Exhibit_12-G_Required_Federal-Aid_Contract_Language.pdf

Exhibit 12-G Required Federal-Aid Contract Language

Local Assistance Procedures Manual

Office Bulletin #25-07 R3

EXHIBIT 12-G: REQUIRED FEDERAL-AID CONTRACT LANGUAGE

(For Local Assistance Construction Projects)

The following language must be incorporated into all Local Assistance Federal-aid construction contracts.

The following language, with minor edits, was taken from the Code of Federal Regulations.

MAINTAIN RECORDS AND SUBMIT REPORTS DOCUMENTING YOUR PERFORMANCE UNDER THIS

SECTION

1. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (DBE)

A. Nondiscrimination Statement

B. Contract Assurance

C. Prompt Progress Payment

C. Prompt Payment of Withheld Funds to Subcontractors

E. Termination and Replacement of DBE Subcontractors

F. Commitment and Utilization

G. Running Tally of Attainments

H. Commercially Useful Function

I. Use of Joint Checks

2. BID OPENING

3. BID RIGGING

4. CONTRACT AWARD

5. CONTRACTOR LICENSE

6. CHANGED CONDITIONS

A. Differing Site Conditions

B. Suspensions of Work Ordered by the Engineer

C. Significant Changes in the Character of Work

7. BEGINNING OF WORK, TIME OF COMPLETION AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

8. BUY AMERICA

9. QUALITY ASSURANCE

10. PROMPT PAYMENT

A. From the Agency to the Contractors ……………………………………………………………………..13 B. Submittal of Exhibit 9-P ……………………………………………………………………………………..13

11. FORM FHWA-1273 REQUIRED CONTRACT PROVISIONS FEDERAL-AID CONTRACTS

12. FEMALE AND MINORITY GOALS

13. TITLE VI ASSURANCES

14. FEDERAL TRAINEE PROGRAM

15. PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT AND

SERVICES

Local Assistance Procedures Manual Exhibit 12-G

1. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (DBE)

The contractor, subrecipient or subcontractor shall take necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that DBEs have opportunity to participate in the contract (49 CFR 26). To ensure equal participation of DBEs provided in 49 CFR 26.5, the Agency shows a contract goal for DBEs. The prime contractor shall make work available to DBEs and select work parts consistent with available DBE subcontractors and suppliers.

The prime contractor shall meet the DBE goal shown elsewhere in these special provisions or demonstrate that they made adequate Good Faith Efforts (GFE) to meet this goal. An adequate GFE means that the bidder must show that it took all necessary and reasonable steps to achieve a DBE goal that, by their scope, intensity, and appropriateness to the objective, could reasonably be expected to meet the DBE goal.

If the DBE goal is not met, the contractor needs to complete and submit the DBE GFE documentation as described in Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM) Chapter 9, Section 9.8 within 5 (five) days of bid opening.

It is the prime contractor’s responsibility to verify that the DBE firm is certified as a DBE on the date of bid opening by using the California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) database and possesses the most specific available North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and Work Code applicable to the type of work the firm will perform on the contract. Additionally, the prime contractor is responsible to document this verification by printing out the CUCP data for each DBE firm. A list of DBEs certified by the CUCP can be found at: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/civil-rights/dbe-search.

DBE participation will only count toward the California Department of Transportation’s federally mandated statewide overall DBE goal if the DBE performs a commercially useful function under 49 CFR 26.55.

Credit for materials or supplies the prime contractor purchases from DBEs counts towards the goal in the following manner:

• 100 percent counts if the materials or supplies are obtained from a DBE manufacturer.

• 60 percent counts if the materials or supplies are obtained from a DBE regular dealer.

• Only fees, commissions, and charges for assistance in the procurement and delivery of materials or supplies count if obtained from a DBE that is neither a manufacturer nor regular dealer. 49 CFR 26.55 defines "manufacturer" and "regular dealer."

The prime contractor receives credit towards the goal if they employ a DBE trucking company that performs a commercially useful function as defined in 49 CFR 26.55(d) as follows:

• The DBE must be responsible for the management and supervision of the entire trucking operation for which it is responsible on a particular contract, and there cannot be a contrived arrangement for the purpose of meeting DBE goals.

• The DBE must itself own and operate at least one fully licensed, insured, and operational truck used on the contract.

• The DBE receives credit for the total value of the transportation services it provides on the Contract using trucks it owns, insures, and operates using drivers it employs.

• The DBE may lease trucks from another DBE firm, including an owner-operator who is certified as a DBE. The DBE who leases trucks from another DBE receives credit for the total value of the transportation services the lessee DBE provides on the Contract.

• The DBE may also lease trucks from a non-DBE firm, including from an owner-operator. The DBE that leases trucks equipped with drivers from a non-DBE is entitled to credit for the total value of transportation services provided by non-DBE leased trucks equipped with drivers not to exceed the value of transportation services on the contract provided by DBE-owned trucks or leased trucks with DBE employee drivers. Additional participation by non-DBE owned trucks equipped with drivers receives credit only for the fee or commission it receives as a result of the lease arrangement.

• The DBE may lease trucks without drivers from a non-DBE truck leasing company. If the DBE leases trucks from a non-DBE truck leasing company and uses its own employees as drivers, it is entitled to credit for the total value of these hauling services.

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/civil-rights/dbe-search

• A lease must indicate that the DBE has exclusive use of and control over the truck. This does not preclude the leased truck from working for others during the term of the lease with the consent of the DBE, so long as the lease gives the DBE absolute priority for use of the leased truck. Leased trucks must display the name and identification number of the DBE.

A. Nondiscrimination Statement The contractor, subrecipient or subcontractor will never exclude any person from participation in, deny any person the benefits of, or otherwise discriminate against anyone in connection with the award and performance of any contract covered by 49 CFR 26 on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin. In administering the Local Agency components of the DBE Program Plan, the contractor, subrecipient or subcontractor will not, directly, or through contractual or other arrangements, use criteria or methods of administration that have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the DBE Program Plan with respect to individuals of a particular race, color, sex, or national origin.

B. Contract Assurance Under 49 CFR 26.13(b): The contractor, subrecipient or subcontractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the performance of this contract. The contractor shall carry out applicable requirements of 49 CFR 26 in the award and administration of federal-aid contracts. Failure by the contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach of this contract, which may result in the termination of this contract or such other remedy as the recipient deems appropriate, which may include, but is not limited to:

(1) Withholding monthly progress payments;

(2) Assessing sanctions;

(3) Liquidated damages; and/or

(4) Disqualifying the contractor from future bidding as non-responsible.

C. Prompt Progress Payment In accordance with California Business and Professions Code section 7108.5, the prime contractor or subcontractor shall pay to any subcontractor, not later than seven days after receipt of each progress payment, unless otherwise agreed to in writing, the respective amounts allowed the contractor on account of the work performed by the subcontractors, to the extent of each subcontractor’s interest therein. In the event that there is a good faith dispute over all or any portion of the amount due on a progress payment from the prime contractor or subcontractor to a subcontractor, the prime contractor or subcontractor may withhold no more than 150 percent of the disputed amount. Any violation of this requirement shall constitute a cause for disciplinary action and shall subject the licensee to a penalty, payable to the subcontractor, of 2 percent of the amount due per month for every month that payment is not made.

In any action for the collection of funds wrongfully withheld, the prevailing party shall be entitled to his or her attorney’s fees and costs. The sanctions authorized under this requirement shall be separate from, and in addition to, all other remedies, either civil, administrative, or criminal. This clause applies to both DBE and non- DBE subcontractors.

C. Prompt Payment of Withheld Funds to Subcontractors The Agency may hold retainage from the prime contractor and shall make prompt and regular incremental acceptances of portions, as determined by the Agency, of the contract work, and pay retainage to the prime contractor based on these acceptances. The Agency shall designate one of the methods below in the contract to ensure prompt and full payment of any retainage kept by the prime contractor or subcontractor to a subcontractor. The Agency shall include either Method 1, Method 2, or Method 3 below and delete the other two.

Method 1: No retainage will be held by the Agency from progress payments due to the prime contractor.

Prime contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from holding retainage from subcontractors. Any delay or postponement of payment may take place only for good cause and with the Agency’s prior written approval. Any violation of these provisions shall subject the violating contractor or subcontractor to the penalties, sanctions, and other remedies specified in Section 7108.5 of the California Business and Professions Code and Section 10262 of the California Public Contract Code. This requirement shall not be construed to limit or impair any contractual, administrative or judicial remedies, otherwise available to the contractor or subcontractor in the event of a dispute involving late payment or nonpayment by the contractor, deficient subcontractor performance and/or noncompliance by a subcontractor. This clause applies to both DBE and non-DBE subcontractors.

Method 2: No retainage will be held by the Agency from progress payments due to the prime contractor.

Any retainage kept by the prime contractor or by a subcontractor must be paid in full to the earning subcontractor within seven (7) days after the subcontractor’s work is satisfactorily completed. Any delay or postponement of payment may take place only for good cause and with the Agency’s prior written approval.

Any violation of these provisions shall subject the violating contractor or subcontractor to the penalties, sanctions, and remedies specified in Section 7108.5 of the California Business and Professions Code and Section 10262 of the California Public Contract Code. This requirement shall not be construed to limit or impair any contractual, administrative or judicial remedies, otherwise available to the contractor or subcontractor in the event of a dispute involving late payment or nonpayment by the contractor, deficient subcontractor performance and/or noncompliance by a subcontractor. This clause applies to both DBE and non-DBE subcontractors.

Method 3: The Agency shall hold retainage from the prime contractor and shall make prompt and regular incremental acceptances of portions, as determined by the Agency of the contract work and pay retainage to the prime contractor based on these acceptances. The prime contractor or subcontractor shall return all monies withheld in retention from all subcontractors within seven (7) days after receiving payment for work satisfactorily completed and accepted including incremental acceptances of portions of the contract work by the Agency. Any delay or postponement of payment may take place only for good cause and with the Agency’s prior written approval. Any violation of these provisions shall subject the violating prime contractor or subcontractor to the penalties, sanctions, and other remedies specified in Section 7108.5 of the California Business and Professions Code and Section 10262 of the California Public Contract Code. This requirement shall not be construed to limit or impair any contractual, administrative or judicial remedies otherwise available to the contractor or subcontractor in the event of a dispute involving late payment or nonpayment by the contractor; deficient subcontractor performance and/or noncompliance by a subcontractor. This clause applies to both DBE and non-DBE subcontractors.

Any violation of these provisions of Prompt Progress Payment and Prompt Payment of Withheld Funds to Subcontractors shall subject the violating prime contractor or subcontractor to the penalties, sanctions and other remedies specified therein. These requirements shall not be construed to limit or impair any contractual, administrative, or judicial remedies otherwise available to the prime contractor or subcontractor in the event of a dispute involving late payment or nonpayment by the prime contractor, deficient subcontract performance, or noncompliance by a subcontractor.

D. Termination and Replacement of DBE Subcontractors The prime contractor shall utilize the specific DBEs listed to perform the work and supply the materials for which each is listed unless the contractor obtains the Agency’s written consent. The prime contractor shall not terminate or replace a listed DBE for convenience and perform the work with their own forces or obtain materials from other sources without prior written authorization from the Agency. Unless the Agency’s prior written consent is provided, the contractor shall not be entitled to any payment for work or material unless it is performed or supplied by the listed DBE on the Exhibit 15-G Construction Contract DBE Commitment form, included in the Bid.

Termination of DBE Subcontractors

After a contract with a specified DBE goal has been executed, termination of a DBE may be allowed for the following, but not limited to, justifiable reasons with prior written authorization from the Agency:

a. Listed DBE fails or refuses to execute a written contract based on plans and specifications for the project.

b. The Local Agency stipulated that a bond is a condition of executing the subcontract and the listed DBE fails to meet the Local Agency’s bond requirements.

c. Work requires a contractor's license and listed DBE does not have a valid license under Contractors License Law, or is not properly registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations as a public works contractor.

d. Listed DBE fails or refuses to perform the work or furnish the listed materials (failing or refusing to perform is not an allowable reason to remove a DBE if the failure or refusal is a result of bad faith or discrimination).

e. Listed DBE's work is unsatisfactory and not in compliance with the contract.

f. Listed DBE is ineligible to work on the project because of suspension or debarment.

g. Listed DBE becomes bankrupt or insolvent or exhibits credit unworthiness.

h. Listed DBE voluntarily withdraws with written notice from the Contract

i. Listed DBE is ineligible to receive credit for the type of work required.

j. Listed DBE owner dies or becomes disabled resulting in the inability to perform the work on the Contract.

k. The Agency determines other documented good cause.

To terminate a DBE or to terminate a portion of a DBE's work, the contractor must use the following procedures:

1. Send a written notice to the DBE of Contractor’s intent to use other forces or material sources and include one or more justifiable reasons listed above. Simultaneously send a copy of this written notice to the Agency. The written notice to the DBE must request they provide any response within five (5) business days to both the Contractor and the Agency by either acknowledging their agreement or documenting their reasoning as to why the use of other forces or sources of materials should not occur.

2. If the DBE does not respond within 5 business days, Contractor may move forward with the request as if the DBE had agreed to Contractor’s written notice.

3. Submit Contractor’s DBE termination request by written letter to the Agency and include:

• One or more above listed justifiable reasons along with supporting documentation.

• Contractor’s written notice to the DBE regarding the request, including proof of transmission and tracking documentation of Contractor’s written notice

• The DBE's response to Contractor’s written notice, if received. If a written response was not provided, provide a statement to that effect.

The Agency shall respond in writing to Contractor’s DBE termination request within 5 business days.

Replacement of DBE Subcontractors

After receiving the Agency’s written authorization of DBE termination request, the Contractor must obtain the Agency’s written agreement for DBE replacement. The Contractor must find or demonstrate GFEs to find qualified DBE replacement firms to perform the work to the extent needed to meet the DBE commitment.

The following procedures shall be followed to request authorization to replace a DBE firm:

1. Submit a request to replace a DBE with other forces or material sources in writing to the Agency which must include:

a. Description of remaining uncommitted work items made available for replacement DBE solicitation and participation.

b. The proposed DBE replacement firm's business information, the work they have agreed to perform, and the following:

• Quote for bid item work and description of work to be performed

• Proposed subcontract agreement and written confirmation of agreement to perform on the Contract

• Revised Subcontracting Request form

• Revised Exhibit 15-G: Construction Contract DBE Commitment

2. If Contractor has not identified a DBE replacement firm, submit documentation of the Contractor’s GFEs to use DBE replacement firms within 7 days of Agency's authorization to terminate the DBE. The Contractor may request the Agency's approval to extend this submittal period to a total of 14 days.

Submit documentation of actions taken to find a DBE replacement firm, such as:

• Search results of certified DBEs available to perform the original DBE work identified and/or other work the Contractor had intended to self-perform, to the extent needed to meet the DBE commitment

• Solicitations of DBEs for performance of work identified

• Correspondence with interested DBEs that may have included contract details and requirements

• Negotiation efforts with DBEs that reflect why an agreement was not reached

• If a DBE's quote was rejected, provide Contractor’s reasoning for the rejection, such as why the DBE was unqualified for the work, or why the price quote was unreasonable or excessive

• Copies of each DBE's and non-DBE's price quotes for work identified, as the Agency may contact the firms to verify solicitation efforts and determine if the DBE quotes are substantially higher

• Additional documentation that supports the GFE

The Agency shall respond in writing to the Contractor’s DBE replacement request within five (5) business days.

The Contractor must submit a revised Subcontracting Request form if the replacement plan is authorized by the Agency.

E. Commitment and Utilization The Agency’s DBE program must include a monitoring and enforcement mechanism to ensure that DBE commitments reconcile to DBE utilization.

The bidder shall complete and sign Exhibit 15-G: Construction Contract DBE Commitment included in the contract documents regardless of whether DBE participation is reported. The bidder shall provide written confirmation from each DBE that the DBE is participating in the Contract. LAPM Exhibit 9-I: DBE Confirmation or equivalent form and DBE’s quote must be submitted. The written confirmation must be submitted no later than 4pm on the 5th day after bid opening. If a DBE is participating as a joint venture partner, the bidder shall submit a copy of the joint venture agreement.

If the DBE Commitment form, Exhibit 15-G, is not submitted with the bid, it must be completed and submitted by all bidders to the Agency within five (5) days of bid opening. If the bidder does not submit the DBE Commitment form within the specified time, the Agency will find the bidder’s bid nonresponsive.

The prime contractor shall use each DBE subcontractor as listed on Exhibit 15-G: Construction Contract DBE Commitment unless they receive written authorization for a termination or replacement from the Agency.

The Agency shall request the prime contractor to:

1. Notify the Resident Engineer or Inspector of any changes to its anticipated DBE participation

2. Provide this notification before starting the affected work

3. Maintain records including:

• Name and business address of each 1st-tier subcontractor

• Name and business address of each DBE subcontractor, DBE vendor, and DBE trucking company, regardless of tier

• Date of payment and total amount paid to each DBE (see Exhibit 9-F: Monthly Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Payment)

If the prime contractor is a DBE contractor, they shall include the date of work performed by their own forces and the corresponding value of the work.

Before the 15th of each month, the prime contractor shall submit a Monthly DBE Trucking Verification (LAPM Exhibit 16-Z1) form.

If a DBE is decertified before completing its work, the DBE must notify the prime contractor in writing of the decertification date. If a business becomes a certified DBE before completing its work, the business must notify the prime contractor in writing of the certification date. The prime contractor shall submit the notifications. Upon work completion, the prime contractor shall complete a Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Certification Status Change, Exhibit 17-O, form and submit the form within 30 days of contract acceptance.

Upon work completion, the prime contractor shall complete Exhibit 17-F: Final Report – Utilization of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), First-Tier Subcontractors and submit it within 90 days of contract acceptance. The Agency will withhold $10,000 until the form is submitted. The Agency releases the withhold upon submission of the completed form.

F. Running Tally of Attainments For projects awarded on or after March 1, 2020, but before September 1, 2023:

After submitting an invoice for reimbursement that includes a payment to a DBE, but no later than the 10th of the following month, the prime contractor/consultant must complete and email the Exhibit 9-F: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Running Tally of Payments to business.support.unit@dot.ca.gov with a copy to local administering agencies.

For projects that are awarded on or after September 1, 2023:

Exhibit 9-F is no longer required. Instead, by the 15th of the month following the month of any payment(s), the prime contractor must now submit Exhibit 9-P to the Local Agency administering the contract. If the Contractor does not make any payments to subcontractors, supplier(s) and/or manufacturers they must report “no payments were made to subs this month” and write this visibly and legibly on Exhibit 9-P.

G. Commercially Useful Function DBEs must perform a commercially useful function (CUF) under 49 CFR 26.55 when performing work or supplying materials listed on the DBE Commitment form. The DBE value of work will only count toward the DBE commitment if the DBE performs a CUF. A DBE performs a CUF when it is responsible for execution of the work on the contract and is carrying out its responsibilities by actually performing, managing, and supervising the work involved. If a DBE does not perform or exercise responsibility for at least 30% of the total cost of its contract with its own work force, or the DBE subcontracts a greater portion of the work of a contract than would be expected on the basis of normal industry practice for the type of work involved, it will be presumed that the DBE is not performing a CUF. Additionally, the DBE must also be responsible, with respect to materials and supplies used on the contract, for negotiating price, determining quality and quantity, ordering the material and installing (where applicable), and paying for the material itself.

The Contractor must perform CUF evaluation for each DBE company working on a federal-aid contract, with or without a DBE goal. Perform a CUF evaluation at the beginning of the DBE’s work, and continue to monitor the performance of CUF for the duration of the project.

The Contractor must provide written notification to the AGENCY at least 15 days in advance of each DBE's initial performance of work or supplying materials for the Contract. The notification must include the DBE's name, work the DBE will perform on the contract, and the location, date, and time of where their work will take place.

Within 10 (ten) days of a DBE initially performing work or supplying materials on the contract, the Contractor shall submit to the LPA the initial evaluation and validation of DBE performance of a CUF using the LAPM 9-J:

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Commercially Useful Function Evaluation. Include the following information with the submittal:

• Subcontract agreement with the DBE

• Purchase orders

• Bills of lading

• Invoices

• Proof of payment mailto:business.support.unit@dot.ca.gov

The Contractor must monitor all DBE’s performance of CUF by conducting quarterly evaluations and validations throughout their duration of work on the contract using the LAPM 9-J: DBE Commercially Useful Function Evaluation. The Contractor must submit to the AGENCY these quarterly evaluations and validations by the 5th of the month for the previous three (3) months of work.

The Contractor must notify the AGENCY immediately if the Contractor believes the DBE may not be performing a CUF.

The AGENCY will verify DBEs performance of CUF by reviewing the initial and quarterly submissions of LAPM 9-J: DBE Commercially Useful Function Evaluation, submitted supporting information, field observations, and through any additional AGENCY evaluations. The AGENCY must evaluate DBEs and their CUF performance throughout the duration of a Contract. The AGENCY will provide written notice to Contractor and DBE at least two (2) business days prior to any evaluation. The Contractor and DBE must participate in the evaluation. Upon completing the evaluation, the AGENCY must share the evaluation results with the Contractor and DBE. An evaluation could include items that must be remedied upon receipt. If the AGENCY determines the DBE is not performing a CUF the Contractor must suspend performance of the noncompliant work.

The Contractor and DBEs must submit any additional CUF related records and documents within five (5) business days of AGENCY’s request such as:

• Proof of ownership or lease and rental agreements for equipment

• Tax records

• Employee rosters

• Certified payroll records

• Inventory rosters

Failure to submit required DBE Commercially Useful Function Evaluation forms or requested records and documents can result in withholding of payment for the value of work completed by the DBE.

If the Contractor and/or the AGENCY determine that a listed DBE is not performing a CUF in performance of their DBE committed work, immediately suspend performance of the noncompliant portion of the work. The AGENCY may deny payment for the noncompliant portion of the work. The AGENCY will ask the Contractor to submit a corrective action plan (CAP) to the AGENCY within five (5) days of the noncompliant CUF determination. The CAP must identify how the Contractor will correct the noncompliance findings for the remaining portion of the DBE's work. The AGENCY has five (5) days to review the CAP in conjunction with the prime contractor’s review. The Contractor must implement the CAP within five (5) days of the AGENCY's approval. The AGENCY will then authorize the prior noncompliant portion of work for the DBE's committed work.

If corrective actions cannot be accomplished to ensure the DBE performs a CUF on the Contract, then the Contractor may have good cause to request termination of the DBE.

H. Use of Joint Checks A joint check may be used between the Contractor or lower-tier subcontractor and a DBE subcontractor purchasing materials from a material supplier if the contractor obtains prior approval from the LPA for the proposed use of joint check upon submittal of the LAPM 9-K: DLA Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Joint Check Agreement Request form.

To use a joint check, the following conditions must be met:

• All parties, including the Contractor, must agree to the use of a joint check

• Entity issuing the joint check acts solely to guarantee payment

• DBE must release the check to the material supplier

• LPA must authorize the request before implementation

• Any party to the agreement must provide requested documentation within 10 days of the LPA's request for the documentation

• Agreement to use a joint check must be short-term, not to exceed 1 year, allowing sufficient time needed to establish or increase a credit line with the material supplier

A request for a joint check agreement may be initiated by any party. If a joint check is used, the DBE remains responsible for all elements of 49 CFR 26.55(c)(1).

Failure to comply with the above requirements disqualifies DBE participation and results in no credit and no payment to the Contractor for DBE participation.

A joint check may not be used between the Contractor or subcontractor and a DBE regular dealer, bulk material supplier, manufacturer, wholesaler, broker, trucker, packager, manufacturer’s representative, or other persons who arrange or expedite transactions.

2. BID OPENING

The Agency publicly opens and reads bids at the time and place shown on the Notice to Contractors.

3. BID RIGGING

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) provides a toll-free hotline to report bid rigging activities. Use the hotline to report bid rigging, bidder collusion, and other fraudulent activities. The hotline number is (800) 424- 9071. The service is available 24 hours 7 days a week and is confidential and anonymous. The hotline is part of the DOT's effort to identify and investigate highway construction contract fraud and abuse and is operated under the direction of the DOT Inspector General.

4. CONTRACT AWARD

If the Agency awards the contract, the award is made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.

5. CONTRACTOR LICENSE

The Contractor must be properly licensed as a contractor from contract award through Contract acceptance (23

CFR 635.110).

6. CHANGED CONDITIONS

A. Differing Site Conditions

1. During the progress of the work, if subsurface or latent physical conditions are encountered at the site differing materially from those indicated in the contract or if unknown physical conditions of an unusual nature, differing materially from those ordinarily encountered and generally recognized as inherent in the work provided for in the contract, are encountered at the site, the party discovering such conditions shall promptly notify the other party in writing of the specific differing conditions before the site is disturbed and before the affected work is performed.

2. Upon written notification, the engineer will investigate the conditions, and if it is determined that the conditions materially differ and cause an increase or decrease in the cost or time required for the performance of any work under the contract, an adjustment, excluding anticipated profits, will be made and the contract modified in writing accordingly. The engineer will notify the contractor of the determination whether or not an adjustment of the contract is warranted.

3. No contract adjustment which results in a benefit to the contractor will be allowed unless the contractor has provided the required written notice.

4. No contract adjustment will be allowed under this clause for any effects caused on unchanged work.

[This provision may be omitted by the Local Agency, at their option.]

B. Suspensions of Work Ordered by the Engineer

1. If the performance of all or any portion of the work is suspended or delayed by the engineer in writing for an unreasonable period of time (not originally anticipated, customary, or inherent to the construction industry) and the contractor believes that additional compensation and/or contract time is due as a result of such suspension or delay, the contractor shall submit to the engineer in writing a request for adjustment within 7 calendar days of receipt of the notice to resume work. The request shall set forth the reasons and support for such adjustment.

2. Upon receipt, the engineer will evaluate the contractor's request. If the engineer agrees that the cost and/or time required for the performance of the contract has increased as a result of such suspension and the suspension was caused by conditions beyond the control of and not the fault of the contractor, its suppliers, or subcontractors at any approved tier, and not caused by weather, the engineer will make an adjustment (excluding profit) and modify the contract in writing accordingly. The contractor will be notified of the engineer's determination whether or not an adjustment of the contract is warranted.

3. No contract adjustment will be allowed unless the contractor has submitted the request for adjustment within the time prescribed.

4. No contract adjustment will be allowed under this clause to the extent that performance would have been suspended or delayed by any other cause, or for which an adjustment is provided or excluded under any other term or condition of this contract.

C. Significant Changes in the Character of Work

1. The engineer reserves the right to make, in writing, at any time during the work, such changes in quantities and such alterations in the work as are necessary to satisfactorily complete the project. Such changes in quantities and alterations shall not invalidate the contract nor release the surety, and the contractor agrees to perform the work as altered.

2. If the alterations or changes in quantities significantly change the character of the work under the contract, whether such alterations or changes are in themselves significant changes to the character of the work or by affecting other work cause such other work to become significantly different in character, an adjustment, excluding anticipated profit, will be made to the contract. The basis for the adjustment shall be agreed upon prior to the performance of the work. If a basis cannot be agreed upon, then an adjustment will be made either for or against the contractor in such amount as the engineer may determine to be fair and equitable.

3. If the alterations or changes in quantities do not significantly change the character of the work to be performed under the contract, the altered work will be paid for as provided elsewhere in the contract.

4. The term “significant change” shall be construed to apply only to the following circumstances:

• When the character of the work as altered differs materially in kind or nature from that involved or included in the original proposed construction; or

• When a major item of work, as defined elsewhere in the contract, is increased in excess of 125 percent or decreased below 75 percent of the original contract quantity. Any allowance for an increase in quantity shall apply only to that portion in excess of 125 percent of original contract item quantity, or in case of a decrease below 75 percent, to the actual amount of work performed.

7. BEGINNING OF WORK, TIME OF COMPLETION AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

The Contractor shall begin work within 15 calendar days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

This work shall be diligently prosecuted to completion before the expiration of WORKING DAYS beginning on the fifteenth calendar day after the date shown on the Notice to Proceed.

The Contractor shall pay to the City/County the sum of $ per day, for each and every calendar days’ delay in finishing the work in excess of the number of working days prescribed above.

8. BUY AMERICA

[Include the Buy America provisions below when required by LAPM Chapter 12]

Buy America Requirements apply to iron or steel, manufactured products, and construction materials permanently incorporated into the project.

Buy America requirements do not apply to the following:

1. Tools and construction equipment used in performing the work

2. Temporary work that is not incorporated into the finished project

An article, materials, or supply to be permanently incorporated in the project should only be classified into one of the following categories:

1. Iron or steel products

2. Manufactured products

3. Construction materials

4. Excluded materials

Excluded materials means cement and cementitious materials; aggregates such as stone, sand, or gravel; or aggregate binding agents or additives.

Iron or Steel Products All iron or steel products permanently incorporated into the project must be melted and manufactured in the United States except:

1. Foreign pig iron and processed, pelletized, and reduced iron ore may be used in the domestic production of the steel and iron materials [60 Fed Reg 15478 (03/24/1995)];

2. If the total combined cost of the materials produced outside the United States does not exceed the greater of 0.1 percent of the total contract amount or $2,500, materials produced outside the United States may be used if authorized.

Iron or steel products are defined as articles, materials, or supplies that consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both.

For a product to be considered to consist predominantly of iron or steel, or a combination of both means the cost of the iron or steel content of the product exceeds 50 percent of the total cost of all its components. The cost of iron or steel is the cost of the iron or steel mill products (such as bar, billet, slab, wire, plate, or sheet), castings, or forgings utilized in the manufacture of the product and a good faith estimate of the cost of iron or steel components.

Furnish iron or steel products to be incorporated into the work with certificates of compliance and certified mill test reports. Mill test reports must indicate where the iron or steel were melted and manufactured. All melting and manufacturing processes for these materials, including an application of a coating, must occur in the United States. Coating includes all processes that protect or enhance the value of the material to which the coating is applied.

[Delete the paragraph below if not applicable]

The following iron or steel products have received an approved Buy America waiver for this project and are therefore not subject to Buy America requirements:

1. ________________________

2. ________________________

Manufactured Products All manufactured products permanently incorporated into the project must be manufactured in the United States.

Manufactured products are defined as articles, materials, or supplies that have been:

1. Processed into a specific form and shape; or

2. Combined with other articles, materials, or supplies to create a product with different properties than the individual articles, materials, or supplies.

Manufacturer, in the case of manufactured products, means the entity that performs the final manufacturing process by bringing individual elements together that produces a manufactured product.

If an item is classified as an iron or steel product, a construction material, or an excluded material, then it is not a manufactured product. However, an article, material, or supply classified as a manufactured product may include components that are iron or steel products, construction materials, or excluded materials.

Iron or steel used in precast concrete manufactured products or Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) must meet the requirements of Iron or Steel Products regardless of the amount used.

Iron and steel used in other manufactured products must meet the requirements of section Iron or Steel Products if the cost of steel and iron components is 50 percent or more of the total cost of the manufactured product.

Furnish manufactured products to be permanently incorporated into the work with certificates of compliance with each project delivery. The manufacturer's certificate of compliance must identify where the manufacturing occurred and attest specifically to Buy America compliance.

[Delete the paragraph below if not applicable]

The following manufactured products have received an approved Buy America waiver for this project and are therefore not subject to Buy America requirements:

1. ________________________

2. ________________________

Construction Materials Construction materials permanently incorporated into the project must be manufactured as defined in 2 CFR

184.6 in the United States.

Buy America requirements apply to the following construction materials that are or consist primarily of:

1. Non-ferrous metals

2. Plastic and polymer-based products such as:

2.1 Polyvinylchloride

2.2 Composite Building Materials

3. Glass

4. Fiber optic cable (including drop cable)

5. Optical fiber

6. Lumber

7. Engineered wood

8. Drywall

Minor additions of articles, materials, supplies, or binding agents to these construction materials do not change the categorization of the construction material.

Furnish construction materials to be incorporated into the work with certificates of compliance with each project delivery. The manufacturer’s certificate of compliance must identify where the construction material was manufactured and attest specifically to Buy America compliance.

[Delete the paragraph below if not applicable]

The following construction materials have received an approved Buy America waiver for this project and are therefore not subject to Buy America requirements:

1. ________________________

2. ________________________

Buy America Waiver for De Minimis Cost for Manufactured Products and Construction Materials A De Minimis Cost Waiver can waive the application of FHWA’s Buy America requirements for manufactured products and construction materials under a single project when the total value of non-compliant manufactured products and construction materials is no more that the lesser of $1,000,000 or 5 percent of the total applicable material costs for the project.

The percent threshold is calculated based on the following formula:

X = NC / TA

where:

X = percent threshold

NC = total value of non-compliant manufactured products and construction material

TA = total applicable project costs (iron or steel products, manufactured products, and construction materials; does not include excluded materials)

This threshold is based on the actual cost of the iron or steel products, manufactured products, and construction materials, not the anticipated cost of those materials. Compliant and non-compliant Agency Furnished Materials for the project must be accounted for in a De Minimis Cost Waiver Worksheet calculation, if provided by the Local Agency.

Provide copies of invoices for the actual costs of materials including transportation to the project site.

In applying a De Minimum Cost Waiver, total cost of non-compliant construction materials and manufactured products does not include the cost of any products subject to a separate Buy America waiver.

If De Minimis Cost Waiver Worksheet calculation for materials subject to Buy America is not submitted, the Local Agency may:

1. Withhold from the next progress payment

2. Reject your request for a De Minimis Costs waiver for non-compliant construction materials or manufactured products

9. QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Local Agency uses a Quality Assurance Program (QAP) to ensure a material is produced to comply with the Contract. The Local Agency may examine the records and reports of tests the prime contractor performs if they are available at the job site. Schedule work to allow time for QAP.

10. PROMPT PAYMENT

A. FROM THE AGENCY TO THE CONTRACTORS

The Local Agency shall make all project progress payment within 30 days after receipt of an undisputed and properly submitted payment request from the Contractor on a construction contract. If the Local Agency fails to pay promptly, the Local Agency shall pay interest to the Contractor, which accrues at the rate of 10 percent per annum on the principal amount of a money judgment remaining unsatisfied and pro-rated as necessary. Upon receipt of the payment request, the Local Agency shall act in accordance with both of the following:

1. The Local Agency shall review each payment request as soon as feasible after receipt to verify it is a proper payment request.

2. The Local Agency must return any payment request deemed improper by the Local Agency to the Contractor as soon as feasible, but not later than seven (7) days, after receipt. A request returned pursuant to this paragraph shall include documentation setting forth in writing the reasons why it is an improper payment request.

B. SUBMITTAL OF EXHIBIT 9-P

In accordance with California Business and Professions Code section 7108.5, the prime contractor or subcontractor shall pay to any subcontractor, not later than seven days after receipt of each progress payment, unless otherwise agreed to in writing, the respective amounts allowed the contractor on account of the work performed by the subcontractors, to the extent of each subcontractor’s interest therein. In the event that there is a good faith dispute over all or any portion of the amount due on a progress payment from the prime contractor or subcontractor to a subcontractor, the prime contractor or subcontractor may withhold no more than 150 percent of the disputed amount. Any violation of this requirement shall constitute a cause for disciplinary action and shall subject the licensee to a penalty, payable to the subcontractor, of 2 percent of the amount due per month for every month that payment is not made.

In any action for the collection of funds wrongfully withheld, the prevailing party shall be entitled to his or her attorney’s fees and costs. The sanctions authorized under this requirement shall be separate from, and in addition to, all other remedies, either civil, administrative, or criminal.

For projects awarded on or after September 1, 2023:

The Contractor must submit Exhibit 9-P to the Local Agency administering the contract by the 15th of the month following the month of any payment(s). If the Contractor does not make any payments to subcontractors, supplier(s) and/or manufacturers they must report “no payments were made to subs this month” and write this visibly and legibly on Exhibit 9-P.

The Local Agency must verify all Exhibit 9-P information, monitor compliance with prompt payment requirements for DBE and non-DBE firms, and address any shortfall to the DBE commitment and prompt payment issues until the end of the project. The Local Agency must email a copy of Exhibit 9-P to DBE.Forms@dot.ca.gov before the end of the month after receiving the Exhibit 9-P from the Contractor.

11. FORM FHWA-1273 REQUIRED CONTRACT PROVISIONS FEDERAL-AID CONTRACTS

[Form FHWA-1273 must be physically inserted into the contract without modification, excluding ATTACHMENT

A - EMPLOYMENT AND MATERIALS PREFERENCE FOR APPALACHIAN DEVELOPMENT HIGHWAY

SYSTEM OR APPALACHIAN LOCAL ACCESS ROAD CONTRACTS.]

[The current version of Form FHWA-1273 is accessible at FHWA’s website:

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/programadmin/contracts/1273/1273.pdf]

12. FEMALE AND MINORITY GOALS

To comply with Section II, "Nondiscrimination," of "Required Contract Provisions Federal-Aid Construction Contracts," the following are for female and minority utilization goals for Federal-aid construction contracts and subcontracts that exceed $10,000:

The nationwide goal for female utilization is 6.9 percent.

The goals for minority utilization (45 Fed Reg 65984 (10/3/1980)) are as follows:

MINORITY UTILIZATION GOALS

Economic

Area

Goal (Percent)

Redding CA:

Non-SMSA (Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area) Counties:

CA Lassen; CA Modoc; CA Plumas; CA Shasta; CA Siskiyou; CA Tehama

6.8

Eureka, CA Non-SMSA Counties:

CA Del Norte; CA Humboldt; CA Trinity

6.6

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA:

28.9

25.6

19.6

14.9

9.1

17.1

23.2

SMSA Counties:

7120 Salinas-Seaside-Monterey, CA CA Monterey 7360 San Francisco-Oakland CA Alameda; CA Contra Costa; CA Marin; CA San Francisco; CA San Mateo 7400 San Jose, CA

176 CA Santa Clara, CA 7485 Santa Cruz, CA

CA Santa Cruz 7500 Santa Rosa CA Sonoma 8720 Vallejo-Fairfield-Napa, CA CA Napa; CA Solano

CA Lake; CA Mendocino; CA San Benito mailto:DBE.Forms@dot.ca.gov https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/programadmin/contracts/1273/1273.pdf

Sacramento, CA:

SMSA Counties:

6920 Sacramento, CA CA Placer; CA Sacramento; CA Yolo Non-SMSA Counties CA Butte; CA Colusa; CA El Dorado; CA Glenn; CA Nevada; CA Sierra; CA Sutter; CA Yuba

16.1

14.3

Stockton-Modesto, CA:

SMSA Counties:

5170 Modesto, CA 12.3

178 CA Stanislaus 8120 Stockton, CA

24.3

CA San Joaquin Non-SMSA Counties 19.8 CA Alpine; CA Amador; CA Calaveras; CA Mariposa; CA Merced; CA Tuolumne

Fresno-Bakersfield, CA

179 0680 Bakersfield, CA 19.1 CA Kern 2840 Fresno, CA

CA Fresno

CA Kings; CA Madera; CA Tulare

26.1

23.6

Los Angeles, CA:

11.9

28.3

21.5

19.0

19.7

24.6

0360 Anaheim-Santa Ana-Garden Grove, CA CA Orange 4480 Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA CA Los Angeles

180 6000 Oxnard-Simi Valley-Ventura, CA CA Ventura

6780 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA CA Riverside; CA San Bernardino 7480 Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc, CA CA Santa Barbara Non-SMSA Counties CA Inyo; CA Mono; CA San Luis Obispo San Diego, CA:

16.9

18.2

SMSA Counties

181 7320 San Diego, CA CA San Diego

Non-SMSA Counties CA Imperial

For the last full week of July during which work is performed under the contract, the prime contractor and each non…