Attachment A - Special Terms and Conditions - Pages 1-15.docx

State of Louisiana Bid Invitation

RFx 3300026281 Contract Title: Aggregates – LDWF Attachment A

Special Terms and Conditions Bid Delivery Instructions for State Procurement:

Bidders are hereby advised that the Office of State Procurement (OSP) must receive bids at its physical location by the date and time specified on page 1 of the Invitation to Bid.

Bids may be mailed or delivered by hand or courier service to the Office of State Procurement’s physical location as follows:

Office of State Procurement Claiborne Building, Suite 2-160 1201 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Or bids may be submitted online by accessing the link on page 1 of the Invitation to Bid.

Bidders should be aware of security requirements for the Claiborne Building and allow time to be photographed and presented with a temporary identification badge.

Bidder is solely responsible for ensuring that its courier service provider makes inside deliveries to the Office of State Procurement’s physical location. The Office of State Procurement is not responsible for any delays caused by the bidder's chosen means of bid delivery. Bidder is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its bid. Failure to meet the bid opening date & time shall result in rejection of the bid.

Note: Bidders who choose to respond to this bid online via the vendor portal are encouraged to not submit a written bid as well.

Bidders are hereby advised that due to the nature of the internet, the State of Louisiana cannot guarantee that access to the LaGov or LaPAC websites will be uninterrupted or that e-mails or other electronic transmissions will be sent to you or received by us. The Office of State Procurement is not responsible for any delays caused by the bidder’s choice to submit their bid online. Bidder is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its bid. Failure to meet the bid opening date and time shall result in rejection of the bid.

**Attention**

Receipt of a solicitation or award cannot be relied upon as an assurance of receiving future solicitations. In order to receive notifications of future solicitations from this office, you must register and enroll in the proper category in LaGov.

Enrollment in LaGov provides LaPAC email notification of bid opportunities based upon commodities that you select.

Calendar of Events:

Deadline to receive written inquiries: 6/30/2026

Deadline to answer written inquiries 7/07/2026

Bid Opening Date and Time: 7/14/2026@10:00 A.M. (Central Time)

Note: The State of Louisiana reserves the right to revise this calendar. Revisions before the bid opening date and time, if any, will be formalized by the issuance of an addendum to this ITB.

Bidder Inquiries:

The State shall not and cannot permit an open-ended inquiry period, as this creates an unwarranted delay in the procurement cycle and operations of our Agency customers. The State reasonably expects and requires responsible and interested bidders to conduct their in-depth bid review and submit inquiries in a timely manner.

An inquiry period is hereby firmly set for all interested bidders to perform a detailed review of the bid documents and to submit any written inquiries relative thereto. Without exception, all inquiries must be submitted in writing by an authorized representative of the bidder, clearly cross-referenced to the relevant bid section. All inquiries must be received by the Inquiry Deadline date set forth in the Calendar of Events section of this bid. Only those inquiries received by the established deadline shall be considered by the State. Inquiries received after the established deadline shall not be entertained.

Inquiries concerning this bid may be delivered by mail, express courier, e-mail, hand, or fax to:

Office of State Procurement Attention: Tommy Nolan 1201 North Third St.

Claiborne Bldg., Suite 2-160 Baton Rouge, LA 70802

E-Mail: tommy.nolan@la.gov Phone: (225) 342-8057 Fax: (225) 342-9756

Only the person identified above or their designee has the authority to officially respond to bidder’s questions on behalf of the State. Any communications from any other individuals are not binding to the State.

An addendum will be issued and posted at the Office of State Procurement’s LaPAC* website, to address all inquiries received and any other changes or clarifications to the bid. Thereafter, all bid documents, including but not limited to the specifications, terms, conditions, plans, etc., will stand as written and/or amended by any addendum. No negotiations, decisions, or actions shall be executed by any bidder as a result of any oral discussions with any state employee or state consultant. It is the bidder’s responsibility to check the LaPAC website frequently for any possible addenda that may be issued. The Office of State Procurement is not responsible for a bidder’s failure to download any addenda documents required to complete the bid.

*Note: LaPAC is the State’s online electronic bid posting and notification system resident on State Procurement’s website. In that LaPAC provides an immediate e-mail notification to subscribing bidders that a solicitation and any subsequent addenda have been let and posted, notice and receipt thereof is considered formally given as of their respective dates of posting.

To receive the email notification, vendors must register in the LaGov portal. Registration is intuitive.

Help scripts are available on the Office of State Procurement’s website under Vendor Resources.

Terms and Conditions:

This solicitation contains all terms and conditions with respect to the commodities herein. Any vendor contracts, forms, terms, or other materials submitted with bid may cause bid to be rejected.

Vendor's Forms:

The purchase order is the only binding document to be issued against the contract. Signing of vendor's forms is not allowed.

Acceptance:

Unless otherwise specified, bids on the contract will be assumed to be firm for acceptance for a minimum of 60 days. If accepted, prices must be firm for the specified contract period.

Prices:

Prices shall be complete, including transportation/freight charges prepaid by the bidder to the destination, inside delivery, unpacking, assembly of all components and removal of all associated debris from premises. Prices should be quoted in the unit (each, box, case, hour, flat, mile, etc.) as specified in this solicitation.

Price Adjustments:

Price adjustments may be considered on a quarterly basis for the contract term, based on the change in value of the U.S. Department of Labor; Bureau of Labor Statistics; Producer Price Index (series id: WPU1321 - Construction sand, gravel, and crushed stone).

Price adjustments shall only be permitted for changes in the Contractor’s cost of materials or services. The Contractor must submit a written request for price adjustments, accompanied by documentation justifying the request, to the Office of State Procurement at least 30 days prior to the start of the effective period. No adjustment shall be effective until approved in writing by the Office of State Procurement. The State reserves the right to accept, reject, or negotiate the proposed price adjustment. Orders shall be invoiced at the contract prices in effect on the date of the purchase order.

The Contractor must submit a written request for price increases during the time frame as outlined below for their effectiveness date to:

Office of State Procurement Attn: Tommy Nolan 1201 North Third St. Claiborne Bldg., Suite 2-160 Baton Rouge, LA 70802 E-Mail: tommy.nolan@la.gov

In order for price changes to be effective in a timely manner, pricing update requests (if needed) must be received on the following schedule:

The Contractor shall document the amount of any general change in the price of materials. Documentation shall be supplied with the Contractor’s request for increase which will: (1) verify that the requested price increase is general in scope and not applicable just to the State of Louisiana; and (2) verify the amount or percentage of increase which is being passed on to the Contractor by the manufacturer.

In the event of a price decrease in the Contractor’s list price, the State shall be notified immediately. All such price reductions shall be effective immediately upon notification to the State.

Payment:

Payment will be made on the basis of unit price as listed in the contract; such price and payment will constitute full compensation for furnishing and delivering the contract commodities. In no case will the State Agency refuse to make partial payments to the Contractor although all items have not been delivered. This payment in no way relieves the Contractor of his responsibility to effect shipment of the balance of the order. Payment will be to vendor and address as shown on order.

Late Payments:

Interest due by a State Agency for late payments shall be in accordance with La. R.S. 39:1695 at the rates established in La. R.S. 13:4202.

Invoices:

Invoices will be submitted by the Contractor to the Using Agency and the invoice shall refer to the delivery ticket number, delivery date, purchase order number, quantity, unit price, and delivery point. A separate invoice for each order delivered and accepted shall be submitted by the Contractor in duplicate directly to the accounting department of the Using Agency. Invoices shall show the amount of any cash discount and shall be submitted on the Contractor's own invoice form.

Contractual Period:

The State of Louisiana intends to award all items for an initial period, not to exceed 12 months. Delays in awarding, beyond the anticipated starting date, may result in a change in the contract period. If the situation occurs, an award may be made for less than 12 months.

Renewals:

At the option of the State of Louisiana and acceptance by the Contractor, the contract may be extended for two additional 12 month periods at the same prices, terms and conditions. Total contract time may not exceed 36 months.

Quantities:

This is an open-ended requirements contract. Quantities shown are based on the previous contract usage or estimates. Where usage is not available, a quantity of one indicates a lack of history on the item. The successful bidder must supply at bid prices actual requirements as ordered whether the total of such requirements is more or less than the quantities shown.

Orders:

LDWF shall issue contract purchase orders for the items required, as and when needed.

Delivery:

Deliver to LDWF. Delivery is to be made upon the issuance of a purchase order.

Delivery Method:

All material is to be tailgate spread in an even fashion. Loads are not to be dumped in piles unless specifically requested by LDWF personnel.

The Contractor shall be able to deliver within 7 calendar days lead time ARO.

Electronic Vendor Payment Solution:

In an effort to increase efficiencies and effectiveness as well as be strategic in utilizing technology and resources for the State and the Contractor, the State intends to make all payments to Contractors electronically. The LaCarte Procurement Card will be used for purchases of $5,000 and under, and where feasible, over $5,000. Contractors will have a choice of receiving electronic payment for all other payments by selecting the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If you receive an award and do not currently accept the LaCarte card or have not already enrolled in EFT, you will be asked to comply with this request by choosing either the LaCarte Procurement Card and/or EFT. You may indicate your acceptance below.

The LaCarte Procurement Card uses a Visa card platform. Contractors receive payment from State Agencies using the card in the same manner as other Visa card purchases. Contractors cannot process payment transactions through the credit card clearinghouse until the purchased products have been shipped or received or the services performed.

For all Statewide and Agency Term Contracts:

· Under the LaCarte program, purchase orders are not necessary. Orders must be placed against the net discounted products of the contract. All contract terms and conditions apply to purchases made with LaCarte.

· If a purchase order is not used, the Contractor must keep on file a record of all LaCarte purchases issued against the contract during the contract period. The file must contain the particular item number, quantity, line total and order total. Records of these purchases must be provided to the Office of State Procurement on request.

EFT payments are sent from the State’s bank directly to the payee’s bank each weekday. The only requirement is that you have an active checking or savings account at a financial institution that can accept Automated Clearing House (ACH) credit files and remittance information electronically. Additional information and an enrollment form is available by contacting the Office of Statewide Reporting & Accounting Policy at doa-osrap-eft@la.gov.

To facilitate this payment process, you will need to complete and return the EFT enrollment form.

If an award is made to your company, please check which option you will accept or indicate if you are already enrolled.

Payment Type Will Accept Already Enrolled

LaCarte ☐ ☐

EFT ☐ ☐

Printed Name of Individual Authorized

Authorized Signature for payment type chosen Date

Email address and phone number of authorized individual Louisiana Preference:

Notwithstanding any other provision of La. R.S. 39:1604 to the contrary, the following preferences shall apply only to bidders whose Louisiana business workforce is comprised of a minimum of 50% Louisiana residents.

(1) Do you have a Louisiana Business workforce? yes no

(2) If so, do you certify that at least 50% of your Louisiana business workforce is comprised of Louisiana residents? yes no

A. In accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 39:1604, each procurement officer, purchasing agent, or similar official who procures or purchases agricultural or forestry products, including meat, seafood, produce, eggs, paper or paper products under the provisions of Chapter 17 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes shall procure or purchase Louisiana products provided all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The bidder certifies in the bid submitted that the product meets the criteria of a Louisiana product.

(2) The product is equal to or better than equal in quality to other products.

(3) The cost of the Louisiana product shall not exceed the cost of other products by more than 10%, except as otherwise provided in this Chapter as a specific exception.

Do you claim this preference? yes no

Specify line number(s):

B. In accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 39:1604, each procurement officer, purchasing agent, or similar official who procures or purchases products under the provisions of Chapter 17 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes shall procure or purchase meat and meat products, domesticated or wild catfish, produce, eggs or crawfish which are further processed in Louisiana, provided the cost of the further processed meat and meat products, domesticated or wild catfish, produce, eggs or crawfish do not exceed the cost of other products by more than 7%.

Do you claim this preference? yes no

Specify line number(s):

Specify location within Louisiana where product is further processed:

(Note: If more space is required, include on a separate sheet.)

C. In accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 39:1604, each procurement officer, purchasing agent, or similar official who procures or purchases materials, supplies, products, provisions, or equipment under the provisions of Chapter 17 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes may purchase such materials, supplies, products, provisions, or equipment which are produced, manufactured, or assembled in Louisiana, as defined in La. R.S. 38:2251(A), and which are equal in quality to other materials, supplies, products, provisions, or equipment, provided that all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The cost of such items does not exceed the cost of other items which are manufactured, processed, produced, or assembled outside the State by more than 10%.

(2) The vendor of such Louisiana items agrees to sell the items at the same price as the lowest bid offered on such items.

(3) In cases where more than one bidder offers Louisiana items which are within 10% of the lowest bid, the bidder offering the lowest bid on Louisiana items is entitled to accept the price of the lowest bid made on such items.

Do you claim this preference? yes no

Specify line number(s):

Specify location within Louisiana where product is produced, manufactured, or assembled:

(Note: If more space is required, include on a separate sheet.)

Note: Failure to specify above information may cause elimination from preferences.

Procurement of United States Products:

In accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 39:1604.7, in the event a contract is not entered into for products purchased under the provisions of La. R.S. 39:1595, each procurement officer, purchasing agent, or similar official who procures or purchases materials, supplies, products, provisions, or equipment under the provisions of this Chapter may purchase such materials, supplies, products, provisions, or equipment which are manufactured in the United States, and which are equal in quality to other materials, supplies, products, provisions, or equipment, provided that all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The cost of such items does not exceed the cost of other items which are manufactured outside the United States by more than 5%.

(2) The vendor of such items agrees to sell the items at the same price as the lowest bid offered on such items.

(3) In cases where more than one bidder offers items manufactured in the United States which are within 5% of the lowest bid, the bidder offering the lowest bid on such items is entitled to accept the price of the lowest bid made on such items.

(4) The vendor certifies that such items are manufactured in the United States.

For the purposes of this preference,

(1) "Manufactured in the United States" means produced by a process in which the manufacturing, final assembly, processing, packaging, testing, and any other process that adds value, quality, or reliability to assembled articles, materials, or supplies, occur in the United States.

(2) "United States" means the United States and any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

Do you claim this preference? yes no

Specify line number(s):

Specify location within the United States where this product is manufactured:

(Note: If more space is required, include on a separate sheet.)

Non-Exclusivity Clause:

This agreement is non-exclusive and shall not in any way preclude State Agencies from entering into similar agreements and/or arrangements with other vendors or from acquiring similar, equal, or like goods and/or services from other entities or sources.

Termination for Non-Appropriation of Funds:

The continuation of the contract is contingent upon the appropriation of funds to fulfill the requirements of the contract by the legislature. If the legislature fails to appropriate sufficient monies to provide for the continuation of a contract or if such appropriation is reduced by the veto of the Governor or by any means provided in the Appropriations Act or Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 to prevent the total appropriations for the year from exceeding revenues for that year or for any other lawful purpose and the effect of such reduction is to provide insufficient monies for the continuation of the contract, the contract shall terminate on the date of the beginning of the first fiscal year for which funds are not appropriated.

Assignment:

The Contractor shall not assign any interest in the contract by assignment, transfer or novation without prior written consent of the State. This provision shall not be construed to prohibit the Contractor from assigning his bank, trust company, or other financial institution any money due or to become due from approved contracts without such prior written consent. Notice of any such assignment or transfer shall be furnished promptly to the State.

Record Retention:

The successful vendor shall retain all books, records, and other relevant documents associated with the contract for at least 5 years after final payment.

Right to Audit:

The State Legislative Auditor, Federal Auditors and Internal Auditors of the Division of Administration, or others so designated by the DOA, shall have the option to audit all accounts directly pertaining to the contract for a period of five years from the date of final payment or as required by applicable State and Federal Law. Records shall be made available during normal working hours for this purpose.

Applicable Law The contract shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana; specifically, the Louisiana Procurement Code (La. R.S. 39:1551-1755) and its corresponding rules and regulations and, to the extent applicable, the Information Technology Procurement Code (La. R.S. 39:196-200) and its corresponding rules and regulations.

Venue of any action for judicial review brought with regard to the contract, after exhaustion of administrative remedies, shall be in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, which shall exercise its appellate jurisdiction in accordance with the Louisiana Procurement Code.

Contract Controversies Any claim or controversy arising out of the contract shall be resolved by the provisions of La. R.S. 39:1671-1673, as applicable.

Increase/Decrease:

The quantities listed herein are estimated to be the amount needed. In the event a greater or lesser quantity is needed, the right is reserved by the State of Louisiana to increase or decrease the amount, at the unit price stated in the bid.

Usage Reporting Requirements:

Successful vendor is to keep a record of all orders issued against the contract during the contract period. Approximately 4 months prior to the end of the contract period, the Contractor is to be prepared to submit to the Office of State Procurement a contract usage report.

The specific usage report content, scope, and format requirements are available on the Office of State Procurement’s website under Vendor Resources/Vendor Forms. In addition, the person’s name who compiled the report and their contact information shall be provided. The Office of State Procurement reserves the right to request copies of any purchase order issued against the contract.

The usage reports shall be submitted utilizing this format or an equivalent format that has been pre-approved by the Office of State Procurement.

Method of Award:

The State reserves the right to award contracts as, lowest responsive, responsible bidders meeting requirements under this solicitation, per Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The State reserves the right to make multiple awards to ensure complete delivery coverage to all geographical locations.

Delivery Trucks:

The Contractor is to have the ability to provide a minimum of six trucks of 22-26 cubic yard capacity and must be capable of delivering the total contract amount continuously or as weather permits. It will be permissible to utilize smaller capacity trucks in addition to the minimum number of large trucks. Tandem axle dump truck with a capacity of 10-14 cubic yards and/or triaxle dump trucks with a capacity of 14-18 cubic yards must be available upon request as some delivery locations dictate the use of these smaller trucks. All trucks must be in good working order.

*****Dump Wagons are not acceptable for delivery of Aggregates of any kind*****

Weigh Tickets:

Printed Tare/Weigh tickets from a certified scale are required at the time of delivery. Deliveries will be refused without a printed weigh ticket. The Contractor must provide weigh tickets indicating load weight for each delivery. With advance approval from the Agency, an exception can be allowed in the event scales are unavailable. In that case the Contractor must fully load each truck so that accurate volumetric measurements can be taken to verify the size of each load.

************* Minimum order is defined as a truckload of Material **************** The Using Agency reserves the right to weigh trucks before and/or after delivery, inspect material, measure actual dimension of materials in bed of truck, or use any feasible method to determine and verify the quantity and quality of materials being delivered.

Material Physical Specifications/Properties:

All specifications are subject to testing. Type of testing, frequency of testing, sampling procedures and laboratory to be determined by using LDWF personnel. The Contractor agrees to pay all testing expenses. All materials found to be substandard must be removed from the area at the Contractor’s expense. Substandard materials will not count toward contract quantity.

Insurance Requirements for Contractors:

The Contractor shall purchase and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the Contractor, its agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. The cost of such insurance shall be included in the bidder’s pricing.

A. Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance

1. Workers Compensation Workers Compensation insurance shall be in compliance with the Workers Compensation law of the State of the Contractor’s headquarters. Employers Liability is included with a minimum limit of $1,000,000 per accident/per disease/per employee. If work is to be performed over water and involves maritime exposure, applicable LHWCA, Jones Act, or other maritime law coverage shall be included. A.M. Best's insurance company rating requirement may be waived for workers compensation coverage only.

2. Commercial General Liability Commercial General Liability insurance, including Personal and Advertising Injury Liability and Products and Completed Operations, shall have a minimum limit per occurrence of $1,000,000 and a minimum general aggregate of $2,000,000. The Insurance Services Office (ISO) Commercial General Liability occurrence coverage form CG 00 01 (current form approved for use in Louisiana), or equivalent, is to be used in the policy. Claims-made form is unacceptable.

3. Automobile Liability Automobile Liability Insurance shall have a minimum combined single limit per occurrence of $1,000,000. ISO form number CA 00 01 (current form approved for use in Louisiana), or equivalent, is to be used in the policy. This insurance shall include third-party bodily injury and property damage liability for owned, hired and non‑owned automobiles.

B. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and accepted by the Agency. The Contractor shall be responsible for all deductibles and self-insured retentions.

C. Other Insurance Provisions The policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:

1. Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability Coverage

a. The Agency, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers shall be named as an additional insured as regards negligence by the Contractor. ISO Form CG 20 10 (for ongoing work) AND CG 20 37 (for completed work) (current forms approved for use in Louisiana), or equivalent, are to be used when applicable. The coverage shall contain no special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to the Agency.

b. The Contractor’s insurance shall be primary as respects the Agency, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers for any and all losses that occur under the contract. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the Agency shall be excess and non-contributory of the Contractor’s insurance.

2. Workers Compensation and Employers Liability Coverage

To the fullest extent allowed by law, the insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against the Agency, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers for losses arising from work performed by the Contractor for the Agency.

3. All Coverages

a. All policies must be endorsed to require 30 day written notice of cancellation to the Agency. 10 day written notice of cancellation is acceptable for non-payment of premium. Notifications shall comply with the standard cancellation provisions in the Contractor’s policy. In addition, the Contractor is required to notify Agency of policy cancellations or reductions in limits.

b. The acceptance of the completed work, payment, failure of the Agency to require proof of compliance, or Agency’s acceptance of a non-compliant Certificate of Insurance shall not release the Contractor from the obligations of the insurance requirements or indemnification agreement.

c. The insurance companies issuing the policies shall have no recourse against the Agency for payment of premiums or for assessments under any form of the policies.

d. Any failure of the Contractor to comply with reporting provisions of the policy shall not affect coverage provided to the Agency, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers.

D. Acceptability of Insurers

1. All required insurance shall be provided by a company or companies lawfully authorized to do business in the jurisdiction in which the Project is located. Insurance shall be placed with insurers with an A.M. Best's rating of A-:VI or higher. This rating requirement may be waived for workers compensation coverage only.

2. If at any time an insurer issuing any such policy does not meet the minimum A.M. Best rating, the Contractor shall obtain a policy with an insurer that meets the A.M. Best rating and shall submit another Certificate of Insurance within 30 days.

E. Verification of Coverage

1. The Contractor shall furnish the Agency with Certificates of Insurance reflecting proof of required coverage. The Certificates for each insurance policy are to be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. The Certificates are to be received and approved by the Agency before work commences and upon any contract renewal or insurance policy renewal thereafter.

2. The Certificate Holder shall be listed as Follows:

State of Louisiana Office of State Procurement 1201 N. 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

3. In addition to the Certificates, the Contractor shall submit the declarations page and the cancellation provision for each insurance policy. The Agency reserves the right to request complete certified copies of all required insurance policies at any time.

4. Upon failure of the Contractor to furnish, deliver and maintain such insurance, this contract, at the election of the Agency, may be suspended, discontinued or terminated. Failure of the Contractor to purchase and/or maintain any required insurance shall not relieve the Contractor from any liability or indemnification under the contract.

F. Subcontractors The Contractor shall include all subcontractors as insureds under its policies OR shall be responsible for verifying and maintaining the Certificates provided by each subcontractor. Subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements stated herein. The Agency reserves the right to request copies of subcontractor’s Certificates at any time.

G. Workers Compensation Indemnity In the event the Contractor is not required to provide or elects not to provide workers compensation coverage, the parties hereby agree that the Contractor, its owners, agents and employees will have no cause of action against, and will not assert a claim against, the State of Louisiana, its Departments, Agencies, agents and employees as an employer, whether pursuant to the Louisiana Workers Compensation Act or otherwise, under any circumstance. The parties also hereby agree that the State of Louisiana, its Departments, Agencies, agents and employees shall in no circumstance be, or considered as, the employer or statutory employer of the Contractor, its owners, agents and employees. The parties further agree that the Contractor is a wholly independent contractor and is exclusively responsible for its employees, owners, and agents. The Contractor hereby agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold the State of Louisiana, its Departments, Agencies, agents and employees harmless from any such assertion or claim that may arise from the performance of this contract.

H. Indemnification/Hold Harmless Agreement

1. The Contractor agrees to protect, defend, indemnify, save, and hold harmless, the State of Louisiana, all State Departments, Agencies, Boards and Commissions, its officers, agents, servants, employees, and volunteers, from and against any and all claims, damages, expenses, and liability arising out of injury or death to any person or the damage, loss or destruction of any property which may occur, or in any way grow out of, any act or omission of the Contractor, its agents, servants, and employees, or any and all costs, expenses and/or attorney fees incurred by the Contractor as a result of any claims, demands, suits or causes of action, except those claims, demands, suits, or causes of action arising out of the negligence of the State of Louisiana, all State Departments, Agencies, Boards, Commissions, its officers, agents, servants, employees and volunteers.

2. The Contractor agrees to investigate, handle, respond to, provide defense for and defend any such claims, demands, suits, or causes of action at its sole expense and agrees to bear all other costs and expenses related thereto, even if the claims, demands, suits, or causes of action are groundless, false or fraudulent. The State of Louisiana may, but is not required to, consult with the Contractor in the defense of claims, but this shall not affect the Contractor’s responsibility for the handling of and expenses for all claims.

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