Signal Hill City Council
April 11, 2023

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS

PROFESSIONAL AUDIT SERVICES
The City of Signal Hill (“City”) will receive electronic proposals only for qualified certified public accounting firm to provide professional audit services, no later than 4:30 PM on Friday, March 3, 2023. Proposals shall be valid for 180 calendar days after the submission deadline.

The project scope of work includes performing an audit of the City’s financial statements for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2023, 2024, 2025 with an option to extend the term for two (2) additional years for a maximum of 5 years as further discussed below. There will be an option to perform other financial audits and reviews as specified below. These audits are to be performed in accordance with the standards set forth for financial audits by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), in the General Accounting Office (GAO) Governmental Auditing Standards, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133, Audits of State and Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations and the provisions of the Single Audit Act, as amended.

Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the City’s RFP, which is available to registered vendors through the City’s electronic bid management system, PlanetBids. The RFP can be found using the link below. https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/36746/bo/bo-detail/101789 Interested bidders may participate by selecting “Bid Opportunities” on the home page. The Contract Documents may be downloaded at no charge. Contract Documents will not be available for sale at City Hall. Proposals must be submitted in electronic format through the City’s electronic bid management system. The electronic bid management system will not accept late proposals. Electronic modifications to or withdrawal of proposals may be made by the Respondent prior to the proposal closing deadline.

A contract shall be awarded, if at all, to the qualified consultant(s) whose competitive proposals are responsive to this RFP and are in the best interest of the City as determined by the City, a determination to be made solely by the City upon criteria as determined and weighed by the City. The decision of the City shall be final. In its discretion, the City may reject any proposal, abandon the purchase, or re-advertise. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive any informality or irregularity in any proposal received by the City.

For further information, contact Sharon del Rosario at [email protected] or at 562-989-7319.

END OF NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.INTRODUCTION 3

2.PROPOSAL SCHEDULE 4

3.REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS 4

4.SCOPE OF REQUIRED SERVICES 5

5.OBLIGATIONS 8

6.TIME REQUIREMENTS 9

7.PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS 10

8.CONTRACT 14

9.SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS 14

10.EVALUATION AND AWARD 15

11.GENERAL PROVISIONS 17
SUMMARY SHEET 20
CERTIFICATION OF PROPOSAL TO THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL 21 SAMPLE PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT. 22
WITH INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS – EXHIBIT D OF CONTRACT.

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

INTRODUCTION
About the City
The City of Signal Hill (“City”) is located in Los Angeles County, California, in the area commonly referred to Signal Hill with a population of approximately 11,800. The City of Signal Hill covers 2.2 square miles, surrounded by the City of Long Beach. The City was incorporated in 1924, a few years after the discovery of oil and is a Charter city. The City of Signal Hill's fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

The City was incorporated in 1924, operates under the Council/Manager form of government and is considered a contract city. The five members of the City Council are elected at-large. They serve staggered four-year terms, with the Mayor being selected annually from among the Council Members. The Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

City Hall is located at 2175 Cherry Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755. The telephone number is 562-989-7300, and the fax is 562-989-7394. The City website address is http://www.cityofsignalhill.org.

The City currently has approximately 124 full time employees and provides a full range of services, including police and public safety, street maintenance, park maintenance, public improvements, planning and zoning, water utilities, recreational activities, community programming, and library services. In addition, there are the standard internal support services such as payroll, accounts payable, human resources, risk management, budget and financial reporting, and general accounting.

The City is the successor agency to the Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency. The agency was formed for the purpose of preparing and carrying out plans for the improvement, rehabilitation and redevelopment of blighted areas within the City. There are two remaining properties to be sold from the redevelopment agency.

The Finance Department ensures the safekeeping, management and accounting of the City’s financial assets. The department provides City financial information to the public, the City Council, the City Manager, and other City departments. The department audits revenue sources, processes cash receipts, payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable, administers assessment districts and other debt, invests the City’s funds, prepares and monitors the City’s budget, and coordinates the City’s financial audits and preparation of the financial reports.

The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report includes the financial activities of the City of Signal Hill, the primary government, and its component units, which are the Successor Agency to the former Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, Municipal Financing Authority and the Signal Hill Public Financing Authority.

Project Description
It is the intent of the City of Signal Hill (“City”) to receive proposals from a qualified certified public accounting firms to audit the City’s financial statements for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2023, 2024, 2025 with an option to extend the term for two (2) additional years for a maximum of 5 years as further discussed below. The City will select and negotiate with the qualified consultant(s) whose competitive proposals are responsive to this RFP and are in the best interest of the City. Any competitive proposal submitted in response to this RFP must provide sufficient detail and information to complete an evaluation of its merits. The instructions contained herein must be followed in order for competitive proposals to be considered responsive to this RFP. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

The successful Respondent will be required to enter into an Agreement (incorporated herein as Attachment 3) which will include the requirements of this RFP as well as other requirements. By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent agrees to all of the terms of the RFP and Agreement except for those the Proposal specifically states an exception to. The City reserves the right to reject any proposal(s) exceptions or changes to the Agreement or RFP.

PROPOSAL SCHEDULE
The schedule is as follows:
1 RFP Release
Friday, February 3, 2023
2 Deadline for Questions via PlanetBids
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 4:30pm
3 City Issues Response to Questions via PlanetBids
Friday, February 24, 2023
4 Deadline for Submitting Electronic Proposal via PlanetBids Friday, March 3, 2023 at 4:30pm
5 Virtual Interviews of Top Rated Consultants – City’s Option Week of March 13, 2023
6 Anticipated Final Selection
Week of March 20, 2023
7 Council Award Date*
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
8 Audit Period – year 1
July 1, 2022 thru June 30, 2023
*The City expects, but does not guarantee, that the contract award will be made by the City Manager or City Council on the date indicated above.

REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS
All questions, requests for interpretations or clarifications, either administrative or technical must be requested in writing and submitted through the City’s bid management system by selecting the Q&A Tab. Questions sent directly to City Staff will not be addressed and you will be directed to submit your question(s) online. Oral statements regarding this RFP by any persons should be considered unverified information unless confirmed in writing. To ensure a response, questions must be received in writing by 4:30 PM local time on the date identified in the Proposal Schedule.

All registered vendors will be notified by e-mail when an addendum is posted. City will not be responsible for any explanations or interpretations provided in any other manner. No person is authorized to make any oral interpretation of any provision in the Contract Documents to any Respondent, and no Respondent should rely on any such oral interpretation.

SCOPE OF REQUIRED SERVICES
Scope of the Work to be Performed
Management is not aware of any unusual circumstances warranting an extended scope beyond that called for herein, however, if in due course of the examination, evidence of such circumstances appear, the supplier agrees to provide the City with all ascertainable facts relative to such circumstances together with an estimate of additional cost thereof in order that proper contract modifications may be completed before commencing with such extended examination.

The City of Signal Hill's goal is to provide the public and our constituents with a financial statement that gives complete, accurate and understandable information about the City's financial condition. The selected independent auditor will be required to perform the tasks that follow.

The auditor shall perform an audit of all funds of the City. The audit shall be conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller of the United States. The City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) will be prepared, Notes to the Financial Statements and Required Supplementary Information, word processed, printed and bound by the audit firm. The ACFR will be in full compliance with GASB 34 and all applicable GASB pronouncements.

The audit firm will render their auditor's report on the basic financial statements which will include both Government-Wide Financial Statements and Fund Financial Statements. The audit firm will also apply limited audit procedures to Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and required supplementary information pertaining to the General Fund and each major fund of the City.

The auditor is expected to express an opinion on the fair presentation of the financial statements of the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency of Signal Hill and report on compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and administrative requirements governing its activities. The auditor shall prepare GASB 34 compliant financial statements for the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency of Signal Hill.

The auditor shall perform a single audit on the expenditures of federal grants in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 and render the appropriate audit reports on Internal Control over Financial Reporting based upon the audit of the City's financial statements in accordance with Government Auditing Standards and the appropriate reports on compliance with Requirements Applicable to each Major Program, Internal Control over Compliance and on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards in Accordance with OMB Circular A-133. The single audit report will include appropriate schedule of expenditures of federal awards, footnotes, findings and questioned costs, including reportable conditions and material weaknesses, and follow up on prior findings where required.

The auditor shall perform agreed-upon auditing procedures pertaining to the City's GANN Limit (Appropriations Limit) and render a letter annually to the City regarding compliance.

The auditor will examine the City's internal accounting controls and accounting procedures and render written reports of their findings and recommendations to the Administrative Services Officer/Finance Director and Accounting Manager. The auditor shall communicate to the Administrative Services Officer/Finance Director and Accounting Manager any reportable conditions found during the audit that can be defined as either a significant or material weakness in the design or operation of the internal control structure, which could adversely affect the organization's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data consistent with the assertions of management in the financial statement.

The auditors shall be required to make an immediate, written report of all irregularities and illegal acts or indications of illegal acts of which they become aware to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services Officer/Finance Director and Accounting Manager.

The auditor shall issue a separate "management letter" that includes recommendations for improvements in internal control, accounting procedures and other significant observations that are considered to be non-reportable conditions. Management letter shall be addressed to the Administrative Services Officer/Finance Director.

Review the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for conformance with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) financial reporting award program.

Attendance at a minimum of one City Council meetings by a Principal of the audit firm per calendar year.

The firm selected may also be asked to examine other reports or perform other services as required. Hourly rates as described on Page 13 would apply.

Auditing Standards to be Followed
To meet the requirements of this Request for Proposals, the audit shall be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the standards for financial audits set forth in the current U.S. General Accounting Office's Government Auditing Standards, the provisions of the Single Audit Act and the provisions of U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133, Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, as amended. An opinion on compliance with the rules and regulations for successor agencies, as published by the Office of State Controller, could also be required.

Other Communications
The independent auditor shall make all communications to the Administrative Services Officer/Finance Director required by the audit standards under which the engagement is performed. The management of the City of Signal Hill welcomes open discussion of concerns, questions and recommendations and expects the selected audit firm to participate fully in such discussions.

Working Paper Retention and Access to Working Papers
All work papers and reports must be retained, at the auditor's expense, for a minimum of five years (or the retention timeframe established by the professional standards, whichever is longer) unless the firm is notified in writing by the City of Signal Hill of the need to extend the retention period. The work papers are subject to review by federal and state agencies and other individuals designated by the City of Signal Hill. Accordingly, the work papers shall be made available upon request.

In addition, the firm shall make the work papers generated by these audits available to successor auditors.

Fund Structure
The City of Signal Hill uses the following fund types in its financial reporting:

Governmental Fund Types
General Fund (1 fund)
General Fund Reserve Funds (15 funds)
Special Revenue Funds (32 funds)
Debt Service Funds (0 fund)
Capital Projects Funds (1 fund)
Proprietary Fund Types
Enterprise Funds (1 fund)
Internal Service Funds (1 fund)
Fiduciary Fund Types
Trust and Agency Funds (3 funds)
The City may make additions to and/or deletions from this list and to the component units included in the reporting entity as deemed necessary.

Optional Services
Prepare the Annual State Controller’s Reports for the following entities:

City of Signal Hill
Signal Hill Municipal Financing Authority
Signal Hill Public Financing Authority
Spring Street Corridor Joint Powers Authority
Computer System
The City of Signal Hill's main financial applications operate using Tyler Technologies Incode 10 software. The general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, utility billing are maintained in Tyler Technologies Incode 10.

Availability of Prior Reports and Work Papers
The City's most recent audit was conducted by Clifton Lawson Allen LLP, Irvine, California. The work papers of the previous audits are the property of the previous auditor and the ability to review them is undetermined at this time.

OBLIGATIONS
Reports Preparation by the Auditor
The Auditor for the City of Signal Hill, in compliance with the above mentioned scope, will prepare:

A report on the fair presentation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

A Single Audit Report if necessary.

A Financial and Compliance Audit of the Successor Agency to the former Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency.

An Agreed Upon Procedures Report in connection with annual calculations of appropriations limit.

In the required report(s) on internal controls, the Auditor shall communicate any reportable conditions found during the audit. A reportable condition shall be defined as a significant deficiency in the design or operation of the internal control structure, which could adversely affect the organization's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data consistent with the assertions of management in the financial statements. Reportable conditions that are also material weaknesses shall be identified as such in the report. Non-reportable conditions discovered by the Auditors shall be reported in a separate letter to management, which shall be referred to in the report(s) on internal controls. The reports on compliance shall include all instances of significant non-compliance.

All reports shall be delivered to the City in electronic format.

Obligations by the Finance Department staff of the City of Signal Hill:

Prepare the final closing of the books and will provide lead schedules, general trial balance, detail transactions reports from the financial system as of June 30th of each fiscal year under contract.

Produce the transmittal letter and Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).

Produce the confirmation letters that are to be mailed by the Auditors.

Be available during the audit to assist the auditor by providing information, documentation, and explanations.

Provide the auditor with reasonable workspace and access to the ERP computer system.

TIME REQUIREMENTS
Audit
Before commencement of interim field work the auditor shall schedule an entrance conference for the purpose of discussing any perceived audit issues or problems, asking and answering questions, clarifying responsibilities and developing an audit strategy. Audit planning should take place prior to June 30th of each year, at which time the audit firm will present a list of documents that the City will need to provide (commonly known as "PBC" list). Accounting records will be ready for audit by September 20th or earlier. The audit fieldwork should begin no earlier than this date and be completed no later than October 10th. During the course of the engagement, the auditor will meet with and provide status reports to the Administrative Services Officer/Finance Director and/or Accounting Manager on a regular basis. The final draft of the ACFR will be given to the City on or before November 15 of each year. If applicable, audit entries will be given to the City before the final draft of the ACFR is submitted to the City.

Upon completion of the field work and before issuing any report or management letter, the auditor shall schedule an exit conference with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services Officer/Finance Director, Accounting Manager, additional City staff or elected officials as deemed appropriate. This is to discuss observations, findings, recommendations, and to discuss matters to be included in the Management Letter.

The City of Signal Hill plans to submit its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for review in its Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting Program. It is anticipated that the auditor will be requested to provide assistance to the City in preparing and reviewing the ACFR prior to submittal to the GFOA.

Single Audit
The final draft of the Single Audit, if necessary, will be given to the City on or before January 1st of each year. These deadlines are critical deadlines to the City and shall be observed. Changes in time requirements for any of these must first be approved by the Administrative Services Officer/Finance Director in advance.

Report
Draft Due Date
Final Due Date
Responsible Party
Format
ACFR
November 15
November 30
Auditor
electronic
Audit Entries
November 15
November 30
Auditor
electronic
GANN Limit Review
November 15
November 30
Auditor
electronic
Single Audit
November 30
December 15
Auditor
electronic
Management Letter
November 30
December 15
Auditor
electronic
State Controllers Reports (4)
January 20
January 31
Auditor
electronic

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
For an audit firm to be considered, the following material is requested to be received by the due date, (March 3, 2023) electronically via PlanetBids:

Title Page
The title page shall show the RFP subject, name of the audit firm, local address, telephone number, name and title of contact person, and the firm's California CPA License Number and Firm's Federal Identification Number.

Cover Letter
The cover letter should briefly state the firm's understanding of the work to be performed, the commitment to perform the work in the required time frame and statements as to why the firm believes it is best qualified to perform the engagement. The cover letter should also make a statement that the firm's offer is a firm, irrevocable offer for 90 days. The cover letter should indicate whether the firm is independent with respect to the City of Signal Hill and that the firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Table of Contents
The table of contents should include a clear and complete identification of the materials submitted by section and page number. Cross-referencing to section and page number in the RFP would be helpful.

Content
The purpose of the proposal is to demonstrate the qualifications, competence and capacity of the firms seeking to undertake an independent audit in conformity with the requirements of this Request for Proposal. As such, the substance of proposals will carry more weight than their form or manner of presentation. The proposal should demonstrate the qualifications of the firm and of the particular staff to be assigned to this engagement. It should also specify an audit approach that will meet the Request for proposal requirements.

The proposal should address all the points outlined in the RFP. The proposal should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of the firm's capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the request for proposal. While additional data may be presented, the areas detailed below must be included. They represent the criteria against which the proposal will be evaluated.

The audit firm should set forth the following:

License to Practice in California
An affirmative statement should be included that the firm and all assigned key professional staff are properly licensed to practice in California.

Independence
The firm should provide an affirmative statement that it is independent of the City of Signal Hill as defined by generally accepted auditing standards as defined by the U.S. General Accounting Office's Government Auditing Standards.

Business License
The independent auditor selected must possess a City of Signal Hill business license while conducting any work under this contract.

Insurance
The audit firm shall make a positive statement that it has the required insurance policies in force in amounts of coverage for not less than $1,000,000 for Professional Liability, Workers Compensation, Comprehensive General Liability and Auto (Owned and Non-Owned). Prior to any commencement of audit services, the auditor will be required to provide certificates of insurance coverage to the City of Signal Hill.

Firm Qualifications and Experience
a) To qualify the firm must have extensive experience in audits of local governments. The proposer should state the size of the firm, the size of the firm's governmental audit staff, the location of the office from which the work on this engagement is to be performed, the number and nature of the professional staff to be employed in this engagement on a full-time basis and the number and nature of the staff to be so employed on a part-time basis.

If the proposer is a joint venture or consortium, the qualifications of each firm comprising the joint venture or consortium should be separately identified and the firm that is to serve as the principal auditor should be noted, if applicable.

If the proposer will be subcontracting any portion of the audit to another individual or firm, the proposal must include a list of all subcontractors to be used. No substitutions of subcontractors may be made without prior written consent of the City of Signal Hill. b) The proposer is also required to submit a copy of the report on its most recent external quality control (peer) review, with a statement whether that quality control review included a review of specific government engagements (required by Government Audit Standards (2007)).

The proposer shall also provide information on the results of any federal or state desk reviews or field reviews of its audits during the past three (3) years. In addition, the proposer shall provide information on the circumstances and status of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the firm during the past three (3) years with state regulatory bodies or professional organizations.

Partner, Supervisory and Staff Qualifications and Experience Staff assigned to the City of Signal Hill audit fieldwork shall include at least one CPA with three (3) or more years of local government auditing experience. This person will be at the supervisory level. There shall be at least one additional person on the audit staff who has completed at least two (2) full years in local government auditing. The total audit staff should be at a level sufficient to complete the audit within the time schedule specified above. In addition, the audit staff should remain constant throughout the audit and at least one (1) staff member from the current year's audit is to be a member of the next year's audit team.

Identify the principal supervisory and management staff, including engagement partners, managers, and other supervisors and specialists, who would be assigned to the engagement and indicate whether each such person is licensed to practice as a certified public accountant in California. Also, provide information on the government auditing experience of each person.

Provide as much information as possible regarding the number, qualifications, experience and training, including relevant continuing professional education, of the specific staff to be assigned to this engagement. Indicate how the quality of staff will be assured over the term of the agreement.

Principal supervisory and management staff, including engagement partners, managers, other supervisors and specialists may be changed during the course of the agreement, however, the City of Signal Hill reserves the right to approve or reject replacements. Other audit personnel may be changed at the discretion of the proposer provided that replacements have substantially the same or better qualifications or experience.

List of Current Local Government Client References
Provide a listing of at least five municipal clients which the firm's local office serves, with preferences to similar government entities who have received financial reporting awards from the GFOA. Indicate the scope of work, date, engagement partners, total hours, and the name and telephone number of the principal client contact.

List of Former Local Government Clients References
Provide a list of former municipal clients during the last three years who are no longer contracting with your firm and describe the reason(s) for the separation.

Capabilities in General Consulting and Compliance Auditing Provide any other information regarding general consulting and special audits provided by the firm.

Approach, Scope and Timing of the Audit
The proposal should provide in detail the firm's approach to the City of Signal Hill's audit, including procedures to be performed, tasks required as a part of the A-133 single audit, the use of statistical sampling, the utilization of computers on the audit engagement, analytical procedures that may be used, the consideration of laws and regulations, assistance required from City staff and proposed segmentation of the audit. The work plan should include time estimates for each significant segment of work and the staff level to be assigned as well as the expected client assistance. The proposal should identify and describe recent changes in accounting principles and pronouncements and their impact on the audit approach and the presentation, scope and disclosure of the financial report.

The proposal should also provide information of the firm's understanding of the objectives and scope of the engagement - Specifics should be provided of the auditing standards to be followed and reports to be issued by the audit firm.

Maximum Fee and Hourly Rates
The maximum fees and estimated hours for the audit of the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency of Signal Hill should be provided in the following format for fiscal years ending June 30, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027.

The fees should be inclusive of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the audit firm:

Not to Exceed Amount Year Ended June 30,
Description of Services
2023
2024
2025
2025
2027
Scope of Work as described in Section 4
Other Services
Not to exceed maximum fee
Hourly rates of the firm's employees should be provided by the firm for services which may be requested outside the scope of the audit services as follows:

Classification
Hourly Rate
Partner Manager
Senior Accountant Staff
Accountant
Out of Pocket Expenses
Other Information

CONTRACT
Agreement for Services
The successful proposer shall be required to enter into a Contract Services Agreement in a form substantially similar. The scope of work, terms and conditions, and other express requirements set forth in this RFP shall be incorporated by reference into the actual executed Agreement for Services upon award. Where there is a conflict between the terms of the Sample Agreement and the more express, stringent, or particular terms set forth in the RFP, the provision or requirement set forth in the RFP shall control.

Insurance Requirements
Selected firm must provide a certificate of endorsement naming City of Signal Hill as additional insured complying with insurance requirements listed in the attached Sample Agreement.

SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS
Proposals must be submitted in electronic format through the City’s electronic bid management system no later than 4:30 pm, Friday, March 3, 2023 on the date indicated in Section 2. The City’s electronic bid management system, PlanetBids, can be accessed at http://www.cityofsignalhill.org/ by selecting “Bids and Proposals” on the home page. Proposals submitted in any other way (e.g., email, oral, telephonic, facsimile) will not be considered. Electronic modifications to or withdrawal of proposals may be made by the Respondent prior to the proposal closing deadline.

The Respondent must attach pdf files to the electronic proposal submission containing its Proposal and all of the required forms completed and signed. The Respondent must enter the price of its Proposal in the electronic bid form.

It is the sole responsibility of each Respondent to see that its Proposal is properly submitted to PlanetBids in the proper form and prior to the stated closing time. THE ELECTRONIC BID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE PROPOSALS. The City will only consider Proposals that have transmitted successfully and have been issued a confirmation number with a time stamp from PlanetBids indicating that the Proposal was submitted successfully.

Respondents experiencing any technical difficulties with the proposal submission process may contact PlanetBid’s system support at 818-992-1771. If you continue to have difficulty, call the City’s Finance Department at 562-989-7319. Neither the City, nor the City’s bid management system, make any guarantee as to the timely availability of assistance, or assurance that any given problem will be resolved by the proposal submission date and/or time.

EVALUATION AND AWARD
Evaluation Criteria
After the proposals are received, the City shall review and evaluate them for responsiveness to the RFP in order to determine whether the proposer possesses the qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required. The City may also investigate qualifications of all proposers to whom the award is contemplated, and the City may request clarifications of proposals directly from one or more proposers.

In reviewing the proposals, the City will consider the following:

Responsiveness of the proposal in clearly stating the understanding of the work to be performed and in demonstrating the intention and ability to perform the work.

The firm's licensing, independence with respect to the City of Signal Hill and results of most recent peer review. This should include any disciplinary actions taken or pending against the firm.

Qualifications, size, and related experience of the audit team who will be actually working on and coordinating the City's audit (i.e., Partner, Manager and Senior Auditors), including the firm's on-going efforts to keep its staff current and knowledgeable in governmental accounting practices.

Experience of the firm auditing California cities, redevelopment agencies, and successor agencies of similar nature, size, and complexity, and the auditor's commitment to maintaining technical expertise in the municipal financial environment.

Local government client references.

Commitment to timeliness and meeting City set deadlines in the conduct of the audit.

Thoroughness of approach to conducting the audit.

Demonstration of the understanding of the objectives and scope of the audit.

Maximum fees to conduct the audit. Although a significant factor, cost will not be the primary factor in the selection of an audit firm.

The City reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to request clarifications of proposals or to conduct discussions for the purpose of clarification with any or all vendors. The purpose of any such discussions shall be to ensure full understanding of the proposal. Discussions shall be limited to specific sections of the proposal identified by the City and, if held, shall be after initial evaluation of proposals are complete. If clarifications are made as a result of such discussion, the vendor shall put such clarifications in writing.

Respondent Virtual Presentations/Interviews
The City may, at its discretion, invite a shortlist of Respondents to participate in a panel interview to be held virtually. The City may require that Respondents prepare a presentation as part of the interview. No Respondent shall be entitled to or otherwise guaranteed an interview.

Selection, Negotiation, and Award
During the evaluation process, the City reserves the right, where it may serve the City's best interest, to request additional information or clarifications from Respondent, or to allow corrections of errors or omissions. The contract, if awarded, shall be to the most qualified Respondent, which submits the proposal that, in the sole judgment of City, is the best interest of the City.

Upon selection of a Respondent, the City will endeavor to negotiate a mutually agreeable agreement with the selected Respondent. In the event that the City is unable to reach agreement, the City will proceed, at its sole discretion, to negotiate with the next Respondent selected by the City. The City reserves the right to contract for Services in the manner that most benefits the City including awarding more than one (1) contract if desired.

After negotiating a proposed Agreement that is fair and reasonable, City staff will make the final recommendation to the City Manager or City Council concerning the proposed Agreement. Subject to the contract amount, the City Manager or City Council has the final authority to approve or reject the Agreement.

Protests
Protest Contents: Protests based on the content of the RFP shall be submitted to the City no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the scheduled proposal submittal deadline. If necessary, the proposal submittal deadline may be extended pending a resolution of the protest. Respondent may protest a contract award if the Respondent believes that the award was inconsistent with City policy or this RFP is not in compliance with law. A protest must be filed in writing with the City (email is not acceptable) within five (5) calendar days after receipt of notification of the intended contract award. Any protest submitted after 5 p.m. of the fifth calendar day after notification of the intended contract award will be rejected by the City as invalid and the Respondent’s failure to timely file a protest will waive the Respondent’s right to protest the contract award. The Respondent’s protest must include supporting documentation, legal authorities in support of the grounds for the protest and the name, address and telephone number of the person representing the Respondent for purposes of the protest. Any matters not set forth in the protest shall be deemed waived.

City Review: The City will review and evaluate the basis of the protest provided the protest is filed in strict conformity with the foregoing. The City shall provide the Respondent submitting the protest with a written statement concurring with or denying the protest. Action by the City relative to the protest will be final and not subject to appeal or reconsideration. The procedure and time limits set forth in this section are mandatory and are the Respondent’s sole and exclusive remedy in the event of protest. Failure to comply with these procedures will constitute a waiver of any right to further pursue the protest, including filing a Government Code claim or legal proceedings.

GENERAL PROVISIONS
Amendments to RFP
The City reserves the right to amend or revise the RFP and its attachments or issue to all Respondents a Notice of Amendment to answer questions for clarification. Amendments or revisions, if any, shall be made by written addenda. All addenda issued by the City shall be included in the proposal and made part of the Contract Documents. Copies of addenda will be issued by the City through the City’s bid management system. Respondents must acknowledge receipt of all addenda through the City’s bid management system by clicking “acknowledge.” Respondents are responsible for ensuring that they have received any and all addenda. Each Respondent should contact the City to verify that it has received all addenda issued, if any, prior to the proposal opening. Failure to acknowledge receipt of all addenda may result in proposal rejection.

No Commitment to Award.

Issuance of this RFP and receipt of proposals does not commit the City to award a contract. The City expressly reserves the right to postpone the RFP process for its own convenience, to negotiate any price or provision, task order or service, to accept or reject any or all proposals received in response to this RFP, to negotiate with more than one Respondent concurrently, or to cancel all or part of this RFP. The Agreement, if any is awarded, will go to the Respondent whose proposal best meets City’s requirements.

Amendments to Proposals.

Unless specifically requested by the City, no amendment, addendum or modification will be accepted after the deadline stated herein for receiving Proposals. Respondent may modify or amend its Proposal only if the City receives the amendment prior to the deadline stated herein for receiving Proposals.

Non-Responsive Proposals.

A Proposal may be considered non-responsive if conditional, incomplete, or if it contains alterations of form, additions not called for, or other irregularities that may constitute a material change to the Proposal.

Costs for Preparing.

The City will not compensate any Respondent for the cost of preparing any Proposal, and all materials submitted with a Proposal shall become the property of the City. The City will retain all Proposals submitted and may use any idea in a Proposal regardless of whether that Proposal is selected.

Alternative Proposals.

Only one final proposal is to be submitted by each Respondent. Multiple proposals will result in rejection of all proposals submitted by the Respondent.

Public Documents.

All Proposals and all evaluation and/or scoring sheets shall be available for public inspection at the conclusion of the selection process.

No Exceptions.

Submission of a Proposal constitutes acceptance by Respondent of the conditions contained in this RFP and the Professional Consultant Services Agreement (attached as Attachment 3), should Respondent be selected, except for those exceptions specifically identified in the Proposal.

Conflict of Interest
By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent declares and warrants that no elected or appointed official, officer or employee of the City has been or shall be compensated, directly or indirectly, in connection with the award of the Agreement or any work for the proposed project. For the term of the Agreement, no elected or appointed official, officer or employee of the City, during the term of his/her service with the City and for two (2) years following his/her termination of office or employment with the City, shall have any direct interest in the Agreement, or obtain any present, anticipated or future material benefit arising therefrom.

ATTACHMENT 1

REQUIRED FORMS
Consultants must submit satisfactory evidence to the City supporting their ability to meet the scope of work within a prompt time frame. Also, to improve consistency the proposals must conform to the following format: See Section 7: Proposal Requirements.

SUMMARY SHEET
The Summary Sheet is accessible electronically on the City’s website at:

TBD
Firm Name:

Firm Parent or Ownership:

Firm Address:

Firm Telephone Number:

Firm Fax Number:

Number of Years in Existence:

Management Contact (person responsible for direct contact with the City of Signal Hill and services required for this Request for Proposals):

Name: Title:

Telephone Number: Fax:

Email:

Project Manager (person responsible for day-to-day servicing of the account):

Name: Title:

Telephone Number: Fax:

Email:

Type of services performed by the firm:

CERTIFICATION OF PROPOSAL TO THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

1. The undersigned hereby submits its proposal and, by doing so, agrees to furnish services to the City in accordance with the Request for Proposal (RFP), dated February 3, 2023, and to be bound by the terms and conditions of the RFP.

2. This firm has carefully reviewed its proposal and understands and agrees that the City is not responsible for any errors or omissions on the part of the Respondent and that the Respondent is responsible for them.

3. It is understood and agreed that the City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive any informality or irregularity in any proposal received by the City.

4. The proposal includes all of the commentary, figures and data required by the Request for Proposal, dated February 3, 2023, including any addenda issued thereafter.

5. This firm has carefully read and fully understands all of the terms and conditions of the RFP.

6. The proposal shall be valid for 180 days from the date submitted to the City.

Name of Firm:

By:
(Authorized Signature)
Type Name:

Title:

Date:

ATTACHMENT 3

AGREEMENT

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT
Parties and Date.

This Agreement is made and entered into this _____ day of ________, 20___, by and between the City of Signal Hill, a municipal corporation, organized under the laws of the State of California, with its principal place of business at 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, CA 90755("City") and TBD- Name of Company, a TBD – Type of Business, state of incorporation, with its principal place of business at TBD - address ("Consultant"). City and Consultant are sometimes individually referred to herein as "Party" and collectively as "Parties." Recitals.

Consultant.

Consultant desires to perform and assume responsibility for the provision of certain professional consulting services required by the City on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Consultant represents that it is experienced in providing professional consulting services to public clients, is licensed in the State of California, and is familiar with the plans of City.

Project.

City desires to engage Consultant to render such professional consulting services for a comprehensive fee study, comprehensive development impact fee study to support a citywide impact fee program that meets the requirements of the Mitigation Fee Act (California Government Code Section 66000 et seq., also known as “AB 1600”), and a Cost Allocation Plan Study project ("Project") as set forth in this Agreement.

Terms.

Scope of Services and Term.

General Scope of Services. Consultant promises and agrees to furnish to the City all labor, materials, tools, equipment, services, and incidental and customary work necessary to fully and adequately supply the professional consulting services necessary for the Project ("Services"). The Services are more particularly described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. All Services shall be subject to, and performed in accordance with, this Agreement, the exhibits attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.

Term. The term of this Agreement shall be from TBD to TBD, unless earlier terminated as provided herein. Consultant shall complete the Services within the term of this Agreement, and shall meet any other established schedules and deadlines.

Responsibilities of Consultant.

Independent Contractor; Control and Payment of Subordinates. The Services shall be performed by Consultant or under its supervision. Consultant will determine the means, methods and details of performing the Services subject to the requirements of this Agreement. City retains Consultant on an independent contractor basis and not as an employee. Consultant retains the right to perform similar or different services for others during the term of this Agreement. Any additional personnel performing the Services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant shall also not be employees of City and shall at all times be under Consultant's exclusive direction and control. Neither City, nor any of its officials, officers, directors, employees or agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant's officers, employees, or agents, except as set forth in this Agreement. Consultant shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due such personnel in connection with their performance of Services under this Agreement and as required by law. Consultant shall be responsible for all reports and obligations respecting such additional personnel, including, but not limited to: social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.

Schedule of Services. Consultant shall perform the Services expeditiously, within the term of this Agreement, and in accordance with the Schedule of Services set forth in Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Consultant represents that it has the professional and technical personnel required to perform the Services in conformance with such conditions. In order to facilitate Consultant's conformance with the Schedule, City shall respond to Consultant's submittals in a timely manner. Upon request of City, Consultant shall provide a more detailed schedule of anticipated performance to meet the Schedule of Services.

Conformance to Applicable Requirements. All work prepared by Consultant shall be subject to the approval of City.

Substitution of Key Personnel. Consultant has represented to City that certain key personnel will perform and coordinate the Services under this Agreement. Should one or more of such personnel become unavailable, Consultant may substitute other personnel of at least equal competence upon written approval of City. In the event that City and Consultant cannot agree as to the substitution of key personnel, City shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement for cause. As discussed below, any personnel who fail or refuse to perform the Services in a manner acceptable to the City, or who are determined by the City to be uncooperative, incompetent, a threat to the adequate or timely completion of the Project or a threat to the safety of persons or property, shall be promptly removed from the Project by the Consultant at the request of the City. The key personnel for performance of this Agreement are as follows: TBD – Name and Title.

City's Representative. The City hereby designates TBD – Name and Title, or his/her designee, to act as its representative in all matters pertaining to the administration and performance of this Agreement ("City's Representative"). City's Representative shall have the power to act on behalf of the City for review and approval of all products submitted by Consultant but not the authority to enlarge the Scope of Work or change the total compensation due to Consultant under this Agreement. The City Manager shall be authorized to act on City's behalf and to execute all necessary documents which enlarge the Scope of Work or change the Consultant's total compensation subject to the provisions contained in Section 3.3 of this Agreement. Consultant shall not accept direction or orders from any person other than the City Manager, City's Representative or his/her designee.

Consultant's Representative. Consultant hereby designates TBD – name and title, or his/her designee, to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement ("Consultant's Representative"). Consultant's Representative shall have full authority to represent and act on behalf of the Consultant for all purposes under this Agreement. The Consultant's Representative shall supervise and direct the Services, using his/her best skill and attention, and shall be responsible for all means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures and for the satisfactory coordination of all portions of the Services under this Agreement.

Coordination of Services. Consultant agrees to work closely with City staff in the performance of Services and shall be available to City's staff, consultants and other staff at all reasonable times.

Standard of Care; Performance of Employees. Consultant shall perform all Services under this Agreement in a skillful and competent manner, consistent with the standards generally recognized as being employed by professionals in the same discipline in the State of California. Consultant represents and maintains that it is skilled in the professional calling necessary to perform the Services. Consultant warrants that all employees and subconsultants shall have sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services assigned to them. Finally, Consultant represents that it, its employees and subconsultants have all licenses, permits, qualifications and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to perform the Services, and that such licenses and approvals shall be maintained throughout the term of this Agreement. As provided for in the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, Consultant shall perform, at its own cost and expense and without reimbursement from the City, any services necessary to correct errors or omissions which are caused by the Consultant's failure to comply with the standard of care provided for herein. Any employee of the Consultant or its sub-consultants who is determined by the City to be uncooperative, incompetent, a threat to the adequate or timely completion of the Project, a threat to the safety of persons or property, or any employee who fails or refuses to perform the Services in a manner acceptable to the City, shall be promptly removed from the Project by the Consultant and shall not be reemployed to perform any of the Services or to work on the Project.

Laws and Regulations. Consultant shall keep itself fully informed of and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations in any manner affecting the performance of the Project or the Services, including all Cal/OSHA requirements, and shall give all notices required by law. Consultant shall be liable for all violations of such laws and regulations in connection with Services. If Consultant performs any work knowing it to be contrary to such laws, rules and regulations, Consultant shall be solely responsible for all costs arising therefrom. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold City, its officials, directors, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers free and harmless, pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with such laws, rules or regulations.

Safety. Consultant shall execute and maintain its work so as to avoid injury or damage to any person or property. In carrying out its Services, the Consultant shall at all times be in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and shall exercise all necessary precautions for the safety of employees appropriate to the nature of the work and the conditions under which the work is to be performed. Safety precautions, where applicable, shall include, but shall not be limited to: (A) adequate life protection and lifesaving equipment and procedures; (B) instructions in accident prevention for all employees and subconsultants, such as safe walkways, scaffolds, fall protection ladders, bridges, gang planks, confined space procedures, trenching and shoring, equipment and other safety devices, equipment and wearing apparel as are necessary or lawfully required to prevent accidents or injuries; and (C) adequate facilities for the proper inspection and maintenance of all safety measures.

Insurance. Consultant agrees to procure and maintain, at Consultant’s expense all insurance specified in Exhibit “D” attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein. Consultant shall require all subconsultants to carry the same policies and limits of insurance that the Consultant is required to maintain, unless otherwise approved in writing by the City.

Fees and Payments.

Compensation. Consultant shall receive compensation, including authorized reimbursements, for all Services rendered under this Agreement at the rates set forth in Exhibit "C" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The total compensation shall not exceed TBD ($TBD) without written approval of the City Council or City Manager as applicable. Extra Work may be authorized, as described below, and if authorized, will be compensated at the rates and manner set forth in this Agreement.

Payment of Compensation. Consultant shall submit to City a monthly invoice which indicates work completed and hours of Services rendered by Consultant. The invoice shall describe the amount of Services provided since the initial commencement date, or since the start of the subsequent billing periods, as appropriate, through the date of the invoice. City shall, within 30 days of receiving such invoice, review the invoice and pay all non-disputed and approved charges thereon. If the City disputes any of Consultant's fees, the City shall give written notice to Consultant within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice of any disputed fees set forth therein.

Reimbursement for Expenses. Consultant shall not be reimbursed for any expenses unless authorized in writing by City, or included in Exhibit "C" of this Agreement.

Extra Work. At any time during the term of this Agreement, City may request that Consultant perform Extra Work. As used herein, "Extra Work" means any work which is determined by City to be necessary for the proper completion of the Project, but which the Parties did not reasonably anticipate would be necessary at the execution of this Agreement. Consultant shall not perform, nor be compensated for, Extra Work without written authorization from the City.

Rate Increases. In the event that this Agreement is renewed pursuant to Section 3.1.2, the rate set forth in Exhibit “C” may be adjusted each year at the time of renewal as set forth in Exhibit “C.” Labor Code Requirements.

Prevailing Wages. Consultant is aware of the requirements of California Labor Code Section 1720, et seq., and 1770, et seq., as well as California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 16000, et seq., ("Prevailing Wage Laws"), which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the performance of other requirements on "public works" and "maintenance" projects. [INSERT "If" or "Since"] the Services are being performed as part of an applicable "public works" or "maintenance" project, as defined by the Prevailing Wage Laws, and [INSERT "If" or "Since"] the total compensation is $1,000 or more, Consultant agrees to fully comply with such Prevailing Wage Laws. City shall provide Consultant with a copy of the prevailing rates of per diem wages in effect at the commencement of this Agreement. Consultant shall make copies of the prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to execute the Services available to interested parties upon request, and shall post copies at the Consultant's principal place of business and at the project site. It is the intent of the parties to effectuate the requirements of sections 1771, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1813, and 1815 of the Labor Code within this Agreement, and Consultant shall therefore comply with such Labor Code sections to the fullest extent required by law. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws.

Registration. If the Services are being performed as part of an applicable “public works” or “maintenance” project, in addition to the foregoing, then pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, the Consultant and all subconsultants must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”). Consultant shall maintain registration for the duration of the project and require the same of any subconsultants. This project may also be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR. It shall be Contractor’s sole responsibility to comply with all applicable registration and labor compliance requirements, including the submission of payroll records directly to the DIR.

Accounting Records.

Maintenance and Inspection. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to all costs and expenses incurred under this Agreement. All such records shall be clearly identifiable. Consultant shall allow a representative of City during normal business hours to examine, audit, and make transcripts or copies of such records and any other documents created pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall allow inspection of all work, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to the Agreement for a period of three (3) years from the date of final payment under this Agreement.

General Provisions.

Termination of Agreement.

Grounds for Termination. City may, by written notice to Consultant, terminate the whole or any part of this Agreement at any time and without cause by giving written notice to Consultant of such termination, and specifying the effective date thereof, at least seven (7) days before the effective date of such termination. Upon termination, Consultant shall be compensated only for those services which have been adequately rendered to City, and Consultant shall be entitled to no further compensation. Consultant may not terminate this Agreement except for cause.

Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated as provided herein, City may require Consultant to provide all finished or unfinished Documents and Data and other information of any kind prepared by Consultant in connection with the performance of Services under this Agreement. Consultant shall be required to provide such document and other information within fifteen (15) days of the request.

Additional Services. In the event this Agreement is terminated in whole or in part as provided herein, City may procure, upon such terms and in such manner as it may determine appropriate, services similar to those terminated.

Delivery of Notices. All notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall be given to the respective parties at the following address, or at such other address as the respective parties may provide in writing for this purpose:

Consultant: TBD
TBD - Address[
ATTN: TBD- name and title
City: City of Signal Hill
2175 Cherry Avenue
Signal Hill, CA 90755
ATTN: Carlo Tomaino, City Manager
Such notice shall be deemed made when personally delivered or when mailed, forty-eight (48) hours after deposit in the U.S. Mail, first class postage prepaid and addressed to the party at its applicable address. Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice on the date actual notice occurred, regardless of the method of service.

Ownership of Materials and Confidentiality.

Documents & Data; Licensing of Intellectual Property. This Agreement creates a nonexclusive and perpetual license for City to copy, use, modify, reuse, or sublicense any and all copyrights, designs, and other intellectual property embodied in plans, specifications, studies, drawings, estimates, and other documents or works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, including but not limited to, physical drawings or data magnetically or otherwise recorded on computer diskettes, which are prepared or caused to be prepared by Consultant under this Agreement ("Documents & Data"). Consultant shall require all subconsultants to agree in writing that City is granted a nonexclusive and perpetual license for any Documents & Data the subconsultant prepares under this Agreement. Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant has the legal right to license any and all Documents & Data. Consultant makes no such representation and warranty in regard to Documents & Data which were prepared by design professionals other than Consultant or provided to Consultant by the City. City shall not be limited in any way in its use of the Documents & Data at any time, provided that any such use not within the purposes intended by this Agreement shall be at City's sole risk.

Confidentiality. All ideas, memoranda, specifications, plans, procedures, drawings, descriptions, computer program data, input record data, written information, and other Documents & Data either created by or provided to Consultant in connection with the performance of this Agreement shall be held confidential by Consultant. Such materials shall not, without the prior written consent of City, be used by Consultant for any purposes other than the performance of the Services. Nor shall such materials be disclosed to any person or entity not connected with the performance of the Services or the Project. Nothing furnished to Consultant which is otherwise known to Consultant or is generally known, or has become known, to the related industry shall be deemed confidential. Consultant shall not use City's name or insignia, photographs of the Project, or any publicity pertaining to the Services or the Project in any magazine, trade paper, newspaper, television or radio production or other similar medium without the prior written consent of City.

Confidential Information. The City shall refrain from releasing Consultant’s proprietary information ("Proprietary Information") unless the City's legal counsel determines that the release of the Proprietary Information is required by the California Public Records Act or other applicable state or federal law, or order of a court of competent jurisdiction, in which case the City shall notify Consultant of its intention to release Proprietary Information. Consultant shall have five (5) working days after receipt of the Release Notice to give City written notice of Consultant's objection to the City's release of Proprietary Information. Consultant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against all liability, loss, cost or expense (including attorney’s fees) arising out of a legal action brought to compel the release of Proprietary Information. City shall not release the Proprietary Information after receipt of the Objection Notice unless either: (1) Consultant fails to fully indemnify, defend (with City's choice of legal counsel), and hold City harmless from any legal action brought to compel such release; and/or (2) a final and non-appealable order by a court of competent jurisdiction requires that City release such information.

Cooperation; Further Acts. The Parties shall fully cooperate with one another, and shall take any additional acts or sign any additional documents as may be necessary, appropriate or convenient to attain the purposes of this Agreement.

Attorney's Fees. If either party commences an action against the other party, either legal, administrative or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled to have and recover from the losing party reasonable attorney's fees and all other costs of such action.

Indemnification.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall defend (with counsel of City’s choosing), indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents free and harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, liability, loss, damage or injury of any kind, in law or equity, to property or persons, including wrongful death, in any manner arising out of, pertaining to, or incident to any alleged acts, errors or omissions, or willful misconduct of Consultant, its officials, officers, employees, subcontractors, consultants or agents in connection with the performance of the Consultant's Services, the Project or this Agreement, including without limitation the payment of all damages, expert witness fees and attorneys fees and other related costs and expenses.  Consultant's obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by the Consultant or the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers.

If Consultant’s obligation to defend, indemnify, and/or hold harmless arises out of Consultant’s performance as a “design professional” (as that term is defined under Civil Code section 2782.8), then, and only to the extent required by Civil Code section 2782.8, which is fully incorporated herein, Consultant’s indemnification obligation shall be limited to claims that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the Consultant, and, upon Consultant obtaining a final adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction, Consultant’s liability for such claim, including the cost to defend, shall not exceed the Consultant’s proportionate percentage of fault.

Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire Agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings or agreements. This Agreement may only be modified by a writing signed by both parties.

Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Venue shall be in Orange County.

Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement.

City's Right to Employ Other Consultants. City reserves right to employ other consultants in connection with this Project.

Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding on the successors and assigns of the parties.

Assignment or Transfer. Consultant shall not assign, hypothecate, or transfer, either directly or by operation of law, this Agreement or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the City. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void, and any assignees, hypothecates or transferees shall acquire no right or interest by reason of such attempted assignment, hypothecation or transfer.

Construction; References; Captions. Since the Parties or their agents have participated fully in the preparation of this Agreement, the language of this Agreement shall be construed simply, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any Party. Any term referencing time, days or period for performance shall be deemed calendar days and not work days. All references to Consultant include all personnel, employees, agents, and subconsultants of Consultant, except as otherwise specified in this Agreement. All references to City include its elected officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers except as otherwise specified in this Agreement. The captions of the various articles and paragraphs are for convenience and ease of reference only, and do not define, limit, augment, or describe the scope, content, or intent of this Agreement.

Amendment; Modification. No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing and signed by both Parties.

Waiver. No waiver of any default shall constitute a waiver of any other default or breach, whether of the same or other covenant or condition. No waiver, benefit, privilege, or service voluntarily given or performed by a Party shall give the other Party any contractual rights by custom, estoppel, or otherwise.

No Third-Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third party beneficiaries of any right or obligation assumed by the Parties.

Invalidity; Severability. If any portion of this Agreement is declared invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Prohibited Interests. Consultant maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Consultant, to solicit or secure this Agreement. Further, Consultant warrants that it has not paid nor has it agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Consultant, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. For breach or violation of this warranty, City shall have the right to rescind this Agreement without liability. For the term of this Agreement, no member, officer or employee of City, during the term of his or her service with City, shall have any direct interest in this Agreement, or obtain any present or anticipated material benefit arising therefrom.

Equal Opportunity Employment. Consultant represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and it shall not discriminate against any subconsultant, employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, handicap, ancestry, sex or age. Such non-discrimination shall include, but not be limited to, all activities related to initial employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination. Consultant shall also comply with all relevant provisions of City's Minority Business Enterprise program, Affirmative Action Plan or other related programs or guidelines currently in effect or hereinafter enacted.

Labor Certification. By its signature hereunder, Consultant certifies that it is aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for Worker's Compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that Code, and agrees to comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the Services.

Authority to Enter Agreement. Consultant has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business and to execute, deliver, and perform the Agreement. Each Party warrants that the individuals who have signed this Agreement have the legal power, right, and authority to make this Agreement and bind each respective Party.

Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.

Subcontracting. TBD
Prior Approval Required. Consultant shall not subcontract any portion of the work required by this Agreement, except as expressly stated herein, without prior written approval of City. Subcontracts, if any, shall contain a provision making them subject to all provisions stipulated in this Agreement.

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
[INSERT NAME]
By:

By:

Mayor or City Manager
[INSERT NAME AND TITLE]
[If Corporation, TWO SIGNATURES, President OR Vice President AND Secretary OR Treasurer REQUIRED] ATTEST:

By:
[INSERT NAME AND TITLE
By:

City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By:

Best Best & Krieger LLP
City Attorney
EXHIBIT "A"

SCOPE OF SERVICES
EXHIBIT "B"

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
EXHIBIT "C"

COMPENSATION
EXHIBIT “D”

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Insurance.

Time for Compliance. Consultant shall not commence work under this Agreement until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that it has secured all insurance required under this section. In addition, Consultant shall not allow any subconsultant to commence work on any subcontract until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that the subconsultant has secured all insurance required under this section.

Types of Insurance Required. As a condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement for work to be performed hereunder, and without limiting the indemnity provisions of the Agreement, the Consultant, in partial performance of its obligations under such Agreement, shall procure and maintain in full force and effect during the term of the Agreement the following policies of insurance. If the existing policies do not meet the insurance requirements set forth herein, Consultant agrees to amend, supplement or endorse the policies to do so.

Commercial General Liability: Commercial General Liability Insurance which affords coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office "occurrence" form CG 0001, or the exact equivalent, with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and no less than $2,000,000 in the general aggregate. Defense costs shall be paid in addition to the limits. The policy shall contain no endorsements or provisions (1) limiting coverage for contractual liability; (2) excluding coverage for claims or suits by one insured against another (cross-liability); or (3) containing any other exclusion(s) contrary to the terms or purposes of this Agreement.

Automobile Liability Insurance: Automobile Liability Insurance with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Form CA 0001 covering "Any Auto" (Symbol 1), or the exact equivalent, covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities with limits of not less than $1,000,000 combined limit for each occurrence. [***NOTE: If Consultant does not own any company vehicles or may not be able to purchase a Business Automobile Insurance Policy, the requirement may be satisfied by providing either of the following: (1) a Personal Automobile Liability policy for the Consultant's own vehicle stipulating "Automobile Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 each accident"; or (2) a non-owned auto endorsement to the Commercial General Liability policy if Consultant uses vehicles of others (e.g., vehicles of employees).

Workers' Compensation: Workers' Compensation Insurance, as required by the State of California and Employer's Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and disease.

Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions): Professional Liability insurance or Errors & Omissions insurance appropriate to Consultant’s profession with limits of not less than $1,000,000. Covered professional services shall specifically include all work to be performed under the Agreement and delete any exclusions that may potentially affect the work to be performed (for example, any exclusions relating to lead, asbestos, pollution, testing, underground storage tanks, laboratory analysis, soil work, etc.). If coverage is written on a claims-made basis, the retroactive date shall precede the effective date of the initial Agreement and continuous coverage will be maintained or an extended reporting period will be exercised for a period of at least three (3) years from termination or expiration of this Agreement. [OPTIONAL: include the following provision if there is a pollution liability exposure; otherwise, always delete.] Insurance Endorsements. Required insurance policies shall contain the following provisions, or Consultant shall provide endorsements on forms approved by the City to add the following provisions to the insurance policies:

Commercial General Liability
Additional Insured: The City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be additional insureds with regard to liability and defense of suits or claims arising out of the performance of the Agreement.

Additional Insured Endorsements shall not (1) be restricted to "ongoing operations"; (2) exclude "contractual liability"; (3) restrict coverage to "sole" liability of Consultant; or (4) contain any other exclusions contrary to the terms or purposes of this Agreement. For all policies of Commercial General Liability insurance, Consultant shall provide endorsements in the form of ISO CG 20 10 10 01 and 20 37 10 01 (or endorsements providing the exact same coverage) to effectuate this requirement.

Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium.

Automobile Liability:

Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium.

Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions):

Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium.

Contractual Liability Exclusion Deleted: This insurance shall include contractual liability applicable to this Agreement. The policy must “pay on behalf of” the insured and include a provision establishing the insurer’s duty to defend.

Workers' Compensation:

Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium.

Waiver of Subrogation: A waiver of subrogation stating that the insurer waives all rights of subrogation against the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers.

Primary and Non-Contributing Insurance. All policies of Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance shall be primary and any other insurance, deductible, or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, or volunteers shall not contribute with this primary insurance. Policies shall contain or be endorsed to contain such provisions.

Waiver of Subrogation. All policies of Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance shall contain or be endorsed to waive subrogation against the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers or shall specifically allow Consultant or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. Consultant hereby waives its own right of recovery against the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers, and shall require similar written express waivers and insurance clauses from each of its subconsultants.

Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Any deductible or self-insured retention must be approved in writing by the City and shall protect the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers in the same manner and to the same extent as they would have been protected had the policy or policies not contained a deductible or self-insured retention.

Evidence of Insurance. The Consultant, concurrently with the execution of the Agreement, and as a condition precedent to the effectiveness thereof, shall deliver either certified copies of the required policies, or original certificates on forms approved by the City, together with all endorsements affecting each policy. Required insurance policies shall not be in compliance if they include any limiting provision or endorsement that has not been submitted to the City for approval. The certificates and endorsements for each insurance policy shall be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. At least fifteen (15 days) prior to the expiration of any such policy, evidence of insurance showing that such insurance coverage has been renewed or extended shall be filed with the City. If such coverage is cancelled or reduced and not replaced immediately so as to avoid a lapse in the required coverage, Consultant shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice of such cancellation or reduction of coverage, file with the City evidence of insurance showing that the required insurance has been reinstated or has been provided through another insurance company or companies.

Failure to Maintain Coverage. In the event any policy of insurance required under this Agreement does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced immediately so as to avoid a lapse in the required coverage, City has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary and any premium paid by City will be promptly reimbursed by Consultant or City will withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from Consultant payments. In the alternative, City may cancel this Agreement effective upon notice.

Acceptability of Insurers. Each such policy shall be from a company or companies with a current A.M. Best's rating of no less than A:VII and authorized to transact business of insurance in the State of California, or otherwise allowed to place insurance through surplus line brokers under applicable provisions of the California Insurance Code or any federal law.

Enforcement of Agreement Provisions (non estoppel). Consultant acknowledges and agrees that actual or alleged failure on the part of the City to inform Consultant of non-compliance with any requirement imposes no additional obligation on the City nor does it waive any rights hereunder.

Requirements Not Limiting. Requirement of specific coverage or minimum limits contained in this Appendix are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits, or other requirement, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance.

Insurance for Subconsultants. Consultant shall include all subconsultants engaged in any work for Consultant relating to this Agreement as additional insureds under the Consultant's policies, or the Consultant shall be responsible for causing subconsultants to purchase the appropriate insurance in compliance with the terms of these Insurance Requirements, including adding the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers as additional insureds to the subconsultant's policies. All policies of Commercial General Liability insurance provided by Consultant’s subconsultants performing work relating to this Agreement shall be endorsed to name the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers as additional insureds using endorsement form ISO CG 20 38 04 13 or an endorsement providing equivalent coverage. Consultant shall not allow any subconsultant to commence work on any subcontract relating to this Agreement until it has received satisfactory evidence of subconsultant’s compliance with all insurance requirements under this Agreement, to the extent applicable. The Consultant shall provide satisfactory evidence of compliance with this section upon request of the City. (BB&K 2017)
55136.00200\31918793.1
Exhibit “C”-1
17 ATTACHMENT 3

AGREEMENT
55728.00300\33359615.155728.00300\33359615.1
55728.00300\33359615.1
55728.00300\33359615.1
2 NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS
55728.00300\33359615.155728.00300\33359615.1
55728.00300\33359615.1
55728.00300\33359615.1
55728.00300\33359615.155728.00300\33359615.1
55728.00300\33359615.1
55728.00300\33359615.1
11 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
16 ATTACHMENT 2

REQUIRED FORMS
55728.00300\33359615.155728.00300\33359615.1
55728.00300\33359615.1
55728.00300\33359615.1
(BB&K 2019)
55136.00200\31918793.1
-9-
(BB&K 2019)
55136.00200\31918793.1
Exhibit “A”-1
(BB&K 2019)
55136.00200\31918793.1
Exhibit “B”-1
55136.00200\31918793.1