NCTCOG Procurement Terms & Conditions

1.01 Sales Tax
NCTCOG is exempt from Texas limited sales, federal excise and use tax, and does not pay tax on purchase, rental, or lease of tangible personal property for the organization’s use.  A tax exemption certificate will be issued upon request.
 
1.02 Conditions
NCTCOG reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all submissions or to cancel this notice at any time.

1.02.1       A response to this solicitation does not commit NCTCOG to a purchase contract, or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of such response.
1.02.2       Unless the respondent specifies in the proposals, NCTCOG may award the contract for any items/services or group of items/services in the solicitation and may increase or decrease the quantity specified.
1.02.3       NCTCOG reserves the right to hold and accept any proposals received by the submission deadline for a period of ninety (90) days after the deadline if a determination has not been made for an award.
1.02.4       NCTCOG reserves the right to negotiate the final terms of any and all purchase contracts with respondent(s) selected and such contracts negotiated as a result of this solicitation may be re-negotiated and/or amended in order to successfully meet the agency needs.
1.02.5       NCTCOG reserves the right to waive any defect in this procurement process or to make changes to this solicitation, as it deems necessary.  NCTCOG will provide notifications of such changes to all respondents recorded in the official record (Distribution Log/Receipts Record) as having received or requested solicitation.
1.02.6       NCTCOG reserves the right to contact any individual, agencies, or employers listed in a submission, to contact others who may have experience and/or knowledge of the respondent's relevant performance and/or qualifications; and to request additional information from any and all respondents.
1.02.7       NCTCOG reserves the right to conduct a review of records, systems, procedures, etc., of any entity selected for funding.  This may occur prior to, or subsequent to, the award of a purchase contract.  Misrepresentation of the respondent's ability to perform as stated in the qualification submittals may result in cancellation of the purchase contract award.
1.02.8       NCTCOG reserves the right to withdraw or reduce the amount of an award, or to cancel any contract resulting from this procurement if adequate funding is not available.
1.02.9       Respondent shall not, under penalty of law, offer or provide any gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value to any officer, member, employee, or agent of NCTCOG for the purpose of, or having the effect of, influencing favorable disposition toward their own submission or any other submitted hereunder.
1.02.10      No employee, officer, or agent of NCTCOG shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, exists.
1.02.11      Respondent shall not engage in any activity that will restrict or eliminate competition.  Violation of this provision may cause the respondent's bid to be rejected.  This does not preclude joint ventures or subcontracts.
1.02.12      All proposals submitted must be an original work product of the respondent.  The copying, paraphrasing, or other use of substantial portions of the work product of others and submitted hereunder, as original work of the respondent is not permitted.  Failure to adhere to this instruction may cause the proposal submission(s) to be rejected.
1.02.13      The only purpose of this solicitation is to ensure uniform information in the procurement of services.  This solicitation is not to be construed as a purchase contract, or as a commitment of any kind, nor does it commit NCTCOG to pay for costs incurred prior to the execution of a formal contract unless such costs are specifically authorized in writing by NCTCOG.
1.02.14      The contents of a successful submission may become a contractual obligation, if selected for award of a contract. Failure of the respondent to accept this obligation may result in cancellation of the award.  No plea of error or mistake shall be available to the successful respondent as a basis for release of proposed services at stated price/cost.  Any damages accruing to NCTCOG as a result of the Respondent's failure to contract may be recovered from the respondent.
1.02.15      A contract with the selected respondent may be withheld at the sole discretion of NCTCOG if issues of contract compliance or questioned/disallowed costs exist, until such issues are satisfactorily resolved. Award of contract may be withdrawn by NCTCOG if resolution is not satisfactory to NCTCOG.
1.02.16      NCTCOG is the responsible authority for handling complaints or protests regarding the selection process.  This includes, but is not limited to, disputes, claims, protest of award, source evaluation or other matters of a contractual nature.  Respondent agrees, to the extent possible and not in contravention of any applicable State or Federal law or procedure established for dispute resolution, to attempt to resolve any dispute between them regarding this process informally through voluntary mediation, arbitration or any other local dispute mediation process, including but not limited to dispute resolution policies of NCTCOG, before resorting to litigation.

1.03 House Bill 89 Certification
If Respondent is required to make a certification pursuant to Section 2270.002 of the Texas Government Code, Respondent certifies that Respondent does not boycott Israel and will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract resulting from this solicitation. If Respondent does not make that certification, Respondent must indicate that in its Response and state why the certification is not required.

1.04  Insurance Requirements 
At all times during the term of a contract resulting from this procurement, the contractor shall procure, pay for, and maintain, with approved insurance carriers, the minimum insurance coverage and limits required to do business in the state of Texas. NCTCOG standard insurance coverage requirements can be viewed here. 

1.05  Indemnification
Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless NCTCOG, NCTCOG’s affiliates, and any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, subcontractors, successors, and assigns from any and all suits, actions, claims, demands, judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs) (collectively, “Losses”) arising out of or relating to: (i) Services performed and carried out pursuant to the contract; (ii) breach of any obligation, warranty, or representation in the contract, (iii) the negligence or willful misconduct of contractor and/or its employees or subcontractors; or (iv) any infringement, misappropriation, or violation by contractor and/or its employees or subcontractors of any right of a third party; provided, however, that contractor shall have no obligation to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless to the extent any losses are the result of NCTCOG’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

1.06  Force Majeure
It is expressly understood and agreed by both parties that, if the performance of any provision of a contract resulting from this procurement is delayed by force majeure, defined as reason of war, civil commotion, act of God, governmental restriction, regulation or interference, fire, explosion, hurricane, flood, failure of transportation, court injunction, or any circumstances which are reasonably beyond the control of the party obligated or permitted under the terms of the contract to do or perform the same, regardless of whether any such circumstance is similar to any of those enumerated herein, the party so obligated or permitted shall be excused from doing or performing the same during such period of delay, so that the period of time applicable to such requirement shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period of time such party was delayed.  Each party must inform the other in writing within a reasonable time of the existence of such force majeure. 

1.07  Form 1295
The Texas Legislature has adopted House Bill 1295.  In summary, the law states that a governmental entity or state agency may not enter into certain contracts with a business entity unless the business entity submits a disclosure of interested parties (Form 1295) to our agency prior to the award of certain contracts. The disclosure of interested parties must be completed electronically and submitted through the Texas Ethics Commission website.  If the requirement applies to the contract resulting from this solicitation, NCTCOG will notify the vendor that the disclosure is required and will provide a specific contract number for inclusion in the submittal.  For more information about the process, please visit www.ethics.state.tx.us/resources/FAQs/FAQ_Form1295.php.

1.08  Equal Employment Opportunity
Contractor shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.  Contractor shall take affirmative actions to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated, during their employment, without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.  Such actions shall include, but not be limited to, the following:  employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship.

1.09  Davis-Bacon Act
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable provisions of 40 USC § 3141 – 3148.

1.10  Contract Work Hours and Selection Standards
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable provisions of 40 USC § 3701 – 3708 to the extent this agreement indicates any employment of mechanics or laborers.

1.11  Rights to Invention Made Under Contract or Agreement
 Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable provisions of 37 CFR Part 401.

1.12  Clean Air Act, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Energy Policy Conservation Act
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable provisions of the Clean Air Act under 42 USC § 7401 – 7671, the Energy Federal Water Pollution Control Act 33 USC § 1251 – 1387, and the Energy Policy Conservation Act under 42 USC § 6201.

1.13  Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12549 and 12689) 
A contract award (see 2 CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the government-wide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority other than Executive Order 12549.

1.14  Procurement of Recovered Materials 
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable provisions of 2 CFR §200.322.

1.15  Restrictions on Lobbying
PROVIDER agrees to comply with all applicable provisions of 2 CFR §200.450. PROVIDER shall include a statement of compliance with the Lobbying Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities in procurement solicitations exceeding $100,000. Lobbying Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities shall be completed by subcontractors and included in subcontractor contracts, as applicable. Each tier certifies to the tier above that it will not and has not used Federal appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, officer or employee of Congress, or and employee of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any Federal contract, grant or any other award. Each tier must also disclose any lobbying with non-Federal funds that takes place in connection with obtaining any Federal award. 

1.16  Drug-Free Workplace 
Contractor shall provide a drug free workplace in compliance with the Drug Free Work Place Act of 1988. 

1.17  Texas Corporate Franchise Tax Certification 
Pursuant to Article 2.45, Texas Business Corporation Act, state agencies may not contract with for profit corporations that are delinquent in making state franchise tax payments.

1.18  Civil Rights Compliance
Compliance with Regulations:  Contractor will comply with the Acts and the Regulations relative to Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), as they may be amended from time to time, which are herein incorporated by reference and made part of this agreement.

Nondiscrimination:  Contractor, with regard to the work performed by it during the contract, will not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in the selection and retention of subcontractors, including procurement of materials and leases of equipment. Contractor will not participate directly or indirectly in the discrimination prohibited by the Acts and the Regulations, including employment practices when the contract covers any activity, project, or program set forth in Appendix B of 49 CFR Part 21.

Solicitations for Subcontracts, Including Procurement of Materials and Equipment: In all solicitations either by competitive bidding or negotiation made by Contractor for work to be performed under a subcontract, including procurement of materials or leases of equipment, each potential subcontractor or supplier will be notified by Contractor of obligations under this contract and the Acts and Regulations relative to Nondiscrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin.

  Information and Reports: Contractor will provide all information and reports required by the Acts, the Regulations, and directives issued pursuant thereto, and will permit access to its books, records, accounts, other sources of information, and facilities as may be determined by the State or the FHWA to be pertinent to ascertain compliance with such Acts, Regulations or directives. Where any information required of Contractor is in the exclusive possession of another who fails or refuses to furnish this information, Contractor will so certify to NCTCOG, the Texas Department of Transportation (“the State”) or the Federal Highway Administration, as appropriate, and will set forth what efforts it has made to obtain the information.

Sanctions for Noncompliance: In the event of Contractor’s noncompliance with the Nondiscrimination provisions of this Agreement, Contractor will impose such sanctions as it the State or the FHWA may determine to be appropriate, including, but not limited to: withholding of payments to the Contractor under this Agreement until the Contractor compiles and/or cancelling, terminating or suspension of this Agreement, in whole or in part.

Incorporation of Provisions: Contractor will include the provisions of the paragraphs listed above, in this section 9.13, in every subcontract, including procurement of materials and leases of equipment, unless exempt by the Acts, the Regulations and directives issued pursuant thereto. Contractor will take such action with respect to any subcontract or procurement as NCTCOG, the State, or the FHWA may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions including sanctions for noncompliance. Provided, that if Contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or supplier because of such direction, Contractor may request the State to enter into such litigation to protect the interests of the State. In addition, Contractor may request the United States to enter into such litigation to protect the interests of the United States.

1.19 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Requirements
Contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the award and performance of any U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-assisted contract or in the administration of its DBE program or the requirements of 49 CFR Part 26. Contractor shall take all necessary and reasonable steps under 49 CFR Part 26 to ensure non-discrimination in award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts.  Each sub-award or sub-contract must include the following assurance: The Contractor, sub-recipient, or sub-contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the performance of this Agreement.  The Contractor shall carry out applicable requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts.  Failure by the Contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach of this agreement, which may result in the termination of this agreement or such other remedy as the recipient deems appropriate.

1.20 Pertinent Non-Discrimination Authorities
During the performance of this Agreement, Contractor, for itself, its assignees, and successors in interest agree to comply with the following nondiscrimination statutes and authorities; including but not limited to:
  1. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., 78 stat. 252), (prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin); and 49 CFR Part 21.
  2. The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, (42 U.S.C. § 4601), (prohibits unfair treatment of persons displaced or whose property has been acquired because of Federal or Federal-aid programs and projects).
  3. Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973, (23 U.S.C. § 324 et seq.), as amended, (prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex).
  4. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.) as amended, (prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability); and 49 CFR Part 27.
  5. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, (49 U.S.C. § 6101 et seq.), (prohibits discrimination on the basis of age).
  6. Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, (49 U.S.C. Chapter 471, Section 47123), as amended, (prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, or sex).
  7. The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, (PL 100-209), (Broadened the scope, coverage and applicability of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, by expanding the definition of the terms “programs or activities” to include all of the programs or activities of the Federal-aid recipients, subrecipients and contractors, whether such programs or activities are Federally funded or not).
  8. Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the operation of public entities, public and private transportation systems, places of public accommodation, and certain testing entities (42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12189) as implemented by Department of Transportation regulations at 49 C.F.R. parts 37 and 38.
  9. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Nondiscrimination statute (49 U.S.C. § 47123) (prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, and sex).
  10. Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, which ensures nondiscrimination against minority populations by discouraging programs, policies, and activities with disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations.
  11. Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, and resulting agency guidance, national origin discrimination includes discrimination because of limited English proficiency (LEP). To ensure compliance with Title VI, the parties must take reasonable steps to ensure that LEP persons have meaningful access to the programs (70 Fed. Reg. at 74087 to 74100).
  1. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits the parties from discriminating because of sex in education programs or activities (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.).


1.21 Ineligibility to Receive State Grants or Loans, or Receive Payment on State Contracts
In accordance with Section 231.006 of the Texas Family Code, a child support obligor who is more than thirty (30) days delinquent in paying child support and a business entity in which the obligor is a sole proprietor, partner, shareholder, or owner with an ownership interest of at least twenty-five (25) percent is not eligible to:
a. Receive payments from state funds under a contract to provide property, materials or
services; or
b. Receive a state-funded grant or loan

1.22 Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment
Pursuant to Public Law 115-232, Section 889, and 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, including §200.216 and §200.471, NCTCOG is prohibited from using federal funds to procure, contract with entities who use, or extend contracts with entities who use certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment or services provided by certain Chinese controlled entities. Proposers shall certify its compliance with these requirements as part of their proposal response by completing the “Prohibited Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment Certification” included with the Solicitation Document.  Failure to submit the required certification statement may be grounds for finding the proposal nonresponsive.

1.23 Discrimination Against Firearms Entities or Firearms Trade Associations
Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Chapter 2274, Subtitle F, Title 10, prohibiting contracts with companies who discriminate against firearm and ammunition industries. NCTCOG is prohibited from contracting with entities, or extend contracts with entities who have practice, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association. Proposers shall certify its compliance with these requirements as part of their proposal response by completing the “Discrimination Against Firearms Entities or Firearms Trade Associations Certification” included with the Solicitation Document. Failure to submit the required certification statement may be grounds for finding the proposal nonresponsive.

1.24 Boycotting of Certain Energy Companies
  Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Chapter 2274, Subtitle F, Title 10, prohibiting contracts with companies who boycott certain energy companies. NCTCOG is prohibited from contracting with entities or extend contracts with entities that boycott energy companies. Proposers shall certify its compliance with these requirements as part of their proposal response by completing the “Boycotting of Certain Energy Companies Certification” included with the Solicitation Document.  Failure to submit the required certification statement may be grounds for finding the proposal nonresponsive.

1.25  Domestic Preference for Procurements
As appropriate and to the extent consistent with law, the PROVIDER should, to the greatest extent practicable, provide a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products, or materials produced in the United States (including but not limited to iron, aluminum, steel, cement, and other manufactured products). Consistent with §200.322, the following items shall be defined as: “Produced in the United States” means, for iron and steel products, that all manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United States. “Manufactured products” means items and construction materials composed in whole or in part of non-ferrous metals such as aluminum; plastics and polymer-based products such as polyvinyl chloride pipe; aggregates such as concrete; glass, including optical fiber; and lumber.

1.26  Trafficking in Persons
Proposer  agrees to comply with all applicable provisions of 2 CFR §175.15. NCTCOG, the Contractor, and its subcontractors are prohibited from (i) engaging in severe forms of trafficking in persons during the period of time that the award is in effect; (ii) procure a commercial sex act during the period of time that the award is in effect; (iii) used force labor in the performance of the award or subawards under the award. The Federal award agency may unilaterally terminate the award, without penalty, if the Contractor (i) is determined to have violated an applicable prohibition; (ii) has an employee who is determined by the agency officially authorized to terminate the award to have violated an applicable prohibition of this award term. NCTCOG must notify the Federal award agency immediately if any information received from the Contractor indicates a violation of the applicable prohibitions. 

Proposers shall certify its compliance with these requirements as part of their proposal response by completing the certifications included with the solicitation document “Attachments” section. Failure to submit the required certification statement may be grounds for finding the proposal nonresponsive.