e.g., movies).

2) Transportation: Air travel shall be reimbursed by STATE at the actual cost of airfare for coach class travel only. CONTRACTOR shall make air travel arrangements at least fourteen

(14) days in advance whenever possible. Reimbursement for rented, chartered, or contracted vehicle transportation shall be limited to reasonable rates as determined by

STATE.

3) Meals: Meals shall be paid on a per diem basis for each day of travel at then-current, published GSA per diem rate for the travel location. Per diem for the first and last day of travel shall be paid at seventy-five percent (75%) of the GSA per diem rate. Requests for per diem payments must include the start and end dates of travel, the location where the services are performed, and the allowable per diem amount for each trip on the billing/invoice.

Payment for any travel expenses that exceed the travel budget as agreed upon by the parties must be approved by STATE’s project manager.

f. Prepayment STATE will not make any advance payments before performance by CONTRACTOR under this Contract.

g. Payment of Taxes by State STATE is not responsible for and will not pay local, state, or federal taxes. STATE sales tax exemption number is E-2001. STATE will furnish certificates of exemption upon request by

CONTRACTOR.

h. Taxpayer ID CONTRACTOR’s federal employer ID number is: 75-3117117.

i. Purchasing Card STATE may make a payment using a government credit card. CONTRACTOR will accept a government credit card without passing the processing fees for the government credit card back to STATE.

6. EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, AND WORKSPACE – RESOURCES PROVIDED BY PARTIES

For periods during which the parties mutually agree that CONTRACTOR’s assigned staff is on site:

g. On site means any agency location in the State of North Dakota. “Offsite” is work that is done at the Vendor’s business location or conducted remotely.

h. Agencies will indicate in the executed Work Order Request whether the State will furnish office space, internet access, and any other needed items/equipment.

7. TERM OF CONTRACT

This Contract term (TERM) begins on its Effective Date and ends on October 31, 2024.

a. No Automatic Renewal This Contract will not automatically renew.

b. Renewal Option STATE may renew this Contract upon satisfactory completion of the initial Contract term.

STATE reserves the right to execute up to 2 options to renew this Contract under the same terms and conditions for a period of 12 months each.

c. Extension Option STATE reserves the right to extend this Contract for an additional period of time, not to exceed 12 months, beyond the current termination date of this Contract.

8. TERMINATION

a. Termination by Mutual Agreement

This Contract may be terminated by mutual consent of both parties executed in writing.

b. Early Termination in the Public Interest STATE is entering into this Contract for the purpose of carrying out the public policy of the State of North Dakota, as determined by its Governor, Legislative Assembly, Agencies, and Courts. If this Contract ceases to further the public policy of the State of North Dakota, STATE, in its sole discretion, by written notice to CONTRACTOR, may terminate this Contract in whole or in part.

c. Termination for Lack of Funding or Authority STATE, by written notice to CONTRACTOR, may terminate the whole or any part of this Contract under any of the following conditions:

1) If funding from federal, state, or other sources is not obtained and continued at levels sufficient to allow for purchase of the services or supplies in the indicated quantities or term.

2) If federal or state laws or rules are modified or interpreted in a way that the services are no longer allowable or appropriate for purchase under this Contract or are no longer eligible for the funding proposed for payments authorized by this Contract.

3) If any license, permit, or certificate required by law or rule, or by the terms of this Contract, is for any reason denied, revoked, suspended, or not renewed.

Termination of this Contract under this subsection is without prejudice to any obligations or liabilities of either party already accrued prior to termination.

d. Termination for Cause.

STATE may terminate this Contract effective upon delivery of written notice to CONTRACTOR, or any later date stated in the notice:

1) If CONTRACTOR fails to provide services required by this Contract within the time specified or any extension agreed to by STATE; or

2) If CONTRACTOR fails to perform any of the other provisions of this Contract, or so fails to pursue the work as to endanger performance of this Contract in accordance with its terms.

The rights and remedies of STATE provided in this subsection are not exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this Contract.

9. FORCE MAJEURE

Neither party shall be held responsible for delay or default caused by fire, riot, terrorism, acts of God or war if the event is beyond the party’s reasonable control and the affected party gives notice to the other party promptly upon occurrence of the event causing the delay or default or that is reasonably expected to cause a delay or default.

10. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

CONTRACTOR shall immediately report to STATE any and all unauthorized disclosures or uses of STATE’s confidential information or proprietary information of which CONTRACTOR or its staff is aware or has knowledge. CONTRACTOR acknowledges that any unauthorized publication or disclosure of STATE’s confidential information or proprietary information to others may cause immediate and irreparable harm to STATE. If CONTRACTOR should publish or disclose such confidential information or proprietary information without authorization, STATE shall immediately be entitled to injunctive relief or any other remedies to which it is entitled under law or equity without requiring a cure period. CONTRACTOR shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless STATE from all damages, costs, liabilities, and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) caused by or arising from CONTRACTOR’s unauthorized use or disclosure of STATE’s confidential information or proprietary information. As a condition to these indemnity obligations, STATE will provide CONTRACTOR with prompt notice of any claim of which STATE is aware and for which indemnification shall be sought under this Contract and shall cooperate in all reasonable respects with CONTRACTOR in connection with any such claim.

11. RIGHT OF SETOFF DAMAGES

Amounts due STATE by CONTRACTOR, including liquidated or other damages, or claims for damages, may be deducted or set-off by STATE from any money payable to CONTRACTOR pursuant to this Contract.

12. RIGHT TO WITHHOLD AMOUNTS OTHERWISE DUE IF THE CONTRACTOR IS IN BREACH

If CONTRACTOR fails to deliver Deliverables or to provide Services which satisfy CONTRACTOR’s obligations under this Contract, STATE shall have the right to withhold any and all payments due under this Contract. STATE may withhold any and all such payments due under this Contract to CONTRACTOR without penalty or work stoppage by CONTRACTOR, until such failure to perform is cured.

13. RIGHT TO REMEDIES AND CUMULATION OF RIGHTS

No remedy conferred by any of the specific provisions of this Contract is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given under this Contract, now or in the future existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise.

14. NON-WAIVER

Either party’s failure to exercise any of its rights under this Contract, its delay in enforcing any right, or its waiver of its rights on any occasion, shall not constitute a waiver of such rights on any other occasion. No course of dealing by either party in exercising any of its rights shall constitute a waiver thereof. No waiver of any provision of this Contract shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the party against whom the waiver is sought to be enforced.

15. INDEMNIFICATION

CONTRACTOR agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the state of North Dakota, its agencies, officers and employees (State), from and against claims based on the vicarious liability of the State or its agents, but not against claims based on the State’s contributory negligence, comparative and/or contributory negligence or fault, sole negligence, or intentional misconduct. This obligation to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless does not extend to professional liability claims arising from professional errors and omissions. The legal defense provided by CONTRACTOR to the State under this provision must be free of any conflicts of interest, even if retention of separate legal counsel for the State is necessary. Any attorney appointed to represent the State must first qualify as and be appointed by the North Dakota Attorney General as a Special Assistant Attorney General as required under N.D.C.C. § 54-12-08. CONTRACTOR also agrees to reimburse the State for all costs, expenses and attorneys' fees incurred if the State prevails in an action against CONTRACTOR in establishing and litigating the indemnification coverage provided herein. This obligation shall continue after the termination of this Contract.

16. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT INDEMNIFICATION

a. CONTRACTOR, at its own expense, shall defend and indemnify STATE against claims that products furnished under this Contract infringe a United States patent or copyright or misappropriate trade secrets protected under United States law.

CONTRACTOR’S obligation shall not extend to a claim based on any alleged infringement arising from any: (a) additions, changes, or modifications to the services by or on behalf of STATE; (b) incorporation of the services or any component thereof into any other product or process; or (c) use of the services other than as permitted by this Contract.

b. As to any product which is subject to a claim of infringement or misappropriation, CONTRACTOR may (a) obtain the right of continued use of the product for STATE or (b) replace or modify the product to avoid the claim. If neither alternative is available on commercially reasonable terms then, at the request of CONTRACTOR, any applicable Software license and its charges will end, STATE will stop using the product, and will return the product to CONTRACTOR. Upon return of the product, CONTRACTOR will give STATE a credit for the price paid to CONTRACTOR, less a reasonable offset for use and obsolescence.

17. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

CONTRACTOR represents and warrants to STATE that neither CONTRACTOR, in connection with performing the services in performance of this Contract, nor the completed product delivered by

CONTRACTOR, will infringe any patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret or other proprietary right of any person. CONTRACTOR further represents and warrants to STATE that it will not use any trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information owned by any third party in performing the services related to this Contract or in delivery of the completed product unless CONTRACTOR has the authority to license, use or provide those trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information to STATE. CONTRACTOR further represents and warrants to STATE that neither CONTRACTOR nor any other company or individual performing services pursuant to this Contract is under any obligation to assign or give any work done under this Contract to any third party.

18. INSURANCE

CONTRACTOR shall secure and keep in force during the term of this Contract and CONTRACTOR shall require all subcontractors, prior to commencement of an agreement between CONTRACTOR and the subcontractor, to secure and keep in force during the term of this CONTRACT, from insurance companies, government self-insurance pools or government self-retention funds, authorized to do business in North Dakota, the following insurance coverages:

a. Commercial general liability, including premises or operations, contractual, and products or completed operations coverages (if applicable), with minimum liability limits of $2,000,000 per occurrence

b. Workers compensation coverage meeting all statutory requirements. The policy shall provide coverage for all states of operation that apply to the performance of this Contract

c. Employer’s liability or “stop gap” insurance of not less than $2,000,000 as an endorsement on the workers compensation or commercial general liability insurance

The insurance coverages listed above must meet the following additional requirements:

a. Any deductible or self-insured retention amount or other similar obligation under the policies shall be the sole responsibility of the CONTRACTOR.

b. This insurance may be in policy or policies of insurance, primary and excess, including the so-called umbrella or catastrophe form and must be placed with insurers rated “A-” or better by A.M. Best Company, Inc., provided any excess policy follows form for coverage. Less than an “A-” rating must be approved by the State. The policies shall be in form and terms approved by the State.

c. The duty to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the State under this agreement shall not be limited by the insurance required in this agreement.

d. The state of North Dakota and its agencies, officers, and employees (State) shall be endorsed on the commercial general liability policy, including any excess policies (to the extent applicable), as additional insured. The State shall have all the benefits, rights and coverages of an additional insured under these policies that shall not be limited to the minimum limits of insurance required by this agreement or by the contractual indemnity obligations of the

CONTRACTOR.

e. A Waiver of Subrogation” waiving any right to recovery the insurance company may have against the State.

f. CONTRACTOR shall furnish a certificate of insurance to the undersigned STATE representative prior to commencement of this agreement. All endorsements shall be provided as soon as practicable.

g. Failure to provide insurance as required in this agreement is a material breach of contract entitling STATE to terminate this agreement immediately.

h. CONTRACTOR shall provide at least 30 day notice of any cancellation or material change to the policies or endorsements. CONTRACTOR shall provide on an ongoing basis, current certificates of insurance during the term of the Contract. A renewal certificate will be provided 10 days prior to coverage expiration.

19. WORKS FOR HIRE

CONTRACTOR acknowledges that all work(s) under this Contract is "work(s) for hire" within the meaning of the United States Copyright Act (Title 17 United States Code) and hereby assigns to STATE all rights and interests CONTRACTOR may have in the work(s) it prepares under this Contract, including any right to derivative use of the work(s). All software and related materials developed by CONTRACTOR in performance of this Contract for STATE shall be the sole property of STATE, and CONTRACTOR hereby assigns and transfers all its right, title, and interest therein to STATE. CONTRACTOR shall execute all necessary documents to enable STATE to protect STATE’s intellectual property rights under this section. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Contractor’s course materials are copyrighted. Each participant is solely granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable, personal end-user license to the course materials. Participants may make copies of course materials for their personal use. Any other reproduction or use is strictly prohibited, including but not limited to video recording of the training course. Except as expressly provided herein, no license to use or reproduce the course materials is granted and all intellectual property rights therein are expressly reserved.

20. WORK PRODUCT

All work product, equipment or materials created for STATE or purchased by STATE under this Contract belong to STATE and must be immediately delivered to STATE at STATE'S request upon termination of this Contract.

21. TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS

CONTRACTOR shall comply with applicable STATE enterprise architecture technology standards.

These standards can be found on STATE’s website at https://www.ndit.nd.gov/standards. If CONTRACTOR is unable to comply with any applicable standard, CONTRACTOR shall request a waiver from that requirement by submitting a Request for Exemption from Information Technology Standards or Statutory Policies (SFN 51687) form in coordination with STATE’s procurement officer for the STATE’s review and approval or disapproval.

22. PERSONNEL

a. CONTRACTOR shall provide individuals to complete work as described in the Statement of

Work in the Work Order Request issued by the State.

b. STATE will designate a contact for each Work Order Request to act as the States representative for communications and coordination with Vendor staff for work performed under the executed Work.

c. Upon request by STATE, CONTRACTOR shall replace any CONTRACTOR personnel that STATE determines, in its sole discretion, to be unable to perform the responsibilities of this Contract acceptably, e.g., inappropriate or unprofessional personal conduct, professional inabilities, etc.

Any substitution made pursuant to this paragraph must be of equal or higher skills, knowledge, and abilities than those personnel originally proposed, and that STATE’s approval of a substitution is not construed as an acceptance of the substitution’s performance potential.

STATE agrees that an approval of a substitution will not be unreasonably withheld

d. CONTRACTOR agrees that STATE may require any personnel CONTRACTOR assigns to perform work under this Contract, including employees, contracted staff, subcontractors, or other individuals, to submit to a criminal history record check in accordance with N.D.C.C. §12- 60-24, through the authority granted to the chief information officer of the STATE pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 54-59-20. STATE shall have the right to reject any individual CONTRACTOR assigns to perform work under this Contract if, in STATE’s sole discretion, it determines that the results of the criminal history record check make the individual unacceptable. The agency shall specify in the Work Order Request if the STATE or CONTRACTOR will pay for the requested check.

23. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

a. Reporting CONTRACTOR may be required to deliver training reports to STATE. The agency shall specify in the Work Order Request any training report requirements.

b. Change Order Process CONTRACTOR and STATE will utilize the Change Order Request form to manage changes during the life of a project. Each Change Order Request duly authorized in writing by the parties shall be incorporated into and considered part of this Contract.

c. Deliverable Acceptance

1) Upon completion of a deliverable, if applicable, CONTRACTOR will furnish STATE with the deliverable and associated documentation and agreed upon Acceptance Criteria.

2) After receipt of items in Paragraph 24(c)(1), STATE will have five (5) working days or a different period of time as is agreed to by the parties, in which to accept or reject each item in writing. STATE will accept by signature. If STATE rejects it, STATE will specify in writing its grounds for rejection and CONTRACTOR shall use its best efforts to revise any issues for the deliverables to be acceptable to STATE within the following five (5) working days. If STATE rejects it a second time, STATE will have the option of repeating the procedure as described in this acceptance statement above or terminating this Contract upon written notice to CONTRACTOR.

d. Final Acceptance

1) The STATE’s confirmation of successful completion of all deliverables as stated in the Work

Request in accordance with the deliverable acceptance process.

2) STATE has sixty (60) calendar days thereafter in which to accept or reject it in writing. If

STATE rejects it, STATE shall specify in writing its grounds for rejection and CONTRACTOR shall use its best efforts to make the product conform to the requirements of this Contract as soon as possible and at no additional cost to STATE. CONTRACTOR shall continue to use its best efforts to make the product conform to the requirements of this Contract until STATE accepts the product or terminates this Contract upon written notice to

CONTRACTOR.

24. PRODUCT CONFORMITY

STATE has twelve (12) months following Final Acceptance of the product(s) delivered by CONTRACTOR pursuant to this Contract to verify that the product(s) conform to the requirements of this Contract and perform according to CONTRACTOR system design specifications. Upon recognition of an error, deficiency, or defect, by STATE, CONTRACTOR shall be notified by STATE http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t54c59.pdf http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t12c60.pdf http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t12c60.pdf citing any specific deficiency (deficiency being defined as CONTRACTOR having performed incorrectly with the information provided by STATE, not CONTRACTOR having to modify a previous action due to additional and/or corrected information from STATE). CONTRACTOR, at no additional charge to STATE, shall provide a correction or provide a mutually acceptable plan for correction within thirty (30) calendar days following the receipt of STATE’s notice to CONTRACTOR. If CONTRACTOR’s correction is inadequate to correct the deficiency, or defect, or the error recurs, STATE may, at its option, act to correct the problem. CONTRACTOR shall be required to reimburse STATE for any such costs incurred or STATE may consider this to be cause for breach of contract.

25. SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SAAS) AND SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT (SLA)

The terms and service level obligations are set forth in Exhibit A Software as a Service (SaaS) Service Level Agreement (SLA) are made a part of this Contract through its reference here.

CONTRACTOR shall provide Subscription Services, including software/hardware updates and technical support services for the Subscription Services pursuant to this Contract commencing at the end of the warranty period. CONTRACTOR and STATE shall negotiate the terms and price of such services. CONTRACTOR warrants that it will continue to offer Subscription Services for the product(s) for a minimum of five (5) years from the date of final acceptance of any software/product update.

a. Subscription Services:

With each paid subscription per user, the user will have unlimited access to all VOD courses in that subscription through the LMS (Thought Industries software). There are no upgrade options for the subscriptions. Support is provided through our Customer Service at 877-637- 0450 Monday through Friday from 8am-6pm EST.

A Club PDU subscription provides 1 year of unlimited access to our catalog of VOD (self-paced) courses that align with PMI's Talent Triangle. These courses can be used to supplement learning, as well as earn PDUs (Professional Development Units) for PMP recertification. 60 PDUs are required each 3-year cycle after someone earns their PMP certification. Courses range from 1 hours to 16 hours, across many topics such as Jira, MS Project, Agile, Risk, Conflict Management, Team Meeting Strategies, Emotional Intelligence, IT Security for Project Managers, Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Program Management, etc.

There are over 30 courses and over 100 hours of learning. The Club PDU is not limited to PMP certified professionals, but anyone who is looking for a variety of training to enhance their skills at a low price. The Club PDU subscription is purchased for individual use, but group rates can be provided.

https://projectmanagementacademy.net/online-pdu-training#catalog

1) The service is based on paid users.

2) Service shall be extended to any Users who have a need to use the SaaS for the benefit of

STATE based on the subscription rates.

3) If CONTRACTOR reduces or replaces the functionality contained in the software and provides this functionality as a separate or renamed product, then STATE shall be entitled to usage of such software product at no additional fees.

b. Subscription Period The subscription period begins on date of course purchase, and provides 6 months access.

Club PDU subscription provides one year access and auto-renews, however can be cancelled at any time.

https://projectmanagementacademy.net/online-pdu-training#catalog

c. Purchase of Additional Users STATE may purchase additional Users during the term of this Contract at the same price offered by CONTRACTOR under the terms of this Contract.

d. Subscription Fee Cap CONTRACTOR agrees that any change to the annual Services fee may increase by not more than the lower of 3% or Consumer Price Index (CPI). The rates shall be adjusted in accordance with the index titled “All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). for the U.S. City Average. All Items 1982- 84=100”, prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

e. Right to Change Support Plan Level STATE may choose to change its subscription to CONTRACTOR’s Subscription Services plan to a higher or lower level plan that is offered by CONTRACTOR at the Contract’s next renewal date upon thirty (30) calendar days’ notice to CONTRACTOR.

f. Right to Modify or Cancel Services STATE may choose to cancel Subscription Services at this Contract’s next renewal date upon thirty (30) calendar days’ notice to CONTRACTOR.

26. NOTICE

All notices or other communications required under this Contract must be given by registered or certified mail and are complete on the date postmarked when addressed to the parties at the following addresses:

STATE CONTRACTOR

Abigail Dschaak Jason Cassidy

Procurement Officer CEO

600 East Boulevard Ave, Dept 012, 4th Floor 4 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 3rd Floor

Bismarck, ND 58505 Boston, MA 02109

Notice provided under this provision does not meet the notice requirements for monetary claims against STATE found at N.D.C.C § 32-12.2-04.

27. CONFIDENTIALITY

CONTRACTOR shall not use or disclose any information it receives from STATE under this Contract that STATE has previously identified as confidential or exempt from mandatory public disclosure except as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Contract or as authorized in advance by STATE. STATE shall not disclose any information it receives from CONTRACTOR that CONTRACTOR has previously identified as confidential and that STATE determines in its sole discretion is protected from mandatory public disclosure under a specific exception to the North Dakota public records law, N.D.C.C. ch. 44-04. The duty of STATE and CONTRACTOR to maintain confidentiality of information under this section continues beyond the Term of this Contract.

http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t32c12-2.pdf http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t44c04.pdf

28. COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC RECORDS LAWS

Under the North Dakota public records law and subject to the Confidentiality clause of this Contract, certain records may be open to the public upon request.

Public records may include: (a) records STATE receives from CONTRACTOR under this Contract,

(b) records obtained by either Party under this Contract, and (c) records generated by either Party under this Contract.

CONTRACTOR agrees to contact STATE immediately upon receiving a request for information under the public records law and to comply with STATE’s instructions on how to respond to such request.

29. INDEPENDENT ENTITY

CONTRACTOR is an independent entity under this Contract and is not a STATE employee for any purpose, including the application of the Social Security Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Federal Insurance Contribution Act, the North Dakota Unemployment Compensation Law and the North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance Act. CONTRACTOR retains sole and absolute discretion in the manner and means of carrying out CONTRACTOR’s activities and responsibilities under this Contract, except to the extent specified in this Contract.

30. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTS

CONTRACTOR may not assign or otherwise transfer or delegate any right or duty without STATE’s express written consent, provided, however, that CONTRACTOR may assign its rights and obligations under this Contract in the event of a change of control or sale of all or substantially all of its assets related to this Contract, whether by merger, reorganization, operation of law, or otherwise.

Should Assignee be a business or entity with whom STATE is prohibited from conducting business, STATE shall have the right to terminate without cause.

CONTRACTOR may enter into subcontracts provided that any subcontract acknowledges the binding nature of this Contract and incorporates this Contract, including any attachments. CONTRACTOR is solely responsible for the performance of any subcontractor with whom CONTRACTOR contracts.

CONTRACTOR does not have authority to contract for or incur obligations on behalf of STATE.

31. SPOLIATION – NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CLAIMS

CONTRACTOR shall promptly notify STATE of all potential claims that arise or result from this Contract. CONTRACTOR shall also take all reasonable steps to preserve all physical evidence and information that may be relevant to the circumstances surrounding a potential claim, while maintaining public safety, and grants to STATE the opportunity to review and inspect such evidence, including the scene of an accident.

32. MERGER AND MODIFICATION, CONFLICT IN DOCUMENTS

This Contract, including the following documents, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. There are no understandings, agreements, or representations, oral or written, not specified within this Contract. This Contract may not be modified, supplemented or amended, in any manner, except by written agreement signed by both parties.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event of any inconsistency or conflict among the documents making up this Contract, the documents must control in this order of precedence:

a. The terms of this Contract as may be amended;

b. STATE’s Solicitation Amendment #2 to Request for Proposal (“RFP”) number 110.7-22-043 dated July 26, 2022;

c. STATE’s Solicitation Amendment #1 to Request for Proposal (“RFP”) number 110.7-22-043 dated July 19, 2022;

d. STATE’s Request for Proposal (“RFP”) number 110.7-22-043 dated July 11, 2022

e. CONTRACTOR’s proposal dated July 28, 2022 in response to RFP number 110.7-22-043.

All automated end-user agreements (e.g., click-through, shrink-wrap, or browse-wrap) are specifically excluded and null and void. Clicking shall not represent acknowledgement or agreement to any terms and conditions contained in those agreements.

33. UNANTICIPATED AMENDMENTS

If additional work is required within the scope of this Contract due to a legitimate unforeseen circumstance, STATE shall provide CONTRACTOR a written description of the additional work and request CONTRACTOR to submit a proposal for accomplishing the Scope of Work.

CONTRACTOR will not commence additional work until all parties agree in writing.

34. SEVERABILITY

If any term of this Contract is declared to be illegal or unenforceable by a court having competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining terms is unaffected and, if possible, the rights and obligations of the parties are to be construed and enforced as if this Contract did not contain that term.

35. APPLICABLE LAW AND VENUE

This Contract is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Dakota. Any action to enforce this Contract must be adjudicated exclusively in the state District Court of Burleigh County, North Dakota. Each party consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court and waives any claim of lack of jurisdiction or forum non conveniens.

36. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION – JURY TRIAL

By entering into this Contract, STATE does not agree to binding arbitration, mediation, or any other form of mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution. The parties may enforce the rights and remedies in judicial proceedings. STATE does not waive any right to a jury trial.

37. ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS

In the event a lawsuit is instituted by STATE to obtain performance under this Contract, and STATE is the prevailing party, CONTRACTOR shall, except when prohibited by N.D.C.C. § 28-26-04, pay STATE’s reasonable attorney fees and costs in connection with the lawsuit.

http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t28c26.pdf

38. NONDISCRIMINATION - COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

CONTRACTOR agrees to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and policies, including those relating to nondiscrimination, accessibility and civil rights. (See N.D.C.C. Title 34 – Labor and Employment, specifically N.D.C.C. ch. 34-06.1 Equal Pay for Men and Women.)

CONTRACTOR agrees to timely file all required reports, make required payroll deductions, and timely pay all taxes and premiums owed, including sales and use taxes, unemployment compensation and workers' compensation premiums. CONTRACTOR shall have and keep current at all times during the Term of this Contract all licenses and permits required by law.

CONTRACTOR’s failure to comply with this section may be deemed a material breach by CONTRACTOR entitling STATE to terminate in accordance with the Termination for Cause section of this Contract.

39. STATE AUDIT

All records, regardless of physical form, and the accounting practices and procedures of CONTRACTOR relevant to this Contract are subject to examination by the North Dakota State Auditor, the Auditor’s designee, or Federal auditors, if required. CONTRACTOR shall maintain all of these records for at least three (3) years following completion of this Contract and be able to provide them upon reasonable notice. STATE, State Auditor, or Auditor’s designee shall provide reasonable notice to CONTRACTOR prior to conducting examination.

40. RIGHT TO INSPECT PLACE OF BUSINESS

At reasonable times, STATE may inspect those areas of CONTRACTOR’S place of business that relate to the performance of this Contract. If STATE makes an inspection, CONTRACTOR must provide reasonable assistance.

41. EFFECTIVENESS OF CONTRACT

This Contract is not effective until fully executed by all parties. If no start date is specified in the Term of Contract, the most recent date of the signatures of the parties shall be the Effective Date.

CONTRACTOR STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA

Educate 360 LLC, dba Watermark Learning, dba Project Management Academy, dba Pierian Training

Acting through its Office of Management and Budget, State Procurement Office

BY: BY:

Printed Name: Printed Name: Abigail Dschaak

Title: Title: Procurement Officer

Date: Date:

Jason Cassidy

CEO

10/11/22 10/13/22 http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t34c01.pdf http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t34c01.pdf http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t34c06-1.pdf

EXHIBIT B

STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA ‐ COST PROPOSAL ‐ RFP Number: 110.7‐22‐043

For evaluation purposes, seventeen base courses have been identified as a “market basket”.

Offerors are required to provide training courses/prices in a minimum of five of the courses listed below and one flat percentage discount to be considered responsive.

Offerors may submit prices for five or more of the market basket courses to be used in the pricing evaluation.

Pricing for market basket courses are to be entry level and provided through real-time virtual classrooms (distance) or self-paced.

Market Basket Courses include: (Note, BOLD are the Market Basket Courses for which we’re providing training courses/pricing.)

1. Microsoft Office Suite

2. Business Analysis

3. Project Management

4. Web Design and Development

5. Quality Assurance/Software Testing

6. Microsoft Software (i.e. Dynamics, Power BI, Azure DevOps, Kubernetes, SharePoint, .Net)

7. Database Design and Development

8. Desktop Support (i.e. A+, Windows, UNIX, Linux, Troubleshooting and Support)

9. Report Writing (Cognos, Crystal Reports)

10. Data Warehouse

11. Agile Fundamentals

12. IBM (Cognos, Infosphere, Datastage, Master Data Management, Filenet, ISIM, or QRadar)

13. Java Programming

14. Oracle (PL/SQL, Goldengate)

15. A+, CISSP, PMP, BA Certification

16. ITIL Deployment

17. DevSecOps

Market Basket Course Name

Contract Period

Course Length in Number of Days

Catalog Price Flat Percentage Discount

Total Cost per Day for Evaluation Purposes

Total Cost with Discount Evaluation Purposes

List a minimum of five courses from the market basket above. If you offer more than five of the market basket courses listed, use additional rows as necessary to provide pricing for evaluation purposes.

1 Business Analysis Foundations

Contract Execution – 10/31/2024

2 $1,095

15%

$547.50 $465.38

2 Project Management Foundations Workshop 2 $1,195 $597.50 $507.88

3 Software Testing Fundamentals 2 $1,095 $547.50 $465.38

4 Agile Fundamentals 1 $745 $745.00 $633.25

5 PMP Certification Preparation 4 $1,995 $498.75 $423.94

6 Eliciting Requirements (BA & PM) 1 $745 $745.00 $633.25

7 Business Analysis Modeling Essentials (BA) 2 $1,095 $547.50 $465.38

8 Agile Business Analysis (BA) 2 $1,095 $547.50 $465.38

9 Project Management Best Practices (PM) 1 $745 $745.00 $633.25

10 Project Management Foundations (PM) 2 $1,095 $547.50 $465.38

11 CSM Certification Training (Agile) 2 $1,095 $547.50 $465.38

12 CSPO Certification Training (Agile) 2 $1,095 $547.50 $465.38

13 IIBA-AAC (Agile) 1 $745 $745.00 $633.25

14 Agile Change Agent Certification Training 2 $1,095 $547.50 $465.38

15 Integrating Agile in a Waterfall Environment 1 $745 $745.00 $633.25

16 Agile in Action 0.5 $445 $890.00 $756.50

17 Agile Leadership Workshop 0.5 $445 $890.00 $756.50

18 Leading SAFe 5.1 with SAFe Agilist 2 $1,095 $547.50 $465.38

19 CAPM Certification Preparation (PM) 3 $1,395 $465.00 $395.25

20 Strategic Risk Management (PM) 1 $745 $745.00 $633.25

21 ECBA Certification Preparation (BA) 3 $1,395 $465.00 $395.25

22 ITIL 4 Foundations 3 $1,410 $470.00 $399.50

Total Cost for Allocation of Cost Points $528.30

The evaluation of prices will consist of taking the catalog price of each offered market basket course divided by the course length, minus the flat percentage discount (daily course rate with discount.)

The daily course rate with discount will then be totaled for all courses offered and divided by the total number of courses offered from the market basket. This number will be utilized to determine cost points.

Offerors can provide courses outside of the market basket; however, for evaluation purposes only market basket courses will be considered.

The onsite rate covers all travel related expenses (travel, meals, lodging, or related expenses), except for Short Notice Work Order Requests issued with less than 14 calendar days to project start date. In such cases and with the approval of the agency issuing the work order, we may be allowed to bill supplemental travel expenses caused by the Short Notice and will provide documentation justifying the supplemental travel expense billing.