Part V - Contract for Legal Services Template.docx

CONTRACT FOR LEGAL SERVICES

This Contract for Legal Services is between _____________ and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the ______________ and the Governor’s Office of General Counsel.

Pursuant to the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, 71 P.S. §§ 732-301 et seq., the General Counsel is responsible for the provision of legal advice and representation to the Governor and Executive Agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction. The Department is an Executive Agency that has a need for professional and specialized legal services.

OGC has chosen the Law Firm to provide the legal services required by the Department following a competitive procurement process in accordance with Executive Order 2015-02 and Section 518 of the Commonwealth Procurement Code. OGC and the Law Firm have negotiated fair and reasonable compensation for those services.

The parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

1. Definitions. The following definitions apply to this contract:

a. “Appointment Letter” means a written notice to proceed provided by OGC to the Law Firm stating that the contract has been fully executed and that the Law Firm may commence performance of the services or indicating that OGC has authorized the Law Firm to begin work immediately.

b. “Commonwealth” means the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its agencies, to include OGC and the Department.

c. “Department” means the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

d. “Emergency Procurement” means the acquisition of goods or services when circumstances outside the control of the Department create an urgency of need that does not permit the delay involved in using more formal, competitive procurement methods.

e. “Effective Date” means the date of the last required Commonwealth signature on this contract or, in the case of an Emergency Procurement, the date of the Appointment Letter.

f. "Executive Agency" means: a) the Governor and the departments, boards, commissions, authorities and other officers and agencies of the Commonwealth government, but the term does not include any court, officer, or agency of the unified judicial system, the General Assembly and its officers and agencies, or any independent agency; and b) those agencies whose legal services are under the jurisdiction of the General Counsel pursuant to the Commonwealth Attorneys Act.

g. “General Counsel” means the chief legal advisor appointed by the Governor who supervises, coordinates, and administers the legal services for each Executive Agency pursuant to the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, 71 P.S. §§ 732-101 et seq.

h. “Law Firm” means ____________________.

i. “OGC” means the Governor’s Office of General Counsel.

2. Services. The Law Firm shall provide the services described in Appendix A of this contract to the Department.

3. Consultation. The Law Firm shall consult with and keep the General Counsel and the Department fully informed as to the progress of all matters covered by this contract. The Law Firm shall consult and cooperate with, and shall be responsible directly to, the General Counsel, the Department, and other officials as designated by the General Counsel on all matters of strategy and tactics. The Law Firm shall advise, counsel, and recommend actions to the Department and the General Counsel or the other officials designated by the General Counsel, and shall carry out, to the best of its ability, their directions. The Law Firm shall not make any offer, settlement, or compromise without the written consent of the General Counsel. The Law Firm shall offer the General Counsel the opportunity to review court documents and briefs prior to filing. The Law Firm shall promptly furnish the Department and the General Counsel with copies of all correspondence and all court documents and briefs prepared in connection with the services rendered under this contract and such additional documents as may be requested. Upon notification of its availability by the General Counsel, the Law Firm shall make all of its work product prepared in connection with the services rendered under this contract, and other parties’ pleadings, discovery, correspondence, and other relevant documents and materials, available to the General Counsel via the OGC LawNet extranet in PDF or other format acceptable to the General Counsel.

4. Department Contact. The Department’s Office of Chief Counsel shall serve as the Law Firm’s point of contact for the Department. The Law Firm shall direct its communications with the Department to the Chief Counsel or the Chief Counsel’s designee.

5. Term.

a. Contract Term. The term of this contract commences on the Effective Date and remains in effect until _______________with two (2) additional one (1) year renewals, unless sooner terminated in accordance with paragraph 15 of this contract. With the approval of the General Counsel, the parties may extend or renew the term of this contract in accordance with paragraph 27 of this contract.

b. Not Binding Until Delivery to the Law Firm. Except when an Emergency Procurement has been authorized by the General Counsel in accordance with Paragraph 5(c) of this contract, this contract is not legally binding on the Commonwealth until the Commonwealth has provided both a fully executed copy of this contract and an Appointment Letter to the Law Firm.

c. Emergency Procurement. If the General Counsel determines that the circumstances are sufficiently urgent to warrant an Emergency Procurement, OGC may authorize the Law Firm to begin providing services to the Department before the date this contract is fully executed. In such a circumstance, OGC shall direct the Law Firm to immediately commence the provision of services in an Appointment Letter. Upon the full execution of this contract, all services provided between the date of the Appointment Letter and the Effective Date of this contract will merge into and are covered by the terms of this contract.

6. Compensation. The Commonwealth and the Department are not responsible for any payment to the Law Firm under this contract. Pursuant to 40 P.S. § 323.4(d), the Risk-Based Capital Statutes, or the Examination Law, the Law Firm shall seek payment from the insurance companies that are the subject of examination under this contract.

7. Billing and Invoices.

a. Billing. The Law Firm shall submit monthly invoices to the Department for services provided during each billing period. The Law Firm shall send invoices to the following contact and address:

Each invoice must be accompanied by a cover letter on the Law Firm’s letterhead and include an itemized listing of the services performed by attorneys and other professionals, by date, by hours worked, and by rate.

b. Invoices. Invoices must also include the following information:

i. The Law Firm Information, including -

· Firm name

· Firm’s federal employer identification number

· Firm’s relationship manager and e-mail address

· Firm’s address

· Firm’s telephone number

· Firm’s file number or matter number (if applicable)

ii. Administrative Information, including -

· Date of invoice

· Unique Invoice Number

· Name of Department Chief Counsel (or designee)

· Name of Department

· Department’s address

· RFP number

· Contract number

· Funds Commitment number (if applicable)

· Specific matter or project name for which services were performed (only one per invoice, even if the contract is being used for more than one matter)

· Service dates (i.e, start and end dates for services covered by invoice)

· Total fees for professional services rendered regarding invoice

· Total expenses incurred regarding invoice

· Prior balance due (if applicable)

· Total amount due

iii. In addition to invoices detailing the work performed, the Department may require the Law Firm to provide simplified invoices for submission to the insurance company for payment.

c. Labor Costs. The amount shown on each invoice for labor costs must be in accordance with the rates set forth in Appendix B of this contract.

d. Non-Labor Costs. Invoices must list non-labor costs such as those incurred for travel, food, and lodging, as described in Appendix C of this contract. The Commonwealth shall reimburse the Law Firm for travel, meal costs, and lodging costs for which supporting documentation is provided, in reasonable amounts incurred by the Law Firm in connection with the performance of services under the contract, as described in Appendix C.

e. The Law Firm Certification. Invoices must contain a statement that reads substantially as follows:

The Law Firm hereby certifies that the services supplied and expenses incurred, as stated in the attached invoice, have met all of the required standards set forth in the Contract for Legal Services.

f. Firm Signature. Invoices or accompanying cover letters must be signed by the Law Firm.

g. Progress Reports. Separate and apart from the invoice, the Law Firm must include a progress report with itemized details regarding the engagement to the Department, including tasks performed and time spent.

h. Effect of Non-Conformance. The Law Firm’s failure to include all of the required invoicing information will result in the return of the invoice and a request for the submission of a new invoice that conforms with the requirements set forth in this paragraph.

i. Approval of Invoices. The Department may, at its sole discretion, determine the appropriateness of invoices and may require the Law Firm to provide revised invoices. The firm shall supply both an invoice detailing the legal work performed and a simplified invoice indicating total amounts due for the specified timeframe.

8. Payment. The Department shall provide invoices, approved under paragraph 7(i) to the insurance company responsible for payment. The Department will use its best efforts to have the insurance companies make payments on invoices that conform with the requirements set forth in paragraph 7 within 45 days of receipt. For the avoidance of doubt, Commonwealth, the Department, and OGC are not responsible for the payment of the Law Firm invoices or for any failure to pay by the insurance companies.

9. Subcontracting, Assignment, Key Personnel, and Experts.

a. Subcontracting. The Law Firm may not subcontract all or any portion of the services to be provided to the Department under this contract without the prior written consent of the General Counsel. In the event that the General Counsel provides the necessary prior written consent, the Law Firm shall ensure that its contract with the subcontractor contains a written acknowledgement of the subcontractor that the terms and conditions of this contract apply to and bind the subcontractor as fully and completely as the Law Firm is bound and obligated by this contract.

b. Assignment. The Law Firm may not assign all or any portion of its rights or duties under this contract to a third party without the prior written consent of the General Counsel. In the event that the General Counsel provides the necessary prior written consent, the Law Firm shall ensure that its assignment agreement with the assignee contains a provision that states that all of the terms and conditions of this contract apply to and bind the assignee as fully and completely as the Law Firm is bound and obligated by this contract. Any assignment or transfer not in accordance with this paragraph is void.

c. Replacement of Key Personnel. The Law Firm must consult with and obtain the consent of the Department prior to the replacement of key personnel assigned to provide services to the Department. The Department’s consent to any proposed replacement is required and may not be unreasonably withheld.

d. Experts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Law Firm may, with the prior written consent of the General Counsel, engage experts in various fields related to the subject matter of any matter(s) assigned to the Law Firm to assist it in the performance of its duties under this contract. The hourly rates, fees, or other compensation to be paid to any such experts are also subject to the prior approval of the General Counsel. The Law Firm shall ensure that its contract with any expert it engages contains a written acknowledgement of the expert that the terms and conditions of this contract apply to and bind the expert as fully and completely as the Law Firm is bound and obligated by this contract. The Law Firm shall include approved compensation for experts, as incurred, in the Law Firm’s invoices in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 7 of this contract, without addition, surcharge, or increase by the Law Firm of the actual fees billed to the Law Firm by such experts.

10. Ownership Rights.

a. Ownership and Use. All documents, data, and records produced by the Law Firm and any subcontractor or expert while performing the services or their duties under this contract, without limitation and whether preliminary or final, are and will remain the property of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth may use all such documents, data, and records without restriction or limitation and without additional compensation to the Law Firm, subcontractor, or expert and the Law Firm, subcontractor, and experts shall have no right or interest in the documents, data, and records.

b. Delivery of Commonwealth Property. Upon completion of the services or at the expiration or termination of this contract, the Law Firm shall, if requested by the General Counsel or the Department, appropriately gather, arrange, index, and deliver all of the Commonwealth’s documents, data, and records to OGC or the Department.

c. Disclosure. Neither the Law Firm nor any subcontractor or expert shall disclose any documents, data, and records provided to it or prepared by the Law Firm, subcontractor, or expert that relates to this contract or the services provided under this contract to any individual or organization without the prior approval of the General Counsel. Neither the Law Firm nor any subcontractor or expert shall disclose any information secured by the Law Firm, subcontractor, or expert from the Commonwealth in connection with the provision of services under this contract unless the disclosure is approved in writing by the General Counsel or is directed by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction.

d. Retention of Copies. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 10 of this contract, the Law Firm may retain copies of the documents, data, and records delivered to OGC or to the Department.

11. Conflict of Interest. The Law Firm represents and warrants that it has no conflicting representation that has not been fully disclosed to and waived by the General Counsel. The Law Firm warrants that it shall not undertake any representation that conflicts with its performance of the services or its duties under this contract unless the conflicting representation has been fully disclosed to and waived by the General Counsel. The Law Firm shall promptly disclose any conflicting representation to the General Counsel. The General Counsel shall determine whether the disclosed conflict is cause for the termination of this contract. The Law Firm shall request a conflict waiver utilizing the process set forth in the Office of General Counsel Conflict Waiver Procedure, which is attached to this contract as Appendix D.

12. Inability to Perform. If, because of death or any other occurrence beyond the control of the Law Firm, it becomes impossible for any principal(s) and, in particular, the principal(s) assigned to provide services under this contract, to render the services set forth in this contract, neither the Law Firm nor the surviving principal(s) are relieved of the duty to complete performance under this contract. The Law Firm shall consult the General Counsel regarding any replacement principal(s) that it proposes to assign to provide the services. The Law Firm must obtain the General Counsel’s consent before assigning a replacement, The General Counsel may not unreasonably withhold his or her consent.

13. Licensing. The Law Firm represents and warrants that attorneys involved in the representation of the Department are duly licensed and in good standing to practice before the judicial forum, court, board, or tribunal before which they will appear or practice on behalf of the Department. When necessary and in accordance with subparagraph 9(a), the Law Firm may retain a subcontractor to act as co-counsel where appearance by the Department is required in a forum or jurisdiction where the Law Firm’s attorneys are not licensed to practice.

14. Termination.

a. Termination for Convenience. If the Commonwealth determines that termination of this contract is in its best interest, the Commonwealth may terminate this contract for convenience by providing written notice of termination to the Law Firm. The Commonwealth shall pay the Law Firm for work satisfactorily completed prior to the effective date of the termination, but in no event is the Law Firm entitled to recover loss of profits.

b. Termination for Cause. The Commonwealth may terminate this contract for the Law Firm default by providing written notice of termination to the Law Firm. The Commonwealth may also terminate this contract for any other cause, as specified in this contract or by law, by providing written notice of termination to the Law Firm. If it is later determined that the Commonwealth erred in terminating this contract for cause, this contract will be deemed to have been terminated for convenience under subparagraph 15(a) at the Commonwealth’s discretion.

c. Effective Date of Termination. Any notice of termination provided to the Law Firm will be effective on the date it is mailed or emailed to the Law Firm.

15. Commonwealth Standard Terms and Conditions. The Law Firm shall comply with the Commonwealth Standard Terms and Conditions attached to this contract as Appendix E.

16. Retention Guidelines for Outside Counsel. The Law Firm shall comply with the Retention Guidelines for Outside Counsel attached to this contract as Appendix F.

17. Audit Provisions. The Commonwealth may, at reasonable times and at a site designated by the Commonwealth, audit the books, documents, and records of the Law Firm to the extent that the books, documents, and records relate to fees, costs, or pricing data for this contract. The Law Firm shall maintain records that support the fees charged and costs incurred under this contract.

18. Preservation of Books, Documents and Records. The Law Firm shall preserve all books, documents, and records that relate to fees, costs, or pricing data for this contract for a period of three years from the date of final payment under this contract. The Law Firm shall give full and free access to all records to the Commonwealth and its authorized representatives.

19. Insurance. The Law Firm represents and warrants that it carries malpractice insurance in the amount usual and customary for the law firms of its size and practice areas, subject to normal deductibles. The Law Firm shall maintain the coverage throughout its representation of the Commonwealth.

20. Independent Contractor. In performing the services required by this contract, the Law Firm and its employees and agents will act as an independent contractor and not as an employee or agent of the Commonwealth.

21. Amendments and Modification. With the approval of the General Counsel, the parties may amend or modify this contract. Amendments or modifications regarding the funding of this contract that do not exceed the amount set forth in Appendices C or regarding a change in the term of this contract may be accomplished by a letter of mutual consent signed by the Department and the Law Firm. All other amendments and modifications to this contract, including changes in the scope of work, must be accomplished through a formal written amendment to this contract, signed by the parties, and executed in the same manner as this original contract and in accordance with applicable law.

22. Notice. Any written notice or communication provided under this contract is sufficient if delivered to the party personally, or by facsimile or by email (provided such delivery is confirmed), or by a recognized overnight courier service (e.g., United Parcel Service, FedEx, etc.), with confirmed receipt, or by certified or registered United States mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, sent to the address set forth below or to any other address the party may designate by notice given pursuant to this paragraph:

a. To the Commonwealth –

Kathryn McDermott Speaks kspeaks@pa.gov Chief Counsel 1341 Strawberry Square Harrisburg, PA 17120 with a copy to -

Theron R. Perez First Deputy General Counsel 30 N. 3rd Street, Suite 200 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101

b. To the Law Firm -

[FIRM CONTACT PERSON]

[NAME OF FIRM]

[ADDRESS]

[EMAIL ADDRESS]

23. Contract Controversies. In the event of a controversy or claim arising from this contract, the Law Firm must, within six months after the cause of action accrues, file a written notice of the controversy or claim with the General Counsel for a determination. The General Counsel shall send a written determination to the Law Firm. The decision of the General Counsel will be final and conclusive unless, within 15 days after receipt of such written determination, the Law Firm files a claim with the Commonwealth’s Board of Claims. Pending a final judicial resolution of a controversy or claim, the Law Firm shall proceed diligently with the performance of this contract in a manner consistent with the interpretation of the General Counsel, and the Commonwealth shall compensate the Law Firm pursuant to the terms of this contract.

24. Waiver. Failure or delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power, or privilege under this contract may not be construed as a waiver of the right, remedy, power, or privilege. In order for a waiver to be deemed effective, it must be in writing and must be signed by the party waiving the right, remedy, power, or privilege. A written waiver of a default will not operate as a waiver of the same type of default or any other default on a future occasion.

25. Titles Not Controlling. The titles of the paragraphs and subparagraphs in this contract have been inserted as a matter of convenience and reference only and do not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the terms or provisions of this contract.

26. Severability. If any article, clause, or provision of this contract, or any part of this contract, is declared to be invalid, void, or unenforceable by any tribunal having jurisdiction, the invalidity or unenforceability will not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions of this contract, unless the result would be manifestly inequitable or unconscionable.

27. Integration Clause. This contract, including all referenced documents, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. Terms used in appendices to this contract have the same meanings as are ascribed to them in this contract, unless otherwise defined in the appendix. No agent, representative, employee, or officer of either the Commonwealth or the Law Firm has authority to make, or has made, any statement, agreement, or representation, oral or written, in connection with this contract, which in any way can be deemed to modify, add to, detract from, or otherwise change or alter its terms and conditions. No negotiations between the parties, nor any custom or usage, is permitted to modify or contradict any of the terms and conditions of this contract. No modifications, alterations, changes, or waivers to the contract or any of its terms are valid or binding unless accomplished pursuant to paragraph 27 of this contract.

28. Counterparts. This contract may be signed in counterparts, each of which, for all purposes, will be considered an original of this contract. Faxed and scanned signatures are enforceable as original signatures.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS.]

The parties have caused this contract to be executed by their duly authorized representative as of the last date below.

OGC Standard Form – Revised 4/14/2025 Contract #__________________

By: Title:

By: __________________________________

Date:

Date:_________________________________

Federal Employer ID #: GOVENVOR’S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

Date:_________________________________

APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY

Department of

Deputy Attorney General Date

APPROVED BY COMPTROLLER OPERATIONS

Comptroller Operations Date

APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The Offeror shall represent the USTIF in matters related to the Fund, including, but not limited to:

a) Litigation brought directly against the USTIF, the TIIP or the USTIF Board, especially related to the administration of the USTIF and TIIP or claims for coverage.

b) Litigation related to the defense of claims against participants in the USTIF and the TIIP; and any actions for subrogation related to claims for coverage under the USTIF and the TIIP.

c) Administrative proceedings, especially before the USTIF Board, related to the eligibility of claims reported by participants for coverage and any subsequent appellate proceeding, including advice regarding the USTIF and the TIIP coverage and issues related to the administration of the USTIF and the TIIP.

d) Advising on risk, regulatory issues, and coverage questions, assisting in interpreting policies, statutes, and case law, and providing general strategic guidance on legal issues arising in the USTIF’s operations.

The General Counsel reserves the right to make any assignment as she may deem necessary or desirable, in her judgment, for all aspects of, or roles with the scope of, this RFP.

APPENDIX B

BILLING RATE INFORMATION

· Partners $___

· Associates $____

· Paralegals $_____

· Travel Time $___

· Writ of Summons $___

· Claim Coverage Opinion $___

· Claim coverage review conference (a meeting with USTIF and outside counsel to discuss claim coverage opinion, usually less than 1 hour in duration) $___

APPENDIX C

COMPENSATION

The Department shall pay the Law Firm for the services under this contract and reimburse the Law Firm for its eligible costs. This contract provides for compensation of the Law Firm’s fees and costs up to the amount __________. Payments of additional amounts may be made, and continued performance by the Law Firm will be required pursuant to paragraph 27 of this contract.

1. The Law Firm shall be reimbursed for all reasonable, actual, direct labor costs incurred in fulfilling the terms of this contract in accordance with the rates established in paragraphs 6 and 7 and Appendices B, C, and I of this contract.

2. The Law Firm shall be reimbursed for all reasonable, actual, ordinary, and necessary direct non-labor costs incurred in fulfilling the terms of this contract, subject to specific limitations such as those set forth in the Retention of Outside Counsel Guidelines, attached to this contract as Appendix I, and paragraph 7 of this contract including, but not limited to, the following:

a. Reasonable, actual, ordinary, and necessary expenses for travel, meals, and lodging incurred by the Law Firm to fulfill the Law Firm’s duties under this contract. The Law Firm shall retain all receipts for these expenses and shall provide copies to the Department if requested. Mileage reimbursement will be made in accordance with the travel regulations applicable to the Commonwealth for the use of personally owned motor vehicles. Expenses for lodging and meals will be reimbursed at rates limited to the single-occupancy rate at the nearest Holiday Inn or other major moderately priced hotel or motel chain and the amount of reimbursement for meals will be limited to the price of a moderately-priced meal at that hotel or motel. No reimbursement will be allowed for any alcoholic beverages.

b. Reasonable, actual, ordinary, and necessary expenses for:

(1) Communications, including telephone, facsimile transmissions, telegraph, postage, parcel post, and freight and package express;

(2) Photocopies made by the Law Firm “in house,” to be reimbursed at the maximum rate of $.15 per page;

(3) Other reproduction costs (including, but not limited to, photographs, photocopies, prints, and offset work); and

(4) Document control and analysis contracted for with outside firms.

The Law Firm shall retain all receipts for these expenses and shall, upon request of the Department, provide any necessary documentation.

c. Reasonable, actual, ordinary, and necessary expenses for other specific materials required for and used solely in the fulfillment of this contract. The Law Firm shall retain all receipts for these expenses and shall, upon request of the Department, provide any necessary documentation.

3. Travel, meals, lodging, and other direct non-labor costs, which the Law Firm expects to incur under this contract outside of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the exception of telephone, mailing, and other similar communication expenses, require the prior approval of the General Counsel. The General Counsel’s approval will not be unreasonably withheld. Prior approval by the General Counsel of travel to be undertaken by the Law Firm outside of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an incident of the Law Firm’s performance of services under this contract constitutes approval for the Law Firm to incur reasonable, actual, ordinary, and necessary expenses for travel, meals, lodging, and other ordinary and necessary direct non-labor costs. The Law Firm shall retain all receipts and shall, upon request of the Department, provide any necessary documentation.

4. The Law Firm shall require approval by the General Counsel before incurring any extraordinary or unusual expenses.

APPENDIX D

OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL CONFLICT WAIVER PROCEDURE

(January 2023)

1. OGC’s standard Contract for Legal Services requires Law Firm to promptly disclose any conflicting representation, unless it has been otherwise waived. (See paragraph 11 of the Contract for Legal Services.) Failure to disclose a conflict or undertaking a conflicting representation without obtaining a waiver is cause for termination of the contract.

2. The Law Firm’s request for a waiver must be submitted in writing to the Chief Counsel of each agency the Law Firm represents, with a contemporaneous copy to the Deputy General Counsel responsible for outside counsel management. Requests must be in letter form and should be sent electronically in PDF format to ogc-outsidecounsel@pa.gov.

3. The waiver request must:

a. Identify all existing representations of Commonwealth agencies;

b. Describe the nature of the conflict;

c. Set forth the measures the Law Firm will take to protect the Commonwealth, its agencies, officials, or employees from any prejudice or detriment if the conflict is waived; and

d. State that the other party the Law Firm represents or seeks to represent has granted a waiver (or a waiver has been sought, and if sought, a written notice of the granting of the waiver must be provided).

4. Each affected Chief Counsel shall analyze the request and submit his or her recommendation to approve or disapprove the request to the Deputy General Counsel responsible for outside counsel management, with supporting legal analysis, including any applicable references to the Rules of Professional Conduct.

5. The General Counsel or, upon designation, the Deputy General Counsel responsible for outside counsel management, will make all waiver decisions and issue a letter to the Law Firm approving or disapproving the waiver request.

6. The decision to approve the Law Firm’s waiver request in a matter is not binding on the General Counsel with respect to future matters unless the General Counsel so states.

7. Each affected Chief Counsel will receive a copy of the General Counsel’s letter.

8. A file for each waiver request and the resolution of each request will be maintained in the Office of General Counsel.

APPENDIX E

Commonwealth Standard Terms and Conditions (Revised - 10/1/2023)

1. DEFINITIONS.

Capitalized terms used in these Commonwealth standard terms and conditions that are not otherwise defined in these provisions have the meanings specified in the contract to which it is attached.

2. ENHANCED MINIMUM WAGE.

a. Enhanced Minimum Wage. Law Firm shall pay no less than $15.00 per hour to its employees for all hours worked directly performing the services called for in this contract/lease, and for an employee’s hours performing ancillary services necessary for the performance of the services or lease when the employee spends at least 20% of their time performing ancillary services in a given work week.

b. Adjustment. Beginning July 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the minimum wage rate will be increased by an annual cost-of-living adjustment using the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. The Commonwealth will publish applicable adjusted amount in the Pennsylvania Bulletin by March 1 of each year to be effective the following July 1.

c. Exceptions. These Enhanced Minimum Wage Provisions do not apply to employees

i. Exempt from minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Act of 1968;

ii. covered by a collective bargaining agreement;

iii. required to be paid a higher wage under another state or federal law governing the services, including the Prevailing Wage Act and Davis-Bacon Act; or

iv. required to be paid a higher wage under any state or local policy or ordinance.

d. Notice. The Law Firm shall: (1) post this Enhanced Minimum Wage Provision for the entire period of the contract conspicuously in easily-accessible and well-lighted places customarily frequented by employees at or near where the contracted services are performed; or (2) for the entire period of the contract, provide electronic notice of this clause to its employees not less than annually.

e. Records. Law Firm must maintain and, upon request and within the time periods requested by the Commonwealth, provide to the Commonwealth all employment and wage records necessary to document compliance with these Enhanced Minimum Wage Provisions.

f. Sanctions. Law Firm’s failure to comply with these Enhanced Minimum Wage Provisions may result in the imposition of sanctions, which may include, but are not limited to, termination of the contract or lease, nonpayment, debarment, or referral to the Office of General Counsel for appropriate civil or criminal referral.

g. Subcontractors. The Law Firm shall include these Enhanced Minimum Wage Provisions in its subcontracts under this contact or lease to ensure that these provisions are binding on its subcontractors.

3. INDEMNIFICATION.

The Law Firm shall indemnify and defend the Commonwealth against all third-party claims, suits, demands, actions, losses, costs, and expenses, including without limitation, litigation expenses, attorneys' fees, and liabilities ("Claims"), arising out of or in connection with any negligent or intentional act or omission of the Law Firm or any of its officers, agents, employees, representatives, or combination thereof in relation to professional services provided to the Commonwealth by the Law Firm under this contract. This indemnification provision does not apply to Claims for which payment is available under the Law Firm's professional liability insurance policies.

4. NONDISCRIMINATION/SEXUAL HARASSMENT.

a. Representations. The Law Firm represents that it is presently in compliance with and will remain in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies relating to nondiscrimination and sexual harassment for the term of the contract. The Law Firm shall, upon request and within the time periods requested by the Commonwealth, furnish all necessary employment documents and records, including EEO-1 reports, and permit access to its books, records, and accounts by the Commonwealth for the purpose of ascertaining compliance with provisions of this Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment Clause.

b. Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment Obligations. The Law Firm shall not:

i. in any manner discriminate in the hiring of any employee(s) for the manufacture of supplies, performance of work, or any other activity required under this contract or any subcontract, by reason of race, gender, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or in violation of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (“PHRA”) and applicable federal laws, against any citizen of this Commonwealth who is qualified and available to perform the work to which the employment relates.

ii. in any manner discriminate by reason of race, gender, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or in violation of the PHRA and applicable federal laws, against or intimidate any employee involved in the manufacture of supplies, the performance of work, or any other activity required under this contract.

iii. in any manner discriminate by reason of race, gender, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or in violation of the PHRA and applicable federal laws, in the provision of services under this contract.

iv. in any manner discriminate by reason of race, gender, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or in violation of PHRA and applicable federal laws, against any subcontractor or supplier who is qualified to perform the work to which this contract relates.

v. in any manner discriminate against employees by reason of participation in or decision to refrain from participating in labor activities protected under the Public Employee Relations Act, Pennsylvania Labor Relations Act or National Labor Relations Act, as applicable and to the extent determined by entities charged with such Acts’ enforcement and shall comply with any provision of law establishing organizations as employees’ exclusive representatives.

c. Establishment of Law Firm Policy. The Law Firm shall establish and maintain a written nondiscrimination and sexual harassment policy that complies with the applicable law and these Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment provisions and shall inform its employees in writing of the policy. The policy must contain a provision that states that sexual harassment will not be tolerated and employees who practice it will be disciplined. For the entire period of the contract, the Law Firm shall: (1) post its written nondiscrimination and sexual harassment policy or these Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment provisions conspicuously in easily accessible and well-lighted places customarily frequented by employees at or near where the contracted services are performed; or (2) provide electronic notice of the policy or this clause to its employees not less than annually.

d. Notification of Violations. The Law Firm’s obligations pursuant to these provisions are ongoing from the effective date and through the termination date of the contract. Accordingly, the Law Firm shall notify the Commonwealth if, at any time during the term of this contract, it becomes aware of any actions or occurrences that would result in violation of these provisions.

e. Cancellation or Termination of Contract. The Commonwealth may cancel or terminate this contract and all money due or to become due under this contract may be forfeited for a violation of the terms and conditions of these Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment provisions. In addition, the agency may proceed with debarment or suspension and may place the Law Firm in the Contractor Responsibility File.

f. Subcontracts. The Law Firm shall include these Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment provisions in its contracts with all subcontractors providing goods or services under this contract. The incorporation of these provisions in the Law Firm’s subcontracts does not create privity of contract between the Commonwealth and any subcontractor, and no third-party beneficiaries are created by those provisions. If the Law Firm becomes aware of a subcontractor’s violation of this clause, the Law Firm shall use its best efforts to ensure the subcontractor’s compliance with these provisions.

5. CONTRACTOR INTEGRITY.

a. Definitions. For purposes of these Contractor Integrity Provisions, the following definitions apply:

i. “Affiliate” means two or more entities where (a) a parent entity owns more than 50% of the voting stock of each of the entities; (b) a common shareholder or group of shareholders owns more than 50% of the voting stock of each of the entities; or (c) the entities have a common proprietor or general partner.

ii. “Contractor” means the individual or entity, that has entered into this contract with the Commonwealth.

iii. “Contractor Related Parties” means any Affiliates of the Contractor and the Contractor’s executive officers, Pennsylvania officers and directors, or owners of five percent or more interest in the Contractor.

iv. “Financial Interest” means ownership of more than a five percent interest in any business or holding a position as an officer, director, trustee, partner, employee, or holding any position of management.

v. “Gratuity” means tendering, giving, or providing anything of more than nominal monetary value including, but not limited to, cash, travel, entertainment, gifts, meals, lodging, loans, subscriptions, advances, deposits of money, services, employment, or contracts of any kind. The exceptions set forth in the Governor’s Code of Conduct, Executive Order 1980-18, as may be amended, 4 Pa. Code §7.153(b), apply.

vi. “Non-bid Basis” means a contract awarded or executed by the Commonwealth with Contractor without seeking bids or proposals from any other potential bidder or offeror.

b. Representations and Warranties.

i. Contractor Representation and Warranties. The Contractor represents, to the best of its knowledge and belief, and warrants that within the last five years neither the Contractor nor Contractor Related Parties have:

1. been indicted or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or business honesty or integrity in any jurisdiction;

2. been suspended, debarred, or otherwise disqualified from entering into any contract with any governmental agency;

3. had any business license or professional license suspended or revoked;

4. had any sanction or finding of fact imposed as a result of a judicial or administrative proceeding related to fraud, extortion, bribery, bid rigging, embezzlement, misrepresentation or anti-trust; and

5. been, and are not currently, the subject of a criminal investigation by any federal, state or local prosecuting or investigative agency or civil anti-trust investigation by any federal, state, or local prosecuting or investigative agency.

ii. Contractor Explanation. If the Contractor cannot make the representations and warranties set forth above at the time of its submission of its bid or proposal or if this contract is awarded on a non-bid basis at the time of the execution of the contract, the Contractor shall submit a written explanation outlining the reasons why it cannot make those representations and warranties. The Commonwealth may, based on its evaluation of the explanation provided, determine whether it is in the Commonwealth’s best interest to execute the contract.

iii. Further Representations. By submitting any bills, invoices, or requests for payment pursuant to this contract, the Contractor further represents that it has not violated any of these Contractor Integrity Provisions during the term of the contract.

iv. Notice. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Commonwealth, in writing, if at any time during the term of the contract it becomes aware of any event that would cause the Contractor's certification or explanation to change. The Contractor acknowledges that the Commonwealth may, in its sole discretion, terminate the contract for cause if it learns that any of the certifications made in these provisions are currently false or misleading due to intervening factual circumstances or were false or misleading or should have been known to be false or misleading when entering into the contract.

c. Contractor Responsibilities. During the term of this contract, the Contractor shall:

i. maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

ii. take no action in violation of any applicable laws, regulations, or other requirements applicable to the Contractor that govern Commonwealth contracting and procurement.

iii. establish and implement a written business integrity policy that includes, at a minimum, the requirements of these provisions as they relate to the Contractor’s activity with the Commonwealth and Commonwealth employees and ensure that its employees comply with the policy.

iv. not accept, agree to give, offer, confer, agree to confer, or promise to confer, directly or indirectly, any gratuity or pecuniary benefit to any person, or to influence or attempt to influence any person in violation of any federal or state law, regulation, executive order, statement of policy, management directive, or bulletin applicable to the provision of goods or services under this contract.

v. not have a financial interest in any other contractor, subcontractor, or supplier providing services, labor, or material under this contract, unless the financial interest is disclosed to the Commonwealth in writing and the Commonwealth consents to Contractor’s financial interest. The Contractor must disclose the financial interest to the Commonwealth at the time of bid or proposal submission, or if no bids or proposals are solicited, no later than the date the Contractor signs the contract. The Commonwealth shall be deemed to have consented if the required disclosure is received and all of the required Commonwealth signatures are affixed.

vi. comply with the requirements of the Lobbying Disclosure Act (65 Pa.C.S. §13A01 et seq.) regardless of the method of award.

vii. comply with the requirements of Section 1641 of the Pennsylvania Election Code (25 P.S. §3260a) if this contract was awarded on a Non-bid Basis.

viii. immediately notify the Commonwealth contracting officer or the Office of the State Inspector General, in writing, when the Contractor has reason to believe that any breach of ethical standards as set forth in law, the Governor’s Code of Conduct, or these Contractor Integrity Provisions has occurred or may occur, including, but not limited to, contact by a Commonwealth officer or employee, which, if acted upon, would violate the ethical standards.

d. Investigations. If a State Inspector General investigation is initiated, the Contractor shall:

i. reimburse the Commonwealth for the reasonable costs of investigation incurred by the Office of the State Inspector General for investigations of the Contractor’s compliance with the terms of this or any other agreement between the Contractor and the Commonwealth that results in the suspension or debarment of the Contractor. The Contractor shall not be responsible for investigative costs for investigations that do not result in the Contractor’s suspension or debarment.

ii. cooperate with the Office of the State Inspector General in its investigation of any alleged Commonwealth agency or employee breach of ethical standards and any alleged Contractor non-compliance with these Contractor Integrity Provisions and make identified Contractor employees available for interviews at reasonable times and places.

iii. upon the inquiry or request of an Inspector General, provide, or if appropriate, make promptly available for inspection or copying, any information of any type or form deemed relevant by the Office of the State Inspector General to Contractor's integrity and compliance with these provisions. This information may include, but is not be limited to, Contractor's business or financial records, documents or files of any type or form that refer to or concern this contract.

e. Termination. For violation of any of these Contractor Integrity Provisions, the Commonwealth may terminate this and any other contract with the Contractor, claim liquidated damages in an amount equal to the value of anything received in breach of these Contractor Integrity provisions, claim damages for all additional costs and expenses incurred in obtaining another contractor to complete performance under this contract, and debar and suspend the Contractor from doing business with the Commonwealth. These rights and remedies are cumulative, and the use or non-use of any one does not preclude the use of all or any other. These rights and remedies are in addition to those the Commonwealth may have under law, statute, regulation, or contract.

f. Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include these Contractor Integrity Provisions in its contracts with all subcontractors providing goods or services under this contract. The incorporation of this provision in the Contractor’s subcontracts does not create privity of contract between the Commonwealth and any subcontractor, and no third-party beneficiaries are created by the inclusion of these provisions. If the Contractor becomes aware of a subcontractor’s violation of these provisions, the Contractor shall use its best efforts to ensure the subcontractor’s compliance with these provisions.

6. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY.

a. Definition. For the purpose of these provisions, the term “Contractor” means as any person, including, but not limited to, a bidder, offeror, loan recipient, grantee or lessor, who has furnished or performed or seeks to furnish or perform, goods, supplies, services, leased space, construction or other activity, under a contract, grant, lease, purchase order or reimbursement agreement with the Commonwealth.