Solicitation

COVER SHEET

IFQ 1100

EAL1001

IDENTIFICATION

Number IFQ 1100 EAL1001 Title Electric utility lobbyist services

Summary The City of Austin seeks a qualified firm to provide professional lobbyist services on behalf of the City of Austin’s municipally owned electric utility, Austin Energy.

Type Invitation for Quotation (IFQ) Version (Addenda) 0

CONTACT PERSON

Primary Liz Lock, Procurement Supervisor; (512) 974-2866;

liz.lock@austintexas.gov

IMPORTANT DATES

OFFERS DUE:

Date and Time September 24, 2026, 5:00 pm CT

Notes Submit quotes to liz.lock@austintexas.gov with the required submittal documents listed in this solicitation.

PUBLISHED:

Date Thursday, September 17, 2026

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS

Document name Pages Date Solicitation Packet – IFQ 1100 EAL1001 Includes the following:

Solicitation Cover Sheet 2 09/17/2026 Solicitation Instructions – See required submittal information, Section 6 4 09/17/2026

Terms and Conditions 23 09/17/2026

Scope of Work 3 09/17/2026

Austin Energy Data Handling Controls 11 09/17/2026

Pricing Submittal – Complete and return 1 09/17/2026

Offer and Certifications – Complete and return 6 09/17/2026

CITY OF AUSTIN Solicitation Cover Sheet

NIGP CODES

COMMODITY CODES:

Code Description 96151 Lobby Services

Solicitation

INSTRUCTIONS

IFQ 1100

EAL1001

Solicitation Instructions Page 1

Revised 06/15/2026

1 INVITATINO FOR QUOTATIONS (IFQ)

1.1 Invitation. The City of Austin invites you to submit a Quote to provide the goods and/or services described in this Solicitation.

1.2 Process. Notices for this IFQ are based on the applicable commodity code(s). If the commodity code(s) had enough certified vendors, an initial notice is sent via email only to those vendors who are certified through the State of Texas and City as SBEs or M/WBE’s. If the City receives adequate quotes from those certified contractors, the contract will be awarded at that time. If the City does not receive adequate quotes from the initial notice, the solicitation will then be posted online at the City’s Austin Finance Online website and a notice will be emailed to all vendors registered for the applicable commodity code(s).

1.3 Changes. The City may change or revise any of the contents of this Solicitation through the issuance of a written Addendum. Any explanation, clarification, interpretation or change to the Solicitation made in any other manner is not binding upon the City, and Offerors shall not rely upon such explanation, clarification, interpretation, or change. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of the Contract are not binding.

1.4 Review of Documents. Offerors shall review the entire Solicitation, as revised. Offerors shall notify the person listed on the Cover Sheet in writing of any omissions, ambiguities, inconsistencies or errors in the Solicitation prior to the Offer Due Date and Time. Offerors shall also notify the City of any Solicitation contents the Offeror believes may be unreasonably restrictive.

2 COMMUNICATIONS

2.1 Questions. Offerors shall submit any questions concerning this Solicitation in writing via e-mail to the contact person displayed on the Solicitation Cover Sheet.

3 OFFER PREPARATION

3.1 Offer Submittals. Offerors intending to respond to this Solicitation shall complete each of the Submittal documents. At a minimum Submittals will include a Price Sheet and a signed Offer Sheet.

3.2 Proprietary and Confidential Information. All Offers received and opened by the City are subject to the Texas Government Code, Ch. 552, and will be made available to the public. With the exception of the Quote Sheet, which shall not be kept confidential, Offerors seeking to keep any other portions of their Offer confidential shall mark each such portion as “Proprietary”. The City will, to the extent allowed by law, endeavor to protect such information from disclosure. The City may request a review and determination from the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Texas, of any contents marked as “Proprietary”. A copyright notice or symbol is insufficient to identify proprietary or confidential information.

3.3 Cost of Offer Preparation and Participation. Offerors are responsible for all costs related to the preparation of their Offer and incurred while participating in this Solicitation process.

4 OFFER EVALUATION

4.1 Bases of Competition. The City may compare quotes based on the prices for individual line items, the prices for categories of line items, the aggregate price, or other award basis that is most advantageous to

CITY OF

AUSTIN

Solicitation

IFQ 1100 EAL1001

Solicitation Instructions Page 2 the City. The City will choose the basis of competition that best meets the City’s needs for the resulting contracts. Award will be made to the lowest Offer meeting any minimum requirements set forth in the solicitation.

4.2 Evaluation. The lowest offer will be reviewed to ensure any minimum qualifications stated in this solicitation are met. If any minimum qualifications are not met, the City will move to the next Lowest Offer and repeat the process. The City reserves the right to require references from the lowest offeror prior to contract award to confirm minimum qualifications.

5 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

5.1 Solicitation File. All documents included in this Solicitation, and all timely received Offers in response to this Solicitation, except for Offer contents deemed by Offerors to be proprietary and confidential, will be available for public inspections.

5.2 Complaints. Any complaint regarding this solicitation shall be emailed to the contact listed on the Solicitation Cover Sheet. The complaints will be reviewed and responded to in a timely manner.

6 PROPOSAL SUBMITTALS.

The City's Scope of Work is provided as a high-level guideline for services required by the City. The Offeror’s response is expected to identify the complete approach, deliverables, milestones, resources, and anything else required to meet the City’s objectives and will become the basis for the subsequent Contract. Items required to be identified in the Offeror’s response are listed below and shall be formatted as shown below.

6.1 Executive Summary. Provide an Executive Summary that summarizes your response and confirms you will comply with the requirements, provisions, terms, and conditions specified in this solicitation. The Executive Summary should be in the form of a standard business letter on official business letterhead and signed by an authorized representative of Offeror. Include the complete name and address of your firm, telephone number, and email address of the person the City of Austin should contact regarding your firm’s response.

6.2 Authorized Negotiator: Include name, address, email, and telephone number of a person in your organization authorized to negotiate Contract terms and render binding decisions on Contract matters.

6.3 Experience and Qualifications.

6.3.1

PERSONNEL: Offerors shall provide the names and qualifications of all personnel who will be assigned to this Contract. Identify key people by name, title and credentials. including resumes, CVs, licenses, etc., and the amount of time or percentage each personnel will be assigned to the Contract (e.g. 15 hours per week, 40 hours per week, or, 40% assigned, 100% assigned, etc.).

Offerors shall describe in detail how each personnel assigned to the Contract meet each of the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications. Detail demonstrated experience in state and/or federal lobbying, particularly on behalf of municipalities and/or municipally-owned electric utility; roles performed; legislative issues worked on; and record of success/outcomes achieved in advancing legislative and funding priorities for municipalities.

I. Minimum Qualifications Offerors with assigned personnel that do not meet the Minimum Qualifications will not be awarded.

Solicitation

Solicitation Instructions Page 3

A. At least 10 years of experience working within the state or federal legislative processes, understanding the complex network of agencies, positions and funding mechanisms and governing laws and rulemaking that lead to effective outcomes for the City of Austin.

B. Lobbying experience for a municipally-owned electric utility

C. Registered with Texas Ethics Commission, including 1295 form, under the Texas Government Code Chapter 305.

II. Preferred Qualifications

A. Successful prior experience working with the City of Austin.

B. Licensed to practice law in Texas.

6.3.2

FIRM: Provide in detail your firm’s experience lobbying or providing other governmental relations services, particularly for municipalities and municipally-owned electric utilities.

6.3.3

References: Offerors shall provide a list of five (5) current or previous clients within the last five (5) years in which the Offerors provided state and/or federal lobbying on behalf of municipalities and/or municipally-owned electric utilities. All client reference information shall be documented and verifiable.

Reference contacts shall be aware they are being used and agreeable to a City interview. References shall reflect a positive performance and consist of customers to whom the Offeror has provided the same or similar services to this Scope of Work. References shall include:

Name and state of Municipality:

Population size of the Municipality:

Contact Person/ Title:

Phone Number:

Email address:

Lobbying Services Provided (e.g., Housing, Energy, Transportation, etc.):

Number of years representing the Municipality and type of lobbying services provided (e.g., 5 years from 2018-2023)

6.4 Proposed Solution.

Offerors shall describe the proposed approach to representing Austin Energy’s interests according to the Scope of Work. Responses should demonstrate how the work will be performed, including strategy, deliverables, milestones and resources and show command of your understanding of issues and needs of a municipally-owned electric utility and/or a municipal government. Offerors may include any additional information, examples, or materials they believe will assist the City in fully evaluating the proposed solution and understanding how the work will be performed.

6.4.1 Confirm your understanding of Scope of Work and elaborate as needed.

Solicitation

Solicitation Instructions Page 4

6.4.2 Describe any challenges you may anticipate under the resulting contract and how your firm would address them.

6.4.3 Exceptions- Indicate any exceptions you take to any part of this solicitation. Provie alternate language and justify the reasoning. The City, at its sole discretion, may negotiate exceptions that do not result in material deviations from the sections contained in the solicitation documents. Material deviations, or excessive exceptions, as determined by the City, may result in the City deeming the Offer non-responsive and thus not eligible for contract award.

6.5 Price Proposal.

The City will pay a monthly retainer rate. The monthly rate is expected to stay the same each month, since work is expected 12 months out of the year, regardless if the legislature is in session. The monthly rate shall be inclusive of all fees required to successfully complete the Scope of Work.

The Offeror shall not charge separately for administrative, overhead, per diem, transportation costs including travel time, fuel surcharges, mileage, stop-fee, etc. or any other fees. The Offeror shall provide all labor, travel, and equipment necessary to perform the services required under this contract.

Pricing should submitted on the Price Proposal form included in the solicitation package.

7 EVALUATION OF OFFERS

7.1 Evaluation Criteria

Offers will be evaluated based on the evaluation factors below, listed in order of relative importance.

7.2 Interviews and/or presentations, Optional. The City will evaluate Offers on the basis or bases of the criteria listed above. The City may select a “short list” of Offerors based on those scores. “Short-listed” Offerors may be invited for presentations or discussions with the City. The City reserves the right to re-evaluate “short-listed” Offers as a result, and to make award recommendations on that basis or bases.

Evaluation Factors Experience and Qualifications Proposed Solution Price

CITY OF AUSTIN

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Standard Terms & Conditions 1 Rev. 08-17-2026

The Contractor agrees that the Contract shall be governed by the following terms and conditions.

1 GENERAL

1.1 TERM OF CONTRACT:

A. The Contract shall commence upon execution unless otherwise specified and shall continue in effect until all obligations are performed in accordance with the Contract. Upon written notice to the Contractor, and unless specified otherwise in the Scope of Work, the Contract may be extended beyond the initial term at the City’s sole option. If the City does not provide this notice, the Contract will expire at the end of its current term. If the City exercises any extension option, all terms, conditions, and provisions of the Contract shall remain in effect for that extension period, subject only to any economic price adjustment otherwise allowed under the Contract.

B. Upon expiration of the initial term or any period of extension, the Contractor agrees to holdover under the terms and conditions of this Contract for such a period as is reasonably necessary for the City to re-solicit and/or complete the Deliverables due under this Contract. Any holdover period will not exceed 180 calendar days unless mutually agreed on by both parties in writing.

1.2 INDEFINITE QUANTITY:

The quantities and/or services listed herein are estimates of the goods and services needed by the City for the period of the Contract. The City reserves the right to purchase more or less of these quantities and/or services as may be required during the Contract term. Quantities and/or services will be as needed and specified by the City for each order. Unless specified in the Contract, there are no minimum order quantities.

1.3 INVOICES:

A. The Contractor shall submit separate Invoices for each Order after each delivery or on the schedule provided in the Contract. If partial shipments or deliveries are authorized by the City, a separate Invoice must be sent for each shipment or delivery made.

B. Invoices shall be sent to the address on the Purchase Order or Delivery Order in the section entitled, “BILL TO”. Proper Invoices must include a unique Invoice number, the purchase Order or delivery Order number, the master agreement number (if applicable), the Department’s Name, and the name of the point of contact for the Department. Invoices shall be itemized according to pricing structure in the Contract. A copy of the bill of lading and the freight waybill, when applicable, shall be attached to the Invoice. The Contractor’s name and, if applicable, the tax identification number on the Invoice must exactly match the information in the Vendor’s registration with the City. Unless otherwise instructed in writing, the City may rely on the remittance address specified on the Contractor’s Invoice. Invoices received without all required information cannot be processed and will be returned to the vendor.

C. Invoices for labor shall include a tabulation of work-hours at the appropriate rates and grouped by work Order number. Time billed for labor shall be limited to hours actually worked.

D. Unless otherwise expressly authorized in the Contract, the Contractor shall pass through all Subcontracting and other authorized expenses at actual cost without markup.

E. Federal excise taxes, State taxes, or City sales taxes must not be included in the Invoiced amount.

The City will furnish a tax exemption certificate upon request.

1.4 PAYMENT:

A. All proper Invoices received by the City will be paid within 30 calendar days of the City’s receipt of the Deliverables or of the Invoice, whichever is later.

Standard Terms & Conditions 2 Rev. 08-17-2026

B. If payment is not timely made, (per Paragraph A), interest shall accrue on the unpaid balance at the lesser of the rate specified in Texas Government Code §2251.025 or the maximum lawful rate;

except, if payment is not timely made for a reason for which the City may withhold payment hereunder, interest shall not accrue until 10 calendar days after the grounds for withholding payment have been resolved.

C. If partial shipments or deliveries are authorized by the City, the Contractor will be paid for the partial shipment or delivery, as stated above, provided that the Invoice matches the shipment or delivery.

D. The City may withhold or set off the entire payment or part of any payment otherwise due the Contractor to such extent as may be necessary on account of:

i. Delivery of defective or non-conforming Deliverables by the Contractor;

ii. Third party claims, which are not covered by the insurance which the Contractor is required to provide under the terms of this Contract, are filed or there is reasonable evidence indicating probable filing of such claims;

iii. Failure of the Contractor to pay Subcontractors, or for labor, materials or equipment;

iv. Damage to the property of the City or the City’s agents, employees or Contractors, which is not covered by insurance required to be provided by the Contractor;

v. Reasonable evidence demonstrates that the Contractor’s obligations will not be completed within the time specified in the Contract, and that the unpaid balance would not be adequate to cover actual or liquidated damages for the anticipated delay;

vi. Failure of the Contractor to submit proper Invoices with all required attachments and supporting documentation; or

vii. Failure of the Contractor to comply with any material provision of the Contract Documents.

E. Notice is hereby given of Article VIII, §1 of the Austin City Charter which prohibits the payment of any money to any person, firm or corporation who is in arrears to the City for taxes, and of §2-8-3 of the Austin City Code concerning the right of the City to offset indebtedness owed the City.

F. The Contractor agrees to accept payment by either credit card, check or Electronic Funds Transfer for all goods and/or services provided under the Contract. The Contractor shall factor the cost of processing credit card payments into the Offer. There shall be no additional charges, surcharges, or penalties to the City for payments made by credit card.

G. The awarding or continuation of this Contract is dependent upon the availability of funding. The City’s payment obligations are payable only and solely from funds appropriated and available for this Contract. The absence of appropriated or other lawfully available funds shall render the Contract null and void to the extent funds are not appropriated or available and any Deliverables delivered but unpaid shall be returned to the Contractor. The City shall provide the Contractor written notice of the failure of the City to make an adequate appropriation for any fiscal year to pay the amounts due under the Contract, or the reduction of any appropriation to an amount insufficient to permit the City to pay its obligations under the Contract. In the event of inadequate appropriation of funds, there will be no penalty nor removal fees charged to the City. The City shall pay the Contractor, to the extent of funds appropriated or otherwise legally available for such purposes, for all goods delivered and services performed, and obligations incurred prior to the date of notice of non-appropriation.

1.5 FINAL PAYMENT AND CLOSE OUT:

A. If a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE)

Program Compliance Plan is required by the Solicitation, and the Contractor has identified Subcontractors, the Contractor is required to submit a Contract Close-Out MBE/WBE Compliance Report to the Project Manager or Contract Manager no later than the 15th calendar day after

Standard Terms & Conditions 3 Rev. 08-17-2026 completion of all work under the Contract. Final payment, retainage, or both may be withheld if the Contractor is not in compliance with the requirements of the Compliance Plan as accepted by the City.

B. The making and acceptance of final payment will constitute:

i. A waiver of all claims by the City against the Contractor, except claims (1) which have been previously asserted in writing and not yet settled, (2) arising from defective work appearing after final inspection, (3) arising from failure of the Contractor to comply with the Contract or the terms of any warranty specified herein, (4) arising from the Contractor’s continuing obligations under the Contract, including but not limited to indemnity and warranty obligations, or (5) arising under the City’s right to audit; and

ii. A waiver of all claims by the Contractor against the City other than those previously asserted in writing and not yet settled.

1.6 SPECIAL TOOLS & TEST EQUIPMENT:

If the price stated on the Offer includes the cost of any special tooling or special test equipment fabricated or required by the Contractor for the purpose of filling this Order, such special tooling equipment and any process sheets related thereto shall become the property of the City and shall be identified by the Contractor as such.

1.7 AUDITS AND RECORDS:

A. The Contractor agrees that the representatives of the Office of the City Auditor or other authorized representatives of the City shall have access to, and the right to audit, examine, or reproduce, any and all records of the Contractor related to the performance, including security audits, under this Contract, at the City’s expense. The Contractor agrees to refund to the City any overpayments disclosed by any such audit. The City agrees to protect from disclosure Contractor’s confidential and proprietary information disclosed during an audit to the same extent it protects its own confidential and proprietary information, subject to the requirements of the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552, Texas Government Code.

B. Records Retention:

i. Contractor is subject to City Code Chapter 2-11 (Records Management), and as it may subsequently be amended.

ii. The Contractor shall retain all records for a period of three years after final payment on this

Contract or until all audit and litigation matters that the City has brought to the attention of the Contractor are resolved, whichever is longer.

1.8 FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES AND ASSURANCE:

The City may request and review financial information as the City requires to determine the credit worthiness of the Contractor, including but not limited to, annual reports, audited financial Statements and reports, bank letters of credit or other credit instruments. Failure of the Contractor to comply with this requirement shall be grounds for terminating the Contract.

1.9 RIGHT TO ASSURANCE:

Whenever one party to the Contract in good faith has reason to question the other party’s intent to perform, demand may be made to the other party for written assurance of the intent to perform. If no assurance is given within the time specified after demand is made, the demanding party may treat this failure as an anticipatory repudiation of the Contract.

1.10 STOP WORK NOTICE:

Standard Terms & Conditions 4 Rev. 08-17-2026

The City may issue an immediate Stop Work Notice in the event the Contractor is observed performing in a manner that is in violation of Federal, State, or local guidelines, or in a manner that is determined by the City to be unsafe to either life or property. Upon notification, the Contractor will cease all work until notified by the City that the violation or unsafe condition has been corrected. The Contractor shall be liable for all costs incurred by the City as a result of the issuance of such Stop Work Notice.

1.11 DEFAULT:

The Contractor shall be in default under the Contract if the Contractor (a) fails to fully, timely and faithfully perform any of its material obligations under the Contract, (b) fails to provide adequate assurance of performance, (c) becomes insolvent or seeks relief under the bankruptcy laws of the United States or (d) makes a material misrepresentation in Contractor’s Offer, or in any report or Deliverable required to be submitted by the Contractor to the City. The City shall be in default if it fails to make payment in accordance with the Payment terms of this Contract.

1.12 TERMINATION FOR CAUSE:

In the event of a default by either party, the non-defaulting party shall have the right to terminate the Contract for cause, by written notice effective ten 10 calendar days, unless otherwise specified, after the date of such notice, unless the defaulting party, within such 10 day period, cures such default, or provides evidence sufficient to prove to the non-defaulting party’s reasonable satisfaction that such default does not, in fact, exist. Additionally, the City shall have the right to act in accordance with the terms defined by “City of Austin Purchasing Office Probation, Suspension and Debarment Rules for Vendors.” In addition to any other remedy available under law or in equity, either party shall be entitled to recover all actual damages, costs, losses and expenses, incurred by the party as a result of the Contractor’s default, including, without limitation, cost of cover, court costs, and prejudgment and post-judgment interest at the maximum lawful rate. All rights and remedies under the Contract are cumulative and not exclusive of any other right or remedy provided by law. In the event of termination of the Contract under this Section, the Contractor shall handover all complete and partially complete Work Products and Documentation developed under this Contract.

1.13 ATTORNEY’S FEES:

In consideration of the award and execution of this Contract and in consideration of the City’s waiver of its right to attorney’s fees, the Contractor knowingly and intentionally waives its right to attorney’s fees under §271.153, Texas Local Government Code, in any administrative proceeding, alternative dispute resolution proceeding, or litigation arising out of or connected to this Contract.

1.14 TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE:

The City shall have the right to terminate the Contract, in whole or in part, without cause any time upon 30 calendar days’ prior written notice. Upon receipt of a notice of termination, the Contractor shall promptly cease all further work pursuant to the Contract, with such exceptions, if any, specified in the notice of termination. The City shall pay the Contractor, to the extent of funds appropriated or otherwise legally available for such purposes, for all goods delivered and services performed, and obligations incurred prior to the date of termination in accordance with the terms hereof. In the event of termination of the Contract under this Section, the Contractor shall handover all complete and partially complete Work Products and Documentation developed under this Contract.

1.15 FRAUD:

Standard Terms & Conditions 5 Rev. 08-17-2026

Fraudulent Statements by the Contractor on any Offer or in any report or Deliverable required to be submitted by the Contractor to the City shall be grounds for the termination of the Contract for cause by the City and may result in legal action.

1.16 DELAYS:

The City may delay scheduled delivery or other due dates by written notice to the Contractor if the City deems it is in its best interest. If such delay causes an increase in the cost of the work under the Contract, the City and the Contractor shall negotiate an equitable adjustment for costs incurred by the Contractor in the Contract price and execute an amendment to the Contract. The Contractor must assert its right to an adjustment within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the notice of delay.

Failure to agree on any adjusted price shall be handled under the Dispute Resolution Clause.

However, nothing in this provision shall excuse the Contractor from delaying the delivery as notified.

1.17 FORCE MAJEURE:

Contractor may be excused from performance under the Contract for any period when performance is prevented as the result of an act of God, strike, war, civil disturbance, epidemic, pandemic, sovereign conduct, or court order provided that the Contractor experiences the event of force majeure and prudently and promptly acts to take any and all steps that are within the Contractor’s control to ensure performance and to shorten the duration of the event of force majeure. Contractor shall provide notice of the force majeure event to the City within three (3) business days of the event or delay, whichever occurs later, to establish a mutually agreeable period of time reasonably necessary to overcome the effect of such failure to perform. Subject to this provision, such non-performance shall not be deemed a default or a ground for termination. However, the City may terminate an order under the Contract if it is determined by the City that the Contractor will not be able to deliver goods or services in a timely manner to meet the business needs of the City.

1.18 INDEMNITY:

A. IN THIS SECTION, THE FOLLOWING TERMS HAVE THE MEANINGS ASSIGNED BELOW:

(1) “INDEMNIFIED PARTY” IS THE CITY AND THE CITY’S OFFICERS, ELECTED AND APPOINTED

OFFICIALS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

(2) “INDEMNIFYING PARTY” IS THE CONTRACTOR, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES,

SUBCONTRACTORS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

(3) THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY SHALL INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND THE

INDEMNIFIED PARTY AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES, DAMAGES, LIABILITIES, DEFICIENCIES, CLAIMS, CAUSES OF ACTION, JUDGMENTS, SETTLEMENTS, INTEREST, AWARDS, PENALTIES, FINES, COSTS OR EXPENSES, INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL FEES AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ARE INCURRED BY THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY ARISING OUT OF ANY DIRECT OR THIRD

PARTY CLAIM OF:

i. BREACH OR NON-FULFILLMENT OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS CONTRACT BY THE

INDEMNIFYING PARTY;

ii. ANY FALSE REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY MADE BY THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY IN

THIS CONTRACT OR IN THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY’S PROPOSAL/RESPONSE LEADING TO

THIS CONTRACT;

iii. ANY NEGLIGENT OR MORE CULPABLE ACT OR OMISSION OF THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY, INCLUDING ANY RECKLESS OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, RELATED TO THE

PERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS CONTRACT;

iv. BODILY INJURY; DEATH OF ANY PERSON; OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS OR DISEASE; LOSS

OF SERVICES, WAGES, OR INCOME; OR DAMAGE TO REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY

Standard Terms & Conditions 6 Rev. 08-17-2026

CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENT OR MORE CULPABLE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF

INDEMNIFYING PARTY, INCLUDING ANY RECKLESS OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT; OR

v. ANY FAILURE OF THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY TO COMPLY WITH ANY APPLICABLE

FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL LAWS, REGULATIONS, OR CODES RELATED TO THE

PERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS CONTRACT.

B. THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY SHALL GIVE THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY WRITTEN NOTICE (A “CLAIM NOTICE”) OF ANY CLAIM RECEIVED RELATED TO THIS CONTRACT. THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY’S

DUTY TO DEFEND APPLIES IMMEDIATELY. THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S FAILURE TO PROVIDE A

CLAIM NOTICE TO THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY DOES NOT RELIEVE THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY OF

ITS DUTY TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS AND DEFEND THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY.

C. THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY MAY SELECT ITS OWN LEGAL COUNSEL TO REPRESENT ITS INTERESTS.

THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY SHALL:

i. REIMBURSE THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY FOR ITS REASONABLE COSTS AND ATTORNEY’S

FEES IMMEDIATELY UPON REQUEST, AS THEY ARE INCURRED, AND

ii. REMAIN RESPONSIBLE TO THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY FOR ANY LOSSES INDEMNIFIED

UNDER THIS SECTION.

D. THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY SHALL GIVE PROMPT, WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY

OF ANY PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF A CLAIM THAT IS INDEMNIFIABLE UNDER THIS SECTION.

THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY MAY NOT, WITHOUT THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S PRIOR, WRITTEN

CONSENT, SETTLE OR COMPROMISE ANY CLAIM OR CONSENT TO THE ENTRY OF ANY

JUDGMENT REGARDING WHICH INDEMNIFICATION IS BEING SOUGHT UNDER THIS SECTION.

E. MAINTENANCE OF THE INSURANCE REQUIRED BY THIS CONTRACT SHALL NOT LIMIT THE

INDEMNIFYING PARTY’S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS SECTION. THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY SHALL

REQUIRE ALL SUBCONTRACTORS TO INDEMNIFY THE CITY IN THE SAME MANNER AS PROVIDED

IN THIS SECTION.

1.19 NOTICES:

Unless otherwise specified, all notices, requests, or other communications required or appropriate to be given under the Contract shall be in writing and shall be deemed delivered three business days after postmarked if sent by U.S. Postal Service Certified or Registered Mail, Return Receipt Requested.

Notices delivered by other means shall be deemed delivered upon receipt by the addressee. Notices to the Contractor shall be sent to the address registered with the City. Notices to the City shall be addressed to: City of Austin, Austin Financial Services-Central Procurement, 721 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704 and marked to the attention of the assigned Procurement Specialist.

1.20 CONFIDENTIALITY:

The Parties may be granted access to certain of the other Party’s or Licensor’s Confidential Information (including inventions, employee information, trade secrets, confidential know-how, confidential business information, and other information which the Party or its licensors consider confidential) (Confidential Information) to provide the Deliverables to the City. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Confidential Information is the valuable property of the disclosing Party and its licensors and any unauthorized use, disclosure, dissemination, or other release of the Confidential Information will substantially injure the disclosing Party and its licensors. The receiving Party (including its employees, Subcontractors, agents, or representatives) agrees it will maintain the Confidential Information in strict confidence and shall not disclose, disseminate, copy, divulge, recreate, or otherwise use the Confidential Information without prior written consent of disclosing Party, or in a manner not expressly permitted under this Contract, unless the Confidential Information is required to be disclosed by law or an Order of a court or other governmental authority (including a

Standard Terms & Conditions 7 Rev. 08-17-2026

Texas Attorney General opinion) with proper jurisdiction. In all cases, the receiving Party agrees to promptly notify the disclosing Party before disclosing Confidential Information to permit the disclosing Party reasonable time to seek an appropriate protective Order. The receiving Party agrees to use protective measures no less stringent than the receiving Party uses in its business to protect its own most valuable information. In all circumstances, the receiving Party’s protective measures must be at least reasonable measures to ensure the continued confidentiality of the Confidential Information.

A. The Parties agree: (i) not to use Confidential Information for any reason other than for the purpose of providing or receiving the Deliverables, (ii) not to disclose Confidential Information to any third party other than to its employees who have a need to know the Confidential Information for furtherance of providing the Deliverables, and (iii) to promptly notify the disclosing Party of any request for Confidential Information to be disclosed under any law or order of any court or other governmental authority with proper jurisdiction, so as to permit disclosing Party reasonable time to seek an appropriate protective order.

B. All Confidential Information and derivations thereof shall remain the sole and exclusive property of disclosing Party, and no license or other right to the Confidential Information or intellectual property is granted or implied hereby. Upon the written request of disclosing Party, the receiving Party shall promptly return to disclosing Party all tangible items of Confidential Information furnished by disclosing Party and all copies thereof or certify in writing that all Confidential Information, including all copies, has been destroyed.

C. No expiration or termination of the Contract shall affect either Party’s rights or obligations with respect to Confidential Information.

D. The Parties acknowledge and agree that any breach or threatened breach of the Contract could cause harm for which money damages may not provide an adequate remedy.

E. The parties agree that in the event of such a breach or threatened breach of the Contract, in addition to any other available remedies, City may seek temporary and permanent injunctive relief restraining the Contractor from disclosing or using, in whole or in part, any Confidential Information.

1.21 TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT:

A. All material submitted by the Contractor to the City related to the Contract may become subject to public disclosure upon receipt by the City. Any portions of such material claimed by the Contractor to be proprietary must be clearly marked as such. Determination of the public nature of the material is subject to the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552, Texas Government Code.

B. In accordance with Texas Government Code §552.372, if this Contract has a stated expenditure of at least $1 million in public funds for the purchase of goods or services by the City or results in the expenditure of at least $1 million in public funds for the purchase of goods or services by the City in a fiscal year, Contractor agrees to:

i. Preserve all Contracting information related to the Contract as provided by the records retention requirements in the AUDITS AND RECORDS Section of the Contract;

ii. Promptly provide to the City any Contracting information related to the Contract that is in the custody or possession of Contractor on request of the City; and

iii. On completion of the Contract, either:

(1) Provide at no cost to the City all Contracting information related to the Contract that is in the custody or possession of Contractor; or

Standard Terms & Conditions 8 Rev. 08-17-2026

(2) Preserve the Contracting information related to the Contract as provided by the records retention requirements in the AUDITS AND RECORDS Section of the Contract.

C. The requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552, Texas Government Code, may apply to this Contract, and the Contractor agrees that the Contract can be terminated if the Contractor knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with a requirement of that Subchapter.

1.22 PUBLICATIONS:

All published material and written reports submitted under the Contract must be originally developed material unless otherwise specifically provided in the Contract. When material not originally developed is included in a report in any form, the source shall be identified.

1.23 ADVERTISING:

The Contractor shall not advertise or publish, without the City’s prior written consent, the fact that the City has entered into the Contract, except to the extent required by law.

1.24 NO CONTINGENT FEES:

The Contractor warrants that no person or selling agency has been employed or retained to solicit or secure the Contract upon any agreement or understanding for commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee, excepting bona fide employees of bona fide established commercial or selling agencies maintained by the Contractor for the purpose of securing business. For breach or violation of this warranty, the City shall have the right, in addition to any other remedy available, to cancel the Contract without liability and to deduct from any amounts owed to the Contractor, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such commission, percentage, brokerage or contingent fee.

1.25 GRATUITIES:

The City may, by written notice to the Contractor, cancel the Contract without liability if it is determined by the City that gratuities were Offered or given by the Contractor or any agent or representative of the Contractor to any officer or employee of the City of Austin with a view toward securing the Contract or securing favorable treatment with respect to the awarding or amending or the making of any determinations with respect to the performing of such Contract. In the event the Contract is canceled by the City pursuant to this provision, the City shall be entitled, in addition to any other rights and remedies, to recover or withhold the amount of the cost incurred by the Contractor in providing such gratuities.

1.26 PROHIBITION AGAINST PERSONAL INTEREST IN CONTRACTS:

No officer, employee, independent consultant, or elected official of the City who is involved in the development, evaluation, or decision-making process of the performance of any Solicitation shall have a financial interest, direct or indirect, in the Contract resulting from that Solicitation. Any willful violation of this Section shall constitute impropriety in office, and any officer or employee guilty thereof shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Any violation of this provision, with the knowledge, expressed or implied, of the Contractor shall render the Contract voidable by the City.

1.27 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR:

The Contract shall not be construed as creating an employer/employee relationship, a partnership, or a joint venture. The Contractor’s services shall be those of an independent Contractor. The Contractor agrees and understands that the Contract does not grant any rights or privileges established for employees of the City.

Standard Terms & Conditions 9 Rev. 08-17-2026

1.28 ASSIGNMENT DELEGATION:

The Contract shall be binding upon and ensure to the benefit of the City and the Contractor and their respective successors and assigns, provided however, that no right or interest in the Contract shall be assigned and no obligation shall be delegated by the Contractor without the prior written consent of the City. Any attempted assignment or delegation by the Contractor shall be void unless made in conformity with this Paragraph. The Contract is not intended to confer rights or benefits on any person, firm or entity not a party hereto; it being the intention of the parties that there be no third-party beneficiaries to the Contract.

1.29 WAIVER:

The claim or right arising out of a breach of the Contract cannot be discharged in whole or in part by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless the waiver or renunciation is supported by consideration and is in writing signed by the aggrieved party. No waiver by either the Contractor or the City of any one or more events of default by the other party shall operate as, or be construed to be, a permanent waiver of any rights or obligations under the Contract, or an express or implied acceptance of any other existing or future default or defaults, whether of a similar or different character.

1.30 MODIFICATIONS:

The Contract can be modified or amended only in writing and signed by both parties. No pre-printed or similar terms on any Contractor Invoice, Order, clickwrap agreement or other document shall have any force or effect to change the terms, covenants, and conditions of the Contract.

1.31 INTERPRETATION:

The Contract is intended by the parties as a final, complete and exclusive Statement of the terms of their agreement. No course of prior dealing between the parties or course of performance or usage of the trade shall be relevant to supplement or explain any term used in the Contract. Although the Contract may have been substantially drafted by one party, it is the intent of the parties that all provisions be construed in a manner to be fair to both parties, reading no provisions more strictly against one party or the other. Whenever a term defined by the Uniform Commercial Code, as enacted by the State of Texas, is used in the Contract, the UCC definition shall control, unless otherwise defined in the Contract.

1.32 DISPUTE RESOLUTION:

A. If a dispute arises out of or relates to the Contract, or the breach thereof, the parties agree to negotiate prior to prosecuting a suit for damages. However, this Section does not prohibit the filing of a lawsuit to toll the running of a statute of limitations or to seek injunctive relief. Either party may make a written request for a meeting between representatives of each party within 14 calendar days after receipt of the request or such later period as agreed by the parties. Each party shall include, at a minimum, one senior level individual with decision-making authority regarding the dispute. The purpose of this and any subsequent meeting is to attempt in good faith to negotiate a resolution of the dispute. If, within 30 calendar days after such meeting, the parties have not succeeded in negotiating a resolution of the dispute, they will proceed directly to mediation as described below. Negotiation may be waived by a written agreement signed by both parties, in which event the parties may proceed directly to mediation as described below.

B. If the efforts to resolve the dispute through negotiation fail, or the parties waive the negotiation process, the parties may select, within 30 calendar days, a mediator trained in mediation skills to assist with resolution of the dispute. Should they choose this option, the City and the Contractor agree to act in good faith in the selection of the mediator and to consider qualified individuals

Standard Terms & Conditions 10 Rev. 08-17-2026 nominated to act as mediator. Nothing in the Contract prevents the parties from relying on the skills of a person who is trained in the subject matter of the dispute or a Contract interpretation expert. If the parties fail to agree on a mediator within 30 calendar days of initiation of the mediation process, the mediator shall be selected by the Travis County Dispute Resolution Center. The parties agree to participate in mediation in good faith for up to 30 calendar days from the date of the first mediation session. The City and the Contractor will share the mediator’s fees equally and the parties will bear their own costs of participation such as fees for any consultants or attorneys they may utilize to represent them or otherwise assist them in the mediation.

1.33 JURISDICTION AND VENUE:

The Contract is made under and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, including, when applicable, the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in Texas, Bus. & Comm. Code, Chapter 1, excluding any rule or principle that would refer to and apply the substantive law of another State or jurisdiction. All issues arising from this Contract shall be resolved in the courts of Travis County, Texas and the parties agree to submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of such courts. The foregoing, however, shall not be construed or interpreted to limit or restrict the right or ability of the City to seek and secure injunctive relief from any competent authority as contemplated herein.

1.34 INVALIDITY:

The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any provision of the Contract shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other portion or provision of the Contract. Any void provision shall be deemed severed from the Contract and the balance of the Contract shall be construed and enforced as if the Contract did not contain the particular portion or provision held to be void. The parties further agree to reform the Contract to replace any stricken provision with a valid provision that comes as close as possible to the intent of the stricken provision. The provisions of this Section shall not prevent this entire Contract from being void should a provision which is the essence of the Contract be determined to be void.

1.35 HOLIDAYS:

Dates for the holidays observed by the City can be found here https://www.austintexas.gov/department/official-city-holidays

If a Legal Holiday falls on Saturday, it will be observed on the preceding Friday. If a Legal Holiday falls on Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday.

1.36 SURVIVABILITY OF OBLIGATIONS:

All provisions of the Contract that impose continuing obligations on the parties, including but not limited to the warranty, indemnity, and confidentiality obligations of the parties, shall survive the expiration or termination of the Contract.

1.37 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

A. Equal Employment Opportunity: No Contractor, or Contractor’s agent, shall engage in any discriminatory employment practice as defined in Chapter 5-4 of the City Code. By signing this agreement, the Contractor certifies their review and compliance with all requirements of Chapter 5-4-2 of City Code found at Austin Municode Library. Non-compliance with Chapter 5-4 of the City Code may result in rejection of offer, cancellation of Purchase Order, sanctions, including termination of the Contract and the Contractor’s suspension or debarment from participation on future City Contracts until deemed compliant with Chapter 5-4.

Standard Terms & Conditions 11 Rev. 08-17-2026

B. Non-Retaliation: The Contractor agrees to prohibit retaliation, discharge or otherwise discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment who has inquired about, discussed or disclosed their compensation.

C. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance: No Contractor, or Contractor’s agent, shall engage in any discriminatory practice against individuals with disabilities as defined in the ADA, including but not limited to: employment, accessibility to goods and services, reasonable accommodations, and effective communications.

1.38 INSURANCE:

A GENERAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:

i. The Contractor shall provide a Certificate of Insurance as verification of coverages and endorsements required in Section B., Specific Insurance Requirements, to the City prior to Contract execution and within 14 calendar days after written request from the City. Failure to provide the required Certificate of Insurance may subject the Offer to disqualification from consideration for award. The Contractor must also forward a Certificate of Insurance to the City whenever a previously identified policy period has expired, or an extension option or hold over period is exercised, as verification of continuing coverage.

ii. All endorsements naming the City as additional insured, waivers, and notices of cancellation shall indicate, and the Certificate of Insurance shall be mailed to the following address:

City of Austin, Austin Financial Services-Central Procurement 721 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704

OR

PURInsuranceCompliance@austinTexas.gov

iii. The Contractor shall not commence work until the required…