23-006 - Financial Accounting and Audit Assistance Services

1. GENERAL REQUEST

Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms (Consultants) to provide financial accounting and audit assistance services. This solicitation is not intended to create an exclusive service agreement and multiple awards may be made. OCPA retains the ability, at its sole discretion, to add qualified Consultants at any time.
 

1. 1. BACKGROUND

OCPA was created as a California Joint Powers Authority (JPA) on November 20, 2020, as a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) in Orange County. OCPA provides several benefits to its participating customers including:

• • • Providing electric power at competitive costs with reduced carbon emissions
    • Procuring energy with a priority on the use and development of local renewable resources
    • Stimulating local job creation through various program development
    • Promoting personal and community ownership of renewable resource
    • Stabilizing long-term electricity rates for residents and businesses

OCPA is governed by a board of directors (Board) consisting of elected representatives from each participating jurisdiction. The JPA authorizes OCPA with the rights and powers to set rates for the services it furnishes, incur indebtedness, and issue bonds or other obligations. OCPA was established for the acquisition of electric power for its service area as well as to provide other benefits to the residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural customers in communities located within the cities of Buena Park, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, and Irvine.

In April 2022, OCPA began providing service to approximately 32,000 commercial, industrial,
and agricultural customer accounts and in October 2022, OCPA initiated the second enrollment phase, enrolling all residential customers accounts. As of August 31, 2023, OCPA has enrolled approximately 264,000 customer accounts, of which 36,000 are Net Energy Metering (NEM) accounts.
 

1. 2. TERM OF AGREEMENT

The Agreement is expected to have a term of two (2) years with the option to extend for up to three (3) additional one (1) year terms. OCPA is not required to state a reason if it elects not to extend.  Compensation beyond the first two (2) years is subject to change on an annual basis by giving at least 120 days’ advance written notice to OCPA.
 

1. 3. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND GENERAL EXPECTATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT

 

• All Consultants must be currently certified to perform financial accounting services for government agencies in California. Additionally, they must confirm that all staff members designated for this project are duly licensed and legally authorized to practice within the State of California. 
• Be able to demonstrate a robust history of collaboration with California-based public agencies and municipalities. A significant emphasis should be placed on their deep knowledge and experience in Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) and California Investor-Owned Utilities such as Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, and/or San Diego Gas & Electric.
• The Consultants should maintain a good standing in the community, be recognized for the integrity of their work, be independent of OCPA as defined by generally accepted auditing standards, and have no pending investigations, or, preferably, litigation.
• The awarded Consultant is anticipated to work closely and professionally with both OCPA’s auditors and the OCPA FinTech team, ensuring consistent and effective communication at all stages.
• To protect OCPA's sensitive customer data, the awarded Consultant will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement, thereby committing to maintaining confidentiality for all privileged information they might access during the course of their assignment.

 

2. SERVICES REQUESTED

 

1. SCOPE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED

OCPA is releasing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified Consultants for providing financial accounting and audit assistance services. OCPA will provide the Consultant full access to pertinent financial data.
OCPA anticipates that the Consultant will provide services under a Not-to-Exceed cost basis. The scope of expected services includes, but is not limited to:
      Prepare Monthly Financial Analysis and Reconciliation

• Deliver YTD accrual basis financial statements every month in accordance with GAAP (excluding disclosures). These are to be treated as a compilation engagement following the AICPA's Standards for Accounting and Review Services.
• Generate monthly Actual-to-Budget Comparison reports with a detailed account variance analysis.
• Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations by maintaining the following monthly analysis:
  • o Computation of revenues billed to customers and estimated customer usage not yet billed based on actual customer invoices and T+7 and T+52 SQMD reports from OCPA’s Data Management service provider and CAISO. Work with OCPA’s FinTech team and various service providers including Data Management, SCE, Scheduling Coordinator, and Power Portfolio Management to resolve any unusual trend and exceptions.
  • o Reconcile monthly customer activity reports for Accounts Receivable Aging. Work with OCPA’s Data Management service provider and FinTech team to resolve any unusual trend and exceptions.
  • o Various bank reconciliations.
  • o Accounts Payable Aging reports.
  • o Depreciation schedule for capital assets.
  • o Detailed schedules for all remaining balance sheet accounts.

Manage Cloud-Based Accounts Payable and Billing System (Bill.com)

• Ensure proper documentation for management review, proper segregation of duties, and accessibility to source data.
• Adhere to OCPA’s Procurement Policies, especially regarding approval levels.
• Code accounts correctly for transactions, ensuring alignment with OCPA’s approved budget.
• Provide a quarterly check register report for the OCPA Board.
• File various compliance reports for state and local agencies, such as user utility taxes, energy surcharges, and state controller reports.
• Support information tax filings/remittances such as Form 1099/1096’s.

Treasury Management

• Assist in treasury related functions including setup of wire transfers and manage a comprehensive bill payment cycle.
• Assist in the management of financial covenants with counter parties and lenders.

Accounting and Control Systems Maintenance

• Maintain rigorous controls in accounting accounts payable, and accounts receivable systems.
• Ensure the general ledger is kept up-to-date with appropriate support and documentation. This includes recording of cash receipts and disbursements, accrued revenues, accounts payable and receivable, and accrued expenses, inclusive of payroll.
• Develop and maintain a non-energy contract portal system for OCPA’s staff, ensuring efficient spending monitoring and adherence to contract terms. Provide a quarterly non-energy contract tracker report for the OCPA Board.

Payroll and Employee Benefits

• Assist with bi-monthly payroll processing, related taxes, and retirement accounting functions. This involves coordination with OCPA’s payroll system, retirement plan administrator, and the FinTech team for any system updates.

Audit Assistance

• Collaborate with OCPA’s external financial auditors and FinTech team to facilitate the annual audit process, which encompasses the preparation of audit workpapers and draft financial statements.

     
Miscellaneous Duties

• Perform other essential financial tasks as needed based on unforeseen contingencies.

Retention and Accessibility of Working Papers:

• All working papers and reports shall be retained by the Consultant at their own expense for a period of no less than seven (7) years, unless otherwise directed in writing by OCPA to extend this retention period. Upon request, the Consultant shall provide access to these working papers to OCPA or its designated representatives.

3. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

OCPA will establish a Consultant Selection Panel (Panel). This Panel will evaluate the proposals based solely on the information provided, in accordance with the proposal evaluation criteria outlined below.

OCPA reserves the right to invite short-listed Proposers for a pre-selection interview if deemed necessary.

Following the assessment of proposals and/or interviews, the Panel will rank the proposals. The Panel will then recommend the highest-ranked Consultant to the Board of Directors for potential contracting. The Board of Directors retains the final authority to approve and enter into a contract with the selected Consultant.

OCPA reserves the right to not select any proposals from this RFP. Only digital submissions will be accepted. Please submit all proposals via www.bidnetdirect.com. Submissions in other digital formats will not be accepted.

OCPA requests proposals consist of the following minimum requirements to ensure the proposer has a comprehensive understanding of the project and such that OCPA has a complete understanding of the proposer’s ability to meet OCPA’s needs.
 

1. 1. PROPOSAL FORMAT

 

1. All proposals must be submitted electronically.
2. Executive Summary with brief description of company including firm or individual name and contact information, including e‐mail and website addresses, year organized, principals with the firm, types of work performed, number of employees.
3. Summary aligned with Section B.1. “Scope of Services” above including qualifications, specializations, experience, professional affiliation, special training, availability, and contact information for key personnel.
4. Resumes of key staff who would be assigned to OCPA projects. 
5. Information on any previous experience or services provided, including experience with CCA, work undertaken for California investor-owned electric utilities, other California public agency representation, and a list of relevant past or present clients, etc. 
6. A list of clients you currently represent that might cause a conflict of interest with your responsibilities for OCPA. 
7. Other factors or special considerations you feel would influence your selection. 
8. A list of references along with their contact information. 
1. Proposed fees for services, inclusive of staff time, equipment, materials, travel, administrative/clerical, overhead, and other out-of-pocket expenses, if applicable.  If proposing hourly billing rates (instead of a flat retainer fee), please provide a detailed fee summary with Not-to-Exceed amounts, whether monthly or per project/task.
10. Proposers shall certify that they accept all terms of this RFP, including, but not limited to, OCPA’s Standard Professional Services Agreement, provided as Attachment A below. If the proposer does take exception(s) to any portion of the RFP and/or Standard Professional Services Agreement, the specific exception(s) shall be identified and explained. OCPA is not required to negotiate with proposer or to accept any items to which any proposer takes exception.

 

1. 2. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The proposals submitted in response to this Request for Proposals shall be evaluated for award based on the following criteria and weighting. Consultant should submit information sufficient for OCPA to easily evaluate proposals with respect to the selection criteria. The absence of required information may cause the proposal to be deemed non-responsive and may be cause for rejection.   

The Panel will select the proposal that offers the greatest value to OCPA based on an analysis of the following criteria:

CriteriaWeight
Minimum QualificationsPass/Fail
  Understanding of the scope of work required by OCPA:

• Quality, clarity, and responsiveness of the proposal.
• The approach proposed for delivering services.

25%
Consultant’s capabilities:

• Proficiency in California energy market finance and understanding of CCA financial practices.
• Availability and commitment to the project throughout the work timeline.
• Ability to adhere to OCPA’s stipulated timelines.
• Legal accreditation and necessary certifications.

25%
Management, expertise, and experience:

• Demonstrable skills and qualifications essential for successful execution of OCPA’s requirements.
• Proven recent experience in delivering comparable services.
• Experience and background of the specific personnel appointed to this project.

25%
Commercial Terms (Price) and Compliance with OCPA Standard Professional Services Agreement

25%
Total100%

As outlined in the Evaluation Criteria, the decision to award the contract will consider multiple factors, prioritizing what's best for OCPA. It is important to note that OCPA will not necessarily award the contract to the lowest bidder.

After a thorough evaluation of the proposals and subsequent discussions with the shortlisted Finalists or the provisionally chosen Consultant(s), OCPA reserves the right to negotiate further on the proposed work, methodology, and compensation structure.
 

1. 3. OCPA PROJECT TIMELINE

Release of RFP                                                          Oct 27, 2023              
Deadline for Question Submittal                                Nov 10, 2023
Posting of Responses to Questions                           Nov 17, 2023
Proposals Due                                                            Nov 24, 2023                                     
Potential interviews, if requested by OCPA               Nov 27 - Dec 1, 2023
Board Approval based on OCPA evaluations            Dec 20, 2023 
Notification of Board decision                                     Dec 21, 2023
Contract Begins                                                          Jan 01, 2024
 

4. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. GENERAL

Incurring Cost
This RFP does not commit OCPA to award or pay any cost incurred in the submission of the proposal, or in making necessary studies or designs for the preparation thereof, nor procure or contract for services or supplies. Further, OCPA will not reimburse the proposer for any costs incurred in responding to this RFP.
Claims Against OCPA
Neither your organization nor any of your representatives shall have any claims whatsoever against OCPA or any of its respective officials, agents, or employees arising out of or relating to this RFP or these RFP procedures, except as set forth in the terms of a definitive agreement between OCPA and your organization.
Guarantee of Proposal
Responses to this RFP, including proposal prices, will be considered firm and irrevocable for ninety (90) days after the due date for receipt of proposals.
Basis for Proposal
Only information supplied by OCPA in writing by OCPA in connection with this RFP should be used as the basis for the preparation of Consultant’s proposal.
Form of Proposals
Proposals must be submitted electronically by e-mail and must be received by OCPA prior to the deadline.
Amended Proposals
Consultants may submit amended proposals before the Deadline to Submit Proposals. Such amended proposals must be complete replacements for previously submitted proposals and must be clearly identified in a written format.
Withdrawal of Proposal
Consultants may withdraw their proposals at any time prior to the Deadline to Submit Proposals. The Consultant must submit a written withdrawal request signed by the Consultant’s duly authorized representative addressed to and submitted to the Contact.
No Late Responses
To be considered, proposals must be received electronically via bidnetdirect.com by November 24, 2023, 5:00 PM PDT.
California Public Records Act (CPRA)
Pursuant to Michaelis, Montanari, & Johnson v. Superior Court (2006) 38 Cal.4th 1065, proposals submitted in response to this RFP may be held as confidential by OCPA and shall not be subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act (Cal. Government Code § 7920.000 et seq.) until after either OCPA and the successful proposer(s) have completed negotiations and entered into an Agreement or OCPA has rejected all proposals. All correspondence with OCPA including responses to this RFP will become the exclusive property of OCPA and will become public records under the California Public Records Act. Furthermore, and notwithstanding any other provision of this RFP, OCPA will have no liability to the proposer or other party as a result of any public disclosure of any proposal or the Agreement.
If a proposer believes that a portion of its proposal would be exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act, the proposer must mark it as such and state the specific provision in the California Public Records Act which provides the exemption as well as the factual basis for claiming the exemption. For example, if a proposer submits trade secret information, the proposer must plainly mark the information as “Trade Secret” and refer to the appropriate section of the California Public Records Act which provides the exemption as well as the factual basis for claiming the exemption. Although the California Public Records Act recognizes that certain confidential trade secret information may be protected from disclosure, OCPA may not be in a position to establish that the information that a Proposer submits is a trade secret. If a request is made for information marked “Confidential”, “Trade Secret” or “Proprietary”, OCPA will endeavor to provide proposers who submitted the information with reasonable notice to seek protection from disclosure by a court of competent jurisdiction at the proposer’s sole expense.
Confidentiality
All data and information obtained from or on behalf of OCPA by the Consultant and its agents in this RFP process, including reports, recommendations, specifications, and data, shall be treated by the Consultant and its agents as confidential. The Consultant and its agents shall not disclose or communicate this information to a third party or use it in advertising, publicity, propaganda, or in another job or jobs, unless written consent is obtained from OCPA. Generally, each proposal and all documentation, including financial information, submitted by a Consultant to OCPA is confidential until a contract is awarded, when such documents become public record under State and local law, unless exempted under CPRA.
Electronic Mail Address
Most of the communication regarding this procurement will be conducted by electronic mail (e- mail). Potential Consultants agree to provide the contact with a valid e-mail address to receive this communication.
OCPA Rights
OCPA and its Contact reserve the right to do any of the following at any time:

1. 1. Reject any or all proposal(s), without indicating any reason for such rejection;
   2. Waive or correct any minor or inadvertent defect, irregularity, or technical error in a proposal or the RFP process, or as part of any subsequent contract negotiation;
   3. Request that Consultants supplement or modify all or certain aspects of their proposals or other documents or materials submitted;
   4. Terminate the RFP, and at its option, issue a new RFP;
   5. Procure any services specified in this RFP by other means;
   6. Modify the selection process, the specifications or requirements for materials or services, or the contents or format of the proposals;
   7. Extend a deadline specified in this RFP, including deadlines for accepting proposals;
   8. Negotiate with any or none of the Consultants;
   1. Modify in the final agreement any terms and/or conditions described in this RFP;
   10. Terminate failed negotiations with any Consultant without liability, and negotiate with other Consultant(s);
   11. Disqualify any Consultant on the basis of a real or apparent conflict of interest, or evidence of collusion that is disclosed by the proposal or other data available to OCPA;
   50. Eliminate, reject, or disqualify a proposal of any Consultant who is not a responsible Consultant or fails to submit a responsive offer as determined solely by OCPA or its representative; and/or
   1000. Accept all or a portion of a Consultant’s proposal.

Protests
A Proposer may protest a contract award if the Proposer believes that the award was inconsistent with OCPA policy or this RFP is not in compliance with law. A protest must be filed in writing with OCPA (email is not acceptable) within five (5) business days after receipt of notification of the contract award. Any protest submitted after 5:00 p.m. of the fifth business day after notification of the contract award will be rejected by OCPA as invalid and the Proposer’s failure to timely file a protest will waive the Proposer’s right to protest the contract award. The Proposer’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 Proposer for purposes of the protest. Any matters not set forth in the protest shall be deemed waived. 
OCPA will review and evaluate the basis of the protest provided the protest is filed in strict conformity with the foregoing. OCPA shall provide the Proposer submitting the protest with a written statement concurring with or denying the protest. Action by OCPA 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 Proposer’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.
Independent Contractor
Services provided by consultant shall be performed as an independent contractor. All persons employed by Consultant in connection with this agreement shall not be agents or employees of OCPA. Consultant shall be solely and exclusively in charge of determining the means by which the professional services called for herein are performed, and shall be responsible for all costs incurred in connection therewith, unless OCPA agrees otherwise in a duly executed writing delivered to consultant prior to the incurring of such expense. Consultant may also retain or subcontract for the services of other necessary consultants with the approval of OCPA. Payment for such services shall be the responsibility of consultant.
Non-Discrimination for Employment with Consultant
During the performance of this agreement, Consultant will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Such action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selecting for training, including apprenticeship. The Consultant will ensure that all qualified applicants for employment with Consultant will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Consultant will take affirmative action to ensure that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Likewise, the Consultant will insure that all qualified applicants for OCPA Chief Executive Officer will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
Conflict of Interest
Consultant shall employ no OCPA official or employee in the work performed pursuant to this agreement. No officer or employee in OCPA shall have any financial interest in this agreement in violation of California Government Code Sections 1090 and following, or Sections 87100 and following; nor shall OCPA violate any provision of its Conflict of Interest Code adopted pursuant to the provisions of California Government Code Section 87300 and following.
Agreement for Professional Services
The selected proposer will be required to sign the attached Standard Professional Services Agreement and to provide the insurance certificates and all other required documentation within seven (7) calendar days of notification of selection.
Disclosure Provision/ Conflict of Interest
OCPA complies with all California statutes and regulations related to conflicts of interest. Under the applicable conflict of interest requirements, the selected proposer may be required to complete and file Form 700 with OCPA before starting or at a future point during the engagement if such requirements become applicable to the selected proposer.
Reporting of Supplier Diversity Information
Public Utilities Code Section 366.2(m) requires certain community choice aggregators, including OCPA, to annually submit to the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) a report regarding its procurement from women business enterprises (WBEs), minority business enterprises (MBEs), disabled veteran business enterprises (DVBEs), and LGBT business enterprises (LGBTBEs).  Businesses may become certified WBEs, MBEs, DVBEs, and LGBTBEs through the CPUC Clearinghouse, which can be found here: www.thesupplierclearinghouse.com. Proposers that are awarded the contract will be asked to voluntarily disclose their certification status with the CPUC Clearinghouse, as well as their efforts to work with diverse business enterprises, including WBEs, MBEs, DVBEs, and LGBTBEs. OCPA will use that information solely for compliance with its reporting obligations under Public Utilities Code Section 366.2(m) and evaluation of OCPA’s outreach and other activities consistent with applicable law.   Pursuant to Article I, Section 31 of the California Constitution, OCPA shall not discriminate against or give preferential treatment to any individual or group based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin, except as otherwise permitted thereunder.
 

2. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Evidence of Coverage:                                                                  
1 Prior to commencement of a Contract with OCPA, Consultant shall provide a “Certificate of Insurance” certifying that coverage as required herein has been obtained. Individual endorsements executed by the insurance carrier shall accompany the certificate. In addition, the Consultant upon request shall provide a certified copy of the policy or policies. This verification of coverage shall be sent to OCPA.
 
2. This verification of coverage shall be sent to OCPA, unless otherwise directed. Consultant shall not receive a “Notice to Proceed” with the work under any Contract until it has obtained all insurance required and such insurance has been approved by OCPA. This approval of insurance shall neither relieve nor decrease the liability of Consultant.
Qualifying Insurers:
All coverages, except surety, shall be issued by companies which hold a current policy holder’s alphabetic and financial size category rating of not less than A- VII, according to the current Best’s Key Rating Guide or a company of equal financial stability that is approved by OCPA.
Insurance Coverage Requirements:
Without limiting Consultant’s duty to indemnify, Consultant shall maintain in effect throughout the term of this AGREEMENT a policy or policies of insurance with the following minimum limits of liability:
(i) Commercial General Liability Insurance, including but not limited to premises and operations, including coverage for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, Personal Injury, Contractual Liability, Broad form Property Damage, Independent Contractor, Products and Completed Operations, and cross liability with a combined single limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $2,000,000 in the aggregate.  (Note: any proposed modifications to these general liability insurance requirements shall be attached as an Exhibit hereto, and the section(s) above that are proposed as not applicable shall be lined out in red. All proposed modifications are subject to OCPA approval.)
(ii) Automobile Insurance Threshold: Business Automobile Liability Insurance, covering all motor vehicles, including owned, leased, non-owned, and hired vehicles, used in providing services under this Contract, with a combined single limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage of not less than $500,000 per occurrence.  (Note: any proposed modifications to these auto insurance requirements shall be attached as an Exhibit hereto, and the section(s) above that are proposed as not applicable shall be lined out in red. All proposed modifications are subject to OCPA approval.)
(iii) Workers’ Compensation Insurance, if Consultant employs others in the performance of this Contract, in accordance with California Labor Code section 3700 and with Employer’s Liability limits not less than $1,000,000 each person, $1,000,000 each accident and $1,000,000 each disease. (Note: any proposed modifications to these workers’ compensation insurance requirements shall be attached as an Exhibit hereto, and the section(s) above that are proposed as not applicable shall be lined out in red. All proposed modifications are subject to OCPA approval.)
(iv) Professional liability insurance, if required for the professional services being provided, (e.g., those persons authorized by a license to engage in a business or profession regulated by the California Business and Professions Code), in the amount of not less than $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 in the aggregate, to cover liability for malpractice or errors or omissions made in the course of rendering professional services. If professional liability insurance is written on a “claims-made” basis rather than an occurrence basis, the Consultant shall, upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Contract, obtain extended reporting coverage (“tail coverage”) with the same liability limits. Any such tail coverage shall continue for at least three years following the expiration or earlier termination of this Contract. (Note: any proposed modifications to these insurance requirements shall be attached as an Exhibit hereto, and the section(s) above that are proposed as not applicable shall be lined out in red. All proposed modifications are subject to OCPA approval.)
Other Insurance Requirements:
Unless otherwise specified by this Contract, all such insurance shall be written on an occurrence basis, or, if the policy is not written on an occurrence basis, such policy with the coverage required herein shall continue in effect for a period of three years following the date Consultant completes its performance of services under this Agreement.
Commercial general liability and automobile liability policies shall provide an endorsement naming OCPA, its Directors, Board members, officers, agents, and employees as Additional Insureds with respect to liability arising out of the Consultant’s work, including ongoing and completed operations, and shall further provide that such insurance is primary insurance to any insurance or self-insurance maintained by OCPA and that the insurance of the Additional Insureds shall not be called upon to contribute to a loss covered by the Consultant’s insurance.  
Consultant shall file a new or amended certificate of insurance within five calendar days after any change is made in any insurance policy, which would alter the information on the certificate then on file. Acceptance or approval of insurance shall in no way modify or change the indemnification clause in an Contract, which shall continue in full force and effect.
Consultant shall always during the term of a Contract maintain in force the insurance coverage required under an Contract and shall send, without demand by OCPA, annual certificates to OCPA.  If the certificate is not received by the expiration date, Consultant shall have five calendar days to send in the certificate, evidencing no lapse in coverage during the interim. Failure by Consultant to maintain such insurance is a default of an Contract, which entitles OCPA, at its sole discretion, to terminate an Contract immediately.

3. OCPA CONTACT

All questions regarding these specifications, terms and conditions are to be submitted via www.bidnetdirect.com, no later than 5:00 p.m. Nov 10, 2023.

Agustin Lee, Data Analyst
Alee@ocpower.org

Bidnetdirect.com will be the official notification posting place of all Requests for Interest, Proposals, Quotes and Addenda.
Go to https://www.bidnetdirect.com/california/orangecountypowerauthority to view current contracting opportunities.
 

4. ATTACHMENTS

Exhibit “A”: Standard Professional Services Agreement
 
EXHIBIT “A”
SAMPLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into on [INSERT DATE], 20__, by and between ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY, a California joint powers authority (“Authority”)  and [INSERT NAME AND CORPORATE ORGANIZATION], a _______Corporation (“Consultant”).  Authority and Consultant are sometimes individually referred to as “Party” and collectively as “Parties.”
RECITALS
A.         Consultant desires to perform and assume responsibility for the provision of certain professional services required by Authority on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Consultant represents that it is experienced in providing [INSERT GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES], is licensed in the State of California, and is familiar with the plans of Authority.
B.         Authority desires to engage Consultant to render such professional services for the [INSERT PROJECT THE SERVICES ARE FOR] (“Project”) as set forth in this Agreement.
AGREEMENT

1. Scope of Services and Term.
   1. General Scope of Services. Consultant promises and agrees to furnish to Authority all labor and services and incidental and customary work necessary to fully and adequately supply assist the Authority the implementation services necessary for the Project (“Services”). The Services are more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto, and which are stated in the proposal to Authority.  All Services shall be subject to, and performed in accordance with, this Agreement, the exhibits attached hereto, and all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
   2. Term. The term of this Agreement shall be from [INSERT DATE] to [INSERT DATE], 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.
2. Responsibilities of Consultant.
   1. Control and Payment of Subordinates; Independent Contractor. The Services shall be performed by Consultant or under its supervision. Authority 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 Authority and shall at all times be under Consultant’s exclusive direction and control. 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.
   2. 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. 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, Authority shall respond to Consultant’s submittals in a timely manner. Upon request of Authority, Consultant shall provide a more detailed schedule of anticipated performance to meet the Schedule of Services.
   3. Conformance to Applicable Requirements. All work prepared by Consultant shall be subject to the approval of Authority.
   4. Substitution of Key Personnel. Consultant has represented to Authority 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 Authority. In the event that Authority and Consultant cannot agree as to the substitution of key personnel, Authority 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 Authority, or who are determined by the Authority 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 Authority. The key personnel for performance of this Agreement are as follows:

[INSERT PERSONNEL]

1. 5. Authority’s Representative. Authority hereby designates the Chief Executive Officer, or designee, to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement (“Authority’s Representative”). Authority’s Representative shall have the power to act on behalf of Authority for all purposes under this Agreement. Consultant shall not accept direction or orders from any person other than Authority’s Representative, or designee.
   6. Consultant’s Representative. Consultant hereby designates [INSERT NAME], or his or 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 or 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.
   7. Coordination of Services. Consultant agrees to work closely with Authority staff in the performance of Services and shall be available to Authority’s staff, consultants and other staff at all reasonable times.
   8. 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 sub- contractors shall have sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services assigned to them. Finally, Consultant represents that it, its employees and subcontractors 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 Authority, 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 subcontractors who is determined by Authority 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 Authority, shall be promptly removed from the Project by the Consultant and shall not be re-employed to perform any of the Services or to work on the Project.
   9. 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 the Consultant performs any work knowing it to be contrary to such laws, rules and regulations and without giving written notice to Authority, Consultant shall be solely responsible for all costs arising therefrom. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold Authority, its officials, directors, officers, employees and agents 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.
   10. Insurance.
       1. Time for Compliance. Consultant shall not commence the Services under this Agreement until it has provided evidence satisfactory to Authority that it has secured all insurance required under this section, in a form and with insurance companies acceptable to Authority. In addition, Consultant shall not allow any subcontractor to commence work on any subcontract until it has provided evidence satisfactory to Authority that the subcontractor has secured all insurance required under this section.
       2. Minimum Requirements. Consultant shall, at its expense, procure and maintain for the duration of the Agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Agreement by the Consultant, its agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. Consultant shall also require all of its subcontractors to procure and maintain the same insurance for the duration of the Agreement. Such insurance shall meet at least the following minimum levels of coverage:
          1. 1. Minimum Scope of Insurance. Coverage shall be at least as broad as the latest version of the following: (1) General Liability: Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability coverage (occurrence form CG 0001 or exact equivalent); (2) Automobile Liability: Insurance Services Office Business Auto Coverage (form CA 0001, code 1 (any auto) or exact equivalent); and (3) Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by the State of California and Employer’s Liability Insurance.
             2. Minimum Limits of Insurance. Consultant shall maintain limits no less than: (1) General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. If Commercial General Liability Insurance or other form with general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this Agreement/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit; (2) Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage; and (3) Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Workers’ Compensation limits as required by the Labor Code of the State of California. Employer’s Liability limits of $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.
       3. Professional Liability. Consultant shall procure and maintain, and require its subcontractors to procure and maintain, for a period of five (5) years following completion of the Services, errors and omissions liability insurance appropriate to their profession. Such insurance shall be in an amount not less than $2,000,000 per claim. This insurance shall be endorsed to include contractual liability applicable to this Agreement and shall be written on a policy form coverage specifically designed to protect against acts, errors or omissions of the Consultant. “Covered Professional Services” as designated in the policy must specifically include work performed under this Agreement. The policy must “pay on behalf of” the insured and must include a provision establishing the insurer's duty to defend.

 

2. 1. 4. Insurance Endorsements. The insurance policies shall contain the following provisions, or Consultant shall provide endorsements on forms supplied or approved by Authority to add the following provisions to the insurance policies:
         1. 1. General Liability.
               1. Commercial General Liability Insurance must include coverage for (1) Bodily Injury and Property Damage; (2) Personal Injury/Advertising Injury; (3) Premises/Operations Liability; (4) Products/Completed Operations Liability; (5) Aggregate Limits that Apply per Project; (6) Explosion, Collapse and Underground (UCX) exclusion deleted; (7) Contractual Liability with respect to this Agreement; (8) Broad Form Property Damage; and (9) Independent Consultants Coverage.
               2. The policy shall contain no endorsements or provisions limiting coverage for (1) contractual liability; (2) cross liability exclusion for claims or suits by one insured against another; or  (3) contain any  other  exclusion contrary to the Agreement.
               3. The policy shall give Authority, its directors, officials, officers, employees, and agents insured status using ISO endorsement forms 20 10 10 01 and 20 37 10 01, or endorsements providing the exact same coverage.
               4. The additional insured coverage under the policy shall be “primary and non-contributory” and will not seek contribution from Authority’s insurance or self-insurance and shall be at least as broad as CG 20 01 04 13, or endorsements providing the exact same coverage.
            2. Automobile Liability.  The automobile liability policy shall be endorsed to state that: (1) Authority, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers shall be covered as additional insureds with respect to the ownership, operation, maintenance, use, loading or unloading of any auto owned, leased, hired or borrowed by the Consultant or for which the Consultant is responsible; and (2) the insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects Authority, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers, or if excess, shall stand in an unbroken chain of coverage excess of the Consultant’s scheduled underlying coverage. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by Authority, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers shall be excess of the Consultant’s insurance and shall not be called upon to contribute with it in any way.
            3. Workers’ Compensation and Employers Liability Coverage.
               1. Consultant certifies that it is  aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code which requires every employer to be insured against liability for workers’ compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that code, and Consultant will comply with such provisions before commencing work under this Agreement.
               2. The insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against Authority, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers for losses paid under the terms of the insurance policy which arise from work performed by the Consultant.
            4. All Coverages. Defense costs shall be payable in addition to the limits set forth hereunder. Requirements of specific coverage or limits contained in this section are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits, or other requirement, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance. It shall be a requirement under this Agreement that any available insurance proceeds broader than or in excess of the specified minimum insurance coverage requirements and/or limits set forth herein shall be available to Authority, its directors, officials, officers, employees and agents as additional insureds under said policies. Furthermore, the requirements for coverage and limits shall be (1) the minimum coverage and limits specified in this Agreement; or (2) the broader coverage and maximum limits of coverage of any Insurance policy or proceeds available to the named insured; whichever is greater.
               1. The limits of insurance required in this Agreement may be satisfied by a combination of primary and umbrella or excess insurance. Any umbrella or excess insurance shall contain or be endorsed to contain a provision that such coverage shall also apply on a primary and non-contributory basis for the benefit of Authority (if agreed to in a written contract or agreement) before Authority’s own insurance or self-insurance shall be called upon to protect it as a named insured. The umbrella/excess policy shall be provided on a “following form” basis with coverage at least as broad as provided on the underlying policy(ies).
               2. Consultant shall provide Authority at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of cancellation of any policy required by this Agreement, except that the Consultant shall provide at least ten (10) days prior written notice of cancellation of any such policy due to non-payment of premium. If any of the required coverage is cancelled or expires during the term of this Agreement, the Consultant shall deliver renewal certificate(s) including the General Liability Additional Insured Endorsement to Authority at least ten (10) days prior to the effective date of cancellation or expiration.
               3. The retroactive date (if any) of each policy is to be no later than the effective date of this Agreement. Consultant shall maintain such coverage continuously for a period of at least three years after the completion of the work under this Agreement. Consultant shall purchase a one (1) year extended reporting period A) if the retroactive date is advanced past the effective date of this Agreement; B) if the policy is cancelled or not renewed; or C) if the policy is replaced by another claims-made policy with a retroactive date subsequent to the effective date of this Agreement.
               4. The foregoing requirements as to the types and limits of insurance coverage to be maintained by Consultant, and any approval of said insurance by Authority, is not intended to and shall not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities and obligations otherwise assumed by the Consultant pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to, the provisions concerning indemnification.
               5. If at any time during the life of the Agreement, any policy of insurance required under this Agreement does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced, Authority has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary and any premium paid by Authority will be promptly reimbursed by Consultant or Authority will withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from Consultant payments. In the alternative, Authority may cancel this Agreement. Authority may require the Consultant to provide complete copies of all insurance policies in effect for the duration of the Project.
               6. Neither Authority nor any of its directors, officials, officers, employees or agents shall be personally responsible for any liability arising under or by virtue of this Agreement.
      5. Separation of Insureds; No Special Limitations. All insurance required by this Section shall contain standard separation of insureds provisions. In addition, such insurance shall not contain any special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to Authority, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers.
      6. Deductibles and Self-Insurance Retentions. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by Authority. Consultant shall guarantee that, at the option of Authority, either: (1) the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects Authority, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers; or (2) the Consultant shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigation costs, claims and administrative and defense expenses.
      7. Acceptability of Insurers. Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A:VII, licensed to do business in California, and satisfactory to Authority.
      8. Verification of Coverage. Consultant shall furnish Authority with original certificates of insurance and endorsements effecting coverage required by this Agreement on forms satisfactory to Authority. The certificates and endorsements for each insurance policy shall be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf and shall be on forms provided by Authority if requested. All certificates and endorsements must be received and approved by Authority before work commences. Authority reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, at any time.
      9. Subcontractor Insurance Requirements. Consultant shall not allow any subcontractors to commence work on any subcontract until they have provided evidence satisfactory to Authority that they have secured all insurance required under this section. Policies of commercial general liability insurance provided by such subcontractors shall be endorsed to name Authority as an additional insured using ISO form CG 20 38 04 13 or an endorsement providing the exact same coverage. If requested by Consultant, Authority may approve different scopes or minimum limits of insurance for particular subcontractors.
      10. 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 as applicable shall include, but shall not be limited to: (A) adequate life protection and life-saving equipment and procedures; (B) instructions in accident prevention for all employees and subcontractors, 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.
3. Fees and Payments.
   1. 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. The total compensation shall not exceed [INSERT CAP] without written approval of Authority’s Board of Directors.  Extra Work may be authorized, as described below, and, if authorized, said Extra Work will be compensated at the rates and manner set forth in this Agreement.
   2. Payment of Compensation. Consultant shall submit to Authority a monthly itemized statement which indicates work completed and hours of Services rendered by Consultant. The statement shall describe the amount of Services and supplies provided since the initial commencement date, or since the start of the subsequent billing periods, as appropriate, through the date of the statement. Authority shall, within 45 days of receiving such statement, review the statement and pay all approved charges thereon.
   3. Reimbursement for Expenses. Consultant shall not be reimbursed for any expenses unless authorized in writing by Authority.
   4. Extra Work. At any time during the term of this Agreement, Authority may request that Consultant perform Extra Work. As used herein, “Extra Work” means any work which is determined by Authority 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 Authority’s Representative.
4. Accounting Records.  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 Authority 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.
5. General Provisions.
   1. Termination of Agreement.
      1. Grounds for Termination. Authority 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 Authority, and Consultant shall be entitled to no further compensation. Consultant may not terminate this Agreement except for cause.
      2. Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated as provided herein, Authority 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 documents and other information within fifteen (15) days of the request.
      3. Additional Services.  In the event this Agreement is terminated in whole or in part as provided herein, Authority may procure, upon such terms and in such manner as it may determine appropriate, services similar to those terminated.
   2. 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:      

Authority:         

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.

1. 3. Ownership of Materials and Confidentiality.
      1. Documents & Data; Licensing of Intellectual Property. This Agreement creates a non-exclusive and perpetual license for Authority 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 subcontractors to agree in writing that Authority is granted a non-exclusive and perpetual license for any Documents & Data the subcontractor 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 Authority. Authority 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 Authority’s sole risk.
      2. Intellectual Property. In addition, Authority shall have and retain all right, title and interest (including copyright, patent, trade secret and other proprietary rights) in all plans, specifications, studies, drawings, estimates, materials, data, computer programs or software and source code, enhancements, documents, and any and all works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium or expression, including but not limited to, physical drawings or other data magnetically or otherwise recorded on computer media (“Intellectual Property”) prepared or developed by or on behalf of Consultant under this Agreement as well as any other such Intellectual Property prepared or developed by or on behalf of Consultant under this Agreement.

Authority shall have and retain all right, title and interest in Intellectual Property developed or modified under this Agreement whether or not paid for wholly or in part by Authority, whether or not developed in conjunction with Consultant, and whether or not developed by Consultant. Consultant will execute separate written assignments of any and all rights to the above referenced Intellectual Property upon request of Authority.
Consultant shall also be responsible to obtain in writing separate written assignments from any subcontractors or agents of Consultant of any and all right to the above referenced Intellectual Property. Should Consultant, either during or following termination of this Agreement, desire to use any of the above-referenced Intellectual Property, it shall first obtain the written approval of the Authority.
All materials and documents which were developed or prepared by the Consultant for general use prior to the execution of this Agreement and which are not the copyright of any other party or publicly available and any other computer applications, shall continue to be the property of the Consultant. However, unless otherwise identified and stated prior to execution of this Agreement, Consultant represents and warrants that it has the right to grant the exclusive and perpetual license for all such Intellectual Property as provided herein.
Authority further is granted by Consultant a non-exclusive and perpetual license to copy, use, modify or sub-license any and all Intellectual Property otherwise owned by Consultant which is the basis or foundation for any derivative, collective, insurrectional, or supplemental work created under this Agreement.

1. 3. 3. Confidentiality. All ideas, memoranda, specifications, plans, procedures, drawings, descriptions, computer program data, input record data, written information, and other Documents and 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 Authority, 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 Authority’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 Authority.
      4. Infringement Indemnification. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold Authority, its directors, officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents free and harmless, pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, for any alleged infringement of any patent, copyright, trade secret, trade name, trademark, or any other proprietary right of any person or entity in consequence of the use on the Project by Authority of the Documents & Data, including any method, process, product, or  concept specified or depicted.
   4. 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.
   5. 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.
   6. Indemnification.
      1. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall defend (with counsel of Authority’s choosing), indemnify and hold the Authority, 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 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 attorney’s fees and other related costs and expenses.  Consultant shall defend, at Consultant’s own cost, expense and risk, any and all such aforesaid suits, actions or other legal proceedings of every kind that may be brought or instituted against Authority, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers. Consultant shall pay and satisfy any judgment, award or decree that may be rendered against Authority or its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers, in any such suit, action or other legal proceeding. Consultant shall reimburse Authority and its directors, officials, officers, consultants, employees, agents and/or volunteers, for any and all legal expenses and costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity herein provided. Consultant's obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by Consultant, the Authority, its officials, officers, employees, agents, or volunteers.  This section shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.
   7. 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.
   8. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.  Venue shall be in Orange County, California.
   9. Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement.
   10. Authority’s Right to Employ Other Consultants. Authority reserves right to employ other consultants in connection with this Project.
   11. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding on the successors and assigns of the Parties.
   12. 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 Authority. 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.
   13. 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 subcontractors of Consultant, except as otherwise specified in this Agreement. All references to Authority 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.
   14. Amendment; Modification. No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing and signed by both Parties.
   15. 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.
   16. No Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third party beneficiaries of any right or obligation assumed by the Parties.
   17. 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.
   18. 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, Authority shall have the right to rescind this Agreement without liability. For the term of this Agreement, no member, officer or employee of Authority, during the term of his or her service with Authority, shall have any direct interest in this Agreement, or obtain any present or anticipated material benefit arising therefrom.
   19. Equal Opportunity Employment and Subcontracting. Consultant represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and it shall not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or disability in the solicitation, selection, hiring, or treatment of applicants, employees, subcontractors, vendors, or suppliers. 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. Further, Consultant shall provide equal opportunity for subcontractors to participate in subcontracting opportunities.
   20. Labor Certification. By its signature hereunder, Consultant certifies that it is aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code which requires every employer to be insured against liability for Workers’ 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.
   21. 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.
   22. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.
   23. Subcontracting. Consultant shall not subcontract any portion of the work required by this Agreement, except as expressly stated herein, without prior written approval of Authority. Subcontracts, if any, shall contain a provision making them subject to all provisions stipulated in this Agreement.

[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have made and executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY


By : ________________________________
Name: ______________________________
Title: ________________________________****


By : ________________________________
Name: ______________________________
Title: ________________________________

ATTEST:


_________________________________
Secretary, Authority Board of Directors



APPROVED AS TO FORM:


_________________________________
General Counsel



*A corporation requires the signatures of two corporate officers.
One signature shall be that of the Chairman of Board, the President or any Vice President, and the second signature (on the attest line) shall be that of the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer or any Assistant Treasurer of such corporation.
If the above persons are not the intended signators, evidence of signature authority shall be provided to Authority.

 

 

EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
OCPA anticipates that an individual or firm will provide services under a Not-to-Exceed Cost with services billed at an hourly rate by classification of employee. Expectations for services include: 

• Complete accounting system for payables and receivables with strict controls of processes.
• Collaboration with staff and consultants with the monitoring and development of budgets and actuals to date comparisons.
• Assist with financial covenants with counter parties and lenders.
• Provide periodic year-to-date accrual basis financial monitoring, reporting, and tracking.
• Assist with payroll, related taxes, and retirement accounting functions.
• Work with OCPA affiliates, such as data providers and billing agents—Calpine, Southern California Edison, Pacific Energy Advisors, The Energy Authority, and California Independent System Operator.
• File various compliance reports for state and local agencies, such as user utility taxes, energy surcharges, and state controller reports.
• Assist in treasury related functions, wire set ups, and manage a complete bill pay system.
• Other essential financial duties as needed based on contingency.
• Assis in annual audit process.
• Support on out of state business license filings and tax filings/remittances.

In addition to quarterly financial statements, the Consultant shall issue for OCPA an annualized auditable report on the fair presentation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. This report shall include, at a minimum, Management’s Discussion and Analysis, the Basic Financial Statements, and Notes to the Basic Financial Statements. Staff will assist with the narrative.
The Consultant may be required to meet independent of OCPA staff with OCPA Board members to discuss details of scope, intent, or expectations on behalf of the Board. This may be done by phone. All presentations will be held at a Board meeting in the City of Irvine, but in general the Consultant is not expected to attend unless specifically requested. Sufficient advance notice will be provided by OCPA staff, and travel reimbursements will be provided.
Additional Services
There will likely be matters that, due to complexity, size in scope, litigation, special projects, new laws or regulations, requiring services beyond that which are encompassed in the proposed scope of work. Effective communication will be essential to ensure that the need for Additional Services is discussed in advance and with a reasonable expectation of the number of services required. Additional Services, beyond the scope of work, will be billed at an hourly rate. Such services would be authorized by task orders on a case-by-case basis.