Sample Contract~23.docx

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

SAMPLE GOODS and SERVICES CONTRACT Contract Number: (OregonBuys Number: ) Contract Title: K21680 Traffic Signal Mast Arm Supports US101 at East Bay Road

1. CONTRACT PARTIES and OVERVIEW This Contract is between the State of Oregon, acting by and through its Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) and , hereafter called “Contractor.” ODOT and Contractor together are also referred to as “Parties” and individually referred to as “Party.” The primary contacts for this Contract are identified in the table below. Each Party may change their respective Contract Administrator designee by promptly sending written notice via email to the other Party with a copy to ODOT’s Procurement Specialist for this Contract.

Project/Delivery Location:

Region 3 Bridge Crew 1155 S 5th St Coos Bay, OR 97420 Associated Invitation to Bid Number:

S-73000-00005263

ODOT’s Contract Administrator:

Don Duey 307 Highway 42 Coquille, OR 97423 541-290-9547 Don.Duey@odot.oregon.gov

Procurement Specialist:

Terri Sinclair-Olson 3500 NW Stewart Parkway Roseburg, OR 97470 541-530-9480 terri.sinclair-olson@odot.oregon.gov

Contractor’s Contract Administrator:

Name, address & phone

Alternate Contact: Name, address & phone

2. DEFINITIONS

The following terms have the meaning provided in OAR 125-246-0110: “Business Day”, “Contract”, “Contractor”, “Goods”, “OAR”, “ORS”, “Public Works”, “Specification”, “State”.

Total Price

Delivery Date: All materials must be delivered to 1155 S 5th St, Coos Bay, OR 97420 by May 5, 2023.

5. SPECIFICATIONS

The apparent silence of the Specifications (including any supplemental Specifications) as to any detail, or the apparent omission of a detailed description concerning any point, shall be regarded as meaning that Contractor shall meet the highest standards prevalent in the industry or business most closely involved in providing the Goods to be provided under the Contract.

SECTION 00962 - METAL ILLUMINATION AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL SUPPORTS

Comply with Section 00962 of the Standard Specifications modified as follows:

00962.05(a) Traffic Signal Mast Arm Supports - Add the following to the end of this subsection:

The following standard signal mast arm pole shop drawings are prequalified for use on the Project:

00962.05(c) Illumination Supports - Replace this subsection, except for the subsection number and title, with the following:

Design non-standard luminaire slip base, fixed base, and high mast poles and foundations according to the AASHTO LRFD Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals (2015). Design factors include:

The following standard luminaire support shop drawings are prequalified for use on the Project:

SECTION 02560 ‑ FASTENERS

Comply with Section 02560 of the Standard Specifications modified as follows:

02560.30(b) High Strength Tie Rods, Anchor Bolts and Anchor Rods - Add the following paragraph to the end of this subsection:

End stamp all ASTM F1554, Grade 105 according to ASTM F1554 Supplementary Requirements S2 and S3. If the end of the bolt is to be embedded in concrete, the projecting end from the concrete shall be the marked end.

6.2 Delivery Terms. All Goods shall be provided F.O.B. destination with all transportation and handling charges paid by Contractor, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by ODOT. Responsibility and liability for loss or damage shall remain with Contractor until final inspection and acceptance.

6.3 INSPECTIONS. Goods furnished under this Contract shall be subject to inspection and test by ODOT at times and places determined by ODOT. ODOT may request to have a pre-delivery inspection at Contractor's location to ensure specification compliance PRIOR TO DELIVERY. If ODOT finds Goods to be incomplete, not in compliance with Contract requirements, or deficient in any way, ODOT, at its sole discretion, may either reject the Goods , require Contractor to correct any deficiencies without charge, or negotiate with Contractor to sell the Goods to ODOT at a reduced price, whichever ODOT deems equitable under the circumstances. ODOT will provide written notice of any rejected Goods that, at a minimum, itemizes the apparent deficiencies. If Contractor is unable or refuses to cure any deficiencies within a time deemed reasonable by ODOT, ODOT may reject the Goods and cancel the Contract in whole or in part. Nothing in this paragraph shall in any way affect or limit ODOT’s rights as Buyer under the Uniform Commercial Code including but not limited to the rights and remedies relating to rejection under ORS 72.6020 and revocation of acceptance under ORS 72.6080. ODOT’s review, approval or acceptance of, or payment for, the Goods required under the Contract shall not be construed to operate as a waiver of any rights under the Contract or of any cause of action arising out of the Contractor’s performance, and Contractor shall be and shall remain liable to ODOT in accordance with applicable law for all damages to ODOT caused by Contractor’s performance or failure of any of the Goods furnished under the Contract.

6.4 INVOICES. Contractor shall submit invoice(s) to ODOT’s Contract Administrator listed on page 1 after ODOT’s acceptance of Goods provided under this Contract. . Contractor’s invoice must include:

· Contract number;

· The description and quantity of Goods ordered, the quantity of Goods delivered, the date Goods were delivered, the price per unit, if applicable;

· The total amount due and the payment address.

6.5.2 Direct Deposit via Automated Clearing House (“ACH”). For Contractors that receive ongoing monthly payments from ODOT on one or more contracts or price agreements, ODOT prefers making payments via ACH direct deposit. While not required, if Contractor has not previously authorized ACH direct deposit and would prefer ACH to expedite transfer of payments after invoices are approved, Contractor must complete a Vendor ACH Authorization form (https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Forms/2ODOT/7310781.pdf) and submit to ODOT per the instructions on the form.

6.5.3 Basis of Payment. Full completion. ODOT will pay all amounts due upon approval of Contractor’s invoice, but only after ODOT has determined that Contractor has provided and ODOT has accepted all Goods required and in conformance with Contract and PO requirements.

6.5.4 Expenses. All Contractor travel and other expenses, if any, are included in the fixed-price amount(s) established in the Contract and are not separately reimbursable under the Contract.

a. Discriminatory Wage Rates Prohibited. As required by ORS 279B.235, Contractor must comply with ORS 652.220 and shall not unlawfully discriminate against any of Contractor’s employees in the payment of wages or other compensation for work of comparable character on the basis of an employee’s membership in a protected class. “Protected class” means a group of persons distinguished by race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, or age. Contractor’s compliance with this section constitutes a material element of this Contract and a failure to comply constitutes a breach that entitles ODOT to terminate this Contract for cause.

b. Employee Discussions Regarding Compensation. As required by ORS 279B.235, Contractor may not prohibit any of its employees from discussing the employee’s rate of wage, salary, benefits or other compensation with another employee or another person and may not retaliate against an employee who discusses the employee’s rate of wage, salary, benefits or other compensation with another employee or another person.

a. Contractor has the power and authority to enter into and perform the Contract and that such Contract, when executed and delivered, shall be valid and binding obligations of Contractor enforceable in accordance with their terms.

b. All express and implied warranties that are applicable to goods under ORS Chapter 72 apply to any Goods delivered under this Contract. Any materials provided under the Contract shall be free from defects in materials and manufacture and shall meet the requirements of the Specifications/statement of work under the Contract.

c. Contractor is duly licensed to provide the Goods specified in the Contract, and if there is no licensing requirement, Contractor is duly qualified and competent to perform in accordance with the highest standards prevalent in the industry or business most closely involved in providing the Goods to be provided under the Contract.

d. Contractor shall have all manufacturer warranties covering any Goods (and component parts, where applicable) supplied under the Contract transferred to ODOT at time of delivery at no charge. Contractor shall be responsible for completing and processing any warranty registration paperwork required by manufacturer. If a conflict or inconsistency exists between a manufacturer’s warranty and Contractor’s warranty, the warranty that provides the greatest benefit and protection to State shall prevail.

e. Any materials delivered under the Contract are free and clear of any liens and encumbrances, that Contractor has full legal title to the materials, and that no other person has any right, title or interest in the materials which shall be superior.

f. Contractor has no undisclosed liquidated and delinquent debt owed to the State or any department or agency of the State.

6.6.2 Warranties Cumulative. The warranties set forth in this section are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other warranties provided in the Contract. All warranties provided in the Contract shall be cumulative, and shall be interpreted broadly to give ODOT the greatest warranty protection available.

a. In addition to the remedies afforded elsewhere herein, ODOT shall be entitled to recover any and all damages suffered as a result of Contractor's breach of the Contract, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental and consequential damages. ODOT may also be entitled to any equitable remedies to which it may show itself entitled.

b. In the event Contractor has liquidated and delinquent debt owed to the State of Oregon or any department or agency of the State, ODOT may:

i. Undertake collection by administrative offset, or garnishment if applicable, of all monies due for Services and Deliverables to recover liquidated and delinquent debt owed to the State of Oregon or any department or agency of the State. Offsets or garnishment may be initiated after the Contractor has been given notice if required by law;

ii. Terminate the Contract, in whole or in part, immediately upon written notice to Contractor or at such later date as ODOT may establish in such notice; or

iii. Pursue any or all of the remedies available under the Contract, at law, or in equity.

c. These remedies are cumulative to the extent the remedies are not inconsistent, and ODOT may pursue any remedy or remedies singly, collectively, successively, or in any order whatsoever, to the extent the remedies are not inconsistent

6.7.2 Contractor's Remedies. In the event ODOT terminates the Contract under either Section 6.8.2 or 6.8.3, or in the event ODOT is in default of a material provision of the Contract and whether or not Contractor elects to exercise its right to terminate the Contract under Section 6.8.4, Contractor's sole remedy shall be (a) a claim against ODOT for the unpaid price for any Goods delivered and accepted by ODOT, (b) with respect to Services compensable on an hourly basis, a claim against ODOT for unpaid invoices, hours worked but not yet billed, and authorized expenses for Services completed and accepted by ODOT, or (c) with respect to deliverable-based Services, a claim against ODOT for the sum designated for completing the deliverable multiplied by the percentage of Work completed and accepted by ODOT, less previous amounts paid and any claim(s) which State has against Contractor. If previous amounts paid to Contractor exceed the amount due to Contractor under this Section, Contractor shall pay any excess to ODOT upon written demand. In no circumstance shall Contractor be entitled to lost profits for Work not performed due to termination.

6.7.3 Attorney’s Fees. With the exception of defense costs and expenses pursuant to Section 6.13, neither party shall be entitled to recover attorney's fees, court and investigative costs, or any other fees or expenses associated with pursuing a remedy for damages arising out of or relating to the Contract .

a. ODOT fails to receive appropriations or other expenditure authority sufficient to allow ODOT, in the exercise of its reasonable administrative discretion, to continue to make payments for the Goods to be provided under the Contract;

b. Federal or State laws, regulations, or guidelines are modified or interpreted in such a way that either the purchase of Goods under the Contract is prohibited or ODOT is prohibited from paying for such Goods from the planned funding source;

c. Contractor has liquidated and delinquent debt owed to the State of Oregon or any department or agency of the State; or

d. Contractor commits any material breach or default of any covenant, warranty, obligation, certification or agreement under the Contract and such breach is not cured within 14 calendar days after ODOT's notice to Contractor, or such longer period as ODOT may specify in the notice. Pursuant to this section, upon receipt of written notice of termination, Contractor shall stop performance under the Contract as directed by ODOT.

e. A breach of any of the stipulations contained in these Required Contract Provisions may be sufficient grounds for withholding of progress payments, withholding of final payment, termination of the contract, suspension / debarment or any other action determined to be appropriate by the contracting agency and FHWA.

6.9 SURVIVAL. Termination of the Contract shall not extinguish or prejudice ODOT's right to enforce the following provisions: 6.6 Representations and Warranties; 6.10 Compliance with Applicable Laws and Standards, 6.11 Governing Law; 6.12 Venue, Consent to Jurisdiction; 6.13 Indemnification; 6.18 Access to Records; 6.7 Remedies; and all other remedy provisions included in the Contract.

6.10 COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS AND STANDARDS. Due to federal funding for this Contract, applicable federal requirements govern in the event of conflicts among federal, State and local laws. Contractor shall comply with all federal, State and local laws, regulations, executive orders and ordinances applicable to this Contract or to Contractor’s obligations under this Contract, as they may be adopted or amended from time to time. All rights and remedies available to ODOT under applicable federal, State and local laws are also incorporated by reference herein and are cumulative with all rights and remedies under the Contract. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, ODOT’s performance is conditioned upon Contractor’s compliance with the following laws, regulations and executive orders (as amended from time to time) to the extent they are applicable to the Contract:

a. (Non-discrimination) Titles VI and VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; Executive Order 11246; The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974;

b. ORS 279B.020 Maximum hours of labor on public contracts; holidays; exceptions; liability to workers; rules;

c. ORS 279B.220 – Prompt payment to suppliers and subcontractors; payment of contributions or amounts due the Industrial Accident Fund; liens or claims against the State on account of any labor or material furnished; payment of withholding to the Department of Revenue under ORS 316.167;

d. ORS 279B.230 – Payment for medical care and providing workers’ compensation;

e. ORS 279B.235 Condition concerning hours of labor;

f. all regulations and administrative rules established pursuant to the foregoing laws.

6.11 GOVERNING LAW. The Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State without regard to principles of conflicts of law. To the extent not modified by the terms of this Contract, the Uniform Commercial Code as codified in ORS Chapters 71 and 72 governs any Goods sold under this Contract.

6.12 VENUE; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. Any claim, action, suit or proceeding (collectively, "Claim") between ODOT and Contractor that arises from or relates to the Contract shall be brought and conducted solely and exclusively within the Circuit Court of Marion County for the State; provided, however, if a Claim must be brought in a federal forum, then unless otherwise prohibited by law it shall be brought and conducted solely and exclusively within the United States District Court for the District of Oregon. CONTRACTOR HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE IN PERSONAM JURISDICTION OF SAID COURTS. Nothing herein shall be construed as a waiver of the State's sovereign or governmental immunity, whether derived from the Eleventh Amendment to the United States Constitution or otherwise, or of any defenses to Claims or jurisdiction based thereon.

6.13 INDEMNIFICATION. Contractor shall defend, save, hold harmless, and indemnify the State, the Oregon Transportation Commission, ODOT, and its officers, employees and agents from and against all claims, suits, actions, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including attorney fees, of any nature whatsoever resulting from, arising out of, or relating to the contract, including but not limited to (1) the activities of Contractor or its officers, employees, subcontractors, or agents, and (2) the Goods provided by Contractor. However, the Oregon Attorney General must give written authorization to Contractor or any legal counsel purporting to act in the name of, or represent the interests of the State, its officers, employees and agents prior to such action or representation. Further, the State, acting by and through its Department of Justice, may assume its own defense, including that of its officers, employees and agents, at any time when in the State's sole discretion it determines that (i) proposed counsel is prohibited from the particular representation contemplated; (ii) counsel is not adequately defending the interests of the State, its officers, employees and agents; (iii) important governmental interests are at stake; or (iv) the best interests of the State are served thereby. Contractor's obligation to pay for all costs and expenses shall include those incurred by the State in assuming its own defense and that of officers, employees, and agents under (i) and (ii) above.

6.14 FALSE CLAIMS. Contractor understands and acknowledges it is subject to the Oregon False Claims Act (ORS 180.750 to 180.785) and to any liabilities or penalties associated with the making of a false claim under that Act. By its execution of the Contract, Contractor certifies the truthfulness, completeness, and accuracy of any statement or claim it has made, it makes, it may make, or cause to be made that pertains to the Contract or the Goods and Service being provided, including but not limited to Contractor’s Bid and any invoices, correspondence, reports, or other deliverables. In addition to the Oregon False Claims laws, if this Contract or any PO incudes Federal funding, Consultant understands and acknowledges it is subject to the Federal False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. Sections 3729 – 3733, and to any liabilities or penalties associated with the making of a false claim under either Act.

6.15 NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Contract, any notices between the Parties shall be given in writing by e-mail, by personal delivery, or mailing the same, postage prepaid, to the Contract Administrator listed for each Party in Section 1, or to such other person and address as either Party may hereafter indicate in writing to the other. Any communication or notice sent by e-mail during normal business hours on a Business Day shall be deemed received the Business Day it is sent. The recipient of any notice sent by e-mail shall reply by e-mail to confirm receipt of such notice. Any communication or notice made by personal delivery shall be deemed to be received when actually delivered. Any communication or notice properly addressed and mailed shall be deemed received 5 calendar days after the date of mailing. Any communication or notice delivered by facsimile shall be deemed received on the date of the notice of successful transmission generated by the transmitting machine.

6.16 SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS. Goods provided under this Contract must comply with all federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and with all Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements, including those of the State Workers’ Compensation Division. Contractor shall take every precaution to instruct employees about and otherwise safeguard them against any possible injuries associated with chemicals or equipment as well as other potential hazards within the facility.

6.17 SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS) AND PRODUCT LABELING. Contractor shall comply with Hazard Communication requirements set forth in 29 CFR 1910.1200. Contractor shall provide ODOT with an SDS [as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)] for any Goods provided or products used under the Contract which may release or otherwise result in exposure to a hazardous chemical under normal conditions of use. Contractor shall keep SDS on file at the location where products that include classified chemicals are used or stored by Contractor. In addition, Contractor must label, tag or mark such products with the following information:

6.17.1 Identity of the hazardous chemical(s) which must include the product identifier used on the SDS;

6.17.2 Appropriate signal word, hazard statement(s), pictogram(s), and precautionary statement(s) specified in applicable regulations for each hazard class and associated hazard category; and

6.17.3 Name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible entity.

6.18 ACCESS TO RECORDS. Contractor shall maintain all fiscal and other records relevant to Contractor's performance under the Contract (collectively, "Records") in accordance with generally-accepted accounting principles. ODOT, its duly authorized representatives, and the federal government shall have access to Records for purposes of examination and copying. Contractor shall retain and keep accessible all Records for a minimum of 6 years, or such longer period as may be required by applicable law following expiration or termination of the Contract, or until the conclusion of any audit, controversy or litigation arising out of or related to the Contract, whichever date is later.

6.23 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL. Contractor shall exercise due care to choose and manage its personnel and ensure that permitted subcontractors choose and manage their personnel so that only suitably responsible, professionally competent, and disciplined representatives will be operating in any ODOT area, many of which have sensitive and critical activities.

6.24 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of the Contract is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, the validity of the remaining terms and provisions shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the Parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Contract did not contain the particular provision held to be invalid.

6.26 THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. The State, the Oregon Transportation Commission and ODOT are intended third-party beneficiaries of the Contract with express independent authority to enforce the terms and conditions of the Contract. Otherwise, there are no third-party beneficiaries of the Contract.

6.27 COUNTERPARTS. The Contract may be executed in several counterparts, all of which when taken together shall constitute one agreement binding on all Parties, notwithstanding that all Parties are not signatories to the same counterpart. Each copy of the Contract so executed shall constitute an original.

6.28 MERGER; AMENDMENT; WAIVER; INTERPRETATION. The Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties on the subject matter thereof. There are no understandings, agreements, or representations, oral or written, not specified therein regarding the Contract. This Contract may be amended, within the scope of this procurement, to the extent permitted by applicable statutes and administrative rules. No waiver, consent, modification or change of terms of the Contract (collectively, "Amendment") shall bind either Party unless it is in writing and signed by both Parties and all necessary approvals have been obtained. Amendments shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose given. The failure of ODOT to enforce any provision of the Contract shall not constitute a waiver by ODOT of that or any other provision. The characterization of provisions of the Contract as material provisions or the failure to comply with certain provisions as a material breach of the Contract shall in no way be construed to mean that any other provisions of the Contract are not material or that failure to comply with any other provisions is not a material breach of the Contract.

6.29 CERTIFIED SMALL BUSINESSES. Respecting certification as a disadvantaged business enterprise, minority-owned business, woman-owned business, business that a service-disabled veteran owns or an emerging small business under ORS 200.055, as and when applicable, the Contractor shall maintain the certifications, and require in its subcontracts that subcontractors maintain the certifications required by ORS 279A.107 as a material condition of the Contract. If the Contractor or subcontractor was awarded the Contract or subcontract, as applicable, in the course of ODOT carrying out an affirmative action goal, policy or program under ORS 279A.100, and Contractor or subcontractor fails to maintain the required certification, ODOT may terminate the Contract, require the Contractor to terminate the subcontractor, or exercise any of remedies reserved for breach of the Contract (except as provided under ORS 279A.107(2)(c)). Contractor shall promptly provide written notice to ODOT if Contractor or any of its subcontractors fail to maintain an applicable certification under this provision.

6.30 Electronic Signatures. The Parties agree that signatures showing on PDF documents, including but not limited to PDF copies of the Contract and amendments, submitted or exchanged via email are “Electronic Signatures” under ORS Chapter 84 and bind the signing Party and are intended to be and can be relied upon by the Parties. ODOT reserves the right at any time to require the submission of the hard copy originals of any documents.

7.1.1 Buy America Requirements - Contractor shall limit the quantity of foreign Materials incorporated into the Work as follows. Section 635.410 of Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, and the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act require that all iron or steel manufacturing processes, including, without limitation, the casting of ingots, for iron or steel Materials permanently incorporated into the Project shall occur in the United States, unless the cost of foreign-origin iron or steel Materials does not exceed one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of the Contract Amount or $2,500, whichever is greater. Contractor shall not incorporate foreign-origin iron or steel Materials in excess of this amount into the Project. All foreign-origin iron or steel Materials incorporated in the Project in excess of the amount indicated above shall be removed and replaced with domestic iron or steel Materials at Contractor's expense. For purposes of this Specification, the cost of foreign-origin iron or steel Materials shall be the value of the iron or steel products as of the date they are delivered to the Project Site.

Manufacturing processes include without limitation the application of coatings to finished iron or steel products or components. Coatings include epoxy coating, galvanizing, painting, and any other coating that protects or enhances the value of the steel or iron product or component.

Contractor shall provide ODOT or its designee with a Certificate of Materials Origin, on a form furnished by ODOT, before incorporating any iron or steel products into the Project. Unless a Certificate of Materials Origin has been provided to ODOT or its designee, the Materials shall be considered of foreign origin.

Contractor shall retain manufacturers' certificates verifying the origin of all domestic iron or steel Materials for 3 years after the date of final payment for the Project, and shall furnish copies to ODOT upon request.

7.1.2 Cargo Preference Act Requirements - If federal funds are involved on the Project, Contractor shall comply with the Cargo Preference Act and implementing regulations (46 CFR Part 381) for use of United States flag ocean vessels transporting materials or equipment acquired specifically for the Project. Strict compliance is required, including, but not limited to, the clauses in 46 CFR 381.7(a) and (b), which are incorporated by reference. Contractor shall also include this provision in all subcontracts.

7.1.3 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION

This provision is applicable to all Federal-aid construction contracts, design-build contracts, subcontracts, lower-tier subcontracts, purchase orders, lease agreements, consultant contracts or any other covered transaction requiring FHWA approval or that is estimated to cost $25,000 or more – as defined in 2 CFR Parts 180 and 1200. 2 CFR 180.220 and 1200.220.

1. Instructions for Certification – First Tier Participants:

a. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective first tier participant is providing the certification set out below.

b. The inability of a person to provide the certification set out below will not necessarily result in denial of participation in this covered transaction. The prospective first tier participant shall submit an explanation of why it cannot provide the certification set out below. The certification or explanation will be considered in connection with the department or agency's determination whether to enter into this transaction. However, failure of the prospective first tier participant to furnish a certification or an explanation shall disqualify such a person from participation in this transaction. 2 CFR 180.320.

c. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when the contracting agency determined to enter into this transaction. If it is later determined that the prospective participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the contracting agency may terminate this transaction for cause of default. 2 CFR 180.325.

d. The prospective first tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the contracting agency to whom this proposal is submitted if any time the prospective first tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. 2 CFR 180.345 and 180.350.

e. The terms "covered transaction," "debarred," "suspended," "ineligible," "participant," "person," "principal," and "voluntarily excluded," as used in this clause, are defined in 2 CFR Parts 180, Subpart I, 180.900-180.1020, and 1200. “First Tier Covered Transactions” refers to any covered transaction between a recipient or subrecipient of Federal funds and a participant (such as the prime or general contract). “Lower Tier Covered Transactions” refers to any covered transaction under a First Tier Covered Transaction (such as subcontracts). “First Tier Participant” refers to the participant who has entered into a covered transaction with a recipient or subrecipient of Federal funds (such as the prime or general contractor). “Lower Tier Participant” refers any participant who has entered into a covered transaction with a First Tier Participant or other Lower Tier Participants (such as subcontractors and suppliers).

f. The prospective first tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency entering into this transaction. 2 CFR 180.330.

g. The prospective first tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions," provided by the department or contracting agency, entering into this covered transaction, without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions exceeding the $25,000 threshold. 2 CFR 180.220 and 180.300.

h. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. 2 CFR 180.300; 180.320, and 180.325. A participant is responsible for ensuring that its principals are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise ineligible to participate in covered transactions. 2 CFR 180.335. To verify the eligibility of its principals, as well as the eligibility of any lower tier prospective participants, each participant may, but is not required to, check the System for Award Management website (https://www.sam.gov/). 2 CFR 180.300, 180.320, and 180.325.

i. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require the establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of the prospective participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

j. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph (f) of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default. 2 CFR 180.325.

2. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion – First Tier Participants:

a. The prospective first tier participant certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its principals:

(1) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participating in covered transactions by any Federal department or agency, 2 CFR 180.335;.

(2) Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State, or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property, 2 CFR 180.800;

(3) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(2) of this certification, 2 CFR 180.700 and 180.800; and

(4) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/proposal had one or more public transactions (Federal, State or local) terminated for cause or default. 2 CFR 180.335(d).

(5) Are not a corporation that has been convicted of a felony violation under any Federal law within the two-year period preceding this proposal (USDOT Order 4200.6 implementing appropriations act requirements); and

(6) Are not a corporation with any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted, or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability (USDOT Order 4200.6 implementing appropriations act requirements).

b. Where the prospective participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant should attach an explanation to this proposal. 2 CFR 180.335 and 180.340.

3. Instructions for Certification - Lower Tier Participants:

(Applicable to all subcontracts, purchase orders, and other lower tier transactions requiring prior FHWA approval or estimated to cost $25,000 or more - 2 CFR Parts 180 and 1200). 2 CFR 180.220 and 1200.220.

a. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out below.

b. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department, or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

c. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. 2 CFR 180.365.

d. The terms "covered transaction," "debarred," "suspended," "ineligible," "participant," "person," "principal," and "voluntarily excluded," as used in this clause, are defined in 2 CFR Parts 180, Subpart I, 180.900 – 180.1020, and 1200. You may contact the person to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations. “First Tier Covered Transactions” refers to any covered transaction between a recipient or subrecipient of Federal funds and a participant (such as the prime or general contract). “Lower Tier Covered Transactions” refers to any covered transaction under a First Tier Covered Transaction (such as subcontracts). “First Tier Participant” refers to the participant who has entered into a covered transaction with a recipient or subrecipient of Federal funds (such as the prime or general contractor). “Lower Tier Participant” refers any participant who has entered into a covered transaction with a First Tier Participant or other Lower Tier Participants (such as subcontractors and suppliers).

e. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated. 2 CFR 1200.220 and 1200.332.

f. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include this clause titled "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transaction," without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions exceeding the $25,000 threshold. 2 CFR 180.220 and 1200.220.

g. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant is responsible for ensuring that its principals are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise ineligible to participate in covered transactions. To verify the eligibility of its principals, as well as the eligibility of any lower tier prospective participants, each participant may, but is not required to, check the System for Award Management website (https://www.sam.gov/), which is compiled by the General Services Administration. 2 CFR 180.300, 180.320, 180.330, and 180.335.

h. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

i. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph e of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment. 2 CFR 180.325.

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Participants:

1. The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals:

(a) is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participating in covered transactions by any Federal department or agency, 2 CFR 180.355;

(b) is a corporation that has been convicted of a felony violation under any Federal law within the two-year period preceding this proposal (USDOT Order 4200.6 implementing appropriations act requirements); and

(c) is a corporation with any unpaid Federal tax liability that…