Exhibit 2. Sample Contract

THIS CONTRACT (the “Contract”) is made by and between ________________ (the “Contractor”) whose principal business address is (Contractor’s primary address) and whose principal office in Maryland is (Contractor’s local address), whose Federal Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number is (Contractor’s FEIN), and whose eMaryland Marketplace Advantage vendor ID number is (eMMA Number) and Parental Guarantor, if applicable] and the STATE OF MARYLAND, acting through the MARYLAND <<ISSUINGAGENCYNAME>> (“<<ISSUINGAGENCYACRONYM>>” or the “<<typeofAgency>>”) as of the date as executed by the State below.

In consideration of the promises and the covenants herein contained, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the parties, the parties agree as follows:

1.	Definitions

In this Contract, the following words have the meanings indicated:

1.1	“Bid” means the Contractor’s Bid dated _________ (Bid date).

1.2	“IFB” means the Invitation for Bids for <<solicitationTitle>>, Solicitation # <<solicitationNumber>>, and any amendments, addenda, and attachments thereto issued in writing by the State.

1.3	“COMAR” means Code of Maryland Regulations.

1.4	“Contractor” means the entity first named above whose principal business address is (Contractor’s primary address) and whose principal office in Maryland is (Contractor’s local address), whose Federal Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number is (Contractor’s FEIN), and whose eMaryland Marketplace Advantage vendor ID number is (eMMA Number).

1.5	“Financial Proposal” means the Contractor’s [pick one: Financial Proposal or Best and Final Offer (BAFO)] dated _________(Financial Proposal date or BAFO date).

1.6	“RFP” means the Request for Proposals for <<solicitationTitle>>, Solicitation # <<solicitationNumber>>, and any amendments, addenda, and attachments thereto issued in writing by the State.

1.7	“State” means the State of Maryland.

1.8	“Technical Proposal” means the Contractor’s Technical Proposal dated. ____________ (Technical Proposal date), as modified and supplemented by the Contractor’s responses to requests clarifications and requests for cure, and by any Best and Final Offer.

1.9	Capitalized terms not defined herein shall be ascribed the meaning given to them in the RFP.

2.	Scope of Contract

2.1	The Contractor shall perform in accordance with this Contract and Exhibits A-D, which are listed below and incorporated herein by reference. If there is any conflict between this Contract and the Exhibits, the terms of the Contract shall control. If there is any conflict among the Exhibits, the following order of precedence shall determine the prevailing provision:

Exhibit A – The IFB/RFP, including all applicable appendices and supplementals.

[[If the procurement has components of information technology within a services contract, the Procurement Officer should determine which supplemental contains the overriding requirements and list the supplementals in the order of hierarchy below. For other supplementals, delete these bullets.]]

If more than one supplemental applies to this contract, they are considered in the following order:

Professional Services Supplemental

Information Technology Supplemental

Exhibit B – The Contract Affidavit, executed by the Contractor and dated (date of Attachment C)

Exhibit C – The Bid/The Technical Proposal

Exhibit D – The Financial Proposal

2.2	The Procurement Officer may, at any time, by written order, make unilateral changes in the work within the general scope of the Contract. No other order, statement, or conduct of the Procurement Officer or any other person shall be treated as a change or entitle the Contractor to an equitable adjustment under this section. Except as otherwise provided in this Contract, if any change under this section causes an increase or decrease in the Contractor’s cost of, or the time required for, the performance of any part of the work, whether or not changed by the order, an equitable adjustment in the Contract price shall be made and the Contract modified in writing accordingly. The Contractor must assert in writing its right to an adjustment under this section within thirty (30) days of receipt of written change order and shall include a written statement setting forth the nature and cost of such claim. No claim by the Contractor shall be allowed if asserted after final payment under this Contract. Failure to agree to an adjustment under this section shall be a dispute under the Disputes clause. Nothing in this section shall excuse the Contractor from proceeding with the Contract as changed.

2.3	Without limiting the rights of the Procurement Officer under Section 2.2 above, the Contract may be modified by mutual agreement of the parties, provided: (a) the modification is made in writing; (b) all parties sign the modification; and (c) all approvals by the required agencies as described in COMAR Title 21, are obtained.

3.	Period of Performance

3.1	The term of this Contract begins on the date the Contract is signed by the <<typeofAgency>> following any required prior approvals, including approval by the Board of Public Works, if such approval is required (the “Effective Date”) and shall continue until ______________ (“Initial Term”).

3.2	In its sole discretion, the <<typeofAgency>> shall have the unilateral right to extend the Contract for <<enter the number of periods >>, successive <<enter the length of the period>> - <<select either year(s), month(s), or day(s)>> renewal options (each a “Renewal Term”) at the prices established in the Contract. “Term” means the Initial Term and any Renewal Term(s). [[Delete this section if there are no Option Years, and change the numbering of the next section to 3.2]]

3.3.	The Contractor’s performance under the Contract shall commence as of the date provided in a written NTP.

3.4	The Contractor’s obligation to pay invoices to subcontractors providing products/services in connection with this Contract, as well as the audit; confidentiality; document retention; patents, copyrights & intellectual property; warranty; indemnification obligations; and limitations of liability under this Contract; and any other obligations specifically identified, shall survive expiration or termination of the Contract.

3.5	No-Cost Extensions. In accordance with BPW Advisory 1995-1 item 7.b, in the event there are unspent funds remaining on the Contract, prior to the Contract's expiration date the Procurement Officer may modify the Contract to extend the Contract beyond its expiration date for a period up to, but not exceeding, one-third of the base term of the Contract (e.g., eight-month extension on a two-year contract) for the performance of work within the Contract's scope of work. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no funds may be added to the Contract in connection with any such extension.

4.	Consideration and Payment

4.1	In consideration of the satisfactory performance of the work set forth in this Contract, the <<typeofAgency>> shall pay the Contractor in accordance with the terms of this Contract and at the prices quoted in the Bid. Unless properly modified (see above Section 2), payment to the Contractor pursuant to this Contract, including the Initial Term and any Renewal Term, shall not exceed the Contracted amount.

[[Use this paragraph for a fixed price contract or a contract that has a fixed price component.]]The total payment under a fixed price Contract or the fixed price element of a combined fixed price – time and materials Contract shall be the firm fixed price submitted by the Contractor in its Bid.

[[Use this paragraph for a contract with a time and materials component or has an indefinite quantity (IDIQ) component.]]For time and materials Contracts, IDIQ Contracts, or Contracts which include either or both a time and materials or IDIQ element(s), total payments to the Contractor pursuant to this Contract for the time and materials and IDIQ portion(s) may not exceed $_________________ (the “NTE Amount”), which includes $_______________ for the Initial Term[[If one or more option periods exist, then include:]] and $_____________ for the Renewal Term(s).

[[Use this paragraph for a contract with a time and materials component, labor hour component, or has an indefinite quantity (IDIQ) component]] Contractor shall notify the Contract Monitor, in writing, at least sixty (60) days before payments reach the NTE Amount. After notification by the Contractor, if the State fails to increase the Contract amount, the Contractor shall have no obligation to perform under this Contract after payments reach the stated amount; provided, however, that, prior to the stated amount being reached, the Contractor shall: (a) promptly consult and work in good faith with the <<typeofAgency>> to establish a plan of action to assure that every reasonable effort is undertaken by the Contractor to complete State-defined critical work in progress prior to the date the NTE Amount will be reached; and (b) when applicable secure databases, systems, platforms, and applications on which the Contractor is working in an industry standard manner so as to prevent damage or vulnerabilities to any of the same due to the existence of any such unfinished work.

4.2	The Contractor shall <<send OR e-mail>> the original of each invoice and signed authorization to invoice to the Contract Monitor and <<List individual>> at e-mail address: <<e-mail address>>. Unless a payment is unauthorized, deferred, delayed, or set-off under COMAR 21.02.07, payments to the Contractor pursuant to this Contract shall be made no later than 37 days after the <<typeofAgency>>’s receipt of a proper invoice from the Contractor as required by IFB section 3.3.

The Contractor may be eligible to receive late payment interest at the rate of 9% per annum if:

(1) The Contractor submits an invoice for the late payment interest within thirty days after the date of the State’s payment of the amount on which the interest accrued; and

(2) A contract claim has not been filed under State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 15, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland.

The State is not liable for interest:

(1) Accruing more than one year after the 31st day after the agency receives the proper invoice; or

(2) On any amount representing unpaid interest. Charges for late payment of invoices are authorized only as prescribed by Title 15, Subtitle 1, of the State Finance and Procurement Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, or by the Public Service Commission of Maryland with respect to regulated public utilities, as applicable.

Final payment under this Contract will not be made until after certification is received from the Comptroller of the State that all taxes have been paid.

Electronic funds transfer shall be used by the State to pay Contractor pursuant to this Contract and any other State payments due Contractor unless the State Comptroller’s Office grants Contractor an exemption.

4.3	In addition to any other available remedies, if, in the opinion of the Procurement Officer, the Contractor fails to perform in a satisfactory and timely manner, the Procurement Officer may refuse or limit approval of any invoice for payment, and may cause payments to the Contractor to be reduced or withheld until such time as the Contractor meets performance standards as established by the Procurement Officer.

4.4	Payment of an invoice by the <<typeofAgency>> is not evidence that services were rendered as required under this Contract.

5.	Rights to Records

5.1	The Contractor agrees that all documents and materials including, but not limited to, software, reports, drawings, studies, specifications, estimates, tests, maps, photographs, designs, graphics, mechanical, artwork, computations, and data prepared by the Contractor for purposes of this Contract shall be the sole property of the State and shall be available to the State at any time. The State shall have the right to use the same without restriction and without compensation to the Contractor other than that specifically provided by this Contract.

5.2	The Contractor agrees that at all times during the term of this Contract and thereafter, works created as a Deliverable under this Contract (as defined in Section 7.2), and services performed under this Contract shall be “works made for hire” as that term is interpreted under U.S. copyright law. To the extent that any products created as a Deliverable under this Contract are not works made for hire for the State, the Contractor hereby relinquishes, transfers, and assigns to the State all of its rights, title, and interest (including all intellectual property rights) to all such products created under this Contract, and will cooperate reasonably with the State in effectuating and registering any necessary assignments.

5.3	The Contractor shall report to the Contract Monitor, promptly and in written detail, each notice or claim of copyright infringement received by the Contractor with respect to all data delivered under this Contract.

5.4	The Contractor shall not affix any restrictive markings upon any data, documentation, or other materials provided to the State hereunder and if such markings are affixed, the State shall have the right at any time to modify, remove, obliterate, or ignore such warnings.

5.5	Upon termination or expiration of the Contract, the Contractor, at its own expense, shall deliver any equipment, software or other property provided by the State to the place designated by the Procurement Officer.

6.	Exclusive Use

6.1	The State shall have the exclusive right to use, duplicate, and disclose any data, information, documents, records, or results, in whole or in part, in any manner for any purpose whatsoever, that may be created or generated by the Contractor in connection with this Contract. If any material, including software, is capable of being copyrighted, the State shall be the copyright owner and Contractor may copyright material connected with this project only with the express written approval of the State.

6.2	Except as may otherwise be set forth in this Contract, Contractor shall not use, sell, sub-lease, assign, give, or otherwise transfer to any third party any other information or material provided to Contractor by the <<typeofAgency>> or developed by Contractor relating to the Contract, except as provided for in Section 8. Confidential or Proprietary Information and Documentation.

7.	Patents, Copyrights, and Intellectual Property

7.1.	All copyrights, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and any other intellectual property rights existing prior to the Effective Date of this Contract shall belong to the party that owned such rights immediately prior to the Effective Date (“Pre-Existing Intellectual Property”). If any design, device, material, process, or other item provided by Contractor is covered by a patent or copyright or which is proprietary to or a trade secret of another, the Contractor shall obtain the necessary permission or license to permit the State to use such item or items pursuant to its rights granted under the Contract.

7.2	Except for (1) information created or otherwise owned by the <<typeofAgency>> or licensed by the <<typeofAgency>> from third parties, including all information provided by the <<typeofAgency>> to Contractor; (2) materials created by Contractor or its subcontractor(s) specifically for the State under the Contract (“Deliverables”), except for any Contractor Pre-Existing Intellectual Property included therein; and (3) the license rights granted to the State, all right, title, and interest in the intellectual property embodied in the solution, including the know-how and methods by which the solution is provided and the processes that make up the solution, will belong solely and exclusively to Contractor and its licensors, and the <<typeofAgency>> will have no rights to the same except as expressly granted in this Contract. Any SaaS Software developed by Contractor during the performance of the Contract will belong solely and exclusively to Contractor and its licensors. For all Software provided by the Contractor under the Contract, Contractor hereby grants to the State a nonexclusive, irrevocable, unlimited, perpetual, non-cancelable, and non-terminable right to use and make copies of the Software and any modifications to the Software. For all Contractor Pre-Existing Intellectual Property embedded in any Deliverables, Contractor grants to the State a license to use such Contractor Pre-Existing Intellectual Property in connection with its permitted use of such Deliverable. During the period between delivery of a Deliverable by Contractor and the date of payment therefor by the State in accordance with this Contract (including throughout the duration of any payment dispute discussions), subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, Contractor grants the State a royalty-free, non-exclusive, limited license to use such Deliverable and to use any Contractor Materials contained therein in accordance with this Contract.

7.3.	Subject to the terms of Section 10, Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the State and its agents and employees, from and against any and all claims, costs, losses, damages, liabilities, judgments and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or in connection with any third party claim that the Contractor-provided products/services infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate any third party intellectual property rights. Contractor shall not enter into any settlement involving third party claims that contains any admission of or stipulation to any guilt, fault, liability or wrongdoing by the State or that adversely affects the State’s rights or interests, without the State’s prior written consent.

7.4	Without limiting Contractor’s obligations under Section 5.3, if an infringement claim occurs, or if the State or the Contractor believes such a claim is likely to occur, Contractor (after consultation with the State and at no cost to the State): (a) shall procure for the State the right to continue using the allegedly infringing component or service in accordance with its rights under this Contract; or (b) replace or modify the allegedly infringing component or service so that it becomes non-infringing and remains compliant with all applicable specifications.

7.5	Except as otherwise provided herein, Contractor shall not acquire any right, title or interest (including any intellectual property rights subsisting therein) in or to any goods, Software, technical information, specifications, drawings, records, documentation, data or any other materials (including any derivative works thereof) provided by the State to the Contractor. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the State may, in its sole and absolute discretion, grant the Contractor a license to such materials, subject to the terms of a separate writing executed by the Contractor and an authorized representative of the State as well as all required State approvals.

7.6	Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither Contractor nor any of its subcontractors shall use any Software or technology in a manner that will cause any patents, copyrights or other intellectual property which are owned or controlled by the State or any of its affiliates (or for which the State or any of its subcontractors has received license rights) to become subject to any encumbrance or terms and conditions of any third party or open source license (including, without limitation, any open source license listed on http://www.opensource.org/licenses/alphabetical) (each an “Open Source License”). These restrictions, limitations, exclusions and conditions shall apply even if the State or any of its subcontractors becomes aware of or fails to act in a manner to address any violation or failure to comply therewith. No act by the State or any of its subcontractors that is undertaken under this Contract as to any Software or technology shall be construed as intending to cause any patents, copyrights or other intellectual property that are owned or controlled by the State (or for which the State has received license rights) to become subject to any encumbrance or terms and conditions of any open source license.

7.7	The Contractor shall report to the <<typeofAgency>>, promptly and in written detail, each notice or claim of copyright infringement received by the Contractor with respect to all Deliverables delivered under this Contract.

7.8	The Contractor shall not affix (or permit any third party to affix), without the <<typeofAgency>>’s consent, any restrictive markings upon any Deliverables that are owned by the State, and if such markings are affixed, the <<typeofAgency>> shall have the right at any time to modify, remove, obliterate, or ignore such warnings.

8.	Confidential or Proprietary Information and Documentation

8.1	Subject to the Maryland Public Information Act and any other applicable laws including, without limitation, HIPAA, the HI-TECH Act, and the Maryland Medical Records Act and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, all confidential or proprietary information and documentation relating to either party (including without limitation, any information or data stored within the Contractor’s computer systems or cloud infrastructure, if applicable) shall be held in confidence by the other party. Each party shall, however, be permitted to disclose, as provided by and consistent with applicable law, relevant confidential information to its officers, agents, and Contractor Personnel to the extent that such disclosure is necessary for the performance of their duties under this Contract. Each officer, agent, and Contractor Personnel to whom any of the State’s confidential information is to be disclosed shall be advised by Contractor provided that each officer, agent, and Contractor Personnel to whom any of the State’s confidential information is to be disclosed shall be advised by Contractor of the obligations hereunder, and bound by, confidentiality at least as restrictive as those of set forth in this Contract.

8.2	The provisions of this section shall not apply to information that: (a) is lawfully in the public domain; (b) has been independently developed by the other party without violation of this Contract; (c) was already rightfully in the possession of such party; (d) was supplied to such party by a third party lawfully in possession thereof and legally permitted to further disclose the information; or (e) which such party is required to disclose by law.

9.	Loss of Data

9.1	In the event of loss of any State data or records where such loss is due to the act or omission of the Contractor or any of its subcontractors or agents, the Contractor shall be responsible for restoring or recreating, as applicable, such lost data in the manner and on the schedule set by the Contract Monitor. The Contractor shall ensure that all data is backed up and recoverable by the Contractor. At no time shall any Contractor actions (or any failures to act when Contractor has a duty to act) damage or create any vulnerabilities in data bases, systems, platforms, and applications with which the Contractor is working hereunder.

9.2	In accordance with prevailing federal or state law or regulations, the Contractor shall report the loss of non-public data as directed in the Supplemental Information Technology, Section 1.9 Security Requirements.

9.3	Protection of data and personal privacy (as further described and defined in IFB Section 3.8) shall be an integral part of the business activities of the Contractor to ensure there is no inappropriate or unauthorized use of State information at any time. To this end, the Contractor shall safeguard the confidentiality, integrity and availability of State information and comply with the conditions identified in the Supplemental Information Technology, Section 1.9 Security Requirements.

10.	Indemnification and Notification of Legal Requests

10.1.	At its sole cost and expense, Contractor shall (i) indemnify and hold the State, its employees and agents harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, damages, liabilities, losses, settlements, judgments, costs and expenses (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees and costs), whether or not involving a third party claim, which arise out of or relate to the Contractor’s, or any of its subcontractors’, performance of this Contract and (ii) cooperate, assist, and consult with the State in the defense or investigation of any such claim, demand, action or suit. Contractor shall not enter into any settlement involving third party claims that contains any admission of or stipulation to any guilt, fault, liability or wrongdoing by the State or that adversely affects the State’s rights or interests, without the State’s prior written consent.

10.2.	The State has no obligation: (i) to provide legal counsel or defense to the Contractor or its subcontractors in the event that a suit, claim or action of any character is brought against the Contractor or its subcontractors as a result of or relating to the Contractor’s obligations or performance under this Contract, or (ii) to pay any judgment or settlement of any such suit, claim or action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Procurement Officer of any such claims, demands, actions, or suits.

10.3.	Notification of Legal Requests. In the event the Contractor receives a subpoena or other validly issued administrative or judicial process, or any discovery request in connection with any litigation, requesting State Pre-Existing Intellectual Property, of other information considered to be the property of the State, including but not limited to State data stored with or otherwise accessible by the Contractor, the Contractor shall not respond to such subpoena, process or other legal request without first notifying the State, unless prohibited by law from providing such notice The Contractor shall promptly notify the State of such receipt providing the State with a reasonable opportunity to intervene in the proceeding before the time that Contractor is required to comply with such subpoena, other process or discovery request. .

11.	Non-Hiring of Employees

No official or employee of the State, as defined under Md. Code Ann., General Provisions Article, § 5-101, whose duties as such official or employee include matters relating to or affecting the subject matter of this Contract, shall, during the pendency and term of this Contract and while serving as an official or employee of the State, become or be an employee of the Contractor or any entity that is a subcontractor on this Contract.

12.	Disputes

This Contract shall be subject to the provisions of Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 15, Subtitle 2, and COMAR 21.10 (Administrative and Civil Remedies). Pending resolution of a claim, the Contractor shall proceed diligently with the performance of the Contract in accordance with the Procurement Officer’s decision. Unless a lesser period is provided by applicable statute, regulation, or the Contract, the Contractor must file a written notice of claim with the Procurement Officer within thirty (30) days after the basis for the claim is known or should have been known, whichever is earlier. Contemporaneously with or within thirty (30) days of the filing of a notice of claim, but no later than the date of final payment under the Contract, the Contractor must submit to the Procurement Officer its written claim containing the information specified in COMAR 21.10.04.02.

13.	Maryland Law Prevails

13.1	This Contract shall be construed, interpreted, and enforced according to the laws of the State of Maryland.

13.2	The Maryland Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (Commercial Law Article, Title 22 of the Annotated Code of Maryland) does not apply to this Contract or any purchase order, task order, or Notice to Proceed issued thereunder, or any software, or any software license acquired hereunder.

13.3	Any and all references to the Maryland Code, annotated and contained in this Contract shall be construed to refer to such Code sections as are from time to time amended.

14.	Nondiscrimination in Employment

The Contractor agrees: (a) not to discriminate in any manner against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, or any otherwise unlawful use of characteristics, or disability of a qualified individual with a disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment, or the individual’s refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available the results of a genetic test; (b) to include a provision similar to that contained in subsection (a), above, in any underlying subcontract except a subcontract for standard commercial supplies or raw materials; and (c) to post and to cause subcontractors to post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the substance of this clause.

15.	Contingent Fee Prohibition

The Contractor warrants that it has not employed or retained any person, partnership, corporation, or other entity, other than a bona fide employee or agent working for the Contractor to solicit or secure the Contract, and that the Contractor has not paid or agreed to pay any person, partnership, corporation, or other entity, other than a bona fide employee or agent, any fee or any other consideration contingent on the making of this Contract.

16.	Non-Availability of Funding

If the General Assembly fails to appropriate funds or if funds are not otherwise made available for continued performance for any fiscal period of this Contract succeeding the first fiscal period, this Contract shall be canceled automatically as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which funds were not appropriated or otherwise made available; provided, however, that this will not affect either the State’s or the Contractor’s rights under any termination clause in this Contract. The effect of termination of the Contract hereunder will be to discharge both the Contractor and the State from future performance of the Contract, but not from their rights and obligations existing at the time of termination. The Contractor shall be reimbursed for the reasonable value of any nonrecurring costs incurred but not amortized in the price of the Contract. The State shall notify the Contractor as soon as it has knowledge that funds may not be available for the continuation of this Contract for each succeeding fiscal period beyond the first.

17.	Termination for Default

If the Contractor fails to fulfill its obligations under this Contract properly and on time, fails to provide any required annual and renewable bond 30 days prior to expiration of the current bond then in effect, or otherwise violates any provision of the Contract, the State may terminate the Contract by written notice to the Contractor. The notice shall specify the acts or omissions relied upon as cause for termination. All finished or unfinished work provided by the Contractor shall, at the State’s option, become the State’s property. The State shall pay the Contractor fair and equitable compensation for satisfactory performance prior to receipt of notice of termination, less the amount of damages caused by the Contractor’s breach. If the damages are more than the compensation payable to the Contractor, the Contractor will remain liable after termination and the State can affirmatively collect damages. Termination hereunder, including the termination of the rights and obligations of the parties, shall be governed by the provisions of COMAR 21.07.01.11B.

18.	Termination for Convenience

The performance of work under this Contract may be terminated by the State in accordance with this clause in whole, or from time to time in part, whenever the State shall determine that such termination is in the best interest of the State. The State will pay all reasonable costs associated with this Contract that the Contractor has incurred up to the date of termination, and all reasonable costs associated with termination of the Contract. However, the Contractor shall not be reimbursed for any anticipatory profits that have not been earned up to the date of termination. Termination hereunder, including the determination of the rights and obligations of the parties, shall be governed by the provisions of COMAR 21.07.01.12A (2).

19.	Delays and Extensions of Time

19.1	Time is an essential element of the Contract.

19.2	The Contractor agrees to prosecute the work continuously and diligently and no charges or claims for damages shall be made by it for any delays or hindrances from any cause whatsoever during the progress of any portion of the work specified in this Contract.

19.3	Time extensions will be granted only for excusable delays that arise from unforeseeable causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor, including but not restricted to, acts of God, acts of the public enemy, acts of the State in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, acts of another Contractor in the performance of a contract with the State, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, freight embargoes, or delays of subcontractors or suppliers arising from unforeseeable causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of either the Contractor or the subcontractors or suppliers.

20.	Suspension of Work

The State unilaterally may order the Contractor in writing to suspend, delay, or interrupt all or any part of its performance for such period of time as the Procurement Officer may determine to be appropriate for the convenience of the State.

21.	Pre-Existing Regulations

In accordance with the provisions of Section 11-206 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the regulations set forth in Title 21 of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 21) in effect on the date of execution of this Contract are applicable to this Contract.

22.	Financial Disclosure

The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of Section13-221 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, which requires that every business that enters into contracts, leases, or other agreements with the State or its agencies during a calendar year under which the business is to receive in the aggregate, $200,000 or more, shall within 30 days of the time when the aggregate value of these contracts, leases or other agreements reaches $200,000, file with the Secretary of State of Maryland certain specified information to include disclosure of beneficial ownership of the business.

23.	Political Contribution Disclosure

The Contractor shall comply with Election Law Article, Title 14, Annotated Code of Maryland, which requires that every person that enters into a procurement contract with the State, a county, or a municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State, during a calendar year in which the person receives a contract with a governmental entity in the amount of $200,000 or more, shall file with the State Board of Elections statements disclosing: (a) any contributions made during the reporting period to a candidate for elective office in any primary or general election; and (b) the name of each candidate to whom one or more contributions in a cumulative amount of $500 or more were made during the reporting period.

The statement shall be filed with the State Board of Elections: (a) before execution of a contract by the State, a county, a municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State, and shall cover the 24 months prior to when a contract was awarded; and (b) if the contribution is made after the execution of a contract, then twice a year, throughout the contract term, on or before: (i) May 31, to cover the six (6) month period ending April 30; and (ii) November 30, to cover the six (6) month period ending October 31. Additional information is available on the State Board of Elections website: http://www.elections.state.md.us/campaign_finance/index.html.

24.	Retention of Records

The Contractor and subcontractors shall retain and maintain all records and documents in any way relating to this Contract for (i) three (3) years after final payment by the State hereunder, or (ii) any applicable federal or State retention requirements (such as HIPAA) or condition of award, , whichever is longer, and shall make them available for inspection and audit by authorized representatives of the State, as designated by the Procurement Officer, at all reasonable times. The Contractor shall provide copies of all documents requested by the State, including, but not limited to itemized billing documentation containing the dates, hours spent and work performed by the Contractor and its subcontractors under the Contract. All records related in any way to the Contract are to be retained for the entire time provided under this section.

25.	Right to Audit

25.1	The State reserves the right, at its sole discretion and at any time, to perform an audit of the Contractor’s performance under this Contract. An audit is defined as a planned and documented independent activity performed by qualified personnel, including but not limited to State and federal auditors, to determine by investigation, examination, or evaluation of objective evidence from data, statements, records, operations and performance practices (financial or otherwise) the Contractor’s compliance with the Contract, including but not limited to adequacy and compliance with established procedures and internal controls over the services performed pursuant to the Contract.

25.2	Upon three (3) Business Days’ notice, the State shall be provided reasonable access to Contractor’s records to perform any such audits. The <<typeofAgency>> may conduct these audits with any or all of its own internal resources or by securing the services of a third party accounting or audit firm, solely at the <<typeofAgency>>’s election. The <<typeofAgency>> may copy any record related to the services performed pursuant to the Contract. The Contractor agrees to fully cooperate and assist in any audit conducted by or on behalf of the State, including, by way of example only, making records and employees available as, where, and to the extent requested by the State and by assisting the auditors in reconciling any audit variances. Contractor shall not be compensated for providing any such cooperation and assistance.

25.3	The right to audit shall include any of the Contractor’s subcontractors including but not limited to any lower tier subcontractor(s). The Contractor shall ensure the <<typeofAgency>> has the right to audit such subcontractor(s).

26.	Compliance with Laws

The Contractor hereby represents and warrants that:

It is qualified to do business in the State and that it will take such action as, from time to time hereafter, may be necessary to remain so qualified;

It is not in arrears with respect to the payment of any monies due and owing the State, or any department or unit thereof, including but not limited to the payment of taxes and employee benefits, and that it shall not become so in arrears during the Term;

It shall comply with all federal, State and local laws, regulations, and ordinances applicable to its activities and obligations under this Contract; and

It shall obtain, at its expense, all licenses, permits, insurance, and governmental approvals, if any, necessary to the performance of its obligations under this Contract.

27.	Cost and Price Certification

27.1	The Contractor, by submitting cost or price information certifies that, to the best of its knowledge, the information submitted is accurate, complete, and current as of the date of its Bid.

27.2	The price under this Contract and any change order or modification hereunder, including profit or fee, shall be adjusted to exclude any significant price increases occurring because the Contractor furnished cost or price information which, as of the date of its Bid, was inaccurate, incomplete, or not current.

28.	Subcontracting; Assignment

The Contractor may not subcontract any of its obligations under this Contract without obtaining the prior written approval of the Procurement Officer, nor may the Contractor assign this Contract or any of its rights or obligations hereunder, without the prior written approval of the Procurement Officer, each at the State’s sole and absolute discretion; provided, however, that a Contractor may assign monies receivable under a contract after written notice to the State. Any subcontracts shall include such language as may be required in various clauses contained within this Contract, exhibits, and attachments. The Contract shall not be assigned until all approvals, documents, and affidavits are completed and properly registered. The State shall not be responsible for fulfillment of the Contractor’s obligations to its subcontractors.

29.	Limitations of Liability

29.1	Contractor shall be liable for any loss or damage to the State occasioned by the acts or omissions of Contractor, its subcontractors, agents or employees as follows:

(a)	For infringement of patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights as provided in Section 7 “Patents, Copyrights, Intellectual Property” of this Contract;

(b)	Without limitation for damages for bodily injury (including death) and damage to real property and tangible personal property; and

(c)	For all other claims, damages, loss, costs, expenses, suits or actions in any way related to this Contract and regardless of the basis on which the claim is made, Contractor’s liability shall not exceed <<two (2) >>times the total value of the Contract or $1,000,000, whichever is greater. The above limitation of liability is per incident. [[Include for IT contracts.]]

[[OR]]

(c)	For all other claims, damages, loss, costs, expenses, suits or actions in any way related to this Contract and regardless of the basis on which the claim is made, Contractor’s liability shall be unlimited. [[Include for non-IT contracts.]]

29.2	Contractor’s indemnification obligations for Third party claims arising under Section 10 (“Indemnification”) of this Contract are included in this limitation of liability only if the State is immune from liability. Contractor’s indemnification liability for third party claims arising under Section 10 of this Contract shall be unlimited if the State is not immune from liability for claims arising under Section 10.

29.3.	In no event shall the existence of a subcontract operate to release or reduce the liability of Contractor hereunder. For purposes of this Contract, Contractor agrees that all subcontractors are agents of Contractor and Contractor is responsible for performance of the services and compliance with the relevant obligations hereunder by its subcontractors.

30.	Commercial Nondiscrimination

30.1	As a condition of entering into this Contract, Contractor represents and warrants that it will comply with the State’s Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy, as described under Title 19 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. As part of such compliance, Contractor may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetic information or an individual’s refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available the results of a genetic test or on the basis of disability, or otherwise unlawful forms of discrimination in the solicitation, selection, hiring, or commercial treatment of subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, or commercial customers, nor shall Contractor retaliate against any person for reporting instances of such discrimination. Contractor shall provide equal opportunity for subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to participate in all of its public sector and private sector subcontracting and supply opportunities, provided that this clause does not prohibit or limit lawful efforts to remedy the effects of marketplace discrimination that have occurred or are occurring in the marketplace. Contractor understands that a material violation of this clause shall be considered a material breach of this Contract and may result in termination of this Contract, disqualification of Contractor from participating in State contracts, or other sanctions. This clause is not enforceable by or for the benefit of, and creates no obligation to, any third party.

30.3	As a condition of entering into this Contract, upon the request of the Commission on Civil Rights, and only after the filing of a complaint against Contractor under Title 19 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended from time to time, Contractor agrees to provide within 60 days after the request a complete list of the names of all subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers that Contractor has used in the past four (4) years on any of its contracts that were undertaken within the State of Maryland, including the total dollar amount paid by Contractor on each subcontract or supply contract. Contractor further agrees to cooperate in any investigation conducted by the State pursuant to the State Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy as set forth under Title 19 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, and to provide any documents relevant to any investigation that are requested by the State. Contractor understands that violation of this clause is a material breach of this Contract and may result in Contract termination, disqualification by the State from participating in State contracts, and other sanctions.

30.4	The Contractor shall include the language from 30.1, or similar clause approved in writing by the <<typeofAgency>>, in all subcontracts.

31.	Prompt Pay Requirements

31.1	If the Contractor withholds payment of an undisputed amount to its subcontractor, the <<typeofAgency>>, at its option and in its sole discretion, may take one or more of the following actions:

(a)	Not process further payments to the Contractor until payment to the subcontractor is verified;

(b)	Suspend all or some of the Contract work without affecting the completion date(s) for the Contract work;

(c)	Pay or cause payment of the undisputed amount to the subcontractor from monies otherwise due or that may become due to the Contractor;

(d)	Place a payment for an undisputed amount in an interest-bearing escrow account; or

(e)	Take other or further actions as appropriate to resolve the withheld payment.

31.2	An “undisputed amount” means an amount owed by the Contractor to a subcontractor for which there is no good faith dispute. Such “undisputed amounts” include, without limitation: (a) retainage which had been withheld and is, by the terms of the agreement between the Contractor and subcontractor, due to be distributed to the subcontractor; and (b) an amount withheld because of issues arising out of an agreement or occurrence unrelated to the agreement under which the amount is withheld.

31.3	An act, failure to act, or decision of a Procurement Officer or a representative of the <<typeofAgency>> concerning a withheld payment between the Contractor and a subcontractor under this section 31, may not:

(a)	Affect the rights of the contracting parties under any other provision of law;

(b)	Be used as evidence on the merits of a dispute between the <<typeofAgency>> and the Contractor in any other proceeding; or

(c)	Result in liability against or prejudice the rights of the <<typeofAgency>>.

31.4	The remedies enumerated above are in addition to those provided under COMAR 21.11.03.13 with respect to subcontractors that have contracted pursuant to the MBE program.

31.5	To ensure compliance with certified MBE subcontracting participation goals, the <<typeofAgency>>may, consistent with COMAR 21.11.03.13, take the following measures:

(a)	Verify that the certified MBEs listed in the MBE participation schedule actually are performing work and receiving compensation as set forth in the MBE participation schedule. This verification may include, as appropriate:

i.	Inspecting any relevant records of the Contractor;

ii.	Inspecting the jobsite; and

iii.	Interviewing subcontractors and workers.

Verification shall include a review of:

i.	The Contractor’s monthly report listing unpaid invoices over thirty (30) days old from certified MBE subcontractors and the reason for nonpayment; and

ii.	The monthly report of each certified MBE subcontractor, which lists payments received from the Contractor in the preceding thirty (30) days and invoices for which the subcontractor has not been paid.

(b)	If the <<typeofAgency>> determines that the Contractor is not in compliance with certified MBE participation goals, then the <<typeofAgency>> will notify the Contractor in writing of its findings, and will require the Contractor to take appropriate corrective action. Corrective action may include, but is not limited to, requiring the Contractor to compensate the MBE for work performed as set forth in the MBE participation schedule.

(c)	If the <<typeofAgency>> determines that the Contractor is in material noncompliance with MBE Contract provisions and refuses or fails to take the corrective action that the <<typeofAgency>> requires, then the <<typeofAgency>> may:

i.	Terminate the Contract;

ii.	Refer the matter to the Office of the Attorney General for appropriate action; or

iii.	Initiate any other specific remedy identified by the Contract, including the contractual remedies required by any applicable laws, regulations, and directives regarding the payment of undisputed amounts.

(d)	Upon completion of the Contract, but before final payment or release of retainage or both, the Contractor shall submit a final report, in affidavit form under the penalty of perjury, of all payments made to, or withheld from, MBE subcontractors.

32.	Living Wage

If a Contractor subject to the Living Wage law fails to submit all records required under COMAR 21.11.10.05 to the Commissioner of Labor and Industry at the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, the <<typeofAgency>> may withhold payment of any invoice or retainage. The <<typeofAgency>> may require certification from the Commissioner on a quarterly basis that such records were properly submitted.

33.	Use of Estimated Quantities

Unless specifically indicated otherwise in the State’s solicitation or other controlling documents related to the Scope of Work, any sample amounts provided are estimates only and the <<typeofAgency>> does not guarantee a minimum or maximum number of units or usage in the performance of this Contract.

34.	Risk of Loss; Transfer of Title

Risk of loss for conforming supplies, equipment, materials and Deliverables furnished to the State hereunder shall remain with the Contractor until such supplies, equipment, materials and Deliverables are received and accepted by the State, following which, title shall pass to the State.

35.	Effect of Contractor Bankruptcy

All rights and licenses granted by the Contractor under this Contract are and shall be deemed to be rights and licenses to “intellectual property,” and the subject matter of this Contract, including services, is and shall be deemed to be “embodiments of intellectual property” for purposes of and as such terms are used and interpreted under § 365(n) of the United States Bankruptcy Code (“Code”) (11 U.S.C. § 365(n) (2010)). The State has the right to exercise all rights and elections under the Code and all other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws with respect to this Contract (including all executory statements of works). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Contractor or its estate becomes subject to any bankruptcy or similar proceeding: (a) subject to the State’s rights of election, all rights and licenses granted to the State under this Contract shall continue subject to the respective terms and conditions of this Contract; and (b) the State shall be entitled to a complete duplicate of (or complete access to, as appropriate) all such intellectual property and embodiments of intellectual property, and the same, if not already in the State’s possession, shall be promptly delivered to the State, unless the Contractor elects to and does in fact continue to perform all of its obligations under this Contract.

36.	Miscellaneous

36.1	Any provision of this Contract which contemplates performance or observance subsequent to any termination or expiration of this Contract shall survive termination or expiration of this Contract and continue in full force and effect.

36.2	If any term contained in this Contract is held or finally determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, in whole or in part, such term shall be severed from this Contract, and the remaining terms contained herein shall continue in full force and effect, and shall in no way be affected, prejudiced, or disturbed thereby.

36.3	The headings of the sections contained in this Contract are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Contract.

36.4	This Contract may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signatures provided by facsimile or other electronic means, e,g, and not by way of limitation, in Adobe .PDF sent by electronic mail, shall be deemed to be original signatures.

37.	Contract Monitor and Procurement Officer

37.1	The State representative for this Contract who is primarily responsible for Contract administration functions, including issuing written direction, invoice approval, monitoring this Contract to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the Contract, monitoring MBE and VSBE compliance, and achieving completion of the Contract on budget, on time, and within scope. The Contract Monitor may authorize in writing one or more State representatives to act on behalf of the Contract Monitor in the performance of the Contract Monitor’s responsibilities. The <<typeofAgency>> may change the Contract Monitor at any time by written notice to the Contractor.

37.2	The Procurement Officer has responsibilities as detailed in the Contract, and is the only State representative who can authorize changes to the Contract. The <<typeofAgency>> may change the Procurement Officer at any time by written notice to the Contractor.

38.	Notices

All notices hereunder shall be in writing and either delivered personally or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, as follows:

If to the State:

<<contractMonitorName>>

<<contractManagerAddress>>

Phone Number: <<contractManagerPhoneNumber>>

E-Mail: <<contractManagere-mail>>

With a copy to:

<<procurementOfficerName>>

<<issuingAgencyName>> (<<ISSUINGAGENCYACRONYM>>)

<<procurementOfficerAddress>>

Phone Number: <<procurementOfficerPhoneNumber>>

E-Mail: <<procurementOfficerE-mail>>

If to the Contractor:

(Contractor’s Name)

(Contractor’s primary address)

Attn: __________________

[[Delete the following if a parent company guarantee is inapplicable:]]

Parent Company Guarantor

Contact: _______________________________

Attn: __________________

<<39.>>	Liquidated Damages for MBE

[[If there is no MBE goal for the Contract delete this section and its heading, renumbering any subsequent sections.]]

<<39.>>1	The Contract requires the Contractor to comply in good faith with the MBE Program and Contract provisions. The State and the Contractor acknowledge and agree that the State will incur damages, including but not limited to loss of goodwill, detrimental impact on economic development, and diversion of internal staff resources, if the Contractor does not comply in good faith with the requirements of the MBE Program and MBE Contract provisions. The parties further acknowledge and agree that the damages the State might reasonably be anticipated to accrue as a result of such lack of compliance are difficult to ascertain with precision.

<<39.>>2	Therefore, upon issuance of a written determination by the State that the Contractor failed to comply in good faith with one or more of the specified MBE Program requirements or MBE Contract provisions, the Contractor shall pay liquidated damages to the State at the rates set forth below. The Contractor expressly agrees that the State may withhold payment on any invoices as a set-off against liquidated damages owed. The Contractor further agrees that for each specified violation, the agreed upon liquidated damages are reasonably proximate to the loss the State is anticipated to incur as a result of such violation.

(a)	Failure to submit each monthly payment report in full compliance with COMAR 21.11.03.13B (3): $<<insert value>> per day until the monthly report is submitted as required.

(b)	Failure to include in its agreements with MBE subcontractors a provision requiring submission of payment reports in full compliance with COMAR 21.11.03.13B (4): $<<insert value>> per MBE subcontractor.

(c)	Failure to comply with COMAR 21.11.03.12 in terminating, canceling, or changing the scope of work/value of a contract with an MBE subcontractor and amendment of the MBE participation schedule: the difference between the dollar value of the MBE participation commitment on the MBE participation schedule for that specific MBE firm and the dollar value of the work performed by that MBE firm for the Contract.

(d)	Failure to meet the Contractor’s total MBE participation goal and sub goal commitments: the difference between the dollar value of the total MBE participation commitment on the MBE participation schedule and the MBE participation actually achieved.

(e)	Failure to promptly pay all undisputed amounts to an MBE subcontractor in full compliance with the prompt payment provisions of the Contract: $<<insert appropriate rate following calculation instructions from GOSBA>> per day until the undisputed amount due to the MBE subcontractor is paid. [[Remove this sub-clause if this Contract is subject to section 15-226 of the State Finance and Procurement Article – Construction Contracts – Prompt Payment of subcontractors.]]

<<39.>>2	Notwithstanding the assessment or availability of liquidated damages, the State reserves the right to terminate the Contract and exercise any and all other rights or remedies which may be available under the Contract or Law.

<<40.>>	Liquidated Damages for other than MBE

If the Contractor fails to deliver supplies or perform services within the specified time, they shall pay liquidated damages of $___ per calendar day of delay. In case of contract termination for default, the Contractor is liable for liquidated damages until the State obtains similar supplies or services. Liquidated damages should not be capped or limited to an amount less than the total potential assessment.

<<41.>>	Parent Company Guarantee (If applicable)

If a Contractor intends to rely on its Parent Company in some manner while performing on the State Contract, the following clause should be included and completed for the Contractor’s Parent Company to guarantee performance of the Contractor. The guarantor/Contractor’s Parent Company should be named as a party and signatory to the Contract and should be in good standing with SDAT.

(Corporate name of Contractor’s Parent Company) hereby guarantees absolutely the full, prompt, and complete performance by (Contractor) of all the terms, conditions and obligations contained in this Contract, as it may be amended from time to time, including any and all exhibits that are now or may become incorporated hereunto, and other obligations of every nature and kind that now or may in the future arise out of or in connection with this Contract, including any and all financial commitments, obligations, and liabilities. (Corporate name of Contractor’s Parent Company) may not transfer this absolute guaranty to any other person or entity without the prior express written approval of the State, which approval the State may grant, withhold, or qualify in its sole and absolute subjective discretion. (Corporate name of Contractor’s Parent Company) further agrees that if the State brings any claim, action, lawsuit or proceeding against (Contractor), (Corporate name of Contractor’s Parent Company) may be named as a party, in its capacity as Absolute Guarantor.

<<42.>>	Federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Exclusion Requirements

[[Keep this section if this Contract is for a federally-funded contracts involving healthcare entities or individuals, the employment of healthcare entities or individuals, or subcontracting with healthcare entities or individuals that may be named on the DHHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Otherwise, delete this section and its heading, renumbering any subsequent sections.]]

The Contractor agrees that it will comply with federal provisions (pursuant to §§ 1128 and 1156 of the Social Security Act and 42 C.F.R. 1001) that prohibit payments under certain federal health care programs to any individual or entity that is on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities maintained by DHHS. By executing this Contract, the Contractor affirmatively declares that neither it nor any employee is, to the best of its knowledge, subject to exclusion. The Contractor agrees, further, during the term of this Contract, to check the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities prior to hiring or assigning individuals to work on this Contract, and to notify the <<typeofAgency>> immediately of any identification of the Contractor or an individual employee as excluded, and of any DHHS action or proposed action to exclude the Contractor or any Contractor employee.

<<43.>>	Compliance with federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and State Confidentiality Law

[[If this Contract falls within the mandates of HIPAA, choose only 1 of the following options, otherwise, insert the following language and delete the remaining subsections.]]

HIPAA clauses do not apply to this Contract.

[[Medical Option 1 of 3 – Use this section when the Agency is not a covered entity. The blank at the beginning would reference any statutory requirement unique to the <<typeofAgency>> unit/program, or, if there is none, the first two sentences are combined to reference “any applicable law or regulation “as follows: “The Contractor agrees to keep information obtained in the course of this Contract confidential in compliance with any applicable State and federal regulation.”]]

The Contractor agrees to keep information obtained in the course of this Contract confidential in compliance with _________________________________________________________. The Contractor agrees further to comply with any applicable State and federal confidentiality requirements regarding collection, maintenance, and use of health, personally identifiable, and financial information. This includes, where appropriate, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 1320d et seq., and implementing regulations at 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164, and the Maryland Confidentiality of Medical Records Act (MCMRA), Md. Code Ann. Health-General §§ 4-301 et seq. This obligation includes providing training and information to employees regarding confidentiality obligations as to health, personally identifiable, and financial information and securing acknowledgement of these obligations from employees to be involved in the Contract. This obligation further includes restricting use and disclosure of the records, generally providing safeguards against misuse of information, keeping a record of any disclosures of information, providing all necessary procedural and legal protection for any disclosures of information, promptly responding to any requests by the <<typeofAgency>> for information about its privacy practices in general or with respect to a particular individual, modifying information as may be required by good professional practice as authorized by law, and otherwise providing good information management practices regarding all health, personally identifiable, and financial information.

[[OR –Option 2 of 3 – Use this confidentiality clause when the <<typeofAgency>> unit is a covered entity and the Contractor is not a business associate.]]

<<43.>>1	The Contractor acknowledges its duty to become familiar and comply, to the extent applicable, with all requirements of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 1320d et seq., and implementing regulations including 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164. The Contractor also agrees to comply with the Maryland Confidentiality of Medical Records Act (MCMRA), Md. Code Ann. Health-General §§ 4-301 et seq. This obligation includes:

(a)	As necessary, adhering to the privacy and security requirements for protected health information and medical records under HIPAA and MCMRA and making the transmission of all electronic information compatible with the HIPAA requirements;

(b)	Providing training and information to employees regarding confidentiality obligations as to health and financial information and securing acknowledgement of these obligations from employees to be involved in the Contract; and

(c)	Otherwise providing good information management practices regarding all health information and medical records.

<<43.>>2	If in connection with the procurement or at any time during the Term, the <<typeofAgency>> determines that functions to be performed in accordance with the scope of work set forth in the solicitation constitute business associate functions as defined in HIPAA, the Contractor acknowledges its obligation to execute a business associate agreement as required by HIPAA regulations at 45 C.F.R. 164.501 and in the form required by the <<typeofAgency>>.

<<43.>>3	“Protected Health Information” as defined in the HIPAA regulations at 45 C.F.R. 160.103 and 164.501, means information transmitted as defined in the regulations, that is: individually identifiable; created or received by a healthcare provider, health plan, public health authority, employer, life insurer, school or university, or healthcare clearinghouse; and related to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual, the provision of healthcare to an individual, or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of healthcare to an individual. The definition excludes certain education records as well as employment records held by a covered entity in its role as employer.

[[OR –Option 3 of 3 – Use this confidentiality clause when the <<typeofAgency>> unit is a covered entity and the Contractor is a business associate.]]

<<43.>>1	The Contractor acknowledges its duty to become familiar with and comply, to the extent applicable, with all requirements of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq., and implementing regulations including 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164. The Contractor also agrees to comply with the Maryland Confidentiality of Medical Records Act (MCMRA), Md. Code Ann. Health-General §§ 4-301 et seq. This obligation includes:

(a)	As necessary, adhering to the privacy and security requirements for protected health information and medical records under HIPAA and MCMRA and making the transmission of all electronic information compatible with the HIPAA requirements;

(b)	Providing training and information to employees regarding confidentiality obligations as to health and financial information and securing acknowledgement of these obligations from employees to be involved in the Contract; and

(c)	Otherwise providing good information management practices regarding all health information and medical records.

<<43.>>2	Based on the determination by the <<typeofAgency>> that the functions to be performed in accordance with the scope of work set forth in the solicitation constitute business associate functions as defined in HIPAA, the selected Bidder shall execute a business associate agreement as required by HIPAA regulations at 45 C.F.R. 164.504 and in the form as required by the <<typeofAgency>>.

<<43.>>3	“Protected Health Information” as defined in the HIPAA regulations at 45 C.F.R. 160.103 and 164.501, means information transmitted as defined in the regulations, that is individually identifiable; that is created or received by a healthcare provider, health plan, public health authority, employer, life insurer, school or university, or healthcare clearinghouse; and that is related to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual, to the provision of healthcare to an individual, or to the past, present, or future payment for the provision of healthcare to an individual. The definition excludes certain education records as well as employment records held by a covered entity in its role as employer.

<<44.>>	Hiring Agreement

[[Keep this section if this Contract might include employment by current and former Family Investment Program (“FIP”) recipients, their children, foster youth, and child support obligors (“Candidates”). The actual DHS Agreement must be included in the solicitation as Attachment O (see Section 1.43) Delete this clause if inapplicable, and revise the numbering of the clauses in this Contract accordingly. Otherwise, delete this section and its heading, renumbering any subsequent sections.]]

<<43.>>1	The Contractor agrees to execute and comply with the enclosed Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) Hiring Agreement (Attachment U). The Hiring Agreement is to be executed by the Bidder and delivered to the Procurement Officer within ten (10) Business Days following receipt of notice by the Bidder that it is being recommended for Contract award. The Hiring Agreement will become effective concurrently with the award of the Contract.

<<43.>>2	The Hiring Agreement provides that the Contractor and DHS will work cooperatively to promote hiring by the Contractor of qualified individuals for job openings resulting from this procurement, in accordance with Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article §13-224.

<<45.>>	Limited English Proficiency

[[Keep this section when there is the probability of customers with limited ability in speaking English. Delete this clause if inapplicable, and revise the numbering of the clauses in this Contract accordingly. Otherwise, delete this section and its heading, renumbering any subsequent sections.]]

The Contractor shall provide equal access to public services to individuals with limited English proficiency in compliance with Md. Code Ann., State Government Article, §§ 10-1101 et seq., and Policy Guidance issued by the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Health and Human Services, and MDH Policy 02.06.07.

<<46.>>	Maryland’s Green Purchasing Reporting Requirements

[[Keep this section if this Contract might include environmentally preferred products and services. Delete this clause if inapplicable, and revise the numbering of the clauses in this Contract accordingly. Otherwise, delete this section and its heading, renumbering any subsequent sections.]]

The State of Maryland reserves the right to request from the Contractor quarterly sales data over the life of this contract. This information must include details about the recycled content, third-party sustainability certifications, and other environmental attributes of products and services sold on this price agreement per the contract specifications.

This information will enable Maryland State agencies to comply with Article §14–405 of the Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR 21.13.01.14, effective October 1, 2014, which requires Maryland state agencies to report to the Department of General Services on their procurement of environmentally preferable products and services.

To facilitate consistent reporting on targeted contracts, the Contractor will be provided with a VENDOR GREEN SALES REPORT template by the Maryland Department of General Services.

SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE

IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties have executed this Contract as of the date hereinabove set forth.

Contractor: <<ContractorName>>	State of Maryland <<ISSUINGAGENCYNAME>> (<<ISSUINGAGENCYACRONYM>>)
By: <<Contractor Signer>>	By: <<agencyContractSigner>>, <<agencyContractSignerTitle>>
Date:	Date:
PARENT COMPANY (GUARANTOR) (if applicable)
By:
Date:
Witness/Attest:
Approved for form and legal sufficiency this ____ day of _____________, 20___. ______________________________________ Assistant Attorney General
[[If this solicitation requires BPW approval keep the text below, otherwise delete it.]]
APPROVED BY BPW: _________________ _____________ (Date) (BPW Item #)