Standard Contract Terms - One Time Purchase.docx

STATE OF MICHIGAN

STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS

This STANDARD CONTRACT (“Contract”) is agreed to between the State of Michigan (the “State”) and Contractor.

The parties agree as follows:

1. Duties of Contractor. Contractor must provide the deliverables (“Contract Activities”) described in the Contract (Purchase Order).

Contractor must: (a) deliver the Contract Activities in a timely, professional, safe, and workmanlike manner consistent with standards in the trade, profession, or industry; (b) provide all Contract Activities in good quality, with no material defects; (c) cooperate with the State, including the State’s quality assurance personnel, and any third party to achieve the objectives of the Contract; (d) not make any media releases without prior written authorization from the State; (e) assign to the State any claims resulting from state or federal antitrust violations to the extent that those violations concern materials or services supplied by third parties toward fulfillment of the Contract; and (f) provide the State priority in performance of the Contract except as mandated by federal disaster response requirements. Any breach under this paragraph is considered a material breach.

Contractor must also be clearly identifiable while on State property and clearly identify themselves whenever making contact with the State.

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

3. Performance Guarantee. Contractor must at all times have financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of the State, to ensure performance of the Contract and must provide proof upon request.

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

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

6. Assignment. Contractor may not assign this Contract to any other party without the prior approval of the State. Upon notice to Contractor, the State, in its sole discretion, may assign in whole or in part, its rights or responsibilities under this Contract to any other party.

7. Ordering. Contractor is not authorized to begin performance until receipt of a Purchase Order.

8. Acceptance. Contract Activities are subject to inspection and testing by the State within 30 calendar days of the State’s receipt of them (“State Review Period”), unless otherwise provided in Exhibit A. If the Contract Activities are not fully accepted by the State, the State will notify Contractor by the end of the State Review Period that either: (a) the Contract Activities are accepted, but noted deficiencies must be corrected; or (b) the Contract Activities are rejected. If the State finds material deficiencies, it may: (i) reject the Contract Activities without performing any further inspections; (ii) demand performance at no additional cost; or (iii) terminate this Contract in accordance with Section 10, Termination for Cause.

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

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

9. Terms of Payment. Invoices must conform to the requirements communicated from time-to-time by the State. All undisputed amounts are payable within 45 days of the State’s receipt. Contractor may only charge for Contract Activities performed as specified in Exhibit A. Invoices must include an itemized statement of all charges. The State is exempt from State sales tax for direct purchases and may be exempt from federal excise tax, if Contract Activities purchased under the Contract are for the State’s exclusive use. Prices are exclusive of all taxes, and Contractor shall be solely responsible for payment of any applicable taxes.

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

The State will only disburse payments under this Contract through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Contractor must register with the State at http://www.michigan.gov/cpexpress to receive electronic fund transfer payments. If Contractor does not register, the State is not liable for failure to provide payment.

Without prejudice to any other right or remedy it may have, the State reserves the right to set off at any time any amount then due and owing to it by Contractor against any amount payable by the State to Contractor under this Contract.

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

If the State terminates this Contract under this Section, the State will issue a termination notice specifying Contractor must cease performance immediately. If it is later determined that Contractor was not in breach of the Contract, the termination will be deemed to have been a Termination for Convenience, effective as of the same date, and the rights and obligations of the parties will be limited to those provided in Section 11, Termination for Convenience.

The State will only pay for amounts due to Contractor for Contract Activities accepted by the State on or before the date of termination, subject to the State’s right to set off any amounts owed by the Contractor for the State’s reasonable costs in terminating this Contract. The Contractor must pay all reasonable costs incurred by the State in terminating this Contract for cause, including administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, court costs, transition costs, and any costs the State incurs to procure the Contract Activities from other sources.

11. Termination for Convenience. The State may immediately terminate this Contract in whole or in part without penalty and for any reason, including but not limited to, appropriation or budget shortfalls. The termination notice will specify whether Contractor must: cease performance of the Contract Activities immediately. If the State terminates this Contract for convenience, the State will pay all reasonable costs, as determined by the State.

12. General Indemnification. Contractor must defend, indemnify and hold the State, its departments, divisions, agencies, offices, commissions, officers, and employees harmless, without limitation, from and against any and all actions, claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, attorney fees, and expenses (including those required to establish the right to indemnification), arising out of or relating to: (a) any breach by Contractor (or any of Contractor’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or by anyone else for whose acts any of them may be liable) of any of the promises, agreements, representations, warranties, or insurance requirements contained in this Contract; (b) any bodily injury, death, or damage to real or tangible personal property occurring wholly or in part due to action or inaction by Contractor (or any of Contractor’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or by anyone else for whose acts any of them may be liable); and (c) any acts or omissions of Contractor (or any of Contractor’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or by anyone else for whose acts any of them may be liable).

The State will notify Contractor in writing if indemnification is sought; however, failure to do so will not relieve Contractor, except to the extent that Contractor is materially prejudiced. Contractor must, to the satisfaction of the State, demonstrate its financial ability to carry out these obligations.

The State is entitled to: (i) regular updates on proceeding status; (ii) participate in the defense of the proceeding; (iii) employ its own counsel; and to (iv) retain control of the defense if the State deems necessary. Contractor will not, without the State’s written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld), settle, compromise, or consent to the entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any claim, action, or proceeding. To the extent that any State employee, official, or law may be involved or challenged, the State may, at its own expense, control the defense of that portion of the claim.

Any litigation activity on behalf of the State, or any of its subdivisions under this Section must be coordinated with the Department of Attorney General. An attorney designated to represent the State may not do so until approved by the Michigan Attorney General and appointed as a Special Assistant Attorney General.

13. Limitation of Liability. The State is not liable for consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages, regardless of the nature of the action.

14. Disclosure of Litigation, or Other Proceeding. Contractor must notify the State within 14 calendar days of receiving notice of any litigation, investigation, arbitration, or other proceeding (collectively, “Proceeding”) involving Contractor, a subcontractor, or an officer or director of Contractor or subcontractor, that arises during the term of the Contract, including: (a) a criminal Proceeding; (b) a parole or probation Proceeding; (c) a Proceeding under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (d) a civil Proceeding involving: (1) a claim that might reasonably be expected to adversely affect Contractor’s viability or financial stability; or (2) a governmental or public entity’s claim or written allegation of fraud; or (e) a Proceeding involving any license that Contractor is required to possess in order to perform under this Contract.

15. Records Maintenance, Inspection, Examination, and Audit. Under MCL 18.1470, the State or its designee may audit Contractor to verify compliance with this Contract. Contractor must retain, and provide to the State or its designee and the auditor general upon request, all financial and accounting records related to the Contract through the term of the Contract and for 7 years after the latter of termination, expiration, or final payment under this Contract or any extension (“Audit Period”). If an audit, litigation, or other action involving the records is initiated before the end of the Audit Period, Contractor must retain the records until all issues are resolved.

Within 10 days of providing notice, the State and its authorized representatives or designees have the right to enter and inspect Contractor's premises or any other places where Contract Activities are being performed, and examine, copy, and audit all records related to this Contract. Contractor must cooperate and provide reasonable assistance. If any financial errors are revealed, the amount in error must be reflected as a credit or debit on subsequent invoices until the amount is paid or refunded. Any remaining balance at the end of the Contract must be paid or refunded within 45 calendar days.

This Section applies to Contractor, any parent, affiliate, or subsidiary organization of Contractor, and any subcontractor that performs Contract Activities in connection with this Contract.

16. Warranties and Representations. Contractor represents and warrants: (a) all Contract Activities are delivered free from any security interest, lien, or encumbrance and will continue in that respect; (b) the Contract Activities will not infringe the patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, or other proprietary rights of any third party; (c) the Contract signatory has the authority to enter into this Contract; (d) all information furnished by Contractor in connection with the Contract fairly and accurately represents Contractor's business, properties, finances, and operations as of the dates covered by the information, and Contractor will inform the State of any material adverse changes; and (e) all information furnished and representations made in connection with the award of this Contract is true, accurate, and complete, and contains no false statements or omits any fact that would make the information misleading. A breach of this Section is considered a material breach of this Contract, which entitles the State to terminate this Contract under Section 10, Termination for Cause.

17. Conflicts and Ethics. Contractor will uphold high ethical standards and is prohibited from: (a) holding or acquiring an interest that would conflict with this Contract; (b) doing anything that creates an appearance of impropriety with respect to the award or performance of the Contract; (c) attempting to influence or appearing to influence any State employee by the direct or indirect offer of anything of value; or (d) paying or agreeing to pay any person, other than employees and consultants working for Contractor, any consideration contingent upon the award of the Contract. Contractor must immediately notify the State of any violation or potential violation of these standards. This Section applies to Contractor, any parent, affiliate, or subsidiary organization of Contractor, and any subcontractor that performs Contract Activities in connection with this Contract.

18. Compliance with Laws. Contractor must comply with all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.

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

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

21. Governing Law. This Contract is governed, construed, and enforced in accordance with Michigan law, excluding choice-of-law principles, and all claims relating to or arising out of this Contract are governed by Michigan law, excluding choice-of-law principles. Any dispute arising from this Contract must be resolved in Michigan Court of Claims. Contractor consents to venue in Ingham County, and waives any objections, such as lack of personal jurisdiction or forum non conveniens. Contractor must appoint agents in Michigan to receive service of process.

22. Non-Exclusivity. Nothing contained in this Contract is intended nor shall be construed as creating any requirements contract with Contractor. This Contract does not restrict the State or its agencies from acquiring similar, equal, or like Contract Activities from other sources.

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

24. Dispute Resolution. The parties will endeavor to resolve any Contract dispute in accordance with this provision. The dispute will be referred to the parties' respective Contract Administrators or Program Managers. Such referral must include a description of the issues and all supporting documentation. The parties must submit the dispute to a senior executive if unable to resolve the dispute within 15 business days. The parties will continue performing while a dispute is being resolved, unless the dispute precludes performance. A dispute involving payment does not preclude performance.

Litigation to resolve the dispute will not be instituted until after the dispute has been elevated to the parties’ senior executive and either concludes that resolution is unlikely, or fails to respond within 15 business days. The parties are not prohibited from instituting formal proceedings: (a) to avoid the expiration of statute of limitations period; (b) to preserve a superior position with respect to creditors; or (c) where a party makes a determination that a temporary restraining order or other injunctive relief is the only adequate remedy. This Section does not limit the State’s right to terminate the Contract.

25. Media Releases. News releases (including promotional literature and commercial advertisements) pertaining to the Contract or project to which it relates must not be made without prior written State approval, and then only in accordance with the explicit written instructions of the State.

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

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

28. Waiver. Failure to enforce any provision of this Contract will not constitute a waiver.

29. Survival. The provisions of this Contract that impose continuing obligations, including warranties and representations, termination, transition, insurance coverage, indemnification, and confidentiality, will survive the expiration or termination of this Contract.

30. Entire Contract and Modification. This Contract is the entire agreement and replaces all previous agreements between the parties for the Contract Activities. This Contract may not be amended except by agreement between the parties.

Vendor Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Vendor SIGMA I.D. (CV or VS number): ___________________________________________________ Authorized Representative Signature: ___________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ image1.png