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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5e. Authorize Release of Request for Qualifications for On Call Communication Support Services Item 5e Department: Administration Cost Center: 1001 For Agenda of: 3/4/2025 Placement: Consent Estimated Time: N/A FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager Prepared By: Whitney Szentesi, Public Communications Manager SUBJECT: APPROVE RELEASE OF A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ON- CALL COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICES RECOMMENDATION Approve the release of a Request for Qualifications to establish a new list of prequalified on-call consultants to support public information and communications efforts for up to five years and authorize the City Manager authority to execute on-call agreements with selected consultants. POLICY CONTEXT The City’s Purchasing Policy outlines the City’s purchasing process and requires approval of different purchases (including Professional Services) based on tiers determined by the purchase type and value. For example, professional services under $10,000 would require that a purchase requisition be approved by the Fiscal Officer and a purchase order approved by the Purchasing program in the Finance Department (Tier 1). Likewise, professional services estimated at $150,000 or more would require City Council approval and the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP), which would start a formal bidding process for the work needed (Tier 5). There are other tiers in between that require staff to obtain quotes from at least 3 businesses or engage in a formal bidding process, which can take considerable time. However, if Council approves a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) under Municipal Code 3.24.070-C, the City can create a list of pre-qualified on-call consultants to create greater operational flexibility than seeking quotes and bids for each and every project. The purchase orders for individual contracts with on-call consultants cannot exceed the authorized project budget without the appropriate additional approval given the amount and project. With that in mind, using the attached RFQ, the City’s Communications Manager wi ll create a prequalified list of on-call consultants that staff would be authorized to work with based on the on-call agreements, up to allocated budget amounts by project, for the five- year agreement period. This expedites the purchasing process for this type of service to allow for cost-effective, accurate, timely and consistent public communications and information. Page 339 of 717 Item 5e DISCUSSION Background Since 2021, the City’s Administration and IT Department has had a growing in-house public communications program that supports City communications channels, provides communications support and strategic advice to other City Departments, and focuses on keeping the community informed of and engaged in City services, projects, and programs. This program currently has 2 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and often does not have the staffing resources to provide all communications support needed or for significant, long-term projects such as the Cultural Arts District Parking Structure. Prior to 2021, the purchasing process of contracting with a communications firm or freelancer took considerable time due to the purchasing policy and requirements. To reduce costs and ensure that public information was provided in a timely manner, the City Council approved the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for communications supports services and video/photography services in 2021. This helped the City establish a pre-qualified list of on-call contractors that staff could quickly work with to support public communications and information efforts. The on-call agreements with those venders were for a period up to three years, starting in January 2021. During this time, City staff were able to work with the vendors on the on -call list without having to get additional quotes or issue Requests for Proposals each time they needed communications support services that could not be provided in-house. As a result, staff were able to expedite the contract process and ensure that public information and communications were provided in a consistent, timely, professional manner for important public projects, services, or programs. The existing service agreements with vendors on that on-call list will expire in early 2025. Should the Council approve release of the RFQ (Attachment A) and Authorize the City Manager to execute on-call agreements with selected consultants, the City’s Communications Program will create an approved list of on-call consultants that is established by a formal RFQ process. The Finance Department will then execute and amend purchase orders for individual consultant services contracts in an amount not to exceed the authorized project budget. The on-call consultant lists shall be renewed at least every five years by a new RFQ process. It is important to note that City programs, projects and services are not required to work exclusively with agencies or businesses on the on -call list. However, use of the on-call list will streamline the purchasing process and help keep communications consistent if they choose to do so. Should City staff need to work with a vendor that is not on the on - call list, they would simply need to follow the tiered purchasing process related to various approval thresholds for professional services based on estimated costs. Public Engagement This item will be before Council during public session on March 4, 2025. The public can provide comments at or before the meeting. Page 340 of 717 Item 5e ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15378. FISCAL IMPACT There is no Fiscal Impact associated with the recommendation. By issuing an RFQ, the City hopes to establish service agreements with qualified agencies and businesses to create an on-call list of pre-qualified, on-call communications consultants. Any fiscal impact will occur following the creation of the on-call list, and any contracts with consultants on this list will be subject to existing Council-approved budget appropriations. Budgeted: N/A Budget Year: 2024-25 Funding Identified: N/A Fiscal Analysis: Funding Sources Total Budget Available Current Funding Request Remaining Balance Annual Ongoing Cost General Fund $ 0 $ $ $ 0 State Federal Fees Other: Total $ 0 $ $ $ 0 ALTERNATIVES Do not approve the release of an RFQ. Under this alternative, the City would not have an on-call list of prequalified communications service providers that departments can work with when needed. Instead, every time City staff needs communications support or assistance outside of what the internal communications program can provide, staff would be required to follow the tiered purchasing process related to various approval thresholds for professional services based on estimated costs. This could delay important project- or program-related communications and marketing services that are estimated at above $10,000 because staff will be required to either get three informal quotes (Tier 2), issue an RFP and start a formal bidding process (Tier 3), receive City Manager approval through a City Manager Report and issue an RFP (Tier 4), or request Council approval and issue an RFP (Tier 5). ATTACHMENTS A - RFQ On-Call Communication Support 2025 Page 341 of 717 Page 342 of 717 The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including disabled persons in all of our services, programs and activities. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410. 3 Notice Requesting Proposals / Qualifications for Communications Support Services Notice requesting qualifications (RFQ) for on-call consulting for communications support services. The City of San Luis Obispo is requesting proposals from qualified vendors to furnish communications support services. All firms interested in receiving further correspondence regarding this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be required to complete a free registration using BidNet [Fill Link]. All proposals must be on BidSync at or before 3:00 PM on [Date], when they are opened electronically on BidNet. The preferred method for bid submission is electronic via BidSync. However, if you wish to submit a paper copy, please submit it in a sealed envelope to the Department of Finance, City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401. Specification packages and additional information may be obtained at the City's BidSync website at www.BidSync.com. Please contact Dan Clancy at dclancy@slocity.org with questions. Project packages and additional information may be obtained at the City’s BidSync website at www.BidSync.com. Please contact Dan Clancy at dclancy@slocity.org; or Whitney Szentesi with any questions. For technical help with BidSync please contact BidSync tech support at 800-990-9339. Page 343 of 717 TABLE OF CONTENTS A. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. B. SCOPE OF WORK ....................................................................................................................................... 1 C. PROJECT SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................. 2 D. PROJECT BUDGET ...................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. E. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS ......................................................................................................... 2 F. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS .................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. G. FORM OF AGREEMENT ........................................................................................................................... 14 H. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. I. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL FORMS .......................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. Page 344 of 717 - 1 - A. SCOPE OF WORK The City of San Luis Obispo ("City") seeks qualifications for services to support public communications and enhance community outreach and engagement. I. GENERAL The goal is to ensure mutually beneficial, two-way communication with external (such as residents, non- profit service providers, business owners and operators, business community representatives, other governmental agencies, among others) and internal audiences about City issues and services, leading to a more responsive government and a high level of public confidence. The expected outcome is higher community satisfaction with City communication. Currently, the use of contract services helps to streamline the City’s communication processes to get important information to community members more quickly and, internally, to ensure effective and efficient exchange of information between City departments and employees. The focus of the consultant work will continue to be on communication planning, content creation, community and media outreach training, strategic communications counsel, and support on emergent communications issues as needed, and in a way that aligns with the City’s official Public Engagement and Noticing Manual. If selected to provide on-call consulting services, the Consultant will be expected to sign a service provider agreement with the City. For this agreement or any subsequential amendments, the Consultant will work with a single point of contact in the City’s Administration Department, such as the Public Communications Manager or their designee. While there, once placed on the City’s on-call service provider list, the Consultant will have the opportunity to work with the City on a project-by-project basis. The Consultant will have a single point of contact per project and will be provided with a sample scope of work; however, the final scopes of work will be determined with the selected Consultant as part of any contract during negotiations. II. SAMPLE SCOPE OF WORK 1. Strategic public outreach, information and engagement planning 2. Public information distribution 3. Emergency or crisis communications services 4. Brand awareness strategies 5. Media planning and buying 6. Content creation for smaller assignments, including a. Graphic design b. Website content design c. Social media content production d. Video and photography production e. Key messages development f. Speechwriting and editorial content g. Media relations and news releases h. Informational, educational, social media posts i. Special event planning and promotions 7. Construction project information facilitation 8. Public engagement and information gathering Page 345 of 717 - 2 - B. PROJECT SCHEDULE Advertise RFQ January 2025 Optional Pre-Conference February 2025 Question / Answer Deadline February 2025 Closing of RFQ February 2025 Interviews March 2025 Award Contracts March/April 2025 C. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS 1. Requirement to Meet All Provisions. Each individual or firm submitting a proposal (bidder) shall meet all the terms, and conditions of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) project package. By virtue of its proposal submittal, the bidder acknowledges agreement with and acceptance of all provisions of the RFQ specifications. 2. Proposal Submittal. Each proposal must be submitted on the form(s) provided in the specifications and accompanied by any other required submittals or supplemental materials. Proposal documents shall be submitted electronically via BidNet. However, if you can’t submit electronically, please email a copy to the contacts listed in the RFQ package, if you can’t email it, please send a copy in a sealed envelope to the Department of Finance, City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401. To guard against premature opening, the proposal should be clearly labeled with the proposal title, project number, name of bidder, and date and time of proposal opening. 3. Insurance Certificate. Each proposal must include a certificate of insurance showing: a. The insurance carrier and its A.M. Best rating. b. Scope of coverage and limits. c. Deductibles and self-insured retention. The purpose of this submittal is to generally assess the adequacy of the bidder’s insurance coverage during proposal evaluation; as discussed under paragraph 12 below, endorsements are not required until contract award. The City’s insurance requirements are detailed in Exhibit C to the Agreement (Exhibit A to the RFQ) 4. Proposal Quotes and Unit Price Extension. The extension of unit prices for the quantities indicated and the lump sum prices quoted by the bidder must be entered in figures in the spaces provided on the Proposal Submittal Form(s). Any lump sum bid shall be stated in figures. The Proposal Submittal Form(s) must be totally completed. If the unit price and the total amount stated by any bidder for any item are not in agreement, the unit price alone will be considered as representing the bidder’s intention and the proposal total will be corrected to conform to the specified unit price. Page 346 of 717 - 3 - 5. Proposal Withdrawal and Opening. A bidder may withdraw its proposal, without prejudice prior to the time specified for the proposal opening, by submitting a written request to the Director of Finance for its withdrawal, in which event the proposal will be returned to the bidder unopened. No proposal received after the time specified or at any place other than that stated in the “Notice Inviting Bids/Requesting Proposals” will be considered. 6. Submittal of One Proposal Only. No individual or business entity of any kind shall be allowed to make or file, or to be interested as the primary submitter in more than one proposal, except an alternative proposal when specifically requested; however, an individual or business entity that has submitted a sub-proposal to a bidder submitting a proposal, or who has quoted prices on materials to such bidder, is not thereby disqualified from submitting a sub-proposal or from quoting prices to other bidders submitting proposals. 7. Communications. All timely requests for information submitted in writing will receive a written response from the City and all questions and answers on the bid shall be posted publicly on BidNet. Telephone communications with City staff are not encouraged but will be permitted. However, any such oral communication shall not be binding on the City. CONTRACT AWARD AND EXECUTION 8. Proposal Retention and Award. The City reserves the right to retain all proposals for a period of 60 days for examination and comparison. The City also reserves the right to waive non-substantial irregularities in any proposal, to reject any or all proposals, to reject or delete one part of a proposal, and to accept the other, except to the extent that proposals are qualified by specific limitations. See the “special terms and conditions” of these specifications for proposal evaluation and contract award criteria. 9. Competency and Responsibility of Bidder. The City reserves full discretion to determine the competence and responsibility, professionally and/or financially, of bidders. Bidders will provide, in a timely manner, all information that the City deems necessary to make such a decision. 10. Contract Requirement. The bidder to whom the award is made (Consultant) shall execute a written contract with the City within ten (10) calendar days after notice of the award. The contract shall be made in the form adopted by the City and incorporated in these specifications. CONTRACT PERFORMANCE 11. The City’s contract terms and conditions that Consultant will be expected to execute and be bound by are attached hereto as Exhibit A. D. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Contract Award. On-Call contracts will be awarded to the most qualified bidders that, in the City’s sole discretion in accordance with the Proposal Evaluation and Selection criteria set forth herein (if applicable), provides the best proposal. 2. Sales Tax Reimbursement. For sales occurring within the City of San Luis Obispo, the City receives sales tax revenues. Therefore, for bids from retail firms located in the City at the time of proposal closing for which Page 347 of 717 - 4 - sales tax is allocated to the City, 1% of the taxable amount of the bid will be deducted from the proposal by the City in calculating and determining the most qualified lowest cost bidder. 3. Labor Actions. In the event that the successful proposer is experiencing a labor action at the time of contract award (or if its suppliers or sub-consultants are experiencing such a labor action), the City reserves the right to declare said proposer is no longer the most qualified, responsive proposer and to accept the next acceptable proposal from a proposer that is not experiencing a labor action, and to declare it to be the most qualified, responsive proposer. 5. Contract Term. The supplies or services identified in this specification will be used by the City for communications purposes. The prices quoted for these items must be valid for the entire period indicated above unless otherwise conditioned by the proposer in its proposal. 6. Supplemental Purchases Supplemental purchases may be made from the successful proposer during the contract term in addition to the items listed in the Detail Proposal Submittal Form. For these supplemental purchases, the proposer shall not offer prices to the City in excess of the amounts offered to other similar customers for the same item. If the proposer is willing to offer the City a standard discount on all supplemental purchases from its generally prevailing or published price structure during the contract term, this offer and the amount of discount on a percentage basis should be provided with the proposal submittal. 7. Consultant Invoices. The Consultant may deliver either a monthly invoice to the City with attached copies of detail invoices as supporting detail, or in one lump-sum upon completion. 8. Non-Exclusive Contract. The City reserves the right to purchase the items listed in the Detail Proposal Submittal Form, as well as any supplemental items, from other vendors during the contract term. 9. Unrestrictive Brand Names. Any manufacturer's names, trade names, brand names or catalog numbers used in the specifications are for the purpose of describing and establishing general quality levels. Such references are not intended to be restrictive. Proposals will be considered for any brand that meets or exceeds the quality of the specifications given for any item. In the event an alternate brand name is proposed, supplemental documentation shall be provided demonstrating that the alternate brand name meets or exceeds the requirements specified herein. The burden of proof as to the suitability of any proposed alternatives is upon the proposer, and the City shall be the sole judge in making this determination. 10. Delivery. Prices quoted for all supplies or equipment to be provided under the terms and conditions of this RFQ package shall include delivery charges, to be delivered F.O.B. San Luis Obispo by the successful proposer and received by the City within 90 days after authorization to proceed by the City. 11. Submittal of References. Each proposer shall submit a statement of qualifications and references on the form provided in the RFQ package. 12. Statement of Contract Disqualifications. Each proposer shall submit a statement regarding any Page 348 of 717 - 5 - past governmental agency bidding or contract disqualifications on the form provided in the RFQ package. Page 349 of 717 - 6 - E. SUBMITTAL CONTENT 1. Letter of Interest (5-page maximum). Please include in the submittal a letter introducing the Consultant and expressing the Consultant's interest in being considered for on-call consulting services, clearly identifying the applicable sub-area(s) of interest. The letter of interest should also include the following: a. Provide the name of the entity, its mailing address, telephone, facsimile number. Please describe the organization. b. Indicate that the Consultant has the availability and time to dedicate the personnel and resources necessary to provide on-call consulting services. Indicate the intention of the Consultant to adhere to the provisions described in the RFQ. c. Please identify the contact person responsible for the submittal, specifying the name, title, and contact information. d. Please note that the person signing the letter of interest must be a legal representative of the Consultant authorized to bind the Consultant to an agreement in the event of an award. 2. Relevant Experience of Key Personnel and the Firm (10-page maximum). a. Key Personnel Experience. The submittal must identify the key personnel that is to be assigned if awarded a contract, detailing their qualifications, areas of expertise, a summary of their past experience performing similar services for other jurisdictions, and a resume of each key personnel, including experience working with City staff, local Sa n Luis Obis po community groups and decision-makers, and regional partner agencies. b. Firm Experience. The submittal must describe the Firm's pertinent project experience, including a list of performed relevant projects, past performance, individual or team accomplishments, and examples of similar work for San Luis Obispo or neighboring jurisdictions in California, including experience working with City staff, local San Luis Obispo community groups and decision-makers, and regional partner agencies. c. General Firm Information. General firm information including the number of employees, location of firm headquarters, branch offices, and the number of years in business may also be provided. Please note that general firm information is not a substitute for the specific information requested in sections a and b above. 3. Fee Structure. Please include a clear and comprehensive fee schedule, including a detailed statement of hourly rates for all positions and classifications of individuals involved and reimbursable expenses. Please also include the rates for a project-by-project basis, as noted in the Sample Scope of Work above. 4. Client References. Consultants must provide a minimum of three (3) client references. F. ADDITIONAL SERVICES If there are related services not otherwise identified in the City's RFQ, the Proposer may offer those to the City. Proposals are not required to address any additional services in order to be considered an acceptable proposal. However, the final selection of the successful Proposer may be based on the desirability of the additional services offered. Page 350 of 717 - 7 - G. SELECTION PROCESS Submittals received by the deadline will be reviewed by a selection panel comprised of City staff who have relevant knowledge and experience. The panel will score the proposals based upon the qualification materials submitted according to the following criteria: 1. Letter of Interest. Availability demonstrated the capacity and qualifications necessary to provide the consulting services specified in the RFQ. Ability to meet standard City contract and insurance requirements. 2. Relevant Experience. a. Demonstrated ability, based on consultant experience and specific experience of key personnel, to provide technical assistance on the types of tasks listed in the RFQ. b. Expertise. Consultants should have an area of expertise but need not necessarily be experts in every task in each sub-area to achieve a favorable score. For example, a Consultant may be an expert in video production services only and still could achieve a favorable score. a. Prior experience, including the ability to work with City staff, local San Luis Obispo community groups and decision-makers, and regional partner agencies. (30 Points Maximum) 3. Responsiveness to the RFQ. Presentation, completeness, and clarity of information provided. 4. Fee Structure. The Consultant's cost competitiveness and reasonableness. (20 Points Maximum) 5. Client References. (Pass/Fail) The submittals will be scored on a zero to 100-point scale, excluding bonus points. Consultants who qualify will be placed on the list of qualified on-call consultants for each subarea. Placement on the list of qualified on-call consultants is not a guarantee of work and does not constitute a commitment by the City to enter into a contract with the Consultant. As appropriate, the City may conduct an additional competitive process (e.g., solicit bids or issue Requests for Proposals) prior to awarding contracts. The City anticipates that all services will be on an as-needed or on-call basis. H. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS A. Nondiscrimination. The City will not discriminate against any interested consultant on the grounds of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, handicap, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sex, age, or sexual orientation. B. City's Right to Modify RFQ. The City reserves the right at its sole discretion to modify this RFQ (including but not limited to the selection criteria) should the City deem that it is in its best interests to do so. Any changes to the proposal requirements will be made by written addendum. The failure of a consultant to read the latest addendums shall have no effect on the validity of such modification. C. City's Right to Cancel RFQ. The City reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel this RFQ in part or in its entirety should the City deem that it is in the City's best interests to do so. D. City's Right to Reject All Submittals. The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject all submittals should the City deem that it is in its best interests to do so. Page 351 of 717 - 8 - E. City's Right to Extend RFQ Deadlines. The City reserves the right to extend the deadline for submittals by written addendum should the City deem that it is in its best interests to do so. F. City Right to Negotiate With Consultants. The City reserves the right to negotiate with the consultants on the list of qualified on-call consultants regarding their exceptions to the standard service provider agreement, if any, or regarding other price and terms in their submittals and to require the selected Consultant to submit such technical, price, or other revisions of their submittals as may result from negotiations. G. Standard Form Service Provider Contract. Consultants acknowledge that placement on the list of qualified on-call consultants does not commit the City to award a contract. For any project, the City reserves the right to award a contract to consultants (1) that are on the list of qualified on- call consultants; (2) that have an existing contract with the City, or (3) that are selected through a separate competitive process. Consultants on the list of qualified on-call consultants who are awarded a contract will be expected to sign a service provider agreement with the City. The standard service provider agreement and associated insurance requirements are attached as Attachment B. Comments or exceptions, if any, to the standard service provider agreement and/or insurance requirements must be noted in the Letter of Interest. It is understood that consultants have reviewed the service provider agreement (Attachment B) and will take exception only to those items identified in their Letter of Interest. Neither review of the submittal by the City nor placement on the list of qualified on-call consultants constitutes an acceptance by the City of the Proposer's recommended changes to the service provider agreement. If there are any concerns or proposed exceptions requested to the standard service provider agreement, these issues will be discussed at the time the City awards a contract, if any. H. Cost of Submittals. All costs incurred during submittal preparation or in any way associated with the Consultant's preparations or submission shall be the sole responsibility of the Consultant. I. Liability for Submittal Errors. Consultants are liable for all errors and omissions contained in their submittals. J. Permits and Licenses. Consultants, at their sole expense, shall obtain and maintain during the term of any agreement all appropriate permits, certificates, and licenses including, but not limited to, a City Business License, which will be required in connection with the performance of on-call consulting services. I. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS 1. All works submitted to and accepted by the City must be an original piece created by the Consultant. 2. All works submitted by the Consultant must be in standard U.S. English and adhere to the Branding and Style Guide. 3. All works must be submitted in Microsoft Word format and include a headline pertaining to the work in bold. The work should appear in a non-bolded Calibri, 12-point font. Page 352 of 717 - 9 - 4. The City reserves the right to use all submitted works in current and/or future forms of current media and/or media to be developed. Page 353 of 717 - 10 - I: PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL FORM - Sample The undersigned declares that she or he: ◼ Has carefully examined [____________], which is hereby made a part of this proposal. ◼ Is thoroughly familiar with its contents. ◼ Is authorized to represent the proposing firm. ◼ Agrees to perform the work as set forth in this proposal. q Certificate of insurance attached; insurance company’s A.M. Best rating: __________________. Firm Name and Address Contact Phone Signature of Authorized Representative Date Page 354 of 717 -11- J. REFERENCES Number of years engaged in providing the services included within the scope of the specifications under the present business name: . Describe fully the last three contracts performed by your firm that demonstrate your ability to provide the services included with the scope of the specifications. Attach additional pages if required. The City reserves the right to contact each of the references listed for additional information regarding your firm's qualifications. Reference No. 1: Agency Name Contact Name Telephone & Email Street Address City, State, Zip Code Description of services provided including contract amount, when provided and project outcome Reference No. 2: Agency Name Contact Name Telephone & Email Street Address City, State, Zip Code Description of services provided including contract amount, when provided and project outcome Page 355 of 717 -12- Reference No. 3 Agency Name Contact Name Telephone & Email Street Address City, State, Zip Code Description of services provided including contract amount, when provided and project outcome Page 356 of 717 -13- K. STATEMENT OF PAST CONTRACT DISQUALIFICATIONS The proposer shall state whether it or any of its officers or employees who have a proprietary interest in it, has ever been disqualified, removed, or otherwise prevented from bidding on, or completing a federal, state, or local government project because of the violation of law, a safety regulation, or for any other reason, including but not limited to financial difficulties, project delays, or disputes regarding work or product quality, and if so to explain the circumstances. ◼ Do you have any disqualification as described in the above paragraph to declare? Yes No ◼ If yes, explain the circumstances. Executed on at _______________________________________ under penalty of perjury of the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing is true and correct. ______________________________________ Signature of Authorized Proposer Representative Page 357 of 717 -14- EXHIBIT A : FORM OF AGREEMENT CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT This agreement (Agreement) is made and entered into in the City of San Luis Obispo on [DATE], by and between the City of San Luis Obispo, a municipal corporation and charter city (City) and [FILL] hereinafter referred to as Consultant (collectively referred to as the “Parties”). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, on [date], City requested qualifications for communications support services, (the “Project”); and WHEREAS, the City wants to engage Consultant for on-call, as-needed communication services (the “Services”); and WHEREAS, Consultant is qualified to perform this type of Services and has submitted a written proposal to do so, which has been accepted by City; and NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, obligations, and covenants hereinafter contained, the Parties hereto agree as follows: 1. TERM. The term of this Agreement shall be from the date this Agreement is made and entered, as first written above, for three years, with the option to extend for an additional two years. 2. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE. Notice Requesting Qualifications for Communications Services and Consultant's proposal dated [date] are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement, attached as Exhibit A. The City’s insurance requirements are hereby incorporated in and made part of this Agreement, attached as Exhibit B. To the extent that there are any conflicts between the Consultant’s fees and scope of work and the City’s terms and conditions as stated herein, the City’s terms and conditions shall prevail unless specifically agreed otherwise in writing signed by both Parties. 3. CITY’S OBLIGATIONS. For providing services as specified in this Agreement, and upon receipt of an invoice, City will pay and Consultant shall receive compensation as set forth in Consultant’s proposal and pursuant to the Payment Terms set forth in Exhibit B. 4. CONSULTANT’S OBLIGATIONS. For and in consideration of the payments and agreements herein before mentioned to be made and performed by City, Consultant agrees with City to do everything required by this Agreement including that work as set forth in Exhibit A. 5. PAYMENT OF TAXES. The contract prices shall include full compensation for all taxes that Consultant is required to pay. 6. LICENSES AND PERMITS. At all times during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall have in full force and effect, all licenses required of it by law for the performance of the Services described in this Agreement. The Consultant shall procure all permits and licenses, pay all charges and fees, and give all notices necessary under this Agreement. Page 358 of 717 -15- 7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. The Consultant shall keep itself informed of and shall observe and comply with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations, and county and City of San Luis Obispo ordinances, regulations and adopted codes, which in any manner affect those employed by Consultant or in any way affect the performance of the Services pursuant to this Agreement. The City, and its officers and employees, shall not be liable at law or in equity occasioned by failure of the Consultant to comply with this Section. Failure to comply with local ordinances may result in monetary fines and cancellation of this Agreement. 8. COMPLIANCE WITH INDUSTRY STANDARD. Consultant shall provide services acceptable to City in strict conformance with the Agreement. Consultant shall also provide in accordance with the standards customarily called for under this Agreement using the degree of care and skill ordinarily exercised by reputable providers of such services. Where approval by the City, the City Manager, the Mayor, or other representative of City is required, it is understood to be general approval only and does not relieve Consultant of responsibility for complying with all applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and good business practices. 9. INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT. a. Consultant is and shall at all times remain as to the City a wholly independent Consultant. The personnel performing the Services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant shall at all times be under Consultant's exclusive direction and control. Neither City nor any of its officers, employees, or agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant's officers, employees, or agents, except as set forth in this Agreement. Consultant shall not at any time or in any manner represent that it or any of its officers, employees, or agents are in any manner officers, employees, or agents of the City. Consultant shall not incur or have the power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability whatsoever against City, or bind City in any manner. b. No employee benefits shall be available to Consultant in connection with the performance of this Agreement. Except for the fees paid to Consultant as provided in the Agreement, City shall not pay salaries, wages, or other compensation to Consultant for performing the Services hereunder for City. City shall not be liable for compensation or indemnification to Consultant for injury or sickness arising out of performing services hereunder. c. Consultant’s duties and services under this agreement shall not include preparing or assisting the public entity with any portion of the public entity’s preparation of a request for proposals, request for qualifications, or any other solicitation regarding a subsequent or additional contract with the public entity. The public entity entering this agreement shall at all times retain responsibility for public contracting, including with respect to any subsequent phase of this project. Consultant/Consultant’s participation in the planning, discussions, or drawing of project plans or specifications shall be limited to conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications. Consultant/Consultant shall cooperate with the public entity to ensure that all bidders for a subsequent contract on any subsequent phase of this project have access to the same information, including all conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications prepared by Consultant pursuant to this agreement.” Page 359 of 717 -16- 10. PRESERVATION OF CITY PROPERTY. The Consultant shall provide and install suitable safeguards, approved by the City, to protect City property from injury or damage. If City property is injured or damaged resulting from Consultant’s operations, it shall be replaced or restored at Consultant’s expense. The City’s facilities shall be replaced or restored to a condition as good as when the Consultant began the work. 11. IMMIGRATION ACT OF 1986. The Consultant warrants on behalf of itself and all subConsultants engaged for the performance of the Services that only persons authorized to work in the United States pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and other applicable laws shall be employed in the performance of the Services hereunder. 12. NON-DISCRIMINATION. In the performance of the Services, the Consultant agrees that it will not engage in, nor permit such subConsultants as it may employ, to engage in discrimination in employment of persons because of age, race, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, or religion of such persons. 13. PAYMENT TERMS. The City’s payment terms are 30 days from the receipt of an original invoice and acceptance by the City of the materials, supplies, equipment, or services provided by the Consultant (Net 30). Consultant will submit invoices monthly for actual services performed. Invoices shall be submitted on or about the first business day of each month, or as soon thereafter as practical, for services provided in the previous month. Final June invoices shall be received no later than the 5th business day of July to meet City fiscal year-end deadlines. Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of each invoice as to all non-disputed fees. If the City disputes any of Consultant's fees it shall give written notice to Consultant within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice of any disputed fees set forth on the invoice. Any final payment under this Agreement shall be made within forty-five (45) days of receipt of an invoice, therefore. 14. INSPECTION. City shall at all times have the right to inspect the work being done under this Agreement and Consultant shall furnish City with every reasonable opportunity and assistance required for City to ascertain that the Services of the Consultant are being performed in accordance with the requirements and intentions of this Agreement. All work done, and all materials furnished, if any, shall be subject to the City’s inspection and approval. The inspection of such work shall not relieve Consultant of any of its obligations under the Agreement. 15. RELEASE OF INFORMATION. a. All information gained by Consultant in performance of this Agreement shall be considered confidential and shall not be released by Consultant without City's prior written authorization. Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, or subConsultants, shall not, without written authorization from the City Manager or unless requested by the City Attorney, voluntarily provide declarations, letters of support, testimony at depositions, response to interrogatories, or other information concerning the work performed under this Agreement. Response to a subpoena or court order shall not be considered "voluntary" provided Consultant gives City notice of such court order or subpoena. b. Consultant shall promptly notify City should Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, or subConsultants be served with any summons, complaint, subpoena, notice of deposition, request for documents, interrogatories, request for admissions, or other discovery request (“Discovery”), court order, or subpoena from any person or party regarding this Agreement, unless the City is a party to any lawsuit, arbitration, or Page 360 of 717 -17- administrative proceeding connected to such Discovery, or unless Consultant is prohibited by law from informing the City of such Discovery. City retains the right, but has no obligation, to represent Consultant and/or be present at any deposition, hearing, or similar proceeding as allowed by law. Unless City is a party to the lawsuit, arbitration, or administrative proceeding and is averse to Consultant in such proceeding, Consultant agrees to cooperate fully with City and to provide the opportunity to review any response to Discovery requests provided by Consultant. However, City's right to review any such response does not imply or mean the right by City to control, direct, or rewrite said response. 16. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS. a. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to sales, costs, expenses, receipts, and other such information required by City that relate to the performance of the Services under this Agreement. Consultant shall maintain adequate records of services provided in sufficient detail to permit an evaluation of services. All such records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be clearly identified and readily accessible. Consultant shall provide free access to the representatives of City or its designees at reasonable times to such books and records; shall give City the right to examine and audit said books and records; shall permit City to make transcripts or copies therefrom as necessary; and shall allow inspection of all work, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to this Agreement. Such records, together with supporting documents, shall be maintained for a period of three (3) years after receipt of final payment. b. Upon completion of, or in the event of termination or suspension of this Agreement, all original documents, designs, drawings, maps, models, computer files, surveys, notes, and other documents prepared in the course of providing the Services under this Agreement shall become the sole property of the City and may be used, reused, or otherwise disposed of by the City without the permission of the Consultant. With respect to computer files, Consultant shall make available to the City, at the Consultant's office and upon reasonable written request by the City, the necessary computer software and hardware for purposes of accessing, compiling, transferring, copying and/or printing computer files. Consultant hereby grants to City all right, title, and interest, including any copyright, in and to the documents, designs, drawings, maps, models, computer files, surveys, notes, and other documents prepared by Consultant in the course of providing the Services under this Agreement. 17. INDEMNIFICATION AND DEFENSE. To the fullest extent permitted by law (including, but not limited to California Civil Code Sections 2782 and 2782.8), Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, and its elected officials, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents (“City Indemnitees”), from and against any and all causes of action, claims, liabilities, obligations, judgments, or damages, including reasonable legal counsels’ fees and costs of litigation (“claims”), arising out of the Consultant’s performance or Consultant’s failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement or out of the operations conducted by Consultant, including the City’s passive negligence, except for such loss or damage arising from the sole or active negligence or willful misconduct of the City. In the event the City Indemnitees are made a party to any action, lawsuit, or other adversarial proceeding arising from Consultant’s Page 361 of 717 -18- performance of this Agreement, the Consultant shall provide a defense to the City Indemnitees or at the City’s option, reimburse the City Indemnitees the ir costs of defense, including reasonable legal fees, incurred in defense of such claims. The review, acceptance or approval of the Consultant’s work or work product by any indemnified party shall not affect, relieve or reduce the Consultant’s indemnification or defense obligations. This Section survives the completion of the services or the termination of this contract. The provisions of this section are not limited by and do not affect the provisions of this contract relating to insurance. Consultant’s indemnification obligations under this section extend to any claims arising out of or related to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of any sub-consultants/ subConsultants. 18. SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT WITHOUT CAUSE. a. The City may at any time, for any reason, with or without cause, suspend or terminate this Agreement, or any portion hereof, by serving upon the Consultant at least thirty (30) days prior written notice. Upon receipt of said notice, the Consultant shall immediately cease all work under this Agreement, unless the notice provides otherwise. If the City suspends or terminates a portion of this Agreement such suspension or termination shall not make void or invalidate the remainder of this Agreement. b. In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section, the City shall pay to Consultant the actual value of the work performed up to the time of termination, provided that the work performed is of value to the City. Upon termination of the Agreement pursuant to this Section, the Consultant will submit an invoice to the City pursuant to Section 14. 19. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. If, during the term of the Agreement, the City determines the Consultant is not faithfully abiding by any term or condition contained herein, the City may notify the Consultant in writing of such defect or failure to perform. This notice must give the Consultant a ten (10) calendar day notice of time thereafter in which to perform said work or cure the deficiency. a. If the Consultant has not performed the work or cured the deficiency within the ten (10) days specified in the notice, such shall constitute a breach of the Agreement and the City may terminate the Agreement immediately by written notice to the Consultant to said effect (“Notice of Termination”). Thereafter, neither party shall have any further duties, obligations, responsibilities, or rights under the Agreement except to comply with the obligations upon termination. b. In said event, the Consultant shall be entitled to the reasonable value of its services performed from the beginning date in which the breach occurs up to the day it received the City’s Notice of Termination, minus any offset from such payment representing the City’s damages from such breach. “Reasonable value” includes fees or charges for goods or services as of the last milestone or task satisfactorily delivered or completed by the Consultant as may be set forth in the Agreement payment schedule; compensation for any other work or services performed or provided by the Consultant shall be based solely on the City’s assessment of the value of the work-in-progress in completing the overall scope. c. The City reserves the right to delay such payment until completion or confirmed abandonment of the project, as may be determined in the City’s sole discretion, so as to Page 362 of 717 -19- permit a full and complete accounting of costs. In no event, however, shall the Consultant be entitled to receive in excess of the not to exceed amount shown in this Agreement. 20. INSURANCE. Consultant shall maintain prior to the beginning of and for the duration of this Agreement insurance coverage as specified in Exhibit B attached to and made part of this Agreement. 21. BUSINESS LICENSE & TAX. The Consultant must have a valid City of San Luis Obispo business license & tax certificate before execution of the contract. Additional information regarding the City’s business tax program may be obtained by calling (805) 781-7134. 22. SAFETY PROVISIONS. The Consultant shall conform to the rules and regulations pertaining to safety established by OSHA and the California Division of Industrial Safety. 23. PUBLIC AND EMPLOYEE SAFETY. Whenever the Consultant operations create a condition hazardous to the public or City employees, it shall, at its expense and without cost to the City, furnish, erect and maintain such fences, temporary railings, barricades, lights, signs and other devices and take such other protective measures as are necessary to prevent accidents or damage or injury to the public and employees. 24. UNDUE INFLUENCE. Consultant declares and warrants that no undue influence or pressure was used against or in concert with any officer or employee of the City in connection with the award, terms or implementation of this Agreement, including any method of coercion, confidential financial arrangement, or financial inducement. No officer or employee of the City has or will receive compensation, directly or indirectly, from Consultant, or from any officer, employee or agent of Consultant, in connection with the award of this Agreement or any work to be conducted as a result of this Agreement. Violation of this Section shall be a material breach of this Agreement entitling the City to any and all remedies at law or in equity. 25. ASSIGNMENT. The Consultant shall not assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of the contract, or its right, title or interest, or its power to execute such a contract to any individual or business entity of any kind without the previous written consent of the City. As required above, before retaining or contracting with any subConsultant for any services under this Agreement, City must consent to such assignment of performance in writing. For City to evaluate such proposed assignment, Consultant shall provide City with the identity of the proposed subConsultant, a copy of the proposed written contract between Consultant and such subConsultant, which shall include an indemnity provision similar to the one provided herein and identifying City as an indemnified party, or an incorporation of the indemnity provision provided herein, and proof that such proposed subConsultant carries insurance at least equal to that required by this Agreement or obtain a written waiver from City for such insurance. 26. AMENDMENT. Any amendment, modification, or variation from the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective only upon approval by the appropriate review authority according to the City’s Financial Management Manual. Consultant shall not be compensated for any services rendered in connection with its performance of this Agreement which are in addition to those set forth herein, unless such additional services are authorized by the City in advance and in writing. 27. COMPLETE AGREEMENT. This written Agreement, including all writings specifically incorporated herein by reference, shall constitute the complete Agreement between the Parties hereto. No oral agreement, understanding, or representation not reduced to writing and specifically incorporated herein shall be of any force or effect, nor shall any such oral Agreement, understanding, or representation be binding upon the Parties hereto. Each party is entering into this Agreement based solely upon the Page 363 of 717 -20- representations set forth herein and upon each party's own independent investigation of any and all facts such party deems material. 28. NOTICE. All notices to the Parties hereto under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent either by (i) personal service, (ii) delivery by a reputable document delivery service, such as, but not limited to, Federal Express, which provides a receipt showing date and time of delivery, or (iii) United States Mail, certified, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. All such notices shall be delivered to the addressee or addressed as set forth below: To City: [DEPT] City of San Luis Obispo [ADDRESS] Attention: To Consultant: Name Mailing Address 29. GOVERNING LAW. Any action arising out of this Agreement shall be brought in the Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County, California, regardless of where else venue may lie. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement, and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. 30. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT. Both City and Consultant do covenant that each individual executing this Agreement on behalf of each party is a person duly authorized and empowered to execute Agreements for such party. Page 364 of 717 -21- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed the day and year first above written. CITY CONSULTANT _______________________________ By: [Name] Its: [Title of City Manager or Department Head] _______________________________ By: [Name] Its: [Title] APPROVED AS TO FORM: _______________________________ By: J. Christine Dietrick, City Attorney Page 365 of 717 -22- EXHIBIT C INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Without limiting CONSULTANT’s indemnification of CITY, and prior to commencement of Work, CONSULTANT shall obtain, provide and maintain at its own expense during the term of this AGREEMENT, policies of insurance of the type and amounts described below, and in a form satisfactory to CITY. General liability insurance. CONSULTANT shall maintain commercial general liability insurance with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CG 00 01, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate, for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage. The policy must include contractual liability that has not been amended. Any endorsement restricting standard ISO “insured contract” language will not be accepted. Automobile liability insurance. CONSULTANT shall maintain automobile insurance at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CA 00 01 covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities of the Consultant arising out of or in connection with Work to be performed under this AGREEMENT, including coverage for any owned, hired, non-owned or rented vehicles, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit for each accident. Workers’ compensation insurance. CONSULTANT shall maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Statutory Limits) and Employer’s Liability Insurance (with limits of at least $1,000,000). CONSULTANT shall submit to CITY, along with the certificate of insurance, a Waiver of Subrogation endorsement in favor of CITY, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers. Umbrella or excess liability insurance. CONSULTANT shall obtain and maintain an umbrella or excess liability insurance policy with limits that will provide bodily injury, personal injury and property damage liability coverage at least as broad as the primary coverages set forth above, including commercial general liability, automobile liability, and employer’s liability. Such policy or policies shall include the following terms and conditions: • A drop-down feature requiring the policy to respond if any primary insurance that would otherwise have applied proves to be uncollectible in whole or in part for any reason; • Pay on behalf of wording as opposed to reimbursement; • Concurrency of effective dates with primary policies; • Policies shall “follow form” to the underlying primary policies; and • Insureds under primary policies shall also be insureds under the umbrella or excess policies. Proof of insurance. CONSULTANT shall provide certificates of insurance to CITY as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein, along with a waiver of subrogation endorsement for workers’ compensation. Insurance certificates and endorsements must be approved by CITY’s Risk Manager prior to commencement of performance. Current certification of insurance shall be kept on file with CITY at all times during the term of this contract. CITY reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, at any time. Duration of coverage. CONSULTANT shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property, which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Work hereunder by CONSULTANT, his agents, representatives, employees or subconsultants. Primary/noncontributing. Coverage provided by CONSULTANT shall be primary and any insurance or self- insurance procured or maintained by CITY shall not be required to contribute with it. The limits of insurance required herein may be satisfied by a combination of primary and umbrella or excess insurance. Any umbrella or excess insurance shall contain or be endorsed to contain a provision that such coverage Page 366 of 717 -23- shall also apply on a primary and non-contributory basis for the benefit of CITY before the CITY’s own insurance or self-insurance shall be called upon to protect it as a named insured. CITY’s rights of enforcement. In the event any policy of insurance required under this AGREEMENT does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced, CITY has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary, and any premium paid by CITY will be promptly reimbursed by CONSULTANT or CITY will withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from CONSULTANT payments. In the alternative, CITY may cancel this AGREEMENT. Acceptable insurers. All insurance policies shall be issued by an insurance company currently authorized by the Insurance Commissioner to transact business of insurance or is on the List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers in the State of California, with an assigned policyholders’ Rating of A- (or higher) and Financial Size Category Class VII (or larger) in accordance with the latest edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide, unless otherwise approved by the CITY’s Risk Manager. Waiver of subrogation. All insurance coverage maintained or procured pursuant to this AGREEMENT shall be endorsed to waive subrogation against CITY, its elected or appointed officers, agents, officials, employees and volunteers or shall specifically allow CONSULTANT or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. CONSULTANT hereby waives its own right of recovery against CITY and shall require similar written express waivers and insurance clauses from each of its subconsultants. Enforcement of contract provisions (non estoppel). CONSULTANT acknowledges and agrees that any actual or alleged failure on the part of the CITY to inform CONSULTANT of non-compliance with any requirement imposes no additional obligations on the CITY nor does it waive any rights hereunder. Requirements not limiting. Requirements of specific coverage features or limits contained in this Section are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits or other requirements, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance. Specific reference to a given coverage feature is for purposes of clarification only as it pertains to a given issue and is not intended by any party or insured to be all inclusive, or to the exclusion of other coverage, or a waiver of any type. If the CONSULTANT ma intains higher limits than the minimums shown above, the CITY requires and shall be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by the CONSULTANT. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the CITY. Notice of cancellation. CONSULTANT agrees to oblige its insurance agent or broker and insurers to provide to CITY with a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation (except for nonpayment for which a ten (10) day notice is required) or nonrenewal of coverage for each required coverage. Additional insured status. General liability policies shall provide or be endorsed to provide that CITY and its officers, officials, employees, and agents, and volunteers shall be additional insureds under such policies. This provision shall also apply to any excess/umbrella liability policies. Prohibition of undisclosed coverage limitations. None of the coverages required herein will be in compliance with these requirements if they include any limiting endorsement of any kind that has not been first submitted to CITY and approved of in writing. Separation of insureds. A severability of interests provision must apply for all additional insureds ensuring that CONSULTANT’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the insurer’s limits of liability. The policy(ies) shall not contain any cross-liability exclusions. Pass through clause. CONSULTANT agrees to ensure that its subconsultants, subConsultants, and any other party involved with the project who is brought onto or involved in the project by CONSULTANT, provide the same minimum insurance coverage and endorsements required of CONSULTANT. CONSULTANT agrees to monitor and review all such coverage and assumes all responsibility for ensuring that such coverage is provided in conformity with the requirements of this section. CONSULTANT agrees that upon request, all agreements with consultants, subConsultants, and others engaged in the project will be submitted to CITY for review. Page 367 of 717 -24- CITY’s right to revise specifications. The CITY reserves the right at any time during the term of the contract to change the amounts and types of insurance required by giving the CONSULTANT ninety (90) days advance written notice of such change. If such change results in substantial additional cost to the CONSULTANT, the CITY and CONSULTANT may renegotiate CONSULTANT’s compensation. Self-insured retentions. Any self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by CITY. CITY reserves the right to require that self-insured retentions be eliminated, lowered, or replaced by a deductible. Self-insurance will not be considered to comply with these specifications unless approved by CITY. Timely notice of claims. CONSULTANT shall give CITY prompt and timely notice of claims made or suits instituted that arise out of or result from CONSULTANT’s performance under this AGREEMENT, and that involve or may involve coverage under any of the required liability policies. Additional insurance. CONSULTANT shall also procure and maintain, at its own cost and expense, any additional kinds of insurance, which in its own judgment may be necessary for its proper protection and prosecution of the work. Verification of Coverage. Consultant shall furnish the City with a certificate of insurance showing maintenance of the required insurance coverage, as well as endorsements effecting general liability coverage. All endorsements are to be received and approved by the City before work commences. Page 368 of 717 -25- Page 369 of 717 Page 370 of 717