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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFP_consultant services_Final_Reissue_June 9 2023DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 621 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Tel: 360.379.4450 | Fax: 360.379.4451 Web: www.co.jefferson.wa.us/communitydevelopment E-mail: dcd@co.jefferson.wa.us Jefferson County Request for Proposals For Planning, Environmental, and Water Quality Services For the Years 2023-2028 Issued June 9, 2023 Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 2 6/9/2023 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Description Page 1. Introduction ……………………………………………………....3 2. Background ………………………………………………….…...4 3. Scope of Services …………………………………………………...4 A. Planning Services, B. Long-Range Planning C. Site Development Review, D. Subdivisions, E. Current Planning, F. Water Quality. 4. Proposal Requirements…………………………………….…….….6 5. Fees and Expenses………………………………………….….……7 6. Proposal Documents……………………………………….…….….7 7. Communications about the RFQ…………………………………....8 8. Selection Process……………………………………………….…...8 9. Evaluation Criteria………………………………………………..…8 10. Public Records Act………………………………………………….8 11. Release of Reports and Information…………………………...…....9 12. Contract Documents ………………………………………………..9 13. Terms and Conditions…………………………………………….…9 14. Professional Services Agreement…………………………………...11 Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 3 6/9/2023 1. Introduction Jefferson County, Washington (herein referred to as “County”) is requesting proposals for on-call planning services as summarized below and explained more fully in the scope of services outlined in section four (4). The Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is intended to supplement the Department of Community Development’s planning and permitting services and the Department of Environmental Public Health’s Water Quality Division. In 2020, the County’s permit volume reached an all-time high exceeded only by 2021. In 2022, permit volumes decreased to the third highest annual permit level documented. Additionally, the County also implemented a new site development review process and migrated to a new permit database in 2022. This new database developed by Tyler Technologies and named Enterprise Permitting and Licensing Software (formerly called Energov) replaces the County’s legacy software, Tidemark, which the county has used since the 1990s. Due to these combined factors, permittee wait times increased throughout the 2021/2022 years and began to exceed community expectations. Consequently, Jefferson County decided to augment county staffing with one or more professional services contracts to meet the level of customer service expected by the Board of County Commissioners and community. Proposals must be submitted by a qualified firm or team of consultants as set forth in section four (4). Bidder, Consultant and Proposer are used interchangeably and refer to the qualified firm or team of consultants responding to this RFP. A brief description of the services sought, among others, are outlined below. (1) Long-Range Planning. Conducting public outreach, and processing of amendments to the Jefferson County Code (JCC) in one or more areas, as more fully set forth in the attached agenda request. (2) Site Development Review. Review applications for consistency with JCC Chapter 18.12 – Legal Lot of Record Determination and Lot Consolidation process – and JCC Chapter 18.40, Article VII – Site Development Review Process. (3) Subdivisions. Provide current planning review services to implement the provisions of JCC Chapter 18.35 – Land Divisions and ensure consistency with Chapter 58.17 RCW, Plats – Subdivisions – Dedications. (4) Type II and Type III permits. Implement Local Project Review pursuant to Chapter 36.70B RCW for conditional uses, subject to criteria, public notice, written public comment and, at the discretion of the administrator, a public hearing procedure, if warranted, based on the project’s potential impacts, size or complexity, according to criteria in JCC 18.40.520; see Article VIII of Chapter 18.40 JCC. (5) State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Analyze projects to reduce, minimize, eliminate and/or mitigate project impacts. (6) Water Quality. Supplement Water Quality Division staff functions in monitoring and responding to threats to water quality for protection of human health and wildlife habitat through, among other approaches, the county pollution identification and correction program and environmental monitoring associated with a new 890-unit development known as Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort. Specific services include review of monitoring reports and data and best practices related to the Master Planned Resort development. For items one through five, the County’s consultant (“Consultant”) will work under the direction of the Community Development Director, Deputy Director, or other specified staff as assigned. For item six, the Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 4 6/9/2023 consultant will work under the direction of the Environmental Health Director or the Water Quality Division Manager or other designated staff. The Consultant will provide a range of expertise necessary to carry out the normal functions of a professional planner or environmental subject matter expert. All services provided by the Consultant shall be performed by individuals who meet the qualifications, education, and certifications/licensing requirements for professional or environmental planning. 2. Background Jefferson County, Washington is located on the Olympic Peninsula. According to the 2020 US Census the County has approximately 33,000 inhabitants. The County seat and only incorporated city, Port Townsend, is in between the cities of Seattle, Washington, USA and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Jefferson County consists of three primary landforms including: 1) East Jefferson County which abuts the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Admiralty Inlet, and a natural fjord known as the Hood Canal; 2) central Jefferson County, an uninhabited area that lies within the Olympic National Park, Forest and Mountains and is a United Nations Education and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site; and 3) western Jefferson County which abuts the Pacific Ocean and is sparsely populated. Western Jefferson County is home to all or part of two federally recognized Tribes, the Hoh (Chalá·at: People of the Hoh River) and the Quinault Indian Nation. The County’s waters, from Port Townsend Bay and Hood Canal to the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, contain many of the usual and accustomed fishing sites where members of many other Tribes secured rights, as set forth by Stevens Treaties, which states: "The right of taking fish, at all usual and accustomed grounds and stations, is further secured to said Indians in common with the citizens of the territory…together with the privilege of hunting, gathering roots and berries, and pasturing their horses on open and unclaimed lands." Jefferson County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) consisting of three elected Commissioners, each representing a district. Yearly, the Board elects one of its members as Chairperson. Jefferson County Environmental Public Health is governed by Jefferson County Board of Health consisting of the Board of Commissioners and other members. Other County elected officials include the Treasurer, Auditor, Assessor, Prosecutor, County Clerk, District Judge, Superior Court Judge and Sheriff. To ensure efficient and effective hearing and appeal procedures, the Board officially enacted legislation that delegates authority on a range of land use and non-land use decisions to a Jefferson County Hearing Examiner whose decisions are appealable, in many instances, to the Superior County. The regulations governing the Hearing Examiner are codified in Chapter 2.30 of the Jefferson County Code (JCC) and are accompanied by a stand-alone document, the Rules of Procedures, which prescribe the conduct and procedures of hearings, including evidentiary standards, departmental reports, discovery, motions, and post decision procedures. 3. Scope of Services In general, the successful individual or firm is expected to provide on-call services for project entitlements, or supplement department staffing in one or more of the areas listed below. In your submittal, please identify if you are applying to support on-call planning services or water quality services or both. Competencies are sought in any of the topics listed below. Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 5 6/9/2023 3.1 On-call Planning Services (1) Planning Services, a. Long-Range Planning, b. Site Development Review, c. Subdivisions, d. Type II and Type III permits, e. State Environmental Policy Act (2) Develops and maintains good working relationships with other County departments, other jurisdictions, and the public. (3) Analyze projects for compliance with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Jefferson County Code. Primary responsibilities are to implement Local Project Review pursuant to Chapter 36.70B RCW for Type III, and Type II projects subject to a hearing before the Hearing Examiner; provisions of Chapter 18.12 – Legal Lot of Record Determination and Lot Consolidation, Chapter 18.35 – Land Divisions. Consultant may be tasked to implement some high-profile Long-Range Planning Projects. (4) Compiles and analyzes data on economic, social, environmental, and physical factors affecting land use including fulfilment of the requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). (5) Meets with developers, engineers, property owners, contractors and other individuals to discuss, advise, explain processes and suggest improvements regarding potential projects, pre-applications, development applications, feasibility analysis, conceptual development plans and code interpretation. (6) Ability to write Planning Commission and County staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, conditions of approval, and give oral presentations. (7) Attend public hearings and community meetings as necessary. (8) Analyze projects for SEPA compliance. (9) Ability to review projects and provide comments within timelines specified by the Local Project Review Act, RCW 36.70B.070 – Project permit applications – Determination of completeness – Notice to applicant, as codified in the Jefferson County Code in 18.40.110. (10) Provide strong emphasis on the management of multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining quality, meeting schedules and staying within budget. (11) Database entries of actions using Tyler Technologies’ Enterprise Permitting and Licensing Software (formerly known as EnerGov), the County permit management software. 3.2 On Call Water Quality Services (1) Environmental Monitoring. Consultant may be required to review monitoring plans and reports, including and not limited to: a. Reviewing the plan and analyzing if it meets the criteria set forth in the Development Agreement Section N See Appendix N of Development Agreement https://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/weblinkexternal/0/edoc/1899761/Jeff%20Co_PH% 20final%20signed%20documents_10.18.18.pdf) b. Reviewing and interpreting water quality data Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 6 6/9/2023 c. Providing any recommendations regarding sufficiency; d. Developer’s ‘best management practices;’ and e. Be available for ongoing consultation for the life of the project (2) Perform water quality monitoring studies that serve the county’s mission; (3) Third-party review of hydrogeological studies and methodologies, including inspection of testing, monitoring or chemical sensitivity equipment. (4) Provide strong emphasis on the management of multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining quality, meeting schedules and staying within budget. (5) Database entries of actions using the Department of Ecology’s Environmental Information Management database (EIM), and the county’s Tyler Technologies’ Enterprise Permitting and Licensing Software (formerly known as EnerGov). 4. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS The proposal shall clearly address all information requested herein. To achieve a uniform review process and obtain the maximum degree of comparability, proposals must be organized and contain all information as specified below: A. Cover Letter. Maximum of two pages serving as an executive summary which shall include an understanding of the scope of services. B. Brief Company Profile. General company information including number of employees, location of company headquarters and branch offices, number of years in business and organization, disciplines, and staffing. Describe the general qualifications of the firm as they relate to the work proposed with this RFP. C. Organization and Staffing. Provide a list of the Consultant’s employees and agents which the consultant anticipates assigning to this project. This list shall include a summary of the qualifications, licenses, and experience of each individual, and the professional environmental or planning level of work to be performed by each individual. The County will retain under its agreement with the successful Consultant the right of approval of all person(s) performing under the agreement. D. Description and Approach. The proposal should demonstrate the Consultant’s knowledge of the needs and objective of the work proposed under this RFP. Describe any special resources the project team may bring to the Project. Such resources and experience may include items such as special computerized drafting systems, specific recent experience working on related projects, and recent experience in the County and/or other similarly sized jurisdictions. Elaborate on why the project team stands above the competition. E. Subcontractors. The bidder must provide for each subcontractor of the bidder, the scope of services to be provided by such subcontractor and a Statement of Qualifications, as outlined above, for such subcontractor. F. Cost Proposal. The cost proposal shall include the hourly rate for services. Include any sub- Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 7 6/9/2023 consultant’s fee schedule, if applicable. This should include hourly billable costs of each team member; Senior Planner, Associate Planner, Biologists, Hydrologist, Hydrogeologists, Environmental Engineers, etc. The Proposer should also identify how best to address any difference between the County’s adopted fees schedule and the charges for services rendered under this contract. G. Resume, Relevant Projects/Services with References. Provide resumes of the individuals(s) from the Proposer’s firm or entity that will be directly responsible for carrying out the contract, three references to include name, address, contact person and phone number of the municipality/company, length of time services were provided, and a description of the services provided. H. Conflicts of Interest: The Consultant must not have a conflict of interest with regard to any other work performed by the firm for the County. I. Anticipated Potential Problems. The proposal should identify and describe any anticipated potential problems, the bidder's approach to resolving these problems and any special assistance that will be requested from the County. 5. FEES AND EXPENSES (a) The County will consider an hourly fee, a task-based fee or a flat-fee Proposal, or any combination thereof. The contract to the successful bidder, however, will contain agreed-upon maximum limit(s). Thus, each bidder is invited to provide a reasonable estimate of the maximum fee. (b) County will agree to reimburse Consultant for its direct, reasonable and necessary expenses incurred on the project, including but not limited to the following: (i) Expense of reproductions, postage and handling of Drawings, Specifications and other documents, excluding reproductions for office use of Contractor; (ii) Expense of renderings, models and mock-ups; and (iii) Other items authorized by writing and in advance by Community Development Director, Environmental Public Health Director, Water Quality Manager or other staff as assigned (c) All expenses in excess of $750.00 per month must be approved in advance. 6. PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS Four (4) hardcopies and one (1) digital pdf copy of the proposal documents must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon, Friday, June 23, 2023 to the Chief Strategy Officer, Department of Community Development. Proposals must be titled “RFP On-Call Services, Attn: Chief Strategy Officer, Community Development Department.” No postmarks will be accepted. Incomplete proposals and proposals not organized according to this RFP may be rejected. A faxed or emailed proposal will not be accepted. Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 8 6/9/2023 7. COMMUNICATIONS ABOUT THE RFP Telephone communications with county staff about the RFP are not permitted, however; any questions may be submitted electronically to the person listed below. County staff will post responses to the website. Brent A. Butler, Chief Strategy Officer Jefferson County 621 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Email: bbutler@co.jefferson.wa.us 8. SELECTION PROCESS (a) The Proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee to determine which Consultants will be included in a final interview process. All firms submitting proposal will be notified in writing as to whether they are or are not selected to be interviewed. The committee will then conduct an interview with those Consultants and will rank the interviewees based on their submitted materials and performance. (b) The evaluation committee will make determination of the firms to be included on the list of consultants, based upon the highest relative scores. (c) The evaluation committee will consist of at least two members who have technical expertise in relevant fields or who are involved in project review at various managerial levels. (d) The identity of members of the committee will be confidential until the interviews are held. 9. EVALUATION CRITERIA The determination whether a Proposer is pre-qualified will be based on a combination of factors as determined to be in the best interests of the County, which include, but are not limited to the following factors: (a) Ability of the bidder to best perform the work, as measured by qualifications, past performance, knowledge of and experience with local, state and federal standards, regulations, guidelines, criteria and laws; (b) The bidder's responsiveness to this Request for Proposals; (c) Quality of Proposal, including but not limited to the Bidder’s planned approach to the project; (d) Interview Presentation, e.g., whether the presentation is concise, relevant and informative. 10. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT Each bidder should be aware that although the Washington Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW, recognizes that certain confidential trade secret information may be protected from disclosure, the County may not be in a position to establish that the Proposal which the candidate submits is a trade secret. If a request is made for any information marked "confidential" by a bidder, the County will provide the Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 9 6/9/2023 candidate who submitted such information with reasonable notice to allow the candidate to seek protection from disclosure by a court of competent jurisdiction. 11. RELEASE OF REPORTS AND INFORMATION Any reports, information, data, or other material given to, prepared by or assembled by the bidder as part of the work or services under these specifications shall be the property of the County and shall not be made available to any individual or organization by the bidder without the prior written approval of the Town. 12. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS The successful Consultant will be expected to execute a Professional Services Agreement that contains the terms and conditions set forth in the form contract that is attached hereto as Exhibit A. The Consultant is reminded that any proposed change to the form contract will be considered in determining the firm’s suitability for inclusion in the interview process. 13. TERMS AND CONDITIONS (a) Proposal Costs. This request for proposals does not commit the County to pay for any costs incurred in the submission of a response or make any necessary studies or designs for the preparation thereof nor the purchase or contract for services in connection with the preparation of a submission. All costs in preparing and submitting a proposal shall be borne by the person making the proposal. (b) Withdrawal. A bidder may withdraw a proposal without prejudice prior to the time specified for opening by submitting a written request to the Town Manager for its withdrawal, in which event, the proposal will be returned to the bidder unopened. No proposal received after the time specified or at any place other than that stated in the "Notice Requesting Proposals" will be considered. (c) Retention and Use of Proposals. The County reserves the right to retain all proposals and use any idea in any proposal regardless of whether that proposal is selected. The County also reserves the right to waive non-substantial irregularities in any proposal, to reject any or all proposals, to reject or delete one part of a proposal and to accept others, except to the extent that proposals are qualified by specific limitations, and to make an award as the interest of the County may require. (d) Agreement. The County reserves the right to negotiate any and all terms of an agreement including length, scope of services and compensation. (e) Awarding Authority. An agreement with the Contractor shall not be binding unless and until it is approved and executed by the County either through the County Administrator or the Board of County Commissioners. (f) Competency and Responsibility. The County reserves full discretion to determine the competence and responsibility, professionally and/or financially, of bidders. Bidders will provide, in a timely manner, any and all information that the County deems necessary to make such decision. (g) No Award. The County may, for any reason, not award an agreement as a result of this RFP. Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 10 6/9/2023 (h) Execution of Contract. The bidder to whom award is made will be expected to execute a written contract with the County within twenty (20) calendar days after notice of the award has been mailed to the address given in the proposal. The substance of the contract will include the terms of this Request for Proposals and the form will be mutually acceptable to both parties. Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 11 6/9/2023 Exhibit A- Professional Services Agreement PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ____________________________ THIS PROFESIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (“this Agreement”) is entered into between the County of Jefferson, a municipal corporation (“the County”), and _________________________________________ (“the Contractor”), in consideration of the mutual benefits, terms, and conditions specified below. 1. Project Designation. The Contractor is retained by the County to perform the following Project: _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________. 2. Scope of Services. Contractor agrees to perform the services identified on Exhibit “A” attached hereto including the provision of all labor. 3. Time for Performance. This Agreement shall commence on and continue through . Work performed consistent with this Agreement during its term, put prior to the adoption of this Agreement, is hereby ratified. The Contractor shall perform all services pursuant to this Agreement as outlined on Exhibit “A”. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement. 4. Payment. The Contractor shall be paid by the County for completed work and for services rendered under this Agreement as follows: a. Payment for the work provided by Contractor shall be made as provided on Exhibit “B” attached hereto, provided that the total amount of payment to Contractor shall not exceed $___________ without express written modification of the Agreement signed by the County. b. Invoices must be submitted by the 10th of the month for the previous month’s expenses. Such invoices will be checked by the County, and upon approval thereof, payment will be made to the Contractor in the amount approved. Failure to submit timely invoices and reports pursuant to Exhibit B of the Agreement may result in a denial of reimbursement. Invoices not submitted within 60 days may be denied. c. Final payment of any balance due the Contractor of the total contract price earned will be made promptly upon its ascertainment and verification by the County after the completion of the work and submittal of reports under this Agreement and its acceptance by the County. d. The Contractor’s records and accounts pertaining to this Agreement are to be kept available for inspection by representatives of the County and state for a period of six (6) years after final payments. Copies shall be made available upon request. 5. Ownership and Use of Documents. All non-confidential or de-identified documents, drawings, specifications, and other materials produced by the Contractor in connection with the services rendered under this Agreement shall be the property of the County whether the project for which they are made is executed or not. The Contractor shall be permitted to retain copies, including reproducible copies, of drawings and specifications for information, reference and use in connection with Contractor’s endeavors. Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 12 6/9/2023 Contractor shall not be held liable for reuse of documents or modifications thereof, including electronic data, by County or its representatives for any purpose other than the intent of this Agreement. 6. Compliance with laws. Contractor shall, in performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, faithfully observe and comply with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations, applicable to the services to be rendered under this Agreement. 7. Audit. An audit will be submitted to the County upon request. Upon request, Contractor will submit the most recent financial audit within 30 days. a. Upon request the County shall have the option of performing an onsite review of all records, statements, and documentation. b. If the County finds indications of potential non-compliance during the monitoring process, the County shall notify Contractor within ten (10) days. County and Contractor shall meet to discuss areas of contention in an attempt to resolve issues. c. Audit will provide statements consistent with the guidelines of Reporting for Other Non-Profit Organizations AICPA SOP 78-10, and is performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and with Federal Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities and Functions, and meeting all requirements of 2 C.F.R. Part 200, as applicable. 8. Indemnification. Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless the County, its past or present employees, officers, agents, elected or appointed officials or volunteers (and their marital communities), from and against all claims, losses or liability, or any portion thereof, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, arising from injury or death to persons, including injuries, sickness, disease or death to Contractor’s own employees, or damage to property occasioned by a negligent act, omission or failure of the Contractor. Contractor shall be liable only to the extent of Contractor’s proportional negligence. The Contractor specifically assumes potential liability for actions brought against the County by Contractor's employees, including all other persons engaged in the performance of any work or service required of the Contractor under this Agreement and, solely for the purpose of this indemnification and defense, the Contractor specifically waives any immunity under the state industrial insurance law, Title 51 R.C.W. The Contractor recognizes that this waiver was specifically entered into pursuant to provisions of R.C.W. 4.24.115 and was subject of mutual negotiation. 9. Insurance. Prior to commencing work, the Contractor shall obtain at its own cost and expense the following insurance coverage specified below and shall keep such coverage in force during the terms of the Agreement. a. Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance providing bodily injury and property damage liability coverage for all owned and non-owned vehicles assigned to or used in the performance of the work for a combined single limit of not less than $500,000 each occurrence with the County named as an additional insured in connection with the Contractor’s performance of this Agreement. This insurance shall indicate on the certificate of insurance the following coverage: (a) Owned automobiles; (b) Hired automobiles; and, (3) Non-owned automobiles. b. Commercial General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than a single limit of one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and an aggregate of not less than two (2) times the occurrence amount ($2,000,000.00 minimum) for bodily injury, including death and property damage, unless a greater amount is specified in the contract specifications. The insurance Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 13 6/9/2023 coverage shall contain no limitations on the scope of the protection provided and include the following minimum coverage: i. Broad Form Property Damage, with no employee exclusion; ii. Personal Injury Liability, including extended bodily injury; iii. Broad Form Contractual/Commercial Liability – including coverage for products and completed operations; iv. Premises – Operations Liability (M&C); v. Independent Contractors and subcontractors; vi. Blanket Contractual Liability. c. The County shall be named as an “additional named insured” under all insurance policies required by this Agreement, except Professional Liability Insurance when not allowed by the insurer. d. Such insurance coverage shall be evidenced by one of the following methods: (a) Certificate of Insurance; or, (b) Self-insurance through an irrevocable Letter of Credit from a qualified financial institution. e. The Contractor shall furnish the County with properly executed certificates of insurance that, at a minimum, shall include: (a) The limits of overage; (b) The project name to which it applies; (c) The certificate holder as Jefferson County, Washington and its elected officials, officers, and employees with the address of Jefferson County Risk Management, P.O. Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368, and, (d) A statement that the insurance policy shall not be canceled or allowed to expire except on thirty (30) days prior written notice to the County. If the proof of insurance or certificate indicating the County is an “additional insured” to a policy obtained by the Contractor refers to an endorsement (by number or name) but does not provide the full text of that endorsement, then it shall be the obligation of the Contractor to obtain the full text of that endorsement and forward that full text to the County. Certificates of coverage as required by this section shall be delivered to the County within fifteen (15) days of execution of this Agreement. f. Failure of the Contractor to take out or maintain any required insurance shall not relieve the Contractor from any liability under this Agreement, nor shall the insurance requirements be construed to conflict with or otherwise limit the obligations concerning indemnification of the County. g. The Contractor’s insurers shall have no right of recovery or subrogation against the County (including its employees and other agents and agencies), it being the intention of the parties that the insurance policies, with the exception of Professional Liability Insurance, so affected shall protect both parties and be primary coverage for all losses covered by the above described insurance. h. Insurance companies issuing the policy or policies shall have no recourse against the County (including its employees and other agents and agencies) for payment of any premiums or for assessments under any form of policy. Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 14 6/9/2023 i. All deductibles in the above described insurance policies shall be assumed by and be at the sole risk of the Contractor. j. Any deductibles or self-insured retention shall be declared to and approved by the County prior to the approval of this Agreement by the County. At the option of the County, the insurer shall reduce or eliminate deductibles or self-insured retention, or the Contractor shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses. k. Insurance companies issuing the Contractor’s insurance policy or policies shall have no recourse against the County (including its employees and other agents and agencies) for payment of any premiums or for assessments under any form of insurance policy. l. Any judgments for which the County may be liable, in excess of insured amounts required by this Agreement, or any portion thereof, may be withheld from payment due, or to become due, to the Contractor until the Contractor shall furnish additional security covering such judgment as may be determined by the County. m. Any coverage for third party liability claims provided to the County by a “Risk Pool” created pursuant to Ch. 48.62 RCW shall be non-contributory with respect to any policy of insurance the Contractor must provide in order to comply with this Agreement. n. The County may, upon the Contractor’s failure to comply with all provisions of this Agreement relating to insurance, withhold payment or compensation that would otherwise be due to the Contractor. o. The Contractor’s liability insurance provisions shall be primary and noncontributory with respect to any insurance or self-insurance programs covering the County, its elected and appointed officers, officials, employees, and agents. p. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the insurance policies shall not affect coverage provided to the County, its officers, officials, employees, or agents. q. The Contractor’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability. r. The Contractor shall include all subcontractors as insured under its insurance policies or shall furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor. All insurance provisions for subcontractors shall be subject to all the requirements stated herein. s. The insurance limits mandated for any insurance coverage required by this Agreement are not intended to be an indication of exposure nor are they limitations on indemnification. t. The Contractor shall maintain all required insurance policies in force from the time services commence until services are completed. Certificates, insurance policies, and endorsements expiring before completion of services shall be promptly replaced. All the insurance policies required by this Agreement shall provide that thirty (30) days prior to cancellation, suspension, reduction or material change in the policy, notice of same shall be given to the Jefferson County Risk Manager by registered mail, return receipt requested. Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 15 6/9/2023 u. The Contractor shall place insurance with insurers licensed to do business in the State of Washington and having A.M. Best Company ratings of no less than A-, with the exception that excess and umbrella coverage used to meet the requirements for limits of liability or gaps in coverage need not be placed with insurers or re-insurers licensed in the State of Washington. v. The County reserves the right to request additional insurance on an individual basis for extra hazardous contracts and specific service agreements. 10. Worker’s Compensation (Industrial Insurance). a. If and only if the Contractor employs any person(s) in the status of employee or employees separate from or in addition to any equity owners, sole proprietor, partners, owners or shareholders of the Contractor, the Contractor shall maintain workers’ compensation insurance at its own expense, as required by Title 51 RCW, for the term of this Agreement and shall provide evidence of coverage to Jefferson County Public Health, upon request. b. Worker’s compensation insurance covering all employees with limits meeting all applicable state and federal laws. This coverage shall include Employer’s Liability with limits meeting all applicable state and federal laws. c. This coverage shall extend to any subcontractor that does not have their own worker’s compensation and employer’s liability insurance. d. The Contractor expressly waives by mutual negotiation all immunity and limitations on liability, with respect to the County, under any industrial insurance act, disability benefit act, or other employee benefit act of any jurisdiction which would otherwise be applicable in the case of such claim. e. If the County incurs any costs to enforce the provisions of this subsection, all cost and fees shall be recoverable from the Contractor. 11. Independent Contractor. The Contractor and the County agree that the Contractor is an independent contractor with respect to the services provided pursuant to this Agreement. The Contractor specifically has the right to direct and control Contractor’s own activities, and the activities of its subcontractors, employees, agents, and representatives, in providing the agreed services in accordance with the specifications set out in this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be considered to create the relationship of employer and employee between the parties. Neither Contractor nor any employee of Contractor shall be entitled to any benefits accorded County employees by virtue of the services provided under this Agreement, including, but not limited to: retirement, vacation pay; holiday pay; sick leave pay; medical, dental, or other insurance benefits; fringe benefits; or any other rights or privileges afforded to Jefferson County employees. The County shall not be responsible for withholding or otherwise deducting federal income tax or social security or for contributing to the state industrial insurance program, otherwise assuming the duties of an employer with respect to Contractor, or any employee of Contractor. 12. Subcontracting Requirements. a. The Contractor is responsible for meeting all terms and conditions of this Agreement including standards of service, quality of materials and workmanship, costs, and schedules. Failure of a subcontractor to perform is no defense to a breach of this Agreement. The Contractor assumes Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 16 6/9/2023 responsibility for and all liability for the actions and quality of services performed by any subcontractor. b. Every subcontractor must agree in writing to follow every term of this Agreement. The Contractor must provide every subcontractor’s written agreement to follow every term of this Agreement before the subcontractor can perform any services under this Agreement. The Public Health Director or their designee must approve any proposed subcontractors in writing. c. Any dispute arising between the Contractor and any subcontractors or between subcontractors must be resolved without involvement of any kind on the part of the County and without detrimental impact on the Contractor’s performance required by this Agreement. 13. Covenant Against Contingent Fees. The Contractor warrants that he has not employed or retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for the Contractor, to solicit or secure this Agreement, and that he has not paid or agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for the Contractor, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gifts, or any other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. For breach or violation of this warranty, the County shall have the right to annul this Agreement without liability or, in its discretion to deduct from the contract price or consideration, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift, or contingent fee. 14. Discrimination Prohibited. The Contractor, with regard to the work performed by it under this Agreement, will not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, material status, sex, or the presence of any physical or sensory handicap in the selection and retention of employees or procurement of materials or supplies. 15. No Assignment. The Contractor shall not sublet or assign any of the services covered by this Agreement without the express written consent of the County. Assignment does not include printing or other customary reimbursable expenses that may be provided in an agreement. 16. Non-Waiver. Waiver by the County of any provision of this Agreement or any time limitation provided for in this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any other provision. 17. Termination. a. The County reserves the right to terminate this Agreement at any time by giving ten (10) days written notice to the Contractor. b. In the event of the death of a member, partner, or officer of the Contractor, or any of its supervisory personnel assigned to the project, the surviving members of the Contractor hereby agree to complete the work under the terms of this Agreement, if requested to do so by the County. This section shall not be a bar to renegotiations of this Agreement between surviving members of the Contractor and the County, if the County so chooses. c. The County reserves the right to terminate this contract in whole or in part, with 10 days’ notice, in the event that expected or actual funding from any funding source is withdrawn, reduced, or limited in any way after the effective date of this agreement. In the event of termination under this clause, the County shall be liable for only payment for services rendered prior to the effective date of termination. Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 17 6/9/2023 18. Notices. All notices or other communications which any party desires or is required to give shall be given in writing and shall be deemed to have been given if hand-delivered, sent by facsimile, email, or mailed by depositing in the United States mail, prepaid to the party at the address listed below or such other address as a party may designate in writing from time to time. Notices to the County shall be sent to the following address: Jefferson County Risk Management P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Notices to Contractor shall be sent to the following address: _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ 19. Integrated Agreement. This Agreement together with attachments or addenda represents the entire and integrated Agreement between the County and the Contractor and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements written or oral. No representation or promise not expressly contained in this Agreement has been made. This Agreement supersedes all prior or simultaneous representations, discussions, negotiations, and agreements, whether written or oral, by the County within the scope of this Agreement. The Contractor ratifies and adopts all statements, representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements contained in its proposal, and the supporting material submitted by the Contractor, accepts this Agreement and agrees to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. 20. Modification of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by written instrument signed by both County and Contractor. 21. Disputes. The parties agree to use their best efforts to prevent and resolve disputes before they escalate into claims or legal actions. Any disputed issue not resolved pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be submitted in writing within 10 days to the County Risk Manager, whose decision in the matter shall be final, but shall be subject to judicial review. If either party deem it necessary to institute legal action or proceeding to enforce any right or obligation under this Agreement, each party in such action shall bear the cost of its own attorney’s fees and court costs. Any legal action shall be initiated in the Superior Court of the State of Washington for Jefferson County. The parties agree that all questions shall be resolved by application of Washington law and that the parties have the right of appeal from such decisions of the Superior Court in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington. The Contractor hereby consents to the personal jurisdiction of the Superior Court of the State of Washington for Jefferson County. 22. Section Headings. The headings of the sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to restrict, affect, or be of any weight in the interpretation or construction of the provisions of the sections or this Agreement. 23. Limits of Any Waiver of Default. No consent by either party to, or waiver of, a breach by either party, whether express or implied, shall constitute a consent to, waiver of, or excuse of any other, different, or subsequent breach by either party. Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 18 6/9/2023 24. No Oral Waiver. No term or provision of this Agreement will be considered waived by either party, and no breach excused by either party, unless such waiver or consent is in writing signed on behalf of the party against whom the waiver is asserted. Failure of a party to declare any breach or default immediately upon the occurrence thereof, or delay in taking any action in connection with, shall not waive such breach or default. 25. Severability. Provided it does not result in a material change in the terms of this Agreement, if any provision of this Agreement or the application of this Agreement to any person or circumstance shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application this Agreement shall not be affected and shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. 26. Binding on Successors, Heirs and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties’ successors in interest, heirs, and assigns. 27. No Assignment. The Contractor shall not sell, assign, or transfer any of rights obtained by this Agreement without the express written consent of the County. 28. No Third-party Beneficiaries. The parties do not intend, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to mean, that any provision in this Agreement is for the benefit of any person or entity who is not a party. 29. Signature in Counterparts. The parties agree that separate copies of this Agreement may be signed by each of the parties and this Agreement shall have the same force and effect as if all the parties had signed the original. 30. Facsimile and Electronic Signatures. The parties agree that facsimile and electronic signatures shall have the same force and effect as original signatures. 31. Arms-Length Negotiations. The parties agree that this Agreement has been negotiated at arms-length, with the assistance and advice of competent, independent legal counsel. 32. Public Records Act. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent any record, including any electronic, audio, paper or other media, is required to be kept or indexed as a public record in accordance with the Washington Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW, as may hereafter be amended, the Contractor agrees to maintain all records constituting public records and to produce or assist the County in producing such records, within the time frames and parameters set forth in state law. The Contractor further agrees that upon receipt of any written public record request, Contractor shall, within two business days, notify the County by providing a copy of the request per the notice provisions of this Agreement. (SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE) Jefferson County Request for Proposals Page 19 6/9/2023 JEFFERSON COUNTY WASHINGTON Board of County Commissioners Jefferson County, Washington By: __________________________________ Greg Brotherton, Chair Date By: __________________________________ Kate Dean, Commissioner Date By: __________________________________ Heidi Eisenhour, Commissioner Date SEAL: ATTEST: _______________________________________ Carolyn Galloway Date Clerk of the Board Approved as to form only: ________________________________________ Philip C. Hunsucker Date Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney CONTRACTOR By: ____________________________ Signature Name: _________________________ Title: __________________________ Date: __________________________