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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC2008-333 - 9/9/2008 - Approvedc DAVID L. LAKEY, M.D. COMMISSIONER September 24, 2008 Dear Contractor: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES 1100 West 49th Street • Austin, Texas 78756 P.O. Box 149347 • Austin, Texas 78714 -9347 1- 888 - 963 -7111 • www.dshs.state.tx.es TTY: 1 -800- 735 -2989 Enclosed is an approved copy of your Department of State Health Services (DSHS) contract. Please file it with the office of record for your agency. The provisions of this contract require submittal of quarterly financial reports no later than 30 days after the end of the first three quarters and a final report no later than 60 days after the end of the contract term. Attached are preprinted Financial Status Reports (FSR 269a) for the entire term of your contract. Please forward the FSR forms to the person in your agency responsible for completion of financial reports. If this is a contract amendment, FSRs are provided only for the remaining term of your contract. These reports are required regardless of whether or not expenses are incurred. DSHS will not pay for reimbursements submitted/postmarked more than 60 days after the end of the contract Attachment term. Additional information regarding this policy is available on the DSHS website at http: / /www.dshs.state.tx.us. Please reference the DSHS contract and attachment number in all future correspondence. If you have questions, please contact Rosalyn Lazare -Payne at 512- 458 -7111 ext. 2684 or via email at Rosalyn.Lazare- Payne @dshs.state.tx.us Sincerely, Bob Burnette, Director Client Service Contracting Unit Enclosures 2008 -333 09/09/08 Res. 027832 Tx. Dept. Of St. Health Svcs. ival Employment Opportunity Employer and Provider r DAVID L. LAKEY, M.D. COMMISSIONER September 24, 2008 Dear Contractor: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES 1100 West 49th Street • Austin, Texas 78756 P.O. Box 149347 • Austin, Texas 78714 -9347 1- 888 - 963 -7111 • www.dshs.state.tx.us TTY: 1- 800 - 735 -2989 Enclosed is an approved copy of your Department of State Health Services (DSHS) contract. Please file it with the office of record for your agency. The provisions of this contract require submittal of quarterly financial reports no later than 30 days after the end of the first three quarters and a final report no later than 60 days after the end of the contract term. Attached are preprinted Financial Status Reports (FSR 269a) for the entire term of your contract. Please forward the FSR forms to the person in your agency responsible for completion of fmancial reports. If this is a contract amendment, FSRs are provided only for the remaining term of your contract. These reports are required regardless of whether or not expenses are incurred. DSHS will not pay for reimbursements submitted/postmarked more than 60 days after the end of the contract Attachment term. Additional information regarding this policy is available on the DSHS website at http: / /www.dshs.state.tx.us. Please reference the DSHS contract and attachment number in all future correspondence. If you have questions, please contact Rosalyn Lazare -Payne at 512- 458 -7111 ext. 2684 or via email at Rosalyn. Lazare- Pavne@dshs.state.tx.us Sincerely, Bob Burnette, Director Client Service Contracting Unit Enclosures 2008 -333 09/09/08 Res. 027832 Tx. Dept. Of St. Health Svcs. lual Employment Opportunity Employer and Provider DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES This contract, number 2009 - 028935 (Contract), is entered into by and between the Department of State Health Services (DSHS or the Department), an agency of the State of Texas, and CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI (Contractor), a Government Entity, (collectively, the Parties). 1. Purpose of the Contract. DSHS agrees to purchase, and Contractor agrees to provide, services or goods to the eligible populations as described in the Program Attachments. 2. Total Amount of the Contract and Payment Method(s). The total amount of this Contract is $63.134.00, and the payment method(s) shall be as specified in the Program Attachments. 3. Funding Obligation. This Contract is contingent upon the continued availability of funding. If funds become unavailable through lack of appropriations, budget cuts, transfer of funds between programs or health and human services agencies, amendment to the Appropriations Act, health and human services agency consolidation, or any other disruptions of current appropriated funding for this Contract, DSHS may restrict, reduce, or terminate funding under this Contract. 4. Term of the Contract. This Contract begins on 09/01/2008 and ends on 08/31/2009. DSHS has the option, in its sole discretion, to renew the Contract as provided in each Program Attachment. DSHS is not responsible for payment under this Contract before both parties have signed the Contract or before the start date of the Contract, whichever is later. 5. Authority. DSHS enters into this Contract under the authority of Health and Safety Code, Chapter 1001. 6. Documents Forming Contract. The Contract consists of the following: a. Core Contract (this document) b. Program Attachments: 2009 - 028935 -001 Tuberculosis Prevention and Control - State c. General Provisions (Vendor) d. Solicitation Document(s), and e. Contractor's response(s) to the Solicitation Document(s). f. Exhibits Any changes made to the Contract, whether by edit or attachment, do not form part of the Contract unless expressly agreed to in writing by DSHS and Contractor and incorporated herein. 92648 -1 7. Conflicting Terms. In the event of conflicting terms among the documents forming this Contract, the order of control is first the Core Contract, then the Program Attachment(s), then the General Provisions, then the Solicitation Document, if any, and then Contractor's response to the Solicitation Document, if any. 8. Payee. The Parties agree that the following payee is entitled to receive payment for services rendered by Contractor or goods received under this Contract: Name: CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI Address: PO BOX 9277 CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78469 -9277 Vendor Identification Number: 17460005741027 9. Entire Agreement. The Parties acknowledge that this Contract is the entire agreement of the Parties and that there are no agreements or understandings, written or oral, between them with respect to the subject matter of this Contract, other than as set forth in this Contract. By signing below, the Parties acknowledge that they have read the Contract and agree to its terms, and that the persons whose signatures appear below have the requisite authority to execute this Contract on behalf of the named party. DEP TE HEALTH S ICES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI By: Signature of Authorized Official ei/Zi 10e Date Bob Burnette, C.P.M., CTPM By: yr�lC �saG�✓ Signa / Date �• achll ; Prn Name and Title Wog Director, Client Services Contracting Unit ( Up' ( 4044 Address 1100 WEST 49TH STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78756 (512) 458-7470 Bob.Burnette @dshs.state.tx.us - .AUTHORiat, IIT cOUKCIL o._ _. qL — �easSECRETARY 92648 -1 City, State, Zip Telephone Number ATTEST. ARMANDO CRAPA CITY SECRETAR" E -mail Address for Official .rres ondence i - total= / f • 1' /. s Assi ! ; . For eY City AttomeY AttomeY • 1,4'1' �cc -6 0 TB/PC -STATE CONTRACT NO. 2009-028935 PROGRAM ATTACHMENT NO. 001 PURCHASE ORDER NO. 0000341632 CONTRACTOR: CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI DSHS PROGRAM: Tuberculosis Prevention and Control - State TERM: 09/01/2008 THRU: 08/31/2009 SECTION I. STATEMENT OF WORK: Throughout the Contractor's defined service area of Nueces County, Contractor shall develop and provide basic services and associated activities for tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control; and expanded outreach services to individuals of identified special populations who have TB or who are at high risk of developing TB. Contractor shall provide basic and expanded outreach services in compliance with the following: • DSHS' most current version of the Standards of Performance for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis, available at http: / /www.dshs .state.tx.us /idcu/disease /tb /publications /default.asp; • DSHS Standards for Public Health Clinic Services, Revised August 31, 2004 available at http: / /www.dshs. state .tx.us /sdi /docs /section8.pdf; • American Thoracic Society (ATS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joint statements on diagnosis, treatment and control of TB available at www.cdc.gov/nchstp/bt/pubs/mmvvrhtuml/mai_guide.htm; • Diagnostic Standards and Classification of Tuberculosis in Adults and Children, (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Vol. 161, pp. 1376 -1395, 2000) at http:// www .cdc.gov /tb /pubs/PDF /1376.pdf; • Treatment of Tuberculosis, (ATS /CDC/IDSA), 2003 available at http://www.cdc.gov/tb/pubs/mmwr/Maj_guide/default.htm; • Targeted Tuberculin Testing and Treatment of Latent TB Infection (LTBI), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Vol. 49, No. RR -6, 2000 at http:// www .cdc.gov /mmwr/PDF /rr /rr4906.pdf ; • Updated: Adverse Event Data and Revised American Thoracic Society /CDC Recommendations Against the Use of Rifampin and Pyrazinamide for Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection — United States, 2003, MMWR 52 (No. 31) at http: / /www.cdc.gov /mmwr/PDF /wk/mm5231.pdf; and • Controlling Tuberculosis in the United States, MMWR, Vol. 54, No. RR -12, 2005 at http: / /www.cdc.gov /mmwr/PDF /rr /rr5412.pdf Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal and state, regulations and statues, including, but not limited to, the following: PROGRAM ATTACHMENT — Page 1 TB/PC -STATE • Texas Tuberculosis Code, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 13, subchapter B http: / /tlo2.tic. state. tx. us / statutes /docs/HS/ content /pdf/hs.002.00.000013.00.pdf; • Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Act, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 81 http: / /tlo2.tic. state. tx. us / statutes /docs/HS/ content /pdf/hs.002.00.000081.00.pdf; • Screening and Treatment for Tuberculosis in Jails and Other Correctional Facilities, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 89 http: / /tlo2.tic. state. tx. us / statutes /docs/HS/ content /pdf/hs.002.00.000089.00.pdf; • Texas Administrative Code TAC, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97, Subchapter A, Control of Communicable Diseases http: / /info.sos.state.tx.us /pls/ pub /readtac$ext.ViewTAC ?tac_view= 5 &ti= 25 &pt =1 &ch =9 7 &sch= A &rI =Y; and • Texas Administrative Code TAC, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97, Subchapter 11, Tuberculosis Screening for Jails and Other Correctional Facilities http: / /info.sos.state.tx.us /pls/ pub /readtac$ext.ViewTAC ?tac_view= 5 &ti= 25 &pt =1 &ch =9 7 &sch= H &r1 =Y. Contractor shall perform all activities under this Contract in accordance with Contractor's objectives, work plans (attached as Exhibit A), and detailed budget as approved by DSHS. Contractor must receive written approval from DSHS before varying from applicable policies, procedures, protocols, and the final approved workplan, and must update its implementation documentation within forty- eight (48) hours of making approved changes so that staff working on activities under this contract know of the change(s). DSHS reserves the right, where allowed by legal authority, to redirect funds in the event of financial shortfalls DSHS will monitor Contractor's expenditures on a quarterly basis. If expenditures are below that projected in Contractor's total Contract amount, as shown in SECTION VI. BUDGET, Contractor's budget may be subject to a decrease for the remainder of the Contract term. Vacant positions existing after ninety (90) days may result in a decrease in funds. Because of the inherent time to complete treatment for tuberculosis disease and latent tuberculosis infection in relation to the period of this Contract, required reporting under this Contract will show results for work performed under previous versions of this Contract. Contractor shall provide an annual narrative report, in the format provided by DSHS, on their performance goals, objectives, and screening activities. That report shall include a detailed analysis of performance related to the performance measures listed below. A progress report of activities in January through December shall also be submitted in a format provided by DSHS. The narrative program report shall be sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Infectious Disease Intervention and Control Branch, Mail Code 1939, 1100 West 49th Street, PO Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714 -9347 via regular mail, fax, or e-mail. Contractor shall maintain the documentation used to calculate performance measures as required by the General Provisions Records Retention Article and by the Texas Administrative Code Title 22, Part 9 Chapter 165, §165.1 regarding the retention of medical records. Report periods and due dates are as follows: PROGRAM ATTACHMENT — Page 2 r TB/PC -STATE PERIOD COVERED DUE DATE January — December 2008 March 1, 2009 Contractor shall send all initial reports of confirmed and suspected TB cases to DSHS within seven (7) working days of identification or notification. Any updates to initial DSHS' Report of Cases and Patient Services Form (TB -400) (e.g., diagnosis, medication changes, x -rays, and bacteriology) and case closures shall be sent to DSHS at 1100 West 49th Street, Mail Code 1939, PO Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714 -9347. Contractor shall send an initial report of contacts on all Class 3 TB cases and smear - positive Class 5 TB suspects within thirty (30) days of identification using DSHS' Report of Contacts Form (TB -340 and TB -341). Any new follow -up information (not included in the initial report) related to the evaluation and treatment of contacts shall be sent to DSHS on the TB -340 and TB- 341 at intervals of 90 days, 120 days, and 2 years after the day Contractor became aware of the TB case. Electronic reporting to DSHS for Class 3 TB cases, smear positive Class 5 TB suspects, and their contacts may become available during the term of this Contract. Once notified of this option by DSHS, Contractor may avail itself of this option if it adheres to all the electronic reporting requirements (including system requirements) provided at that time. Contractor will begin collecting information no later than January 1, 2009 to determine the number of persons who received from the Contractor at least one TB service, including but not limited to: tuberculin skin tests; chest radiographs; health care worker services; or treatment with one or more anti - tuberculosis medications. SECTION II. PERFORMANCE MEASURES: The following performance measures will be used to assess, in part, Contractor's effectiveness in providing the services described in this Contract, without waiving the enforceability of any of the other terms of the Contract or any other method of determining compliance. 1. 90% of cases and suspects under treatment in 2008 are on DOT; 2. 92% of eligible* TB cases reported in 2007, completed a course of curative TB treatment within twelve (12) months of initiation of treatment; 3. 95% of TB patients reported in 2007 with initial positive cultures are tested for and have drug susceptibility results documented in their medical record; 4. 93% of smear positive TB cases reported in 2008 have at least one (1) contact identified; 5. 74% of identified contacts to smear positive TB cases reported in 2007 shall be evaluated for TB infection or disease; 6. 65% of infected contacts (to smear positive cases reported in 2007) who are started on treatment for LTBI shall complete therapy; 7. 74% of adults (age>14) with TB disease reported in 2008 are tested for HIV; 8. 84% of adults (age 25 -44) with TB disease reported in 2008 are tested for HIV; and 9. Number of TB cases in US -born non - Hispanic African- Americans. PROGRAM ATTACHMENT — Page 3 TB/PC -STATE * Exclude TB cases 1) diagnosed at death, 2) who die during therapy, 3) who are resistant to rifampin, 4) who have meningeal disease, and 5) who are younger than 15 years with either miliary disease or a positive blood culture for TB. If Contractor fails to meet any of the performance measures, Contractor shall furnish in the narrative report due March 1, 2009, a written explanation including a plan to meet those measures. The Infectious Disease Intervention and Control Branch Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program shall calculate performance measurers based on the information maintained in databases kept at the Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program, through limited scope audits or inspections, and scheduled program reviews of successful applicants. SECTION III. SOLICITATION DOCUMENT: N/A SECTION IV. RENEWALS: DSHS may renew the Program Attachment for up to one (1) additional one -year term, at DSHS's sole discretion. SECTION V. PAYMENT METHOD: Cost Reimbursement Funding is further detailed in the attached Categorical Budget and if applicable,Equipment List. SECTION VI. BILLING INSTRUCTIONS: Contractor shall request payment using the State of Texas Purchase Voucher (Form B -13) and acceptable supporting documentation for reimbursement of the required services /deliverables. Vouchers and supporting documentation should be mailed or submitted by fax or electronic mail to the addresses /number below. Department of State Health Services Claims Processing Unit, MC 1940 1100 West 49th Street PO BOX 149347 Austin, Texas 78714 -9347 The fax number for submitting State of Texas Purchase Voucher (Form B -13) to the Claims Processing Unit is (512) 458 -7442. The email address is invoices@dshs.state.tx.us. SECTION VII. BUDGET: PROGRAM ATTACHMENT — Page 4 TB/PC -STATE N/A SOURCE OF FUNDS: STATE SECTION VIII. SPECIAL PROVISIONS: General Provisions, Funding Article, is revised to include the following: Funding from this Contract shall not be used to supplant (i.e., used in place of funds dedicated, appropriated or expended for activities funded through this Contract) state or local funds, but Contractor shall use such funds to increase state or local funds currently available for a particular activity. Contractor shall maintain local funding at a sufficient rate to support the local program. If the total cost of the project is greater than DSHS' share set out in SECTION VII. BUDGET, Contractor shall supply funds for the remaining costs in order to accomplish the objectives set forth in this Contract. All revenues directly generated by this Contract or earned as a result of this Contract during the term of this Contract are considered program income; including income generated through Medicaid billings for TB related clinic services. Contractor may use the program income to further the scope of work detailed in this Contract, and must keep documentation to demonstrate such to DSHS's satisfaction. This program income may not be used to take the place of existing local, state, or federal program funds. Payment Methods and Restrictions Article, Billing Submission Section, is hereby revised to add: Quarterly Financial Status Reports (Form 269A) from Contractor shall be provided to DSHS in the format provided by the DSHS. These reports shall be mailed to Texas Department of State Health Services, Attention: Accounting Section, Claims Processing Unit, 1100 West 49th Street, PO Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714 -9347. One (1) copy of each quarterly financial status report shall be mailed to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Attention: Infectious Disease Intervention and Control Branch, Mail Code 1939, 1100 West 49th Street, PO Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714 -9347. These reports shall be submitted on a quarterly basis as follows: PERIOD COVERED DUE DATE September, October, November December 31, 2008 December, January, February March 31, 2009 March, April, May June 30, 2009 June, July, August September 30, 2009 PROGRAM ATTACHMENT — Page 5 Fiscal Year 2009 Department of State Health Services Contract General Provisions (Core/Vendor) ARTICLE I Section 1.01 Section 1.02 Section 1.03 Section 1.04 Section 1.05 Section 1.06 Section 1.07 ARTICLE II Section 2.01 Section 2.02 Section 2.03 Section 2.04 Section 2.05 ARTICLE III Section 3.01 Section 3.02 ARTICLE IV Section 4.01 Section 4.02 Section 4.03 ARTICLE V Section 5.01 Section 5.02 Section 5.03 TABLE OF CONTENTS COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING 1 Compliance with Statutes and Rules 1 Compliance with Requirements of Solicitation Document. 1 Reporting. 1 Applicable Contracts Law and Venue for Disputes 1 Statutes and Standards of General Applicability. Applicability of General Provisions to Interagency and Interlocal Contracts.. Civil Rights Policies and Complaints. 4 SERVICES 5 Education to Persons in Residential Facilities 5 Disaster Services 5 Consent to Medical Care of a Minor 5 Telemedicine Medical Services. Services and Information for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. 6 6 FUNDING Debt to State and Corporate Status. 6 Application of Payment Due. 6 PAYMENT METHODS AND RESTRICTIONS 7 Payment Methods 7 Billing Submission 7 Third Party Payors. 7 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PAYMENT 7 Prompt Payment. Withholding Payments. Acceptance as Payment in Full. ARTICLE VI CONFIDENTIALITY Section 6.01 Section 6.02 Section 6.03 Section 6.04 Section 6.05 7 8 8 8 Maintenance of Confidentiality. Department Access to PHI and Other Confidential Information Exchange of Client- Identifying Information Security of Patient or Client Records HIV /AIDS Model Workplace Guidelines. ARTICLE VII RECORDS RETENTION 8 8 8 Section 7.01 Retention ARTICLE VIII ACCESS AND INSPECTION 8 9 9 9 9 General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) Table of Contents 6/9/08 Page 1 of 3 Section 8.01 Section 8.02 Section 8.03 ARTICLE IX Section 9.01 Section 9.02 Section 9.03 Section 9.04 Section 9.05 Section 9.06 Section 9.07 Section 9.08 Section 9.09 Access. 9 State Auditor's Office 10 Responding to Deficiencies 10 NOTICE REQUIREMENTS 10 Child Abuse Reporting Requirement 10 Significant Incidents. 10 Litigation 11 Action Against the Contractor 11 Insolvency. 11 Misuse of Funds 11 Criminal Activity and Disciplinary Action 11 Retaliation Prohibited. 12 Documentation. 12 ARTICLE X ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS 12 Section 10.01 Section 10.02 Section 10.03 Section 10.04 Section 10.05 Section 10.06 ARTICLE XI Section 11.01 Section 11.02 Section 11.03 Section 11.04 Section 11.05 Section 11.06 Section 11.07 Section 11.08 Section 11.09 Section 11.10 ARTICLE XII Section 12.01 Section 12.02 Section 12.03 Section 12.04 Section 12.05 Section 12.06 Section 12.07 Section 12.08 Section 12.09 Section 12.10 Section 12.11 Certification 12 Child Support Delinquencies. 13 Authorization 13 Gifts and Benefits Prohibited 13 Ineligibility to Receive the Contract 13 Antitrust. 14 GENERAL BUSINESS OPERATIONS OF CONTRACTOR 14 Responsibilities Concerning Governing Board 14 Liability Coverage 14 Program Site 14 Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). 14 Buy Texas 15 Status of Subcontractors. 15 Independent Contractor 15 Authority to Bind. 15 Tax Liability. 15 Notice of Organizational Change. 15 GENERAL TERMS 16 Assignment 16 Lobbying. 16 Conflict of Interest. 16 Transactions Between Related Parties 16 Intellectual Property 17 Other Intangible Property. 18 Severability and Ambiguity. 18 Legal Notice. 18 Successors. 18 Headings 18 Parties 18 General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) Table of Contents 6/9/08 Page 2 of 3 Section 12.12 Section 12.13 Section 12.14 Section 12.15 Section 12.16 Section 12.17 Section 12.18 Section 12.19 Section 12.20 ARTICLE XIII Section 13.01 Section 13.02 Section 13.03 Section 13.04 ARTICLE XIV Section 14.01 Section 14.02 Section 14.03 Section 14.04 Section 14.05 Survivability of Terms Customer Service Information. Amendment. Contractor's Notification of Change to Certain Contract Provisions. Contractor's Request for Revision of Certain Contract Provisions. Inununity Not Waived. Hold Harmless and Indemnification Waiver 18 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 Technology Accessibility. BREACH OF CONTRACT AND REMEDIES FOR NON- COMPLIANC 21 21 21 23 23 Actions Constituting Breach of Contract. General Remedies and Sanctions. Notice of Remedies or Sanctions Emergency Action CLAIMS AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT Breach of Contract Claim. Notice Sole Remedy Condition Precedent to Suit. Performance Not Suspended 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 24 24 ARTICLE XV TERNIINATION Section 15.01 Expiration of Contract or Program Attachment(s) Section 15.02 Effect of Termination. Section 15.03 Acts Not Constituting Termination Section 15.04 Section 15.05 Section 15.06 ARTICLE XVI Section 16.01 Section 16.02 Section 16.03 ARTICLE XVII CLOSEOUT AND CONTRACT RECONCILIATION 24 25 Termination Without Cause. 25 Termination For Cause. 25 Notice of Termination 26 VOID, SUSPENDED, AND TERMINATED CONTRACTS 26 Void Contracts. 26 Effect of Void, Suspended, or Involuntarily Terminated Contract. 27 Appeals Rights 27 27 27 27 27 Section 17.01 Cessation of Services At Closeout Section 17.02 Administrative Offset. Section 17.03 Deadline for Refunds Closeout. Section 17.04 Pay ment Section 17.05 Disallowances and Adjustments. 27 General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) Table of Contents 6/9/08 Page 3 of 3 Fiscal Year 2009 Department of State Health Services Contract General Provisions (Core/Vendor) ARTICLE I COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING Section 1.01 Compliance with Statutes and Rules. Contractor shall comply, and shall require its subcontractor(s) to comply, with the requirements of the Department's rules of general applicability and other applicable state and federal statutes, regulations and rules as such statutes and rules currently exist and as they may be lawfully amended. The Department rules are located in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25 (Rules). To the extent this Contract imposes a higher standard or additional requirements beyond those required by applicable statutes, regulations or the Rules, the terms of this Contract shall control. Section 1.02 Compliance with Requirements of Solicitation Document. Except as specified in these General Provisions or the Program Attachment(s), Contractor shall comply with the requirements, eligibility conditions, assurances, certifications and program requirements of the Solicitation Document, if any, (including any revised or additional terms agreed to in writing by Contractor and DSHS prior to execution of this Contract) for the duration of this Contract or any subsequent renewals. The Parties agree that the Department has relied upon the Contractor's response to the Solicitation Document. The Parties agree that any misrepresentation contained in the Contractor's response to the Solicitation Document shall constitute a breach of this Contract. Section 1.03 Reporting. Contractor shall submit reports in accordance with the reporting requirements established by the Department, and shall provide any other information requested by the Department in the format required by DSHS. Failure to submit a required report or additional requested information by the due date specified in the Program Attachment(s) or upon request constitutes a breach of contract, may result in delayed payment and/or the imposition of sanctions and remedies, and, if appropriate, emergency action; and may adversely affect evaluation of Contractor's future contracting opportunities with the Department. Section 1.04 Applicable Contracts Law and Venue for Disputes. Regarding all issues related to contract formation, performance, interpretation, and any issues that may arise in any dispute between the Parties, this Contract shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas. In the event of a dispute between the Parties, venue for any suit shall be Travis County, Texas. Section 1.05 Statutes and Standards of General Applicability. It is Contractor's responsibility to review and comply with all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, executive orders and policies. To the extent applicable to Contractor, Contractor agrees to comply with the following: a) the following statutes, rules, regulations, and DSHS policy (and any of their subsequent amendments) that collectively prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, limited English proficiency, sex, sexual orientation (where applicable), disabilities, age, substance abuse, political belief or religion: 1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 2000d et seq.; 2) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C.A. §§ 1681 -1683, and 1685 -1686; 3) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.A. § 794(a); 4) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 12101 et seq.; 5) Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 6101 -6107; 6) Comprehensive Alcohol General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 1 of 27 4 Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970, 42 U.S.C.A. § 290dd (b)(1); 7) 45 CFR Parts 80, 84, 86 and 91; 8) U.S. Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity E.O. 11246, as amended and supplemented; 9) Tex. Lab. Code Chapter 21; 10) Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. §§ 200 et seq.; 11) Executive Order 13279, 45 CFR Part 87 or 7 CFR Part 16 regarding equal treatment and opportunity for religious organizations; and 12) DSHS Policy AA -5018, Non - discrimination Policy for DSHS Programs; 1101 et seq., relating to drug Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972, 21 U.S.C.A. §§ q. g g abuse; c) Public Health Service Act of 1912, §§ 523 and 527, 42 U.S.C.A. § 290dd -2, and 42 CFR pt. 2, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records; d) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 3601 et seq., relating to nondiscrimination in housing; e) Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, 8 U.S.C.A. § 1324a, regarding employment verification; f) Pro - Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C.A. §§ 6081 -6084, regarding the non -use of all tobacco products; 289a -1 et seq., and 6601 (P.L. g) National Research Service Award Act of 1971, 42 U.S.C.A. §§ q. 93 -348 and P.L. 103 -43), as amended, regarding human and 7321-26, whh research; h) Hatch Political Activity Act, 5 U.S.C.A. §§ activity of employees whose employment is funded with federal funds; i) Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C.A. §§ 201 et seq., and the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970, 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 4701 et seq., as applicable, concerning minimum wage and maximum hours; j) Tex. Gov. Code Chapter 469, (Supp. 2004) pertaining to eliminating architectural barriers for persons with disabilities; k) Texas Workers' Compensation Act, Tex. Lab. Code, Chapters 401 -406 and Title 28 Tex. Admin. Code pt. 2, regarding compensation for employees' injuries; 1) The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, 42 U.S.C. § 263a, regarding the regulation and certification of clinical laboratories; m) 29 The CFR §1910.1 30, or Title 25 Health ex. Admin. Code Chapter �96 regarding Borne afety standards for handling blood borne pathogens; n) Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966, 7 U.S.C. §§ 2131 et seq., pertaining to the treatment of laboratory animals; o) environmental standards pursuant to the following: 1) Institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321- 4347 and Executive Order 11514 (35 Fed. Reg. 4247), "Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality;" 2) Notification of violating facilities pursuant to Executive Order 11738 (40 CFR Part 32), "Providing for Administration of the Clean Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to Federal Contracts, Grants, or Loans;" 3) Protection of wetlands pursuant to Executive Order 11990, 42 Fed. Reg. 26961; 4) Evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with Executive Order 11988, 42 Fed. Reg. 26951 and, if applicable, flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Protection r v project with he approved State program developed under the Coastal Management Act General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 2 of 27 of 1972, 16 U.S.C. §§ 1451 et seq.; 6) Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq.; 7) Protection of underground sources of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300f -300j; 8) Protection of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. §§ 1531 et seq.; 9) Conformity of federal actions to state clean air implementation plans under the Clean Air Act of 1955, 42 U.S.C. §§ 7401 et seq.; 10) Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968,16 U.S.C. §§ 1271 et seq., related to protecting certain river systems; and 11) Lead -Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 4801 et seq., prohibiting the use of lead -based paint in residential construction or rehabilitation; p) Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970, 42 U.S.C. § §4278 -4763, regarding personnel merit systems for programs specified in Appendix A of the federal Office of Program Management's Standards for a Merit System of Personnel Administration, 5 CFR Part 900, Subpart F; q) Titles 11 and III of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91 -646), relating to fair treatment of persons displaced or whose property is acquired as a result of Federal or federally- assisted programs; r) Davis -Bacon Act, 40 U.S.C. §§ 276a to 276a -7; the Copeland Act, 40 U.S.C. § 276c and 18 U.S.C. § 874; and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, 40 U.S.C. §§ 327 -333, regarding labor standards for federally- assisted construction subagreements; s) National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, §106, 16 U.S.C. § 470; Executive Order 11593; and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. §§ 469a -1 et seq.) regarding historic property to the extent necessary to assist DSHS in complying with the Acts; and t) requirements of any other applicable state and federal statutes, executive orders, regulations, rules and policies. If this Contract is funded by a grant or cooperative agreement, additional state or federal requirements found in the Notice of Grant Award are imposed on Contractor and incorporated herein by reference. Section 1.06 Applicability of General Provisions to Interagency and Interlocal Contracts. Certain sections or portions of sections of these General Provisions shall not apply to Contractors that are State agencies or units of local government; and certain additional provisions shall apply to such Contractors. a) The following sections or portions of sections of these General Provisions shall not apply to interagency or interlocal contracts: 1) Hold Harmless and Indemnification, Section 12.18; 2) Independent Contractor, Section 11.07 (delete the third sentence in its entirety; delete the word "employees" from the fourth sentence; the remainder of the section applies); 3) Liability Coverage, Section 11.02; 4) Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), Section 11.04 (Contractor, however, shall comply with HUB requirements of other statutes and rules specifically applicable to that entity); 5) Debt to State and Corporate Status, Section 3.01; 6) Application of Payment Due, Section 3.02; and 7) Article XIV Claims against the Department (This Article is inapplicable to interagency contracts only). General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 3 of 27 b) The following additional provisions shall apply to interagency contracts: 1) This Contract is entered into pursuant to the authority granted and in compliance with the provisions of the Interagency Cooperation Act, Tex. Gov. Code Chapter 771. 2) The Parties hereby certify that (1) the services specified are necessary and essential for the activities that are properly within the statutory functions and programs of the affected agencies of State government; (2) the proposed arrangements serve the interest of efficient and economical administration of the State government; and (3) the services, supplies or materials contracted for are not required by Section 21 of Article 16 of the Constitution of the State of Texas to be supplied under contract given to the lowest responsible bidder. 3) DSHS certifies that it has the authority to enter into this Contract granted in Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 1001, and Contractor certifies that it has specific statutory authority to enter into and perform this Contract. c) The following additional provisions shall apply to interlocal contracts: 1) This Contract is entered into pursuant to the authority granted and in compliance with the provisions of the Interlocal Cooperation Act, Tex. Gov. Code Chapter 791. 2) Payments made by DSHS to Contractor shall be from current revenues available to DSHS. 3) Each Party represents that it has been authorized to enter into this Contract. d) Contractor agrees that Contract Revision Requests, when signed by a duly authorized representative of Contractor, shall be effective as of the effective date specified by the Department, whether that date is prior to or after the date of any ratification by Contractor's governing board. Section 1.07 Civil Rights Policies and Complaints. Upon request, Contactor shall provide the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Civil Rights Office with copies of all Contractor's civil rights policies and procedures. Contractor must notify HHSC's Office of Civil Rights of any civil rights complaints received relating to performance under this Contract no more than ten (10) calendar days after Contractor's receipt of the claim. Notice must be directed to — HHSC Civil Rights Office 701 W. 51st St., Mail Code W206 Austin, Texas 78751 Toll -free phone (888) 388 -6332 Phone (512) 438 -4313 TTY Toll -free (877) 432 -7232 Fax (512) 438 -5885 General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 4 of 27 ARTICLE II SERVICES Section 2.01 Education to Persons in Residential Facilities. If applicable, Contractor shall ensure that all persons, who are housed in Department licensed and/or funded residential facilities and who are twenty -two (22) years of age or younger, have access to educational services as required by Tex. Educ. Code § 29.012. Contractor shall notify the local education agency or local early intervention program as prescribed by Tex. Educ. Code § 29.012 not later than the third calendar day after the date a person who is twenty -two (22) years of age or younger is placed in Contractor's residential facility. Section 2.02 Disaster Services. In the event of a local, state, or federal emergency, including natural, man -made, criminal, terrorist, and/or bioterrorism events, declared as a state disaster by the Governor, or a federal disaster by the appropriate federal official, Contractor may be called upon to assist DSHS in providing services, as appropriate, in the following areas: community evacuation; health and medical assistance; assessment of health and medical needs; health surveillance; medical care personnel; health and medical equipment and supplies; patient evacuation; in- hospital care and hospital facility status; food, drug, and medical device safety; worker health and safety; mental health and substance abuse; public health information; vector control and veterinary services; and victim identification and mortuary services. Disaster services shall be carried out in the manner most responsive to the needs of the emergency, be cost effective, and be least intrusive on the primary services of the Contractor. Section 2.03 Consent to Medical Care of a Minor. If Contractor provides medical, dental, psychological or surgical treatment to a minor under this Contract, either directly or through contracts with subcontractors, the treatment of a minor shall be provided only if informed consent to treatment is obtained pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code, Chapter 32 relating to consent to treatment of a child by a non - parent or the child or pursuant to other state law. If requirements of federal law relating to consent directly conflict with Tex. Fam. Code, Chapter 32, federal law shall supersede state law. Section 2.04 Telemedicine Medical Services. Contractor shall ensure that if a provider uses telemedicine/telepsychiatry that the services are implemented in accordance with written procedures and using protocol approved by the Contractor's medical director and utilizing equipment that complies with the equipment standards as required by the Department. Procedures of telemedicine service provision must include the following requirements: a) clinical oversight by the Contractor's medical director or designated physician responsible for medical leadership; b) contraindication considerations for telemedicine use; c) qualified staff members to ensure the safety of the individual being served by telemedicine at the remote site; d) safeguards to ensure confidentiality and privacy in accordance with state and federal laws; e) use by credentialed licensed providers providing clinical care within the scope of their licenses; General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 5 of 27 f) demonstrated competency in the operations of the system by all staff members who are involved in the operation of the system and provision of the services prior to initiating the protocol; g) priority in scheduling the system for clinical care of individuals; h) quality oversight and monitoring of satisfaction of the individuals served; and i) management of information and documentation for telemedicine services that ensures timely access to accurate information between the two sites. Telemedicine Medical Services does not include chemical dependency treatment services provided by electronic means under Rule § 448.911. Section 2.05 Services and Information for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. Contractor agrees to take reasonable steps to provide services and information both orally and in writing, in appropriate languages other than English, in order to ensure that persons with limited English proficiency are effectively informed and can have meaningful access to programs, benefits, and activities. Contractor shall identify and document on the client records the primary language /dialect of a client who has limited English proficiency and the need for translation or interpretation services and shall not require a client to provide or pay for the services of a translator or interpreter. Contractor shall make every effort to avoid use of any persons under the age of 18 or any family member or friend of the client as an interpreter for essential communications with a client with limited English proficiency unless the client has requested that person and the use of such a person would not compromise the effectiveness of services or violate the client's confidentiality and the client is advised that a free interpreter is available. ARTICLE III FUNDING Section 3.01 Debt to State and Corporate Status. Pursuant to Tex. Gov. Code § 403.055, the Department will not approve and the State Comptroller will not issue payment to Contractor if Contractor is indebted to the State for any reason, including a tax delinquency. Contractor, if a corporation, certifies by execution of this Contract that it is current and will remain current in its payment of franchise taxes to the State of Texas or that it is exempt from payment of franchise taxes under Texas law (Tex. Tax Code §§ 171.001 et seq., as amended). Contractor, if a corporation, further certifies that it is and will remain in good standing with the Secretary of State's office. A false statement regarding franchise tax or corporate status is a material breach of this Contract. If franchise tax payments become delinquent during the Contract term, all or part of the payments under this Contract may be withheld until Contractor's delinquent franchise tax is paid in full. Section 3.02 Application of Payment Due. Contractor agrees that any payments due under this Contract will be applied towards any debt of Contractor, including but not limited to delinquent taxes and child support that is owed to the State of Texas. General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 6 of 27 ARTICLE IV PAYMENT METHODS AND RESTRICTIONS Section 4.01 Payment Methods. Except as otherwise provided by the provisions of the Program Attachment(s), the payment method for each program shall be unit rate /fee for service. This payment method is based on a specified rate(s) or fee(s) for a specified unit(s) of service, as stated in the Program Attachment(s) and acceptable submission of all required forms and/or deliverable(s). Section 4.02 Billing Submission. Contractors shall bill the Department in accordance with the Program Attachment(s) in the form and format prescribed by DSHS. Unless otherwise specified in the Program Attachment(s), Contractor shall submit requests for payment monthly within thirty (30) calendar days following the end of the month covered by the bill. Section 4.03 Third Party Payors. A third party payor is any person or entity who has the legal responsibility for paying for all or part of the services provided, including commercial health or liability insurance carriers, Medicaid, or other federal, state, local, and private funding sources. Except as provided in this Contract, Contractor shall screen all clients and shall not bill the Department for services eligible for reimbursement from third party payors. Contractor shall: (a) enroll as a provider in Children's Health Insurance Plan and Medicaid if providing approved services authorized under this Contract that may be covered by those programs, and bill those plans for the covered services; (b) provide assistance to individuals to enroll in such programs when the screening process indicates possible eligibility for such programs; (c) allow clients that are otherwise eligible for Department services, but cannot pay a deductible required by a third party payor, to receive services up to the amount of the deductible and to bill the Department for the deductible; (d) not bill the Department for any services eligible for third party reimbursement until all appeals to third party payors have been exhausted; (e) maintain appropriate documentation from the third party payor reflecting attempts to obtain reimbursement; (f) bill all third party payors for services provided under this Contract before submitting any request for reimbursement to Department; and (g) provide third party billing functions at no cost to the client. ARTICLE V TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PAYMENT Section 5.01 Prompt Payment. Upon receipt of a timely, undisputed invoice pursuant to this Contract, Department will pay Contractor. Payments are contingent upon a signed Contract and will not exceed the total amount of authorized funds under this Contract. Contractor is entitled to payment only if the service, work, and/or product has been authorized by the Department and performed or provided pursuant to this Contract. If those conditions are met, Department will make payment in accordance with the Texas prompt payment law (Tex. Gov. Code, Chapter 2251). Contractor must comply with Tex. Gov. Code, Chapter 2251 regarding its prompt payment obligations to subcontractors. Payment of invoices by the Department shall not constitute acceptance or approval of Contractor's performance, and all invoices and Contractor's performance shall be subject to audit by the Department. General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 7 of 27 Section 5.02 Withholding Payments. Department may withhold all or part of any payments to Contractor to offset overpayments that Contractor has not refunded to Department. Department may take repayment from funds available under this Contract, active or expired, in amounts necessary to fulfill Contractor's repayment obligations. Section 5.03 Acceptance as Payment in Full. Contractor shall accept payment from DSHS as payment in full for services or goods provided to clients. Contractor agrees to not seek additional payment for services or goods from clients. ARTICLE VI CONFIDENTIALITY Section 6.01 Maintenance of Confidentiality. Contractor must maintain the privacy and confidentiality of information and records received during or related to the performance of this Contract, including patient and client records that contain protected health information (PHI), and any other information that discloses confidential personal information or identifies any client served by DSHS, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and Rules, including but not limited to 7 CFR Part 246; 42 CFR Part 2; 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164 (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA]); Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapters 12, 47, 81, 82, 85, 88, 92, 161, 181, 241, 245, 251, 534, 576, 577, 596, 611, and 773; and Tex. Occ. Code Chapters 56 and 159 and all applicable Rules. Section 6.02 Department Access to PHI and Other Confidential Information. Contractor shall cooperate with Department to allow Department to request, collect and receive PHI and other confidential information under this Contract, without the consent of the individual to whom the PHI relates, for funding, payment and administration of the grant program, and for purposes permitted under applicable state and federal confidentiality and privacy laws. Section 6.03 Exchange of Client- Identifying Information. Except as prohibited by other law, Contractor and DSHS shall exchange PHI without the consent of clients in accordance with 45 CFR § 164.504(e)(3)(i)(B), Tex. Health & Safety Code § 533.009 and Rule Chapter 414, Subchapter A or other applicable laws or rules. Contractor shall disclose information described in Tex. Health & Safety Code § 614.017(a)(2) relating to special needs offenders, to an agency described in Tex. Health & Safety Code § 614.017(c) upon request of that agency, unless Contractor documents that the information is not allowed to be disclosed under 45 CFR Part 164 or other applicable law. Section 6.04 Security of Patient or Client Records. Contractor must ensure that patient and client records are managed in compliance with state and federal law relating to security and retention of medical or mental health and substance abuse patient records. Department may require Contractor to transfer original or copies of patient and client records to Department, without the consent or authorization of the patient or client, upon termination of this Contract or a Program Attachment to this Contract, as applicable, or if the care and treatment of the individual patient or client is transferred to another entity. Prior to providing services funded under this Contract to a patient or client, Contractor shall attempt to obtain consent from the patient or client to transfer copies of General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 8 of 27 patient or client records to another entity funded by DSHS upon termination of this Contract or a Program Attachment to this Contract, as applicable, or if care or treatment is transferred to another DSHS- funded contractor. Section 6.05 HIV /AIDS Model Workplace Guidelines. If providing direct client care, services, or programs, Contractor shall implement Department's policies based on the HIV /AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus /acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) Model Workplace Guidelines for Businesses, State Agencies, and State Contractors, Policy No. 090.021, and Contractor shall educate employees and clients concerning HIV and its related conditions, including AIDS, in accordance with the Tex. Health & Safety Code § 85.112 -114. A link to the Model Workplace Guidelines can be found at http: / /www.dshs. state. tx. us /hivstd/policv /pdf /090021.adf. ARTICLE VII RECORDS RETENTION Section 7.01 Retention. Contractor shall retain records in accordance with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations. At a minimum, Contractor shall retain and preserve all records, including financial records that are generated or collected by Contractor under the provisions of this Contract, for a period of four (4) years after the termination of this Contract. If services are funded through Medicaid, the federal retention period, if more than four (4) years, shall apply. Contractor shall retain all records pertaining to this Contract that are the subject of litigation or an audit until the litigation has ended or all questions pertaining to the audit are resolved. Legal requirements for Contractor may extend beyond the retention schedules established in this section. Contractor shall retain medical records in accordance with Tex. Admin. Code Title 22, Part 9, § 165.1(b) or other applicable statutes and regulations governing medical information. Contractor shall ensure that this provision concerning records retention is included in any subcontract it awards. If Contractor ceases business operations, it shall ensure that records relating to this Contract are securely stored and are accessible by the Department upon Department's request for at least four (4) years from the date Contractor ceases business or from the termination date of this Contract, whichever is sooner. Contractor shall provide the name and address of the party responsible for storage of records to the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment. ARTICLE VIII ACCESS AND INSPECTION Section 8.01 Access. In addition to any right of access arising by operation of law, Contractor, and any of Contractor's affiliate or subsidiary organizations or subcontractors shall permit the Department or any of its duly authorized representatives, as well as duly authorized federal, state or local authorities, including the Comptroller General of the United States, the Office of the Inspector General at HHSC (OIG), and the State Auditor's Office (SAO), unrestricted access to and the right to examine any site where business is conducted or client services are performed, and all records (including client and patient records, if any), books, papers or documents related to this Contract. If deemed necessary by the Department or the OIG, for the purpose of investigation or hearing, Contractor shall produce original documents related to this Contract. Further, Contractor shall ensure that information collected, assembled or maintained by the Contractor relative to this Contract is available to the Department for the Department to respond to requests that it receives under the General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 9 of 27 Public Information Act. The Department and HHSC will have the right to audit billings both before and after payment. Payments will not foreclose the right of Department and HHSC to recover excessive or illegal payments. Contractor shall ensure that this provision concerning the right of access to, and examination of, information related to this Contract is included in any subcontract it awards. Section 8.02 State Auditor's Office. Contractor shall, upon request, make all records, books, papers, documents, or recordings related to this Contract available for inspection, audit, or reproduction during normal business hours to any authorized representative of the SAO. The Contractor understands that the acceptance of funds under this Contract acts as acceptance of the authority of the SAO, or any successor agency, to conduct an audit or investigation in connection with those funds. The Contractor further agrees to cooperate fully with the SAO or its successor in the conduct of the audit or investigation, including providing all records requested, and providing access to any information the SAO considers relevant to the investigation or audit. Contractor shall ensure that this provision concerning the authority to audit funds will apply to funds received indirectly by subcontractors through the Contractor, and the requirement to cooperate, is included in any subcontract it awards. Section 8.03 Responding to Deficiencies. Any deficiencies identified by DSHS or HHSC upon examination of Contractor's records will be conveyed in writing to Contractor. Contractor shall submit, by the date prescribed by DSHS, a resolution to the deficiency in a program review or management or financial audit to the satisfaction of DSHS. A DSHS or HHSC determination of either an inadequate or inappropriate resolution of the findings may result in contract remedies or sanctions under the Breach of Contract and Remedies for Non - Compliance Article of these General Provisions. ARTICLE IX NOTICE REQUIREMENTS Section 9.01 Child Abuse Reporting Requirement. This section applies to mental health and substance Planning abuse contractors V, and contractors Prima for the Health Care; Maternal and Child Health; nd WIC Family Planning (Titles V, X and XX); Y Nutrition Services. Contractor shall make a good faith effort to comply with child abuse reporting guidelines and requirements in Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 261 relating to investigations of reports of child abuse and neglect. Contractor shall develop, implement and enforce a written policy that includes at a minimum the Department's Child Abuse Screening, Documenting, and Reporting Policy for Contractors/Providers and train all staff on reporting requirements. Contractor shall use the DSHS Child Abuse Reporting Form located at www.dshs. state .tx.us /childabusereporting as required by the Department. Contractor shall retain reporting documentation on site and make it available for inspection by DSHS. Section 9.02 Significant Incidents. In addition to notifying the appropriate authorities, Contractor shall report to the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 10 of 27 significant incidents involving substantial disruption of program operation or potentially affecting Department- funded clients or participants within seventy -two (72) hours of discovery. Section 9.03 Litigation. Contractor shall notify the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment of litigation related to or affecting this Contract and to which Contractor is a party within seven (7) calendar days of becoming aware of such a proceeding. This includes, but is not limited to an action, suit or proceeding before any court or governmental body, including environmental and civil rights matters, professional liability, and employee litigation. Notification shall include the names of the parties, nature of the litigation and remedy sought, including amount of damages, if any. Section 9.04 Action Against the Contractor. Contractor shall notify the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment if Contractor has had a contract suspended or terminated for cause by any local, state or federal department or agency or nonprofit entity within three (3) working days of the suspension or termination. Such notification shall include the reason for such action; the name and contact information of the local, state or federal department or agency or entity; the date of the contract; and the contract or case reference number. If the Contractor, as an organization, has surrendered its license or has had its license suspended or revoked by any local, state or federal department or agency or non - profit entity, it shall disclose this information within three (3) working days of the surrender, suspension or revocation to the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment by submitting a one page description that includes the reason(s) for such action; the name and contact information of the local, state or federal department or agency or entity; the date of the license action; and a license or case reference number. Section 9.05 Insolvency. Contractor shall notify in writing the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment of Contractor's insolvency, incapacity, or outstanding unpaid obligations to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) within three (3) working days of the date of determination that Contractor is insolvent or incapacitated, or the date Contractor discovered an unpaid obligation to the IRS or TWC. Contractor shall notify in writing the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment of its plan to seek bankruptcy protection within three (3) working days of such action by the Contractor or Contractor's board of directors. Section 9.06 Misuse of Funds. Contractor shall report to the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment and to the SAO, any knowledge of debarment, suspected fraud, program abuse, or unlawful activity related to performance under this Contract. Contractor shall make such report no later than three (3) working days from the date that the Contractor has knowledge or reason to believe such activity has taken place. Contractor shall make the report to the SAO at (800) TX- AUDIT, or by Internet at http. / /www.sao.state.tx.us. Section 9.07 Criminal Activity and Disciplinary Action. Contractor affirms that no person who has an ownership or controlling interest in the organization or who is an agent or managing employee of the organization has been placed on community supervision, received deferred adjudication, is presently indicted for or has been convicted of a criminal offense related to any financial matter, federal or state program or felony sex crime. Contractor shall notify in writing the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment if it has reason to believe Contractor, or a person with ownership or controlling interest in the organization or who is an agent or managing General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 11 of 27 employee of the organization, an employee or volunteer of Contractor, or a subcontractor has engaged in any activity that would constitute a criminal offense equal to or greater than a Class A misdemeanor or if such activity would reasonably constitute grounds for disciplinary action by a state or federal regulatory authority, or has been placed on community supervision, received deferred adjudication, or been indicted for or convicted of a criminal offense relating to involvement in any financial matter, federal or state program or felony lse crime. Contractor from the dateshalltmake the repo is required by this section no later than three (3) working days person knowledge or reason to believe such activity has taken place. Contractor shall ensure that any p who engaged, or was alleged to have engaged, in any activity subject to reporting under this section is prohibited from performing direct client services or from having direct contact with clients, unless otherwise directed by DSHS. Section 9.08 Retaliation Prohibited. Contractor shall not retaliate against n to any or who ep is a violation of, or cooperates with an investigation regarding, any applicable the SAO, the Department, another state agency, or any federal, state or local law enforcement official. Section 9.09 Documentation. Contractor shall maintain appropriate documentation of all notices. ARTICLE X ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS Section 10.01 Certification. Contractor certifies by execution of this Contract to the following: a) it is not disqualified under 2 CFR §376.935 or ineligible for participation in federal or state assistance programs; b) neither it, nor its principals, are presently debarred, suspended, proposed osed for debarment, declared ineligible, or excluded from participation in this transaction by any federal or state department or agency; c) it has not knowingly failed to pay a single substantial debt or a number of outstanding debts to a federal or state agency; d) it is not subject to an outstanding judgment in a suit against Contractor for collection oft the balance of a debt; e) it is in good standing with all state and/or federal agencies that have a contracting or regulatory relationship with Contractor; f) that no person who has an ownership or controlling interest in Contractor or who is an agent or managing employee of of offense block to in volvement in any program established under Medicare,Med Medicaid, or federal grant; period preceding this Contract, has g) neither it, nor its principals have within the three (3) -y ear p P been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offence in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a private or public (federal, state or local) transaction or contract under a private or public transaction, violation of federal or state antitrust statutes (including those proscribing price fixing between competitors, allocation of customers between competitors and bid rigging), or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements or false claims, tax evasion, obstruction of justice, receiving stolen property or any General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 12 of 27 other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that seriously and directly affects the present responsibility of Contactor or its principals; h) neither it, nor its principals is presently indicted or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (federal, state or local) with the commission of any of the offenses enumerated in subsection g) of this section; and i) neither it, nor its principals within a three (3) -year period preceding this Contract has had one or more public transaction (federal, state or local) terminated for cause or default. Contractor shall include the certifications in this section, without modification (except as required to make applicable to the subcontractor), in all subcontracts and solicitations for subcontracts. Where Contractor is unable to certify to any of the statements in this Article, Contractor shall submit an explanation to the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment. If Contractor's status with respect to the items certified above changes during the term of this Contract, Contractor shall immediately notify the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment. Section 10.02 Child Support Delinquencies. As required by Tex. Fam. Code § 231.006, a child support obligor who is more than thirty (30) calendar 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 percent (25 %) is not eligible to receive payments from state funds under a contract to provide property, materials, or services or receive a state - funded grant or loan. If applicable, Contractor agrees to maintain its eligibility to receive payments under this Contract, certifies that it is not ineligible to receive the payments specified in this Contract, and acknowledges that this Contract may be terminated and payment may be withheld if this certification is inaccurate. Section 10.03 Authorization. Contractor certifies that it possesses legal authority to contract for the services set forth in this Contract and that a resolution, motion or similar action has been duly adopted or passed as an official act of the Contractor's governing body, authorizing the binding of the organization under this Contract including all understandings and assurances contained in this Contract, and directing and authorizing the person identified as the authorized representative of the Contractor to act in connection with this Contract and to provide such additional information as may be required. Section 10.04 Gifts and Benefits Prohibited. Contractor certifies that it has not given, offered to give, nor intends to give at any time hereafter, any economic opportunity, present or future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, special discount, trip, favor, service or anything of monetary value to a DSHS or HHSC official or employee in connection with this Contract. Section 10.05 Ineligibility to Receive the Contract. (a) Pursuant to Tex. Gov. Code § 2155.004 and federal law, Contractor is ineligible to receive this Contract if this Contract includes financial participation by a person who received compensation from DSHS to participate in developing, drafting or preparing the specifications, requirements, statement(s) of work or Solicitation Document on which this Contract is based. Contractor certifies that neither Contractor, nor its employees, nor anyone acting for the Contractor has received compensation from DSHS for participation in the developing, drafting or preparation of specifications, requirements or statement(s) of work for this General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 13 of 27 Contract or in the Solicitation Document on which this Contract is based; (b) Pursuant to Tex. Gov. Code §§ 2155.006 and 2261.053, Contractor is ineligible to receive this Contract, if the Contractor or any person who would have financial participation in this Contract has been convicted of violating federal law, or been assessed a federal civil or administrative penalty, in connection with a contract awarded by the federal government for relief, recovery or reconstruction efforts as a result of Hurricanes Rita or Katrina or any other disaster occurring after September 24, 2005; (c) Contractor certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Contract is not ineligible to receive the specified Contract under Tex. Gov. Code §§ 2155.004, 2155.006 or 2261.053, and acknowledges that this Contract may be terminated and payment withheld if these certifications are inaccurate. Section 10.06 Antitrust. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C.A. Sec. 1, et seq. and Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code § 15.01, et seq. Contractor certifies that neither Contractor, nor anyone acting for the Contractor has violated the antitrust laws of this state or federal antitrust laws, nor communicated directly or indirectly regarding a bid with any competitor or any other person engaged in such line of business for the purpose of substantially lessening competition in such line of business. ARTICLE XI GENERAL BUSINESS OPERATIONS OF CONTRACTOR Section 11.01 Responsibilities Concerning Governing Board. Contractor and its governing board shall bear full responsibility for compliance with all the terms and conditions f this defined cn t. the This organizations provision applies to all organizations, including Section 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service Code as not - for - profit organizations. The responsibili duresonndctor's governing board shall include compliance with Department Rules, policies, p applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Ignorance of any Contract provisions or other requirements contained or referenced in this Contract shall not constitute a defense or basis for waiving or appealing such provisions or requirements. Section 11.02 Liability Coverage. Contractor shall also maintain liability insurance coverage, referred to in Tex. Gov. Code § 2261.102, as "director and officer liability coverage," where Contractor is a legal entity that is required to have directors and/or officers. This provision applies to entities that are organized as non - profit corporations under the Texas Non - Profit Corporation Act; for -profit corporations organized under the Texas Business Corporations Act; and any other legal entity that is required under Texas law to have directors and/or officers. Contractor shall maintain liability insurance coverage in an amount not less than the total value of this Contract and that is sufficient to protect the interests of Department in the event an actionable act or omission by a director or officer of Contractor damages Department's interests. Section 11.03 Program Site. All Contractors shall ensure that the location where services are provided is in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal zoning, building, health, fire, and safety standards. Section 11.04 Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). If Contractor was not required to submit a HUB subcontracting plan and if subcontracting is permitted under this Program Attachment, Contractor is enuraged to forth in Tex. Gov Code Chapter s subcontracting 2161 and 34 Tex. Admin. Code 20.14 et seq. Contractors may General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 14 of 27 obtain a list of HUBs at http: / /www.window.st ate .tx.us /procurement/prog/hub. If Contractor has filed a HUB subcontracting plan, the plan is incorporated by reference in this Contract. If Contractor desires to make a change in the plan, Contractor must obtain prior approval of the revised plan from the Department's HUB Coordinator before proposed changes will be effective under this Contract. Contractor agrees to make a good faith effort to subcontract with HUBs during the performance of this Contract and shall report HUB subcontract activity to the Department's HUB Coordinator by the 15th day of each month for the prior month's activity, if there was any such activity, in accordance with 34 Tex. Admin. Code § 20.16(c). Section 11.05 Buy Texas. Contractor shall purchase products and materials produced in Texas when the products and materials are available at a price and time comparable to products and materials produced outside of Texas as required by Tex. Gov. Code § 2155.4441. Section 11.06 Status of Subcontractors. Contractor shall require that all subcontractors certify that they are in good standing with all state and federal funding and regulatory agencies; are not currently debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal grant programs; are not delinquent on any repayment agreements; have not had a required license or certification revoked; and have not had a contract terminated by the Department. Contractors shall further require that subcontractors certify that they have not voluntarily surrendered within the past three (3) years any license issued by the Department. Section 11.07 Independent Contractor. Contractor is an independent contractor. Contractor shall direct and be responsible for the performance of its employees, subcontractors, joint venture participants or agents. Contractor is not an agent or employee of the Department or the State of Texas for any purpose whatsoever. For purposes of this Contract, Contractor acknowledges that its employees, subcontractors, joint venture participants or agents will not be eligible for unemployment compensation from the Department or the State of Texas. Section 11.08 Authority to Bind. The person or persons signing and executing this Contract on behalf of Contractor, or representing themselves as signing and executing this Contract on behalf of Contractor, warrant and guarantee that they have been duly authorized by Contractor to execute this Contract for Contractor and to validly and legally bind Contractor to all of its terms. Section 11.09 Tax Liability. Contractor shall comply with all state and federal tax laws and is solely responsible for filing all required state and federal tax forms and making all tax payments. In the event that the Department discovers that Contractor has a liability or has failed to remain current on a delinquent liability to the IRS, this Contract will be subject to remedies and sanctions under this Contract, including immediate termination at the Department's discretion. In the event of Contract termination under this section, the Department will not enter into a contract with Contractor for three (3) years from the date of termination. Section 11.10 Notice of Organizational Change. Contractor shall submit written notice to the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment within ten (10) business days of any change to the following: Contractor's name; contact information; key personnel, officer, director or partner; organizational structure; legal standing; or authority to do business in Texas. A General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 15 of 27 change in Contractor's name requires an amendment to this Contract in accordance with the Amendments section of these General Provisions. ARTICLE XII GENERAL TERMS Section 12.01 Assignment. Contractor shall not transfer, assign, or sell its interest, in whole or in part, in this Contract, without the prior written consent of the Department. Section 12.02 Lobbying. Contractor shall comply with Tex. Gov Code § 556.0055, which prohibits contractors who receive state funds from using those funds to pay lobbying expenses. Further, Contractor shall not use funds paid under this Contract to pay any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any federal or state agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any contract or the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any contract (31 U.S.C.A. § 1352, as amended). If at any time this Contract exceeds $100,000 of federal funds, Contractor shall file with the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment a declaration containing the name of any registrant under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 who has made lobbying contacts on behalf of Contractor in connection with this Contract, a certification that none of the funds provided by Department have been or will be used for payment to lobbyists, and disclosure of the names of any and all registered lobbyists with whom Contractor has an agreement. Contractor shall file the declaration, certification, and disclosure at the time of application for this Contract; upon execution of this Contract unless Contractor previously filed a declaration, certification, or disclosure form in connection with the award; and at the end of each calendar quarter in which there occurs any event that materially affects the accuracy of the information contained in any declaration, certification, or disclosure previously filed. Contractor shall require any person who requests or receives a subcontract to file the same declaration, certification, and disclosure with the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment. Contractor shall also comply, as applicable, with the lobbying restrictions and requirements in OMB Circulars A -122 Attachment B paragraph 25; A -87 Attachment B section 27; A -110 section_ 27 and A -21 paragraphs 17 and 24. Contractor shall include this provision in any subcontracts. Section 12.03 Conflict of Interest. Contractor represents to the Department that it does not have, nor shall it knowingly acquire, any financial or other interest that would conflict in any manner with the performance of its obligations under this Contract. Potential conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to, an existing or potential business or personal relationship between Contractor, its principal (or a member of the principal's immediate family), or any affiliate or subcontractor and Department or HHSC, their corrimissioners, officers or employees, or any other entity or person involved in any way in any project that is the subject of this Contract. Contractor shall establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest or personal gain. Section 12.04 Transactions Between Related Parties. Contractor shall identify and report to DSHS any transaction between Contractor and a related party that is part of the work that the Department is purchasing under this Contract before entering into the transaction or immediately upon discovery. Contractor shall submit to the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the related to the Contractor and the work the elatedhparty wiliperform eunder dthis Contract. Aprelated General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 16 of 27 party is a person or entity related to the Contractor by blood or marriage, common ownership or any association that permits either to significantly influence or direct the actions or policies of the other. The Contractor, for purposes of reporting transactions between related parties, includes the entity contracting with the Department under this Contract as well as the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and program director of the Contractor. Contractor shall comply with Tex. Gov. Code Chapter 573. Contractor shall maintain records and supply any additional information requested by the Department, regarding a transaction between related parties, needed to enable the Department to determine the appropriateness of the transaction pursuant to applicable state or federal law, regulations or circulars, which may include 45 CFR part 74, OMB Circ. No. A -110, and 2 CFR § 215.42. Section 12.05 Intellectual Property. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 12.020 authorizes DSHS to protect intellectual property developed as a result of this Contract. a) "Intellectual property" means created property that may be protected under copyright, patent, or trademark/service mark law. b) For purposes of this Contract, intellectual property prepared for DSHS use, or a work specially ordered or commissioned through a contract for DSHS use is "work made for hire." DSHS owns works made for hire unless it agrees otherwise by contract. To the extent that title and interest to any such work may not, by operation of law, vest in DSHS, or such work may not be considered a work made for hire, Contractor irrevocably assigns the rights, title and interest therein to DSHS. DSHS shall have the right to obtain and hold in its name any and all patents, copyright, registrations or other such protections as may be appropriate to the subject matter, and any extensions and renewals thereof. Contractor must give DSHS and the State of Texas, as well as any person designated by DSHS and the State of Texas, all assistance required to perfect the rights defined herein without charge or expense beyond those amounts payable to Contractor for goods provided or services rendered under this Contract. c) If federal funds are used to finance activities supported by this Contract that result in the production of intellectual property, the federal awarding agency reserves a royalty -free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, for federal government purposes (1) the copyright in any intellectual property developed under this Contract, including any subcontract; and (2) any rights of copyright to which a Contractor purchases ownership with contract funds. Contractor shall place an acknowledgment of federal awarding agency grant support and a disclaimer, as appropriate, on any publication written or published with such support and, if feasible, on any publication reporting the results of or describing a grant- supported activity. An acknowledgment shall be to the effect that "This publication was made possible by grant number from (federal agency)" or "The project described was supported by grant number from (federal awarding agency)" and "Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the (federal awarding agency)." d) In the event the terms of a federal grant award the copyright to Contractor, DSHS reserves a royalty -free, nonexclusive, worldwide and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 17 of 27 otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, for DSHS, public health, and state governmental noncommercial purposes (1) the copyright, trademark, service mark, and/or patent on an invention, discovery, or improvement to any process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter; products; technology; scientific information; trade secrets; and computer software, in any work developed under a grant, subgrant, or contract under a grant or subgrant; and (2) any rights of copyright, service or trade marks or patents to which a grantee, subgrantee or a Contractor purchases ownership with contract funds. e) If the result of the contract performance are subject to copyright law, the Contractor cannot publish those results without prior review and approval of DSHS. Contractor shall submit requests for review and approval to the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment. Section 12.06 Other Intangible Property. At the conclusion of the contractual relationship between Department and the Contractor, for any reason, Department shall have the solo ownership rights and interest in all non- copyrightable intangible property that was developed, produced obtained by Contractor as a specific requirement under this Contract or under any grant that funds this Contract, such as domain names, URLs, etc. Contractor shall cooperate with Department and perform all actions necessary to transfer ownership of such property to the Department or its designee, or otherwise affirm Department's ownership rights and interest in such property. This provision shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract. Section 12.07 Severability and Ambiguity. If any provision of this Contract is construed to be illegal or invalid, the illegal or invalid provision will be deemed stricken and deleted to the same extent and effect as if never incorporated, but all other provisions will continue. Parties represent and agree that the language contained in this Contract is to be construed as jointly drafted, proposed and accepted. Section 12.08 Legal Notice. Any notice required or permitted to be given by the provisions of this Contract shall be deemed to have been received by a Party on the third business day after the date on which it was mailed to the Party at the address first given above (or at such other address as the Party shall specify to the other Party in writing) or, if sent by certified mail, on the date of receipt. Section 12.09 Successors. This Contract shall be binding upon the Parties and their successors and assignees, except as expressly provided in this Contract. Section 12.10 Headings. The articles and section headings used in this Contract are for convenience of reference only and shall not be construed in any way to define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any provisions. Section 12.11 Parties. The Parties represent to each other that they are entities fully familiar with transactions of the kind reflected by this document, and are capable of understanding the terminology and meaning of its terms and conditions and of obtaining independent legal advice pertaining to this Contract. Section 12.12 Survivability of Terms. Termination or expiration of this Contract or a Program Attachment for any reason shall not release either Party from any liabilities or obligations set forth in General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 18 of 27 this Contract that (a) the Parties have expressly agreed shall survive any such termination or expiration, or (b) remain to be performed or (c) by their nature would be intended to be applicable following any such termination or expiration. Section 12.13 Customer Service Information. If requested, Contractor shall supply such information as required by the Department to comply with the provisions of Tex. Gov. Code Chapter 2114 regarding Customer Service surveys. Section 12.14 Amendment. Parties agree that the Department may unilaterally reduce funds pursuant to the terms of this Contract without the written agreement of Contractor. All other amendments to this Contract must be in writing and agreed to by both Parties, except as otherwise specified in the Contractor's Notification of Change to Certain Contract Provisions section or the Contractor's Request for Revision to Certain Contract Provisions section of this Article. Contractor's request for certain budget . revisions or other amendments must be submitted in writing, including a justification for the request, to the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment; and if a budget revision or amendment is requested during the last quarter of the Contract or Program Attachment term, as applicable, Contractor's written justification must include a reason for the delay in making the request. Revision or amendment requests may be granted at the discretion of DSHS. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, Contractor shall not perform or produce, and DSHS shall not pay for the performance or production of, different or additional goods, services, work or products except pursuant to an amendment of this Contract that is executed in compliance with this section; and DSHS may not waive any term, covenant, or condition of this Contract unless by amendment or otherwise in compliance with this section. Section 12.15 Contractor's Notification of Change to Certain Contract Provisions. The following changes may be made to this Contract without a written amendment or the Department's prior approval: a) Contractor's contact person and contact information; b) Contact information for key personnel, as stated in Contractor's response to the Solicitation Document, if any; and c) Minor corections or clarifications to the Contract language that in no way alter the Contract scope of work, objectives or performance measures. Contractor within ten (10) days shall notify in writing the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program Attachment of any change enumerated in this section. The notification may be by letter, fax or email. Section 12.16 Contractor's Request for Revision of Certain Contract Provisions. A Contractor's Revision Request is an alternative method for amending certain specified provisions of this Contract that is initiated by the Contractor, but must be approved by DSHS. The following changes to the Contract may be made through a Contractor's Revision Request, rather than through the amendment process described in the Amendment section of this Article: a) Change in clinic hours or location; and b) Changes to community sites, independent school districts or schools, in substance abuse Program Attachments. In order to request a revision of any of the enumerated provisions, Contractor shall obtain a Contract Revision Request form from the DSHS website and complete the form as directed by the Department. Two (2) copies of the completed form must be signed by Contractor's representative who is General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 19 of 27 authorized to sign contracts on behalf of Contractor, and both original, signed forms must Any submitted to the Division Contract Management Unit assigned to the Program approved revision will not be effective unless signed by the DSHS Director of Client Services Contracting Unit. A separate Contractor Revision Request is required for each Program Attachment to be revised. Circumstances of a requested contract revision may indicate the need for an amendment described in the Amendment section of this Article rather than a contract revision under this section. Section 12.17 Immunity Not Waived. THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT NO PROVISION OF THIS CONTRACT IS IN ANY WAY INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A ANY IMMUNTTS FROM WAIVER BY DEPARTMENT OR THE STATE OF TEXAS OF OR FROM LIABILITY THAT DEPARTMENT OR THE STATE OF TEXAS ANY HAVE BY SUIT OPERATION OF LAW. Section 12.18 Hold Harmless and Indemnification. Contractor, as an independent contractor, agrees to hold Department, the State of Texas, individual state rn employees d all e and d, of icers,and t lenses, federal government harmless and to indemnify them from any damages and judgments, and to pay all costs, fees, and damages to the extent that such costs, fees, and damages arise from performance or nonperformance of Contractor, its employees, subcontractors, joint venture participants or agents under this Contract. Section 12.19 Waiver. Acceptance by either Party of partial performance or failure to complain of any action, non - action or default under this Contract shall not constitute a waiver of either Party's rights under this Contract. Section 12.20 Technology Accessibility. If performance under this Contract includes the DSHS or for the public tron behalf of DSHS, Contractor expressly acknowledges that state funds may not be expended in connection with the purchase of electronic information resources unless those one resources meet certain statutory and regulatory requirements relating to accessibility by persons with visual, hearing, motor /physical, and cognitive learning disabilities as defined by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Accordingly, Contractor represents and warrants to DSHS that the electronic e provided DSHS f either by virtue of features included within technology or becauethey arr readily adaptable by use with other technology, of - a) providing equivalent access for effective use; b) presenting information, including prompts used for interactive communications; and c) being integrated into networks for obtaining, retrieving, and disseminating information. For purposes of this section, the phrase "equivalent access" means a substantially similar ability to communicate with or make use of the electronic information resource, either directly by features incorporated within the technology or by other reasonable means jointly agreed to by DSHS and Contractor, such as assistive devices or services that would constitute reasonable accommodations under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act or similar state or federal laws. Examples of methods by which equivalent access might be provided include, but are not limited to, keyboard General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 20 of 27 alternatives to mouse commands and other means of navigating graphical displays, information retrieval provided in an enhanced auditory fashion, voice commands, touch screen capacity, and customizable display appearance. Electronic information resources under this Contract must comply with 1 Tex. Admin. Code, Chapters 206 and 213, as applicable. ARTICLE XIII BREACH OF CONTRACT AND REMEDIES FOR NON- COMPLIANCE Section 13.01 Actions Constituting Breach of Contract. Actions or inactions that constitute breach of contract include, but are not limited to, the following: a) failure to properly provide the services and/or goods purchased under this Contract; b) failure to comply with any provision of this Contract, including failure to comply with all applicable statutes, rules or regulations; c) failure to pay refunds or penalties owed to the Department; d) failure to comply with a repayment agreement with the Department or agreed order issued by the Department; e) discovery of a material misrepresentation in any aspect of Contractor's response to the Solicitation Document; f) any misrepresentation in the assurances and certifications in the Contractor's application or response to the Solicitation Document or in this Contract; or g) Contractor is on or is added to the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS). Section 13.02 General Remedies and Sanctions. The remedies set forth below are available to the Department against Contractor and any entity that subcontracts with Contractor for provision of services or goods. HHSC OIG may investigate, audit and impose or recommend imposition of sanctions to Department for any breach of this Contract. The Department may impose one or more remedies or sanctions for each item of noncompliance and will determine sanctions on a case -by -case basis. Contractor is responsible for complying with all of the terms of this Contract. The listing of or use of one or more of the remedies or sanctions listed below does not relieve Contractor of any obligations under this Contract. A state or federal statute, rule or regulation, or federal guideline will prevail over the provisions of this Article unless the statute, rule, regulation, or guideline can be read together with the provision(s) of this Article to give effect to both. If the Contractor breaches this Contract by failing to comply with one or more of the terms of this Contract, including but not limited to compliance with applicable statutes, rules or regulations, the Department may take one or more of the actions listed below: a) terminate this Contract or a Program Attachment of this Contract as it relates to a specific program type. In the case of termination, the Department will inform Contractor of the termination no less than thirty -one (31) calendar days before the effective date of the termination in a notice of termination. The notice of termination will state the effective date of the termination, the reasons for the termination, and, if applicable, alert the Contractor of the opportunity to request a hearing on the termination pursuant to Tex. Gov. Code Chapter 2105 regarding administration of Block Grants. The Contractor agrees that it shall not make any claim for payment for services provided from the effective date of termination; General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 21 of 27 b) suspend all or part of this Contract. Suspension is an action taken by a suspending official in accordance with Department rules to immediately exclude a person from participating in contract transactions for a period of time, pending completion of an investigation and such legal or debarment proceedings as may ensue. Contractor may not bill DSHS for services performed during suspension unless expressly authorized by the notice of suspension; c) deny additional or future contracts or renewals with Contractor; d) reduce funding if the Contractor fails to provide services or goods consistent with performance expectations described in this Contract; e) disallow all or part of the activities or action(s) not in compliance; f) temporarily withhold cash payments. Temporarily withholding cash payments means the temporary withholding of payments to Contractor for proper charges or obligations incurred, pending resolution of issues of noncompliance with conditions of this Contract or indebtedness to the United States or to the State of Texas; g) permanently withhold cash payments. Permanent withholding of cash payment means that Department retains funds billed by Contractor for (1) undocumented, disputed, inaccurate, improper, or erroneous billings; (2) material failure to comply with Contract provisions; or (3) indebtedness to the United States or to the State of Texas; h) declare this Contract void upon the Department's determination that this Contract was obtained fraudulently or upon the Department's determination that this Contract was illegal or invalid from this Contract's inception and demand repayment of any funds paid under this Contract; i) request that Contractor be removed from the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) or any other state bid list, and barred from participating in future contracting opportunities with the State of Texas; j) delay execution of a new contract or contract renewal with Contractor while other imposed or proposed sanctions are pending resolution; k) demand repayment from Contractor when it has been verified that Contractor has been overpaid, e.g., because payments are not supported by proper documentation or failure to comply with Contract terms; I) reduce the funding amount for failure to achieve or maintain the proposed level of service; m) pursue a claim for damages as a result of breach of contract; n) require removal of any officer, board member or employee of the Contractor who has been convicted of the misuse of state or federal funds, fraud or illegal acts that are in contraindication to continued obligations under this Contract, as reasonably determined by DSHS; o) withhold any payments to Contractor to satisfy any recoupment, liquidated damages, or any penalty permitted by statute and imposed by DSHS, and take repayment from funds available under this Contract, active or expired, in amounts necessary to fulfill Contractor's repayment obligations; p) reduce the Contract term; q) recoup improper payments when it is verified that the Contractor has been overpaid, e.g., because payments are not supported by proper documentation, improper billing or failure to comply with Contract terms; r) assess liquidated damages; or s) impose other remedies provided by law. General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 22 of 27 Section 13.03 Notice of Remedies or Sanctions. Department will formally notify Contractor in writing when a remedy or sanction is imposed, stating the nature of the remedies and sanction(s), the reasons for imposing them, the corrective actions, if any, that must be taken before the actions will be removed and the time allowed for completing the corrective actions, and the method, if any, of requesting reconsideration of the remedies or sanctions imposed. Other than in the case of repayment or recoupment, Contractor is required to file, within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of notice, a written response to Department acknowledging receipt of such notice. If requested by the Department, the written response shall state how Contractor shall correct the noncompliance or demonstrate in writing that the findings on which the remedies or sanctions are based are either invalid or do not warrant the remedies or sanction(s). If Department determines that a remedy or sanction is warranted, unless the remedy or sanction is subject to review under a federal or state statute, regulation, rule, or guideline, Department's decision is final. Department shall provide written notice to Contractor of Department's final decision. If required by the Department, Contractor shall take corrective action. If DSHS determines that repayment is warranted, DSHS will issue a demand letter to Contractor for repayment. If full repayment is not received within the time limit stated in the demand letter, and if recoupment is available, DSHS will recoup the amount due to DSHS from funds otherwise due to Contractor. Section 13.04 Emergency Action. In an emergency, Department may immediately terminate or suspend all or part of this Contract, temporarily or permanently withhold cash payments, deny contract renewal or future contract awards, or delay contract execution by delivering written notice to Contractor, by any verifiable method, stating the reason for the emergency action. An "emergency" is defined as Contractor is noncompliant and the noncompliance has a direct adverse impact on the public or client health, welfare or safety. The direct adverse impact may be programmatic and may include failing to provide services; providing inadequate services; or providing unnecessary services. Whether Contractor's conduct or noncompliance is an emergency will be determined by Department on a case -by -case basis and will be based upon the nature of the noncompliance or conduct. ARTICLE XIV CLAIMS AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT Section 14.01 Breach of Contract Claim. The process for a breach of contract claim against the Department provided for in Chapter 2260 of Tex. Gov. Code and implemented in the rules at 25 TAC §§ 1.431 -1.447 shall be used by DSHS and Contractor to attempt to resolve any breach of contract claim against DSHS. Section 14.02 Notice. Contractor's claims for breach of this Contract that the Parties cannot resolve in the ordinary course of business shall be submitted to the negotiation process provided in Chapter 2260, Subchapter B, Tex. Gov. Code. To initiate the process, Contractor shall submit written notice, as required by subchapter B, to DSHS's Office of General Counsel. The notice shall specifically state that the provisions of Chapter 2260, Subchapter B, are being invoked. A copy of the notice shall also be given to all other representatives of DSHS and Contractor. Subchapter B is a condition General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 23 of 27 precedent to the filing of a contested case proceeding under Chapter 2260, Subchapter C, Tex. Gov. Code. Section 14.03 Sole Remedy. The contested case process provided in Chapter 2260, Subchapter C, Tex. Gov. Code, is Contractor's sole and exclusive process for seeking a remedy for any and all alleged breaches of contract by DSHS if the Parties are unable to resolve their disputes under this Article. Section 14.04 Condition Precedent to Suit. Compliance with the contested case process provided in Chapter 2260, Subchapter C, Tex. Gov. Code, is a condition precedent to seeking consent to sue from the Legislature under Chapter 107 of the Civil Practices and Remedies Code. Neither the execution of this Contract by DSHS nor any other conduct of any representative of DSHS relating to this Contract shall be considered a waiver of sovereign immunity to suit. Section 14.05 Performance Not Suspended. Neither the occurrence of an event nor the pendency of a claim constitutes grounds for the suspension of performance by Contractor, in whole or in part. ARTICLE XV TERMINATION Section 15.01 Expiration of Contract or Program Attachment(s). Contractor's service obligations set forth in each Program Attachment shall end upon the expiration date of that Program Attachment Program Attachments, eall or a part of this Contract may be terminated with or we without cause as set all forth below. Section 15.02 Effect of Termination. Termination is the permanent withdrawal of Contractor's authority to obligate previously awarded funds before that authority would otherwise expire or the voluntary relinquishment by Contractor of the authority to obligate previously awarded funds. Contractor's costs resulting from obligations incurred by Contractor after termination of an award are not allowable unless expressly authorized by the notice of termination. Upon termination of this Contract or Program Attachment, as applicable, Contractor shall cooperate with DSHS to the fullest extent possible to ensure the orderly and safe transfer of responsibilities under this Contract or Program Attachment, as applicable, to DSHS or other entity designated by DSHS. Upon termination of all or part of this Contract, Department and Contractor will be discharged from any further obligation created under the applicable terms of this Contract or the Program Attachment, as applicable, except for the equitable settlement of the respective accrued interests or obligations incurred prior to termination and for Contractor's duty to cooperate with DSHS. Termination does not, however, constitute a waiver of any remedies for breach of this Contract. In addition, Contractor's obligations to retain records and maintain confidentiality of information shall survive this Contract. Section 15.03 Acts Not Constituting Termination. Termination does not include: (1) withdrawal of funds awarded on the basis of the Contractor's underestimate of the unobligated balance in.a prior period; (2) withdrawal of the unobligated balance at the expiration of the term of a Program Attachment; (3) refusal to extend a Program Attachment or award additional funds to make a General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 24 of 27 competing or noncompeting continuation, renewal, extension, or supplemental award; or (4) voiding of a contract upon determination that the award was obtained fraudulently, or was otherwise illegal or invalid from inception. Section 15.04 Termination Without Cause. a) Either Party may terminate this Contractor a Program Attachment, as applicable, with at least thirty (30) calendar days prior written notice to the other Party, except that if Contractor seeks to terminate a Contract or Program Attachment, as applicable, that involves residential client services, Contractor must give the Department at least ninety (90) calendar days prior written notice and must submit a transition plan to ensure client services are not disrupted. b) The Parties may terminate this Contract or a Program Attachment, as applicable, by mutual agreement. c) Either Party may terminate this Contract or a Program Attachment, as applicable, with at least thirty (30) calendar days prior written notice to the other Party in the event funds become unavailable through lack of appropriations, budget cuts, transfer of funds between programs or health and human services agencies, amendments to the Appropriations Act, health and human services consolidations, or any disruption of current appropriated funding for this Contract or Program Attachment. d) Department may terminate this Contract or a Program Attachment, as applicable, immediately when, in the sole determination of Department, termination is in the best interest of the State of Texas. Section 15.05 Termination For Cause. Either Party may terminate for material breach of this Contract with at least thirty (30) calendar days written notice to the other Party. Department may terminate this Contract, in whole or in part, for breach of contract or for any other conduct that jeopardizes the Contract objectives, by giving at least thirty (30) calendar days written notice to Contractor. Such conduct may include one or more of the following: a) a court of competent jurisdiction finds that Contractor has failed to adhere to any laws, ordinances, rules, regulations or orders of any public authority having jurisdiction; b) Contractor fails to communicate with Department or fails to allow its employees or those of its subcontractor to communicate with Department as necessary for the performance of this Contract; c) Contractor breaches a standard of confidentiality with respect to the services provided under this Contract; d) Department determines that Contractor is without sufficient personnel or resources to perform under this Contract or that Contractor is otherwise unable or unwilling to fulfill any of its requirements under this Contract or exercise adequate control over expenditures or assets; e) Department determines that Contractor, its agent or another representative offered or gave a gratuity (e.g., entertainment or gift) to an official or employee of DSHS or HHSC for the purpose of obtaining a contract or favorable treatment; f) Department determines that this Contract includes financial participation by a person who received compensation from DSHS to participate in developing, drafting or preparing the specifications, requirements or statement(s) of work or Solicitation Document on which this Contract is based in violation of Tex. Gov. Code § 2155.004; g) Contractor appears to be financially unstable. Indicators of financial instability may include one or more of the following: General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 25 of 27 1) Contractor fails to make payments; 2) Contractor makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; 3) Contractor admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due; 4) if judgment for the payment of money in excess of $50,000 (ahia is not Contractor, a insurance) is rendered by any court or govertunental body ado for its ntractor, and in Contractor does not (a) discharge the judgment or (b) provide (30) calendar accordance with its terms, or (c) procure a stay of execution within thirty ( d or a days from the date of entry of the judgment, and within the thirty (30) -day period the longer period during which execution of the judgment has been stayed, appeal judgment and cause the execution to be stayed during such appeal while providing such reserves for the judgment as may be required under generally accepted accounting principles; 5) a writ or warrant of attachment or any similar process is issued by any court against all or any material portion of the property of Contractor, and such writ 3 or warrant a days attachment or any similar process is not released or bonded within thirty (30) entry; 6) Contractor is adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent; Code or seeks relief under any 7) Contractor files a case under the Federal Bankrup tc y provision of any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution, receivership or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, or consents to the filing of any case or petition against it under any such law; 8) any property or portion of the property of Contractor is sequestered by court order and the order remains in effect for more than thirty (30) calendar days after Contractor obtains knowledge thereof; 9) a petition is filed against Contractor under any state reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution, receivership or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, and such petition is not dismissed within thirty (30) calendar days; or 10) Contractor consents to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or liquidator of Contractor or of all or any part of its property. Section 15.06 Notice of Termination. Either Party may deliver written notice of intent to teiminate by any verifiable method. If either Party gives notice of its intent to terminate all or a part of this Contract, Department and Contractor shall attempt to resolve any issues related to the anticipated termination in good faith during the notice period. ARTICLE XVI VOID, SUSPENDED, AND TERMINATED CONTRACTS Section 16.01 Void Contracts. Department may hold this Contract void upon determination that the award was obtained fraudulently or was otherwise illegal or invalid from its inception. Section 16.02 Effect Hof Void, rSuspen DSHS that Involuntarily us founTerminated t Contract. A Contractor who has been a party General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 26 of 27 terminated for cause is not eligible for expansion of current contracts, if any, or new contracts or renewals until the Department has determined that Contractor has satisfactorily resolved the issues underlying the suspension or termination. Additionally, if this Contract is found to be void, any amount paid is subject to refund. Section 16.03 Appeals Rights. Pursuant to Tex. Gov. Code § 2105.302, after receiving notice from the Department of termination of a contract with DSHS funded by block grant funds, Contractor may request an administrative hearing under Tex. Gov. Code Chapter 2001. ARTICLE XVII CLOSEOUT AND CONTRACT RECONCILIATION Section 17.01 Cessation of Services At Closeout. Upon expiration of this Contract or Program Attachment, as applicable, (and any renewals of this Contract or Program Attachment) on its own terms, Contractor shall cease services under this Contract and shall cooperate with DSHS to the fullest extent possible to ensure the orderly and safe transfer of responsibilities under this Contract to DSHS or other entity designated by DSHS. Upon receiving notice of Contract or Program Attachment termination or non - renewal, the Contractor agrees to immediately begin to transition recipients of services to alternative service providers, as needed. Contractor also agrees to completely cease providing services under this Contract or Program Attachment by the date specified in the Contract termination or non - renewal notice. Contractor shall not bill DSHS for services performed after termination or expiration of the Contract or Program Attachment once this Contract or Program Attachment is terminated or has expired. Upon termination, expiration or non - renewal of this Contract or a Program Attachment, Contractor shall immediately initiate Closeout activities described in this Article. Section 17.02 Administrative Offset. The Department shall have the right to administratively offset amounts owed by Contractor against billings. Section 17.03 Deadline for Closeout. Contractor shall submit all performance, and other Closeout reports required under this Contract within sixty (60) calendar days after the Contract or Program Attachment end date. Unless otherwise provided under the Billing Submission section of the Payment Methods and Restrictions Article, the Department is not liable for any claims that are not received within sixty (60) calendar days after the Contract or Program Attachment, as applicable. Section 17.04 Payment of Refunds. Any funds paid to the Contractor in excess of the amount to which the Contractor is finally determined to be entitled under the terms of this Contract constitute a debt to the Department and will result in a refund due. Contractor shall pay any refund amount due within the time period established by the Department. Section 17.05 Disallowances and Adjustments. The Closeout of this Contract or Program Attachment does not affect the Department's right to recover funds on the basis of a later audit or other review or the Contractor's obligation to return any funds due as a result of later refunds, corrections, or other transactions. General Provisions (Core Vendor 2009) 6/9/08 Page 27 of 27 2009- 028935 -001 Categorical Budget: FRINGE BENEFITS $13,570.00 $0.00 $15,600.00 EQUIPMENT CONTRACTUAL' TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES TOTAL CONTRACTOR SHARE Total reimbursements will not exceed $63,134.00 $63,134.00' $63,134.00 $0.00 Financial status reports are due: 12/30/2008, 03/30/2009, 06/30/2009, 10/30/2009