Document Number
CONTRACTFORLEGALSERVICES
ThisContractforLegalServices(“Contract”),enteredintoasoftheDAYofMONTH, YEAR,byandbetweenNAMEOFLAWFIRM,hereinaftercalledthe“LawFirm”andthe CommonwealthofPennsylvania,actingbyandthroughtheNAMEOF DEPARTMENT/AGENCY, hereinafter called the “Department.”
WHEREAS,theDepartmenthasaneedforprofessionalandspecializedlegalservicesto represent the Departmentin matters described inAppendixA; and
WHEREAS,theLawFirmhasrepresentedthatitisqualifiedtoandhasagreedto perform such professional and specialized legal services.
NOW,THEREFORE,theDepartmentandtheLawFirm,withtheintentionofbeing legallybound, herebyagree as follows:
1.Definitions.The followingdefinitions shall applywhen used inthis Contract:
a.“GeneralCounsel”shallmeantheGovernor’sGeneralCounsel,whoservesas chieflegaladvisortotheGovernorandsupervises,coordinates,andadministersthelegal servicesforeachExecutiveAgencypursuanttotheCommonwealthAttorneysAct(71P.S.§§ 732-101 et seq.), orherdesignee.
b.“Department”shallmeantheNAMEOFDEPARTMENT/AGENCY,a governmentalentityoftheCommonwealthofPennsylvaniaundertheGovernor’sjurisdiction. TheNAMEOFDEPARTMENT/AGENCYOfficeofChiefCounselshallserveasthemain contact forall referencesto “Department”in this Contract.
c.“EffectiveDate”shallmean:a)thedatetheContracthasbeenfullyexecutedby theLawFirmandbytheCommonwealthandallapprovalsrequiredbyCommonwealth contracting procedures havebeenobtainedorb)thedatereferencedintheContract,whicheveris later.TheContractshallnotbealegallybindingcontractuntilafteracopyofthefully-executed Contract and a NoticetoProceed havebeen sent to theLawFirm.
d.“NoticetoProceed”shallmeanawrittennoticesenttotheLawFirmstatingthat thecontracthasbeenfullyexecutedandthattheLawFirmmaycommenceperformance.The DepartmentshallsendaNoticetoProceedtotheLawFirmeitherviaU.S.Mailorvia email,and the Department shall send a fullyexecuted copyofthe contract with thenoticeto proceed.
e.“Guidelines”shallmeantheRetentionGuidelinesforOutsideCounsel promulgatedbytheOfficeofGeneralCounsel(“OGC”),settingforthOGCpoliciesand procedures. TheGuidelinesareattachedtothisContractasAppendixJ,andareincorporated
intothisContractasifsetforthfullyherein. IncaseofaconflictbetweenthisContractandthe Guidelines, theContractshall control.
2.Services.TheLawFirmshallperformtheservicesdescribedinAppendixAof this Contract.
3.Compensation.TheLawFirmshallbecompensatedbytheDepartmentforthe servicescontractedfor[uptoacurrentlyestimatedtotalcostof$AMOUNT/inanamount nottoexceed$AMOUNT],inaccordancewiththeprovisionsestablishedinAppendicesBand C ofthis Contract.
4.Term ofContract.
a.ThetermofthisContractshallcommenceontheEffectiveDateandshallendon
TERMINATION DATE, subject to theotherprovisions ofthis Contract.
b.Exceptasotherwisespecificallyprovidedforherein,theCommonwealthof Pennsylvania,including theDepartment,shallnotbeliabletopay theLawFirmforanyservices or work performed or expenses incurred beforethe Effective DateoftheContract.
c.WiththeapprovaloftheGeneralCounsel,theDepartmentandtheLawFirmmay extendthetermofthisContractatanytimeduringthetermoftheContractoranyrenewalsor extensions thereofpursuant to Paragraph 9 ofthisContract.
d.IftheservicestobeprovidedbytheLawFirmhereunderhavebeenapprovedby theDepartmentofGeneralServicesasanemergencyprocurementuntilfullexecutionofthis Contract,theLawFirmmayprovidetheseservicesbaseduponsuchemergencyapproval.Upon fullexecutionofthisContract,allservicesprovidedduringtheperiodbetweenthedateof emergencyapprovalandtheEffectiveDateoftheContractshallbemergedintoandcoveredby theterms ofthis Contract.
5.Billing. TheLawFirm shall submit monthlyinvoices to theDepartment for servicesperformedduringeachbillingperiod.Invoicesshallbeforwardedtothefollowing contact andaddress:
CONTACT NAME
OfficeofChiefCounsel
NAME OF DEPARTMENT/AGENCY ADDRESS
CITY, STATE ZIPCODE
a.Eachinvoiceshallbeundercoverofaletteronlawfirmletterheadanditemized listingtheservicesperformedbyattorneyandlegalassistantbydate,byhoursworked,andby rateandshallgenerallyfollowtheformatappearinginAppendixDofthisContract.The followinginformationmustbeincludedonallinvoices.Failuretoincludethisinformationwill result in return oftheinvoice and arequest foranewinvoice:
(1)Funds Commitment Number;
(2)Invoice Date;
(3)Service Dates (i.e., startand end datesforservices covered byinvoice);
(4)Invoice Number;
(5)Gross/Total Amount.
b.Theamountshownoneachinvoiceforlaborcostsshallbeinaccordancewiththe rates set forth in AppendixBofthis Contract.
c.Theinvoicesshallalsolistnon-laborcostssuchasthoseincurredfortravel,food, and lodging, as describedin AppendixC ofthisContract.
d.TheDepartmentagreestopaytheLawFirmfortravel,mealcosts,andlodging costsforwhichsupportingdocumentationisprovided,inreasonableamountsincurredin connectionwithperformanceofservicesundertheContract,asdescribedinAppendixCofthis Contract.
e.TheDepartmentwilluseitsbestefforttomakepaymentsoninvoiceswithin45 days oftheirreceipt, in final form.
f.All invoices shall contain astatement that reads substantiallyas follows:
TheLawFirmherebycertifiesthattheservicessuppliedandexpensesincurredasstated intheattachedinvoicehavemetalloftherequiredstandardssetforthin theContractfor Legal Services.
g.AllinvoicesoraccompanyinglettersoftransmittalshallbesignedbytheLaw Firm and shall set out theLawFirm‘s federal employeridentification number.
6.Consultation.TheLawFirmshallconsultwithandkeeptheGeneralCounseland theDepartmentfullyinformedastotheprogressofallmatterscoveredbythisContract.The LawFirmshallconsultandcooperatewith,andshallberesponsibledirectlyto,theGeneral Counsel,theDepartment,andotherofficialsasdesignated by theGeneralCounselonallmatters ofstrategyandtactics.ThedutyoftheLawFirmshallbetoadvise,counsel,andrecommend actionstotheDepartmentandtheGeneralCounselortheotherofficialsdesignatedbyher,and tocarryouttothebestofitsabilitytheirdirections.TheLawFirmwillnotmakeanyoffer, settlement,orcompromisewithoutthewrittenconsentoftheGeneralCounsel.TheLawFirm shalloffertheGeneralCounseltheopportunitytoreviewcourtdocumentsandbriefspriorto filing.TheLawFirmshallpromptlyfurnishtheGeneralCounselwithcopiesofall correspondenceandallcourtdocumentsandbriefspreparedinconnectionwiththeservices renderedunderthisContractandsuchadditionaldocumentsasmayberequested.Upon notificationofitsavailabilitybytheGeneralCounsel,theLawFirmshallmakeallofitswork productpreparedinconnectionwiththeservicesrenderedunderthisContract,andotherparties’ pleadings,discovery,correspondence,andotherrelevantdocumentsandmaterials,availableto
theGeneralCounselviatheOGCLawNetextranetinPDForotherformatacceptabletothe General Counsel.
7.Subcontracting, KeyPersonnel, and Experts.Subcontracting,assignment,or transferofallorpartoftheinterestoftheLawFirminthisContractorintheworkcoveredby thisContractisprohibitedwithoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheGeneralCounsel.Inthe eventsuchconsentisgiven,thetermsandconditionsofthisContractshallapplytoandbindthe partyorpartiestowhomsuchworkissubcontracted,assigned,ortransferredasfullyand completelyastheLawFirmisherebyboundand obligatedandtheLawFirmshallobtainwritten acknowledgementthereoffromallsubcontractorsandexpertssoengaged.TheLawFirm,with respecttoanyreplacementofkeypersonnelassignedtothismatter,shallconsultwiththe Department.TheDepartment’sconsenttotheproposedassignmentisrequired,andmaynotbe withheldunreasonably.Notwithstandingtheforegoing,theLawFirmmay,withthepriorwritten approvaloftheGeneralCounsel,engageexpertsinvariousfieldsrelatedtothesubjectmatterof thisContracttoassisttheLawFirmintheperformanceofitsservicesunderthisContract.The hourlyrates,fees,orothercompensationtobepaidtosuchexpertsshallalsobesubjecttothe approvaloftheGeneralCounsel.Approvedcompensationofsuchexperts,asincurred,shallbe includedintheLawFirm’sinvoicespresentedpursuanttotheprovisionsofParagraph5ofthis Contract,withoutaddition,surcharge, orincreasebytheLawFirmoftheactualfeesbilledtothe LawFirmbysuchexperts.ThetermsandconditionsofthisContractincluding,butnotlimited to,theprovisionsofAppendicesCandD,shallapplytoandbindthesubcontractorsorexperts engagedasfullyandcompletelyastheLawFirmisherebyboundandobligatedandtheLaw Firmshallobtainwrittenacknowledgementthereoffromallsubcontractorsorexpertsso engaged.
8.OwnershipRights.Alldocuments,data,andrecordsproducedbytheLawFirm andanyexpertsincarryingouttheobligationsandserviceshereunder,withoutlimitationand whetherpreliminaryorfinal,areand shall becomeandremain thepropertyofthe Commonwealth.
a.TheCommonwealthshallhavetherighttouseallsuchdocuments,data,and recordswithoutrestrictionorlimitationandwithoutadditionalcompensationtotheLawFirm and anyexperts and theLawFirmand anyexperts shall haveno right orinterest therein.
b.UponcompletionoftheserviceshereunderorattheterminationofthisContract, allsuchdocuments,data,andrecordsshall,ifrequestedbytheGeneralCounselorthe Department,beappropriatelyarranged,indexed,anddeliveredtotheGeneralCounselorthe Department bytheLawFirm.
c.Anydocuments,data,andrecordsgiventoorpreparedbytheLawFirmandany subcontractorsorexpertsunderthisContractshallnotbemadeavailabletoanyindividualor organizationbytheLawFirmoranysubcontractorsorexpertswithoutthepriorapprovalofthe GeneralCounsel.AnyinformationsecuredbytheLawFirmandanysubcontractorsorexperts fromtheCommonwealthinconnectionwithcarryingouttheservicesunderthisContractshall bekeptconfidentialunlessdisclosureofsuchinformationisapprovedinwritingbytheGeneral Counsel oris directed bya court orothertribunalof competent jurisdiction.
d.NotwithstandingtheprovisionsofParagraph8ofthisContract,theLawFirm mayretain copies ofdocuments delivered to theGeneral Counsel orto the Department.
9.ModificationorChanges.WiththeapprovaloftheGeneralCounsel,the DepartmentandtheLawFirmmaymakemodificationstothisContractatanytimeduringthe termoftheContractoranyrenewalsorextensionsthereof.Changesregardingfundingofa ContractthatreferstothetotalestimatedamountoftheContractassetforthinparagraph3may beaccomplishedviaafundingadjustmentpursuanttoCommonwealthprocedures.Changes regarding funding ofaContractthatstatesanamountnot toexceedassetforthinparagraph3,or achangeinContractlength,maybeaccomplishedbyaletterofmutualconsentsignedbythe DepartmentandtheLawFirm. Allotherchangestocontractterms,includingchangesinthe scopeofwork,mustbeincorporatedintoaformalwrittenamendmenttothisContract,signedby bothparties,andexecutedinthesamemannerasthisoriginalContractandinaccordancewith applicablelaw.
10.ConflictofInterest.TheLawFirmrepresentsandwarrantsthatithasno conflicting representationthathasnotbeenfully disclosedtoandwaivedbythe GeneralCounsel andshallnotundertakeanyrepresentationthatconflictswiththeperformanceoftheservicesor obligationsunderthisContractunlesssuchconflictingrepresentationhasbeenfullydisclosedto andwaivedbytheGeneralCounsel.Anyconflictingrepresentationshallbepromptlydisclosed totheGeneralCounsel.TheGeneralCounselshalldeterminewhethersuchconflictiscausefor terminationofthisContract.Theprocessforobtainingconflictwaiversismorefullydescribed intheOfficeofGeneralCounselConflictWaiverProcedure,whichisattachedasAppendixEof this Contract.
11.InabilitytoPerform.TheLawFirmagreesthatif,becauseofdeathoranyother occurrencebeyondthecontroloftheLawFirm,itbecomesimpossibleforanyprincipalor principals and,in particular, theprincipalsassigned to this project, to rendertheservices setforth inthisContract,neithertheLawFirmnorthesurvivingprincipalsshallberelievedoftheir obligationstocompleteperformancehereunder.TheLawFirmshall,withrespecttoany replacementprincipalproposedtobeassignedtothismatter,consultwiththeGeneralCounsel. TheGeneralCounsel’sconsenttotheproposedreplacementisrequiredandmay notbewithheld unreasonably.
12.LicensetoAppear.TheLawFirmrepresentsandwarrantsthatattorneysinvolved in this representation aredulylicensedand ingood standing to practicebeforethejudicial forum, court,board,ortribunalbeforewhichtheywillappearorpracticeonbehalfofthe Commonwealth.TheLawFirm,subjecttoapprovalbytheGeneralCounsel,mayobtaina subcontractortoactasco-counselwhereappearanceby theDepartmentisrequiredinaforumor jurisdictionwhereitsattorneysarenotlicensedtopractice,provided,however,thatthefirm’s useofthesubcontractorin that circumstanceis subject to Paragraph 7ofthis Contract.
13.IndependentContractor.InperformingtheservicesrequiredbythisContract,the LawFirmwillactasanindependentcontractorandnotasanemployeeoragentofthe Commonwealth.
14.TerminationProvisions.TheCommonwealthhastherighttoterminatethis Contractforanyofthefollowingreasons.Terminationshallbeeffectiveuponwrittennoticeto theLawFirm.
a.TerminationforConvenience.TheCommonwealthshallhavetherightto terminatethisContractforitsconvenienceiftheCommonwealthdeterminesterminationtobein itsbestinterest.TheLawFirmshallbepaidforworksatisfactorilycompletedpriortothe effectivedateofthetermination,butinnoevent shalltheLawFirm beentitledtorecoverlossof profits.
b.Non-Appropriation.TheCommonwealth’sobligationtomakepaymentsduring anyCommonwealthfiscalyearsucceedingthecurrentfiscalyearshallbesubjecttoavailability andappropriationoffunds.Whenfunds(stateand/orfederal)arenotappropriatedorotherwise madeavailabletosupportcontinuationofperformanceinasubsequentfiscalyearperiod,the CommonwealthshallhavetherighttoterminatethisContract.TheLawFirmshallbe reimbursedforthereasonablevalueofanynonrecurringcostsincurredbutnotamortizedinthe priceofthesuppliesorservicesdeliveredunderthisContract.Suchreimbursementshallnot includelossofprofit,lossofuseofmoney,oradministrativeoroverheadcosts.The reimbursement amountmaybepaid fromanyappropriations availableforthat purpose.
c.TerminationforCause.TheCommonwealthshallhavetherighttoterminatethis ContractforLawFirmdefaultuponwrittennoticetotheLawFirm.TheCommonwealthshall alsohavetheright,uponwrittennoticetotheLawFirm,toterminatetheContractforother causeasspecifiedinthisContractorbylaw.IfitislaterdeterminedthattheCommonwealth erredinterminating theContractfor cause,then,attheCommonwealth’sdiscretion,theContract shall bedeemed to havebeen terminatedfor convenienceunderSubparagraph 14.a.
15.IntegrationClause.ThisContract,includingallreferenceddocuments,constitutes theentireagreementbetweentheparties.Termsusedinappendicesheretoshallhavethesame meaningsasareascribedtheretointhisContractunlessotherwisedefinedtherein.Noagent, representative,employee,orofficerofeithertheCommonwealthortheLawFirmhasauthority tomake,orhasmade,anystatement,agreement,orrepresentation,oralorwritten,inconnection withtheContract,whichinanyway canbedeemedtomodify,addto,detractfrom,orotherwise changeoralteritstermsandconditions.Nonegotiationsbetweentheparties,noranycustomor usage,shallbepermittedtomodifyorcontradictany ofthetermsandconditionsoftheContract. No modifications, alterations, changes, or waiverto theContract or anyofits terms shall bevalid orbindingunless accomplished pursuant to Paragraph 9 ofthis Contract.
16.Nondiscrimination/SexualHarassment.TheLawFirmshallcomplywithall applicableprovisionsofstateandfederalconstitutions,laws,regulations,andjudicialorders pertainingtonondiscrimination,sexualharassment,andequalemploymentopportunity, includingtheprovisionsoftheNondiscrimination/SexualHarassmentClause,whichisattached hereto as AppendixFand incorporated byreference.
17.IntegrityProvisions.TheLawFirmagreestocomplywiththeIntegrity Provisions, which are attached hereto asAppendixG and incorporated byreference.
18.Responsibility Provisions.TheLawFirmagreestocomplywiththe ResponsibilityProvisions,whichareattachedheretoasAppendixHandincorporatedby reference.
19.TheAmericansWithDisabilitiesAct.TheLawFirmagreestocomplywithThe AmericansWithDisabilitiesActProvisions,whichareattached heretoasAppendixIand incorporated byreference.
20.AuditProvisions.TheCommonwealthshallhavetheright,atreasonabletimes andatasitedesignated by theCommonwealth,toauditthebooks,documents,andrecords ofthe LawFirmtotheextentthatthebooks,documents,andrecordsrelatetofees,costs,orpricing dataforthisContract.TheLawFirmagreestomaintainrecordsthatwillsupportthefees chargedand costs incurred forthis Contract.
TheLawFirmshallpreservebooks,documents,andrecordsthatrelatetofees,costs,or pricingdataforthisContractforaperiodofthreeyearsfromthedateoffinalpayment hereunder.TheLawFirmshallgivefullandfreeaccesstoallrecordstotheCommonwealth and/orits authorized representatives.
21.OffsetProvision.TheLawFirmagreesthattheCommonwealthmaysetoffthe amountofanystatetaxliabilityorotherobligationoftheLawFirmoritssubsidiariestothe CommonwealthagainstanypaymentsduetheLawFirmunderanycontractwiththe Commonwealth.
22.Indemnity.TheLawFirmshallindemnifyanddefendtheCommonwealthfrom andagainstanyandallclaims,demands,actions,liabilities,losses,costs,andexpenses, includingbutnotlimitedtoreasonableattorneysandotherfees,assertedbythirdparties (“Claims”),whichClaimsarecausedbyorarisefrominjuriesordamagessustainedbysuch thirdpartiesresultingorarisingfromanynegligentactoromissionorintentionallywrongfulact oftheLawFirmoranyofitsofficers,agents,employeesand/orrepresentativesinrelationto professionalservicesprovidedtotheCommonwealthby theLawFirmunderthisContract.This indemnityprovisionshallnotapplytoClaimsforwhichpaymentisavailableundertheLaw Firm’s professional liabilityinsurancepolicies.
23.Insurance.TheLawFirmrepresentsandwarrantsthatitcarriesmalpractice insuranceintheamountusualandcustomaryforfirmsofitssizeandpracticeareas,subjectto normaldeductibles,andcovenantsthatitwillmaintainsuchcoveragethroughoutits representation oftheCommonwealth.
24.Notice.Any writtennoticetotheDepartmentunderthisContractshallbedeemed sufficientifdeliveredtotheDepartmentpersonally,orbyfacsimile,telecopy,electronicor digitaltransmission(providedsuchdeliveryisconfirmed),orbyarecognizedovernightcourier service(e.g.,UPS,FedEx,etc.),withconfirmedreceipt,orbycertifiedorregisteredUnited
Statesmail,postageprepaid,returnreceiptrequested,senttotheaddresssetforthbeloworto such other address as such partymaydesignatebynoticegiven pursuant tothis section:
CHIEFCOUNSEL NAME
ChiefCounsel
NAME OF DEPARTMENT/AGENCY ADDRESS
CITY, STATE ZIPCODE
with a copyto:
The Honorable DeniseJ. Smyler General Counsel
Main Capitol Building, Room 225 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania17120-0020
Any writtennoticetotheLawFirmunderthisContractshallbedeemedsufficientifdeliveredto theLawFirmpersonally,orbyfacsimile,telecopy,electronicordigitaltransmission(provided suchdeliveryisconfirmed),orbyarecognizedovernightcourierservice(e.g.,UPS,FedEx, etc.),withconfirmedreceipt,orbycertifiedorregisteredUnitedStatesmail,postageprepaid, returnreceiptrequested,senttotheaddresssetforthbelowortosuchotheraddressassuchparty maydesignatebynoticegiven pursuant to this section:
CONTACT NAME, Esquire LAW FIRM NAME ADDRESS
CITY, STATE ZIPCODE
25.ContractControversies.Intheeventofacontroversyorclaimarisingfromthis Contract,theLawFirmmust,withinsixmonthsafterthecauseofactionaccrues,fileawritten noticeofthecontroversyorclaimwiththeGeneralCounselforadetermination.TheGeneral Counsel shall sendawritten determination totheLawFirm. ThedecisionoftheGeneral Counsel shallbefinalandconclusiveunless,within15daysafterreceiptofsuchwrittendetermination, theLawFirmfilesaclaimwiththeCommonwealthBoardofClaims.Pendingafinaljudicial resolutionofacontroversy orclaim,theLawFirmshallproceeddiligentlywiththeperformance ofthisContractinamannerconsistentwiththeinterpretationoftheGeneralCounsel,andthe Commonwealth shall compensatetheLawFirm pursuant to theterms ofthis Contract.
26.ApplicableLaw.ThisContractshallbegovernedbyandinterpretedandenforced inaccordancewiththelawsoftheCommonwealthofPennsylvania(withoutregardtoany conflictoflawsprovisions)andthedecisionsofthePennsylvaniacourts.TheLawFirmconsents tothejurisdictionofanycourtoftheCommonwealthofPennsylvaniaandanyfederalcourtsin Pennsylvania,waivinganyclaimordefensethatsuchforumisnotconvenientorproper.The LawFirmagreesthatanysuchcourtshallhaveinpersonamjurisdictionoveritandconsentsto serviceofprocess in anymanner authorized byPennsylvanialaw.
INWITNESSWHEREOF,theCommonwealthofPennsylvania,actingbyandthrough theNAMEOFDEPARTMENT/AGENCY,andNAMEOFLAWFIRMhavecausedthis Contract to be executed on thedate andyearfirst above written.
NAME OFLAWFIRMCOMMONWEALTH OFPENNSYLVANIA,
actingbyand through
DEPARTMENT NAME
By: Title:
By:
NAME TITLE
Date:
Date:
Federal EmployerID#:
APPROVED AS TO FORM ANDLEGALITY
ChiefCounselDateSenior DeputyGeneral CounselDate
DEPARTMENT
Executive DeputyAttorneyGeneral Date
FISCAL APPROVAL BY COMPTROLLEROPERATIONS
This document is approved for fiscal responsibilityand budgetaryappropriateness, the availabilityoffunds.
Comptroller OperationsDate
APPENDIXA DESCRIPTIONOFSERVICES
1.TheLawFirmshallrepresenttheCommonwealthofPennsylvania,inmatters relatingtoDESCRIPTIONOFSERVICES,TOINCLUDEIDENTIFICATIONOF DEPARTMENT(S).
2.TheLawFirmshallconsultwiththeGeneralCounselandtheDepartmenton legalissuesinvolvedinthemattersreferredtoinParagraph1ofthisAppendixandinother matters requested bytheGeneral Counsel ortheDepartment.
3.TheGeneralCounselreservestherighttorepresenttheCommonwealthinany specific claims and determinations as she, in hersolejudgment, might determine.
APPENDIXB BILLINGRATE INFORMATION
APPENDIXC COMPENSATION
TheDepartmentshallpaytheLawFirmfortheservicesunderthis Contractand reimbursementoftheLawFirm’seligiblecosts.TheContractprovidesforcompensationof theLawFirm’sfeesandcostsuptotheamountof$AMOUNT.Paymentsofadditional amountsmaybemade,andcontinuedperformancebytheLawFirmwillberequiredpursuant to Paragraph 9 ofthis Contract.
1.TheLawFirmshallbereimbursedforallreasonable,actual,directlaborcosts incurredinfulfillingthetermsofthisContractinaccordancewiththeratesestablishedin Paragraphs 3and 5 andAppendicesB, C, and Jofthis Contract.
2.TheLawFirmshallbereimbursedforallreasonable,actual,ordinary,and necessarydirectnon-laborcostsincurredinfulfillingthetermsofthisContract,subjectto specificlimitationssuchasthosesetforthintheGuidelinesandParagraph5ofthisContract including, but not limited to, the following:
a.Reasonable,actual,ordinary,andnecessaryexpensesfortravel,meals,and lodgingincurredbytheLawFirmtofulfilltheLawFirm’sobligationsunderthisContract. TheLawFirmshallretainallreceiptsthereofandshallprovidecopiestotheDepartmentif requested.Mileagereimbursementshallbemadeinaccordancewiththetravelregulations applicabletotheCommonwealthfortheuseofpersonally ownedmotorvehicles.Expensesfor lodgingandmealsshallbereimbursedatrateslimitedtothesingle-occupancyrateatthe nearestHolidayInnorothermajormoderatelypricedhotelormotelchainandtheamountof reimbursementformealsshallbelimitedtothepriceofamoderately-pricedmealatthathotel ormotel. No reimbursement shall be allowed foranyalcoholicbeverages.
b.Reasonable, actual, ordinary, and necessaryexpenses for:
(1)Communications,includingtelephone,facsimiletransmissions,telegraph, postage,parcel post, andfreight and package express;
(2)Photocopiesmadeby theLawFirm“inhouse,”tobereimbursedatthemaximum rateof$.15 perpage;
(3)Otherreproductioncosts(including,butnotlimitedto,photographs,photocopies, prints, and offset work);and
(4)Document control andanalysis contractedfor withoutside firms.
TheLawFirmshallretainallreceiptstheretoandshall,uponrequestofthe Department, provide anynecessarydocumentation.
c.Reasonable,actual,ordinary,andnecessaryexpensesforotherspecificmaterials requiredforandusedsolelyinthefulfillmentofthisContract.TheLawFirmshallretainall
receipts thereto and shall, upon request of the Department, provide any necessary documentation.
3.Travel,meals,lodging,andotherdirectnon-laborcostswhichtheLawFirm expectstoincurunderthisContractoutsideoftheCommonwealthofPennsylvania,withthe exceptionoftelephone,mailing,andothersimilarcommunicationexpenses,shallrequirethe priorapprovaloftheGeneralCounsel,whichapprovalshallnotbeunreasonablywithheld. PriorapprovalbytheGeneralCounseloftraveltobeundertakenbytheLawFirmoutsideof theCommonwealthofPennsylvaniaasanincidentoftheLawFirm’sperformanceofservices underthisContractshallconstituteapprovalfortheLawFirmtoincurreasonable,actual, ordinary,andnecessaryexpensesfortravel,meals,lodging,andotherordinaryandnecessary directnon-laborcosts.TheLawFirmshallretainallreceiptsandshall,uponrequestofthe Department, provide anynecessarydocumentation.
4.TheLawFirmshallrequireapprovalby theGeneralCounsel beforeincurringany extraordinaryorunusualexpenses.
5.TheLawFirmshalladvisetheGeneralCounselandtheDepartmentwhendirect laborandothercostsreach50%oftheamountinitiallyencumberedforperformanceofthis Contract and also 50%ofanyamount encumbered byanyamendment.
APPENDIXD INVOICE FORMAT (SUMMARY)
LAWFIRM:(LAWFIRM)
ADDRESS:(ADDRESS)
PHONE:(PHONE)
COMMONWEALTH OFPENNSYLVANIA(CLIENT#): (MATTER #) (FUNDS COMMITMENT#)
(DEPARTMENT)DATE:(DATE)
(DEPARTMENT ADDRESS)INVOICENO.: (INVOICE#)
ATTN:(NAMEOFCHIEFCOUNSELOR ATTORNEYMONITORING THE SERVICES PERFORMED)
REGARDING:(MATTER)
TOTALFEES FOR PROFESSIONALSERVICES RENDERED FROM (DATE) THROUGH (DATE)
$(TOTALFEES)
TOTALEXPENSE ADVANCES MADE TOYOUR ACCOUNT FROM (DATE) THROUGH (DATE)
$(TOTALEXPENSEADVANCES)
BALANCEDUE:$(GRAND TOTAL) FEDERALEMPLOYERI.D. NO. (FEDERALI.D. NUMBER)
(RESPONSIBLEATTORNEY ATLAWFIRM)on behalfof(LAWFIRM)herebycertifies that theservices suppliedand expenses incurred asstated in the attached invoicehavemet all ofthe required standardsset forth in theContract forLegal Services.
(SIGNATURE)
APPENDIXD INVOICE FORMAT (TIME DETAIL)
LAWFIRM:(LAWFIRM)
ADDRESS:(ADDRESS)
PHONE:(PHONE)
COMMONWEALTH OFPENNSYLVANIA(CLIENT#): (MATTER #) (FUNDS COMMITMENT#)
(DEPARTMENT)DATE:(DATE)
(DEPARTMENT ADDRESS)INVOICENO.: (INVOICE#)
ATTN:(NAMEOFCHIEFCOUNSELOR ATTORNEYMONITORING THE SERVICES PERFORMED)
REGARDING:(MATTER)
TOTALFEES FOR PROFESSIONALSERVICES RENDEREDFROM(DATE)THROUGH (DATE)
DATE / HOURS / DESCRIPTIONOFSERVICES / ATTORNEYAPPENDIXD INVOICE FORMAT (TIME SUMMARY)
LAWFIRM:(LAWFIRM)
ADDRESS:(ADDRESS)
PHONE:(PHONE)
COMMONWEALTH OFPENNSYLVANIA(CLIENT#): (MATTER #) (FUNDS COMMITMENT#)
(DEPARTMENT)DATE:(DATE)
(DEPARTMENT ADDRESS)INVOICENO.: (INVOICE#)
ATTN:(NAMEOFCHIEFCOUNSELOR ATTORNEYMONITORING THE SERVICES PERFORMED)
REGARDING:(MATTER)
TOTALFEES FOR PROFESSIONALSERVICES RENDEREDFROM(DATE)THROUGH (DATE)
ATTORNEY / RATE / HOURS / TOTALTOTAL:
APPENDIXD INVOICE FORMAT (COSTS)
LAWFIRM:(LAWFIRM)
ADDRESS:(ADDRESS)
PHONE:(PHONE)
COMMONWEALTH OFPENNSYLVANIA(CLIENT#): (MATTER #) (FUNDS COMMITMENT#)
(DEPARTMENT)DATE:(DATE)
(DEPARTMENT ADDRESS)INVOICENO.: (INVOICE#)
ATTN:(NAMEOFCHIEFCOUNSELOR ATTORNEYMONITORING THE SERVICES PERFORMED)
REGARDING:(MATTER)
TOTALFEES FOR PROFESSIONALSERVICES RENDEREDFROM(DATE)THROUGH (DATE)
DATE / DESCRIPTIONOFEXPENSE ADVANCES / AMOUNTTOTAL:
APPENDIXE
OFFICE OFGENERAL COUNSEL CONFLICT WAIVER PROCEDURE
(January2015)
1.OGC’sstandardContractforLegalServicesrequiresthelawyerorlawfirm (hereinafter“lawfirm”)todisclosepromptlyanyconflictingrepresentation,unlessit hasbeenotherwisewaived.(SeetheattachedparagraphfromtheContractforLegal Services.)Failuretodiscloseaconflictorundertakingaconflictingrepresentation without obtaininga waiveris causefortermination ofthe contract.
2.Thelaw firm’srequest fora waivershall besubmitted in writingto theChiefCounsel of eachagencythelawfirm represents, with a contemporaneous copyto theSenior DeputyGeneral Counselfor Administration.Requests shall bein letter form, but maybesent electronicallyin PDF format.
3.The waiver request shall:
a.Identifyall existingrepresentations ofCommonwealth agencies;
b.Describethenatureofthe conflict;
c.Set forth themeasures thelaw firm will taketo protect theCommonwealth, its agencies, officials oremployees from anyprejudiceordetriment ifthe conflict is waived, and
d.Statethat theotherpartythelaw firm represents orseeks to represent hasgranted a waiver(orawaiverhasbeen sought, and ifsought, asecond written noticeof thegrantingofsuch waivershall beprovided).
4.EachaffectedChiefCounselshallanalyzetherequestandsubmithisorher recommendationtoapproveordisapprovetherequesttotheSeniorDeputyGeneral CounselforAdministration,withsupportinglegalanalysis,includinganyapplicable references to theRules ofProfessional Conduct.
5.TheGeneralCounselor,upondesignation,theSeniorDeputyGeneralCounselfor Administration,willmakeallwaiverdecisionsandissuealettertothelawfirm approvingordisapprovingthewaiverrequest.
6.ThedecisioninamattershallnotbebindingontheGeneralCounselwithrespectto futurematters unless theGeneral Counsel so states.
7.Each affected ChiefCounsel will receivea copyofthe General Counsel’s letter.
8.A file foreach waiverrequest and the resolutionof eachrequest will bemaintained in the Officeof General Counsel.
Conflict ofInterest Provision
Conflict ofInterest. TheLawFirmrepresents andwarrants that it has no conflicting representation that has not been fullydisclosed to and waived bytheGeneral Counsel and shall not undertake anyrepresentation that conflicts with theperformanceoftheservices or obligations underthis Contract unless such conflictingrepresentation has been fullydisclosed to and waived bytheGeneral Counsel.Anyconflictingrepresentation shall bepromptlydisclosed to the General Counsel.The General Counsel shall determine whethersuch conflict is causefor termination ofthis Contract.
APPENDIXF NONDISCRIMINATION/SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAUSE
(dated 4/5/13)
Duringtheterm ofthisContract, theLawFirm agrees asfollows:
1.Inthehiringofanyemployeesforthemanufactureofsupplies,performanceof work,oranyotheractivityrequiredunderthisContractoranysubcontract,theLawFirm, subcontractor,oranypersonactingonbehalfoftheLawFirmorsubcontractor,shallnot,by reasonofgender,race,creed,orcolor,discriminateagainstanycitizenofthisCommonwealth who is qualified and availableto perform theworkto which the employment relates.
2.NeithertheLawFirmnoranysubcontractornoranypersonontheirbehalfshall inanymannerdiscriminateagainstorintimidateanyemployeeinvolvedinthemanufactureof supplies,theperformanceofwork,oranyotheractivityrequiredunderthisContracton account ofgender,race,creed, or color.
3.TheLawFirmand eachsubcontractorshallestablishandmaintainawritten sexualharassmentpolicyandshallinformtheiremployeesofthepolicy.Thepolicymust contain anoticethat sexual harassment will not betoleratedand employeeswho practiceit will bedisciplined.
4.TheLawFirmandeachsubcontractorshallnotdiscriminatebyreasonofgender, race,creed,orcoloragainstany subcontractororsupplierwhoisqualifiedtoperformthework to which this Contract relates.
5.TheLawFirmandeachsubcontractorshall,withinthetimeperiodsrequestedby theCommonwealth,furnishallnecessaryemploymentdocumentsandrecordstoandpermit accesstoitsbooks,records,andaccountsbytheDepartment;theOfficeofGeneralCounsel; andtheDepartmentofGeneralServices,BureauofSmallBusinessOpportunities,forpurposes ofinvestigationtoascertaincompliancewiththeprovisionsofthisNondiscrimination/Sexual HarassmentClause.IftheLawFirmorsubcontractordoesnotpossessdocumentsorrecords reflectingthenecessaryinformationrequested,itshallfurnishsuchinformationonreporting formssuppliedbytheDepartment;theOfficeofGeneralCounsel;ortheDepartmentof General Services,BureauofSmall Business Opportunities.
6.TheLawFirmshallincludetheprovisionsofthisNondiscrimination/Sexual HarassmentClauseineverysubcontractsothatthoseprovisionsapplicabletosubcontractors will bebindingupon each subcontractor.
7.TheCommonwealthmaycancelorterminatethisContract,andallmoneydueor tobecomedueunderthisContractmay beforfeitedforaviolationofthetermsandconditions ofthis Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment Clause.Inaddition, theDepartment orthe Office of General Counsel mayproceedwith debarmentorsuspension and mayplacetheLawFirm in theContractorResponsibilityFile.
APPENDIXG INTEGRITY PROVISIONS
(dated 1/14/15)
1.ForpurposesoftheseIntegrityProvisions,thewords“confidentialinformation.” “consent,”“financial interest,”“gratuity,” and “LawFirm”shall havethe followingdefinitions.
a.“Confidentialinformation”meansinformationthat(1)isnotalreadyinthepublic domain;(2)isnotavailabletothepublicuponrequest;(3)isnotordoesnotbecomegenerally knowntotheLawFirmfromathirdpartywithoutanobligationtomaintainitsconfidentiality;
(4)hasnotbecomegenerallyknowntothepublicthroughanactoromissionofContractor;or
(5)hasnotbeenindependentlydevelopedbytheLawFirmwithouttheuseofconfidential information oftheCommonwealth.
b.“Consent”meanswrittenpermissionsignedbyadulyauthorizedofficeror employeeoftheCommonwealth,providedthatwherethematerialfactshavebeendisclosed,in writing,byprequalification,bid,proposal,orcontractualterms,theCommonwealthshallbe deemed to have consented byvirtueof execution ofthis Contract.
c.“FinancialInterest”means:
(1)ownership ofmorethan a5%interest in anybusiness; or
(2)holdingapositionasanofficer,director,trustee,partner,employee,orthelike,or holdinganyposition ofmanagement.
d.“Gratuity”meanstendering,giving,orprovidinganythingofmorethannominal monetaryvalueincluding,butnotlimitedto,cash,travel,entertainment,gifts,meals,lodging, loans,subscriptions,advances,depositsofmoney,services,employment,orcontractsofany kind. Theexceptions setforth in theGovernor’sCodeofConduct, Executive Order1980-18, the 4 Pa. Code§7.153(b), shall apply.
e.“LawFirm”meanstheindividualorentitythathasenteredintothisContractwith theCommonwealth,includingdirectors,officers,partners,managers,keyemployees,and owners ofmorethan a5%interest.
2.TheLawFirmshallmaintainthehigheststandardsofhonestyandintegrityduring theperformanceofthiscontractandshalltakenoactioninviolationofstateorfederallawsor regulationsoranyotherapplicablelawsorregulations,orotherrequirementsapplicabletothe LawFirm orthat governcontractingwith theCommonwealth.
3.TheLawFirmshallbesubjecttotheobligationsofconfidentialitywithwhich lawyers must complyunderthe applicableRulesofProfessional Conduct.
4.TheLawFirmshallestablishandimplementawrittenbusinessintegritypolicy, whichincludes,ataminimum,therequirementsoftheseprovisionsastheyrelatetotheLaw
Firm’semployeeactivitywiththeCommonwealthandCommonwealthemployees,andwhichis distributed and madeknown to all employees oftheLawFirm.
5.TheLawFirm,itsaffiliates,agentsandemployeesandanyoneinprivitywiththe LawFirmshallnotaccept,agreetogive,offer,confer,oragreetoconferorpromisetoconfer, directlyorindirectly,anygratuityorpecuniarybenefittoanyperson,ortoinfluenceorattempt toinfluenceany personinviolationofany federalorstatelaw,regulation,executiveorderofthe GovernorofPennsylvania,statementofpolicy,managementdirectiveoranyotherpublished standardoftheCommonwealthinconnectionwithperformanceofworkunderthiscontract, except as provided in this contract.
6.TheLawFirmshallnothaveafinancialinterestinanyothercontractor, subcontractor,orsupplierprovidingservices,labor,ormaterialunderthiscontract,unlessthe financialinterestisdisclosedtotheCommonwealthinwritingandtheCommonwealthconsents totheLawFirm’sfinancialinterestpriortoCommonwealthexecutionofthecontract.TheLaw FirmshalldisclosethefinancialinteresttotheCommonwealthatthetimeofanyproposal submission,orifnoproposalsaresolicited,nolaterthantheLawFirm’ssubmissionofthe contract signed bytheLawFirm.
7.TheLawFirm,certifiestothebestofitsknowledgeandbeliefthatwithinthelast five (5)years that it, its officers,and its affiliates havenot:
a.beenindictedorconvictedofacrimeinvolving moralturpitudeorbusiness honestyorintegrityin anyjurisdiction;
b.beensuspended,debarredorotherwisedisqualifiedfromenteringintoany contract with any governmental agency;
c.had anybusiness licenseorprofessional licensesuspended orrevoked;
d.hadanysanctionorfindingoffactimposedasaresultofajudicialor administrativeproceedingrelatedtofraud,extortion,bribery,bidrigging,embezzlement, misrepresentation oranti-trust; and
e.been,andisnotcurrently,thesubjectofacriminalinvestigationbyanyfederal, stateorlocalprosecutingorinvestigativeagencyand/orcivilanti-trustinvestigationbyany federal, stateorlocal prosecutingorinvestigativeagency.
IftheLawFirmcannot socertifytotheabove,thenitmustsubmitalongwithitscontract awrittenexplanationofwhysuchcertificationcannotbemadeandtheCommonwealthwill determinewhetheracontractmaybeenteredintowiththeLawFirm.TheLawFirm’sobligation pursuanttothiscertificationisongoingfromandaftertheeffectivedateofthecontractthrough theterminationdatethereof.Accordingly,theLawFirmshallhaveanobligationtoimmediately notifytheCommonwealthinwritingifatanytimeduringthetermofthecontractifbecomes awareofanyeventwhichwouldcausetheLawFirm’scertificationorexplanationtochange. TheLawFirmacknowledgesthattheCommonwealthmay,initssolediscretion,terminatethe contractforcauseifitlearnsthatanyofthecertificationsmadehereinarecurrentlyfalsedueto
interveningfactualcircumstancesorwerefalseorshouldhavebeenknowntobefalsewhen enteringinto the contract.
8.TheLawFirmshallcomplywithrequirementsoftheLobbyingDisclosureAct,65 Pa.C.S.§13A01etseq.,andtheregulationspromulgatedpursuanttothatlaw.Actionsby outsidelobbyistsonbehalfoftheLawFirmarenotexempt andmust bereported.TheLawFirm alsomustcomplywiththerequirementsofSection1641ofthePennsylvaniaElectionCode(25
P.S. §3260a).
9.WhentheLawFirmhasreasontobelievethatanybreachofethicalstandardsas setforthinlaw,theGovernor’sCodeofConduct,orintheseprovisionshasoccurredormay occur,includingbutnotlimitedtocontactbyaCommonwealthofficeroremployeewhich,if actedupon,wouldviolatesuchethicalstandards,theLawFirmshallimmediatelynotifythe Commonwealth in writing.
10.TheLawFirm,byexecutionofthisContractandby thesubmissionofany billsor invoicesforpaymentpursuantthereto,certifiesandrepresentsthatithasnotviolatedanyof theseIntegrityProvisions.
11.TheLawFirmshallcooperatewiththeOfficeoftheInspectorGeneralinits investigationofanyallegedCommonwealthemployeebreachofethicalstandardsandany allegedLawFirmnon-compliancewiththeseprovisions.TheLawFirmagreestomake identifiedemployeesoftheLawFirmavailableforinterviewsatreasonabletimesandplaces. TheLawFirm,upontheinquiryorrequestofanInspectorGeneral,shallprovide,orif appropriate,makepromptlyavailableforinspectionorcopying,anyinformationofanytypeor formdeemedrelevantbytheOfficeoftheStateInspectorGeneraltotheLawFirm'sintegrity andcompliancewiththeseprovisions.Suchinformationmay include,butshallnotbelimitedto, theLawFirm'sbusinessorfinancialrecords,documentsorfilesofanytypeorformthatreferto orconcernthiscontract.TheLawFirmshallincorporatethisparagraphinanyagreement, contractorsubcontractitentersintointhecourseoftheperformanceofthiscontract/agreement solelyforthepurposeofobtainingsubcontractorcompliancewiththisprovision.The incorporationofthisprovisioninasubcontractshallnotcreateprivityofcontractbetweenthe Commonwealthandanysuchsubcontractor,andnothirdpartybeneficiariesshallbecreated thereby.
12.Forviolationofanyoftheaboveprovisions,theCommonwealthmayterminate thisandanyotherContractwiththeLawFirm,claimliquidateddamagesinanamountequalto thevalueofanythingreceivedinbreachoftheseprovisions,claimdamagesforalladditional costsandexpensesincurredinobtaininganotherLawFirmtocompleteperformancehereunder, anddebarandsuspendtheLawFirmfromdoingbusinesswiththeCommonwealth.Theserights and remedies arecumulative, and theuseornonuseofanyoneshall not precludetheuseofall or anyother.TheserightsandremediesareinadditiontothosetheCommonwealthmayhaveunder law, statute, regulation orotherwise.
APPENDIXH RESPONSIBILITYPROVISIONS
(dated 4/5/13)
1.TheLawFirmcertifies,foritselfandallitssubcontractors,thatasofthedateof itsexecutionofthisContract,thatneithertheLawFirm,noranysubcontractors,norany suppliersareundersuspensionordebarmentbytheCommonwealthoranygovernmental entity,instrumentality,orauthorityand,iftheLawFirmcannotsocertify,thenitagreesto submit,alongwithitsContract,awrittenexplanationofwhysuchcertificationcannotbe made.
2.TheLawFirmalsocertifies,thatasofthedateofitsexecutionofthisContract,it has no taxliabilities orotherCommonwealth obligations.
3.TheLawFirm’sobligationspursuanttotheseprovisionsareongoingfromand aftertheeffectivedateofthisContractthroughtheterminationdatethereof.Accordingly,the LawFirmshallhaveanobligationtoinformtheCommonwealthif,atanytimeduring theterm ofthisContract,isbecomesdelinquentinthepaymentoftaxes,orotherCommonwealth obligations,orifitoranyofitssubcontractorsaresuspendedordebarredbythe Commonwealth, thefederalgovernment, oranyotherstateorgovernmental entity. Such notification shall bemade within 15 days ofthedateofsuspension ordebarment.
4.ThefailureoftheLawFirmtonotifytheCommonwealthofitssuspensionor debarmentbytheCommonwealth,anyotherstate,orthefederalgovernmentshallconstitute an event ofdefault ofthis Contract with theCommonwealth.
5.TheLawFirmagreestoreimbursetheCommonwealthforthereasonablecostsof investigationincurredby thePennsylvaniaOfficeofInspectorGeneralforinvestigationsofthe LawFirm’scompliancewiththetermsofthisor anyotherContractbetweentheLawFirmand theCommonwealth,whichresultsinthesuspensionordebarmentoftheLawFirm.Suchcosts shallinclude,butshallnotbelimitedto,salariesofinvestigators,includingovertime,travel, andlodgingexpenses;andexpertwitnessanddocumentaryfees.TheLawFirmshallnotbe responsibleforinvestigativecostsforinvestigationsthatdonotresultintheLawFirm’s suspension ordebarment.
6.TheLawFirmmayobtainacurrentlistofsuspendedanddebarred CommonwealthcontractorseitherbysearchingtheInternetat contactingthe:
Department ofGeneral Services OfficeofChiefCounsel
603 North OfficeBuilding Harrisburg, Pennsylvania17125
Phone: (717)783-6472
Fax: (717)787-9138
APPENDIXI
THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PROVISIONS
(STD-271/278A, dated 07/99)
1.Pursuant to federal regulations promulgated underthe authorityofThe Americans With Disabilities Act, 28 C.F.R. § 35.101, et seq., theLawFirm understandsand agrees that it shall not cause anyindividual with adisabilityto be excluded from participation in this Contract or from activities provided forunderthis Contract on thebasis ofthedisability. As a condition of acceptingthis Contract, theLawFirm agrees to complywiththeGeneral Prohibitions Against Discrimination, 28 C.F.R. § 35.130, and all otherregulations promulgated under TitleIIofThe AmericansWithDisabilities Act which are applicableto all benefits, services, programs, and activities provided bytheCommonwealth ofPennsylvania through contracts with outside contractors.
2.TheLawFirm shall beresponsible for and agrees to indemnifyand hold harmless theCommonwealth ofPennsylvaniafrom all losses, damages, expenses, claims, demands, suits, and actions brought byanypartyagainst theCommonwealth ofPennsylvaniaas aresult oftheLawFirm’s failureto complywith theprovisions ofParagraph 1 ofthis Appendix.
APPENDIXJ
RETENTIONGUIDELINES FOROUTSIDE COUNSEL
(October2009)
TheOfficeofGeneralCounsel(“OGC”)expectstohaveaproductive,professionaland cost-effectiverelationshipwithoutsidecounsel.TheseGuidelinesapplytoallengagementsfor servicesbetweenOGC(andanyofitsagencyoffices)andyourlawfirm,regardlessofthelaw firmofficefromwhichthoselegalservicesareperformed.Anyexceptionmustbeapprovedin advancebyOGC.