City of Murfreesboro

INVITATION TO BID

This Invitation to Bid (ITB) is subject to the instructions, conditions, specifications, addenda, and any other elements of this ITB, including those incorporated by reference.

DATE ISSUED:

BID TITLE:

CITY CONTACT PERSON:

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

February 10, 2026

ITB-24-2026 – School Buses for City Schools

Cathy Smith

(615) 849-2629 purchasing@murfreesborotn.gov

All bid responses must be received and acknowledged in the Purchasing Department’s Office on or before the day and time listed below. All bids must be submitted electronically via OpenGov.

Bid must include the bid title, bid opening date, and the bidder’s name. Failure to provide this information may result in the bid not being considered.

BID OPENING DATE: February 26, 2026

BID OPENING TIME: 2:00 p.m., Central Standard Time

1. INSTRUCTIONS AND CONDITIONS

1.1. Bid Submission to the City of Murfreesboro

The City is seeking bids for School Buses on behalf of Murfreesboro City Schools as set forth in the specifications listed within this bid. Electronic bids will be received by the City of Murfreesboro until 2:00 p.m. CST on February 26, 2026, at which time the bids will be opened via Zoom. A Zoom link will be provided to all those proposers on file as following this ITB.

1.2. Deadline and Late Responses.

No bids received after bid opening date and time will be accepted. The City will accept bids submitted electronically via our procurement portal, OpenGov.

1.3. Organization of Bid and Completeness.

Please submit an electronic bid via our procurement portal, OpenGov at the website listed in Section 1.37. It shall be the sole responsibility of the bidder to have the bid uploaded to the City before the bid deadline. Partial or incomplete bids will be rejected. All bid responses should be typewritten. If not typewritten, they must be written in ink and clearly legible, and numbers must be expressed in both words and figures. Erasures, whiteouts, and other modifications should be initialed. Bidders are cautioned to verify their bid response prior to submission.

1.4. Signature.

All bids must be signed by a duly authorized officer of the company empowered with the legal right to bind the company. A typed name will not be acceptable without the person’s written signature as well. Signatures are required where indicated; failure to comply with this requirement shall be cause for rejection of bid. All submitted bids must be binding for a period of ninety (90) calendar days from the bid submission deadline.

1.5. Response to Terms and Conditions.

Unless an exception is taken, the awarded contract will contain the requirements of this Invitation to Bid. In its sole discretion, the City reserves the right to either consider or reject any bid which takes exception to the specifications or attached contract.

1.6. Completeness of Invitation to Bid (“ITB”).

These documents, and those listed on OpenGov, constitute the complete set of specification requirements and ITB. The bidder is responsible for ensuring that all pages and all addenda are received. The City advises all bidders to closely examine this ITB package and immediately direct any questions regarding the completeness of this ITB package and any addenda thereto to the City’s Contact Person via OpenGov. Any addenda will be posted on OpenGov.

1.7. Bid Interpretation. Communication with the Purchasing Department Cathy Smith is the City’s contact for coordinating communications between the school district and vendors submitting bids. If additional information is required in order to make an interpretation of items in this ITB, questions will be accepted until five business (5) days prior (2/19/2026 at 2:00 PM CST) to the bid opening date. All questions should be submitted through the Question/Answer tab in OpenGov. All questions and all responses will be visible to every bidder.

The City specifically requests that no contact concerning this ITB be made with any other City personnel until the selection process has been completed. Failure to honor this requirement will be viewed negatively in the award process and may result in the disqualification of a bid.

1.8. Discrepancies, Errors, and Omissions.

Any discrepancies, errors, omissions, or ambiguities in this ITB, the specifications or addenda (if any) should be reported to the contact person for the City. If necessary, a written addendum will be issued to firms on record and the addendum will be incorporated in the ITB and will become part of the contract. The City will NOT be responsible for any oral instructions, clarifications or other communications and no such oral communication may be relied on by any bidder. The City of Murfreesboro is not responsible for technical errors or omissions made by prospective bidders during the bid submission process that may result in a bid not being submitted, being submitted incompletely, or being submitted incorrectly. In the case of technical issues that are verified to be a City error, the Purchasing Department will take reasonable steps to resolve the issue so that the process remains fair to all bidders.

1.9. Errors.

Certain mistakes may be corrected so long as the intended correct bid response is clearly evident.

In the event of a disagreement between unit price and extended price, the unit price will control.

1.10. Further Negotiation.

The City reserves the right to further negotiate contract terms after the ITBs are opened at the discretion of the City.

1.11. Economy of Preparation.

The ITB response should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of bidder’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the ITB. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content.

1.12. Subcontracting.

If any part of the work is, or is to be, subcontracted, the bidder shall provide within the ITB a description of the subcontracting organization and the contractual arrangements made therewith.

All subcontractors will be subject to approval by the City. The successful bidder will also furnish the corporate or company name and the names of the officers or principals of said companies proposed as subcontractors by the bidder.

1.13. Bid Modification.

Bids may be modified, withdrawn, and/or resubmitted in writing to the City prior to the deadline for bid submission via the City’s e-procurement portal, OpenGov. After this deadline, no withdrawals or resubmissions may be made for any reason.

1.14 Tax Exempt.

The City is exempt from federal and state taxes. Upon request, the City will provide a sales tax exemption certificate to the awarded firm. Contractors doing business with the City shall not be exempted from paying sales tax to their suppliers for materials to fulfill contractual obligations to the City, nor shall any vendor be authorized to use the City’s Tax Exemption Number in securing such materials.

1.15 Pricing Effective for 180 calendar days.

The successful bidder shall provide in the bid price the cost for services rendered. Pricing shall be effective for one-hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from date of bid award. It is requested that bidders raise any such questions in advance of submitting a bid to the City. To submit a bid implies consent to the terms set forth in this ITB.

1.16 Approval Required.

No award or acquisition can be made until approved by the City Council. The City will not be obligated to bidders for equipment and/or services until the completion of a signed contract approved by authorized officials of the City. This solicitation in no manner obligates the City to the eventual rental, lease, or purchase of any equipment or services described, implied, or which may be proposed, until confirmed by a written contract. Progress towards this end is solely at the discretion of the City and may be terminated at any time prior to the signing of a contract.

1.17 Consideration of Bid.

Any items proposed deemed not of equal and/or better and of comparable quality as that specified shall be cause for rejection of a bid. In addition to the price, the following aspects will be considered in the award of a contract:

a. The ability of the bidder to perform the contract or to provide the material for service required;

b. Whether the bidder can perform the contract and provide the material or service promptly or within the time specified without delay or interference;

c. The character, integrity, reputation, experience and efficiency of the bidder;

d. The previous and existing compliance by the bidder with laws and ordinances relating to the contract or service;

e. The ability of the bidder to provide future maintenance and service for the use of the subject contract;

f. Terms and conditions stated in bid;

g. Compliance with specifications or the ITB; and

h. Bidder’s past performance with the City.

1.18 Terms and Conditions.

The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in a bid, to make awards to more than one bidder, to accept any part or all of a bid, or to accept the bid (or bids) which, in the judgment of the governing body, is in the best interest of the City. The City also reserves the right to make revisions to any quantity shown on the bid form dependent upon bid prices and available funding. Prices bid on each item shall be firm regardless of the actual quantity of item(s) purchased. When in doubt, Unit pricing shall control.

1.19 Withdrawal of Bid.

No bidder may withdraw its bid for a period of ninety (90) calendar days after the date and time set for the opening of the responses. In the event the City awards a contract to a bidder and during such ninety (90) day period determines that such bidder will be unable to properly perform the contract, the City reserves the right to terminate the contract and award the contract to the next best offer without being required to re-advertise the project.

1.20 Cost of Response.

The City will not be liable for any costs incurred by the bidders in preparing a response to this solicitation. Bidders will submit responses at their own risk and expense. The City makes no guarantee that any equipment or services will be purchased as a result of the solicitation and reserves the right to reject any and all responses. All responses and their accompanying documentation will become the record of the City.

1.21 Contract.

The successful bidder’s response to this ITB shall be included as an addendum to the contract.

Should any conflict or discrepancy arise between the ITB and the contract, the contract shall control. All bidders who are awarded contracts pursuant to this ITB agree to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth in the sample City Contract provided at the end of this ITB. If the bidder objects to any contract terms or proposes any additional terms, such objections and terms must be set forth in the bid. Rejection of any proposed City Contract terms may be a basis for rejection of the bid.

1.22 Contract Termination.

The City reserves the right to cancel the contract for the equipment without cost or penalty to the City if, in the City’s opinion, there is a failure at any time by the contractor to adequately perform the contract, or if there is any attempt to willfully impose upon the City a material or product or workmanship which is, in the opinion of the City, of an unacceptable quality. Cancellation of the contract shall not impair any rights or claim of the City to damages for the breach of any covenants of the contract by the contractor.

The contract awarded may be terminated upon any of, but not limited to, the following occurrences: a) bankruptcy or insolvency of the bidder or one or more of the bidder’s principal owners; b) unauthorized substitution of products other than those identified in the specifications or specifically approved by the City as a substitute prior to award of the contract; c) unsatisfactory performance of products supplied by the bidder or services provided by the bidder; d) fraud and

e) any other breach of the terms of the ITB specifications or contract.

1.23 Contract Modification.

The contract may be modified only by written amendment executed by all parties and their signatories hereto.

1.24 Replacement or Repair.

No waiver of any provision of the contract shall affect the right of any party thereafter to enforce such provision or to exercise any right or remedy available to it in the event of any other default.

The City, at its option and in lieu of immediate termination, may request the awarded bidder replace or repair any defective goods or correct performance by written notice to the contractor.

In that event, the contractor shall take corrective action within the amount of time specified by the City in the written notice. Exercise of this option shall not relieve the contractor of any liability to the City for damages for the breach of any covenants of the contract by the contractor.

1.25 Expense of Legal Action.

The venue for any legal action shall be in the courts of Rutherford County, Tennessee. Awarded bidder agrees that, in the event either party deems it necessary to take legal action to enforce any provision of the contract, and in the event the City prevails, awarded bidder shall pay all expenses of such action including the City’s attorney fees and costs at all stages of the legal action.

1.26 Governing Laws.

The validity, construction and effect of the contract, and any and all extensions and/or modifications thereof shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

1.27 Severability.

Should any provision of the contract be declared to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be severed and shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of the contract. Any action between the parties arising from this agreement shall be maintained in the courts of Rutherford County, Tennessee.

1.28 Indemnification and Hold Harmless.

Contractor must indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, its officers, agents and employees from any claims, penalties, damages, costs and attorney fees (“Expenses”) arising from injuries or damages resulting from, in part or in whole, the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of contractor, its officers, employees and/or agents, including its subcontractors or independent contractors, in connection with the performance of this Agreement, and, Expenses arising from any failure of Contractor, its officers, employees and/or agents, including its subcontractors or independent contractors, to observe applicable laws, including, but not limited to, labor laws and minimum wage laws.

Pursuant to Tennessee Attorney General Opinion 93-01, the City will not indemnify, defend or hold harmless in any fashion Contractor from any claims arising from any failure, regardless of any language in any attachment or other document that Contractor may provide.

1.29 Statutory Disqualification.

By submitting a response, it is represented that neither it nor any of its officers, directors, shareholders, member, or partners has been convicted or plead guilty or nolo contender to any violation of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, mail fraud, or other state or federal criminal violation in connection with a contract let by the City of Murfreesboro or any political subdivision of the State of Tennessee.

1.30 Contractor’s Employment Practices.

Bidder, after being first duly sworn, affirms that by its employment policy, standards and practices, it does not subscribe to any personnel policy which permits or allows for the promotion, demotion, employment, dismissal or laying off of any individual due to the individual’s race, creed, color, national origin, age or sex and it is not in violation of and will not violate any applicable laws concerning the employment of individuals with disabilities.

1.31 City’s Employment Practices.

It is the policy of the City not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin, or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities. With regard to all aspects of this contract, Contractor certifies and warrants it will comply with this policy.

1.32 Conflict of Interest.

By submitting a response, it is represented that no officer, committee member, or director of the City or other persons whose duty is to vote for, let out, overlook, or in any manner supervise any work on any contract for the City has a “direct interest”, as defined by T.C.A. §12-4-101, in the bidder or in the work which is subject to this ITB.

1.33 Ethical Standards.

Bidder understands that it shall be a breach of ethical standards for any person to offer, give or agree to give any employee or former employee, or for any employee or former employee to solicit, demand, accept or agree to accept from another person, a gratuity or an offer of employment in connection with any decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation of any part of a program requirement or a purchase request, influencing the content of any specification or procurement standard, rendering of advice, investigation, auditing or in any other advisory capacity in any proceeding or application, request for ruling, determination, claim or controversy or other particular matter, pertaining to any program requirement of a contract or subcontract or to any solicitation or bid therefore.

1.34 Breach of Ethical Standards.

A breach of ethical standards could result in civil and/or criminal sanctions and/or debarment or suspension from being a contractor or subcontractor under City contracts.

1.35 Payments.

Payments under the contract shall be made upon submittal of an invoice after performance of the portion of the services which each payment represents. The final payment shall not be made until after the performance is complete.

1.36 Codes & Regulation.

All services and/or equipment must comply with city, county, state, and federal laws, rules, codes and regulations. The contractor will obtain and pay for all permits, if any, necessary to complete the work.

1.37 Bid Modification & Registration

Bids may be modified, withdrawn, and/or resubmitted in writing to the City via OpenGov prior to the deadline for bid submission. After this deadline, no withdrawals or resubmissions may be made for any reason. Bidders must register with OpenGov to ensure that all relevant written communications are available to them in the preparation of their proposal. Registration can be accomplished through the website: https://secure.opengov.com/portal/murfreesborotn

1.38 Iran Divestment Act of Tennessee

By submission of this bid, each bidder and each person signing on behalf of any bidder certifies, and in the case of a joint bid each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief that each bidder is not on the list created pursuant to T.C.A. §12-12-106. Bids not conforming with this provision shall not be considered.

Failure of any bidder to comply therewith shall void such bid and such bid shall not be considered.

1.39 Non-Boycott of Israel

By submission of this bid, each bidder and each person signing on behalf of any bidder certifies, and in the case of a joint bid each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury that to the best of its knowledge and belief that each supplier is not boycotting Israel pursuant to T.C.A. § 12-4-119 and will not boycott Israel during the term of contract. This applies to contracts of $250,000 or more and to contractors with ten (10) or more employees.

https://secure.opengov.com/portal/murfreesborotn

2. BID SPECIFICATIONS

2.1. Scope of Project

The purpose of this Invitation to Bid (ITB) is to procure three (3) Special Education School Buses and three (3) Type D Front Engine Transit Buses for Murfreesboro City Schools based on the specifications provided in Section 2.2. All prices shall be quoted F.O.B. Murfreesboro, TN, and delivery to the MCS location shall be without additional charge. Bid response must include anticipated delivery date and show number of days required for delivery under normal conditions.

Failure to state delivery time may result in the bid response being disqualified. Vendor must keep the Office of Assistant Superintendent of Operations advised at all times of order status. The Vendor must complete the bus specification sheet and Bid Form and supply and deliver the equipment and accessories using the specifications listed in Section 2.2.

2.2. Specifications-See Attachment A and B

Specifications for both the Type D Front Engine Transit Bus and Special Education School Buses are listed in Attachment A and Attachment B, respectively. Bidders must complete the Specification Checklist and submit them with their bid.

PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

BID FORM

BID: ITB-24-2026

School Buses for City Schools

Date:

INSTRUCTIONS:

All prices must include all costs. Costs included in the bid prices shall include services rendered and parts, labor, accessories, delivery, freight, and any other standard equipment necessary to provide this service. The City is not subject to sales tax.

NAME OF DEALER: STATE DEALER LICENSE #:

Address of Dealer:

Sales Contact Name, Phone, Email:

Type D Front Engine Transit Bus Year and Model:

Special Education Bus Year and Model:

Signature:

Quantity Item Unit Price Total Price

Type D Front Engine Transit Bus

Special Education Bus

Sample Agreement for School Bus

This Agreement is entered into and effective as of _______________________, 2026 (“Effective Date”), by and between the City of Murfreesboro, a municipal corporation of the State of Tennessee (the "City"), and __________________, a ___________________ (“Contractor”).

This Agreement consists of the following documents:

⋅ This document ⋅ ITB-24-2026 – “School Buses for City Schools”, issued ________________ (the “Solicitation”);

⋅ Contractor’s Proposal, dated ______________ (“Contractor’s Proposal”);

⋅ Contractor’s Price Proposal, dated _____________ (the “Price Proposal”); and, ⋅ Any properly executed amendments to this Agreement.

In the event of conflicting provisions, all documents will be construed according to the following priorities:

⋅ First, any properly executed amendment or change order to this Agreement (most recent amendment or change order given first priority);

⋅ Second, this Agreement;

⋅ Third, the Solicitation; and ⋅ Lastly, Contractor’s Proposal.

1. Duties and Responsibilities of Contractor.

Contractor shall provide and City shall purchase School Buses based on Contractor’s Proposal, Price Proposal and the specifications set forth in “ITB-24-2026 –School Buses for City Schools.”

2. Term.

The term of this Agreement commences on the Effective Date and expires on _________, unless extended by mutual agreement of Contractor and the City or earlier terminated as set forth herein.

3. Termination. Contractor's services may be terminated in whole or in part:

a. Upon 30-day prior notice, for the convenience of the City.

b. For the convenience of Contractor, provided that Contractor notifies the City in writing of its intent to terminate under this paragraph at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the termination.

c. For cause, by either party where the other party fails in any material way to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Termination under this subsection is subject to the condition that the terminating party notifies the other party of its intent to terminate, stating with reasonable specificity the grounds therefore, and the other party fails to remedy the problem within 15 days after receiving the notice.

d. Should Contractor fail to fulfill in a timely and proper manner its obligations under this Agreement or if it should violate any of the terms of this Agreement, the City has the right to immediately terminate the Agreement. Such termination does not relieve Contractor of any liability to the City for damages sustained by virtue of any breach by Contractor.

e. Should the appropriation for Contractor’s work be withdrawn or modified, the City has the right to terminate the Agreement immediately upon written notice to Contractor.

3. Payment and Delivery.

The price for the services and other items to be provided under this Agreement is set forth in the Price Proposal, reflecting a total price of ___________. All equipment shall be delivered, complete and ready for use, within six (6) months of the date of contract award, unless otherwise approved in writing by the City. Time is of the essence for delivery. Failure to meet this delivery requirement may constitute a material breach of this Agreement and may result in termination for cause, at the City’s option. Any compensation due Contractor under the Agreement shall be made upon submittal of an invoice after performance of the portion of the services which each payment represents. The City agrees to pay Contractor after goods and/or services have been received, accepted, and properly invoiced as indicated in the Agreement and/or purchase order. Invoices must bear the purchase order number. All invoices must be submitted to accountspayable@murfreesborotn.gov with a copy to the Contact person.

4. Taxes. The City of Murfreesboro is exempt from State sales tax and will issue a tax exemption certificate to the Contractor as requested. City shall not be responsible for any taxes that are imposed on Contractor. Furthermore, Contractor understands that it cannot claim exemption from taxes by virtue of any exemption that is provided to City.

5. Insurance. During the term of this Agreement, Contractor must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000, as well as automotive and workers’ compensation insurance policies. Contractor will provide to the City: (i) a standard certificate of insurance evidencing this coverage prior to commencement of work and upon renewal or expiration of the policies reflected thereupon, and (ii) upon request, an endorsement naming the City as additional insured under the terms of the policy as follows: “The City of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, its officers, employees, contractors, consultants, and agents.”

6. Indemnification.

a. Contractor must indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, its officers, agents and employees from any claims, penalties, damages, costs and attorney fees (“Expenses”) arising from injuries or damages resulting from, in part or in whole, the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of contractor, its officers, employees and/or agents, including its subcontractors or independent contractors, in connection with the performance of this Agreement, and, Expenses arising from any failure of Contractor, its officers, employees and/or agents, including its subcontractors or independent contractors, to observe applicable laws, including, but not limited to, labor laws and minimum wage laws.

b. Pursuant to Tennessee Attorney General Opinion 93-01, the City will not indemnify, defend or hold harmless in any fashion Contractor from any claims arising from any failure, regardless of any language in any attachment or other document that Contractor may provide.

c. Copyright, Trademark, Service Mark, or Patent Infringement.

I. Contractor, at its own expense, is entitled to and has the duty to defend any suit which may be brought against the City to the extent that it is based on a claim that the products or services furnished infringe a copyright, Trademark, Service Mark, or patent. Contractor will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City against any award of damages and costs made against the City. The City will provide Contractor immediate notice in writing of the existence of such claim and full right and opportunity to conduct the defense thereof, together with all available information and reasonable cooperation, assistance and authority from the City in order to enable Contractor to do so. The City reserves the right to participate in the defense of any such action. Contractor has the right to enter into negotiations for and the right to effect settlement or compromise of any such action provided (i) any amounts due to effectuate fully the settlement are immediate due and payable and paid by mailto:accountspayable@murfreesborotn.gov

Contractor; (ii) no cost or expense whatsoever accrues to the City at any time; and (iii) such settlement or compromise is binding upon the City upon approval by the Murfreesboro City Council.

II. If the products or services furnished under this Agreement are likely to, or do become, the subject of such a claim of infringement, then without diminishing Contractor's obligation to satisfy the final award, Contractor may at its option and expense:

a. Procure for the City the right to continue using the products or services.

b. Replace or modify the alleged infringing products or services with other equally suitable products or services that are satisfactory to the City, so that they become non-infringing.

c. Remove the products or discontinue the services and cancel any future charges pertaining thereto; provided however, Contractor will not exercise this option until Contractor and the City have determined that each of the other options are impractical.

III. Contractor has no liability to the City if any such infringement or claim thereof is based upon or arises out of the use of the products or services in combination with apparatus or devices not supplied or else approved by Contractor, the use of the products or services in a manner for which the products or services were neither designated nor contemplated, or the claimed infringement in which the City has any direct or indirect interest by license or otherwise, separate from that granted herein.

7. Notices. Notice of assignment of any rights to money due to Contractor under this Agreement must be mailed first class mail or hand delivered to the following:

If to the City of Murfreesboro:

City Manager City of Murfreesboro 111 West Vine Street Murfreesboro, TN 37130

If to Contractor:

8. Maintenance of Records. Contractor must maintain documentation for all charges against the City.

The books, records, and documents of Contractor, insofar as they relate to work performed or money received under the Agreement, must be maintained for a period of three full years from the date of final payment and will be subject to audit, at any reasonable time and upon reasonable notice by the City or its duly appointed representatives. Accounting records must be maintained in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

9. Modification. This Agreement may be modified only by written amendment executed by all parties and their signatories hereto.

10. Relationship of the Parties. Nothing herein may in any way be construed or intended to create a partnership or joint venture between the parties or to create the relationship of principal and agent between or among any of the parties. None of the parties hereto may hold itself out in a manner contrary to the terms of this paragraph. No party becomes liable for any representation, act, or omission of any other party contrary to this section.

11. Waiver. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement affects the right of any party thereafter to enforce such provision or to exercise any right or remedy available to it in the event of any other default.

12. Employment. Contractor may not subscribe to any personnel policy which permits or allows for the promotion, demotion, employment, dismissal or laying off of any individual due to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, veteran status, or any other status or class protected under federal or state law or which is in violation of applicable laws concerning the employment of individuals with disabilities.

13. Non-Discrimination. It is the policy of the City not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin, or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities. With regard to all aspects of this contract, Contractor certifies and warrants it will comply with this policy.

14. Gratuities and Kickbacks. It is a breach of ethical standards for any person to offer, give or agree to give any employee or former employee, or for any employee or former employee to solicit, demand, accept or agree to accept from another person, a gratuity or an offer of employment in connection with any decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation of any part of a program requirement or a purchase request, influencing the content of any specification or procurement standard, rendering of advice, investigation, auditing or in any other advisory capacity in any proceeding or application, request for ruling, determination, claim or controversy or other particular matter, pertaining to any program requirement of a contract or subcontract or to any solicitation or proposal therewith. It is a breach of ethical standards for any payment, gratuity or offer of employment to be made by or on behalf of a subcontractor under a contract to the prime contractor or higher tier subcontractor or a person associated therewith, as an inducement for the award of a subcontract or order. Breach of the provisions of this paragraph is, in addition to a breach of this Agreement, a breach of ethical standards which may result in civil or criminal sanction and/or debarment or suspension from being a contractor or subcontractor under the City contracts.

15. Assignment. The provisions of this Agreement inure to the benefit of and are binding upon the respective successors and assignees of the parties hereto. Except for the rights of money due to Contractor under this Agreement, neither this Agreement nor any of the rights and obligations of Contractor hereunder may be assigned or transferred in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the City. Any such assignment or transfer does not release Contractor from its obligations hereunder.

16. Integration. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and governs the respective duties and obligations of the parties.

17. Force Majeure. No party has any liability to the other hereunder by reason of any delay or failure to perform any obligation or covenant if the delay or failure to perform is occasioned by force majeure, meaning any act of God, storm, fire, casualty, unanticipated work stoppage, strike, lockout, labor dispute, civil disturbance, riot, war, national emergency, act of public enemy, or other cause of similar or dissimilar nature beyond its control.

18. Governing Law and Venue. The validity, construction and effect of this Agreement and any and all extensions or modifications thereof are governed by the laws of the state of Tennessee regardless of choice of law doctrine or provision in any attachment or other document that Contractor may provide. Any action between the parties arising from this agreement may only be filed in the courts of Rutherford County, Tennessee.

19. Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such provision will be severed and not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

20. Iran Divestment Act of Tennessee. By submission of this bid, each bidder and each person signing on behalf of any bidder certifies, and in the case of a joint bid each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief that each bidder is not on the list created pursuant to §12-12-106. Bids not conforming with this provision shall not be considered. Failure of any bidder to comply therewith shall void such bid and such bid shall not be considered.

21. Non-Boycott of Israel. By submission of this bid, each bidder and each person signing on behalf of any bidder certifies, and in the case of a joint bid each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief that each supplier is not boycotting Israel pursuant to TCA § 12-4-119 and will not boycott Israel during the term of contract. This applies to contracts of $250,000 or more and to contractors with ten (10) or more employees.

22. Attorney Fees. In the event any party takes legal action to enforce any provision of the Agreement, should the City prevail, Contractor will pay all expenses of such action including attorney fees, expenses, and costs at all stages of the litigation and dispute resolution.

23. Effective Date. This Agreement is not binding upon the parties until signed by each of the

Contractor and authorized representatives of the City and is thereafter effective as of the date set forth above.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties enter into this agreement as of the Effective Date first listed above.

City of Murfreesboro, Tennessee

By: _____________________________ Shane McFarland, Mayor

Contractor

By: _____________________________ Its: _____________________________

Approved as to form:

Adam F. Tucker, City Attorney