RFP 190000000745 DNR Cedar Posts.docx

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Department of Natural Resources

FURNISH AND DELIVER CEDAR SIGN POSTS

Request for Proposal No. 190000000745

Solicitation Manager: Patrick Avendt, Buyer Direct Phone: (517) 284-5922 Email: avendpt@michigan.gov

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for:

Natural Cedar Sign Posts

RFP Timeline

*A bidder’s proposal received at 3:00:01 p.m. Eastern is late and subject to disqualification.

This RFP is subject to change. Check www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS for current information.

PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. PROPOSAL PREPARATION. The State recommends reading all RFP materials prior to preparing a proposal, particularly these Proposal Instructions and the Vendor Questions Worksheet. Bidders must follow these Proposal Instructions and provide a complete response to the items indicated in the table below. References and links to websites or external sources may not be used in lieu of providing the information requested in the RFP within the proposal. Include the bidder’s company name in the header of all documents submitted with your proposal.

RFP Structure and Documentation

2. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE STATE. The sole point of contact for the State concerning this RFP is listed on the Cover Page. Contacting any other State personnel, agent, consultant, or representative about this RFP may result in bidder disqualification.

3. QUESTIONS. Bidder questions about this RFP must be posted on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS no later than the time and date specified on the Cover Page. In the interest of transparency, only written questions are accepted. Answers to questions will be posted on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS. Submit questions using the format below; a Microsoft Excel format or similar is suggested.

4. MODIFICATIONS. The State may modify this RFP at any time. Modifications will be posted on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS . This is the only method by which the RFP may be modified.

5. PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING. – RESERVED

6. DELIVERY OF PROPOSAL.

Electronic – The bidder must submit its proposal, all attachments, and any modifications or withdrawals electronically through www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS. The price proposal should be saved separately from all other proposal documents. The bidder should submit all documents in a modifiable (native) format (examples include, but are not limited to: Microsoft Word or Excel and Google Docs or Sheets). In addition to submitting documents in a modifiable format, the bidder may also submit copies of documents in PDF. Bidder’s failure to submit a proposal as required may result in disqualification. The proposal and attachments must be fully uploaded and submitted prior to the proposal deadline. Do not wait until the last minute to submit a proposal, as the SIGMA VSS system requires the creation of an account and entry of certain information, in addition to uploading and submitting the materials. The SIGMA VSS system will not allow a proposal to be submitted after the proposal deadline identified in the Cover Page, even if a portion of the proposal has been uploaded.

Questions on how to submit information or how to navigate in the SIGMA VSS system can be answered by calling (517) 373-4111 or (888) 734-9749.

7. MANDATORY MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – RESERVED

8. EVALUATION PROCESS.

9. The State will evaluate Bidder’s response to Criteria items on a PASS/FAIL basis. Responses [X] will be evaluated as follows:

[X] Contractor will comply as specified with no exceptions: PASS [X] Contractor has noted exceptions to the specification:

PASS if the exception(s), at the sole discretion of the State, is evaluated as acceptable.

FAIL if the exception(s), at the sole discretion of the State, is evaluated as unacceptable.

Note: The State strongly encourages strict adherence to the Standard Contract Terms. The State reserves the right to deem a bid non-responsive for failure to honor the Standard Contract Terms. Nevertheless, the bidder may submit proposed changes to the Standard Contract Terms accompanied by a detailed explanation as to each change for State consideration; failure to do so will constitute the bidder’s acceptance of the Standard Contract Terms. General statements, such as that the bidder reserves the right to negotiate the terms and conditions, may also be considered non-responsive.

Proposals receiving all passing scores will have pricing evaluated and considered for award.

The State may utilize all bidder information, without regard to a proposal’s technical score, to determine fair market value for goods or services sought. The State is not obligated to accept the lowest price proposal. If applicable, the State’s evaluation will include consideration of a bidder’s qualified disabled veteran (QDV) status under MCL 18.1261(8). Additional information on the QDV preference is available at: http://michigan.gov/micontractconnect/0,https://www.michigan.gov/dtmb/0,5552,7-358-82550_85746_48677-412612--,00.html,7-225-48677-123519--,00.html.

The State may conduct an on-site visit to tour and inspect the bidder’s facilities; require an oral presentation of the bidder's proposal; conduct interviews, research, reference checks, and background checks; and request additional price concessions at any point during the evaluation process.

10. NOTICE OF DEFICIENCY. The State reserves the right to issue a Notice of Deficiency to bidders if the State determines after the proposal deadline that a portion of the RFP was deficient, unclear, or ambiguous. Failure to respond to a Notice of Deficiency timely may be cause for disqualification.

11. CLARIFICATION REQUEST. The State reserves the right to issue a Clarification Request to a bidder to clarify its proposal if the State determines the proposal is not clear. Failure to respond to a Clarification Request timely may be cause for disqualification.

12. RESERVATIONS. The State reserves the right to:

a. Disqualify a bidder for failure to follow these instructions.

b. Discontinue the RFP process at any time for any or no reason. The issuance of an RFP, your preparation and submission of a proposal, and the State’s subsequent receipt and evaluation of your proposal does not commit the State to award a contract to you or anyone, even if all the requirements in the RFP are met.

c. Consider late proposals if: (i) no other proposals are received; (ii) no complete proposals are received; (iii) the State received complete proposals, but the proposals did not meet mandatory minimum requirements or technical criteria; or (iv) the award process fails to result in an award.

d. Consider an otherwise disqualified proposal, if no other proposals are received.

e. Disqualify a proposal based on: (i) information provided by the bidder in response to this RFP; (2) the bidder’s failure to complete registration on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS ; or (3) if it is determined that a bidder purposely or willfully submitted false or misleading information in response to the RFP.

f. Consider prior performance with the State in making its award decision.

g. Consider overall economic impact to the State when evaluating proposal pricing and in the final award recommendation. This includes but is not limited to: considering principal place of performance, number of Michigan citizens employed or potentially employed, dollars paid to Michigan residents, Michigan capital investments, job creation, tax revenue implications, and economically disadvantaged businesses.

h. Consider total-cost-of-ownership factors (e.g., transition and training costs) when evaluating proposal pricing and in the final award recommendation.

i. Refuse to award a contract to any bidder that has failed to pay State taxes or has outstanding debt with the State.

j. Enter into negotiations with one or more bidders on price, terms, technical requirements, or other deliverables.

k. Award multiple, optional-use contracts, or award by Contract Activity.

l. Evaluate the proposal outside the scope identified in Section 8, Evaluation Process, if the State receives only one proposal.

13. AWARD RECOMMENDATION. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder who offers the best value to the State, as determined by the State. Best value will be determined by the bidder meeting the minimum point threshold and offering the best combination of the factors stated in Section 8, Evaluation Process, and price, as demonstrated by the proposal. The State will post a Notice of Recommendation for Award on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS .

14. DEBRIEF MEETING AND BID PROTEST. The State will post a Notice of Recommendation for Award, which will provide instructions on how to request a debrief meeting

If you wish to initiate a protest of the award, you must submit your written protest to Ms. Laura Gyorkos, Procurement Manger at gyorkosl@michigan.gov no later than 12:00 noon five (5) business days after posting the Notice of Recommendation for Award, or by 12:00 noon the next business day if that date falls on a state holiday or weekend. The State reserves the right to adjust this timing and will publish any change on the SIGMA VSS system.

Additional information about the protest process is available at www.michigan.gov/micontractconnect under the “Programs and Policies” link.

15. STATE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD. Contracts in excess of $500,000 require approval by the State Administrative Board. The State Administrative Board’s decision is final; however, its approval does not constitute a contract. The award process is not complete until the awarded contractor receives a contract fully executed by all parties.

16. GENERAL CONDITIONS. The State will not be liable for any costs, expenses, or damages incurred by a bidder participating in this solicitation. The bidder agrees that its proposal will be considered an offer to do business with the State in accordance with its proposal, including the Contract Terms, and that its proposal will be irrevocable and binding for a period of sixty (60) calendar days from date of submission. If a contract is awarded to the bidder, the State may, at its option, incorporate any part of the bidder’s proposal into a contract. This RFP is not an offer to enter into a contract. This RFP may not provide a complete statement of the State’s environment, or contain all matters upon which agreement must be reached. Other than verified trade secrets, proposals submitted via www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS are the State’s property.

17. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. All portions of the bidder’s proposal and resulting Contract are subject to disclosure as required under Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 1976 PA 442. However, please note the following:

a. Under MCL 18.1261(13)(b), records containing “a trade secret as defined under section 2 of the uniform trade secrets act, 1998 PA 448, MCL 445.1902, or financial or proprietary information” are exempt from disclosure under FOIA. And under MCL 18.1470(3), “proprietary financial and accounting” information is also exempt from disclosure under FOIA.

b. If information within a bidder’s proposal falls under the aforementioned exemptions, and the bidder seeks to have it withheld from disclosure under FOIA, then by the proposal deadline, the bidder must: (1) save exempt information in a separate file (i.e., document); (2) name the file/document “FOIA-EXEMPT”; (3) label the header of each page of the file/document “Confidential–Trade Secret,” “Confidential–Financial,” or “Confidential–Proprietary” as applicable; (4) clearly reference within the file/document the RFP schedule, section, and page number to which the exempt information applies; and (5) verify within the FOIA-EXEMPT file/document that the information meets the FOIA exemption criteria.

c. The State reserves the right to determine whether information designated as exempt by a bidder falls under the FOIA exemptions.

d. Resumes, pricing, and marketing materials are not trade secrets or financial or proprietary information.

e. Do not identify your entire proposal as “FOIA-EXEMPT,” and do not label each page of your proposal “Confidential.” If a bidder does so, the State may require the bidder to resubmit the proposal to comply with subsection (b) above.

f. If the State requires a bidder to resubmit a proposal for failure to follow these instructions, the State reserves the right to disqualify the bidder if the proposal is materially changed upon resubmission. In other words, amendments to the proposal should be restricted to that which is necessary to separate confidential from non-confidential information.

VENDOR QUESTIONS WORKSHEET

Provide a detailed response to each question. “You” and “company” refers to the bidder.

1. Contact Information

Bidder’s sole contact person during the RFP process. Include name, title, address, email, and phone number.

Person authorized to receive and sign a resulting contract. Include name, title, address, email, and phone number.

2. Company Background Information

Legal business name and address. Include business entity designation, e.g., sole proprietor, Inc., LLC, or LLP.

What state was the company formed in?

Phone number

Website address

Number of years in business and number of employees

Legal business name and address of parent company, if any

Has there been a recent change in organizational structure (e.g., management team) or control (e.g., merger or acquisition) of your company? If the answer is yes: (a) explain why the change occurred and (b) how this change has affected your company.

Discuss your company’s history. Has growth been organic, through mergers and acquisitions, or both?

Has bidder ever been debarred, suspended, or disqualified from bidding or contracting with any entity, including the State of Michigan? If yes, provide the date, the entity, and details about the situation.

Has your company been a party to litigation against the State of Michigan? If the answer is yes, then state the date of initial filing, case name and court number, and jurisdiction.

Within the last 5 years, has your company or any of its related business entities defaulted on a contract or had a contract terminated for cause? If yes, provide the date, contracting entity, type of contract, and details about the termination or default.

State your gross annual sales for the last 5 years.

If receiving a contract under this RFP will increase your gross revenue by more than 25% from last year’s sales, explain how the company will scale-up to manage this increase.

Describe partnerships and strategic relationships you think will bring significant value to the State.

State the physical address of the place of business that would have primary responsibility for this account if bidder is awarded a contract under this RFP.

3. Qualified Disabled Veteran

To demonstrate qualification as a qualified disabled veteran, you must provide:

(a) Proof of service and conditions of discharge (DD214 or equivalent);

(b) Proof of service-connected disability (DD214 if the disability was documented at discharge or Veterans Administration Rating Decision Letter or equivalent if the disability was documented after discharge); and

(c) Legal documents setting forth the ownership of the business entity.

In lieu of the documentation identified above, you may provide proof of certification by the National Veterans Business Development Council.

Enter the names of documents submitted with your proposal to demonstrate status as a qualified disabled veteran.

4. Participation in RFP Development or Evaluation

Did your company, an employee, agent, or representative of your company, or any affiliated entity participate in developing any component of this solicitation? For purposes of this question, business concerns, organizations, or individuals are affiliates of each other if, directly or indirectly: (1) either one controls or has power to control the other or (2) a third party controls or has the power to control both. Indicia of control include, but are not limited to, interlocking management or ownership, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities or equipment, and common use of employees.

If you entered “YES”, you are not eligible for contract award or to work as a subcontractor for the awarded vendor.

5. State of Michigan Experience and Prior Experience

Does your company have experience working with the State of Michigan? If so, please provide a list (including the contract number) of the contracts you hold or have held with the State for the last 10 years.

Describe at least three (3) relevant experiences from the last five (5) years supporting your ability to successfully manage a contract of similar size and scope for the work described in this RFP.

Experience 1

Company name Contact name Contact role at time of project Contact phone Contact email

City State Zip

1. Project name and description of the scope of the project

2. What role did your company play?

3. How is this project experience relevant to the subject of this RFP?

Dollar value

Start and end date (mm/yy – mm/yy)

Status (completed, live, other – specify phase)

Results obtained

Experience 2

Company name

Contact role at time of project

City

1. Project name and description of the scope of the project

Dollar value

Start and end date (mm/yy – mm/yy)

Status (completed, live, other – specify phase)

Results obtained

Experience 3

Company name

Contact role at time of project

City

1. Project name and description of the scope of the project

Dollar value

Start and end date (mm/yy – mm/yy)

Status (completed, live, other – specify phase)

Results obtained

6. Standard Contract Terms

Bidder must affirm agreement with the attached Contract Terms. If not in agreement, written exceptions in accordance with Section 8 Evaluation Process must be provided with Bidder’s proposal.

7. Other

Request For Proposal No. 190000000745

FURNISH AND DELIVER CEDAR SIGN POSTS

EXHIBIT A

STATEMENT OF WORK

CONTRACT ACTIVITIES

This exhibit identifies the specifications and requirements for Cedar Sign Posts and the State’s expectations of any Contract resulting from this RFP. The term “Contractor” in this document refers to a bidder responding to this RFP.

The Contractor must provide requested response in the column next to or below each statement. The column box will expand as necessary as typing is entered. If attaching any supplemental information, appropriately reference the attachment within the response column.

This Contract is for a period of one (1) year and may be renewed for up to three (3) additional one (1) year periods. Renewal must be by written agreement of the parties.

1. Specifications:

Posts will be utilized for signs along the State’s snowmobile trails.

Posts must be natural cedar; debarked and dried. No wood preservatives or stains must be used on posts.

Posts must be round, with minimum two-inch (2”) diameter at the top end and maximum five-inch (5”) diameter at the both ends, regardless if the post is eight or nine feet long.

Posts for all locations must be eight foot (8’) long.

Response: Contractor shall check only one box below and identify exception(s):

List all exception(s):

2. Warranty:

A. Natural, debarked, dried cedar posts must be warranted against severe splitting, rotting and warpage for a period of two (2) years, when stored in outdoor, uncovered areas OR installed in the earth to approx. 25% its overall length. Severe spitting or rotting is defined as the post having lost its structural integrity to hold a sign after signs have been attached utilizing ¼ inch lag screws. Severe warpage is defined as deflection of more than six (6) inches in an eight (8) feet long span.

Response

Describe any warranties included in the bid.

Explain the process for reporting warranty issues and how the Contractor will handle any repairs or replacements.

3. Quality Assurance Program A. Prior to delivery, vendor shall randomly pull from the shipping lot, 1% of the cedar posts for visual inspection (60 posts out of an order of 6,000) for compliance to specifications. Records of the production run and random sampling must be kept by the vendor. Records to include location of lumber source, average age and diameter of the stand before harvesting, and general condition of the stand for soundness and health. The State of Michigan may request these records at any time. Prior to delivery of each lot, digital photos of the shipped posts showing enough clarity for detail of the general quality and condition of the posts may be requested by the State of Michigan at any time.

Failure to provide a quality assurance program that meets or exceeds the above specifications may result in the rejection of a vendor’s bid as being incomplete.

Response

Explain your Quality Assurance Program(s)

4. Contractor Staffing A. Contractor Representative The Contractor must appoint one individual, specifically assigned to State of Michigan accounts, that will respond to State inquiries regarding the Contract Activities, answering questions related to ordering and delivery, etc. (the “Contractor Representative”).

The Contractor must notify the Contract Administrator at least five business days when assigning a new Contractor Representative Response: Contractor shall check only one box below and identify exception(s):

List all exception(s):

B. Availability It is the preference of the State that the Contractor have a toll-free number for the Sate to make contact with the Contractor Representative. The Contractor Representative must be available for calls during the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time.

Response: Contractor shall check only one box below and identify exception(s):

List all exception(s):

5. Disclosure of Subcontractors If the Contractor intends to utilize subcontractors, the Contractor must disclose the following:

Response

Subcontractor’s legal business name, address, and telephone number:

Description of the subcontractor’s organization:

Information concerning subcontractor’s ability to provide the Contract Activities:

The relationship of the subcontractor to the Contractor:

Indicate (yes or no) if the Contractor has a previous working experience with the subcontractor. If yes, provide the details of that previous relationship:

A complete description of the Contract Activities that will be performed or provided by the subcontractor:

Of the total bid, the price of the subcontractor’s work:

6. Pricing A. Price term Pricing is firm for a three (3) year period (“Pricing Period”). The first pricing period begins on the Effective Date. Adjustments may be requested, in writing, by either party and will take effect no earlier than the next Pricing Period.

Response: Contractor shall check only one box below and identify exception(s):

List all exception(s):

B. Price Changes Adjustments will be based on changes in actual Contractor costs. Any request by the Contractor for a price increase must be supported by written evidence documenting the change in costs. The State may consider sources, such as the Consumer Price Index; Producer Price Index; other pricing indices as needed; economic and industry data; manufacturer or supplier letters noting the increase in pricing; and any other data the State deems relevant.

Following the presentation of supporting documentation, both parties will have 30 days to review the information and prepare a written response. If the review reveals no need for modifications, pricing will remain unchanged unless mutually agreed to by the parties. If the review reveals that changes are needed, both parties will negotiate such changes, for no longer than 30 days, unless extended by mutual agreement.

The Contractor remains responsible for Contract Activities at the current price for all orders received before the mutual execution of a Change Notice indicating the start date of the new Pricing Period.

Response: Contractor shall check only one box below and identify exception(s):

List all exception(s):

7. Ordering The appropriate authorizing document for the Contract will be a Purchase Order. The Contractor must have internal controls to verify abnormal orders and to ensure that only authorized individuals place orders

8. Minimum Order Requirement The State of Michigan will not have a minimum order requirement, but the successful vendor should expect annual orders of approximately 10,000 posts, that will be divided between the four delivery locations.

9. Delivery A. Time Frame:

Delivery of sign posts will be expected within 120 calendar days from date of order.

B. Location:

Delivery may be made to any location within the State of Michigan. Delivery location will be conveyed to the Contractor through the issuance of a purchase order.

C. Palletizing:

Shipments must be palletized whenever possible and must conform to the following:

1) Manufacturer's standard 4-way shipping pallets must be used.

2) Maximum height is 5’6” including pallet.

3) Maximum weight is 3,500 pounds; including pallet.

4) Pallets must be securely banded or shrink-wrapped.

5) The cost of palletizing must be included in the unit price.

D. Delivery Terms:

Prices are "F.O.B. Delivered" with transportation charges prepaid on all orders meeting the minimum order requirement.

Response: Contractor shall check only one box below and identify exception(s):

List all exception(s):

10. Invoicing All invoices submitted to the State must include: (a) date; (b) purchase order number; (c) quantity; (d) description of the Contract Activities; (e) unit price; and (f) total price.

11. Payment Method A. Payment terms are Net 45 days unless a quick payment discount is offered. The Contractor is encouraged to offer quick payment terms. The number of days must not include processing time for payment to be received by the Contractor's financial institution.

B. The State will only disburse payments through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

Bidder must enter company name here

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

Request For Proposal No. 190000000745

FURNISH AND DELIVER CEDAR POSTS

SCHEDULE B

PRICING

It is the preference of the DNR that pricing be entered online through www.michigan.gov/sigmavss and Contractor is encouraged to utilize the website. This Exhibit is provided only if Contractor is unable to complete the quote process on the sgmasvss website and will email bid response.

1. Price proposals must include all costs, including but not limited to, any one-time or set-up charges, fees, and potential costs that Contractor may charge the State (e.g., shipping and handling, per piece pricing, and palletizing).

2. The Contractor is encouraged to offer quick payment terms. The number of days must not include processing time for payment to be received by the Contractor's financial institution.

Quick payment terms: ________ % discount off invoice if paid within ________ days after receipt of invoice.

3. By submitting its proposal, the Contractor certifies that the prices were arrived at independently, and without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other Contractor.

PRICE PROPOSAL

Maximum 5-inch Diameter at both ends.

FOB Delivered to four (4) DNR Field Offices: Sault Ste. Marie and Baraga in the Upper Peninsula, AND Kalkaska and Atlanta in the Lower Peninsula, MI

Enter company name here.

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STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS

This STANDARD CONTRACT (“Contract”) is agreed to between the State of Michigan (the “State”) and [Insert Company Name] (“Contractor”), a [Insert State & Entity Status, e.g., a Michigan corporation or a Texas limited liability company]. This Contract is effective on [Month, Day, Year] (“Effective Date”), and unless terminated, expires on [Month, Day, Year].

This Contract is for a period of three (3) years and may be renewed for up to two (2) additional one (1) year periods. Renewal must be by written agreement of the parties.

The parties agree as follows:

1. Duties of Contractor. Contractor must perform the services and provide the deliverables described in Schedule A – Statement of Work (the “Contract Activities”). An obligation to provide delivery of any commodity is considered a service and is a Contract Activity.

Contractor must furnish all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies necessary for the performance of the Contract Activities, and meet operational standards, unless otherwise specified in Schedule A.

Contractor must: (a) perform the Contract Activities in a timely, professional, safe, and workmanlike manner consistent with standards in the trade, profession, or industry; (b) meet or exceed the performance and operational standards, and specifications of the Contract; (c) provide all Contract Activities in good quality, with no material defects; (d) not interfere with the State’s operations; (e) obtain and maintain all necessary licenses, permits or other authorizations necessary for the performance of the Contract; (f) cooperate with the State, including the State’s quality assurance personnel, and any third party to achieve the objectives of the Contract; (g) return to the State any State-furnished equipment or other resources in the same condition as when provided when no longer required for the Contract; (h) not make any media releases without prior written authorization from the State; (i) assign to the State any claims resulting from state or federal antitrust violations to the extent that those violations concern materials or services supplied by third parties toward fulfillment of the Contract; (j) comply with all State physical and IT security policies and standards which will be made available upon request; and (k) provide the State priority in performance of the Contract except as mandated by federal disaster response requirements. Any breach under this paragraph is considered a material breach.

Contractor must also be clearly identifiable while on State property by wearing identification issued by the State, and clearly identify themselves whenever making contact with the State.

2. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Contract must be in writing and will be considered given and received: (a) when verified by written receipt if sent by courier; (b) when actually received if sent by mail without verification of receipt; or (c) when verified by automated receipt or electronic logs if sent by facsimile or email.

[Name] [Street Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email] [Phone] [Name] [Street Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email] [Phone]

3. Contract Administrator. The Contract Administrator for each party is the only person authorized to modify any terms of this Contract, and approve and execute any change under this Contract (each a “Contract Administrator”):

[Name] [Street Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email] [Phone] [Name] [Street Address] [City, State, Zip]

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4. Program Manager. The Program Manager for each party will monitor and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Contract (each a “Program Manager”):

[Name] [Street Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email] [Phone] [Name] [Street Address] [City, State, Zip]

5. Performance Guarantee. Contractor must at all times have financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of the State, to ensure performance of the Contract and must provide proof upon request. The State may require a performance bond (as specified in Schedule A) if, in the opinion of the State, it will ensure performance of the Contract.

6. Insurance Requirements. Contractor must maintain the insurances identified below and is responsible for all deductibles. All required insurance must: (a) protect the State from claims that may arise out of, are alleged to arise out of, or result from Contractor's or a subcontractor's performance; (b) be primary and non-contributing to any comparable liability insurance (including self-insurance) carried by the State; and (c) be provided by a company with an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or better, and a financial size of VII or better.

Commercial General Liability Insurance

Minimum Limits:

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence Limit $1,000,000 Personal & Advertising Injury Limit $2,000,000 General Aggregate Limit $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations

Deductible Maximum:

$50,000 Each Occurrence Contractor must have their policy endorsed to add “the State of Michigan, its departments, divisions, agencies, offices, commissions, officers, employees, and agents” as additional insureds using endorsement CG 20 10 11 85, or both CG 2010 07 04 and CG 2037 07 04.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Minimum Limits:

Coverage according to applicable laws governing work activities.

Waiver of subrogation, except where waiver is prohibited by law.

If any of the required policies provide claims-made coverage, the Contractor must: (a) provide coverage with a retroactive date before the effective date of the contract or the beginning of Contract Activities; (b) maintain coverage and provide evidence of coverage for at least three (3) years after completion of the Contract Activities; and (c) if coverage is cancelled or not renewed, and not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a retroactive date prior to the contract effective date, Contractor must purchase extended reporting coverage for a minimum of three (3) years after completion of work.

Contractor must: (a) provide insurance certificates to the Contract Administrator, containing the agreement or purchase order number, at Contract formation and within 20 calendar days of the expiration date of the applicable policies; (b) require that subcontractors maintain the required insurances contained in this Section; (c) notify the Contract Administrator within 5 business days if any insurance is cancelled; and (d) waive all rights against the State for damages covered by insurance. Failure to maintain the required insurance does not limit this waiver.

This Section is not intended to and is not to be construed in any manner as waiving, restricting or limiting the liability of either party for any obligations under this Contract (including any provisions hereof requiring Contractor to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the State).

7. Administrative Fee and Reporting. - - RESERVED

8. Extended Purchasing Program. - RESERVED

9. Independent Contractor. Contractor is an independent contractor and assumes all rights, obligations and liabilities set forth in this Contract. Contractor, its employees, and agents will not be considered employees of the State. No partnership or joint venture relationship is created by virtue of this Contract. Contractor, and not the State, is responsible for the payment of wages, benefits and taxes of Contractor’s employees and any subcontractors. Prior performance does not modify Contractor’s status as an independent contractor

10. Subcontracting. Contractor may not delegate any of its obligations under the Contract without the prior written approval of the State. Contractor must notify the State at least 90 calendar days before the proposed delegation and provide the State any information it requests to determine whether the delegation is in its best interest. If approved, Contractor must: (a) be the sole point of contact regarding all contractual matters, including payment and charges for all Contract Activities; (b) make all payments to the subcontractor; and (c) incorporate the terms and conditions contained in this Contract in any subcontract with a subcontractor. Contractor remains responsible for the completion of the Contract Activities, compliance with the terms of this Contract, and the acts and omissions of the subcontractor. The State, in its sole discretion, may require the replacement of any subcontractor.

11. Staffing. The State’s Contract Administrator may require Contractor to remove or reassign personnel by providing a notice to Contractor.

12. Background Checks. Upon request, Contractor must perform background checks on all employees and subcontractors and its employees prior to their assignment. The scope is at the discretion of the State and documentation must be provided as requested. Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with the requested background checks. The State, in its sole discretion, may also perform background checks.

13. Assignment. Contractor may not assign this Contract to any other party without the prior approval of the State. Upon notice to Contractor, the State, in its sole discretion, may assign in whole or in part, its rights or responsibilities under this Contract to any other party. If the State determines that a novation of the Contract to a third party is necessary, Contractor will agree to the novation and provide all necessary documentation and signatures.

14. Change of Control. Contractor will notify, at least 90 calendar days before the effective date, the State of a change in Contractor’s organizational structure or ownership. For purposes of this Contract, a change in control means any of the following: (a) a sale of more than 50% of Contractor’s stock; (b) a sale of substantially all of Contractor’s assets; (c) a change in a majority of Contractor’s board members; (d) consummation of a merger or consolidation of Contractor with any other entity; (e) a change in ownership through a transaction or series of transactions; (f) or the board (or the stockholders) approves a plan of complete liquidation. A change of control does not include any consolidation or merger effected exclusively to change the domicile of Contractor, or any transaction or series of transactions principally for bona fide equity financing purposes.

In the event of a change of control, Contractor must require the successor to assume this Contract and all of its obligations under this Contract.

15. Ordering. Contractor is not authorized to begin performance until receipt of authorization as identified in Schedule A.

16. Acceptance. Contract Activities are subject to inspection and testing by the State within 30 calendar days of the State’s receipt of them (“State Review Period”), unless otherwise provided in Schedule A. If the Contract Activities are not fully accepted by the State, the State will notify Contractor by the end of the State Review Period that either: (a) the Contract Activities are accepted, but noted deficiencies must be corrected; or (b) the Contract Activities are rejected. If the State finds material deficiencies, it may: (i) reject the Contract Activities without performing any further inspections; (ii) demand performance at no additional cost; or (iii) terminate this Contract in accordance with Section 23, Termination for Cause.

Within 10 business days from the date of Contractor’s receipt of notification of acceptance with deficiencies or rejection of any Contract Activities, Contractor must cure, at no additional cost, the deficiency and deliver unequivocally acceptable Contract Activities to the State. If acceptance with deficiencies or rejection of the Contract Activities impacts the content or delivery of other non-completed Contract Activities, the parties’ respective Program Managers must determine an agreed to number of days for re-submission that minimizes the overall impact to the Contract. However, nothing herein affects, alters, or relieves Contractor of its obligations to correct deficiencies in accordance with the time response standards set forth in this Contract.

If Contractor is unable or refuses to correct the deficiency within the time response standards set forth in this Contract, the State may cancel the order in whole or in part. The State, or a third party identified by the State, may perform the Contract Activities and recover the difference between the cost to cure and the Contract price plus an additional 10% administrative fee.

17. Delivery. Contractor must deliver all Contract Activities F.O.B. destination, within the State premises with transportation and handling charges paid by Contractor, unless otherwise specified in Schedule A. All containers and packaging become the State’s exclusive property upon acceptance.

18. Risk of Loss and Title Until final acceptance, title and risk of loss or damage to Contract Activities remains with Contractor. Contractor is responsible for filing, processing, and collecting all damage claims. The State will record and report to Contractor any evidence of visible damage. If the State rejects the Contract Activities, Contractor must remove them from the premises within 10 calendar days after notification of rejection. The risk of loss of rejected or non-conforming Contract Activities remains with Contractor. Rejected Contract Activities not removed by Contractor within 10 calendar days will be deemed abandoned by Contractor, and the State will have the right to dispose of it as its own property. Contractor must reimburse the State for costs and expenses incurred in storing or effecting removal or disposition of rejected Contract Activities.

19. Warranty Period. Natural, debarked, dried cedar posts must be warranted against severe splitting, rotting and warpage for a period of two (2) years, when stored in outdoor, uncovered areas OR installed in the earth to approx. 25% its overall length. Severe spitting or rotting is defined as the post having lost its structural integrity to hold a sign after signs have been attached utilizing ¼ inch lag screws. Severe warpage is defined as deflection of more than six (6) inches in an eight (8) feet long span.

20. Terms of Payment. Invoices must conform to the requirements communicated from time-to-time by the State. All undisputed amounts are payable within 45 days of the State’s receipt. Contractor may only charge for Contract Activities performed as specified in Schedule A. Invoices must include an itemized statement of all charges. The State is exempt from State sales tax for direct purchases and may be exempt from federal excise tax, if Services purchased under this Agreement are for the State’s exclusive use. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all prices are inclusive of taxes, and Contractor is responsible for all sales, use and excise taxes, and any other similar taxes, duties and charges of any kind imposed by any federal, state, or local governmental entity on any amounts payable by the State under this Contract.

The State has the right to withhold payment of any disputed amounts until the parties agree as to the validity of the disputed amount. The State will notify Contractor of any dispute within a reasonable time. Payment by the State will not constitute a waiver of any rights as to Contractor’s continuing obligations, including claims for deficiencies or substandard Contract Activities. Contractor’s acceptance of final payment by the State constitutes a waiver of all claims by Contractor against the State for payment under this Contract, other than those claims previously filed in writing on a timely basis and still disputed.

The State will only disburse payments under this Contract through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Contractor must register with the State at http://www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS to receive electronic fund transfer payments. If Contractor does not register, the State is not liable for failure to provide payment. Without prejudice to any other right or remedy it may have, the State reserves the right to set off at any time any amount then due and owing to it by Contractor against any amount payable by the State to Contractor under this Contract.

21. Liquidated Damages. Liquidated damages, if applicable, will be assessed as described in Schedule A.

22. Stop Work Order. The State may suspend any or all activities under the Contract at any time. The State will provide Contractor a written stop work order detailing the suspension. Contractor must comply with the stop work order upon receipt. Within 90 calendar days, or any longer period agreed to by Contractor, the State will either: (a) issue a notice authorizing Contractor to resume work, or (b) terminate the Contract or purchase order. The State will not pay for Contract Activities, Contractor’s lost profits, or any additional compensation during a stop work period.

23. Termination for Cause. The State may terminate this Contract for cause, in whole or in part, if Contractor, as determined by the State: (a) endangers the value, integrity, or security of any location, data, or personnel; (b) becomes insolvent, petitions for bankruptcy court proceedings, or has an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding filed against it by any creditor; (c) engages in any conduct that may expose the State to liability; (d) breaches any of its material duties or obligations; or (e) fails to cure a breach within the time stated in a notice of breach. Any reference to specific breaches being material breaches within this Contract will not be construed to mean that other breaches are not material.

If the State terminates this Contract under this Section, the State will issue a termination…