C-952_SampleContractandExhibits.docx

State of Minnesota Contract

This Contract is between the State of Minnesota, acting through Commissioner of Administration (“State”) and [Contractor] whose designated business address is [Contractor’s business address] (“Contractor”). State and Contractor may be referred to jointly as “Parties.”

Recitals

1. State issued a solicitation identified as SWIFT G0210-2000015626 on March 28, 2024 for Construction Solicitation Virtual Plan Room (“Solicitation”);

2. Contractor provided a response to the Solicitation indicating its interest in and ability to provide the goods or services requested in the Solicitation; and

3. Subsequent to an evaluation in accordance with the terms of the Solicitation and negotiation, the Parties desire to enter into a contract.

Accordingly, the Parties agree as follows:

Contract Term of Contract Effective date. [Spell out full date (e.g., April 1, 2019)], or the date the State obtains all required signatures under Minn. Stat. § 16C.05, subd. 2, whichever is later. The Contractor must not begin work under this Contract until this Contract is fully executed and the Contractor has been notified by the State’s Authorized Representative to begin the work.

Expiration date. [Spell out full date (e.g., March 31, 2020)], or until all obligations have been satisfactorily fulfilled, whichever occurs first. The contract may be extended for up to an additional [## months/years], in increments as determined by the State, through a duly executed amendment.

Contract Use. This Contract is not exclusive and shall not be construed as guarantying a minimum or maximum amount of usage. The State intends for the Construction Solicitation Virtual Plan Room to be used by all State agencies; however, the State reserves the right not to post all projects on the Construction Solicitation Virtual Plan Room.

Contractor’s Duties The Contractor shall perform all duties described in this Contract to the satisfaction of the State.

Representations and Warranties Under Minn. Stat. §§ 15.061 and 16C.03, subd. 3, and other applicable law the State is empowered to engage such assistance as deemed necessary.

Contractor warrants that it is duly qualified and shall perform its obligations under this Contract in accordance with the commercially reasonable standards of care, skill, and diligence in Contractor’s industry, trade, or profession, and in accordance with the specifications set forth in this Contract, to the satisfaction of the State.

Contractor warrants that it possesses the legal authority to enter into this Contract and that it has taken all actions required by its procedures, by-laws, and applicable laws to exercise that authority, and to lawfully authorize its undersigned signatory to execute this Contract, or any part thereof, and to bind Contractor to its terms.

Time The Contractor must comply with all the time requirements described in this Contract. In the performance of this Contract, time is of the essence.

Compensation and Conditions of Payment Compensation. The State will pay for performance by the Contractor under this Contract in accordance with the breakdown of costs as set forth in Exhibit D which is attached and incorporated into this Contract.

Conditions of Payment. All duties performed by the Contractor under this Contract must be performed to the State’s satisfaction and in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations including business registration requirements of the Office of the Secretary of State. The Contractor will not receive payment for work found by the State to be unsatisfactory or performed in violation of federal, state, or local law.

Authorized Representative The State's Authorized Representative is XXXXX, Acquisition Management Specialist, 50 Sherburne Avenue, Room 112, St. Paul, MN 55155, (651) 201-5555, or his/her successor or delegate, and has the responsibility to monitor the Contractor’s performance.

Contractor’s Authorized Representative. The Contractor's Authorized Representative is XXXXX at the following business address and telephone number: [insert business address and telephone number], or his/her successor. If the Contractor’s Authorized Representative changes at any time during this Contract, the Contractor must immediately notify the State.

Exhibits The following Exhibits are attached and incorporated into this Contract. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Contract and its Exhibits, or between Exhibits, the order of precedence is first the Contract, and then in the following order:

Exhibit A: Contract Terms Exhibit B: Insurance Requirements Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work Exhibit D: Price and Payment Schedule

1. State Encumbrance Verification Individual certifies that funds have been encumbered as required by Minn. Stat. §§ 16A.15 and 16C.05

3. Office of State Procurement With delegated authority

Print name:

Print name:

Signature:

Signature:

Title:

Date:

Title:

Date:

SWIFT Contract No.:

2. Contractor The Contractor certifies that the appropriate person(s) have executed the Contract on behalf of the Contractor as required by applicable articles, bylaws, resolutions, or ordinances.

4. Commissioner of Administration As delegated to The Office of State Procurement

Print name:

Print name:

Signature:

Signature:

Title:

Date:

Title:

Date:

Rev. 02.26.2024

Exhibit A: Contract Terms

1. Prompt Payment and Invoicing.

Prompt Payment. The State will pay the Contractor pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 16A.124, which requires payment within 30 days following receipt of an undisputed invoice, or merchandise or service, whichever is later. Terms requesting payment in less than 30 days will be changed to read “Net 30 days.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the State may pay the Contractor in advance for purchases as allowed pursuant to Minn. Stat. §16A.065.

The payment for each order will only be made for goods received or services actually performed that have been accepted by the ordering entity, and meet all terms, conditions, and specifications of the Contract and the ordering document.

Invoicing. The invoice must be in the same format as the sample invoice form approved as Exhibit D, Supplement 1 with the Contract, unless an alternative format is approved in writing by the State Authorized Representative, or delegate. See Exhibit D, Supplement 1 for a list of minimum invoice requirements.

Assignment, Amendments, Waiver, and Contract Complete.

Assignment. The Contractor may neither assign nor transfer any rights or obligations under this Contract without the prior consent of the State and a fully executed assignment agreement, executed and approved by the authorized parties or their successors.

Amendments. Any amendment to this Contract must be in writing and will not be effective until it has been executed and approved by the authorized parties or their successors.

Waiver. If the State fails to enforce any provision of this Contract, that failure does not waive the provision or its right to enforce it.

Contract Complete. This Contract contains all negotiations and agreements between the State and the Contractor. No other understanding regarding this Contract, whether written or oral, may be used to bind either party.

Termination.

Termination for Convenience. The State or Commissioner of Administration may cancel this Contract at any time, with or without cause, upon 30 days’ written notice to the Contractor. Upon termination for convenience, the Contractor will be entitled to payment, determined on a pro rata basis, for services or goods satisfactorily performed or delivered.

Termination for Breach. If the Contractor fails to perform according to the contract terms and conditions, the State is authorized to immediately cancel the Contract or purchase order, or any portion of it, and may obtain replacement goods or services and charge the difference of costs to the defaulting Contractor. In the event of default, the State reserves the right to pursue any other remedy available by law. A Contractor may be removed from the vendors list, suspended or debarred from receiving a Contract for failure to comply with terms and conditions of the Contract, or for failure to pay the State for the cost incurred on the defaulted Contract.

Termination for Insufficient Funding. The State may immediately terminate this Contract if it does not obtain funding from the Minnesota Legislature, or other funding source; or if funding cannot be continued at a level sufficient to allow for the payment of the services addressed within this Contract. Termination must be by written notice to the Contractor. The State is not obligated to pay for any services that are provided after notice and effective date of termination. However, the Contractor will be entitled to payment, determined on a pro rata basis, for services satisfactorily performed to the extent that dedicated funds are available. The State will not be assessed any penalty if the Contract is terminated because of the decision of the Minnesota Legislature, or other funding source, not to appropriate funds. The State must provide the Contractor notice of the lack of funding. This notice will be provided within a reasonable time of the State’s receiving notice.

Force Majeure.

Neither party shall be responsible to the other or considered in default of its obligations within this Contract to the extent that performance of any such obligations is prevented or delayed by acts of God, war, riot, disruption of government, or other catastrophes beyond the reasonable control of the party unless the act or occurrence could have been reasonably foreseen and reasonable action could have been taken to prevent the delay or failure to perform. A party relying on this provision to excuse performance must provide the other party prompt written notice of the inability to perform and take all necessary steps to bring about performance as soon as practicable.

Indemnification.

In the performance of this Contract, the Indemnifying Party must indemnify, save, and hold harmless the State, its agents, and employees, from any claims or causes of action, including attorney’s fees incurred by the State, to the extent caused by Indemnifying Party’s:

· Intentional, willful, or negligent acts or omissions; or

· Actions that give rise to strict liability; or

· Breach of contract or warranty.

The Indemnifying Party is defined to include the Contractor, Contractor’s reseller, any third party that has a business relationship with the Contractor, or Contractor’s agents or employees, and to the fullest extent permitted by law. The indemnification obligations of this section do not apply in the event the claim or cause of action is the result of the State’s sole negligence. This clause will not be construed to bar any legal remedies the Indemnifying Party may have for the State’s failure to fulfill its obligation under this Contract.

Nothing within this Contract, whether express or implied, shall be deemed to create an obligation on the part of the State to indemnify, defend, hold harmless or release the Indemnifying Party. This shall extend to all agreements related to the subject matter of this Contract, and to all terms subsequently added, without regard to order of precedence.

Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue.

Minnesota law, without regard to its choice-of-law provisions, governs this Contract. Venue for all legal proceedings out of this Contract, or its breach, must be in the appropriate state or federal court with competent jurisdiction in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Contract Use by State Agencies.

To the extent applicable, the Contract does not prohibit state agencies from using their delegated purchasing authority to procure similar goods and services from other sources.

Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV) Members.

The Contract will be available to all CPV members. Minn. Stat. § 16C.03, subd. 10 authorizes the State, acting through its Office of State Procurement, to enter into purchasing agreements with one or more governmental units and other entities allowable by law, as described in Minn. Stat. § 471.59, subd. 1, to exercise jointly the purchasing powers and functions each has individually. This authority is referred to as the Cooperative Purchasing Venture program. For more information, see State website https://mn.gov/admin/osp/.

The Contractor agrees to extend the Contract to CPV members at the same prices, terms, conditions, and specifications. With the approval of the Contractor, a CPV member may add additional terms to its ordering document applicable to the CPV member’s purchasing activities. Such additional terms shall not modify, diminish, or derogate the terms applicable to the State.

Purchase Orders.

The parties agree that there is no minimum order requirements or charges to process an individual purchase order unless otherwise stated in the Contract. The Purchase Order number must appear on all documents (e.g., invoices, packing slips, etc.).

Subcontracting and Subcontract Payment.

Subcontracting Allowed. A subcontractor is a person or company that has been awarded a portion of the Contract by Contractor. Only subcontractors that have been approved by the State’s Authorized Representative can be used for this Contract.

After the effective date of the Contract, the Contractor shall not, without prior written approval of the State’s Authorized Representative, subcontract for the performance of any of the Contractor’s obligations that were not already approved for subcontracting when the Contract was awarded. During this Contract, if an approved subcontractor is determined to be performing unsatisfactorily by the State’s Authorized Representative, the Contractor will receive written notification that the subcontractor can no longer be used for this Contract.

The provisions of the Contract shall apply with equal force and effect to all approved subcontractors engaged by the Contractor. Notwithstanding approval by the State, no subcontract shall serve to terminate or in any way affect the primary legal responsibility of the Contractor for timely and satisfactory performances of the obligations contemplated by the Contract.

Subcontractor Payment. Contractor must pay any subcontractor in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 16A.1245.

Data Disclosure.

Under Minn. Stat. § 270C.65, subd. 3 and other applicable law, the Contractor consents to disclosure of its social security number, federal employer tax identification number, and Minnesota tax identification number, already provided to the State, to federal and state agencies, and state personnel involved in the payment of state obligations. These identification numbers may be used in the enforcement of federal and state laws which could result in action requiring the Contractor to file state tax returns, pay delinquent state tax liabilities, if any, or pay other state liabilities.

Government Data Practices.

The Contractor and State must comply with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, (or, if the State contracting party is part of the Judicial Branch, with the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch promulgated by the Minnesota Supreme Court as the same may be amended from time to time) as it applies to all data provided by the State under this Contract, and as it applies to all data created, collected, received, stored, used, maintained, or disseminated by the Contractor under this Contract. The civil remedies of Minn. Stat. § 13.08 apply to the release of the data governed by the Minnesota Government Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, by either the Contractor or the State.

If the Contractor receives a request to release the data referred to in this clause, the Contractor must immediately notify and consult with the State’s Authorized Representative as to how the Contractor should respond to the request. The Contractor’s response to the request shall comply with applicable law.

Intellectual Property Rights.

Definitions. For the purpose of this Section, the following words and phrases have the assigned definitions:

“Documents” are the originals of any databases, computer programs, reports, notes, studies, photographs, negatives, designs, drawings, specifications, materials, tapes, disks, or other materials, whether in tangible or electronic forms, prepared by the Contractor, its employees, agents, or subcontractors, in the performance of this Contract.

“Pre-Existing Intellectual Property” means intellectual property developed prior to or outside the scope of this Contract, and any derivatives of that intellectual property.

“Works” means all inventions, improvements, discoveries (whether or not patentable), databases, computer programs, reports, notes, studies, photographs, negatives, designs, drawings, specifications, materials, tapes, and disks conceived, reduced to practice, created or originated by the Contractor, its employees, agents, and subcontractors, either individually or jointly with others in the performance of this Contract. “Works” includes Documents.

Ownership. The State owns all rights, title, and interest in all of the intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and service marks in the Works and Documents created and paid for under this Contract. The Documents shall be the exclusive property of the State and all such Documents must be immediately returned to the State by the Contractor upon completion or cancellation of this Contract. To the extent possible, those Works eligible for copyright protection under the United States Copyright Act will be deemed to be “works made for hire.” The Contractor assigns all right, title, and interest it may have in the Works and the Documents to the State. The Contractor must, at the request of the State, execute all papers and perform all other acts necessary to transfer or record the State’s ownership interest in the Works and Documents.

Pre-existing Intellectual Property. Each Party shall retain ownership of its respective Pre-Existing Intellectual Property. The Contractor grants the State a perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty free license for Contractor’s Pre-Existing Intellectual Property that are incorporated in the products, materials, equipment, deliverables, or services that are purchased through the Contract.

Obligations.

Notification. Whenever any invention, improvement, or discovery (whether or not patentable) is made or conceived for the first time or actually or constructively reduced to practice by the Contractor, including its employees and subcontractors, in the performance of this Contract, the Contractor will immediately give the State’s Authorized Representative written notice thereof, and must promptly furnish the State’s Authorized Representative with complete information and/or disclosure thereon.

Representation. The Contractor must perform all acts, and take all steps necessary to ensure that all intellectual property rights in the Works and Documents are the sole property of the State, and that neither Contractor nor its employees, agents, or subcontractors retain any interest in and to the Works and Documents. The Contractor represents and warrants that the Works and Documents do not and will not infringe upon any intellectual property rights of other persons or entities.

Indemnification. Notwithstanding any other indemnification obligations addressed within this Contract, the Contractor will indemnify; defend, to the extent permitted by the Attorney General; and hold harmless the State, at the Contractor’s expense, from any action or claim brought against the State to the extent that it is based on a claim that all or part of the Works or Documents infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. The Contractor will be responsible for payment of any and all such claims, demands, obligations, liabilities, costs, and damages, including but not limited to, attorney fees. If such a claim or action arises, or in the Contractor’s or the State’s opinion is likely to arise, the Contractor must, at the State’s discretion, either procure for the State the right or license to use the intellectual property rights at issue or replace or modify the allegedly infringing works or documents as necessary and appropriate to obviate the infringement claim. This remedy of the State will be in addition to and not exclusive of other remedies provided by law.

Copyright.

The Contractor shall save and hold harmless the State of Minnesota, its officers, agents, servants and employees, from liability of any kind or nature, arising from the use of any copyrighted or noncopyrighted compositions, secret process, patented or nonpatented invention, article or appliance furnished or used in the performance of the Contract.

Assignment of Antitrust Rights.

Upon the request of the State of Minnesota, Contractor will irrevocably assign to State any state or federal antitrust claim or cause of action that the Contractor now has or which may accrue to the Contractor in the future, in connection with any goods, services, or combination provided by Contractor under the terms of this Contract.

Survivability of Orders.

In the event the term of any order or Professional/Technical Services work order (“Order”) placed under this Contract extends past the termination or expiration of this Contract, the terms and conditions of this Contract shall remain in full force and effect as it applies to such order and will continue in effect for such order until the term of that order expires or the order is cancelled or terminated in accordance with the terms of this Contract.

Contractor’s Documents.

Any licensing and maintenance agreement, or any order-specific agreement or document, including any pre-installation, linked or “click through” agreement that is allowed by, referenced within or incorporated within the Contract whenever the Contract is used for a State procurement, whether directly by the Contractor or through a Contractor’s agent, subcontractor or reseller, is agreed to only to the extent the terms within any such agreement or document do not conflict with the Contract or applicable Minnesota or Federal law, and only to the extent that the terms do not modify, diminish or derogate the terms of the Contract or create an additional financial obligation to the State. Any such agreement or document must not be construed to deprive the State of its sovereign immunity, or of any legal requirements, prohibitions, protections, exclusions or limitations of liability applicable to this Contract or afforded to the State by Minnesota law. A State employee’s decision to choose “accept” or an equivalent option associated with a “click-through” agreement does not constitute the State’s concurrence or acceptance of terms, if such terms are in conflict with this section.

State Audits.

Under Minn. Stat. § 16C.05, subd. 5, the Contractor’s books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices relevant to this Contract are subject to examination by the State, the State Auditor, or Legislative Auditor, as appropriate, for a minimum of six years from the expiration or termination of this Contract.

Usage Reports.

Contractor must track and report to the State usage data on this Contract (Usage Reports). Usage Reports should be sent via email to osp.usagereports@state.mn.us. A Usage Report must identify the State Contract Number and provide the following information:

· The total amount of spend under the Contract by the State and other entities,

· The total amount of spend by State agencies, and

· The total amount of spend by other entities (CPV members).

Contractor must send a Usage Report within 30 days of a written request. The state will request a Usage Report no more frequently than once per calendar quarter. Failure to provide a Usage Report may result in the State cancelling the Contract. This term survives the expiration or termination of the Contract.

Administrative Fee. Not applicable.

Diverse Spend Reporting.

If the total value of the Contract may exceed $500,000, including all extension options, Contractor must track and report, on a quarterly basis, the amount paid to diverse businesses both: 1) directly to subcontractors performing under the Contract, and 2) indirectly to diverse businesses that provide supplies/services to your company (in proportion to the revenue from this Contract compared to Contractor’s overall revenue). When this applies, Contractor will register in a free portal to help report the Tier 2 diverse spend, and the requirement continues as long as the Contract is in effect.

Publicity and Endorsement.

Publicity. Any publicity regarding the subject matter of this Contract must identify the State as the sponsoring agency and must not be released without prior written approval from the State’s Authorized Representative. For purposes of this provision, publicity includes notices, informational pamphlets, press releases, information posted on corporate or other websites, research, reports, signs, and similar public notices prepared by or for the Contractor individually or jointly with others, or any subcontractors, with respect to the program, publications, or services provided resulting from this Contract.

Endorsement. The Contractor must not claim that the State endorses its products or services.

Debarment by State, its Departments, Commissions, Agencies, or Political Subdivisions.

Contractor certifies that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred or suspended by the Federal government, the State, or any of the State’s departments, commissions, agencies, or political subdivisions. Contractor’s certification is a material representation upon which the Contract award was based. Contractor shall provide immediate written notice to the State’s Authorized Representative if at any time it learns that this certification was erroneous when submitted or becomes erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

Contingency Fees Prohibited.

Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 10A.06, no person may act as or employ a lobbyist for compensation that is dependent upon the result or outcome of any legislation or administrative action.

Certification of Nondiscrimination (in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 16C.053).

If the value of this Contract, including all extensions, is $50,000 or more, Contractor certifies it does not engage in and has no present plans to engage in discrimination against Israel, or against persons or entities doing business in Israel, when making decisions related to the operation of the vendor's business. For purposes of this section, "discrimination" includes but is not limited to engaging in refusals to deal, terminating business activities, or other actions that are intended to limit commercial relations with Israel, or persons or entities doing business in Israel, when such actions are taken in a manner that in any way discriminates on the basis of nationality or national origin and is not based on a valid business reason.

Non-discrimination (in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 181.59).

The Contractor will comply with the provisions of Minn. Stat. § 181.59.

Affirmative Action Requirements The State intends to carry out its responsibility for requiring affirmative action by its contractors.

Covered Contracts and Contractors. If the Contract exceeds $100,000 and the Contractor employed more than 40 full-time employees on a single working day during the previous 12 months in Minnesota or in the state where it has its principal place of business, then the Contractor must comply with the requirements of Minn. Stat. § 363A.36 and Minn. R. 5000.3400-5000.3600.

General. Minn. R. 5000.3400-5000.3600 implements Minn. Stat. § 363A.36. These rules include, but are not limited to, criteria for contents, approval, and implementation of affirmative action plans; procedures for issuing certificates of compliance and criteria for determining a contractor’s compliance status; procedures for addressing deficiencies, sanctions, and notice and hearing; annual compliance reports; procedures for compliance review; and contract consequences for non-compliance. The specific criteria for approval or rejection of an affirmative action plan are contained in various provisions of Minn. R. 5000.3400-5000.3600 including, but not limited to, Minn. R. 5000.3420-5000.3500 and 5000.3552-5000.3559.

Disabled Workers. The Contractor must comply with the following affirmative action requirements for disabled workers.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR DISABLED WORKERS

The Contractor must not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of physical or mental disability in regard to any position for which the employee or applicant for employment is qualified. The Contractor agrees to take affirmative action to employ, advance in employment, and otherwise treat qualified disabled persons without discrimination based upon their physical or mental disability in all employment practices such as the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment, advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training, including apprenticeship.

The Contractor agrees to comply with the rules and relevant orders of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights issued pursuant to the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

In the event of the Contractor's noncompliance with the requirements of this clause, actions for noncompliance may be taken in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 363A.36, and the rules and relevant orders of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights issued pursuant to the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

The Contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices in a form to be prescribed by the Commissioner. Such notices must state the Contractor's obligation under the law to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified disabled employees and applicants for employment, and the rights of applicants and employees.

The Contractor must notify each labor union or representative of workers with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract understanding, that the Contractor is bound by the terms of Minn. Stat. § 363A.36, of the Minnesota Human Rights Act and is committed to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment physically and mentally disabled persons.

Consequences. The consequences for the Contractor’s failure to implement its affirmative action plan or make a good faith effort to do so include, but are not limited to, suspension or revocation of a certificate of compliance by the Commissioner, refusal by the Commissioner to approve subsequent plans, and termination of all or part of this Contract by the Commissioner or the State.

Certification. The Contractor hereby certifies that it is in compliance with the requirements of Minn. Stat. § 363A.36 and Minn. R. 5000.3400-5000.3600 and is aware of the consequences for noncompliance.

Equal Pay Certification.

If required by Minn. Stat. §363A.44, the Contractor must have a current Equal Pay Certificate prior to Contract execution. If Contractor's Equal Pay Certificate expires during the term of this Contract, Contractor must promptly re-apply for an Equal Pay Certificate with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and notify the State's Authorized Representative once the Contractor has received the renewed Equal Pay Certificate. If Contractor claims to be exempt, the State may require Contractor to verify its exempt status.

Professional/Technical (P/T) Services Ancillary to Goods or General Services.

For state agencies, Professional/Technical (P/T) Services must be related to the goods or services purchased from this Contract and is limited to $50,000 per project. Based on the size, scope and complexity of a project, the State’s Authorized Representative may approve dollar limits exceeding $50,000 per project. This may require a separate work order contract defining the PT scope of work.

Ten percent (10%) of the cost of each P/T deliverable will be withheld by the State. The retainage will be held by the State until the P/T deliverable has been reviewed by the head of the agency entering into the Contract and the head of the agency has certified that the Contractor has satisfactorily fulfilled the terms of the Contract.

IT Accessibility Standard.

Contractor acknowledges and is fully aware that the State of Minnesota (Executive branch state agencies) has developed IT Accessibility Standard effective September 1, 2010. The standard entails, in part, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508 which can be viewed at: https://mn.gov/mnit/government/policies/accessibility/.

The Standards apply to web sites, software applications, electronic reports and output documentation, training delivered in electronic formats (including, but not limited to, documents, videos, and webinars), among others. As upgrades are made to the software, products, or subscriptions available through this Contract, the Contractor agrees to develop functionality which supports accessibility. If any issues arise due to nonconformance with the above-mentioned accessibility Standards, the Contractor agrees to provide alternative solutions upon request at no additional charge to the State.

When updates or upgrades are made to the products or services available through this Contract, the Contractor agrees to document how the changes will impact or improve the product’s or service’s accessibility and usability. This documentation, upon request, must be provided to the State in advance of the change, occurring within an agreed upon timeframe sufficient for the state to review the changes and either approve them or request a remediation plan from the Contractor. Contractor warrants that its Products comply with the above-mentioned accessibility Standards and agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the State against any claims related to non-compliance of Contractor’s Product with the above-mentioned accessibility Standards. If agreed-upon updates fail to improve the product or service’s accessibility or usability as planned, the failure to comply with this requirement may be cause for contract cancellation or for the State to consider the Contractor in default.

Nonvisual Access Standards.

Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 16C.145, the Contractor must comply with the following nonvisual technology access standards to the extent required by law:

· That the effective interactive control and use of the technology, including the operating system applications programs, prompts, and format of the data presented, are readily achievable by nonvisual means;

· That the nonvisual access technology must be compatible with information technology used by other individuals with whom the blind or visually impaired individual must interact;

· That nonvisual access technology must be integrated into networks used to share communications among employees, program participants, and the public; and

· That the nonvisual access technology must have the capability of providing equivalent access by nonvisual means to telecommunications or other interconnected network services used by persons who are not blind or visually impaired; and

· Executive branch state agencies subject to Section 16E.03, subdivision 9, are not required to include nonvisual technology access standards developed under this Section in contracts for the procurement of information technology.

These standards do not require the installation of software or peripheral devices used for nonvisual access when the information technology is being used by individuals who are not blind or visually impaired.

Security and Data Protection.

Contractor is responsible for the security and protection of State data subject to and related to Cloud Services in this Contract. The terms, conditions, and provisions of this Security and Data Protection section take precedence and will prevail over any other terms, conditions, and provisions of the Contract, if in conflict. This Security and Data Protection section, including its sub-sections, survives the completion, termination, expiration, or cancellation of the Contract.

For the purposes of this Security and Data Protection section, the following terms have the following meanings:

“Cloud Services” includes “cloud computing” as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST Special Publication 800-145 (currently available online at: http://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/Legacy/SP/nistspecialpublication800-145.pdf) and any other software, hardware, hosting service, subscription, or other service or product by which Contractor stores, transmits, processes or otherwise has access to State data.

“State” means the State, or a cooperative purchasing venture (“CPV”) member when the CPV member is the ordering entity (if CPV purchases are permitted under this Contract).

“Data” has the meaning of “government data” in Minn. Stat. § 13.02, subd. 7.

“Not public data” has the meaning in Minn. Stat. § 13.02, subd. 8a.

"Security incident" means any actual, successful or suspected: (1) improper or unauthorized access to, viewing of, obtaining of, acquisition of, use of, disclosure of, modification of, alteration to, loss of, damage to or destruction of State data; (2) interference with an information system; (3) disruption of or to Contractor’s service(s); or (4) any similar or related incident.

"Privacy incident" means violation of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes chapter 13); violation of federal data disclosure or privacy requirements in federal laws, rules and regulations; or breach of a contractual obligation to protect State data. This includes, but is not limited to, improper or unauthorized access to, viewing of, obtaining of, acquisition of, use of, disclosure of, damage to, loss of, modification of, alteration to or destruction of State data protected by such State or federal laws or by contract.

Data Ownership. The State solely and exclusively owns and retains all right, title and interest, whether express or implied, in and to any and all State data. Contractor has no and acquires no right, title or interest, whether express or implied, in and to State data.

Contractor will only use State data for the purposes set forth in the Contract. Contractor will only access State data as necessary for performance of this Contract. Contractor will not access State user accounts except to respond to service or technical problems or at the State’s specific request.

All State data, including copies, summaries and derivative works thereof, must be remitted, in a mutually agreeable format and media, to the State by the Contractor upon request or upon completion, termination or cancellation of the Contract. The foregoing sentence does not apply if the State Chief Information Security Officer or delegate authorizes in writing the Contractor to sanitize or destroy the data and the Contractor certifies in writing the sanitization or destruction of the data. Within ninety days following any remittance of State data to the State, Contractor shall, unless otherwise instructed by the State in writing, sanitize or destroy any remaining data and certify in writing that the sanitization or destruction of the data has occurred. Any such remittance, sanitization or destruction will be at the Contractor’s sole cost and expense.

In the event Contractor receives a request to release any State data, Contractor must immediately notify the State’s data practices compliance official. The State will give Contractor instructions concerning the release of the data to the requesting party before the data is released. Contractor must comply with the State’s instructions. The civil remedies of Minn. Stat. § 13.08 apply to the release of the data by Contractor.

Notification of Incidents. If Contractor becomes aware of or has reasonable suspicion of a privacy incident or security incident regarding any State data, Contractor must report such incident to the State and the State Chief Information Security Officer as soon as possible, but no later than twenty-four (24) hours after such incident. The decision to notify the affected data subjects and the form of such notice following report of a privacy incident or security incident are the responsibility of the State. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, Contractor will indemnify, hold harmless and defend the State and its officers, and employees for and against any claims, damages, costs and expenses related to any privacy incident or security incident involving any State data. For purposes of clarification, the foregoing sentence shall in no way limit or diminish Contractor’s obligation(s) to indemnify, save, hold harmless, or defend the State under any other term of this Contract. Contractor will reasonably mitigate any harmful effects resulting from any privacy incident or security incident involving any State data.

Security Program. Contractor will make best efforts to protect and secure the State data related to this Contract. Contractor will establish and maintain an Information Security Program (“Program”) that includes an information security policy applicable to any and all Cloud Services (“Policy”). Contractor’s Program and Policy must align with appropriate industry security frameworks and standards such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) 800-53 Special Publication Revision 5, Federal Information Processing Standards (“FIPS”) 199, Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (“FedRamp”), or Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (“COBIT”).

Upon the State’s request, Contractor will make its Policy available to the State on a confidential, need-to-know basis, along with other related information reasonably requested by the State regarding Contractor’s security practices and policies. Unless inconsistent with applicable laws, Contractor and the State must treat the Policy and related information on security practices and policies that are specific to the State as confidential information and as not public data pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13.37.

Data Management. Contractor will not use State data, including production data, for testing or development purposes unless authorized in writing by the State Chief Information Security Officer or delegate. Contractor will implement and maintain procedures to physically and logically segregate State data, unless otherwise explicitly authorized by the State Chief Information Security Officer or delegate.

Data Encryption. Contractor must encrypt all State data at rest and in transit, in compliance with FIPS Publication 140-2 or applicable law, regulation or rule, whichever is a higher standard. All encryption keys must be unique to State data. Contractor will secure and protect all encryption keys to State data. Encryption keys to State data will only be accessed by Contractor as necessary for performance of this Contract.

Data Storage. Contractor warrants that any and all State data will be stored, processed, and maintained solely on designated servers and that no such data at any time will be processed on or transferred to any portable computing device or any portable storage medium, unless that storage medium is in use as part of the Contractor's designated backup and recovery processes.

Data Center and Monitoring/Support Locations. During the term of the Contract, Contractor will: (1) locate all production and disaster recovery data centers that store, process or transmit State data only in the continental United States, (2) store, process and transmit State data only in the continental United States, and (3) locate all monitoring and support of all Cloud Services only in the continental United States. The State has the right to on-site visits and reasonable inspection of the data centers upon notice to Contractor of seven calendar days prior to visit.

Security Audits & Remediation. Contractor will audit the security of the systems and processes used to provide any and all Cloud Services, including those of the data centers used by Contractor to provide any and all Cloud Services to the State. This security audit: (1) will be performed at least once every calendar year beginning with 2016; (2) will be performed according Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (“SSAE”) 16 Service Organization Control (“SOC”) 2, International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”) 27001, or FedRAMP; (3) will be performed by third party security professionals at Contractor’s election and expense; (4) will result in the generation of an audit report (“Contractor Audit Report”), which will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be deemed confidential information and as not public data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes chapter 13); and (5) may be performed for other purposes in addition to satisfying this section.

Upon the State’s reasonable, advance written request, Contractor will provide to the State a copy of the Contractor Audit Report.

Contractor will make best efforts to remediate any control deficiencies identified in the Contractor Audit Report in a commercially reasonable timeframe.

If the State becomes aware of any other Contractor controls that do not substantially meet the State’s requirements, the State may request remediation from Contractor. Contractor will make best efforts to remediate any control deficiencies identified by the State or known by Contractor, in a commercially reasonable timeframe.

Insurance and Liability. Contractor warrants that it has and will maintain the insurance described below in force and effect throughout the term of the Contract. An Umbrella or Excess Liability insurance policy may be used to supplement the Contractor’s policy limits to satisfy the full policy limits required by the Contract provided that Contractor warrants that the minimum coverage requirements below are met.

Professional/Technical, Errors and Omissions, including Network Security and Privacy Liability Insurance (or equivalent Network Security and Privacy Liability coverage endorsed on another form of liability coverage or written as a standalone policy):

This policy must provide coverage for all claims Contractor may become legally obligated to pay resulting from any actual or alleged negligent act, error, or omission related to the Contract, including but not limited to claims which may arise from failure of Contractor’s or a subcontractor’s security resulting in, but not limited to, computer attacks, unauthorized access, disclosure of confidential or private information, transmission of a computer virus or denial of service.

Contractor is required to carry the following minimum limits:

$2,000,000 – per claim or event $2,000,000 – annual aggregate Any deductible will be the sole responsibility of the Contractor and, unless Contractor maintains an audited net worth of at least $100 million, the deductible may not exceed $100,000 without the written approval of the State. If the Contractor desires authority from the State to have a deductible in a higher amount, the Contractor shall so request in writing, specifying the amount of the desired deductible and providing financial documentation by submitting the most current audited financial statements so that the State can ascertain the ability of the Contractor to cover the deductible from its own resources. The retroactive or prior acts date of such coverage shall not be after the effective date of the Contract. Contractor shall maintain such insurance for a period of at least three (3) years following expiration or termination of the Contract. If such insurance is discontinued, extended reporting period coverage must be obtained by Contractor to fulfill this requirement.

Contractor’s policy(ies) shall be primary insurance to any other valid and collectible insurance available to the State with respect to any claim arising out of Contractor’s performance under this Contract. If Contractor receives a cancellation notice from an insurance carrier affording coverage herein, Contractor will notify the State within five (5) business days with a copy of the cancellation notice, unless Contractor’s policy(ies) contain a provision that coverage afforded under the policy(ies) will not be cancelled without at least thirty (30) days advance written notice to the State. Contractor is responsible for payment of Contract related insurance premiums and deductibles. If Contractor is self-insured, a Certificate of Self-Insurance must be provided to the State. Contractor shall obtain insurance policy(ies) from insurance company(ies) having an “AM BEST” rating of A- (minus); Financial Size Category (“FSC”) VII or better, and authorized to do business in the State. All insurance policies must be open to inspection by the State, and copies of policies must be submitted to the State’s authorized representative upon written request. The State reserves the right to immediately terminate the Contract if the Contractor is not in compliance with the insurance requirements of this sub-section and retains all rights to pursue any legal remedies against the Contractor.

Notwithstanding any limitation of liabilities in the Contract, the Contractor shall be liable for all damages to the extent such damages are within the insurance limit.

Subcontractors and Third Parties. Contractor warrants that no State data will be transmitted, exchanged or otherwise provided to other parties except as specifically agreed to in writing by the State Chief Information Security Officer or delegate. Contractor must ensure that any contractors, subcontractors, agents and others to whom it provides State data, agree in writing to be bound by the same restrictions and conditions under this Contract that apply to Contractor with respect to such data.

Compliance with Data Privacy and Security Laws and Standards.