200000000004.pdf

NOTICE OF CONTRACT

NOTICE OF CONTRACT NO. 200000000004 .

between

THE STATE OF MICHIGAN

and

C O

N

TR

A C

TO

R

Future Forests Inc.

ST

A

TE

Pr og ra m

M an ag er Jason Hartman DNR

72230 Beaver Tail Road 989-275-5151 Ext 2722247

Askov, MN 55704 hartmanj@michigan.gov

George Swanson

C on tra ct

Ad m in is tra to r Kip Conley DNR

320-838-3473 517-284-5975 marges@frontier.com Conleyk1@michigan.gov

VS0103780

CONTRACT SUMMARY

DESCRIPTION: Forest Site Preparation – Trenching

INITIAL EFFECTIVE DATE INITIAL EXPIRATION DATE

INITIAL AVAILABLE

OPTIONS

EXPIRATION DATE BEFORE

CHANGE(S) NOTED BELOW

11/20/19 11/19/23 4 – 1 year

PAYMENT TERMS DELIVERY TIMEFRAME

Net 45 NA

ALTERNATE PAYMENT OPTIONS EXTENDED PURCHASING

☐ P-card ☐ Payment Request (PRC) ☐ Other ☐ Yes ☒ No

MINIMUM DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

NA

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

The terms and conditions of this Contract are those of RFP 190000002800. This Contract Agreement and the vendor's quote dated September 9, 2019. In the event of any conflicts between the specifications, and terms and conditions indicated by the State and those indicated by the vendor, those of the State take precedence.

ESTIMATED CONTRACT VALUE AT TIME OF EXECUTION $600,000.00

STATE OF MICHIGAN PROCUREMENT

Department of Natural Resources 525 West Allegan, Lansing, MI 48933 PO Box 30028

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

SCHEDULE A

STATEMENT OF WORK

CONTRACT ACTIVITIES

BACKGROUND

This long-term project is focused on forestry equipment and operator needs for reforestation efforts on State and Federal forest lands in Michigan. Work on Federal lands will be under Good Neighbor Authority agreements with the U.S. Forest Service. There are several operations requiring various equipment and techniques being advertised. Contactors may bid only on operations and services that they can feasibly provide. Multiple contracts may be awarded. Some operations require significant capital investment in equipment. Therefore, the State is willing to commit specific annual acreage to those operations through the length of this contract.

Most of the work will occur between April and October of each year with some exceptions under favorable operational weather conditions.

Contracted treatments will begin in April of 2020.

SCOPE

Summary of activities are categorized as followed;

Trenching:

One power trencher is required in order to qualify for this contract. Passive trenching may be acceptable on a case by case basis. To offset capital investment, a minimum of 1,500 acres will be provided to the contractor on an annual basis. Annual trenching could increase to 3,500 acres toward the latter end of this contract cycle. An additional trencher would be necessary to complete the maximum acreage.

• Trenching for Forestry Plantations: These sites typically range from 20-100 acres in size on State or Federal lands. Trenches are installed on an even 8 ft spacing in straight rows. On an average year, at least 2/3 of this acreage is in the northern Lower Peninsula.

• Trenching for Kirtland’s Warbler Plantations: These sites typically range from 200-500 acres in size on State or Federal lands. Trenches are installed on an average of 6ft spacing in a diamond shaped weave pattern leaving 20% of the acreage un-trenched. Straight row configurations will be evaluated for acceptance on a case by case basis. In these cases, the trencher would need to be lifted out of the ground to achieve ¼ acre openings stratified evenly across the site. All of this acreage will be in the lower peninsula.

REQUIREMENTS

• A GPS unit will be required. GPS files of each treatment must be submitted electronically in a shapefile format with 2 weeks of each project completion.

• GPS polygon data will be required for all mechanical treatments. This data will exclude roads, powerlines, wetlands, and all areas not treated.

• Linear GPS data will be required for all spraying treatments.

• Upon completion of operations all camps and equipment must be removed.

• The Contractor must formulate and apply the pesticide specified for each site as stated on the prescription. All applications, materials handling, safety procedures, mixing and MIOSHA requirements must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions contained on the pesticide label, safety data sheet, and Michigan and Federal pesticide laws and regulations. All water in the spray mixture must be clear water and preferably from a domestic water source.

Emptied pesticide containers must be triple rinsed and rinse materials added to the spray mixture.

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The Contractor is responsible to container disposal. Equipment must be rinsed thoroughly before switching to a different pesticide.

• The spraying contractor must follow the Pesticide Application Plan produced by DNR staff.

Additional resources must be provided as needed to block trails/roads during the spraying operation

• The Contractor for any mechanical site preparation operations is obligated to contact MissDig prior to beginning treatments on any individual sites.

• The Contractor is required to visually inspect each site prior to treatment. If a change in acreage is expected to be more than 10% then the contract administrator must be notified before the equipment leaves the site.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

1.1. Specifications

Specifications that apply to all categories:

o At least 50% of the dead standing snags (greater than 6” in diameter measured at 4 ½ feet above the ground) must be left standing after the area has been treated.

o The Contract administrator in each District will determine allowable operational periods related to each specific operation and the current conditions. Examples include, frozen ground, curing in slash, leaf development, etc. These factors don’t always follow specific dates.

Trenching:

• Trenching for Forestry Plantations:

o The average furrow spacing must range between 7.5 and 8.5 ft (8 ft is standard) o Trenches must range from four (4) to six (6) inches deep and from one (1) to two (2) feet in width when measured across the ground line at the top of the furrow.

o Skips are acceptable for stumps, but not from operator error or equipment malfunction.

o Operator must lift the trencher out of the ground when turning around.

• Trenching for Kirtland’s Warbler Plantations:

o The average furrow spacing must range between 5.5 and 6.5 ft (6 ft is standard).

o Trenches must range from four (4) to six (6) inches deep and from one (1) to two (2) feet in width when measured across the ground line at the top of the furrow.

o Skips are acceptable for stumps, but not from operator error or equipment malfunction.

Equipment List

Two 748H skidders with 8-foot and/or 6-foot Delta Power Disc Trenchers with GPS capability

1.2. Training

• The Contractor for any pesticide operations must maintain a Michigan commercial pesticide applicators license with endorsements required by Michigan law for pesticide use in forestry operations.

1.3. Work Plans

The State will supply a work plan that includes acreage by activity and District by April 1 of each year.

2. Acceptance

2.1. Acceptance, Inspection and Testing

The Project Manager within each District will evaluate quality of treatments for acceptance. The State will use the Technical Specifications to inspect and accept of Contract Activities.

3. Staffing

3.1. Contractor Representative

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The Contractor must appoint a Customer Service Representative, specifically assigned to State of Michigan accounts, that will respond to State inquiries regarding the Contract Activities, answering questions related to ordering and delivery, etc. (the “Contractor Representative”).

The Contractor must notify the Contract Administrator at least 10 calendar days before removing or assigning a new Contractor Representative.

Contract Representative:

George Swanson

TX: 320-630-6644

Email: marges@frontier.com

3.2. Customer Service Number

The Contractor must specify its Customer Service number for the State to make contact with the Contractor Representative. The Contractor Representative must be available for calls during the hours of 8 am to 5 pm EST. Customer Service Number: Office 320-838-3473 or Cell 320-630-6644

3.3. Technical Support, Repairs and Maintenance

Contractor is responsible for technical support, repairs and maintenance of equipment under their ownership. Contractor will fix any state owned equipment if damaged.

3.4. Work Hours

The Contractor must provide Contract Activities during the State’s normal working hours Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, and possible night and weekend hours depending on the requirements of the project.

3.5. Key Personnel

Contractor must assign 1 individual who will be directly responsible for the day to day operations of the Contract (“Key Personnel”) for each DNR District (this can be the same person). Key Personnel must be specifically assigned to the State account, be knowledgeable on the contractual requirements, and respond to State inquires within 2 business days.

The Contractor may not remove or assign Key Personnel without the prior consent of the State. Prior consent is not required for reassignment for reasons beyond the Contractor’s control, including illness, disability, death, leave of absence, personal emergency circumstances, resignation, or termination for cause.

The State may request a résumé and conduct an interview before approving a change. The State may require a 30-calendar day training period for replacement personnel.

Key Personnel:

Chris Stone

TX: 218-26-5678

Will be located on site as the foreman and an equipment operator.

3.6. Organizational Chart

The Contractor must provide an overall organizational chart that details staff members, by name and title, and subcontractors.

3.7. Disclosure of Subcontractors

If the Contractor intends to utilize subcontractors, the Contractor must disclose the following:

The legal business name; address; telephone number; a description of subcontractor’s organization and the services it will provide; and information concerning subcontractor’s ability to provide the Contract Activities.

The relationship of the subcontractor to the Contractor.

Whether the Contractor has a previous working experience with the subcontractor. If yes, provide the details of that previous relationship.

A complete description of the Contract Activities that will be performed or provided by the subcontractor.

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3.8. Security

A spraying Contractor must have the capacity to address chemical spills as required for certified applicators.

The Contractor must also provide secure and lockable storage for chemicals on each site.

4. Project Management

4.1. Project Plan

The Contractor must annually communicate with a representative in each respective District where treatments are to occur. When an order has been issued the Contractor must organize a planned sequence in which the treatments will occur and include this data within an excel spreadsheet. Completion information will be tracked within the same spreadsheet as the season progresses.

4.2. Meetings

A pre-season meeting will be required. Other face to face meetings may be required at times, but most communication can occur over the phone and via email.

The State may request other meetings, as it deems appropriate.

4.3. Reporting

A basic excel database must be managed by the Contractor that reports various completion information based on treatment type. This data includes type of, and volume of pesticide applied by site. This data must be supplied to the contract administrator on a monthly basis.

A brief (1-2 page) written report must be provided annually accompanying the excel data. This report will describe the progression of the season and any communication issues, equipment problems, or other contractual issues that need to be reconciled.

5. Ordering and Pricing

5.1. Authorizing Document

The appropriate authorizing document for the Contract will be a Delivery Order.

5.2. Price Term

Pricing is firm for a 365 day period (“Pricing Period”). The first pricing period begins on the Effective Date.

Adjustments may be requested, in writing, by either party and will take effect no earlier than the next Pricing Period.

5.3. Price Changes

Adjustments will be based on changes in actual Contractor costs. Any request must be supported by written evidence documenting the change in costs. The State may consider sources, such as the Consumer Price Index; Producer Price Index; other pricing indices as needed; economic and industry data; manufacturer or supplier letters noting the increase in pricing; and any other data the State deems relevant.

Following the presentation of supporting documentation, both parties will have 30 days to review the information and prepare a written response. If the review reveals no need for modifications, pricing will remain unchanged unless mutually agreed to by the parties. If the review reveals that changes are needed, both parties will negotiate such changes, for no longer than 30 days, unless extended by mutual agreement.

The Contractor remains responsible for Contract Activities at the current price for all orders received before the mutual execution of a Change Notice indicating the start date of the new Pricing Period.

6. Invoice and Payment

6.1. Invoice Requirements

All invoices submitted to the State must include: (a) date; (b) purchase order; (c) quantity; (d) description of the Contract Activities; (e) unit price; (f) shipping cost (if any); and (g) total price. Overtime, holiday pay, and travel expenses will not be paid.

6.2. Payment Methods

The State will make payment for Contract Activities via EFT through SIGMA VSS.

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6.3 Mobilization Costs

All mobilization costs shall be included in the rate per acre in the Upper Peninsula or Lower Peninsula.

7. Vendor Performance and Contractual Deductions

A. If the Program Manager or designee determines there are deficiencies with any portion of the Contract Activities, the Program Manager or designee will provide the Contractor with written notice (email is acceptable) of any deficiencies in the performance of Contract Activities.

B. The Contractor agrees to correct any deficiencies within 48 hours of notification.

C. Failure to perform or failure to correct deficiencies within the specified time may result in a deductible incident, Vendor Performance Report entered against the Contractor, and / or contract cancellation. Refer to Section 7.1 for detail regarding deductible incidents.

D. Performance Evaluations will be provided to the Contractor noting exceptions in performance to the required specifications.

7.1 Vendor Performance and Contractual Deductions

Contractual Deductions will not be charged for unacceptable spraying, scarification, mastication or disking services Instead, the Contractor shall have an opportunity to correct any deviation from the service specifications.

However, Contractual Deductions shall be charged for deviation from the specifications for trenching. If trenching operations are not performed within the specifications set forth, the deviation will interfere with the State's program utilizing the proposed contract, resulting in loss and damage of the State. As it would be impractical and extremely difficult to fix the actual damage sustained in the event of any deviation, the State and the Contractor, therefore, presume that in the event of any such deviation the amount of damage which will be sustained from a deviation will be in the amount set forth below. The State and the Contractor agree that in the event of any such deviation, the Contractor shall pay such amount as liquidated damages and not as a penalty. The State at its option, for amounts due the State as liquidated damages may deduct such from any money payable to the Contractor or may bill the Contractor as a separate item.

1) On greater than 10% of the site, distance between trenches is greater or less than specifications by 1.0 to 1.99 feet 10% deduction from total site payment

2) On greater than 10% of the site, distance between trenches is greater or less than specifications by 2.0 to 2.99 feet 25% deduction from total site payment

3) On greater than 10% of the site, distance between trenches is greater or less than specifications by 3.0 or more feet 50% deduction from total site payment

Deductions for non-compliance with specifications are cumulative.

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This STANDARD CONTRACT (“Contract”) is agreed to between the State of Michigan (the “State”) and Future Forests, Inc. (“Contractor”). This Contract is effective on 11/20/2019 (“Effective Date”), and unless terminated, expires on 11/19/2023.

This Contract may be renewed for up to 4 additional 1-year period(s). Renewal is at the sole discretion of the State and will automatically extend the Term of this Contract. The State will document its exercise of renewal options via Contract Change Notice.

The parties agree as follows:

1. Duties of Contractor. Contractor must perform the services and provide the deliverables described in Schedule A – Statement of Work (the “Contract Activities”). An obligation to provide delivery of any commodity is considered a service and is a Contract Activity.

Contractor must furnish all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies necessary for the performance of the Contract Activities, and meet operational standards, unless otherwise specified in Schedule A.

Contractor must: (a) perform the Contract Activities in a timely, professional, safe, and workmanlike manner consistent with standards in the trade, profession, or industry; (b) meet or exceed the performance and operational standards, and specifications of the Contract; (c) provide all Contract Activities in good quality, with no material defects; (d) not interfere with the State’s operations; (e) obtain and maintain all necessary licenses, permits or other authorizations necessary for the performance of the Contract; (f) cooperate with the State, including the State’s quality assurance personnel, and any third party to achieve the objectives of the Contract; (g) return to the State any State-furnished equipment or other resources in the same condition as when provided when no longer required for the Contract; (h) not make any media releases without prior written authorization from the State; (i) assign to the State any claims resulting from state or federal antitrust violations to the extent that those violations concern materials or services supplied by third parties toward fulfillment of the Contract; (j) comply with all State physical and IT security policies and standards which will be made available upon request; and (k) provide the State priority in performance of the Contract except as mandated by federal disaster response requirements. Any breach under this paragraph is considered a material breach.

Contractor must also be clearly identifiable while on State property by wearing identification issued by the State, and clearly identify themselves whenever making contact with the State.

2. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Contract must be in writing and will be considered given and received: (a) when verified by written receipt if sent by courier; (b) when actually received if sent by mail without verification of receipt; or (c) when verified by automated receipt or electronic logs if sent by facsimile or email.

STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS

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If to State: If to Contractor:

Kip Conley, Buyer DNR Procurement

525 West Allegan Street

Lansing, MI 48915

Conleyk1@michigan.gov

(517) 284-5975

George Swanson

72230 Beaver Tail Road

Askov, MN 44704

Marges@frontier.com

320-630-6644

3. Contract Administrator. The Contract Administrator for each party is the only person authorized to modify any terms of this Contract, and approve and execute any change under this Contract (each a “Contract Administrator”):

State: Contractor:

Kip Conley, Buyer DNR Procurement

525 West Allegan Street

Lansing, MI 48915

Conleyk1@michigan.gov

(517) 284-5975

George Swanson

72230 Beaver Tail Road

Askov, MN 44704

4. Program Manager. The Program Manager for each party will monitor and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Contract (each a “Program Manager”):

State: Contractor:

Jason Hartman

8717 N Roscommon Rd

Roscommon, MI 48653

Hartmanj@michigan.gov

989-275-5151 Ext 2722247

George Swanson

72230 Beaver Tail Road

Askov, MN 44704

5. Performance Guarantee. Contractor must at all times have financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of the State, to ensure performance of the Contract and must provide proof upon request. The State may require a performance bond (as specified in Schedule A) if, in the opinion of the State, it will ensure performance of the Contract.

6. Insurance Requirements. Contractor must maintain the insurances identified below and is responsible for all deductibles. All required insurance must: (a) protect the State from claims that may arise out of, are alleged to arise out of, or result from Contractor's or a subcontractor's performance; (b) be primary and non-contributing to any comparable liability insurance (including self-insurance) carried by the State; and (c) be provided by a company with an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or better, and a financial size of VII or better.

mailto:Conleyk1@michigan.gov mailto:Conleyk1@michigan.gov

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Required Limits Additional Requirements

Commercial General Liability Insurance

Minimum Limits:

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence Limit

$1,000,000 Personal & Advertising Injury Limit $2,000,000 General Aggregate Limit

$2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations

Deductible Maximum:

$50,000 Each Occurrence

Contractor must have their policy endorsed to add “the State of Michigan, its departments, divisions, agencies, offices, commissions, officers, employees, and agents” as additional insureds using endorsement CG 20 10 11 85, or both CG 2010 07 04 and CG 2037 07 04.

Automobile Liability Insurance

Minimum Limits:

$1,000,000 Per Accident

Contractor must have their policy: (1) endorsed to add “the State of Michigan, its departments, divisions, agencies, offices, commissions, officers, employees, and agents” as additional insureds;

and (2) include Hired and Non-Owned Automobile coverage.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Minimum Limits:

Coverage according to applicable laws governing work activities.

Waiver of subrogation, except where waiver is prohibited by law.

Employers Liability Insurance

Minimum Limits:

$500,000 Each Accident

$500,000 Each Employee by Disease

$500,000 Aggregate Disease.

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If any of the required policies provide claims-made coverage, the Contractor must: (a) provide coverage with a retroactive date before the effective date of the contract or the beginning of Contract Activities; (b) maintain coverage and provide evidence of coverage for at least three (3) years after completion of the Contract Activities; and (c) if coverage is cancelled or not renewed, and not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a retroactive date prior to the contract effective date, Contractor must purchase extended reporting coverage for a minimum of three (3) years after completion of work.

Contractor must: (a) provide insurance certificates to the Contract Administrator, containing the agreement or delivery order number, at Contract formation and within 20 calendar days of the expiration date of the applicable policies; (b) require that subcontractors maintain the required insurances contained in this Section;

(c) notify the Contract Administrator within 5 business days if any insurance is cancelled; and (d) waive all rights against the State for damages covered by insurance. Failure to maintain the required insurance does not limit this waiver.

This Section is not intended to and is not to be construed in any manner as waiving, restricting or limiting the liability of either party for any obligations under this Contract (including any provisions hereof requiring Contractor to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the State).

7. Reserved.

8. Reserved.

9. Independent Contractor. Contractor is an independent contractor and assumes all rights, obligations and liabilities set forth in this Contract. Contractor, its employees, and agents will not be considered employees of the State. No partnership or joint venture relationship is created by virtue of this Contract. Contractor, and not the State, is responsible for the payment of wages, benefits and taxes of Contractor’s employees and any subcontractors. Prior performance does not modify Contractor’s status as an independent contractor..

10. Subcontracting. Contractor may not delegate any of its obligations under the Contract without the prior written approval of the State. Contractor must notify the State at least 90 calendar days before the proposed delegation and provide the State any information it requests to determine whether the delegation is in its best interest. If approved, Contractor must: (a) be the sole point of contact regarding all contractual matters, including payment and charges for all Contract Activities; (b) make all payments to the subcontractor; and (c) incorporate the terms and conditions contained in this Contract in any subcontract with a subcontractor.

Contractor remains responsible for the completion of the Contract Activities, compliance with the terms of this Contract, and the acts and omissions of the subcontractor. The State, in its sole discretion, may require the replacement of any subcontractor.

11. Staffing. The State’s Contract Administrator may require Contractor to remove or reassign personnel by providing a notice to Contractor.

12. Background Checks. Pursuant to Michigan law, all agencies subject to IRS Pub. 1075 are required to ask the Michigan State Police to perform fingerprint background checks on all employees, including Contractor and Subcontractor employees, who may have access to any database of information maintained by the federal government that contains confidential or personal information, including, but not limited to, federal tax information. Further, pursuant to Michigan law, any agency described above is prohibited from providing Contractors or Subcontractors with the result of such background check. For more information, please see Michigan Public Act 427 of 2018. Upon request, Contractor must perform background checks on all employees and subcontractors and its employees prior to their assignment. The scope is at the discretion of the State and documentation must be provided as requested. Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with the requested background checks. The State, in its sole discretion, may also perform background checks.

13. Assignment. Contractor may not assign this Contract to any other party without the prior approval of the State. Upon notice to Contractor, the State, in its sole discretion, may assign in whole or in part, its rights or responsibilities under this Contract to any other party. If the State determines that a novation of the Contract

Version 6 (2/2019) 12 to a third party is necessary, Contractor will agree to the novation and provide all necessary documentation and signatures.

14. Change of Control. Contractor will notify within 30 days of any public announcement or otherwise once legally permitted to do so, the State of a change in Contractor’s organizational structure or ownership. For purposes of this Contract, a change in control means any of the following: (a) a sale of more than 50% of Contractor’s stock; (b) a sale of substantially all of Contractor’s assets; (c) a change in a majority of Contractor’s board members; (d) consummation of a merger or consolidation of Contractor with any other entity; (e) a change in ownership through a transaction or series of transactions; (f) or the board (or the stockholders) approves a plan of complete liquidation. A change of control does not include any consolidation or merger effected exclusively to change the domicile of Contractor, or any transaction or series of transactions principally for bona fide equity financing purposes.

In the event of a change of control, Contractor must require the successor to assume this Contract and all of its obligations under this Contract.

15. Ordering. Contractor is not authorized to begin performance until receipt of authorization as identified in Schedule A.

16. Acceptance. Contract Activities are subject to inspection and testing by the State within 30 calendar days of the State’s receipt of them (“State Review Period”), unless otherwise provided in Schedule A. If the Contract Activities are not fully accepted by the State, the State will notify Contractor by the end of the State Review Period that either: (a) the Contract Activities are accepted, but noted deficiencies must be corrected; or (b) the Contract Activities are rejected. If the State finds material deficiencies, it may: (i) reject the Contract Activities without performing any further inspections; (ii) demand performance at no additional cost; or (iii) terminate this Contract in accordance with Section 23, Termination for Cause.

Within 10 business days from the date of Contractor’s receipt of notification of acceptance with deficiencies or rejection of any Contract Activities, Contractor must cure, at no additional cost, the deficiency and deliver unequivocally acceptable Contract Activities to the State. If acceptance with deficiencies or rejection of the Contract Activities impacts the content or delivery of other non-completed Contract Activities, the parties’ respective Program Managers must determine an agreed to number of days for re-submission that minimizes the overall impact to the Contract. However, nothing herein affects, alters, or relieves Contractor of its obligations to correct deficiencies in accordance with the time response standards set forth in this Contract.

If Contractor is unable or refuses to correct the deficiency within the time response standards set forth in this Contract, the State may cancel the order in whole or in part. The State, or a third party identified by the State, may perform the Contract Activities and recover the difference between the cost to cure and the Contract price plus an additional 10% administrative fee.

17. Reserved.

18. Reserved.

19. Reserved.

20. Terms of Payment. Invoices must conform to the requirements communicated from time-to-time by the State.

All undisputed amounts are payable within 45 days of the State’s receipt. Contractor may only charge for Contract Activities performed as specified in Schedule A. Invoices must include an itemized statement of all charges. The State is exempt from State sales tax for direct purchases and may be exempt from federal excise tax, if Services purchased under this Agreement are for the State’s exclusive use. All prices are exclusive of taxes, and Contractor is responsible for all sales, use and excise taxes, and any other similar taxes, duties and charges of any kind imposed by any federal, state, or local governmental entity on any amounts payable by the State under this Contract.

The State has the right to withhold payment of any disputed amounts until the parties agree as to the validity of the disputed amount. The State will notify Contractor of any dispute within a reasonable time. Payment by

Version 6 (2/2019) 13 the State will not constitute a waiver of any rights as to Contractor’s continuing obligations, including claims for deficiencies or substandard Contract Activities. Contractor’s acceptance of final payment by the State constitutes a waiver of all claims by Contractor against the State for payment under this Contract, other than those claims previously filed in writing on a timely basis and still disputed.

The State will only disburse payments under this Contract through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Contractor must register with the State at http://www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS to receive electronic fund transfer payments. If Contractor does not register, the State is not liable for failure to provide payment. Without prejudice to any other right or remedy it may have, the State reserves the right to set off at any time any amount then due and owing to it by Contractor against any amount payable by the State to Contractor under this Contract.

21. Liquidated Damages. Liquidated damages, if applicable, will be assessed as described in Schedule A.

22. Stop Work Order. The State may suspend any or all activities under the Contract at any time. The State will provide Contractor a written stop work order detailing the suspension. Contractor must comply with the stop work order upon receipt. Within 90 calendar days, or any longer period agreed to by Contractor, the State will either: (a) issue a notice authorizing Contractor to resume work, or (b) terminate the Contract or delivery order.

The State will not pay for Contract Activities, Contractor’s lost profits, or any additional compensation during a stop work period.

23. Termination for Cause. The State may terminate this Contract for cause, in whole or in part, if Contractor, as determined by the State: (a) endangers the value, integrity, or security of any location, data, or personnel; (b) becomes insolvent, petitions for bankruptcy court proceedings, or has an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding filed against it by any creditor; (c) engages in any conduct that may expose the State to liability; (d) breaches any of its material duties or obligations; or (e) fails to cure a breach within the time stated in a notice of breach.

Any reference to specific breaches being material breaches within this Contract will not be construed to mean that other breaches are not material.

If the State terminates this Contract under this Section, the State will issue a termination notice specifying whether Contractor must: (a) cease performance immediately, or (b) continue to perform for a specified period.

If it is later determined that Contractor was not in breach of the Contract, the termination will be deemed to have been a Termination for Convenience, effective as of the same date, and the rights and obligations of the parties will be limited to those provided in Section 24, Termination for Convenience.

The State will only pay for amounts due to Contractor for Contract Activities accepted by the State on or before the date of termination, subject to the State’s right to set off any amounts owed by the Contractor for the State’s reasonable costs in terminating this Contract. The Contractor must pay all reasonable costs incurred by the State in terminating this Contract for cause, including administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, court costs, transition costs, and any costs the State incurs to procure the Contract Activities from other sources.

24. Termination for Convenience. The State may immediately terminate this Contract in whole or in part without penalty and for any reason, including but not limited to, appropriation or budget shortfalls. The termination notice will specify whether Contractor must: (a) cease performance of the Contract Activities immediately, or

(b) continue to perform the Contract Activities in accordance with Section 25, Transition Responsibilities. If the State terminates this Contract for convenience, the State will pay all reasonable costs, as determined by the State, for State approved Transition Responsibilities.

25. Transition Responsibilities. Upon termination or expiration of this Contract for any reason, Contractor must, for a period of time specified by the State (not to exceed 90 calendar days), provide all reasonable transition assistance requested by the State, to allow for the expired or terminated portion of the Contract Activities to continue without interruption or adverse effect, and to facilitate the orderly transfer of such Contract Activities to the State or its designees. Such transition assistance may include, but is not limited to: (a) continuing to http://www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS

Version 6 (2/2019) 14 perform the Contract Activities at the established Contract rates; (b) taking all reasonable and necessary measures to transition performance of the work, including all applicable Contract Activities, training, equipment, software, leases, reports and other documentation, to the State or the State’s designee; (c) taking all necessary and appropriate steps, or such other action as the State may direct, to preserve, maintain, protect, or return to the State all materials, data, property, and confidential information provided directly or indirectly to Contractor by any entity, agent, vendor, or employee of the State; (d) transferring title in and delivering to the State, at the State’s discretion, all completed or partially completed deliverables prepared under this Contract as of the Contract termination date; and (e) preparing an accurate accounting from which the State and Contractor may reconcile all outstanding accounts (collectively, “Transition Responsibilities”).

This Contract will automatically be extended through the end of the transition period.

26. General Indemnification. Contractor must defend, indemnify and hold the State, its departments, divisions, agencies, offices, commissions, officers, and employees harmless, without limitation, from and against any and all actions, claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, attorney fees, and expenses (including those required to establish the right to indemnification), arising out of or relating to: (a) any breach by Contractor (or any of Contractor’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or by anyone else for whose acts any of them may be liable) of any of the promises, agreements, representations, warranties, or insurance requirements contained in this Contract; (b) any infringement, misappropriation, or other violation of any intellectual property right or other right of any third party; (c) any bodily injury, death, or damage to real or tangible personal property occurring wholly or in part due to action or inaction by Contractor (or any of Contractor’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or by anyone else for whose acts any of them may be liable); and (d) any acts or omissions of Contractor (or any of Contractor’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or by anyone else for whose acts any of them may be liable).

The State will notify Contractor in writing if indemnification is sought; however, failure to do so will not relieve Contractor, except to the extent that Contractor is materially prejudiced. Contractor must, to the satisfaction of the State, demonstrate its financial ability to carry out these obligations.

The State is entitled to: (i) regular updates on proceeding status; (ii) participate in the defense of the proceeding; (iii) employ its own counsel; and to (iv) retain control of the defense if the State deems necessary.

Contractor will not, without the State’s written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld), settle, compromise, or consent to the entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any claim, action, or proceeding. To the extent that any State employee, official, or law may be involved or challenged, the State may, at its own expense, control the defense of that portion of the claim.

Any litigation activity on behalf of the State, or any of its subdivisions under this Section, must be coordinated with the Department of Attorney General. An attorney designated to represent the State may not do so until approved by the Michigan Attorney General and appointed as a Special Assistant Attorney General.

27. Infringement Remedies. If, in either party’s opinion, any piece of equipment, software, commodity, or service supplied by Contractor or its subcontractors, or its operation, use or reproduction, is likely to become the subject of a copyright, patent, trademark, or trade secret infringement claim, Contractor must, at its expense:

(a) procure for the State the right to continue using the equipment, software, commodity, or service, or if this option is not reasonably available to Contractor, (b) replace or modify the same so that it becomes non-infringing; or (c) accept its return by the State with appropriate credits to the State against Contractor’s charges and reimburse the State for any losses or costs incurred as a consequence of the State ceasing its use and returning it.

28. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer of Damages. IN NO EVENT WILL THE STATE’S AGGREGATE

LIABILITY TO CONTRACTOR UNDER THIS CONTRACT, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION,

WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR BY STATUTE OR OTHERWISE, FOR ANY CLAIM RELATED TO OR ARISING UNDER THIS CONTRACT, EXCEED THE MAXIMUM

AMOUNT OF FEES PAYABLE UNDER THIS CONTRACT. The State is not liable for consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages, regardless of the nature of the action.

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29. Disclosure of Litigation, or Other Proceeding. Contractor must notify the State within 14 calendar days of receiving notice of any litigation, investigation, arbitration, or other proceeding (collectively, “Proceeding”) involving Contractor, a subcontractor, or an officer or director of Contractor or subcontractor, that arises during the term of the Contract, including: (a) a criminal Proceeding; (b) a parole or probation Proceeding; (c) a Proceeding under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (d) a civil Proceeding involving: (1) a claim that might reasonably be expected to adversely affect Contractor’s viability or financial stability; or (2) a governmental or public entity’s claim or written allegation of fraud; or (e) a Proceeding involving any license that Contractor is required to possess in order to perform under this Contract.

30. State Data. All data and information provided to Contractor by or on behalf of the State, and all data and information derived therefrom, is the exclusive property of the State (“State Data”); this definition is to be construed as broadly as possible. Upon request, Contractor must provide to the State, or a third party designated by the State, all State Data within 10 calendar days of the request and in the format requested by the State. Contractor will assume all costs incurred in compiling and supplying State Data. No State Data may be used for any marketing purposes.

31. Reserved.

32. Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information. The parties acknowledge that each party may be exposed to or acquire communication or data of the other party that is confidential, privileged communication not intended to be disclosed to third parties. The provisions of this Section survive the termination of this Contract.

a. Meaning of Confidential Information. For the purposes of this Contract, the term “Confidential

Information” means all information and documentation of a party that: (a) has been marked “confidential” or with words of similar meaning, at the time of disclosure by such party; (b) if disclosed orally or not marked “confidential” or with words of similar meaning, was subsequently summarized in writing by the disclosing party and marked “confidential” or with words of similar meaning; and, (c) should reasonably be recognized as confidential information of the disclosing party. The term “Confidential Information” does not include any information or documentation that was: (a) subject to disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); (b) already in the possession of the receiving party without an obligation of confidentiality; (c) developed independently by the receiving party, as demonstrated by the receiving party, without violating the disclosing party’s proprietary rights; (d) obtained from a source other than the disclosing party without an obligation of confidentiality; or, (e) publicly available when received, or thereafter became publicly available (other than through any unauthorized disclosure by, through, or on behalf of, the receiving party). For purposes of this Contract, in all cases and for all matters, State Data is deemed to be Confidential Information.

b. Obligation of Confidentiality. The parties agree to hold all Confidential Information in strict confidence and not to copy, reproduce, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, give or disclose such Confidential Information to third parties other than employees, agents, or subcontractors of a party who have a need to know in connection with this Contract or to use such Confidential Information for any purposes whatsoever other than the performance of this Contract. The parties agree to advise and require their respective employees, agents, and subcontractors of their obligations to keep all Confidential Information confidential. Disclosure to a subcontractor is permissible where: (a) use of a subcontractor is authorized under this Contract; (b) the disclosure is necessary or otherwise naturally occurs in connection with work that is within the subcontractor's responsibilities; and (c) Contractor obligates the subcontractor in a written contract to maintain the State's Confidential Information in confidence. At the State's request, any employee of Contractor or any subcontractor may be required to execute a separate agreement to be bound by the provisions of this Section.

c. Cooperation to Prevent Disclosure of Confidential Information. Each party must use its best efforts to assist the other party in identifying and preventing any unauthorized use or disclosure of any Confidential Information. Without limiting the foregoing, each party must advise the other party immediately in the event either party learns or has reason to believe that any person who has had access to Confidential Information has violated or intends to violate the terms of this Contract and each party will cooperate with the other party in seeking injunctive or other equitable relief against any such person.

d. Remedies for Breach of Obligation of Confidentiality. Each party acknowledges that breach of its obligation of confidentiality may give rise to irreparable injury to the other party, which damage may be

Version 6 (2/2019) 16 inadequately compensable in the form of monetary damages. Accordingly, a party may seek and obtain injunctive relief against the breach or threatened breach of the foregoing undertakings, in addition to any other legal remedies which may be available, to include, in the case of the State, at the sole election of the State, the immediate termination, without liability to the State, of this Contract or any Statement of Work corresponding to the breach or threatened breach.

e. Surrender of Confidential Information upon Termination. Upon termination of this Contract or a Statement of Work, in whole or in part, each party must, within 5 calendar days from the date of termination, return to the other party any and all Confidential Information received from the other party, or created or received by a party on behalf of the other party, which are in such party’s possession, custody, or control; provided, however, that Contractor must return State Data to the State following the timeframe and procedure described further in this Contract. Should Contractor or the State determine that the return of any Confidential Information is not feasible, such party must destroy the Confidential Information and must certify the same in writing within 5 calendar days from the date of termination to the other party. However, the State’s legal ability to destroy Contractor data may be restricted by its retention and disposal schedule, in which case Contractor’s Confidential Information will be destroyed after the retention period expires.

33. Reserved.

34. Reserved.

35. Reserved.

36. Records Maintenance, Inspection, Examination, and Audit. The State or its designee may audit Contractor to verify compliance with this Contract. Contractor must retain and provide to the State or its designee and the auditor general upon request, all financial and accounting records related to the Contract through the term of the Contract and for 4 years after the latter of termination, expiration, or final payment under this Contract or any extension (“Audit Period”). If an audit, litigation, or other action involving the records is initiated before the end of the Audit Period, Contractor must retain the records until all issues are resolved.

Within 10 calendar days of providing notice, the State and its authorized representatives or designees have the right to enter and inspect Contractor's premises or any other places where Contract Activities are being performed, and examine, copy, and audit all records related to this Contract. Contractor must cooperate and provide reasonable assistance. If any financial errors are revealed, the amount in error must be reflected as a credit or debit on subsequent invoices until the amount is paid or refunded. Any remaining balance at the end of the Contract must be paid or refunded within 45 calendar days.

This Section applies to Contractor, any parent, affiliate, or subsidiary organization of Contractor, and any subcontractor that performs Contract Activities in connection with this Contract.

37. Warranties and Representations. Contractor represents and warrants: (a) Contractor is the owner or licensee of any Contract Activities that it licenses, sells, or develops and Contractor has the rights necessary to convey title, ownership rights, or licensed use; (b) all Contract Activities are delivered free from any security interest, lien, or encumbrance and will continue in that respect; (c) the Contract Activities will not infringe the patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, or other proprietary rights of any third party; (d) Contractor must assign or otherwise transfer to the State or its designee any manufacturer's warranty for the Contract Activities;

(e) the Contract Activities are merchantable and fit for the specific purposes identified in the Contract; (f) the Contract signatory has the authority to enter into this Contract; (g) all information furnished by Contractor in connection with the Contract fairly and accurately represents Contractor's business, properties, finances, and operations as of the dates covered by the information, and Contractor will inform the State of any material…