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HomeMy WebLinkAbout065402 - General - Contract - Biddle Consulting GroupCity Secretary Contract No.65402 FORT W TH(UR VENDOR SERVICES AGREEMENT This VENDOR SERVICES AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into by and between the CITY OF FORT W TH ("City"), a Texas home rule municipal corporation, and Biddle Consulting Group ("Vendor"), each individually referred to as a "party" and collectively referred to as the "parties." 1. Scone of Services. Vendor will provide the City with subscriptions to Biddle's proprietary pre -employment testing platforms ("Services"), which are set forth in more detail in Exhibit "A," attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes. 2. Term, This Agreement begins on September 18 2026 ("Effective Date") and expires on September 17, 2027 ("Expiration Date"), unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement ("Initial Term"). City will have the option, in its sole discretion, to renew this Agreement under the same terms and conditions, for up to four (4) one-year renewal option(s) (each a "Renewal Term"). 3. Comllensation. City will pay Vendor in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, including Exhibit "B," which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes. Total annual compensation under this Agreement will not exceed $25,000.00. Vendor will not perform any additional services or bill for expenses incurred for City not specified by this Agreement unless City requests and approves in writing the additional costs for such services. City will not be liable for any additional expenses of Vendor not specified by this Agreement unless City first approves such expenses in writing. 3.1 Suppliers are required to submit all invoices electronically to supplierinvoicesgfortworthtexas.gov. Each invoice must include the purchase order number (if applicable), a detailed description of services or goods provided, and a total amount due. Invoices should be submitted in PDF format, clearly legible, and include vendor contact information. Incomplete or non -compliant invoices may be returned for correction and may delay processing and payment. 4. Termination, 4.1. Written Notice. City or Vendor 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 Vendor of such occurrence and this Agreement will 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. Biddle Consulting Group OFFICIAL RECORD CITY SECRETARY Page 1 of 12 FT. WORTH, TX City Secretary Contract No. 4.3 Duties and ObliLyations of the Parties. In the event that this Agreement is terminated prior to the Expiration Date, City will pay Vendor for services actually rendered up to the effective date of termination and Vendor will continue to provide City with services requested by City and in accordance with this Agreement up to the effective date of termination. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Vendor will provide City with copies of all completed or partially completed documents prepared under this Agreement. In the event Vendor has received access to City Information or data as a requirement to perform services hereunder, Vendor will return all City provided data to City in a machine readable format or other format deemed acceptable to City. 5. Disclosure of Conflicts and Confidential Information. 5.1 Disclosure of Conflicts. Vendor hereby warrants to City that Vendor has made full disclosure in writing of any existing or potential conflicts of interest related to Vendor's services under this Agreement. In the event that any conflicts of interest arise after the Effective Date of this Agreement, Vendor hereby agrees immediately to make full disclosure to City in writing. 5.2 Confidential Information. Vendor, for itself and its officers, agents and employees, agrees that it will treat all information provided to it by City ("City Information") as confidential and will not disclose any such information to a third party without the prior written approval of City. 5.3 Public Information Act. City is a government entity under the laws of the State of Texas and all documents held or maintained by City are subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act. In the event there is a request for information marked Confidential or Proprietary, City will promptly notify Vendor. It will be the responsibility of Vendor to submit reasons objecting to disclosure. A determination on whether such reasons are sufficient will not be decided by City, but by the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Texas or by a court of competent jurisdiction. 5.4 Unauthorized Access. Vendor must store and maintain City Information in a secure manner and will not allow unauthorized users to access, modify, delete or otherwise corrupt City Information in any way. Vendor must 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, Vendor will, in good faith, use all commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with City in identifying what information has been accessed by unauthorized means and will fully cooperate with City to protect such City Information from further unauthorized disclosure. 6. Right to Audit. Vendor agrees that City will, 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 Vendor involving transactions relating to this Agreement at no additional cost to City. Vendor agrees that City will have access during normal working hours to all necessary Vendor facilities and will be provided adequate and appropriate work space in order to conduct audits in compliance with the provisions of this section. City will give Vendor Biddle Consulting Group Page 2 of 12 City Secretary Contract No. reasonable advance notice of intended audits. 7. IndeFendent Contractor. It is expressly understood and agreed that Vendor will 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 provisions of this Agreement, Vendor will 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, Vendors, and subcontractors. Vendor acknowledges that the doctrine of respondeat superior will not apply as between City, its officers, agents, servants and employees, and Vendor, its officers, agents, employees, servants, contractors, and subcontractors. Vendor further agrees that nothing herein will be construed as the creation of a partnership or joint enterprise between City and Vendor. It is further understood that City will in no way be considered a Co -employer or a Joint employer of Vendor or any officers, agents, servants, employees, contractors, or subcontractors. Neither Vendor, nor any officers, agents, servants, employees, contractors, or subcontractors of Vendor will be entitled to any employment benefits from City. Vendor will 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, contractors, or contractors. 8. Liability and Indemnification. 8.1 LIABILITY - VENDOR WILL BE LIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL PROPERTY LOSS, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, TO ANY AND ALL PERSONS, OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER, WHETHER REAL OR ASSERTED, TO THE EXTENT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENT ACT(S) OR OMISSION(S), MALFEASANCE OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT OF VENDOR, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, OR SUBCONTRACTORS. 8.2 GENERAL INDEMNIFICATION - VENDOR HEREBY COVENANTS AND AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS AND DEFEND CITY, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS AND EMPLOYEES, FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND 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 VENDOR'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 VENDOR, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, OR SUBCONTRACTORS. 8.3 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INDEMNIFICATION - Vendor agrees to defend, settle, or pay, at its own cost and expense, any claim or action against City for infringement of any patent, copyright, trade mark, trade secret, or similar property right arising from City's use of the software and/or documentation in accordance with this Agreement, it being understood that this agreement to defend, settle or pay will not apply if City modifies or misuses the software and/or documentation. So long as Vendor bears the cost and expense of payment for claims or actions against City pursuant to this section, Vendor will have the right to conduct the defense of any such claim or action and all negotiations for its settlement or compromise and to settle or compromise any such claim; however, City will have the right to fully participate in any and all such settlement, negotiations, or lawsuit as necessary to protect City's interest, and City agrees to cooperate with Vendor in doing so. In the event City, for whatever reason, assumes the responsibility for payment of costs and expenses for any claim or action brought against City for infringement arising under this Agreement, City will have Biddle Consulting Group Page 3 of 12 City Secretary Contract No. the sole right to conduct the defense of any such claim or action and all negotiations for its settlement or compromise and to settle or compromise any such claim; however, Vendor will fully participate and cooperate with City in defense of such claim or action. City agrees to give Vendor timely written notice of any such claim or action, with copies of all papers City may receive relating thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, City's assumption of payment of costs or expenses will not eliminate Vendor's duty to indemnify City under this Agreement. If the software and/or documentation or any part thereof is held to infringe and the use thereof is enjoined or restrained or, if as a result of a settlement or compromise, such use is materially adversely restricted, Vendor will, at its own expense and as City's sole remedy, either: (a) procure for City the right to continue to use the software and/or documentation; or (b) modify the software and/or documentation to make it non -infringing, provided that such modification does not materially adversely affect City's authorized use of the software and/or documentation; or (c) replace the software and/or documentation with equally suitable, compatible, and functionally equivalent non - infringing software and/or documentation at no additional charge to City; or (d) if none of the foregoing alternatives is reasonably available to Vendor terminate this Agreement, and refund all amounts paid to Vendor by City, subsequent to which termination City may seek any and all remedies available to City under law. Lo 1 I it I opothl I I I!! 9.1 Assi n� ment. Vendor will 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 will execute a written agreement with City and Vendor under which the assignee agrees to be bound by the duties and obligations of Vendor under this Agreement. Vendor will be liable for all obligations of Vendor under this Agreement prior to the effective date of the assignment. 9.2 Subcontract. If City grants consent to a subcontract, the subcontractor will execute a written agreement with Vendor referencing this Agreement under which subcontractor agrees to be bound by the duties and obligations of Vendor under this Agreement as such duties and obligations may apply. Vendor must provide City with a fully executed copy of any such subcontract. 10. Insurance. Vendor must 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 Services pursuant to this Agreement: 10.1 Coverage and Limits (a) Commercial General Liability: $1,000,000 - Each Occurrence $2,000,000 - Aggregate Biddle Consulting Group Page 4 of 12 City Secretary Contract No. 10.2 (b) Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 - Each occurrence on a combined single limit basis Coverage will be on any vehicle used by Vendor, or its employees, agents, or representatives in the course of providing Services under this Agreement. "Any vehicle" will be any vehicle owned, hired and non -owned. (c) Worker's Compensation: Statutory limits according to the Texas Workers' Compensation Act or any other state workers' compensation laws where the Services are being performed 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): $1,000,000 - Each Claim Limit $1,000,000 - Aggregate Limit 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 must be claims -made, and maintained for the duration of the contractual agreement and for two (2) years following completion of services provided. An annual certificate of insurance must be submitted to City to evidence coverage. General Requirements (a) The commercial general liability and automobile liability policies must name City as an additional insured thereon, as its interests may appear. The term City includes its employees, officers, officials, agents, and volunteers in respect to the contracted services. (b) The workers` compensation policy must 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 must be provided to City. Ten (10) days' notice will be acceptable in the event of non-payment of premium. Notice must 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 Biddle Consulting Group Page 5 of 12 City Secretary Contract No. 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 will not constitute a waiver of the insurance requirement. (f) Certificates oflnsurance evidencing that Vendor has obtained all required insurance will be delivered to the City prior to Vendor proceeding with any work pursuant to this Agreement. 11. Compliance with Laws. Ordinances. Rules and Regulations. Vendor agrees that in the performance of its obligations hereunder, it will 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 Vendor of any violation of such laws, ordinances, rules or regulations, Vendor must immediately desist from and correct the violation. 12. Non -Discrimination Covenant. Vendor, for itself, its personal representatives, assigns, contractors, subcontractors, and successors in interest, as part of the consideration herein, agrees that in the performance of Vendor's duties and obligations hereunder, it will 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 VENDOR, ITS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ASSIGNS, CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, VENDOR 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 provl s l Ons of this Agreement will 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 VENDOR: City of Fort Worth Attn: Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. Assistant City Manager Michael Callen, President 100 Fort Worth Trail 193 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 270 Fort Worth, TX 76102-6314 Facsimile: Folsom, CA 95630-4760 (817)392-8654 With copy to Fort Worth City Attorney's Office at same address 14. Solicitation of Employees. Neither City nor Vendor will, during the term of this Agreement and additionally for a period of one year after its termination, solicit for employment or employ, whether as employee or independent contractor, any person who is or has been employed by the other during the term of this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the person's employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision will not apply to an employee of either party who responds Biddle Consulting Group Page 6 of 12 City Secretary Contract No. to a general solicitation of advertisement of employment by either party. 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. lb. No Waiver. The failure of City or Vendor to insist upon the performance of any term or provision of this Agreement or to exercise any right granted herein does not constitute a waiver of City's or Vendor's respective right to insist upon appropriate performance or to assert any such right on any future occaslOn. 17. Governing Law/ Venue. This Agreement will 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 will 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 provlslon of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be affected or impaired. 19. Force Majeure. City and Vendor will exercise their best efforts to meet their respective duties and obligations as set forth in this Agreement, but will 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; epidemics or pandemics; government action or inaction; orders of government; material or labor restrictions by any governmental authority; transportation problems; restraints or prohibitions by any court, board, department, commission, or agency of the United States or of any States; civil disturbances; other national or regional emergencies; or any other similar cause not enumerated herein but which is beyond the reasonable control of the Party whose performance is affected (collectively, "Force Majeure Event"). The performance of any such obligation is suspended during the period of, and only to the extent of, such prevention or hindrance, provided the affected Party provides notice of the Force Majeure Event, and an explanation as to how it prevents or hinders the Party's performance, as soon as reasonably possible after the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, with the reasonableness of such notice to be determined by the City in its sole discretion. The notice required by this section must be addressed and delivered in accordance with Section 13 of this Agreement. 20. Headings not Controlling. Headings and titles used in this Agreement are for reference purposes only, will 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 will 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 will be binding upon a party hereto unless set forth in a written instrument, which is executed by an authorized representative of each party. 23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and each counterpart will, for all purposes, be deemed an original, but all such counterparts will together constitute one and the same instrument. Biddle Consulting Group Page 7 of 12 City Secretary Contract No. 24. Warranty of Services. Vendor warrants that its services will be of a high 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 Vendor's option, Vendor will 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 Vendor for the nonconforming services. 25. Immigration Nationality Act. Vendor must verify the identity and employment eligibility of its employees who perform work under this Agreement, including completing the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (1-9). Upon request by City, Vendor will provide City with copies of all 1-9 forms and supporting eligibility documentation for each employee who performs work under this Agreement. Vendor must adhere to all Federal and State laws as well as establish appropriate procedures and controls so that no services will be performed by any Vendor employee who is not legally eligible to perform such services. VENDOR WILL INDEMNIFY CITY AND HOLD CITY HARMLESS FROM ANY PENALTIES, LIABILITIES, OR LOSSES DUE TO VIOLATIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH BY VENDOR, VENDOR'S EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, OR AGENTS. City, upon written notice to Vendor, will have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement for violations of this provision by Vendor. 26. Ownership of Work Product. City will be the sole and exclusive owner of all reports, work papers, procedures, guides, and documentation that are created, published, displayed, or produced in conjunction with the services provided under this Agreement (collectively, "Work Product"). Further, City will be the sole and exclusive owner of all copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret and other proprietary rights in and to the Work Product. Ownership of the Work Product will inure to the benefit of City from the date of conception, creation or fixation of the Work Product in a tangible medium of expression (whichever occurs first). Each copyrightable aspect of the Work Product will be considered a "work -made -for -hire" within the meaning of the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended. If and to the extent such Work Product, or any part thereof, is not considered a "work -made -for -hire" within the meaning of the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended, Vendor hereby expressly assigns to City all exclusive right, title and interest in and to the Work Product, and all copies thereof, and in and to the copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, and all other proprietary rights therein, that City may have or obtain, without further consideration, free from any claim, lien for balance due, or rights of retention thereto on the part of City. 27. Signature Authority,, The person signing this Agreement hereby warrants that they have 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 Vendor. Each party is fully entitled to rely on these warranties and representations in entering into this Agreement or any amendment hereto. 28. Change in Comfy Name or OwnershiU. Vendor must notify City's Purchasing Manager, in writing, of a company name, ownership, or address change for the purpose of maintaining updated City records. The president of Vendor or authorized official must sign the letter. A letter indicating changes in a company name or ownership must be accompanied with supporting legal documentation such as an updated W-9, documents filed with the state indicating such change, copy of the board of director's resolution approving the action, or an executed merger or acquisition agreement. Failure to provide the specified documentation so may adversely impact future invoice payments. 29. No Boycott oflsrael. If Vendor has fewer than 10 employees or this Agreement is for less than $100,000, this section does not apply. Vendor acknowledges that in accordance with Chapter Biddle Consulting Group Page 8 of 12 City Secretary Contract No. 2271 of the Texas Government Code, the City is prohibited from entering into a contract with a company for goods or services unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it: (1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract. The terms "boycott Israel" and "company" has the meanings ascribed to those terms in Section 2271 of the Texas Government Code. By signing this Agreement, Vendor certifies that Vendor's signature provides written verification to the City that Vendor: (1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of the Agreement. 30. Prohibition on Boycotting Energy Comllanies. Vendor acknowledges that in accordance with Chapter 2274 of the Texas Government Code (as added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., S.B. 13, § 2), the City is prohibited from entering into a contract for goods or services that has a value of $100,000 or more, which will be paid wholly or partly from public funds of the City, with a company (with 10 or more full-time employees) unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it: (1) does not boycott energy companies; and (2) will not boycott energy companies during the term of the contract. The terms "boycott energy company" and "company" have the meaning ascribed to those terms by Chapter 2274 of the Texas Government Code (as added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., S.B. 13, § 2). To the extent that Chapter 2274 of the Government Code is applicable to this Agreement, by signing this Agreement, Vendor certifies that Vendor's signature provides written verification to the City that Vendor: (1) does not boycott energy companies; and (2) will not boycott energy companies during the term of this Agreement. 31. Prohibition on Discrimination Against Firearm and Ammunition Industries. Vendor acknowledges that except as otherwise provided by Chapter 2274 of the Texas Government Code (as added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., S.B. 19, § 1), the City is prohibited from entering into a contract for goods or services that has a value of $100,000 or more which will be paid wholly or partly from public funds of the City, with a company (with 10 or more full-time employees) unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it: (1) does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association; and (2) will not discriminate during the term of the contract against a firearm entity or firearm trade association. The terms "discriminate," "firearm entity" and "firearm trade association" have the meaning ascribed to those terms by Chapter 2274 of the Texas Government Code (as added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., S.B. 19, § 1). To the extent that Chapter 2274 of the Government Code is applicable to this Agreement, by signing this Agreement, Vendor certifies that Vendor's signature provides written verification to the City that Vendor: (1) does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association; and (2) will not discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association during the term of this Agreement. 32. Electronic Signatures, This Agreement may be executed by electronic signature, which will be considered as an original signature for all purposes and have the same force and effect as an original signature. For these purposes, "electronic signature" means electronically scanned and transmitted versions (e.g. via pdf file or facsimile transmission) of an original signature, or signatures electronically inserted via software such as Adobe Sign. 33. Entirety of Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement between City and Vendor, 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. (signature page follows) Biddle Consulting Group Page 9 of 12 City Secretary Contract No. CITY OF FORT WORTH: Dianna Giordano(Jun 22, 2U2b 10:53:26 CDT) ame Date: Dianna Giordano Assistant City Manager 06/22/2026 AL RECOMMENDED: «iz ame: Kristen Smith itle: Human Resources Director TTEST: F eFpq�nnpd d GO,eo" �O�1p0 _he QArtA � 4 i � aAQan�Exo oa4� ame: Jannette Goodall VENDOR: Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. 6/22/2026 Date: / y'. Dame: Michael Callen Title:President T COMPLIANCE MANAGER: signing, I acknowledge that I am the person )onsible for the monitoring and administration of this tract, including ensuring all performance and :)rting requirements. Victor Escobedo Human Resources Manager AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: Jordan P. Alvarez Assistant City Attorney II 'RACT AUTHORIZATION: N/A 1295 _N/A OFFICIAL RECORD CITY SECRETARY FT. WORTH, TX Biddle Consulting Group Page 10 of 12 City Secretary Contract No. EXHIBIT A SCOPE OF SERVICES Biddle Consulting Group specializes in Equal Employment Opportunity consulting, litigation support, personnel testing software development, and Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) outsourcing and software. Biddle Consulting Group offers pre -employment testing platforms that are easy to use, secure and that are defensible. Biddle Consulting Group will provide The City of Fort Worth Human Resources Department with two (2) modules that are appropriate for the City's hiring needs: Office Skills Testing for HR (Office Proficiency Assessment & Certification) - OPAC, and Dispatcher Skills Testing - CritiCall. OPAC is the modem office and computer skills testing module. This module includes several Microsoft Office assessments (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) as well as typing speed/accuracy and many other important modem office and computer skills tests. CritiCall is the dispatcher and tele-communicator testing module. CritiCall will determine whether or not applicants have the skills necessary for success in this complex, multi- tasking environment. Assessments include data entry, decision -making, and multi -tasking. Vendor Services Agreement Page 11 of 12 City of Fort Worth/ Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. City Secretary Contract No. EXHIBITB PAYMENT SCHEDULE > <• TestGenius City of Fort Worth - OPAC City of Fort Worth Victor Escobedo HR Business Partner victo r.esco bed o(afortworthtexas.gov 200 Texas St. Fort Worth, Texas, 76102 Quote Prepared by: Howie Pearsol Client Relations Manager Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. hpearsol@biddle.com ITEM DESCRIPTION PRICE" $1,935.00 i y< TestGenius Cloud Testing Package The subscription is active for the quoted period. This license allows the orga- nization to administer an unlimited number of online tests, whether "off - the -shelf" tests from the TestGenius suite, or the organization's custom tests through the TestWriter software. Includes: • Unlimited phone & email support: Monday - Friday 7am-8pm Pacific Time Saturday - Sunday 9am-7pm Pacific Time • Content Validation Wizard • TrueNorth Language Testing • Logi-Serve Situational Judgment Testing Total $1,935.00 Quote Created: August 1, 2025 Valid through: September 17, 2026 Reference # 20250801-125705097 Billed Net 30 Year 1: $1,290.00 (Paid) Year 2: $1,935.00 Year 3: $2,580.00 Year 4: $2,580.00 Year 5: $2,580.00 *Note., if client requires that any documents are to be notarized before being returned, a $700 fee will be added to the invoice to cover costs and expenses. b ddle Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. 1 606 Sutter Street I Folsom, California 95630-4760 www.TestGenius.com l l-(800)999-0438 Vendor Services Agreement Page 12 of 12 City of Fort Worth/ Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. FORT WORTH CITY OF FORT WORTH CHAPTER 252 EXEMPTION FORM Instructions: Fill out the entire form with detailed information. Once you have completed this form, provide it to the Purchasing attorneys for review. The attorneys will review the information you have provided to determine whether an exemption to Chapter 252's bidding requirements is defensible. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in follow up questions and cause a delay in the attorney's determination. Section 1: General Information Requesting Department: Name of Contract Manager: Departmental Attorney: Item or Service sought: Goods: Service: Anticipated Amount: Vendor: Current/Prior Agreement for item/service: CSC or Purchase Order #: Amount: Projected M&C Date: Human Resources Victor Escobedo Jordan P. Alvarez Pre -employment Testing Platform im 0 25,000.00 Biddle Consulting Group Yes ❑X No ❑ CSC 60093 25,000.00 N/A How will this item or service be used? El Biddle Consulting Group will provide the City of Fort Worth Human Resources Department with two (2) modules to assist with the City's hiring needs: Office Skills Testing for HR ( Office Proficiency Assessment & Certification) OPAL; and Dispatcher Skills Testing CritiCall. Has your department started a requisition or otherwise contacted the Purchasing Division related to obtaining this good/service? Yes ❑ No Page 1 of 6 If yes, please provide requisition number or brief explanation of contact with Purchasing Division: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION] Section 2: Claimed Exemption and Justification (Other than sole source) NOTE: For sole -source exemption requests, complete Section 3. Please indicate the non -sole -source exemption you believe applies to the purchase and provide information to support its applicability. Please refer to the Exemption Primer (starting on page 5) for detailed information about common exemptions: ❑ A procurement necessary to preserve or protect the public health or safety of the City of Fort Worth's residents; ❑ A procurement necessary because of unforeseen damage to public machinery, equipment, or other property; ❑ A procurement for personal, professional, or planning services; ❑ A procurement for work that is performed and paid for by the day as the work progresses; ❑ A purchase of land or a right-of-way; ❑ Paving drainage, street widening, and other public improvements, or related matters, if at least one-third of the cost is to be paid by or through special assessments levied on property that will benefit from the improvements; ❑ A public improvement project, already in progress, authorized by the voters of the municipality, for which there is a deficiency of funds for completing the project in accordance with the plans and purposes authorized by the voters; ❑ A payment under a contract by which a developer participates in the construction of a public improvement as provided by Subchapter C, Chapter 212; ❑ Personal property sold: • at an auction by a state licensed auctioneer; • at a going out of business sale held in compliance with Subchapter F, Chapter 17, Business & Commerce Code; • by a political subdivision of this state, a state agency of this state, or an entity of the federal government; or • under an interlocal contract for cooperative purchasing administered by a regional planning commission established under Chapter 391; Page 2 of 6 ❑ Services performed by blind or severely disabled persons; ❑ Goods purchased by a municipality for subsequent retail sale by the municipality; ❑ Electricity; or ❑ Advertising, other than legal notices. Please provide details and facts to explain why you believe the exemption applies to the purchase. You may also attach documentation to this form. Click or tap here to enter text. Section 3: Claimed Sole -Source Exemption and Justification NOTE: For all non -sole -source exemption requests, complete Section 2. Please indicate the sole -source exemption you believe applies to the purchase and provide information to support its applicability. Please refer to the Exemption Primer (starting on page 5) for detailed information about common exemptions: ® items that are available from only one source because of patents, copyrights, secret processes, or natural monopolies; ❑ films, manuscripts, or books; ❑ gas, water, and other utility services; ❑ captive replacement parts or components for equipment; ❑ books, papers, and other library materials for a public library that are available only from the persons holding exclusive distribution rights to the materials; and ❑ management services provided by a nonprofit organization to a municipal museum, park, zoo, or other facility to which the organization has provided significant financial or other benefits; How did you determine that the item or service is only available from one source? (EXPLAIN HOW YOU DETERMINED EXCEPTION APPLIES (RESEARCH, COMMUNICATIONS, DOCUMENTATION)] Attach screenshots and provide an explanation of any independent research you conducted, through internet searches, searching cooperatives, or discussions with others knowledgeable on the subject matter that corroborate that the item is available only from a single source. Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. is the sole developer, owner, licensor, and authorized provider of the proprietary TestGeniusg and CritiCallg testing software platforms. The City currently utilizes CritiCall® for the assessment of public safety communications applicants and related testing functions. Because the software, assessment content, scoring methodologies, validation tools, updates, licensing rights, and technical support are proprietary to Biddle Consulting Grogp, these products and services cannot be obtained from another vendor. No authorized resellers or alternative providers have been identified for the required software platform and associated support services. Therefore, Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. is the only known source capable of Page 3 of 6 providingthe he specific TestGenius® and CritiCall® software licenses, maintenance, updates, and support required by the City. Did you attach a sole source justification letter? N Yes ❑ No Describe the uniqueness of the item or service (e.g. compatibility or patent issues, etc.). The software, testing content, scoring algorithms, and associated intellectual property are proprietary to Biddle Consulting Group, equivalent services are not available from other providers. Section 4: Attorney Determination With the facts provided by the department, is the use of the claimed exemption defensible if the City were to be challenged on this purchase? NYes ❑No. Was there anything attached to this form that was relied on in making this determination? ❑Yes NNo. If yes, please explain: [DESCRIBE ATTACHMENTS CONSIDERED] Was there anything not included on this form or attached hereto that was relied on in making this determination? ❑Yes NNo. If yes, please explain: [EXPLAIN OUTSIDE SOURCE OF INFORMATION] Approved By: -4La&� Date: 6/10/2026 mama Muhammad / Jordan Alvarez Assistant City Attorney Page 4 of 6 =� biddle *� consulting group May 26, 2026 To Whom It May Concern, O 606 Sutter Street Folsom, CA 95630 Q 800 999 0438 (C') biddle.com Thank you for your inquiry into our TestGenius (CritiCall) testing software subscription. The purpose of this letter is to certify that we are the publisher and sole distributor (sole source) for this application and associated products in this marketplace. If you have further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at (800) 999-0438 or by email at mcallen@biddle.com. Best regards, �- �C— Michael Callen President Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. 7/1r FORT WORTH. City Secretary's Office Contract Routing & Transmittal Slip Contractor's Name: Biddle Consulting Subject of the Agreement: Pre -employment testing platform NA NA NA M&C Approved by the Council? * Yes ❑ No ❑✓ N/A If so, the M&C must be attached to the contract. Is this an Amendment to an Existing contract? Yes ❑ No El NA If so, provide the original contract number and the amendment number. Is the Contract "Permanent"? *Yes ❑ No If unsure, see back page for permanent contract listing. Is this entire contract Confidential? *Yes ❑No DIf only specific information is Confidential, please list what information is Confidential and the page it is located. NA NA Effective Date: September 18 2026 If different from the approval date. Expiration Date: September 17, 2027. If applicable. Is a 1295 Form required? * Yes ❑ No 21 *If so, please ensure it is attached to the approving M&C or attached to the contract. Project Number: If applicable. NA *Did you include a Text field on the contract to add the City Secretary Contract (CSC) number? Yes 0 No ❑ Contracts need to be routed for CSO processing in the followingorder: rder: 1. Katherine Cenicola (Approver) 2. Jannette S. Goodall (Signer) 3. Allison Tidwell (Form Filler) *Indicates the information is required and if the information is not provided, the contract will be returned to the department.