STANDARD BLUEBACK CONTRACT
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
CONTRACT FOR
(3 to 10 word statement of nature of the Contract)
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this ________ day of ______________, between __________________ University of Pennsylvania of the State System of Higher Education (address), (hereinafter “University,” “Commonwealth,” or “Agency”),
and
(Contractor’s full name which must be in its legally recognized form, i.e., corporate registration, full legal name if an individual and must be the same throughout this Contract. Deviations must be satisfactorily explained, except that the Contractor may be referred to as “Contractor” within this document from this point forward) at (address) acting through its proper officials, (hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”) (Federal I.D. #___________________ or if an individual, Social Security Number).
Both the University and Contractor, when used together, are hereinafter referred to as Parties. The University is an instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, established by and existing pursuant to Article XX-A of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended, 24 P.S. § 20-2001-A, et seq., and is authorized thereby to enter into this Contract.
The University desires to obtain _____ (Short description of the goods and/or services to be provided) from the Contractor.
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises hereinafter expressed and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1. CONTRACTOR DUTIES
SECTION 2. TERM OF CONTRACT
SECTION 3. RENEWALS
SECTION 4. COST OF AGREEMENT
SECTION 5. COMPENSATION/EXPENSES
SECTION 6. INVOICES
SECTION 7. PAYMENT
SECTION 8. TAXES
SECTION 9. ASSIGNMENT OF ANTITRUST CLAIMS
SECTION 10. OWNERSHIP RIGHTS
SECTION 11. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
SECTION 12. AUDIT PROVISIONS
SECTION 13. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY
SECTION 14. CONTRACTOR INTEGRITY
SECTION 15. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
SECTION 16. ASSIGNABILITY AND SUBCONTRACTING
SECTION 17. NONDISCRIMINATION/SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAUSE
SECTION 18. FORCE MAJEURE
SECTION 19. DEFAULT
SECTION 20. HOLD HARMLESS PROVISION
SECTION 21. CONTRACT CONTROVERSIES
SECTION 22. AMENDMENTS
SECTION 23. SEVERABILITY
SECTION 24. APPLICABLE LAW
SECTION 25. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
SECTION 26. POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED CONTENT
SECTION 27. ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 28. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
SECTION 29. WARRANTY
SECTION 30. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW
SECTION 31. INTEGRATION
SECTION 32. PATENT, COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK INDEMNITY
SECTION 33. COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES
SECTION 34. CHANGE ORDERS
1. CONTRACTOR DUTIES. The Contractor, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, shall perform the following specified duties: _____________________.
2. 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 fixed by the Contracting Officer after the Contract
has been fully executed by the Contractor and by the Commonwealth and all
approvals required by Commonwealth contracting procedures have been obtained. The
Contract shall not be a legally binding contract until after the Effective Date
is affixed and the fully executed Contract has been sent to the Contractor. The
Contracting Officer shall issue a written Notice to Proceed to the Contractor
directing the Contractor to start performance on a date which is on or after
the Effective Date. The Contractor shall not start the performance of any work
prior to the date set forth in the Notice to Proceed and the Commonwealth shall
not be liable to pay the Contractor for any service or work performed or
expenses incurred before the date set forth in the Notice to Proceed. No agency
employee has the authority to verbally direct the commencement of any work
under this Contract. 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.
The contract shall expire _______________________________________.
3. RENEWALS. ____________________________________________.
4. COST OF AGREEMENT. It is understood that the cost of this Agreement to the University shall not exceed _______________________________.
5. COMPENSATION/EXPENSES. The Contractor shall be required to perform the specified services at the price(s) quoted in the Contract. All services shall be performed within the time period(s) specified in the Contract. The Contractor shall be compensated only for work 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.
6. INVOICES. Unless the Contractor has been authorized by the Commonwealth for Evaluated Receipt Settlement or Vendor Self-Invoicing, the Contractor shall send an itemized invoice to the agency at the address referenced on the purchase order promptly after services are satisfactorily completed. 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 rate, and the purchase order or task order to which it refers.
7. 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 “Provide Service and 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.
8. 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. 2374001-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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. The Commonwealth has the right to terminate this Contract 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 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 lost 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. 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 this 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 for Contractor default under paragraph 19,
Default, upon written notice to the Contractor. The Commonwealth shall also have the right, upon written notice
to the Contractor, to terminate the Contract for other cause as specified in
this Contract or by law. If it is later
determined that the Commonwealth erred in terminating the Contract for cause,
then, at the Commonwealth’s discretion, the Contract shall be deemed to have
been terminated for convenience under subparagraph (a).
12. 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.
13. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY.
a.
The Contractor certifies, for itself and all its subcontractors, that as of the
date of its execution of this Bid/Contract, that neither the Contractor, nor
any subcontractors, nor any suppliers 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,
a written explanation of why such certification cannot be made.
b.
The Contractor also certifies, that as of the date of its execution of this
Bid/Contract, it has no tax liabilities or other Commonwealth obligations.
c.
The Contractor’s obligations pursuant to these provisions are ongoing from and
after the effective date of the contract through the termination date thereof.
Accordingly, the Contractor shall have an obligation to inform the Commonwealth
if, at any time during the term of the Contract, it becomes delinquent in the
payment of taxes, or other Commonwealth obligations, or if it or any of its
subcontractors are suspended or debarred by the Commonwealth, the federal
government, or any other state or governmental entity. Such notification shall
be made within 15 days of the date of suspension or debarment.
d.
The failure of the Contractor to notify the Commonwealth of its suspension or
debarment by the Commonwealth, any other state, or the federal government shall
constitute an event of default of the Contract with the Commonwealth.
e.
The Contractor agrees to reimburse the Commonwealth for the reasonable costs of
investigation incurred by the Office of State Inspector General for
investigations of the Contractor’s compliance with the terms of this or any
other agreement between the Contractor and the Commonwealth, which results in
the suspension or debarment of the Contractor. Such costs shall include, but
shall not be limited to, salaries of investigators, including overtime; travel
and lodging expenses; and expert witness and documentary fees. The Contractor
shall not be responsible for investigative costs for investigations that do not
result in the Contractor’s suspension or debarment.
f.
The Contractor may obtain a current list of suspended and debarred Commonwealth
contractors by either searching the Internet at http://www.dgs.state.pa.us/dgs/cwp/view.asp?a=353&Q=115573&dgsNav=|5053|
or contacting the:
Department
of General Services
Office
of Chief Counsel
603
North Office Building
Harrisburg,
PA 17125
Telephone
No. (717) 783-6472
FAX
No. (717) 787-9138
All
Contractors (if a corporate entity both signatories to this Contract must
execute) with the State System shall sign the certification below:
Contractor Responsibility Certification
I certify that I, the
Contractor identified herein, am not currently debarred or suspended by the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and am eligible to contract with the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania for the goods and/or services contained in this contract.
_____________________________
Contractor/Vendor
Title
_____________
Date
_____________________________
Contractor/Vendor
Title
_____________
Date
ALL PARTIES WHO SIGN THIS CONTRACT ON
BEHALF OF THE CONTRACTOR MUST SIGN THE STATEMENT ABOVE.
14. CONTRACTOR INTEGRITY.
a. For purposes of this clause only, the words “confidential information,” “consent,” “Contractor,” “financial interest,” and “gratuity” shall have the following definitions:
1) Confidential information means information that is not public knowledge, or available to the public on request, disclosure of which would give an unfair, unethical, or illegal advantage to another desiring to contract with 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 prequalification, bid, proposal, or contractual terms, the Commonwealth shall be deemed to have consented by virtue of execution of this agreement.
3) Contractor means the individual or entity that has entered into the Contract with the Commonwealth, including directors, officers, partners, managers, key employees and owners of more than a 5% interest.
4) Financial Interest means:
(a) Ownership of more than a 5% interest in any business; or
(b) Holding a position as an officer, director, trustee, partner, employee, or the like, or holding any position of management.
5) Gratuity means any payment of more than nominal monetary value in the form of cash, travel, entertainment, gifts, meals, lodging, loans, subscriptions, advances, deposits of money, services, employment, or contracts of any kind.
b. The Contractor shall maintain the highest standards of integrity in the performance of the Contract and shall take no action in violation of state or federal laws, regulations, or other requirements that govern contracting with the Commonwealth.
c. The Contractor shall not disclose to others any confidential information gained by virtue of the Contract.
d. The Contractor shall not, in connection with this or any other agreement with the Commonwealth, 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 officer or employee of the Commonwealth.
e. The Contractor shall not, in connection with this or any other agreement with the Commonwealth, directly or indirectly, offer, give, or agree to promise to give to anyone any gratuity for the benefit of or at the direction or request of any officer or employee of the Commonwealth.
f. Except with the consent of the Commonwealth, neither the Contractor nor anyone in privity with him or her shall accept or agree to accept from, or give or agree to give to, any person, any gratuity from any person in connection with the performance of work under the Contract except as provided therein.
g. Except with the consent of the Commonwealth, the Contractor shall not have a financial interest in any other contractor, subcontractor, or supplier providing services, labor, or material on this project.
h. The Contractor, upon being informed that any violation of these provisions has occurred or may occur, shall immediately notify the Commonwealth in writing.
i. The Contractor, by execution of the Contract and by the submission of any bills or invoices for payment pursuant thereto, certifies and represents that he or she has not violated any of these provisions.
j. The Contractor, upon the inquiry or request of the Inspector General of the Commonwealth or any of that official’s agents or representatives, 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 the Contractor’s integrity or responsibility, as those terms are defined by the Commonwealth’s statutes, regulations, or management directives. Such information may include, but shall not be limited to, the Contractor’s business or financial records, documents or files of any type or form which refers to or concern the Contract. Such information shall be retained by the Contractor for a period of three years beyond the termination of the Contract unless otherwise provided by law.
k. For violation of any of the above provisions, the Commonwealth may terminate this and any other agreement with the Contractor, claim liquidated damages in an amount equal to the value of anything received in breach of these provisions, claim damages for all expenses incurred in obtaining another Contractor to complete performance hereunder, and debar and suspend the Contractor from doing business with the Commonwealth. These rights and remedies are cumulative, and the use or nonuse 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.
15. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT.
a. Pursuant
to federal regulations promulgated under the authority of the Americans with
Disabilities Act, 28 C.F.R. § 35.101, et seq., the Contractor
understands and agrees that it shall not cause any individual with a disability
to be excluded from participation in this Contract or from activities provided
for under this Contract on the basis of the disability. As a condition of accepting this Contract,
the Contractor agrees to comply with the “General Prohibitions Against
Discrimination,” 28 C.F.R. § 35.130, and all other regulations promulgated
under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act which are
applicable to all benefits, services, programs, and activities provided by the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through contracts with outside contractors.
b. The
Contractor shall be responsible for and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from all losses, damages, expenses, claims,
demands, suits and actions brought by any party against the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania as a result of the Contractor’s failure to comply with the
provisions of subparagraph (a) above.
a. Subject to the terms and conditions of 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 may be 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 be 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.
During the term of the Contract, Contractor agrees as follows:
a. In the hiring of any employees for the manufacture of supplies, performance of work, or any other activity required under the Contract or any subcontract, the Contractor, 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. Contractors and any subcontractors 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 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 furnish all necessary employment documents and records to and permit access to its books, records, and accounts by the Contracting Officer and the Department of General Services’ Bureau of Contract Administration and Business Development for purposes of investigation to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment Clause. If the Contractor or any subcontractor does not possess documents or records reflecting the necessary information requested, it shall furnish such information on reporting forms supplied by the Contracting Officer or the Bureau of Contract Administration and Business Development.
f. The Contractor shall include the provisions of this Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment Clause in every subcontract so that such provisions 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.
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 either to cancel the Contract 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.
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 11, Termination of Agreement) the whole or any part of this Contract for any of the following reasons:
1) Failure to begin work within the time specified in the Contract 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 terms;
3) Unsatisfactory performance of the work;
4) Failure or refusal to remove material, or remove and replace any work rejected as defective or unsatisfactory;
5) Discontinuance of work without approval;
6) Failure to resume work, which has been discontinued, within a reasonable time after notice to do so;
7) Insolvency or bankruptcy;
8) Assignment made for the benefit of creditors;
9) 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;
10) Failure to protect, to repair, or to make good any damage or injury to property; or
11) Breach of any provision of this Contract.
b. In the event that the Commonwealth terminates this Contract 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, services 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 services included within the terminated part of the Contract.
c. If the Contract 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 work, 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 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 work 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 to the Contractor for such completed or partially completed works, such sums as the Contractor 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 21, the Contractor’s exclusive remedy shall be to seek damages in the Board of Claims.
20. 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.
21. 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 notice of controversy or 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.
b. 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.
22. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement represents the complete
agreement between the parties, superceding any other prior or contemporaneous
written or oral agreements. Any
changes, corrections or additions to this Agreement shall be in writing in the
form of a supplemental agreement signed by all necessary parties and setting
forth therein the proposed change, correction or addition.
23. SEVERABILITY. Should any term of this Contract be rendered
unlawful by a court of competent jurisdiction or any legislative act, then the
parties shall give effect to the balance of the agreement to the extent
possible.
24. APPLICABLE
LAW. This Contract shall be
governed by and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (without regard to any conflict of laws
provisions) and the decisions of the Pennsylvania courts. The Contractor consents to the jurisdiction
of any court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and any federal courts in
Pennsylvania, waiving any claim or defense that such forum is not convenient or
proper. The Contractor agrees that any
such court shall have in personam jurisdiction over it, and consents to service
of process in any manner authorized by Pennsylvania law.
25. INDEPENDENT
CONTRACTOR. In performing the services required by the
Contract, the Contractor will act as an independent Contractor and not as an
employee or agent of the Commonwealth.
26. 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 the total recycled
content as specified in Exhibits A-1 through A-8 to this Contract.
27. ENVIRONMENTAL
PROVISIONS. In the performance of
the Contract, the Contractor shall minimize pollution and shall strictly comply
with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
28. HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES. The Contractor shall
provide information to the Commonwealth about the identity and hazards of
hazardous substances supplied or used by the Contractor in the performance of
the Contract. The Contractor must
comply with Act 159 of October 5, 1984, known as the “Worker and Community
Right to Know Act” (the “Act”) and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto
at 4 Pa. Code § 301.1 et seq.
a. Labeling. The Contractor shall insure that each
individual product (as well as the carton, container or package in which the
product is shipped) of any of the following substances (as defined by the Act
and the regulations) supplied by the Contractor is clearly labeled, tagged or
marked with the information listed in Paragraph (1) through (4) below:
1) Hazardous
substances:
a) The chemical name or common name,
b) A hazard warning, and
c) The
name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer.
2) Hazardous
mixtures:
a) The common name, but if none exists, then
the trade name,
b) The chemical or common name of special hazardous substances
comprising .01% or more of the mixture,
c) The chemical or common name of hazardous substances consisting
of 1.0% or more of the mixture,
d) A hazard warning, and
e) The name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer.
3) Single Chemicals:
a) The
chemical name or the common name,
b) A hazard
warning, if appropriate, and
c) The name, address and telephone number of
the manufacturer.
4) Chemical Mixtures:
a) The common
name, but if none exists, then the trade name,
b) A hazard
warning, if appropriate,
c) The name,
address, and telephone number of the manufacturer, and
d) The
chemical name or common name of either the top five substances
by volume or those substances consisting of 5.0%
or more of the
mixture.
A common name or trade name
may be used only if the use of the name more easily or readily identifies the
true nature of the hazardous substance, hazardous mixture, single chemical, or
mixture involved.
Container labels shall
provide a warning as to the specific nature of the hazard arising from the
substance in the container.
The hazard warning shall be
given in conformity with one of the nationally recognized and accepted systems
of providing warnings, and hazard warnings shall be consistent with one or more
of the recognized systems throughout the workplace. Examples are:
Ø NFPA 704, identification of
the Fire Hazards of Materials.
Ø National Paint and Coatings
Association: Hazardous Materials Identification System.
Ø American Society for Testing
and Materials, Safety Alert Pictorial Chart.
Ø American National Standard
Institute, Inc., for the Precautionary
Labeling of Hazardous Industrial Chemicals.
Labels must be legible and
prominently affixed to and displayed on the product and the carton, container,
or package so that employees can easily identify the substance or mixture
present therein.
b. Material
Safety Data Sheet. The Contractor shall
provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with the information required by the
Act and the regulations for each hazardous substance or hazardous mixture. The
Commonwealth must be provided an appropriate MSDS with the initial shipment and
with the first shipment after an MSDS is updated or product changed. For any other chemical, the Contractor shall
provide an appropriate MSDS, if the manufacturer, importer, or supplier
produces or possesses the MSDS. The
Contractor shall also notify the Commonwealth when a substance or mixture is
subject to the provisions of the Act.
Material Safety Data Sheets may be attached to the carton, container, or
package mailed to the Commonwealth at the time of shipment.
29. WARRANTY.
The Contractor warrants that 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 services and parts are warranted for a period of one year
following completion of performance by the Contractor and acceptance by the
Commonwealth. The Contractor shall
correct any problem with the service and/or replace any defective part with a
part of equivalent or superior quality without any additional cost to the
Commonwealth.
30. 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.
31. INTEGRATION. The Contract, including all referenced
documents, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. No agent, representative, employee or
officer of either the Commonwealth or the Contractor has the authority to make,
or has made, any statement, agreement or representation, oral or written, in
connection with the Contract, which in any way can be deemed to modify, add to
or detract from, or otherwise change or alter its terms and conditions. No negotiations between the parties, nor any
custom or usage, shall be permitted to modify or contradict any of the terms
and conditions of the Contract. No
modifications, alterations, changes, or waiver to the Contract or any of its
terms shall be valid or binding unless accomplished by a written amendment
signed by both parties. All such
amendments shall be made using the appropriate Commonwealth form.
32. 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, or trademark 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.
33. COVENANT
AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES. The
Contractor warrants that no person or selling agency has been employed or
retained to solicit or secure the Contract upon an agreement or understanding
for a commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee, except bona fide
employees or bona fide established commercial or selling agencies maintained by
the Contractor for the purpose of securing business. For breach or violation of
this warranty, the Commonwealth shall have the right to terminate the Contract
without liability or in its discretion to deduct from the Contract price
or consideration, or otherwise recover
the full amount of such commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee.
34. CHANGE ORDERS. The Commonwealth reserves the right to issue change orders at any time during the term of the Contract or any renewals or extensions thereof: 1) to increase or decrease the quantities resulting from variations between any estimated quantities in the Contract and actual quantities; 2) to make changes to the services within the scope of the Contract; 3) to notify the Contractor that the Commonwealth is exercising any Contract renewal or extension option; or 4) to modify the time of performance that does not alter the scope of the Contract to extend the completion date beyond the Expiration Date of the Contract or any renewals or extensions thereof. Any such change order shall be in writing signed by the Contracting Officer. The change order shall be effective as of the date appearing on the change order, unless the change order specifies a later effective date. Such increases, decreases, changes, or modifications will not invalidate the Contract, nor, if performance security is being furnished in conjunction with the Contract, release the security obligation. The Contractor agrees to provide the service in accordance with the change order. Any dispute by the Contractor in regard to the performance required under any change order shall be handled through Paragraph 21, “Contract Controversies”. For purposes of this Contract, “change order” is defined as a written order signed by the Contracting Officer directing the Contractor to make changes authorized under this clause.
THE
BALANCE OF THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
EXHIBITS
A-1 THROUGH A-8 REFERENCED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT ARE LOCATED AT THE END OF THE
SPC FORM IN APPENDIX A. IT HAS NOT BEEN REPLICATED HERE IN ORDER TO SAVE SPACE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed pursuant
to due and legal action authorizing the same to be done the date first written
above.
FOR THE CONTRACTOR: FOR THE UNIVERSITY:
___________________________ ____________________________________
Individual or Partner (if Contractor President or Designee
Is an individual or partnership)
APPROVED AS TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, BUDGETARY APPROPRIATENESS AND AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
__________________________
Title
___________________________ ______________________________________
President or Vice President of Comptroller
Corporate Contractor
(Circle Title)
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
______________________________________
University Legal Counsel
____________________________ ______________________________________
Secretary or Treasurer of Corporate Deputy Attorney General
Contractor
(Circle Title)
Note regarding signatures
above. If a corporation, two signatures
are required, one being the President or Vice President, the second
being the Secretary or Treasurer.
Signatory authority of either signatures can be delegated provided there
is a certified Board resolution presented with this contract.
ALL SIGNATORIES ON BEHALF OF CONTRACTOR MUST EXECUTE CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY CERTIFICATION IN PARAGRAPH 13(f) OF THIS CONTRACT.