Bidder must enter company name here.

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Department of Environmental Quality - Procurement

Backpack Electrofishing Units Request for Proposal No. 180000001649

Solicitation Manager Name: Clayton Nurenberg Direct Phone: 517-284-5009 Email: nurenbergc@michigan.gov

This is a Request for proposal (RFP) for:

Backpack Electrofishing Units for the MDEQ

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. 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.

6. EVALUATION PROCESS. The State will evaluate each proposal based on low bid meeting requirements listed in Schedule A.

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/0,4541,7-225-48677-123519--,00.html.

The State strongly encourages strict adherence to the Contract Terms. The State reserves the right to deem a bid non-responsive for failure to accept the Contract Terms. Nevertheless, the bidder may submit proposed changes to the Contract Terms in track changes (i.e., visible edits) with an explanation of the bidder’s need for each proposed change. Failure to include track changes with an explanation of the bidder’s need for the proposed change constitutes the bidder’s acceptance of the Contract Terms. General statements, such as that the bidder reserves the right to negotiate the terms and conditions, may be considered non-responsive.

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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 .

11. 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 nurenbergc@michigan.gov no later than 3:00:00 PM, 3 business days after posting the Notice of Recommendation for Award, or by 3:00:00 PM 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.

12. 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.

13. 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 90 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.

14. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [3] relevant experiences from the last [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

Other

Request For Proposal No. 180000001649 Backpack Electrofishing Units

SCHEDULE A

STATEMENT OF WORK

CONTRACT ACTIVITIES

This schedule identifies the anticipated requirements of any Contract resulting from this RFP. The term “Contractor” in this document refers to a bidder responding to this RFP.

The Contractor must respond to each requirement or question and explain how it will fulfill each requirement. Attach any supplemental information and appropriately reference within your response.

BACKGROUND

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) conducts water quality monitoring of the state’s surface waters on a regular basis and needs replacement of electrofishing backpack units to accomplish this work

SCOPE

The scope of this request for proposals is a bid for the replacement of back pack electrofishing units that meet the requirements in section 1.1

REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor must provide the following:

1. Three (3) electro fishing back pack units with the following preferred options:

0. Lithium Ion battery powered

0. Tilt and/or water sensor auto shut off

0. Audible alarms

0. Adjustable settings for voltage, frequency, and duty cycle

0. Output display

0. Battery meter

0. Timer

1. Six (6) appropriately sized lithium ion batteries for the backpack units

1. Three (3) battery charging units

1. Three (3) electro fishing wands with switch (anodes)

1. Three (3) standard sized electro fishing wand rings

1. Three (3) electro fishing cathodes (rat tail style)

1. One (1) low conductivity electro fishing wand with switch (anode) and low conductivity wand ring

1. Three (3) travel cases for the electro fishing back pack units

1. General Requirements

1.1. Product Specifications

Three (3) electro fishing backpack units (battery powered) Six (6) appropriately sized lithium ion batteries for the backpack units Three (3) battery charging units Three (3) electro fishing wands with switch (anodes) Three (3) standard sized electro fishing wand rings Three (3) electro fishing cathodes (rat tail style) One (1) low conductivity electro fishing wand (anode) with switch and low conductivity wand ring Three (3) travel cases for the electro fishing backpack units

Bids on alternate specifications will not be considered.

List all exception(s):

1.2. Warranties

Standard equipment warranties, specified by the manufacturer should be included with all equipment.

The State reserves the right to require additional warranties other than those identified by the Contractor in its response to this RFP.

Response

1.3. Recall Requirements and Procedures

The Contractor must describe any recall procedures.

Response

1.4. Quality Assurance Program

The State will have 14 days to test all equipment and confirm function.

1.5. Incentives

Please describe return policy.

2. Service Levels

2.1. Time Frames

All Contract Activities must be delivered within 10 business days from receipt of order. The receipt of order date is pursuant to Section 2, Notice provisions of the Standard Contract.

2.2. Delivery

Delivery will be expected within 10 calendar days upon date of order. Delivery will be made at 815 Filley St., Lansing, MI 48906.

2.3. Installation

Installation will be expected within 10 calendar days upon date of order. Installation will be considered complete when the State has had opportunity to test equipment and confirm function.

2.4. Technical Support and Repairs

When providing technical support, the Call Center must resolve the caller’s issue within 72 hours. If the caller’s issue cannot be resolved within 72 hours, on-site service must be scheduled. The on-site service must be performed within 10 days of the time the issue was scheduled for service.

2.5. Maintenance

A maintenance schedule will be provided with equipment upon delivery. Annual maintenance will be the responsibility of the State.

2.6. Training

The Contractor must provide the following training: Initial equipment set-up and description of use. This can be completed via phone or internet meeting.

2.7. Meetings

The Contractor must attend the following meetings:

Initial set-up meeting within 30 calendar days of the Delivery of Equipment.

The State may request other meetings as it deems appropriate.

3. Staffing

3.1. Contractor Representative

The Contractor must appoint a Product Representative, 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 14 calendar days before removing or assigning a new Contractor Representative.

3.2. Customer Service Toll-Free Number

The Contractor must specify its toll-free number for the State to make contact with the Contractor Representative. The Contractor Representative must be available for calls during the hours of 12 pm to 3 pm EST.

Response

3.3. Technical Support, Repairs and Maintenance

The Contractor must specify its toll-free number for the State to make contact with the Contractor for technical support, repairs and maintenance. The Contractor must be available for calls and service during the hours of 12 pm to 3 pm EST.

Response

3.4. Disclosure of Subcontractors

If the Contractor intends to utilize subcontractors, the Contractor must disclose the following:

The legal business name; address; telephone number; a description of subcontractor’s organization and the services it will provide; and information concerning subcontractor’s ability to provide the Contract Activities.

The relationship of the subcontractor to the Contractor.

Whether 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.

Response

3.5. Security

The Contractor will be subject the following security procedures: No specific security procedure will be needed

The Contractor must explain any additional security measures in place to ensure the security of State facilities.

The bidder’s staff may be required to make deliveries to or enter State facilities. The bidder must: (a) explain how it intends to ensure the security of State facilities, (b) whether it uses uniforms and ID badges, etc., (c) identify the company that will perform background checks, and (d) the scope of the background checks. The State may require the Contractor’s personnel to wear State issued identification badges.

4. Pricing

4.1. Price Term

Pricing is firm for the entire length of the Contract.

5. Ordering

5.1. Authorizing Document

The appropriate authorizing document for the Contract will be a purchase order.

6. Delivery

6.1. Delivery Programs

The Contractor must explain in detail its delivery programs (e.g., standard delivery and quick-ship), including any limitations such as quantity.

The Contractor must explain the transportation method (e.g., UPS, FedEx, Contractor fleet, or other third party carrier) it intends on utilizing in delivery of the Contract Activities.

6.2. Packaging and Palletizing

Packaging must be optimized to permit the lowest freight rate. Shipments must be palletized whenever possible using manufacturer's standard 4-way shipping pallets.

7. Acceptance

7.1. Acceptance, Inspection and Testing

The State will use the acceptance process as defined in Section 3 Inspection, of the contract terms.

8. Invoice and Payment

8.1. Invoice Requirements

All invoices submitted to the State must include: (a) date; (b) purchase order; (c) quantity; (d) description of the Contract Activities; (e) unit price; (f) shipping cost (if any); and (g) total price.

8.2. Payment Methods

The State will make payment for Contract Activities by electronic fund transfer (EFT). Vendor must be registered to receive EFT payments.

9. Additional Requirements

9.1. Environmental and Energy Efficient Products

The Contractor must identify any energy efficient, bio-based, or otherwise environmental friendly products used in the products. Contractor must include any relevant third-party certification, including the verification of a United States department of agriculture certified bio based product label.

Response

9.2. Hazardous Chemical Identification

In accordance with the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, 42 USC 11001, et seq., as amended, the Contractor must provide a Material Safety Data Sheet listing any hazardous chemicals, as defined in 40 CFR §370.2, to be delivered. Each hazardous chemical must be properly identified, including any applicable identification number, such as a National Stock Number or Special Item Number.

The Contractor must identify any hazardous chemicals that will be provided under any resulting contract.

Response

9.3. Mercury Content

Pursuant to MCL 18.1261d, mercury-free products must be procured when possible. The Contractor must explain if it intends to provide products containing mercury, the amount or concentration of mercury, and whether cost competitive alternatives exist. If a cost competitive alternative does exist, the Contractor must provide justification as to why the particular product is essential. All products containing mercury must be labeled as containing mercury.

Response

9.4. Brominated Flame Retardants

The State prefers to purchase products that do not contain brominated flame retardants (BFRs) whenever possible. The Contractor must disclose whether the products contain BFRs.

Response

Request for Proposal No. 180000001649 Backpack Electrofishing Units

SCHEDULE B

PRICING MATRIX

1. The Contractor must provide a pricing schedule for the proposed Contract Activities In SIGMA VSS. The pricing schedule must also be submitted below in a modifiable format (e.g. Microsoft Word or Excel); however, you may also submit an additional pricing schedule in a non-modifiable format (e.g., PDF). Failure to complete the pricing schedule as requested may result in disqualification of your proposal.

2. 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).

3. 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.

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

STATE OF MICHIGAN

ENTERPRISE PROCUREMENT

STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS (SHORT FORM)

Vendor is deemed to have accepted these terms upon the earliest of vendor’s: written acceptance of these terms; commencement of work; receipt of payment; or submission of a bid, proposal, or other offer in response to a solicitation.

1. General. Vendor’s failure to deliver or comply with any of these terms, may result in damages against the Vendor and the termination of the Contract.

2. Delivery, Title and Risk of Loss. Vendor must pay all costs associated with packaging, freight, and shipping, and must ship all deliverables F.O.B. destination, inside delivery, unless otherwise specified in the Contract. Title and risk of loss or damage to deliverables remains with Vendor until the deliverables have been received, inspected and accepted by the State in accordance with these terms. All containers and packaging becomes the State’s exclusive property upon final acceptance. Vendor shall ensure that all deliverables and services (“Deliverables”) are provided to the State by the date and time specified on the Contract. If Vendor fails to provide the Deliverables in accordance with the Contract, the State may reject the delivery and terminate the Contract without any termination charges or penalties, and Vendor must pay all associated costs, including, but not limited to, expedited routing costs, return shipping charges, the procurement of the Deliverables from another source, and any storage removal, or disposal expenses. The risk of loss of rejected or non-conforming Deliverables remains with Vendor. Rejected Deliverables not removed by Vendor within 10 calendar days will be deemed abandoned by Vendor, and the State will have the right to dispose of such Deliverables as its own property. Vendor is responsible for filing, processing, and collecting all damage claims.

3. Inspection. The State may inspect the work and activities of Vendor, and its subcontractors, at all reasonable times and places before, during and after delivery of the Deliverables. All Deliverables are subject to final inspection and acceptance by the State notwithstanding any prior payments or inspections. Final inspection will take place within 30 calendar days of the later of the delivery date, installation, or completion of services. If any Deliverables are non-conforming or defective, the State is entitled to, at its option and at Vendor’s expense: (a) a refund; (b) a credit; or (c) correction or replacement. If Vendor fails to correct defects or replace non-conforming Deliverables within 10 calendar days, the State may, in addition to its other remedies: (i) reject such Deliverables; (ii) accept such Deliverables at a discount; or (iii) make such corrections or replace such Deliverables and charge Vendor any resulting costs incurred by the State plus an additional 10% administrative fee.

4. Payment. Invoices must include an itemized statement of all charges. All undisputed amounts are payable within 45 calendar days of the later of the State’s: (a) receipt of an invoice; or (b) final acceptance of the Deliverables. The State is exempt from State sales tax for direct purchases and may be exempt from federal excise tax, if Deliverables purchased under the Contract are for the State’s exclusive use. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all fees are inclusive of taxes, and Vendor is responsible for all sales, use, and excise taxes, and any other similar taxes, duties, and charges of any kind imposed by federal, state or local government entities on any amounts payable by the State. The State may withhold payment in whole or in part for Deliverables the State determines are defective, untimely, or otherwise non-conforming to the Contract. All amounts due and payable by the State to Vendor shall be subject to deduction or set off by the State against any claim the State may have against Vendor whether arising out of the Contract or any other transactions with the State. The State will only disburse payments through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If Vendor does not register to receive payments at http://www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS, the State is not liable for failure to provide payment.

5. Warranties and Representations. Vendor represents and warrants: (a) all Deliverables furnished under the Contract will conform to all specifications and industry standards, and will be free from defects, including, where applicable and without limitation, defects in material, workmanship, and title; (b) Vendor is the owner or licensee of all Deliverables it licenses, sells, or develops and Vendor has the rights necessary to convey title, ownership rights, or licensed use; (c) all Deliverables are provided free from any security interest, lien, or encumbrance and will continue in that respect; (d) the Deliverables will not infringe the patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, or other proprietary rights of any third party; (e) Vendor must assign or otherwise transfer to the State or its designee any manufacturer's warranty for the Deliverables; (f) Vendor will not negate, exclude, limit, or modify in any warranty otherwise available to the State in any way; (g) the Deliverables are merchantable and fit for the State’s intended use ; (h) the Deliverables furnished will conform in all respects to samples, advertisements, and other forms of representation made to the State; (i) that Vendor is neither currently engaged in nor will engage in the boycott of a person based in or doing business with a strategic partner as described in 22 USC 8601 to 8606; (j) the Contract signatory has the authority to enter into the Contract; and (k) all information furnished and representations made in connection with the Contract is true, accurate, and complete, and contains no false statements or omits any fact that would make the information misleading. Vendor agrees to promptly replace or correct any Deliverables not conforming to the foregoing warranty, without expense to the State, when notified of such non-conformity by the State. A breach of this Section is a material breach of the Contract.

6. Termination for Cause. The State may terminate the Contract, in whole or in part, at any time for cause in the event Vendor fails to comply with any of these terms, including, without limitation, late delivery or performance, the delivery of defective or non-conforming Deliverables, or failure to provide the State with reasonable assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the State will not be liable to Vendor for any amount, and Vendor will be liable to the State for any and all damages, including but not limited to, administrative fees, court costs, attorney fees, and cover costs. Any ineffectual termination for cause is hereby deemed a termination for convenience, effective as of the same date and limited to those rights.

7. Termination for Convenience. The State may immediately terminate the Contract, in whole or in part, without penalty and for any reason, including but not limited to, appropriation or budget shortfalls. Upon termination for convenience, the State will only pay for those Deliverables, not including standard stock, then in progress and which cannot be returned under these terms.

8. Indemnification. Vendor must defend, indemnify and hold the State, all of its instrumentalities, and employees harmless, without limitation, from and against any and all actions, claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, attorney fees, and expenses (including those required to establish the right to indemnification), arising out of or relating to: (a) any breach by Vendor (or any of Vendor’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or by anyone else for whose acts any of them may be liable) of any of the promises, agreements, representations, warranties, or other requirements contained in the Contract; (b) any infringement, misappropriation, or other violation of any intellectual property right or other right of any third party; (c) any bodily injury, death, or damage to real or tangible personal property occurring wholly or in part due to action or inaction by Vendor (or any of Vendor’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or by anyone else for whose acts any of them may be liable); and (d) any acts or omissions of Vendor (or any of Vendor’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or by anyone else for whose acts any of them may be liable). Due to constitutional prohibitions, the State will not indemnify Vendor, or its employees or affiliates, for any reason whatsoever.

9. Confidentiality. Vendor agrees that any information, including State Data, disclosed by the State in relation to the Contract will be used only in the performance thereof. Vendor will keep the information confidential, will not disclose it to any third party, except as authorized by the State, and will only disclose it to those within its organization who need it for performance of the Contract. Upon completion or termination of the Contract, Vendor will return all such information to the State, or make such other disposition thereof as directed or approved by the State. No item furnished under the Contract, or tools, plans, designs, or specifications for producing the same, which have been specifically designed for or by the State, will be duplicated or used by Vendor. Nothing in this provision will restrict Vendor’s right to use or disclose any information which is or becomes known to the public without breach of this provision by Vendor, or is rightfully obtained without restriction from other sources.

10. Proprietary Rights. All materials, tools, plans, designs, specifications, equipment, and other property either furnished by the State to Vendor or paid for by the State, will remain the property of the State, but the Vendor assumes the risks of, and will be responsible for, any loss or damage, until returned in good order to the State. Such property must be safely stored and properly maintained by Vendor. Upon completion of this Contract, Vendor will return such property to the State or to any other entity as the State may direct, in the condition in which it was received, manufactured or procured by Vendor, except for reasonable wear and tear and except if such property has been incorporated into the Deliverables.

11. State Data. All data and information provided to Vendor by or on behalf of the State, and all data and information derived therefrom, is the exclusive property of the State (“State Data”) and may only be used as specifically required by the Contract; this definition is to be construed as broadly as possible. Upon request, Vendor must provide to the State, or its third party designee, all State Data within 10 calendar days of the request and in the format requested by the State. Vendor will assume all costs incurred in compiling and supplying State Data. No State Data may be used for any marketing purposes.

12. Intellectual Property. Unless otherwise stated in the Contract, Vendor: (a) agrees that any computer program, software, documentation, copyrightable work, discoveries, inventions or improvements developed by Vendor resulting from supplying the Deliverables are the property of the State; and (b) hereby assigns all rights therein to the State. Vendor further agrees to provide the State with any assistance which the State may require to obtain patents or copyright registrations.

13. Limitation of Liability. The State is not liable for consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages, regardless of the nature of the action. Under no circumstances will the State be liable for any amounts, in whatever form, in excess of the total aggregate value set forth in the Contract.

14. Records Maintenance, Inspection, Examination, and Audit. The State or its designee may audit Vendor to verify compliance with the Contract. Vendor must retain, and provide to the State or its designee and the auditor general upon request, all financial and accounting records related to the Contract through the term of the Contract and for 4 years after the latter of termination, expiration, or final payment under the Contract or any extension.

15. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under the 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.

16. Modifications. The Contract may not be amended except by signed agreement between the parties (a “Change Notice”).

17. Independent Contractor. Vendor is an independent contractor and assumes all rights, obligations and liabilities set forth in the Contract. Vendor, its employees, and agents are not considered employees of the State.

18. Subcontracting and Assignment. Vendor may not delegate or assign any of its obligations or rights under the Contract without the prior written approval of the State.

19. Compliance with Laws and Policies. Vendor must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Vendor must also comply with all applicable State physical and IT security policies and standards, which will be made available upon request

20. Nondiscrimination. Under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, 1976 PA 453, MCL 37.2101, et seq., and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, 1976 PA 220, MCL 37.1101, et seq., Vendor and its subcontractors agree not to discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, or a matter directly or indirectly related to employment, because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, or mental or physical disability. Breach of this covenant is a material breach of the Contract.

21. Unfair Labor Practice. Under MCL 423.324, the State may void any Contract with a Contractor, Vendor, or subcontractor who appears on the Unfair Labor Practice register compiled under MCL 423.322.

22. Governing Law. The Contract is governed, construed, and enforced in accordance with Michigan law, excluding choice-of-law principles, and all claims relating to or arising out of the Contract are governed by Michigan law, excluding choice-of-law principles. Any dispute arising from the PO must be resolved in Michigan Court of Claims. Vendor hereby waives any objections, such as lack of personal jurisdiction or forum non conveniens. Vendor must appoint agents in Michigan to receive service of process.

23. Non-Exclusivity. Nothing contained in the Contract is intended nor will be construed as creating any requirements contract with Vendor. The Contract does not restrict the State or its agencies from acquiring similar, equal, or like Deliverables from other sources.

24. Force Majeure. Neither party will be in breach of the Contract because of any failure arising from any disaster or acts of god that are beyond their control and without their fault or negligence. Each party will use commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance. Vendor will not be relieved of a breach or delay caused by its subcontractors. If immediate performance is necessary to ensure public health and safety, the State may immediately contract with a third party.

25. Media Releases. News releases (including promotional literature and commercial advertisements) pertaining to the Contract or project to which it relates must not be made without prior written State approval, and then only in accordance with the explicit written instructions of the State. Vendor will provide the State, for its review, copies of all presentations or articles being submitted for publication at least 30 calendar days in advance.

26. Website Incorporation. The State is not bound by any content on Vendor’s website unless expressly incorporated directly into the Contract.

27. Severability. If any part of the Contract, or these terms, is held invalid or unenforceable, by any court of competent jurisdiction, that part will be deemed deleted and the severed part will be replaced by agreed upon language that achieves the same or similar objectives. The remaining Contract terms will continue in full force and effect.

28. Waiver. Failure to enforce any provision of the Contract, or these terms, for any period of time will not constitute a waiver.

29. Survival. The provisions of these terms that impose continuing obligations, including warranties and representations, termination, indemnification, intellectual property, and confidentiality, will survive the expiration or termination of the Contract.

30. Entire Contract. The Contract and these terms constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. No terms on any invoice, quote, purchase order, website, browse-wrap, shrink-wrap, click-wrap or other non-negotiated terms and conditions provided with any of the Deliverables (including software and hardware) or documentation, whether by Vendor, Contractor, subcontractor, or any third-party, will constitute a part or amendment of the Contract or is binding on the State or any authorized user for any purpose.

Version 1 Revised Date: 7/28/2017 image1.jpeg image2.jpeg