HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 52643 RECEIVED CSC No.52643
AUG 14 2019
CITY OF FORT WORTH
CITYSECRETARY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN CITY OF FORT WORTH AND
DR. RONALD EPPS
This PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT("Agreement")is made and entered
into by and between the CITY OF FORT WORTH ("City"), a Texas home rule municipal
corporation,and RONALD EPPS,DVM ("Contractor"),an individual,each individually referred
to as a"party" and collectively referred to as the "parties."
AGREEMENT DOCUMENTS:
The Agreement documents shall include the following:
1. This Professional Services Agreement;
2. Exhibit A—Scope of Services;
3. Exhibit B—Payment Schedule; and
Exhibits A and B, which are attached hereto and incorporated herein, are made a part of this
Agreement for all purposes. In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of
Exhibits A or B and the terms and conditions set forth in the body of this Agreement, the terms
and conditions of this Agreement shall control.
1. SCOPE OF SERVICES.
Contractor hereby agrees, with good faith and due diligence, to provide the City with
veterinary services Specifically, Contractor will perform all duties outlined and described in the
Statement of Work, which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein for all
purposes, and further referred to herein as the"Services."Contractor shall perform the Services in
accordance with standards in the industry for the same or similar services. In addition, Contractor
shall perform the Services in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules,
and regulations. If there is any conflict between this Agreement and Exhibit A, the terms and
conditions of this Agreement shall control.
2. TERM.
This Agreement shall commence on August 12,2019 and shall terminate on September 30,
2020, unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement. In addition, the term may be
extended by mutual written agreement of the parties, for up to four additional one-year terms. No
compensation in excess of the agree amount will be paid without approval by the City Council in
accordance with the City Charter, City Code and Procurement Policies.
3. COMPENSATION.
City shall pay Contractor an amount not to exceed Seventy Five Thousand Dollars and
00l100 ($75,000.00) for the duration of this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement and Exhibit "B," — Payment Schedule, which is incorporated for all purposes herein,
and subject to appropriation of sufficient funds by the City Council. The City shall not be liable
OFFICIAL RECORD
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps CITY SECRETARY
FT. WORTH,TX
for any additional expenses of Contractor not specified by this Agreement unless the City first
approves such expenses in writing.
There is no guarantee expressed or implied as to the miiaimum quantity of work that the
City is obligated to provide or the minimum compensation to be paid under this Agreement. This
Agreement is not intended to establish an exclusive provider relationship and the City retains the
right to retain the services of other providers of veterinary services. Contractor retains the right to
provide veterinary services to other persons or entities.
The Contractor shall provide monthly invoices to the City. Invoices shall contain a detailed
breakdown to include:type of service performed, date work performed,internal services provided,
and eternal supplies provided.
Payment of services rendered shall be due within thirty (30) days of the uncontested
performance of the particular services so ordered and receipt by the City of Contractor's invoice
for payment of same. In the event of a disputed or contested billing,only that portion so contested
may be withheld from payment, and the undisputed portion will be paid. No interest will accrue
on any contested portion of the billing until mutually resolved. City will exercise reasonableness
in contesting any billing or portion thereof.
Acceptance by Contractor of payment shall operate as and shall release the City from all
claims or liabilities under this Agreement for any related to, done or furnished in connection with
the services for which payment is made, including any act or oir,ission of the City in connection
with such services.
4. TERMINATION.
4.1. Written Notice. City may terminate this Agreement at any time and for any reason
by providing the other party with 30 days' written notice of termination.
4.2 Non-appropriation of Funds. In the event no funds or insufficient funds are
appropriated by City in any fiscal period for any payments due hereunder, City will notify
Contractor of such occurrence and this Agreement shall terminate on the last day of the fiscal
period for which appropriations were received without penalty or expense to City of any kind
whatsoever, except as to the portions of the payments herein agreed upon for which funds have
been appropriated.
4.3 Duties and Obligations of the Parties. In the event that this Agreement is terminated
prior to the Expiration Date, City shall pay Contractor for Services actually rendered up to the
effective date of termination and Contractor shall continue to provide City with Services requested
by City and in accordance with this Agreement up to the effective date of termination.
5. DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
5.1 Disclosure of Conflicts. Contractor hereby warrants to City that Contractor has
made full disclosure in writing of any existing or potential conflicts of interest related to
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps Page 2 of 13
Contractor's Services under this Agreement. In the event that any conflicts of interest arise after
the Effective Date of this Agreement, Contractor hereby agrees immediately to make full
disclosure to City in writing.
5.2 Confidential Information. Contractor, for itself and its officers, agents and
employees, agrees that it shall treat all information provided to it by City("City Information") as
confidential and shall not disclose any such information to a third party without the prior written
approval of City.
5.3 Unauthorized Access. Contractor shall store and maintain City Information in a
secure manner and shall not allow unauthorized users to access, modify, delete or otherwise
corrupt City Information in any way. Contractor shall notify City immediately if the security or
integrity of any City Information has been compromised or is believed to have been compromised,
in which event,Contractor shall,in good faith,use all commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate
with City in identifying what information has been accessed by unauthorized means and shall fully
cooperate with City to protect such City Information from further unauthorized disclosure.
6. RIGHT TO AUDIT.
Contractor agrees that City shall,until the expiration of three(3)years after final payment
under this Agreement, or the final conclusion of any audit commenced during the said three years,
have access to and the right to examine at reasonable times any directly pertinent books,
documents, papers and records, including,but not limited to, all electronic records, of Contractor
involving transactions relating to this Agreement at no additional cost to City. Contractor agrees
that City shall have access during normal working hours to all necessary Contractor facilities and
shall be provided adequate and appropriate work space in order to conduct audits in compliance
with the provisions of this section.The City shall give Contractor not less than ten(10)days written
notice of any intended audits.
Contractor further agrees to include in all its subcontractor agreements hereunder a
provision to the effect that the subcontractor agrees that the City shall, until expiration of three
(3) years after final payment of the subcontract, have access to and the right to examine at
reasonable times any directly pertinent books, documents, papers and records of such
subcontractor involving transactions related to the subcontract, and further that City shall have
access during normal working hours to all subcontractor facilities and shall be provided adequate
and appropriate work space in order to conduct audits in compliance with the provisions of this
paragraph. City shall give subcontractor not less than ten(10)days written notice of any intended
audits.
7. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.
It is expressly understood and agreed that Contractor shall operate as an independent
contractor as to all rights and privileges and work performed under this Agreement, and not as
agent, representative or employee of City. Subject to and in accordance with the conditions and
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps Page 3 of 13
provisions of this Agreement, Contractor shall have the exclusive right to control the details of its
operations and activities and be solely responsible for the acts and omissions of its officers,agents,
servants,employees,consultants and subcontractors. Contractor acknowledges that the doctrine of
respondeat superior shall not apply as between City, its officers, agents, servants and employees,
and Contractor, its officers, agents, employees, servants, Contractors and subcontractors.
Contractor further agrees that nothing herein shall be construed as the creation of a partnership or
joint enterprise between City and Contractor. It is further understood that City shall in no way be
considered a Co-employer or a Joint employer of Contractor or any officers, agents, servants,
employees or subcontractors of Contractor. Neither Contractor, nor any officers,agents, servants,
employees or subcontractors of Contractor shall be entitled to any employment benefits from City.
Contractor shall be responsible and liable for any and all payment and reporting of taxes on behalf
of itself, and any of its officers, agents, servants, employees or subcontractors. Contractor waives
and releases the City from any claims related to classification or alleged misclassification as an
independent contractor, including but not limited to claims relating to taxes, insurance, overtime
and benefits.
Contractor further agrees that nothing herein shall be construed as the creation of a
partnership or joint enterprise between the City and the Contractor. Both parties acknowledge and
agree that this is a non-exclusive Agreement; Contractor is free tc perform veterinary services for
other clients and the City is free to contract with other veterinarians.
In performing obligations and duties under this Agreement, Contractor is expected to
exercise his independent judgement and discretion as a veterinarian license by the State of Texas.
8. LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION.
8.1 LIABILITY- CONTRACTOR SHALL BE LIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR
ANY AND ALL PROPERTY LOSS, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY,
INCLUDING DEATH, TO ANY AND ALL PERSONS, OF/4VY KIND OR CHARACTER,
WHETHER REAL OR ASSERTED, TO THE EXTENT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENT
ACT(S) OR OMISSION(S), MALFEASANCE OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT OF
CONTRACTOR,ITS OFFICERS,AGENTS,SERVANTS OR.EMPLOYEES.
8.2 GENERAL INDEMNIFICATION- CONTRACTOR HEREBY COVENANTS
AND AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS AND DEFEND CITY, ITS
OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS AND EMPLOYEES, FROM AND AGAINST ANYAND
ALL CLAIMS OR LAWSUITS OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER, WHETHER REAL OR
ASSERTED, FOR EITHER PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS (INCLUDING ALLEGED
DAMAGE OR LOSS TO CONTRACTOR'S BUSINESS AND ANY RESULTING LOST
PROFITS) AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, TO ANY AND ALL
PERSONS,ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, TO THE
EXTENT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENT ACTS OR OMISSIONS OR MALFEASANCE OF
CONTRACTOR,ITS OFFICERS,AGENTS,SERVANTS OR EMPLOYEES.
Professional Services Agreement Dr.Epps Page 4 of 13
9. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING.
9.1 Assignment. Contractor shall not assign or subcontract any of its duties,obligations
or rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of City. If City grants consent to
an assignment, the assignee shall execute a written agreement with City and Contractor under
which the assignee agrees to be bound by the duties and obligations of Contractor under this
Agreement. Contractor and Assignee shall be jointly liable for all obligations of Contractor under
this Agreement prior to the effective date of the assignment.
9.2 Subcontract. If City grants consent to a subcontract, subcontractor shall execute a
written agreement with Contractor referencing this Agreement under which subcontractor shall
agree to be bound by the duties and obligations of Contractor under this Agreement as such duties
and obligations may apply. Contractor shall provide City with a fully executed copy of any such
subcontract and a copy of subcontractor's insurance certificate(s) in accordance with the
specifications in Section 10.2 of this Agreement, including but not limited to the endorsement
naming the City as an additional insured and the waiver of subrogation.
10. INSURANCE.
Contractor shall provide City with certificate(s) of insurance documenting policies of the
following types and minimum coverage limits that are to be in effect prior to commencement of
any work pursuant to this Agreement:
10.1 Coverage and Limits
(a) Commercial General Liability:
$1,000,000 - Each Occurrence
$2,000,000 - Aggregate
(b) Automobile Liability:
$1,000,000 - Each occurrence on a combined single limit basis
$250,000 - Bodily injury per person
$500,000 - Bodily injury per occurrence
$100,000 - Property damage
Coverage shall be on any vehicle used by Contractor,its employees,agents,
representatives in the course of providing Services under this Agreement.
"Any vehicle" shall be any vehicle owned, hired and non-owned.
(c) Worker's Compensation (If Contractor's employees are used in the
performance of the Agreement):
Statutory limits according to the Texas Workers' Compensation Act or any
other state workers' compensation laws where the work is being performed
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps Page 5 of 13
Employers' liability
$100,000- Bodily Injury by accident; each accident/occurrence
$100,000 - Bodily Injury by disease; each employee
$500,000- Bodily Injury by disease; policy limit
(d) Professional Liability(Errors & Omissions):
$300,000- Each Claim Limit
$900,000 - Aggregate Limit
The above described Professional Liability coverage is required for each
licensed veterinarian performing any duties under the Agreement.
Professional Liability coverage may be provided through an endorsement
to the Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy, or a separate policy
specific to Professional E&O. Either is acceptable if coverage meets all
other requirements. Coverage shall be claims-made, and maintained for the
duration of the Agreement and for two (2) years following completion of
Services provided. An annual certificate of insurance shall be submitted to
City to evidence coverage.
10.2 General Requirements
(a) The commercial general liability and aui omobile liability policies shall
name City as an additional insured thereon as its interests may appear. The
term City shall include its employees, officers, officials, agents, and
volunteers in respect to the contracted SeYti ices.
(b) The workers' compensation policy shall include a Waiver of Subrogation
(Right of Recovery)in favor of City.
(c) A minimum of Thirty(30)days'notice of cancellation or reduction in limits
of coverage shall be provided to City. Ten (10) days' notice shall be
acceptable in the event of non-payment of premium.Notice shall be sent to
the Risk Manager,City of Fort Worth,200 Texas Street,Fort Worth,Texas
76102, with copies to the Fort Worth City Attorney at the same address.
(d) The insurers for all policies must be licensed and/or approved to do business
in the State of Texas. All insurers must have a minimum rating of A-VII in
the current A.M. Best Key Rating Guide, or have reasonably equivalent
financial strength and solvency to the satisfaction of Risk Management. If
the rating is below that required, written approval of Risk Management is
required.
(e) Any failure on the part of City to request required insurance documentation
shall not constitute a waiver of the insurance requirement.
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps Page 6 of 13
(f) Certificates of Insurance evidencing that Contractor has obtained all
required insurance shall be delivered to the City prior to Contractor
proceeding with any work pursuant to this Agreement.
11. LICENSES AND COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, ORDINANCES, RULES AND
REGULATIONS.
Contractor agrees that in the performance of its obligations hereunder,it shall comply with
all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances,rules and regulations and that any work it
produces in connection with this Agreement will also comply with all applicable federal, state and
local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. If City notifies Contractor of any violation of such
laws, ordinances, rules or regulations, Contractor shall immediately desist from and correct the
violation.
Contractor certifies and warrants that on the day any work is to commence under this
Agreement and during the duration of the Agreement, contractor shall have and maintain all of the
current, valid and appropriate federal, state, and local licenses and permits necessary for the
provision of services under this Agreement. Contractor shall notify City within twenty-four(24)
hours of any lapse, revocation, or actual or proposed disciplinary action by a licensing authority
with regard to Contractor or any employee. Contractor also certifies that if any employee or
subcontractor is used in the performance of this Agreement, that such employee or subcontractor
shall have and maintain all of the current, valid, and appropriate federal, state and local licenses
and permits necessary for the provision of services under this Agreement.
12. NON-DISCRIMINATION COVENANT.
Contractor, for itself, its personal representatives, assigns, subcontractors and successors
in interest,as part of the consideration herein,agrees that in the performance of Contractor's duties
and obligations hereunder, it shall not discriminate in the treatment or employment of any
individual or group of individuals on any basis prohibited by law. IF ANY CLAIM ARISES
FROM AN ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THIS NON-DISCRIMINATION COVENANT
BY CONTRACTOR, ITS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ASSIGNS,
SUBCONTRACTORSS OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST,CONTRACTOR AGREES TO
ASSUME SUCH LIABILITY AND TO INDEMNIFY AND DEFEND CITY AND HOLD
CITY HARMLESS FROM SUCH CLAIM.
13. NOTICES.
Notices required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall be conclusively
determined to have been delivered when (1) hand-delivered to the other party, its agents,
employees, servants or representatives, (2) delivered by facsimile with electronic confirmation of
the transmission,or(3)received by the other party by United States Mail,registered,return receipt
requested, addressed as follows:
To CITY: To CONTRACTOR:
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps Page 7 of 13
City of Fort Worth Ronald Epps,D.V.M.
Attn: Valerie Washington, 17-1 Jamar
Assistant City Manager Weatherford,TX 76088
200 Texas Street
Fort Worth,TX 76102-6314
Facsimile: (817) 392-8654
With copy to Fort Worth City
Attorney's Office at same
address
14. RESERVED.
15. GOVERNMENTAL POWERS.
It is understood and agreed that by execution of this Agreement, City does not waive or
surrender any of its governmental powers or immunities.
16. NO WAIVER.
The failure of City or Contractor to insist upon the performance of any term or provision
of this Agreement or to exercise any right granted herein shall not constitute a waiver of City's or
Contractor's respective right to insist upon appropriate performance or to assert any such right on
any future occasion.
17. GOVERNING LAW/VENUE.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. If
any action, whether real or asserted, at law or in equity, is brought pursuant to this Agreement,
venue for such action shall lie in state courts located in Tarrant County,Texas or the United States
District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division.
18. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the
validity,legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired.
19. FORCE MAJEURE.
City and Contractor shall exercise their best efforts to r eet their respective duties and
obligations as set forth in this Agreement, but shall not be held Liable for any delay or omission
in performance due to force majeure or other causes beyond their reasonable control, including,
but not limited to, compliance with any government law, ordinance or regulation, acts of God,
acts of the public enemy, fires, strikes, lockouts, natural disasters, wars, riots, material or labor
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps Page 8 of 13
restrictions by any governmental authority, transportation problems and/or any other similar
causes.
20. HEADINGS NOT CONTROLLING.
Headings and titles used in this Agreement are for reference purposes only, shall not be
deemed a part of this Agreement,and are not intended to define or limit the scope of any provision
of this Agreement.
21. REVIEW OF COUNSEL.
The parties acknowledge that each party and its counsel have reviewed and revised this
Agreement and that the normal rules of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be
resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement
or Exhibits A and B.
22. AMENDMENTS/MODIFICATIONS/EXTENSIONS.
No amendment,modification,or extension of this Agreement shall be binding upon a party
hereto unless set forth in a written instrument, which is executed by an authorized representative
of each party.
23. ENTIRETY OF AGREEMENT.
This Agreement, including Exhibits A and B, contains the entire understanding and
agreement between City and Contractor, their assigns and successors in interest, as to the matters
contained herein. Any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreement is hereby declared null
and void to the extent in conflict with any provision of this Agreement.
24. COUNTERPARTS.
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and each counterpart shall,
for all purposes, be deemed an original,but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and
the same instrument.
25. WARRANTY OF SERVICES.
Contractor warrants that its Services will be of a professional quality and conform to
generally prevailing industry standards. City must give written notice of any breach of this
warranty within thirty (30) days from the date that the Services are completed. In such event, at
Contractor's option, Contractor shall either(a)use commercially reasonable efforts to re-perform
the Services in a manner that conforms with the warranty, or (b) refund the fees paid by City to
Contractor for the nonconforming Services.
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps Page 9 of 13
26. SIGNATURE AUTHORITY.
The person signing this Agreement hereby warrants that lie/she has the legal authority to
execute this Agreement on behalf of the respective party,and that such binding authority has been
granted by proper order,resolution,ordinance or other authorization of the entity.This Agreement
and any amendment hereto,may be executed by any authorized representative of Contractor whose
name, title and signature is affixed to this Agreement. Each party is fully entitled to rely on these
warranties and representations in entering into this Agreement or any amendment hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties hereto have executed this Agreement in multiples
this ia-'rh day ofAmousf ,2019.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps Page 10 of 13
CITY OF FORT WORTH: CONTRACTOR
RONALD EPPS,DVM:
I(w� D • �
By: Valerie R Washington(Aug 12,2019) By, RonalcrJ.Epps(Aug 9,201 P
Name: Valerie Washington Name: Ronald Epps, DVM
Title: Assistant City Manager Title: n/a
Date: Date: A U g 9, 2019
SCOPE AND FEES APPROVED:
By: Tim Morton(Aug 10,2019)
Name: Tim Morton,D.V.M.
Title: Assistant Director,
Code Compliance ®7*
ATTEST: ` U '_ APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
` LEGALITY:
By: ryl U C��M _
Name: Mary Kayser By: Matt Murray(Aug 12,2 9)
Title: City Secretary Name: Matt Murray
Title: Assistant City Attorney
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE MANAGER:
By signing I acknowledge that I am the person responsible for the monitoring and administration
of this contract, including ensuring all performance and reporting requirements.
7r✓iilG�t r 'Owi?
By: Jessica Brown(Aug 10,2019)
Name: Jessica Brown
Title: Code Compliance Superintendent
CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION:
M&C: Not required
1295: Not required - -
OFFICIAL RECOR
F
CITY SECRETARY'
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps FT VMMmf W
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Perform spay/neuter surgery,recovery, discharge and other tasks associated with spay/neuter
procedures. Animals will be selected for surgery by City employees.
Perform health exams and medical or surgical treatment as needed to maintain or improve the
health of animals. Services to include providing veterinary checks,heartworm treatments,health
exams for transport and other veterinary duties as tasked.
The Contractor(veterinarian)will conform to all surgical standards as dictated by the Texas
Veterinary Medical Practices Act.
Prices for pet sterilization included within this Agreement are comprehensive. They include and
assume:
1. All veterinary staff is fully licensed and insured within Texas to practice veterinary
medicine.
2. All drug and pet sterilization records will be recorded and will be maintained by the City
as required by Texas law.
3. All soft goods (materials, drugs and supplies)required for,the sterilization of identified
pets will be provided by the City. This Agreement also assumes Contractor's use of
existing City materials (the use of large items at the shelter, including,but not limited to,
Fort Worth Animal Care and Control(FWACC)pet carriers for surgery transport or
surgical lights,tables, anesthesia machines and oxygen concentrators, mops and cleaning
materials)when surgeries are done onsite at the shelter.
4. Shelter staff will fill out surgery forms for animals to accurately track all services and
provide surgery documentation for each animal serviced.
5. Contractor will have the ability to decline animals the Contractor determines are not good
surgery candidates at all times. NO in heat or pregnancy fees will be assessed.
6. FWACC kennel staff will monitor animals daily during cage cleaning post-surgery and
alert Contractor of any concerns staff have about animals post-surgery as soon as
problems develop. Post-surgical issues will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps Page 12 of 13
EXHIBIT B
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Fees:
Veterinarian services during the normal operating hours of the Chuck Silcox Animal Care
and Adoption Center shall be compensated at Seventy Dollars and Zero Cents ($70.00)per hour
for services outlined in the Scope of Work(Attachment A). Compensation shall not exceed
Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00)per year without a duly authorized amendment to
the Contract.
The Contractor will utilize ACC's supplies and materials when performing veterinarian
services on-site.
Professional Services Agreement—Dr.Epps Page 13 of 13