City of Sacramento
City Council - 2PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2025-00843 4/22/2025 Item 16.
Contract: Official City Newspaper Advertising
File ID: 2025-00843
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Pass a Motion: 1) approving PRC003444 with Metropolitan News Company, DBA Sacramento Bulletin (“Metro News”) for official City newspaper advertising through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $250,000; and 2) authorize up to three additional years for a potential maximum contract term of five years expiring June 30, 2030.
Contact: Sara Wachter, Administrative Analyst, (916) 808-5748, [email protected]; Dayana Reyes Zanaska, Procurement Manager, (916) 808-5524, [email protected]; Peter Coletto, Director of Finance, (916) 808-5416, [email protected]; Department of Finance
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Contract PRC003444 Metropolitan News Company
3-Bid Evaluation
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: City Code sections 3.56.270 and 3.56.280 require the City to contract with a daily newspaper to serve as the designated official newspaper.
The contract provides for the printing and publishing of all legal notices. The current contract for newspaper advertising services, PRC002798 with the Metro News, expires on June 30, 2025. To avoid a lapse in service, staff recommend the City Council approve a new contract that starts on July 1, 2025.
Policy Considerations: The recommendations in this report are in accordance with the provisions of City Code sections 3.56.270 and 3.56.280 regarding contracts for official advertising.
Economic Impacts: None.
File ID: 2025-00843 4/22/2025 Item 16.
Environmental Considerations: California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): This report concerns administrative activities and governmental fiscal activities that do not constitute a “project” as defined by the CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(2) and 15378(b)(4) and are not subject to the provisions of CEQA (CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3)).
Sustainability: Not applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
Rationale for Recommendation: Bid No. B25061521005 was posted on the City’s website in the eBidding portal on February 27, 2025. The bidding period closed on March 17, 2025. Two bids were received. Metro News was determined to have submitted the lowest responsive bid. Per City Code section 3.56.280, the newspaper to which the annual award of such advertising is made shall be known and designated as the official newspaper. As such, Metro News will be the official newspaper for the term of the contract and all official publications made by the City shall be made in the official newspaper unless otherwise provided in the City Charter or by general law.
Financial Considerations: City departments will utilize operating budgets and project funding to purchase advertising space as required and as budget allows.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Metropolitan News Company is an LBE.
CONTRACT #: PRC003444 PROJECT: 454021-1001-06001521
CONTRACT NAME: Official City Newspaper Advertising Services NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT:$250,000 AGREEMENT TERM: Two years, through June 30, 2027 SOLICITATION: B25061521005 AUTHORIZED RENEWALS:Up to an additional three years; five-year maximum LBE (Y/N): Y DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Finance / Procurement
CITY OF SACRAMENTO
NONPROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS CONTRACT is made at Sacramento, California, by and between theCITY OF SACRAMENTO, a charter city and municipal corporation (“CITY”), and
Metropolitan News Company, DBA Sacramento Bulletin
530 Bercut Drive, Suite H
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone 916-445-6825 / email [email protected]
(“Contractor”), as of the Effective Date, as defined below.
The City and Contractor agree as follows:
1. Effective Date. This Contract shall be effective beginning July 1, 2025.
2. Contract Documents. This Contract includes each of the following documents, which are attached or incorporated by this reference (referred to collectively as the “Contract Documents”):
Invitation to Bid number B25061521005
Exhibit A – Scope of Work
Exhibit B – Payment
Exhibit C – Insurance
Exhibit D – General Conditions
Purchase Orders
If there is a conflict between the terms and conditions of any document prepared or provided by the Contractor and made a part of this Contract and the other terms or conditions of the Contract, the other terms and conditions of the Contract control.
3. Services. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract, Contractor shall provide to City the non-professional services described in Exhibit A (“Scope of Services”).
Contractor will not be compensated for non-professional services outside the scope of Exhibit A (“Additional Services”) unless, before providing Additional Services: (a) Contractor notifies City and City agrees that the Additional Services are outside the scope of Exhibit A; (b) Contractor estimates the additional compensation required for these Additional Services; and (c) City, after notice, approves in writing a Supplemental Contract specifying the Additional Services and the amount of additional compensation to be paid Contractor.
Attachment 2
FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Page2
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
City will have no obligations whatsoever under this Contract or any Supplemental Contract, unless and until this Contract or any Supplemental Contract is approved by the City as required by the Sacramento City Code. As used in this Contract, the term “Services” includes both Services and Additional Services as applicable.4.Payment.City shall pay Contractor at the times and in the manner set forth in Exhibit B. Contractor shall submit all invoices to City in the manner specified in Exhibit B.5. Facilities and Equipment. Except as set forth below, Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, furnish all facilities and equipment required for Contractor to perform this Contract. City shall furnish to Contractor only the facilities and equipment listed below, if any. None. 6. Insurance. Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, maintain the insurance coverage described in the attached Exhibit C. 7. General Conditions. Contractor shall comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Exhibit D. 8. Non-Discrimination in Employee Benefits. This Contract may be subject to Sacramento City Code chapter 3.54, Non- Discrimination in Employee Benefits by City Contractors. A summary of the requirements, entitled "Requirements of the Non-Discrimination in Employee Benefits Code (Equal Benefits Ordinance),” can be viewed at:https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Finance/Procurement/Contract-Ordinances. Contractor acknowledges and represents that Contractor has read and understands the requirements and shall fully comply with all applicable requirements of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.54. If requested by City, Contractor shall promptly provide any documents and information required by City to verify Contractor's compliance. Contractor's violation of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.54 constitutes a material breach of this Contract, for which the City may terminate the Contract and pursue all available legal and equitable remedies. 9. Living Wage. This Contract may be subject to Sacramento City Code chapter 3.58, Living Wage. A summary of the requirements, entitled "Living Wage Requirements", can be viewed at: https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Finance/Procurement/Contract-Ordinances. The Living Wage Ordinance is applicable to certain contracts with the City in an amount of $250,000 or more (either initial value or total value after amendment) or if the total value of all Contractor's contracts with the City is $250,000 or more over a 12-month period. Contractor acknowledges and represents that Contractor has read and understands the requirements and shall fully comply with all applicable requirements of Sacramento City Code FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Page3
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
chapter 3.58. If requested by City, Contractor shall promptly provide any documents and information required by City to verify Contractor's compliance. Contractor shall require applicable subcontractors to fully comply with all applicable requirements of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.58 and include these requirements in all subcontracts covered by Sacramento City Code chapter 3.58.Contractor's violation of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.58 constitutes a material breach of this Contract, for which the City may terminate the Contract and pursue all available legal and equitable remedies. In addition, for Services that constitute "Public Works" under California Labor Code Section 1720 et seq., if both prevailing wage and living wage requirements apply, Contractor shall pay the higher of the two rates. 10. Considering Criminal Conviction Information in the Employment Application Process. This Contract may be subject to the requirements of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.62, Procedures for Considering Criminal Conviction Information in the Employment Application Process. A summary of the requirements, entitled “Ban-The-Box Requirements,” can be viewed at: https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Finance/Procurement/Contract-Ordinances. The Ban-The-Box Requirements are applicable to certain contracts with the City in an amount of $250,000 or more (either initial value or total value after amendment) or if the total value of all Contractor's contracts with the City is $250,000 or more over a 12-month period.Contractor acknowledges and represents that Contractor has read and understands these requirements and shall fully comply with all applicable requirements of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.62. If requested by City, Contractor shall promptly provide any documents and information required by City to verify Contractor's compliance. Contractor shall require applicable subcontractors to fully comply with all applicable requirements of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.62 and include these requirements in all subcontracts covered by Sacramento City Code chapter 3.62. Contractor's violation of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.62 constitutes a material breach of this Contract, for which the City may terminate the Contract and pursue all available legal and equitable remedies. 11. Local Business Enterprise Program. The Local Business Enterprise Program Participation Requirements ("LBE Participation Requirements") are applicable to this Contract. A summary of the requirements, entitled "LBE Participation Requirements," can be viewed at: https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Finance/Procurement/Contract-Ordinances. Contractor acknowledges and represents that Contractor has read and understands these requirements and shall fully comply with all applicable requirements of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.64. If requested by City, Contractor shall promptly provide any documents and information required by City to verify Contractor's compliance. Contractor shall require FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Page4
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
applicable subcontractors to fully comply with all applicable requirements of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.64 and include these requirements in all subcontracts covered by Sacramento City Code chapter 3.64. Contractor's violation of Sacramento City Code chapter 3.64 constitutes a material breach of this Contract, for which the City may terminate the Contract and pursue all available legal and equitable remedies.12. Authority. The person signing this Contract for Contractor represents and warrants that he or she has read, understands, and agrees to all the Contract terms and is fully authorized to sign this Contract on behalf of the Contractor and to bind the Contractor to the performance of the Contract’s obligations. [Signatures Page Following Exhibits] FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit A-Page1
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES1. Representatives.The CITY Representative for this Agreement is: Sara Wachter / Administrative AnalystProcurement Division Sacramento City Hall, 2ndFloor915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone 916-808-5748 / E-mail [email protected] The CONTRACTOR Representative for this Agreement is: Vahn C. Babigian / General Manager Metropolitan Newspaper Company, DBA Sacramento Bulletin 530 Bercut Drive, Suite H Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone 916-445-6825 / Email [email protected] Unless otherwise provided in this Contract, all Contractor questions and correspondence pertaining to this Contract must be addressed to the City Representative. All City questions and correspondence must be addressed to the Contractor Representative.2. Scope of Services.Contractor shall provide Services to City as set forth in Attachment 1 to this Exhibit A.3. Time of Performance.The Services described in this Contract shall be provided fortwo years, through June 30, 2027.The City may extend this Contract for up to an additional three years, for a maximum five-year term. Contractor shall provide the Services in accordance with any schedule in Attachment 1 to this Exhibit A. Contractor shall immediately notify the City if Contractor is unable to perform Services in compliance with this Contract.
FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit A-Page1
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
Attachment 1 to Exhibit A - Scope of Servicesa) Purpose. The purpose of this bid is to establish a contract for official advertising for the City of Sacramento in accordance with Chapter 3 of the Sacramento City Code. b) Designation. During the period of this contract, the newspaper shall be known and designated as the “Official Newspaper of the City of Sacramento” (Sacramento City Code Chapter 3.56, Section 3.56.270). c) Types of Advertising. The printing/publishing to be done hereunder will consist of printing and publishing all ordinances, resolutions, notices, regulations, and advertisements of whatever kind or nature that may be required by an agent of the City of Sacramento. d) Size of Type. The body and captions of each advertisement shall be converted by the vendor, to the vendor’s typeface specification normally used for such advertisements, and the font size shall be reduced, in a similar manner, by the vendor, to a readable size. Vendor may request, but shall not require, City of Sacramento staff to submit advertisement copy via a vendor-provided template. e) Submission of Publication Material. All material for publication will be transmitted to the vendor by the City of Sacramento, via an on-line placement program or system (i.e., web portal) or as an attachment to an email message. City will submit all material to the vendor on a given business day to be published on a guaranteed basis in accordance with the deadline and rate information submitted via the pricing schedule of this solicitation. f) Proof of Publication. The vendor is required to deliver an electronic confirmation of publication for each advertisement to the City’s representative ordering the publication, after each publication. The Proof of Publication must be clear, complete and include an actual reproduction of what was published. The Proof of Publication must also certify the actual date of publication. This information must be offered automatically available (on a continuing basis) to city staff via online (vendor web portal) access. g) Order and Invoice information. All previous and current orders and invoices (plus their status) must be offered automatically (and continuously) available to city staff via the vendor’s online portal. h) Non-Publishing Dates. 7/4/25, 09/01/25, 09/26/25, 10/13/25, 11/11/25, 11/27/25, 11/28/25, 12/25/25, 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26, 3/31/26, 5/25/26, and 6/19/26. Dates for Fiscal Year 2024/25 are to be determined. Contractor shall inform city staff (via e-mail) of any changes to their publishing schedule with at least two weeks prior notice. i) Updates. Vendor shall be responsible for providing updates (with at least two weeks prior notice) to city staff (via e-mail, the web portal, or preferably, both) of any changes to procedure required for proper submittal of advertising copy or use / availability of the online vendor portal. j) Purchase Orders. All City departments placing advertisements under this contract shall issue purchase orders prior to placing advertisements. k) Invoices. Monthly consolidated invoices may be provided as an alternative to individual invoices. Monthly consolidated invoices shall contain, at a minimum, Date of Service, Description of Service, City Department Contact, Publishing Details, and Amount. All consolidated invoices shall reference the Purchase Order number and be sent to the Procurement division to review and approve for payment.
FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit B-Page7
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
EXHIBIT B PAYMENT1. Contractor’s Compensation.The total of all fees paid to the Contractor for the provision of Services as set forth in Exhibit A, including any authorized reimbursable expenses, shall not exceed the total sum of $ 250,000. The payments specified in this Exhibit B shall be the only payments made to Contractor unless the City approves a Supplemental Contract.2. Pricing.Contractor shall be paid as set forth in Exhibit A or Attachment 1 to this Exhibit B and any applicable special provisions included in the request for bids or proposals. If there is a conflict between Exhibit A or Exhibit B and the Special Provisions, Exhibit A or Exhibit B controls. 3. Contractor’s Reimbursable Expenses. “Reimbursable Expenses” are limited to actual expenditures of Contractor for expenses that are necessary for the proper satisfaction of the Contract and are only payable if specifically authorized in advance in writing by the City. 4. Miscellaneous Charges. No additional charges will be allowed unless specified in the Contract, including charges for transportation, fuel, containers, packing, or disposal. 5. Payments to Contractor. Contractor is responsible for supplying all documentation necessary to verify invoices to the City’s satisfaction. A. Payment terms are NET 30 days, unless the Contractor offers a prompt payment discount that was accepted by the City or as otherwise stated in this Contract. Any prompt payment discounts will be computed from the date of acceptance by the City, or from the date an invoice is received, whichever occurs later. B. Submit invoice(s) and any attachments to: [email protected] C. All invoices submitted by CONTRACTOR must contain the following information:(1) Job/Project Name (2) CITY’s current Purchase Order Number(3) Contractor’s Invoice Number (4) Date of Invoice Issuance (5) Work Order Number (if applicable) (6) CITY representative identified on the Purchase Order (7) Contractor’s remit address (8) Itemized description of items billed under Invoice (9) Itemized description of all authorized Reimbursable Expenses (10) Itemized description of all applicable taxes (sales, use, excise, etc.) (11) Amount of Invoice (itemize all authorized Reimbursable Expenses) (12) Total Billed to Date under Contract (if applicable) FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit B-Page8
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
D. Items must be separated into Goods, Services, and Reimbursable Expenses. All applicable sales, use, excise, or similar taxes, including federal excise tax, must be itemized separately on the invoice. Invoices that do not conform to the format outlined above will be returned to Contractor for correction. City is not responsible for delays in payment to Contractor resulting from Contractor’s failure to comply with the invoice format described above. E. For Goods only, a bill of lading number and weight of shipment will be shown for shipments on the Government Bill of Lading.F. Unless otherwise specified in this Contract, partial payments will not be made by the City and payment will not be due until the completion of the Goods order. No payment precludes the City’s right to inspect. Requests for payment status should be addressed to the City Representative for this Contract. 6. Additional Services. Additional Services shall be provided only when a Supplemental Contract authorizing the Additional Services is approved in writing by the City in accordance with the City’s contract amendment procedures. The City reserves the right to perform any Additional Services with its own staff or to retain other contractors to perform the Additional Services. 7. Accounting Records of Contractor.During performance of this Contract and for a period of three years after completion of performance, Contractor shall maintain all accounting and financial records related to this Contract, in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices, including records of Contractor’s costs for performance under this Contract and records of Contractor’s Reimbursable Expenses. Contractor shall keep and make records available for inspection and audit by representatives of the City upon reasonable written notice.8. Tax Payments. Contractor shall pay, when and as due, any and all taxes incurred as a result of Contractor’s compensation hereunder, including estimated taxes, and shall provide CITY with proof of the payment upon request. Contractor hereby agrees to indemnify CITY for any claims, losses, costs, fees, liabilities, damages or injuries suffered by CITY arising out of Contractor’s breach of this section. 9. Public Works Requirements. [Not applicable] FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit B-Page9
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
Attachment 1 to Exhibit B – Payment
FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit C-Page1
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
EXHIBIT C INSURANCE 1. Insurance Requirements. During the entire term of this Contract, Contractor shall maintain the insurance coverage described in the Insurance Terms below. Full compensation for all premiums that Contractor is required to pay for the insurance coverage described herein shall be included in the compensation specified under this Contract. No additional compensation will be provided for Contractor's insurance premiums. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits and coverages shall be available to the City.If the CONTRACTOR maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown below, the City requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or the higher limits maintained by the CONTRACTOR. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the City. 2. General Liability Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance Coverage. Commercial General Liability Insurance is required providing coverage at least as broad as ISO CGL Form 00 01 on an occurrence basis for bodily injury, including death, of one or more persons, property damage, and personal injury, arising out of activities performed by or on behalf of the Contractor and subcontractors, products and completed operations of Contractor and subcontractors, and premises owned, leased, or used by Contractor and subcontractors, with limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence. The policy shall provide contractual liability and products and completed operations coverage for the term of the policy. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately (ISO CG 25 03 or 25 04) or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit. The City, its officials, employees and volunteers shall be covered by policy terms or endorsement as additional insureds as respects general liability arising out of: activities performed by or on behalf of Contractor and subcontractors; products and completed operations of Contractor and subcontractors; and premises owned, leased, or used by Contractor and subcontractors. 3. Automobile Liability Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance Coverage. _X_ Automobile Liability Insurance is required providing coverage at least as broad as ISO Form CA 00 01 for bodily injury, including death, of one or more persons, property damage and personal injury, with limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence. The policy shall provide coverage for owned, non-owned and/or hired autos as appropriate to the operations of the Contractor. The City, its officials, employees and volunteers shall be covered by policy terms or endorsement as additional insureds as respects auto liability.
FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit C-Page2
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
4.Excess Insurance. The CONTRACTOR may use Umbrella or Excess Policies to meet the required liability limits. This form of insurance will be acceptable provided that any umbrella or excess policies provide all of the insurance coverages required and meet the other requirements for the primary policies as set forth in this Agreement. Umbrella and/or Excess policies shall be provided on a true “following form” or broader coverage basis, with coverage at least as broad as provided in the underlying primary policy. Umbrella or excess policies shall contain, or be endorsed to provide that the City, its officials, employees, and volunteers shall be covered as additional insureds, as well as a provision that it will apply on a primary basis for the benefit of the City. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by City, its officials, employees, or volunteers will be in excess of Contractor's umbrella or excess coverage and will not contribute to it. No insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City that applies to a loss covered herein, whether Primary or Excess, and which also applies to a loss covered hereunder, shall be called upon to contribute to a loss until the Contractor’s Primary and Excess liability policies are exhausted. 5. Workers’ Compensation Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance Coverage. (Check the applicable provision.) X - No work or services will be performed on or at CITY facilities or CITY Property, therefore a Workers’ Compensation waiver of subrogation in favor of the CITY is not required. 6. Other Insurance Provisions. The policies must contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:A. Contractor's insurance coverage, including excess insurance, shall be primary and non- contributory insurance as respects the City, its officials, employees and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officials, employees or volunteers will be in excess of Contractor's insurance and will not contribute with it. B. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies will not affect coverage provided to the City, its officials, employees or volunteers. C. Coverage shall state that Contractor's insurance applies separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer's liability. D. Contractor shall provide the City with 30 days written notice of cancellation or material change in the policy language or terms. 7. Waiver of Subrogation.CONTRACTOR hereby grants to City a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer may acquire against the City by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance. CONTRACTOR agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from an insurer.
FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit C-Page3
PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
8.Acceptability of Insurance. Insurance must be placed with insurers with a Bests' rating of not less than A:VI. Self-insured retentions, policy terms or other variations that do not comply with the requirements of this Exhibit C must be declared to and approved by the City in writing before execution of this Contract.9.Verification of Coverage.A. Contractor shall furnish City with certificates and required endorsements evidencing the insurance required. Certificates of insurance must be signed by an authorized representative of the insurance carrier. Copies of policies shall be delivered to the City Representative on demand. B. Contractor shall send all insurance certificates and endorsements, including policy renewals, during the term of this Contract directly to: City of Sacramento c/o Exigis LLC PO Box 947 Murrieta, CA 92564 C. Certificate Holder must be listed as: City of Sacramento c/o Exigis LLCPO Box 947Murrieta, CA 92564D. The City may withdraw its offer of Contract or cancel this Contract if the certificates of insurance and endorsements required have not been provided before execution of this Contract. The City may withhold payments to Contractor and/or cancel the Contract if the insurance is canceled or Contractor otherwise ceases to be insured as required herein. 10. Subcontractor Insurance Coverage. Contractor shall require and verify that all subcontractors maintain insurance coverage that meets the minimum scope and limits of insurance coverage specified in this Exhibit C.
FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit D - Page 1 PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
EXHIBIT D GENERAL CONDITIONS1. Independent Contractor. A. It is understood and agreed that Contractor (including Contractor’s employees) is an independent contractor and that no relationship of employer-employee exists between the parties hereto for any purpose whatsoever. Neither Contractor nor Contractor’s assigned personnel will be entitled to any benefits payable to CITY employees. CITY is not required to make any deductions or withholdings from the compensation payable to Contractor under the provisions of this Contract, and Contractor will be issued a Form 1099 for its services hereunder. As an independent contractor, Contractor hereby agrees to indemnify and hold CITY harmless from any and all claims that may be made against CITY based upon any contention by any of Contractor’s employees or by any third party, including any state or federal agency, that an employer-employee relationship or a substitute therefor exists for any purpose whatsoever by reason of this Contract or by reason of the nature and/or performance under this Contract. B. It is further understood and agreed by the parties that Contractor, in the performance of its obligations, is subject to the City’s control and direction as to the designation of tasks to be performed and the results to be accomplished under this Contract, but not as to the means, methods, or sequence used by Contractor for accomplishing the results. To the extent that Contractor obtains permission to, and does, use CITY facilities, space, equipment or support services in the performance of this Contract, this use will be at the Contractor’s sole discretion based on the Contractor’s determination that the use will promote Contractor’s efficiency and effectiveness. Except as may be specifically provided elsewhere in this Contract, the CITY does not require that Contractor use CITY facilities, equipment or support services or work in CITY locations in the performance of this Contract. As used in this Contract, "sole discretion" or "sole judgment" means that the party authorized to exercise its discretion or judgment may do so based on an unfettered assessment of its own interests, without considering how its decision affects the other party, and unconstrained by the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. C. If, in the performance of this Contract, any third persons are employed by Contractor, such persons will be entirely and exclusively under the direction, supervision, and control of Contractor. Except as otherwise provided in this Contract, all terms of employment, including hours, wages, working conditions, discipline, hiring, and discharging, or any other terms of employment or requirements of law, shall be determined by Contractor. It is further understood and agreed that Contractor will issue W-2 or 1099 Forms for income and employment tax purposes for all Contractor’s assigned personnel and subcontractors. D. The provisions of this section will survive any expiration or termination of this Contract. Nothing in this Contract creates an exclusive relationship between CITY and Contractor. Contractor may represent, perform services for, or be employed by any additional persons or companies so long as Contractor does not violate the provisions of Section 5, below.
FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit D - Page 2 PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
2. Licenses; Permits, Etc. Contractor represents and warrants that Contractor has, and shall maintain at all times during the term of this Contract at its sole cost and expense, all licenses, permits, qualifications, and approvals of any nature that are legally required for Contractor to practice its profession or fulfill the terms of this Contract, including a City Business Operations Tax Certificate and any required certification issued by the California Secretary of State.3. Time.Time is of the essence in the performance of this Contract. Contractor shall devote the necessary time and effort to its performance under this Contract. Neither party will be considered in default of this Contract, to the extent that party’s performance is prevented or delayed by any cause, present or future, that is beyond the reasonable control of that party. 4. Contractor Not Agent. Except as City may specify in writing, Contractor and Contractor’s personnel have no authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of City in any capacity whatsoever as an agent. Contractor and Contractor’s personnel shall have no authority, express or implied, to bind City to any obligations whatsoever. 5. Conflicts of Interest. Contractor covenants that neither it, nor any officer or principal of its firm, has or will acquire any interest, directly or indirectly, that would conflict in any manner with the City’s interests or that would in any way hinder Contractor’s performance under this Contract. Contractor further covenants that in the performance of this Contract, no person having any such interest will be employed by it as an officer, employee, agent or subcontractor, without the City’s written consent. Contractor agrees to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of any conflicts of interest with the City’s interests during the performance of this Contract. If Contractor is or employs a former officer or employee of the City, Contractor and any former City officer or employee shall comply with the provisions of Sacramento City Code Section 2.16.090 pertaining to appearances before the City Council or any City department, board, commission, or committee. 6. Hazardous Substances. "Hazardous Substances" means any substance, material, waste, or other pollutant or contaminant that is or becomes designated, classified, or regulated as hazardous or toxic under any law, regulation, rule, order, decree, or other governmental requirement now in effect or later enacted. If Contractor is shipping Hazardous Substances, Contractor must supply a Safety Data Sheet ("SDS") with the first shipment of Hazardous Substances to each City location receiving the Hazardous Substances. If the content of an SDS is revised, Contractor must provide a revised SDS to each City location receiving Hazardous Substances. 7. Confidentiality of City Information.During performance of this Contract, Contractor may gain access to and use City information regarding inventions, machinery, products, prices, apparatus, costs, discounts, future plans, business affairs, governmental affairs, processes, trade secrets, technical matters, systems, facilities, customer lists, product design, copyright, data, and other vital information (hereafter collectively referred to as “City Information”) that are valuable, special and unique assets of the City.Contractor agrees to protect all City Information and treat it as strictly confidential, and further agrees that Contractor shall not at any time, either directly or indirectly, divulge, disclose or FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit D - Page 3 PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
communicate in any manner any City Information to any third party without the City’s prior written consent.In addition, Contractor must comply with all City policies governing the use of the CITY network and technology systems, as set forth in applicable provisions of the City of Sacramento Administrative Policy Instructions # 30. A violation by Contractor of this section is a material violation of this Contract and shall justify legal and equitable relief. 8. Contractor Information. A. City shall have full ownership and control, including ownership of any copyrights, of all information prepared, produced, or provided by Contractor under this Contract. In this Contract, the term “information” means and includes: any and all work product, submittals, reports, plans, specifications, and other deliverables consisting of documents, writings, handwritings, typewriting, printing, photostatting, photographing, computer models, and any other computerized data and every other means of recording any form of information, communications, or representation, including letters, works, pictures, drawings, sounds, or symbols, or any combination thereof. Contractor shall not be responsible for any unauthorized modification or use of such information for other than its intended purpose by City. B. Contractor shall fully defend, indemnify and hold harmless City, its officers and employees, and each of them, from and against any and all claims, actions, lawsuits or other proceedings alleging that all or any part of the information prepared, produced, or provided by Contractor under this Contract infringes upon any third party’s trademark, trade name, copyright, patent or other intellectual property rights. City shall make reasonable efforts to notify Contractor not later than ten days after City is served with any such claim, action, lawsuit or other proceeding. However, City’s failure to provide notice within the ten-day period does not relieve Contractor of its obligations hereunder, which survive any termination or expiration of this Contract. C. All proprietary and other information received from Contractor by City, whether received in connection with Contractor’s proposal to City or in connection with Contractor’s performance, will be disclosed upon receipt of a request for disclosure, in accordance with the California Public Records Act; provided, however, that, if any information is set apart and clearly marked “trade secret” when it is provided to City, City shall give notice to Contractor of any request for the disclosure of such information. The Contractor will then have five days from the date it receives notice to petition the court for a protective order to prevent the disclosure of the information. The Contractor shall have sole responsibility for defense of the actual “trade secret” designation of such information. D. The parties understand and agree that any failure by Contractor to respond to the notice provided by City and seek a protective order, in accordance with the provisions of subsection C, above, constitutes a complete waiver by Contractor of any rights regarding the information designated “trade secret” by Contractor, and the information will be disclosed by City in accordance with the Public Records Act.
FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit D - Page 4 PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
9. Notification of Material Changes in Business. Contractor agrees that if it experiences any material changes in its business, including a reorganization, refinancing, restructuring, leveraged buyout, bankruptcy, name change, or loss of key personnel, it will immediately notify the City of the changes. Contractor also agrees to immediately notify the City of any condition that may jeopardize the scheduled delivery or fulfillment of Contractor's obligations to the City under this Contract. 10. Standard of Performance. Contractor shall perform in the manner and according to the standards currently observed by a competent practitioner of Contractor’s profession in California and in compliance with all requirements of this Contract. All products that Contractor delivers to City under this Contract must be prepared in a professional manner and conform to the standards of quality normally observed by a person currently practicing in Contractor’s profession. Contractor shall assign only competent personnel to perform on its behalf under this Contract. Contractor must notify the City in writing of any changes in Contractor’s staff assigned to perform under this Contract, before any performance by the new staff member. If the City, in its sole discretion, determines that any person assigned by the Contractor to perform under this Contract is not performing in accordance with the standards required herein, City shall provide notice to Contractor. Contractor shall immediately remove the assigned person upon receipt of the notice. 11. Performance or Different Terms and Conditions. The City's subsequent performance will not be construed as either acceptance of additional or different terms and conditions or a counteroffer by the Contractor, nor will the City's subsequent performance be viewed as acceptance of any provision of the Uniform Commercial Code, as adopted by any State, that is contrary to the terms and conditions contained herein. Contractor's performance shall conform to the applicable requirements of the Sacramento City Charter, Sacramento City Code, and all applicable State and Federal laws, and all the requirements of this Contract. The California Commercial Code will apply except as otherwise provided in the Contract. 12. Emergency/Declared Disaster Requirements. If an emergency is declared by the City Manager, or if any portion of the City is declared a disaster area by the county, state or federal government, this Contract may be subjected to increased usage. The Contractor shall serve the City during a declared emergency or disaster, subject to the same terms and conditions that apply during non- emergency / non-disaster conditions. The pricing set forth in this Contract will apply, without mark-up, regardless of the circumstances. If the Contractor is unable to fulfill the terms of the Contract because of a disruption in its chain of supply or service, then the Contractor shall provide proof of the disruption. Acceptable forms of proof will include a letter or notice from the Contractor's source stating the reason for the disruption 13. Term; Suspension; Termination. A. This Contract is effective on the Effective Date and continues in effect until both parties have fully performed their respective obligations under this Contract, unless sooner terminated as provided herein.B. City shall have the right at any time to suspend Contractor’s performance hereunder, in whole or in part, by giving a written notice of suspension to Contractor. Upon receipt of FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit D - Page 5 PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
such notice, Contractor shall immediately suspend its activities under this Contract, asspecified in the notice.C. The City shall have the right to terminate this Contract at any time by giving a written notice of termination to Contractor. Upon receipt of such notice, Contractor shall immediately cease performance under this Contract as specified in the notice. If the City terminates this Contract: (1) Contractor shall, not later than five days after receipt of the notice, deliver all information prepared under this Contract to the City. (2) The City shall pay Contractor the reasonable value of Goods or Services provided by Contractor before termination; provided, however, City shall not in any manner be liable for lost profits that might have been made by Contractor had the Contract not been terminated or had Contractor completed performance required by this Contract. Contractor shall furnish to the City any financial information requested by the City to determine the reasonable value of the Goods or Services provided by Contractor. The foregoing is cumulative and does not affect any right or remedy that City may have in law or equity. 14. Default by Contractor. In case of default by the Contractor, the City reserves the right to procure the Goods or Services from other sources and deduct from any monies due, or that may thereafter become due to the Contractor, the difference between the price named in this Contract and the actual cost to the City to procure from an alternate source. Prices paid by the City will be considered the prevailing market price at the time such purchase is made. 15. Guarantee and Warranty. Contractor assumes design responsibility and warrants the articles to be free from design defect and suitable for the purposes intended by City. If it is determined by the City that the Goods and Services do not meet the minimum requirements of this Contract, the Contractor shall correct the same at Contractor's sole expense.A. The Contractor agrees that the Goods and Services furnished under this Contract will be covered by the industry standard or better warranty. B. Contractor further warrants that the Goods and Services furnished under this Contract will be covered by the most favorable commercial warranties the Contractor gives to any customer for the Goods and Services and that the rights and remedies provided herein are in addition to and do not limit any rights afforded to the City at law or equity, or by any other clause of this Contract. C. Any additional warranties provided by law, including the warranty of merchantability and warranty of fitness for a particular purpose will remain in full force and effect and inure to the City's benefit. City reserves all rights and remedies provided by law for breach of any applicable warranty related to the Goods and Services. D. City's inspections, approval, acceptance, or payment for all or part of any Goods and FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit D - Page 6 PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
Services will in no way affect City's warranty rights.16. Indemnity. A. Indemnity: Contractor shall defend, hold harmless, and indemnify City, its officers, and employees, and each and every one of them, from and against all actions, damages, costs, liabilities, claims, demands, losses, judgments, penalties, and expenses of every type and description, whether arising on or off the site of the work or services performed under this Contract, including any fees and costs reasonably incurred by City’s staff attorneys or outside attorneys and any fees and expenses incurred in enforcing this provision (hereafter collectively referred to as “Liabilities”), including Liabilities for personal injuryor death, damage to personal, real, or intellectual property, damage to the environment, contractual or other economic damages, or regulatory penalties, arising out of or in any way connected with performance of or failure to perform this Contract by Contractor, any subcontractor (including lower-tier subcontractors) or agent of Contractor, their respective officers and employees, and anyone else for whose acts of omissions any of them may be liable, whether or not the Liabilities (i) are caused in part by a party indemnified hereunder, or (ii) are litigated, settled, or reduced to judgment; provided that the foregoing indemnity does not apply to liability for damages for death or bodily injury to persons, injury to property, or other loss, damage, or expense, to the extent arising from the active negligence or willful misconduct of, or defects in design furnished by, City, its agents, servants, or independent contractors who are directly responsible to City, except when such agents, servants, or independent contractors are under the supervision and control of Contractor or any subcontractor (including lower-tier subcontractors) or agent of Contractor. B. Insurance Policies; Intellectual Property Claims: The existence or acceptance by City of any of the insurance policies or coverages described in this Contract will not affect or limit any of City’s rights under this Section, nor will the limits of any insurance limit the liability of Contractor hereunder. This Section will not apply to any intellectual property claims, actions, lawsuits or other proceedings subject to the provisions of section 8.B., above.C. Survival. The provisions of this section will survive any expiration or termination of this Contract.17. Funding Availability.A. This Contract is subject to the budget and fiscal provisions of the Charter and the Sacramento City Code. B. The City’s payment obligation under this Contract will not exceed the amount of funds appropriated and approved for this Contract by the Sacramento City Council. C. This Section shall govern over any other contrary provision of the Contract. 18. Equal Employment Opportunity. During the performance of this Contract, Contractor, for itself, FormApprovedby City Attorney 2-10-2025 Exhibit D - Page 7 PRC003444 Official City Newspaper Advertising Services – City of Sacramento
its assignees and successors in interest, agrees as follows:A. Compliance With Regulations: Contractor shall comply with all state, local, and federal anti-discrimination laws and regulations, including the Executive Order 11246 entitled “Equal Opportunity in Federal Employment,” as amended by Executive Order 11375, 12086, and 13672, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations (41 CFR Chapter 60), referred to collectively as the “Regulations.” B. Nondiscrimination: Contractor, with regards to the work performed by it after award andbefore completion of the work under this Contract, shall not discriminate on the ground of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap or sexual orientation in selection and retention of subcontractors, including procurement of materials and leases of equipment. Contractor shall not participate either directly or indirectly in discrimination prohibited by the Regulations.C. Solicitations for Subcontractors, Including Procurement of Materials and Equipment: In all solicitations either by competitive bidding or negotiations made by Contractor for work to be performed under any subcontract, including all procurement of materials or equipment, each potential subcontractor or supplier shall be notified by Contractor of Contractor’s obligation under this Contract and the Regulations relative to nondiscrimination on the ground of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap or sexual orientation. D. Information and Reports: Contractor shall provide all information and reports required by the Regulations, or by any orders or instructions issued pursuant thereto, and shall permit access to its books, records, accounts, other sources of information and its facilities as may be determined by the City to be pertinent to ascertain compliance with the Regulations, orders and instructions. Where any information required of Contractor is in the exclusive possession of another who fails or refuses to furnish this information, Contractor shall so certify to the City, and shall set forth what efforts it has made to obtain the information.E. Sanctions for Noncompliance: In the event of noncompliance by Contractor with the nondiscrimination provisions of this Contract, the City shall impose any sanctions it determines are appropriate including: (1) Withholding of payments to Contractor under this Contract until Contractor complies; (2) Cancellation, termination, or suspension of this Contract, in whole or in part. F. Incorporation of Provisions: Contractor shall include the provisions of subsections A through E, above, in every subcontract, including procurement of materials and leases of equipment, unless exempted by the Regulations, or by any order or instructions issued pursuant thereto. The City may direct Contractor to take specific actions to enforce these provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance; provided, however, that if Contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or supplier as a result of such direction, Contractor may request that the City join such litigation to protect the City’s interests.
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19. Entire Agreement. This Contract, including all Exhibits and documents referenced herein, contains the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes whatever oral or written understanding they may have had before the execution of this Contract. No alteration to the terms of this Contract shall be valid unless approved in writing by Contractor, and by City, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Sacramento City Code.20. Modification of Contract.The Contractor shall take no direction from any City employee that changes the executed terms and conditions of the Contract, including Exhibit A, or any change that impacts the cost, price, or schedule, before receiving a written, signed modification to the Contract.21. Severability. If a court with jurisdiction rules that any portion of this Contract or its application to any person or circumstance is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Contract will not be affected thereby and will remain valid and enforceable as written, to the greatest extent permitted by law. 22. Waiver. Neither the City’s acceptance of, or payment for, any Goods or Services, nor any waiver by either party of any default, breach or condition precedent, will be construed as a waiver of any provision of this Contract, nor as a waiver of any other default, breach or condition precedent or any other right hereunder. No waiver will be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the waiving party. 23. Governing Law. This Contract shall be governed, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California, except that the rule of interpretation in California Civil Code section 1654 will not apply. Venue of any litigation arising out of this Contract will lie exclusively in the state trial court or Federal District Court located in Sacramento County in the State of California, and the parties consent to jurisdiction over their persons and over the subject matter of any such litigation in such courts, and consent to service of process issued by such courts. 24. Assignment Prohibited. The expertise and experience of Contractor are material considerations for this Contract. City has a strong interest in the qualifications and capability of the persons and entities that will fulfill the obligations imposed on Contractor under this Agreement. In recognition of this interest, Contractor shall not assign any right or obligation pursuant to this Contract without the written consent of the City. Any attempted or purported assignment without City’s written consent shall be void and of no effect. 25. Binding Effect. This Contract is binding on the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties, subject to the provisions of Section 24, above. 26. Compliance with Laws. The Contractor shall be responsible for strict compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, court orders and other legal requirements applicable to the work to be accomplished under the Contract, including the California Occupational Safety and Health Act and all applicable safety orders issued by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Department of Industrial Relations, State of California, and all applicable requirements of Underwriters Laboratories and the Federal Communication Commission.
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27. Debarment CertificationA. Pursuant to 2 CFR, Part 200, and applicable Executive Orders, the City is restricted in its ability to contract with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded or ineligible for participating in Federal assistance programs or activities. By signing this Agreement, CONTRACTOR warrants and certifies under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that Contractor, including any owner, partner, director, officer, or principal of the CONTRACTOR, or any person in a position with management responsibility or responsibility for the administration of federal funds: (1) Is not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any federal or state department/agency; (2) Has not within a three-year period preceding this certification been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against it for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public transaction or contract (federal, state, or local); violation of federal or state antitrust statutes; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, receiving stolen property, or other criminal felony; (3) Is not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (federal, state, or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (b) above; or (4) Has not, within a three-year period preceding this certification, had one or more public contracts (federal, state, or local) or transactions terminated for cause or default. (5) Has not been notified, within a three-year period preceding this certification, been notified of any delinquent Federal taxes in an amount that exceeds $3,500 for which the liability remains unsatisfied. Federal taxes are considered delinquent if the tax liability has been finally determined and the taxpayer is delinquent in making payment, as defined in Section 52.209-5 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. B. CONTRACTOR further warrants and certifies that it shall not knowingly enter into any transaction with any subcontractor, material supplier, or vendor who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any federal or state department/agency. Any exceptions to the warranties and certifications in this Section must be disclosed to the City. C. Exceptions will not necessarily result in denial of recommendation for award, but will be considered in determining Contractor’s responsibility. Disclosures must indicate to whom exceptions apply, the initiating agency, and dates of action. D. City will review the Federal Government’s System for Award Management Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration for eligibility, prior to the execution of this Agreement. The CONTRACTOR shall provide immediate written notice to the City if, at any time prior to execution, the CONTRACTOR learns this certification is erroneous or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. If it is later determined that the Contractor’s warranties and certification in this Section were erroneous, the City may terminate this Agreement for default.
City of Sacramento / Procurement DivisionBid Results for Project Official City Newspaper Advertising for Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 (B25061521005)Issued on 02/27/2025Bid Due on March 17, 2025 3:00 PM (PDT)Exported on 03/17/2025ItemMetropolitan News Co.Daily Journal CorporationAddress530 Bercut Dr Suite H901 H Street, Ste. 312 City, State, ZIPSacramento, CA 95811Sacramento, CA 95814RespondeeVahn BabigianChristopher NofuenteRespondee TitleGeneral ManagerAccount ManagerRespondee Phone213-346-0033 Ext. 220916-444-2355 Ext. 6901Respondee [email protected][email protected] Submit Date & Time03/14/2025 4:17:53 PM03/12/2025 4:59:32 PMBOT certificateYes, 86877Yes, 5781Attachment 1, Signature PageYes, signedYes, signedAttachment 2, Payment DiscountNoneNoneAttachment 4, EBOYes, signedNot returned with bidAttachment 5, LBEYes, City of SacramentoYes, City of SacramentoAttachment 3, Pricing Scheduleper vertical column inchper vertical column inchRate per Column Inch$7.50$14.25Daily Deadline, Standard PublishingTwo Days Prior, NoonPrior Day, 10 AMNext Day Publishing Rate$11.50$14.25Next Day DeadlinePrior Day, 2 PMPrior Day, 10 AMColumn Width1.58 inches (9.5 picas)1.56 inchesHolidays listedYes, 15 daysYes, 8 days Attachment 3 to staff report 2025-00843