State of Minnesota Contract

SWIFT Contract No.:

This Contract is between the State of Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of Administration, Office of State Procurement (“State”) and [Contractor] whose designated business address is [Contractor’s business address] (“Contractor”). State and Contractor may be referred to jointly as “Parties.”

Recitals

1. State issued a solicitation identified as SWIFT Event No. 2000018533 on August 10, 2026 for Prescribed Goat Grazing Services for Minnesota Department of Military Affairs (“Solicitation”);

2. Contractor provided a response to the Solicitation indicating its interest in and ability to provide the goods or services requested in the Solicitation; and

3. Subsequent to an evaluation in accordance with the terms of the Solicitation and negotiation, the Parties desire to enter into a contract.

Accordingly, the Parties agree as follows:

Contract

Term of Contract

Effective date. October 1, 2026, or the date the State obtains all required signatures under Minn. Stat.

§ 16C.05, subd. 2, whichever is later. The Contractor must not begin work under this Contract until this Contract is fully executed and the Contractor has been notified by the State’s Authorized Representative to begin the work.

Expiration date. May 31, 2029, or until all obligations have been satisfactorily fulfilled, whichever occurs first. The contract may be extended for up to an additional 28 months, in increments as determined by the State, through a duly executed amendment.

Contract Use. This Contract is not exclusive and shall not be construed as guarantying a minimum or maximum amount of usage.

Contractor’s Duties The Contractor shall perform all duties described in this Contract to the satisfaction of the State.

Representations and Warranties

Under Minn. Stat. §§ 15.061 and 16C.03, subd. 3, and other applicable law the State is empowered to engage such assistance as deemed necessary.

Contractor warrants that it is duly qualified and shall perform its obligations under this Contract in accordance with the commercially reasonable standards of care, skill, and diligence in Contractor’s industry, trade, or profession, and in accordance with the specifications set forth in this Contract, to the satisfaction of the State.

Contractor warrants that it possesses the legal authority to enter into this Contract and that it has taken all actions required by its procedures, by-laws, and applicable laws to exercise that authority, and to lawfully authorize its undersigned signatory to execute this Contract, or any part thereof, and to bind Contractor to its terms.

Time The Contractor must comply with all the time requirements described in this Contract. In the performance of this Contract, time is of the essence.

Compensation and Conditions of Payment

Compensation. The State will pay for performance by the Contractor under this Contract in accordance with the breakdown of costs as set forth in Exhibit D which is attached and incorporated into this Contract.

Conditions of Payment. All duties performed by the Contractor under this Contract must be performed to the State’s satisfaction and in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations including business registration requirements of the Office of the Secretary of State.

The Contractor will not receive payment for work found by the State to be unsatisfactory or performed in violation of federal, state, or local law.

Authorized Representative

The Customer Authorized Representative (CAR) is the staff person or agent from a State department, agency or facility, which requests goods or services to be provided by the Contractor per the terms and conditions of this Contract and whose successor or delegate, and has the responsibility to monitor and manage the Contractor’s performance and project. The primary CAR for this Contract is considered and referred to as the Project Manager.

The Designated Contact Person (DCP) is the staff person or agent from a State department, agency, or facility, who has authority to request and pay for services in accordance with the Contract. If the services are satisfactory, the Designated Contact Person (DCP) will certify acceptance on each invoice submitted for payment.

State’s Authorized Representative. The State's Authorized Representative is Brian Mulhern, Contract Manager, brian.mulhern@state.mn.us, 651.201.2449, Department of Administration, 50 Sherburne Avenue, Suite 112, Saint Paul, MN 55155, or his successor or delegate, and has the responsibility to monitor the Contractor’s performance.

mailto:brian.mulhern@state.mn.us

Contractor’s Authorized Representative. The Contractor's Authorized Representative is [name, title] at the following business address and telephone number: [insert business address and telephone number], or his/her successor. If the Contractor’s Authorized Representative changes at any time during this Contract, the Contractor must immediately notify the State.

Exhibits The following Exhibits are attached and incorporated into this Contract. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Contract and its Exhibits, or between Exhibits, the order of precedence is first the Contract, and then in the following order:

Exhibit A: Contract Terms Exhibit B: Insurance Requirements Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work Exhibit D: Pricing Exhibit E: Additional Attachments

1. State Encumbrance Verification Individual certifies that funds have been encumbered as required by Minn. Stat. §§ 16A.15 and 16C.05

3. State Agency With delegated authority

Print name: Print name:

Signature: Signature:

Title: Date: Title: Date:

SWIFT Contract No.:

2. Contractor The Contractor certifies that the appropriate person(s) have executed the Contract on behalf of the Contractor as required by applicable articles, bylaws, resolutions, or ordinances.

4. Commissioner of Administration As delegated to The Office of State Procurement

Print name: Print name:

Signature: Signature:

Title: Date: Title: Date:

Exhibit A: Contract Terms

Prompt Payment and Invoicing.

Prompt Payment. The State will pay the Contractor pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 16A.124, which requires payment within 30 days following receipt of an undisputed invoice, or merchandise or service, whichever is later.

Terms requesting payment in less than 30 days will be changed to read “Net 30 days.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the State may pay the Contractor in advance for purchases as allowed pursuant to Minn. Stat. §16A.065.

The payment for each order will only be made for goods received or services actually performed that have been accepted by the ordering entity, and meet all terms, conditions, and specifications of the Contract and the ordering document.

Invoicing. The invoice must be in the same format as the sample invoice form approved as Exhibit D, Supplement 1 with the Contract, unless an alternative format is approved in writing by the State Authorized Representative, or delegate. See Exhibit D, Supplement 1 for a list of minimum invoice requirements.

Assignment, Amendments, Waiver, and Contract Complete.

Assignment. The Contractor may neither assign nor transfer any rights or obligations under this Contract without the prior consent of the State and a fully executed assignment agreement, executed and approved by the authorized parties or their successors.

Amendments. Any amendment to this Contract must be in writing and will not be effective until it has been executed and approved by the authorized parties or their successors.

Waiver. If the State fails to enforce any provision of this Contract, that failure does not waive the provision or its right to enforce it.

Contract Complete. This Contract contains all negotiations and agreements between the State and the Contractor. No other understanding regarding this Contract, whether written or oral, may be used to bind either party.

Termination.

Termination for Convenience. The State or Commissioner of Administration may cancel this Contract at any time, with or without cause, upon 30 days’ written notice to the Contractor. Upon termination for convenience, the Contractor will be entitled to payment, determined on a pro rata basis, for services or goods satisfactorily performed or delivered.

Termination for Breach. If the Contractor fails to perform according to the contract terms and conditions, the State is authorized to immediately cancel the Contract or purchase order, or any portion of it, and may obtain replacement goods or services and charge the difference of costs to the defaulting Contractor. In the event of default, the State reserves the right to pursue any other remedy available by law. A Contractor may be removed from the vendors list, suspended or debarred from receiving a Contract for failure to comply with terms and conditions of the Contract, or for failure to pay the State for the cost incurred on the defaulted Contract.

Termination for Insufficient Funding. The State may immediately terminate this Contract if it does not obtain funding from the Minnesota Legislature, or other funding source; or if funding cannot be continued at a level sufficient to allow for the payment of the services addressed within this Contract. Termination must be by written notice to the Contractor. The State is not obligated to pay for any services that are provided after notice and effective date of termination. However, the Contractor will be entitled to payment, determined on a pro rata basis, for services satisfactorily performed to the extent that dedicated funds are available. The State will not be assessed any penalty if the Contract is terminated because of the decision of the Minnesota Legislature, or other funding source, not to appropriate funds. The State must provide the Contractor notice of the lack of funding. This notice will be provided within a reasonable time of the State’s receiving notice.

Force Majeure.

Neither party shall be responsible to the other or considered in default of its obligations within this Contract to the extent that performance of any such obligations is prevented or delayed by acts of God, war, riot, disruption of government, or other catastrophes beyond the reasonable control of the party unless the act or occurrence could have been reasonably foreseen and reasonable action could have been taken to prevent the delay or failure to perform. A party relying on this provision to excuse performance must provide the other party prompt written notice of the inability to perform and take all necessary steps to bring about performance as soon as practicable.

Indemnification.

In the performance of this Contract, the Indemnifying Party must indemnify, save, and hold harmless the State, its agents, and employees, from any claims or causes of action, including attorney’s fees incurred by the State, to the extent caused by Indemnifying Party’s:

• Intentional, willful, or negligent acts or omissions; or

• Actions that give rise to strict liability; or

• Breach of contract or warranty.

The Indemnifying Party is defined to include the Contractor, Contractor’s reseller, any third party that has a business relationship with the Contractor, or Contractor’s agents or employees, and to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The indemnification obligations of this section do not apply in the event the claim or cause of action is the result of the State’s sole negligence. This clause will not be construed to bar any legal remedies the Indemnifying Party may have for the State’s failure to fulfill its obligation under this Contract.

Nothing within this Contract, whether express or implied, shall be deemed to create an obligation on the part of the State to indemnify, defend, hold harmless or release the Indemnifying Party. This shall extend to all agreements related to the subject matter of this Contract, and to all terms subsequently added, without regard to order of precedence.

Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue.

Minnesota law, without regard to its choice-of-law provisions, governs this Contract. Venue for all legal proceedings out of this Contract, or its breach, must be in the appropriate state or federal court with competent jurisdiction in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Contract Use by State Agencies.

To the extent applicable, the Contract does not prohibit state agencies from using their delegated purchasing authority to procure similar goods and services from other sources.

Risk of Loss.

The State is relieved of all risks of loss or damage to the goods and equipment during periods of transportation, installation by the Contractor, or while in the possession of the Contractor or its agent.

Purchase Orders.

The parties agree that there is no minimum order requirements or charges to process an individual purchase order unless otherwise stated in the Contract. The Purchase Order number must appear on all documents (e.g., invoices, packing slips, etc.).

Subcontracting and Subcontract Payment.

Subcontracting Allowed. A subcontractor is a person or company that has been awarded a portion of the Contract by Contractor. Only subcontractors that have been approved by the State’s Authorized Representative can be used for this Contract.

After the effective date of the Contract, the Contractor shall not, without prior written approval of the State’s Authorized Representative, subcontract for the performance of any of the Contractor’s obligations that were not already approved for subcontracting when the Contract was awarded. During this Contract, if an approved subcontractor is determined to be performing unsatisfactorily by the State’s Authorized Representative, the Contractor will receive written notification that the subcontractor can no longer be used for this Contract.

The provisions of the Contract shall apply with equal force and effect to all approved subcontractors engaged by the Contractor. Notwithstanding approval by the State, no subcontract shall serve to terminate or in any way affect the primary legal responsibility of the Contractor for timely and satisfactory performances of the obligations contemplated by the Contract.

Subcontractor Payment. Contractor must pay any subcontractor in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 16A.1245.

Data Disclosure.

Under Minn. Stat. § 270C.65, subd. 3 and other applicable law, the Contractor consents to disclosure of its social security number, federal employer tax identification number, and Minnesota tax identification number, already provided to the State, to federal and state agencies, and state personnel involved in the payment of state obligations. These identification numbers may be used in the enforcement of federal and state laws which could result in action requiring the Contractor to file state tax returns, pay delinquent state tax liabilities, if any, or pay other state liabilities.

Government Data Practices.

The Contractor and State must comply with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, (or, if the State contracting party is part of the Judicial Branch, with the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch promulgated by the Minnesota Supreme Court as the same may be amended from time to time) as it applies to all data provided by the State under this Contract, and as it applies to all data created, collected, received, stored, used, maintained, or disseminated by the Contractor under this Contract. The civil remedies of Minn. Stat. § 13.08 apply to the release of the data governed by the Minnesota Government Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, by either the Contractor or the State.

If the Contractor receives a request to release the data referred to in this clause, the Contractor must immediately notify and consult with the State’s Authorized Representative as to how the Contractor should respond to the request. The Contractor’s response to the request shall comply with applicable law.

Intellectual Property Rights.

Definitions. For the purpose of this Section, the following words and phrases have the assigned definitions:

“Documents” are the originals of any databases, computer programs, reports, notes, studies, photographs, negatives, designs, drawings, specifications, materials, tapes, disks, or other materials, whether in tangible or electronic forms, prepared by the Contractor, its employees, agents, or subcontractors, in the performance of this Contract.

“Pre-Existing Intellectual Property” means intellectual property developed prior to or outside the scope of this Contract, and any derivatives of that intellectual property.

“Works” means all inventions, improvements, discoveries (whether or not patentable), databases, computer programs, reports, notes, studies, photographs, negatives, designs, drawings, specifications, materials, tapes, and disks conceived, reduced to practice, created or originated by the Contractor, its employees, agents, and subcontractors, either individually or jointly with others in the performance of this Contract. “Works” includes Documents.

Ownership. The State owns all rights, title, and interest in all of the intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and service marks in the Works and Documents created and paid for under this Contract. The Documents shall be the exclusive property of the State and all such Documents must be immediately returned to the State by the Contractor upon completion or cancellation of this Contract. To the extent possible, those Works eligible for copyright protection under the United States Copyright Act will be deemed to be “works made for hire.” The Contractor assigns all right, title, and interest it may have in the Works and the Documents to the State. The Contractor must, at the request of the State, execute all papers and perform all other acts necessary to transfer or record the State’s ownership interest in the Works and Documents.

Pre-existing Intellectual Property. Each Party shall retain ownership of its respective Pre-Existing Intellectual Property. The Contractor grants the State a perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty free license for Contractor’s Pre-Existing Intellectual Property that are incorporated in the products, materials, equipment, deliverables, or services that are purchased through the Contract.

Obligations.

Notification. Whenever any invention, improvement, or discovery (whether or not patentable) is made or conceived for the first time or actually or constructively reduced to practice by the Contractor, including its employees and subcontractors, in the performance of this Contract, the Contractor will immediately give the State’s Authorized Representative written notice thereof, and must promptly furnish the State’s Authorized Representative with complete information and/or disclosure thereon.

Representation. The Contractor must perform all acts, and take all steps necessary to ensure that all intellectual property rights in the Works and Documents are the sole property of the State, and that neither Contractor nor its employees, agents, or subcontractors retain any interest in and to the Works and Documents. The Contractor represents and warrants that the Works and Documents do not and will not infringe upon any intellectual property rights of other persons or entities.

Indemnification. Notwithstanding any other indemnification obligations addressed within this Contract, the Contractor will indemnify; defend, to the extent permitted by the Attorney General; and hold harmless the State, at the Contractor’s expense, from any action or claim brought against the State to the extent that it is based on a claim that all or part of the Works or Documents infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. The Contractor will be responsible for payment of any and all such claims, demands, obligations, liabilities, costs, and damages, including but not limited to, attorney fees. If such a claim or action arises, or in the Contractor’s or the State’s opinion is likely to arise, the Contractor must, at the State’s discretion, either procure for the State the right or license to use the intellectual property rights at issue or replace or modify the allegedly infringing works or documents as necessary and appropriate to obviate the infringement claim. This remedy of the State will be in addition to and not exclusive of other remedies provided by law.

Copyright.

The Contractor shall save and hold harmless the State of Minnesota, its officers, agents, servants and employees, from liability of any kind or nature, arising from the use of any copyrighted or noncopyrighted compositions, secret process, patented or nonpatented invention, article or appliance furnished or used in the performance of the Contract.

Assignment of Antitrust Rights.

Upon the request of the State of Minnesota, Contractor will irrevocably assign to State any state or federal antitrust claim or cause of action that the Contractor now has or which may accrue to the Contractor in the future, in connection with any goods, services, or combination provided by Contractor under the terms of this Contract.

Survivability of Orders.

In the event the term of any order or Professional/Technical Services work order (“Order”) placed under this Contract extends past the termination or expiration of this Contract, the terms and conditions of this Contract shall remain in full force and effect as it applies to such order and will continue in effect for such order until the term of that order expires or the order is cancelled or terminated in accordance with the terms of this Contract.

Contractor’s Documents.

Any licensing and maintenance agreement, or any order-specific agreement or document, including any pre-installation, linked or “click through” agreement that is allowed by, referenced within or incorporated within the Contract whenever the Contract is used for a State procurement, whether directly by the Contractor or through a Contractor’s agent, subcontractor or reseller, is agreed to only to the extent the terms within any such agreement or document do not conflict with the Contract or applicable Minnesota or Federal law, and only to the extent that the terms do not modify, diminish or derogate the terms of the Contract or create an additional financial obligation to the State. Any such agreement or document must not be construed to deprive the State of its sovereign immunity, or of any legal requirements, prohibitions, protections, exclusions or limitations of liability applicable to this Contract or afforded to the State by Minnesota law. A State employee’s decision to choose “accept” or an equivalent option associated with a “click-through” agreement does not constitute the State’s concurrence or acceptance of terms, if such terms are in conflict with this section.

State Audits.

Under Minn. Stat. § 16C.05, subd. 5, the Contractor’s books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices relevant to this Contract are subject to examination by the State, the State Auditor, or Legislative Auditor, as appropriate, for a minimum of six years from the expiration or termination of this Contract.

Publicity and Endorsement.

Publicity. Any publicity regarding the subject matter of this Contract must identify the State as the sponsoring agency and must not be released without prior written approval from the State’s Authorized Representative. For purposes of this provision, publicity includes notices, informational pamphlets, press releases, information posted on corporate or other websites, research, reports, signs, and similar public notices prepared by or for the Contractor individually or jointly with others, or any subcontractors, with respect to the program, publications, or services provided resulting from this Contract.

Endorsement. The Contractor must not claim that the State endorses its products or services.

Debarment by State, its Departments, Commissions, Agencies, or Political Subdivisions.

Contractor certifies that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred or suspended by the Federal government, the State, or any of the State’s departments, commissions, agencies, or political subdivisions. Contractor’s certification is a material representation upon which the Contract award was based. Contractor shall provide immediate written notice to the State’s Authorized Representative if at any time it learns that this certification was erroneous when submitted or becomes erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

Contingency Fees Prohibited.

Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 10A.06, no person may act as or employ a lobbyist for compensation that is dependent upon the result or outcome of any legislation or administrative action.

Certification of Nondiscrimination (in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 16C.053).

If the value of this Contract, including all extensions, is $50,000 or more, Contractor certifies it does not engage in and has no present plans to engage in discrimination against Israel, or against persons or entities doing business in Israel, when making decisions related to the operation of the vendor's business. For purposes of this section, "discrimination" includes but is not limited to engaging in refusals to deal, terminating business activities, or other actions that are intended to limit commercial relations with Israel, or persons or entities doing business in Israel, when such actions are taken in a manner that in any way discriminates on the basis of nationality or national origin and is not based on a valid business reason.

Non-discrimination (in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 181.59).

The Contractor will comply with the provisions of Minn. Stat. § 181.59.

E-Verify Certification (in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 16C.075).

For services valued in excess of $50,000, Contractor certifies that as of the date of services performed on behalf of the State, Contractor and all its subcontractors will have implemented or be in the process of implementing the federal E- Verify Program for all newly hired employees in the United States who will perform work on behalf of the State.

Contractor is responsible for collecting all subcontractor certifications and may do so utilizing the E-Verify Subcontractor Certification Form available at E-Verify Subcontractor Certification Form. All subcontractor certifications must be kept on file with Contractor and made available to the State upon request.

Affirmative Action Requirements The State intends to carry out its responsibility for requiring affirmative action by its contractors.

Covered Contracts and Contractors. If the Contract exceeds $100,000 and the Contractor employed more than 40 full-time employees on a single working day during the previous 12 months in Minnesota or in the state where it has its principal place of business, then the Contractor must comply with the requirements of Minn. Stat. § 363A.36 and Minn. R. 5000.3400-5000.3600.

General. Minn. R. 5000.3400-5000.3600 implements Minn. Stat. § 363A.36. These rules include, but are not limited to, criteria for contents, approval, and implementation of affirmative action plans; procedures for issuing certificates of compliance and criteria for determining a contractor’s compliance status; procedures for addressing deficiencies, sanctions, and notice and hearing; annual compliance reports; procedures for compliance review; and contract consequences for non-compliance. The specific criteria for approval or rejection of an affirmative action plan are contained in various provisions of Minn. R. 5000.3400-5000.3600 including, but not limited to, Minn. R.

5000.3420-5000.3500 and 5000.3552-5000.3559.

Disabled Workers. The Contractor must comply with the following affirmative action requirements for disabled workers.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR DISABLED WORKERS

The Contractor must not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of physical or mental disability in regard to any position for which the employee or applicant for employment is qualified. The Contractor agrees to take affirmative action to employ, advance in employment, and otherwise treat qualified disabled persons without discrimination based upon their physical or mental disability in all employment practices such as the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment, advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training, including apprenticeship.

https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fosp.admin.mn.gov%2Fsites%2Fosp%2Ffiles%2Fpdf%2Feverifysubcertform.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

The Contractor agrees to comply with the rules and relevant orders of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights issued pursuant to the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

In the event of the Contractor's noncompliance with the requirements of this clause, actions for noncompliance may be taken in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 363A.36, and the rules and relevant orders of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights issued pursuant to the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

The Contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices in a form to be prescribed by the Commissioner. Such notices must state the Contractor's obligation under the law to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified disabled employees and applicants for employment, and the rights of applicants and employees.

The Contractor must notify each labor union or representative of workers with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract understanding, that the Contractor is bound by the terms of Minn. Stat. § 363A.36, of the Minnesota Human Rights Act and is committed to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment physically and mentally disabled persons.

Consequences. The consequences for the Contractor’s failure to implement its affirmative action plan or make a good faith effort to do so include, but are not limited to, suspension or revocation of a certificate of compliance by the Commissioner, refusal by the Commissioner to approve subsequent plans, and termination of all or part of this Contract by the Commissioner or the State.

Certification. The Contractor hereby certifies that it is in compliance with the requirements of Minn. Stat.

§ 363A.36 and Minn. R. 5000.3400-5000.3600 and is aware of the consequences for noncompliance.

Equal Pay Certification.

If required by Minn. Stat. §363A.44, the Contractor must have a current Equal Pay Certificate prior to Contract execution. If Contractor's Equal Pay Certificate expires during the term of this Contract, Contractor must promptly re-apply for an Equal Pay Certificate with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and notify the State's Authorized Representative once the Contractor has received the renewed Equal Pay Certificate. If Contractor claims to be exempt, the State may require Contractor to verify its exempt status.

Hazardous Substances.

To the extent that the goods to be supplied to the State by the Contractor contain or may create hazardous substances, harmful physical agents, or infectious agents, as set forth in applicable State and federal laws and regulations, the Contractor must provide the State with Material Safety Data Sheets regarding those substances. A copy must be provided upon request. Goods and containers supplied to the State must be labeled in compliance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

These terms apply to goods supplied under this contract:

Products Containing Triclosan Banned. The Contractor must comply with Minn. Stat. § 145.945.

Products Containing Certain Types of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Banned. The Contractor must comply with Minn. Stat. § 325E.385-325E.388).

Coal Tar Sealant Use and Sale Prohibited. The Contractor must comply with Minn. Stat. § 116.202.

Products Containing Mercury. The Contractor must comply with Minn. Stat. 116.92.

Survival of Terms.

The following clauses survive the expiration or cancellation of this Contract: Indemnification; State Audits; Government Data Practices; Intellectual Property; Publicity and Endorsement; Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue; and Data Disclosure. Any other Contract term that expressly states or by its nature shall survive, shall survive.

Exhibit B: Insurance Requirements

Notice to Contractor.

The Contractor is required to submit Certificates of Insurance acceptable to the State as evidence of insurance coverage requirements prior to commencing work under this Contract.

The Contractor shall not commence work under the contract until they have obtained all the insurance described below and the State has approved such insurance. Contractor shall maintain such insurance in force and effect throughout the term of this Contract, unless otherwise specified in this Contract

The failure of the Contractor to provide a Certificate of Insurance, for the policies required under this Contract or renewals thereof, or failure of the insurance company to notify the State of the cancellation of policies required under this Contract shall not constitute a waiver by the State to the Contractor to provide such insurance.

The State reserves the right to immediately terminate this Contract if the Contractor is not in compliance with the insurance requirements and retains all rights to pursue any legal remedies against the Contractor. All insurance policies must be open to inspection by the State, and copies of policies must be submitted to the State’s Authorized Representative upon written request.

If the Contractor uses another entity, including but not limited to a dealer, reseller, or distributor (collectively referred to as “Contractor’s reseller”) to provide goods or services under this contract, the following terms apply:

Because the Contractor’s reseller(s) are independently owned and operated, and maintain their own insurance, the Contractor’s reseller's insurance coverage must be evidenced by its own Certificate of Insurance. The Contractor’s reseller’s Certificate of Insurance must meet all the insurance requirements and limits set forth in the Contract.

The Contractor shall collect, review, approve, and maintain the applicable Certificates of Insurance, including but not limited to General Liability, Auto Liability, Umbrella, Workers’ Compensation, and Garagekeepers or Property of Others, for all Contractor’s resellers that will be providing goods or services under this contract. The Contractor acknowledges compliance with this provision. The Contractor must provide copies of the dealers’ insurance documentation to the State upon request.

If a claim is made against a Contractor’s reseller, and the Contractor’s reseller’s insurance coverage did or does not cover the claim, the Contractor is responsible for the claim because the contract is with the Contractor. The Contractor must pay any uninsured claims out-of-pocket. The State may enforce the indemnity clause in the contract.

Notice to Insurer.

The Contractor’s insurance company(ies) waives its right to assert the immunity of the State as a defense to any claims made under said insurance.

Insurance certificate holder should be addressed as follows: [For PT and Agency RFB contracts - Add agency contract holder’s address. Do not use Department of Administration address detailed below.]

State of Minnesota 50 Sherburne Avenue, Room 112 St. Paul, MN 55155

Additional Insurance Conditions. The following apply to the Contractor, or the Contractor’s subcontractor:

Contractor’s policy(ies) shall be primary insurance to any other valid and collectible insurance available to the State with respect to any claim arising out of Contractor’s performance under this Contract.

If Contractor receives a cancellation notice from an insurance carrier affording coverage herein, Contractor agrees to notify the State within five (5) business days with a copy of the cancellation notice, unless Contractor’s policy(ies) contain a provision that coverage afforded under the policy(ies) will not be cancelled without at least thirty (30) days advance written notice to the State;

Contractor is responsible for payment of Contract related insurance premiums and deductibles;

If Contractor is self-insured, a Certificate of Self-Insurance must be attached;

Contractor’s policy(ies) shall include legal defense fees in addition to its policy limits with the exception of professional liability.

Contractor’s insurance companies must either (1) have an AM Best rating of A- (minus) and a Financial Size Category of VII or better, and be authorized to do business in the State of Minnesota or (2) be domiciled in the State of Minnesota and have a Certificate of Authority/Compliance from the Minnesota Department of Commerce if they are not rated by AM Best.

An Umbrella or Excess Liability insurance policy may be used to supplement the Contractor’s policy limits to satisfy the full policy limits required by the Contract.

Coverages. Contractor is required to maintain and furnish satisfactory evidence of the following insurance policies:

Commercial General Liability Insurance. Contractor is required to maintain insurance protecting it from claims for damages for bodily injury, including sickness or disease, death, and for care and loss of services as well as from claims for property damage, including loss of use which may arise from operations under the Contract whether the operations are by the Contractor or by a subcontractor or by anyone directly or indirectly employed by the Contractor under the contract. Insurance minimum limits are as follows:

$2,000,000 – per occurrence $2,000,000 – annual aggregate $2,000,000 – annual aggregate – applying to Products/Completed Operations

The following coverages shall be included:

• Premises and Operations Bodily Injury and Property Damage

• Personal and Advertising Injury

• Blanket Contractual Liability

• Products and Completed Operations Liability

• State of Minnesota named as an Additional Insured, to the extent permitted by law

Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance. Contractor is required to maintain insurance protecting it from claims for damages for bodily injury as well as from claims for property damage resulting from the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of all owned, hired, and non-owned autos which may arise from operations under this contract, and in case any work is subcontracted the contractor will require the subcontractor to maintain Commercial Automobile Liability insurance. Insurance minimum limits are as follows:

$2,000,000 – per occurrence Combined Single limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage

In addition, the following coverages should be included: Owned, Hired, and Non-owned Automobile.

Evidence of Subcontractor insurance shall be filed with the Contractor.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Statutory Compensation Coverage. Except as provided below, Contractor must provide Workers’ Compensation insurance for all its employees and, in case any work is subcontracted, Contractor will require the subcontractor to provide Workers’ Compensation insurance in accordance with the statutory requirements of the State, including Coverage B, Employer’s Liability. Insurance minimum limits are as follows:

$100,000 – Bodily Injury by Disease per employee $500,000 – Bodily Injury by Disease aggregate $100,000 – Bodily Injury by Accident

If Minn. Stat. § 176.041 exempts Contractor from Workers’ Compensation insurance or if the Contractor has no employees in the State, Contractor must provide a written statement, signed by an authorized representative, indicating the qualifying exemption that excludes Contractor from the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation requirements.

If during the course of the contract the Contractor becomes eligible for Workers’ Compensation, the Contractor must comply with the Workers’ Compensation Insurance requirements herein and provide the State with a certificate of insurance.

Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work

1. Scope of Work. The Contractor will provide prescribed rotational goat grazing services for the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs at the Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS). The native plant restoration services must treat invasive vegetation and aid restoration of a functional oak savannah habitat within AHATS.

1.1. The service project covers goat grazing on approximately 40 acres of oak woodlands with buckthorn regeneration in the understory. The restoration objective of this project is to reduce the presence of invasive woody vegetation overtaking native upland forest. The primary target vegetation for removal is buckthorn;

however removal of nontarget species is acceptable given long term management objectives of the site.

1.2. The project entails grazing 5 separate areas of upland forest. The five buckthorn sites, totaling 40 acres, to be treated within AHATS, will each be grazed twice per year for 3 years. The 5 project locations are separated by less than 1.5 miles.

1.3. Area #1 (TA 6) is estimated to be 6 acres, Area #2 (TA 3 South) is estimated to be 3 acres, and Area #3 (TA 4 south) is estimated to be 2 acres, Area #4 (TA 3 north) is estimated to be 14 acres, Area #5 (TA 4 north) is estimated to be 8 acres for an estimated project area of 33 acres. The sites can be accessed from roads with a vehicle via range roads on the installation.

1.4. After the first treated site is allowed to re sprout and put up new growth, a second grazing treatment will be applied. This will happen on each site for three years, totaling six treatments per site.

1.5. The size of paddock will be determined by the contractor. Paddocks may not block roads, trails, or infrastructure access. The paddocks design is at the discretion of the Contractor with written approval of the Project Manager.

1.6. The Contractor must monitor grazing activities for erosion and, if necessary, create exclusion paddocks and/or adjust the grazing plan to mitigate any negative effects.

1.7. Minimum and maximum herd size must be appropriate to achieve control of the target species. The Project Manager must approve the herd size in writing.

1.8. The Contractor must have a minimum of one (1) year experience providing prescribed grazing services. The Contractor may meet this minimum requirement with active employees who meet the minimum experience required.

1.9. The Contractor must not utilize drones or unmanned aerial systems at AHATS or in the course of providing the project services.

2. Service Project Location.

2.1. AHATS is a small local training site utilized by the Minnesota National Guard at the following address: State Highway 96 & Hamline Ave N., Arden Hills, MN 55112.

2.2. The site has controlled gated access through the Hamline Ave N gate. Access must be coordinated with Project Manager.

2.3. Refer to Exhibit E, Section 1. AHATS Map for a detailed map of the service project location. The map includes an overview or locator map of the general project area as well as a grazing site map, which has a description of the sites including acreage.

3. Service Project Tasks and Specifications.

3.1. Mobilize Goats and Livestock Supplies to Project Location.

3.1.1. Restoration will be conducted using prescribed grazing with Boer, Boer-cross, Spanish, Savanna, or similar meat goat breeds approved in writing by the Project Manager. No long-haired or miniature goat breeds can be used.

3.1.2. Goat herds must be comprised of mixed-aged goats; a herd cannot be comprised of all young of the year goats. The goat herd may not contain new goats that have not been fenced trained.

3.1.3. Contractor must provide the Project Manager with their grazing plan and number of goats per paddock and receive written approval.

3.1.4. No guard dogs are allowed on project sites.

3.1.5. Per the State’s grazing best management practices, no chemical deworming of goats can be conducted on any of the project sites. In addition, all chemical de-worming must be completed at least two weeks prior to mobilization of goats to project location to minimize possible effects of the medication on non-target organisms.

3.1.6. Contractor must be able to transport goats to locations and provide water and mineral to goats throughout grazing season.

3.1.7. Goats may not be mobilized to the site prior to the 1st of May. However, paddocks may be set up prior to May 1st with the Project Manager’s written approval.

3.2. Set up Paddocks with Electric Fencing, Water, and Mineral.

3.2.1. The Contractor must not deviate from the area locations and sizes detailed in the Contract without written approval by the Project Manager.

3.2.2. The Project Manager reserves the right to specify paddock sizes if they decide the paddock sizes used by the Contractor are not adequate for meeting desired restoration goals. The Project Manager may request an exclusion paddock, to keep goats away from sensitive areas. The exclusion fences do not require electrification.

3.2.3. The Contractor is required for full set-up and maintenance of portable, electric fencing. This will also require batteries or solar capabilities to electrify the fence as no electricity is available at any of the project locations. The Contractor must plan for cloudy days that could impact the strength of the solar-powered fencing. Paddock fencing must include warning signs every 200 feet. To set up the fencing, the Contractor may be required to cut trees and brush on all or portions of each site. No desirable trees (oak, cherry, elm, or other native species) greater than 4 inches DBH may be cut without prior written Project Manager approval. Fencing set up design should minimize tree removal. No permanent or hard fences may be established on any of the project areas. Fencing must be removed at the end of the grazing season; however, it may be left up during the season for rotating goats through sites. The Project Manager may approve exemptions in writing, upon request. If no written exemptions are approved, all equipment associated with prescribed goat grazing (water tanks, mineral feeders, grounding rods, rolled fencing, etc.) must be removed from the project area at the end of the grazing season and before the start of the Deer Firearm Season (this date shall be as stated in the current MNDNR Hunting Regulations).

3.2.4. The Contractor must check the paddock fence a minimum of twice weekly during the first two weeks of to make sure goats are adjusting to fencing and local wildlife or fallen branches have not knocked it down. Once local wildlife have learned the fence is present (noticeable reduction in number of times fence is down), the paddock should be checked weekly, and always after a storm with winds strong enough to bring down tree branches.

3.2.5. There is potential access to potable water for the goats on site. However, the Contractor must have a watering plan coordinated and approved in writing by the Project Manager prior to starting grazing services. The Contractor is required to provide and maintain adequate water on site, along with mineral.

Due to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) baiting concerns, mineral must be kept in tubs so that the mineral and all residue will be fully removed after the grazing events so as to not attract white-tailed deer or other wildlife.

3.2.6. Water and mineral must be available to the goats within 24 hours of moving the first goat onto the site.

3.3. Manage Goats at the Project Location in a Rotational Grazing System to Achieve Conservation Objectives.

3.3.1. The prescribed grazing will be applied using a rotational grazing system. The primary target vegetation for removal is buckthorn. Other tree and brush species are present on all sites, and it is understood that these other species will be impacted by prescribed grazing even though they are not the target species.

3.3.2. For all project locations, the Contractor must provide a minimum of two grazing events per site in one grazing season. A grazing event is described as one full pass through each area, where goats eat (defoliate and/or girdle) at least 90% of the accessible target woody vegetation.

3.3.3. The Contractor must provide the grazing and paddock rotation plan to the Project Manager. The Project Manager will determine the grazing rotation priority, incorporating re-grazing of sites into the rotation.

The second grazing event for a paddock within a grazing season should occur a minimum of three weeks after goats have been removed from it. This time interval should allow for adequate re-sprouting of vegetation, to provide sufficient food for goats as well as allow for desired impacts to the target vegetation. The time interval between grazing events may be altered by the Contractor with written approval from the Project Manager. No grazing will occur during the winter months or after the start of the Deer Firearm Season (this date shall be as stated in the current MNDNR Hunting Regulations) unless a written exemption is approved by the Project Manager.

3.4. Adaptive Management Data Entry to Assist in the Evaluation of Restoration Activities.

3.4.1. The Contractor must keep detailed records of specific data related to the rotational grazing system to help with evaluation of the use of goat grazing as an invasive vegetation management tool. Contractor will be required to complete a monthly spreadsheet, template provided by the Project Manager upon request, which will include that month’s activity, such as: date last treated with de-wormer, mobilization date, goat/paddock check dates, moving goats between paddocks, number of grazing days, number of goats on site, number of deceased goats. Data must be provided to the Project Manager monthly by email with submission of invoice, so the Project Manager can stay current on the grazing activity at each project location.

3.4.2. The Contractor’s invoice will not be processed for payment until the monthly spreadsheet is received.

The Project Manager will be responsible for compiling the data into a final report.

3.5. Remove Goats and Livestock Supplies from Project Location.

3.5.1. All equipment associated with prescribed…