Terms & Conditions with right to know STD274.doc

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

STD-274 (SAP) Rev. 02-10-12

STANDARD CONTRACT

TERMS AND CONDITIONS - SAP

If an award is made to a Bidder, the Bidder shall receive a Contract that obligates Bidder to furnish the awarded item(s) in accordance with these Standard Contract Terms and Conditions - SAP:

1.

TERM OF CONTRACT

The term of the Contract shall commence on the Effective Date (as defined below) and shall end on the Expiration Date identified in the Contract, subject to the other provisions of the Contract.

The Effective Date shall be: a) the date the Contract has been fully executed by the Contractor and by the Commonwealth and all approvals required by Commonwealth contracting procedures have been obtained or b) the date referenced in the Contract, whichever is later. The Contract shall not be a legally binding contract until after the fully-executed Contract has been sent to the Contractor.

The fully executed Contract shall not contain "ink" signatures by the Commonwealth. The Contractor understands and agrees that the receipt of an electronically-printed Contract with the printed name of the Commonwealth purchasing agent constitutes a valid, binding contract with the Commonwealth. The printed name of the purchasing agent on the Contract represents the signature of that individual who is authorized to bind the Commonwealth to the obligations contained in the Contract. The printed name also represents that all approvals required by Commonwealth contracting procedures have been obtained.

The Contractor shall not start performance until all of the following have occurred: a. the Effective Date has arrived; b. the Contractor has received a copy of the fully-executed Contract; and c. the Contractor has received a Purchase Order. The Commonwealth shall not be liable to pay the Contractor for any supply furnished or work performed or expenses incurred before the Effective Date or before the Contractor receives a copy of the fully-executed Contract or before the Contractor has received a Purchase Order. Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 3, no Commonwealth employee has the authority to verbally direct the commencement of any work or delivery of any supply under this Contract prior to the Effective Date.

2.

PURCHASE ORDERS

The Commonwealth may issue Purchase Orders against the Contract. These orders constitute the Contractor‘s authority to make delivery. All Purchase Orders received by the Contractor up to and including the expiration date of the Contract are acceptable and must be performed in accordance with the Contract. Contractors are not permitted to accept Purchase Orders which require performance extended beyond those performance time periods specified in the Contract but in no event longer than ninety (90) days after the expiration date of the Contract period. Each Purchase Order will be deemed to incorporate the terms and conditions set forth in the Contract.

Purchase Orders will not include an "ink" signature by the Commonwealth. The electronically-printed name of the purchaser represents the signature of that individual who has the authority, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to authorize the Contractor to proceed.

Purchase Orders may be issued electronically or through facsimile equipment. The electronic transmission of a purchase order shall require acknowledgement of receipt of the transmission by the Contractor. Receipt of the electronic or facsimile transmission of the Purchase Order shall constitute receipt of an order. Orders received by the Contractor after 4:00 p.m. will be considered received the following business day.

The Commonwealth and the Contractor specifically agree as follows:

a. No handwritten signature shall be required in order for the Contract or Purchase Order to be legally enforceable.

b. Upon receipt of a Purchase Order, the Contractor shall promptly and properly transmit an acknowledgement in return. Any order which is issued electronically shall not give rise to any obligation to deliver on the part of the Contractor, or any obligation to receive and pay for delivered products on the part of the Commonwealth, unless and until the Commonwealth transmitting the order has properly received an acknowledgement.

c. The parties agree that no writing shall be required in order to make the order legally binding, notwithstanding contrary requirements in any law. The parties hereby agree not to contest the validity or enforceability of a genuine Purchase Order or acknowledgement issued electronically under the provisions of a statute of frauds or any other applicable law relating to whether certain agreements be in writing and signed by the party bound thereby. Any genuine Purchase Order or acknowledgement issued electronically, if introduced as evidence on paper in any judicial, arbitration, mediation, or administrative proceedings, will be admissible as between the parties to the same extent and under the same conditions as other business records originated and maintained in documentary form. Neither party shall contest the admissibility of copies of genuine Purchase Orders or acknowledgements under either the business records exception to the hearsay rule or the best evidence rule on the basis that the order or acknowledgement were not in writing or signed by the parties. A purchase order or acknowledgment shall be deemed to be genuine for all purposes if it is transmitted to the location designated for such documents.

d. Each party will immediately take steps to verify any document that appears to be obviously garbled in transmission or improperly formatted to include re-transmission of any such document if necessary.

Purchase Orders under five thousand dollars ($5,000) in total amount may also be made in person or by telephone using a Commonwealth Procurement VISA Card. When an order is placed by telephone, the Commonwealth agency shall provide the agency name, employee name, credit card number, and expiration date of the card. Contractors agree to accept payment through the use of the Commonwealth Procurement VISA card.

The Commonwealth reserves the right, upon notice to the Contractor, to extend the term of the Contract for up to three (3) months upon the same terms and conditions. This will be utilized to prevent a lapse in Contract coverage and only for the time necessary, up to three (3) months, to enter into a new contract.

3.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

In performing its obligations under the Contract, the Contractor will act as an independent contractor and not as an employee or agent of the Commonwealth.

4.

COMPLIANCE WITH LAW

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and local ordinances in the performance of the Contract.

5.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS

In the performance of the Contract, the Contractor shall minimize pollution and shall strictly comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.

6.

POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED CONTENT

Except as specifically waived by the Department of General Services in writing, any products which are provided to the Commonwealth as a part of the performance of the Contract must meet the minimum percentage levels for total recycled content as specified in Exhibits A-1 through A-8 to these Standard Contract Terms and Conditions - SAP.

7.

COMPENSATION

a.

The Contractor shall be required to perform at the price(s) quoted in the Contract. All items shall be performed within the time period(s) specified in the Contract. The Contractor shall be compensated only for items supplied and performed to the satisfaction of the Commonwealth. The Contractor shall not be allowed or paid travel or per diem expenses except as specifically set forth in the Contract.

b.

Unless the Contractor has been authorized by the Commonwealth for Evaluated Receipt Settlement or Vendor Self-Invoicing, the Contractor shall send an invoice itemized by purchase order line item to the address referenced on the Purchase Order promptly after items are satisfactorily delivered. The invoice should include only amounts due under the Contract/Purchase Order. The Purchase Order number must be included on all invoices. In addition, the Commonwealth shall have the right to require the Contractor to prepare and submit a “Work In Progress” sheet that contains, at a minimum, the tasks performed, number of hours, hourly rates, and the purchase order or task order to which it refers.

8.

PAYMENT

a. The Commonwealth shall put forth reasonable efforts to make payment by the required payment date. The required payment date is: (a) the date on which payment is due under the terms of the Contract; (b) thirty (30) days after a proper invoice actually is received at the “Bill To” address if a date on which payment is due is not specified in the Contract (a “proper” invoice is not received until the Commonwealth accepts the service as satisfactorily performed); or (c) the payment date specified on the invoice if later than the dates established by (a) and (b) above. Payment may be delayed if the payment amount on an invoice is not based upon the price(s) as stated in the Contract. If any payment is not made within fifteen (15) days after the required payment date, the Commonwealth may pay interest as determined by the Secretary of Budget in accordance with Act No. 266 of 1982 and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Payment should not be construed by the Contractor as acceptance of the service performed by the Contractor. The Commonwealth reserves the right to conduct further testing and inspection after payment, but within a reasonable time after performance, and to reject the service if such post payment testing or inspection discloses a defect or a failure to meet specifications. The Contractor agrees that the Commonwealth may set off the amount of any state tax liability or other obligation of the Contractor or its subsidiaries to the Commonwealth against any payments due the Contractor under any contract with the Commonwealth.

b. The Commonwealth shall have the option of using the Commonwealth purchasing card to make purchases under the Contract or Purchase Order. The Commonwealth’s purchasing card is similar to a credit card in that there will be a small fee which the Contractor will be required to pay and the Contractor will receive payment directly from the card issuer rather than the Commonwealth. Any and all fees related to this type of payment are the responsibility of the Contractor. In no case will the Commonwealth allow increases in prices to offset credit card fees paid by the Contractor or any other charges incurred by the Contractor, unless specifically stated in the terms of the Contract or Purchase Order.

c.

The Commonwealth will make contract payments through Automated Clearing House (ACH).

1) Within 10 days of award of the contract or purchase order, the contractor must submit or must have already submitted their ACH information within their user profile in the Commonwealth’s procurement system (SRM).

2) The contractor must submit a unique invoice number with each invoice submitted. The unique invoice number will be listed on the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania’s ACH remittance advice to enable the contractor to properly apply the state agency’s payment to the invoice submitted.

3) It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that the ACH information contained in SRM is accurate and complete. Failure to maintain accurate and complete information may result in delays in payments.

9.

TAXES

The Commonwealth is exempt from all excise taxes imposed by the Internal Revenue Service and has accordingly registered with the Internal Revenue Service to make tax free purchases under Registration No. 23740001-K. With the exception of purchases of the following items, no exemption certificates are required and none will be issued: undyed diesel fuel, tires, trucks, gas guzzler emergency vehicles, and sports fishing equipment. The Commonwealth is also exempt from Pennsylvania state sales tax, local sales tax, public transportation assistance taxes and fees and vehicle rental tax. The Department of Revenue regulations provide that exemption certificates are not required for sales made to governmental entities and none will be issued. Nothing in this paragraph is meant to exempt a construction contractor from the payment of any of these taxes or fees which are required to be paid with respect to the purchase, use, rental, or lease of tangible personal property or taxable services used or transferred in connection with the performance of a construction contract.

10.

WARRANTY

The Contractor warrants that all items furnished and all services performed by the Contractor, its agents and subcontractors shall be free and clear of any defects in workmanship or materials. Unless otherwise stated in the Contract, all items are warranted for a period of one year following delivery by the Contractor and acceptance by the Commonwealth. The Contractor shall repair, replace or otherwise correct any problem with the delivered item. When an item is replaced, it shall be replaced with an item of equivalent or superior quality without any additional cost to the Commonwealth.

11.

PATENT, COPYRIGHT, AND TRADEMARK INDEMNITY

The Contractor warrants that it is the sole owner or author of, or has entered into a suitable legal agreement concerning either: a) the design of any product or process provided or used in the performance of the Contract which is covered by a patent, copyright, ortrademark registration or other right duly authorized by state or federal law or b) any copyrighted matter in any report document or other material provided to the commonwealth under the contract. The Contractor shall defend any suit or proceeding brought against the Commonwealth on account of any alleged patent, copyright or trademark infringement in the United States of any of the products provided or used in the performance of the Contract. This is upon condition that the Commonwealth shall provide prompt notification in writing of such suit or proceeding; full right, authorization and opportunity to conduct the defense thereof; and full information and all reasonable cooperation for the defense of same. As principles of governmental or public law are involved, the Commonwealth may participate in or choose to conduct, in its sole discretion, the defense of any such action. If information and assistance are furnished by the Commonwealth at the Contractor’s written request, it shall be at the Contractor’s expense, but the responsibility for such expense shall be only that within the Contractor’s written authorization. The Contractor shall indemnify and hold the Commonwealth harmless from all damages, costs, and expenses, including attorney’s fees that the Contractor or the Commonwealth may pay or incur by reason of any infringement or violation of the rights occurring to any holder of copyright, trademark, or patent interests and rights in any products provided or used in the performance of the Contract. If any of the products provided by the Contractor in such suit or proceeding are held to constitute infringement and the use is enjoined, the Contractor shall, at its own expense and at its option, either procure the right to continue use of such infringement products, replace them with non-infringement equal performance products or modify them so that they are no longer infringing. If the Contractor is unable to do any of the preceding, the Contractor agrees to remove all the equipment or software which are obtained contemporaneously with the infringing product, or, at the option of the Commonwealth, only those items of equipment or software which are held to be infringing, and to pay the Commonwealth: 1) any amounts paid by the Commonwealth towards the purchase of the product, less straight line depreciation; 2) any license fee paid by the Commonwealth for the use of any software, less an amount for the period of usage; and 3) the pro rata portion of any maintenance fee representing the time remaining in any period of maintenance paid for. The obligations of the Contractor under this paragraph continue without time limit. No costs or expenses shall be incurred for the account of the Contractor without its written consent.

12.

OWNERSHIP RIGHTS

The Commonwealth shall have unrestricted authority to reproduce, distribute, and use any submitted report, data, or material, and any software or modifications and any associated documentation that is designed or developed and delivered to the Commonwealth as part of the performance of the Contract.

13.

ASSIGNMENT OF ANTITRUST CLAIMS

The Contractor and the Commonwealth recognize that in actual economic practice, overcharges by the Contractor’s suppliers resulting from violations of state or federal antitrust laws are in fact borne by the Commonwealth. As part of the consideration for the award of the Contract, and intending to be legally bound, the Contractor assigns to the Commonwealth all right, title and interest in and to any claims the Contractor now has, or may acquire, under state or federal antitrust laws relating to the products and services which are the subject of this Contract.

14.

HOLD HARMLESS PROVISION

The Contractor shall hold the Commonwealth harmless from and indemnify the Commonwealth against any and all claims, demands and actions based upon or arising out of any activities performed by the Contractor and its employees and agents under this Contract and shall, at the request of the Commonwealth, defend any and all actions brought against the Commonwealth based upon any such claims or demands.

15.

AUDIT PROVISIONS

The Commonwealth shall have the right, at reasonable times and at a site designated by the Commonwealth, to audit the books, documents and records of the Contractor to the extent that the books, documents and records relate to costs or pricing data for the Contract. The Contractor agrees to maintain records which will support the prices charged and costs incurred for the Contract. The Contractor shall preserve books, documents, and records that relate to costs or pricing data for the Contract for a period of three (3) years from date of final payment. The Contractor shall give full and free access to all records to the Commonwealth and/or their authorized representatives.

16.

INSPECTION AND REJECTION

No item(s) received by the Commonwealth shall be deemed accepted until the Commonwealth has had a reasonable opportunity to inspect the item(s). Any item(s) which is discovered to be defective or fails to conform to the specifications may be rejected upon initial inspection or at any later time if the defects contained in the item(s) or the noncompliance with the specifications were not reasonably ascertainable upon the initial inspection. It shall thereupon become the duty of the Contractor to remove rejected item(s) from the premises without expense to the Commonwealth within fifteen (15) days after notification. Rejected item(s) left longer than fifteen (15) days will be regarded as abandoned, and the Commonwealth shall have the right to dispose of them as its own property and shall retain that portion of the proceeds of any sale which represents the Commonwealth’s costs and expenses in regard to the storage and sale of the item(s). Upon notice of rejection, the Contractor shall immediately replace all such rejected item(s) with others conforming to the specifications and which are not defective. If the Contractor fails, neglects or refuses to do so, the Commonwealth shall then have the right to procure a corresponding quantity of such item(s), and deduct from any monies due or that may thereafter become due to the Contractor, the difference between the price stated in the Contract and the cost thereof to the Commonwealth.

17.

DEFAULT

a. The Commonwealth may, subject to the provisions of Paragraph 18, Force Majeure, and in addition to its other rights under the Contract, declare the Contractor in default by written notice thereof to the Contractor, and terminate (as provided in Paragraph 19, Termination Provisions) the whole or any part of this Contract or any Purchase Order for any of the following reasons:

1) Failure to begin work within the time specified in the Contract or Purchase Order or as otherwise specified;

2) Failure to perform the work with sufficient labor, equipment, or material to insure the completion of the specified work in accordance with the Contract or Purchase Order terms;

3) Unsatisfactory performance of the work;

4) Failure to deliver the awarded item(s) within the time specified in the Contract or Purchase Order or as otherwise specified;

5) Improper delivery;

6) Failure to provide an item(s) which is in conformance with the specifications referenced in the Contract or Purchase Order;

7) Delivery of a defective item;

8) Failure or refusal to remove material, or remove and replace any work rejected as defective or unsatisfactory;

9) Discontinuance of work without approval;

10) Failure to resume work, which has been discontinued, within a reasonable time after notice to do so;

11) Insolvency or bankruptcy;

12) Assignment made for the benefit of creditors;

13) Failure or refusal within 10 days after written notice by the Contracting Officer, to make payment or show cause why payment should not be made, of any amounts due for materials furnished, labor supplied or performed, for equipment rentals, or for utility services rendered;

14) Failure to protect, to repair, or to make good any damage or injury to property; or

15) Breach of any provision of the Contract.

b. In the event that the Commonwealth terminates this Contract or any Purchase Order in whole or in part as provided in Subparagraph a. above, the Commonwealth may procure, upon such terms and in such manner as it determines, items similar or identical to those so terminated, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Commonwealth for any reasonable excess costs for such similar or identical items included within the terminated part of the Contract or Purchase Order.

c. If the Contract or a Purchase Order is terminated as provided in Subparagraph a. above, the Commonwealth, in addition to any other rights provided in this paragraph, may require the Contractor to transfer title and deliver immediately to the Commonwealth in the manner and to the extent directed by the Issuing Office, such partially completed items, including, where applicable, reports, working papers and other documentation, as the Contractor has specifically produced or specifically acquired for the performance of such part of the Contract or Purchase Order as has been terminated. Except as provided below, payment for completed work accepted by the Commonwealth shall be at the Contract price. Except as provided below, payment for partially completed items including, where applicable, reports and working papers, delivered to and accepted by the Commonwealth shall be in an amount agreed upon by the Contractor and Contracting Officer. The Commonwealth may withhold from amounts otherwise due the Contractor for such completed or partially completed works, such sum as the Contracting Officer determines to be necessary to protect the Commonwealth against loss.

d. The rights and remedies of the Commonwealth provided in this paragraph shall not be exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this Contract.

e. The Commonwealth’s failure to exercise any rights or remedies provided in this paragraph shall not be construed to be a waiver by the Commonwealth of its rights and remedies in regard to the event of default or any succeeding event of default.

f. Following exhaustion of the Contractor’s administrative remedies as set forth in Paragraph 20, the Contractor's exclusive remedy shall be to seek damages in the Board of Claims.

18.

FORCE MAJEURE

Neither party will incur any liability to the other if its performance of any obligation under this Contract is prevented or delayed by causes beyond its control and without the fault or negligence of either party. Causes beyond a party’s control may include, but aren’t limited to, acts of God or war, changes in controlling law, regulations, orders or the requirements of any governmental entity, severe weather conditions, civil disorders, natural disasters, fire, epidemics and quarantines, general strikes throughout the trade, and freight embargoes.

The Contractor shall notify the Commonwealth orally within five (5) days and in writing within ten (10) days of the date on which the Contractor becomes aware, or should have reasonably become aware, that such cause would prevent or delay its performance. Such notification shall (i) describe fully such cause(s) and its effect on performance, (ii) state whether performance under the contract is prevented or delayed and (iii) if performance is delayed, state a reasonable estimate of the duration of the delay. The Contractor shall have the burden of proving that such cause(s) delayed or prevented its performance despite its diligent efforts to perform and shall produce such supporting documentation as the Commonwealth may reasonably request. After receipt of such notification, the Commonwealth may elect to cancel the Contract, cancel the Purchase Order, or to extend the time for performance as reasonably necessary to compensate for the Contractor’s delay.

In the event of a declared emergency by competent governmental authorities, the Commonwealth by notice to the Contractor, may suspend all or a portion of the Contract or Purchase Order.

19.

TERMINATION PROVISIONS

The Commonwealth has the right to terminate this Contract or any Purchase Order for any of the following reasons. Termination shall be effective upon written notice to the Contractor.

a. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE: The Commonwealth shall have the right to terminate the Contract or a Purchase Order for its convenience if the Commonwealth determines termination to be in its best interest. The Contractor shall be paid for work satisfactorily completed prior to the effective date of the termination, but in no event shall the Contractor be entitled to recover loss of profits.

b. NON-APPROPRIATION: The Commonwealth’s obligation to make payments during any Commonwealth fiscal year succeeding the current fiscal year shall be subject to availability and appropriation of funds. When funds (state and/or federal) are not appropriated or otherwise made available to support continuation of performance in a subsequent fiscal year period, the Commonwealth shall have the right to terminate the Contract or a Purchase Order. The Contractor shall be reimbursed for the reasonable value of any nonrecurring costs incurred but not amortized in the price of the supplies or services delivered under the Contract. Such reimbursement shall not include loss of profit, loss of use of money, or administrative or overhead costs. The reimbursement amount may be paid from any appropriations available for that purpose

c. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE: The Commonwealth shall have the right to terminate the Contract or a Purchase Order for Contractor default under Paragraph 17, Default, upon written notice to the Contractor. The Commonwealth shall also have the right, upon written notice to the Contractor, to terminate the Contract or a Purchase Order for other cause as specified in the Contract or by law. If it is later determined that the Commonwealth erred in terminating the Contract or a Purchase Order for cause, then, at the Commonwealth’s discretion, the Contract or Purchase Order shall be deemed to have been terminated for convenience under the Subparagraph 19.a.

20.

CONTRACT CONTROVERSIES

a. In the event of a controversy or claim arising from the Contract, the Contractor must, within six months after the cause of action accrues, file a written claim with the contracting officer for a determination. The claim shall state all grounds upon which the Contractor asserts a controversy exists. If the Contractor fails to file a claim or files an untimely claim, the Contractor is deemed to have waived its right to assert a claim in any forum. At the time the claim is filed, or within sixty (60) days thereafter, either party may request mediation through the Commonwealth Office of General Counsel Dispute Resolution Program.

b.

If the Contractor or the contracting officer requests mediation and the other party agrees, the contracting officer shall promptly make arrangements for mediation. Mediation shall be scheduled so as to not delay the issuance of the final determination beyond the required 120 days after receipt of the claim if mediation is unsuccessful. If mediation is not agreed to or if resolution is not reached through mediation, the contracting officer shall review timely-filed claims and issue a final determination, in writing, regarding the claim. The final determination shall be issued within 120 days of the receipt of the claim, unless extended by consent of the contracting officer and the Contractor. The contracting officer shall send his/her written determination to the Contractor. If the contracting officer fails to issue a final determination within the 120 days (unless extended by consent of the parties), the claim shall be deemed denied. The contracting officer's determination shall be the final order of the purchasing agency.

c.

Within fifteen (15) days of the mailing date of the determination denying a claim or within 135 days of filing a claim if, no extension is agreed to by the parties, whichever occurs first, the Contractor may file a statement of claim with the Commonwealth Board of Claims. Pending a final judicial resolution of a controversy or claim, the Contractor shall proceed diligently with the performance of the Contract in a manner consistent with the determination of the contracting officer and the Commonwealth shall compensate the Contractor pursuant to the terms of the Contract.

21.

ASSIGNABILITY AND SUBCONTRACTING

a.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Paragraph 21, this Contract shall be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

b.

The Contractor shall not subcontract with any person or entity to perform all or any part of the work to be performed under this Contract without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer, which consent maybe withheld at the sole and absolute discretion of the Contracting Officer.

c.

The Contractor may not assign, in whole or in part, this Contract or its rights, duties, obligations, or responsibilities hereunder without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer, which consent may b withheld at the sole and absolute discretion of the Contracting Officer.

d.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Contractor may, without the consent of the Contracting Officer, assign its rights to payment to be received under the Contract, provided that the Contractor provides written notice of such assignment to the Contracting Officer together with a written acknowledgement from the assignee that any such payments are subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Contract.

e.

For the purposes of this Contract, the term “assign” shall include, but shall not be limited to, the sale, gift, assignment, pledge, or other transfer of any ownership interest in the Contractor provided, however, that the term shall not apply to the sale or other transfer of stock of a publicly traded company.

f .

Any assignment consented to by the Contracting Officer shall be evidenced by a written assignment agreement executed by the Contractor and its assignee in which the assignee agrees to be legally bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Contract and to assume the duties, obligations, and responsibilities being assigned.

g.

A change of name by the Contractor, following which the Contractor’s federal identification number remains unchanged, shall not be considered to be an assignment hereunder. The Contractor shall give the Contracting Officer written notice of any such change of name.

22.

NONDISCRIMINATION/SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAUSE

The Contractor agrees:

a.

In the hiring of any employee(s) for the manufacture of supplies, performance of work, or any other activity required under the contract or any subcontract, the Contractor, each subcontractor, or any person acting on behalf of the Contractor or subcontractor shall not, by reason of gender, race, creed, or color, discriminate against any citizen of this Commonwealth who is qualified and available to perform the work to which the employment relates.

b.

Neither the Contractor nor any subcontractor nor any person on their behalf shall in any manner discriminate against or intimidate any employee involved in the manufacture of supplies, the performance of work, or any other activity required under the contract on account of gender, race, creed, or color.

c.

The Contractor and each subcontractor shall establish and maintain a written sexual harassment policy and shall inform their employees of the policy. The policy must contain a notice that sexual harassment will not be tolerated and employees who practice it will be disciplined.

d.

The Contractor and each subcontractor shall not discriminate by reason of gender, race, creed, or color against any subcontractor or supplier who is qualified to perform the work to which the contract relates.

e.

The Contractor and each subcontractor shall, within the time periods requested by the Commonwealth, furnish all necessary employment documents and records and permit access to their books, records, and accounts by the contracting agency and the Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities (BMWBO), for purpose of ascertaining compliance with provisions of this Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment Clause. Within fifteen (15) days after award of any contract, the Contractor shall be required to complete, sign and submit Form STD-21, the “Initial Contract Compliance Data” form. If the contract is a construction contract, then the Contractor shall be required to complete, sign and submit Form STD-28, the “Monthly Contract Compliance Report for Construction Contractors”, each month no later than the 15th of the month following the reporting period beginning with the initial job conference and continuing through the completion of the project. Those contractors who have fewer than five employees or whose employees are all from the same family or who have completed the Form STD-21 within the past 12 months may, within the 15 days, request an exemption from the Form STD-21 submission requirement from the contracting agency.

f.

The Contractor shall include the provisions of this Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment Clause in every subcontract so that those provisions applicable to subcontractors will be binding upon each subcontractor.

g.

The Commonwealth may cancel or terminate the contract and all money due or to become due under the contract may be forfeited for a violation of the terms and conditions of this Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment Clause. In addition, the agency may proceed with debarment or suspension and may place the Contractor in the Contractor Responsibility File.

23.

CONTRACTOR INTEGRITY PROVISIONS

It is essential that those who seek to contract with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (“Commonwealth”) observe high standards of honesty and integrity. They must conduct themselves in a manner that fosters public confidence in the integrity of the Commonwealth procurement process.

In furtherance of this policy, Contractor agrees to the following:

a.

Contractor shall maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity during the performance of this contract and shall take no action in violation of state or federal laws or regulations or any other applicable laws or regulations, or other requirements applicable to Contractor or that govern contracting with the Commonwealth.

b.

Contractor shall establish and implement a written business integrity policy, which includes, at a minimum, the requirements of these provisions as they relate to Contractor employee activity with the Commonwealth and Commonwealth employees, and which is distributed and made known to all Contractor employees.

c.

Contractor, its affiliates, agents and employees shall not influence, or attempt to influence, any Commonwealth employee to breach the standards of ethical conduct for Commonwealth employees set forth in the Public Official and Employees Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§1101 et seq.; the State Adverse Interest Act, 71 P.S. §776.1 et seq.; and the Governor’s Code of Conduct, Executive Order 1980-18, 4 Pa. Code §7.151 et seq., or to breach any other state or federal law or regulation.

d.

Contractor, its affiliates, agents and employees shall not offer, give, or agree or promise to give any gratuity to a Commonwealth official or employee or to any other person at the direction or request of any Commonwealth official or employee.

e.

Contractor, its affiliates, agents and employees shall not offer, give, or agree or promise to give any gratuity to a Commonwealth official or employee or to any other person, the acceptance of which would violate the Governor’s Code of Conduct, Executive Order 1980-18, 4 Pa. Code §7.151 et seq. or any statute, regulation, statement of policy, management directive or any other published standard of the Commonwealth.

f.

Contractor, its affiliates, agents and employees shall not, directly or indirectly, offer, confer, or agree to confer any pecuniary benefit on anyone as consideration for the decision, opinion, recommendation, vote, other exercise of discretion, or violation of a known legal duty by any Commonwealth official or employee.

g.

Contractor, its affiliates, agents, employees, or anyone in privity with him or her shall not accept or agree to accept from any person, any gratuity in connection with the performance of work under the contract, except as provided in the contract.

h.

Contractor shall not have a financial interest in any other contractor, subcontractor, or supplier providing services, labor, or material on this project, unless the financial interest is disclosed to the Commonwealth in writing and the Commonwealth consents to Contractor’s financial interest prior to Commonwealth execution of the contract. Contractor shall disclose the financial interest to the Commonwealth at the time of bid or proposal submission, or if no bids or proposals are solicited, no later than Contractor’s submission of the contract signed by Contractor.

i.

Contractor, its affiliates, agents and employees shall not disclose to others any information, documents, reports, data, or records provided to, or prepared by, Contractor under this contract without the prior written approval of the Commonwealth, except as required by the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. §§ 67.101-3104, or other applicable law or as otherwise provided in this contract. Any information, documents, reports, data, or records secured by Contractor from the Commonwealth or a third party in connection with the performance of this contract shall be kept confidential unless disclosure of such information is:

1.

Approved in writing by the Commonwealth prior to its disclosure; or

2.

Directed by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction unless the contract requires prior Commonwealth approval; or

3.

Required for compliance with federal or state securities laws or the requirements of national securities exchanges; or

4.

Necessary for purposes of Contractor’s internal assessment and review; or

5.

Deemed necessary by Contractor in any action to enforce the provisions of this contract or to defend or prosecute claims by or against parties other than the Commonwealth; or

6.

Permitted by the valid authorization of a third party to whom the information, documents, reports, data, or records pertain: or

7.

Otherwise required by law.

j.

Contractor certifies that neither it nor any of its officers, directors, associates, partners, limited partners or individual owners has been officially notified of, charged with, or convicted of any of the following and agrees to immediately notify the Commonwealth agency contracting officer in writing if and when it or any officer, director, associate, partner, limited partner or individual owner has been officially notified of, charged with, convicted of, or officially notified of a governmental determination of any of the following:

1.

Commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements or receiving stolen property.

2.

Commission of fraud or a criminal offense or other improper conduct or knowledge of, approval of or acquiescence in such activities by Contractor or any affiliate, officer, director, associate, partner, limited partner, individual owner, or employee or other individual or entity associated with:

(a) obtaining;

(b) attempting to obtain; or

(c) performing a public contract or subcontract.

Contractor’s acceptance of the benefits derived from the conduct shall be deemed evidence of such knowledge, approval or acquiescence.

3.

Violation of federal or state antitrust statutes.

4.

Violation of any federal or state law regulating campaign contributions.

5.

Violation of any federal or state environmental law.

6.

Violation of any federal or state law regulating hours of labor, minimum wage standards or prevailing wage standards; discrimination in wages; or child labor violations.

7.

Violation of the Act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No. 338), known as the Workers’ Compensation Act, 77 P.S. 1 et seq.

8.

Violation of any federal or state law prohibiting discrimination in employment.

9.

Debarment by any agency or department of the federal government or by any other state.

10.

Any other crime involving moral turpitude or business honesty or integrity.

Contractor acknowledges that the Commonwealth may, in its sole discretion, terminate the contract for cause upon such notification or when the Commonwealth otherwise learns that Contractor has been officially notified, charged, or convicted.

k.

If this contract was awarded to Contractor on a non-bid basis, Contractor must, (as required by Section 1641 of the Pennsylvania Election Code) file a report of political contributions with the Secretary of the Commonwealth on or before February 15 of the next calendar year. The report must include an itemized list of all political contributions known to Contractor by virtue of the knowledge possessed by every officer, director, associate, partner, limited partner, or individual owner that has been made by:

1.

Any officer, director, associate, partner, limited partner, individual owner or members of the immediate family when the contributions exceed an aggregate of one thousand dollars ($1,000) by any individual during the preceding year; or

2.

Any employee or members of his immediate family whose political contribution exceeded one thousand dollars ($1,000) during the preceding year.

To obtain a copy of the reporting form, Contractor shall contact the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation, Division of Campaign Finance and Lobbying Disclosure, Room 210, North Office Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120.

l.

Contractor shall comply with requirements of the Lobbying Disclosure Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A01 et seq., and the regulations promulgated pursuant to that law. Contractor employee activities prior to or outside of formal Commonwealth procurement communication protocol are considered lobbying and subjects the Contractor employees to the registration and reporting requirements of the law. Actions by outside lobbyists on Contractor’s behalf, no matter the procurement stage, are not exempt and must be reported.

m.

When Contractor has reason to believe that any breach of ethical standards as set forth in law, the Governor’s Code of Conduct, or in these provisions has occurred or may occur, including but not limited to contact by a Commonwealth officer or employee which, if acted upon, would violate such ethical standards, Contractor shall immediately notify the Commonwealth contracting officer or Commonwealth Inspector General in writing.

n.

Contractor, by submission of its bid or proposal and/or execution of this contract and by the submission of any bills, invoices or requests for payment pursuant to the contract, certifies and represents that it has not violated any of these contractor integrity provisions in connection with the submission of the bid or proposal, during any contract negotiations or during the term of the contract.

o.

Contractor shall cooperate with the Office of Inspector General in its investigation of any alleged Commonwealth employee breach of ethical standards and any alleged Contractor non-compliance with these provisions. Contractor agrees to make identified Contractor employees available for interviews at reasonable times and places. Contractor, upon the inquiry or request of the Office of Inspector General, shall provide, or if appropriate, make promptly available for inspection or copying, any information of any type or form deemed relevant by the Inspector General to Contractor's integrity and compliance with these provisions. Such information may include, but shall not be limited to, Contractor's business or financial records, documents or files of any type or form that refers to or concern this contract.

p.

For violation of any of these Contractor Integrity Provisions, the Commonwealth may terminate this and any other contract with Contractor, claim liquidated damages in an amount equal to the value of anything received in breach of these provisions, claim damages for all additional costs and expenses incurred in obtaining another contractor to complete performance under this contract, and debar and suspend Contractor from doing business with the Commonwealth. These rights and remedies are cumulative, and the use or non-use of any one shall not preclude the use of all or any other. These rights and remedies are in addition to those the Commonwealth may have under law, statute, regulation, or otherwise.

q.

For purposes of these Contractor Integrity Provisions, the following terms shall have the meanings found in this Paragraph q.

1.

“Confidential information” means information that a) is not already in the public domain; b) is not available to the public upon request; c) is not or does not become generally known to Contractor from a third party without an obligation to maintain its confidentiality; d) has not become generally known to the public through an act or omission of Contractor; or e) has not been independently developed by Contractor without the use of confidential information of the Commonwealth.

2.

“Consent” means written permission signed by a duly authorized officer or employee of the Commonwealth, provided that where the material facts have been disclosed, in writing, by pre-qualification, bid, proposal, or contractual terms, the Commonwealth shall be deemed to have consented by virtue of execution of this contract.

3.

“Contractor” means the individual or entity that has entered into this contract with the Commonwealth, including those directors, officers, partners, managers, and owners having more than a five percent interest in Contractor.

4.

“Financial interest” means:

(a) Ownership of more than a five percent interest in any business; or

(b) Holding a position as an officer, director, trustee, partner, employee, or holding any position of management.

5.

“Gratuity” means tendering, giving or providing anything of more than nominal monetary value including, but not limited to, cash, travel, entertainment, gifts, meals, lodging, loans, subscriptions, advances, deposits of money, services, employment, or contracts of any kind. The exceptions set forth in the Governor’s Code of Conduct, Executive Order 1980-18, the 4 Pa. Code §7.153(b), shall apply.

6.

“Immediate family” means a spouse and any unemancipated child.

7.

“Non-bid basis” means a contract awarded or executed by the Commonwealth with Contractor without seeking bids or proposals from any other potential bidder or offeror.

8.

“Political contribution” means any payment, gift, subscription, assessment, contract, payment for services, dues, loan, forbearance, advance or deposit of money or any valuable thing, to a candidate for public office or to a political committee, including but not limited to a political action committee, made for the purpose of influencing any election in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or for paying debts incurred by or for a candidate or committee before or after any election.

24.

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY PROVISIONS

For the purpose of these provisions, the term contractor is defined as any person, including, but not limited to, a bidder, offeror, loan recipient, grantee or lessor, who has furnished or performed or seeks to furnish or perform, goods, supplies, services, leased space, construction or other activity, under a contract, grant, lease, purchase order or reimbursement agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Commonwealth). The term contractor includes a permittee, licensee, or any agency, political subdivision, instrumentality, public authority, or other public entity in the Commonwealth.

a.

The Contractor certifies, in writing, for itself and its subcontractors required to be disclosed or approved by the Commonwealth, that as of the date of its execution of this Bid/Contract, that neither the Contractor, nor any such subcontractors, are under suspension or debarment by the Commonwealth or any governmental entity, instrumentality, or authority and, if the Contractor cannot so certify, then it agrees to submit, along with its Bid/Contract, a written explanation of why such certification cannot be made.

b.

The Contractor also certifies, in writing, that as of the date of its execution of this Bid/Contract it has no tax liabilities or other Commonwealth obligations, or has filed a timely administrative or judicial appeal if such liabilities or obligations exist, or is subject to a duly approved deferred payment plan if such liabilities exist.

c.

The Contractor's obligations pursuant to these provisions are ongoing from and after the…