Agenda Item
b. Approval to Increase the Vendor Spend for Purchase of Musical Instruments for Elementary, Middle, and High Schools from TIPS Cooperative Agreement (Adorama, Alamo Music Center, Amro Music Stores, Inc., Brook Mays Music and H and H Music Universal Melody Services, Delgado Guitars, Lone Star Percussion ZNK Partners, LLC, Midwest Musical Imports MSA Music, Inc., Music and Arts Guitar Center Stores, Inc., Penders Music Company Betrold Enterprises, Inc., SoundTree Korg USA, Steve Weiss Music, Taylor Music, Inc., Terra Nova Violins LLC, The Bandwagon Music Store and Repair, The Tuba Exchange, Washington Music Sales Center, Inc.) and Choice Partners Cooperative Agreement (West Music) for an amount not to exceed $2,000,000.00
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education authorize the District to increase the vendor spend to purchase musical instruments for elementary, middle, and high schools from the following vendors in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000.00: Adorama, Alamo Music Center, Amro Music Stores, Inc., Brook Mays Music and H and H Music Universal Melody Services, Delgado Guitars, Lone Star Percussion ZNK Partners, LLC, Midwest Musical Imports MSA Music, Inc., Music and Arts Guitar Center Stores, Inc., Penders Music Company Betrold Enterprises, Inc., SoundTree Korg USA, Steve Weiss Music, Taylor Music, Inc., Terra Nova Violins LLC, The Bandwagon Music Store and Repair, The Tuba Exchange, Washington Music Sales Center, Inc., in accordance with the TIPS Contract No. 210302 through May 31, 2023 and West Music in accordance with Choice Partners Cooperative Agreement #19/034KC-07 through June 18, 2023.
Why: This request is to increase the vendor spend to purchase musical instruments utilizing the buying power of TIPS Cooperative Agreement, and Choice Partners Cooperative Agreement. The use of the cooperative agreements in addition to DCSD Bid 19-163 will enlarge the vendor pool to assist in handling the large demand for musical instruments without cutting out local/smaller vendors.
The current agenda item is an extension of the May 9, 2022 agenda item request. This request is to increase the spend amount not to exceed $2,000,000.00.
In addition, utilizing the cooperative agreements to purchase musical instruments ensures that local schools have access to quality suppliers and quality products as the vendors have already been vetted.
Details: The use of these agreements with the listed vendors will provide access to musical instruments from a large pool of vendors that can supply the equipment in a timely manner.
Financial impact: The financial impact is $2,000,000.00, which will be allocated from cost code SP5BUSEQUP.52135.FFE and SP5BUSEQUP.52135.FFE-GRTR5K under the voter-approved E-SPLOST V program.
Contact: Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.676.0731
Dr. Lenisera Barnes-Bodison, Executive Director, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.676.0137
Dr. Kimberlynn Weston, Director of the Department of PreK-12, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.676.0144
Effective: Upon Board of Education approval to June 18, 2023
Status: Approved by General Counsel (Gregory Doyle Calhoun & Rogers)
TIPS VENDOR AGREEMENT
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Between_____________ and
(Company Name)
THE INTERLOCAL PURCHASING SYSTEM (TIPS),
a Department of Texas Education Service Center Region 8 for
TIPS RFP 210302 Music Instruments, Sheet Music and Repair Services
General Information
The Vendor Agreement (“Agreement”) made and entered into by and between The Interlocal Purchasing
System (hereinafter “TIPS”) a government cooperative purchasing program authorized by the Region 8
Education Service Center, having its principal place of business at 4845 US Hwy 271 North, Pittsburg, Texas
75686 and the TIPS Vendor. This Agreement consists of the provisions set forth below, including provisions
of all attachments referenced herein. In the event of a conflict between the provisions set forth below and
those contained in any attachment, the provisions set forth shall control unless otherwise agreed by the
parties in writing and by signature and date on the attachment.
A Purchase Order (“PO”), Agreement or Contract is the TIPS Member’s approval providing the authority to
proceed with the negotiated delivery order under the Agreement. Special terms and conditions as agreed
between the Vendor and TIPS Member should be added as addendums to the Purchase Order, Agreement
or Contract. Items such as certificate of insurance, bonding requirements, small or disadvantaged business
goals are some, but not all, of the possible addendums.
Terms and Conditions
Freight
All quotes to Members shall provide a line item for cost for freight or shipping regardless if there is a charge
or not. If no charge for freight or shipping, indicate by stating “No Charge”, “$0”, “included in price” or other
similar indication. Otherwise, all shipping, freight or delivery changes shall be passed through to the TIPS
Member at cost with no markup and said charges shall be agreed by the TIPS Member unless alternative
shipping terms are agreed by TIPS as a result of the proposal award.
Warranty Conditions
All new supplies equipment and services shall include manufacturer's minimum standard warranty unless
otherwise agreed to in writing. Vendor shall be legally permitted to sell all products offered for sale to TIPS
Members if the offering is included in the Request for Proposal (“RFP”) category. All goods proposed and
sold shall be new unless clearly stated in writing.
Customer Support
The Vendor shall provide timely and accurate customer support for orders to TIPS Members as agreed by
the Parties. Vendors shall respond to such requests within a commercially reasonable time after receipt of
the request. If support and/or training is a line item sold or packaged with a sale, support shall be as agreed
with the TIPS Member.
TIPS Vendor Agreement 06022020_sr Page 1
Agreements
Agreements for purchase will normally be put into effect by means of a purchase order(s) executed by
authorized agents of the TIPS Member participating government entities, but other means of placing an
order may be used at the Member’s discretion.
Tax exempt status
Most TIPS Members are tax exempt and the related laws and/or regulations of the controlling jurisdiction(s)
of the TIPS Member shall apply.
Assignments of Agreements
No assignment of this Agreement may be made without the prior notification of TIPS. Written approval of
TIPS shall not be unreasonably withheld. Payment for delivered goods and services can only be made to the
awarded Vendor, Vendor designated reseller or vendor assigned company.
Disclosures
x Vendor and TIPS affirm that he/she, or any authorized employees or agents, has not given, offered to
give, nor intends to give at any time hereafter any economic opportunity, future employment, gift,
loan, gratuity, special discount, trip, favor or service to a public servant in connection with this
Agreement.
x Vendor shall attach, in writing, a complete description of any and all relationships that might be
considered a conflict of interest in doing business with the TIPS program.
x The Vendor affirms that, to the best of his/her knowledge, the offer has been arrived at
independently, and is submitted without collusion with anyone to obtain information or gain any
favoritism that would in any way limit competition or give an unfair advantage over other vendors in
the award of this Agreement.
Term of Agreement and Renewals
The Agreement with TIPS is for approximately three (3) years with an option for renewal for an additional one
(1) consecutive year. If TIPS offers the renewal extension year, the Vendor will be notified by email to the primary
contact of the awarded Vendor and shall be deemed accepted by the Vendor unless the awarded Vendor notifies
TIPS of its objection to the additional term. TIPS may or may not exercise the available extension(s) provided in
the original solicitation beyond the base three-year term. Whether or not to offer the extension is at the sole
discretion of TIPS.
“Start Date” for Term Calculation Purposes Only: Regardless of actual award/effective date of Contract, for
Agreement “term” calculation purposes only, the Agreement “start date” is the last day of the month that Award
Notifications are anticipated as published in the Solicitation
Example: If the anticipated award date published in the Solicitation is May 22, 2020 but extended negotiations
delay award until June 27, 2020 The end date of the resulting initial “three-year” term Agreement, (which is
subject to an extension(s)) will still be May 31, 2023.
“Termination Date”: The scheduled Agreement “termination date” shall be the last day of the month of the
month of the Original Solicitation’s Anticipated Award Date plus three years.
Example: If the original term is approximately three years, and the solicitation provides an anticipated award
date of May 22, 2020, the expiration date of the original three-year term shall be May 31, 2023.
TIPS Vendor Agreement 06022020_sr Page 2
Extensions: Any extensions of the original term shall begin on the next day after the day the original term
expires.
Example Following the Previous Example: If TIPS offers a one-year extension, the expiration of the extended term
shall be May 31, 2024.
TIPS may offer to extend Vendor Agreements to the fullest extent the original Solicitation permits.
Automatic Renewal Clauses Incorporated in Awarded Vendor Agreements with TIPS Members Resulting from the
Solicitation and with the Vendor Named in this Agreement.
No Agreement for goods or services with a TIPS Member by the awarded vendor named in this Agreement
that results from the solicitation award named in this Agreement, may incorporate an automatic renewal
clause that exceeds month to month terms with which the TIPS Member must comply. All renewal terms
incorporated in an Agreement by the vendor with the TIPS Member shall only be valid and enforceable when
the vendor receives written confirmation by purchase order, executed Agreement or other written
instruction issued by the TIPS Member for any renewal period. The purpose of this clause is to avoid a TIPS
Member inadvertently renewing an Agreement during a period in which the governing body of the TIPS
Member has not properly appropriated and budgeted the funds to satisfy the Agreement renewal. This term
is not negotiable and any Agreement between a TIPS Member and a TIPS awarded vendor with an automatic
renewal clause that conflicts with these terms is rendered void and unenforceable.
Shipments
The Vendor shall ship, deliver or provide ordered products or services within a commercially reasonable time
after the receipt of the order from the TIPS Member. If a delay in said delivery is anticipated, the Vendor
shall notify TIPS Member as to why delivery is delayed and shall provide an estimated time for completion
of the order. TIPS or the requesting entity may cancel the order if estimated delivery time is not acceptable
or not as agreed by the parties.
Invoices
Each invoice or pay request shall include the TIPS Member’s purchase order number or other identifying
designation as provided in the order by the TIPS Member. If applicable, the shipment tracking number or
pertinent information for verification of TIPS Member receipt shall be made available upon request.
Payments
The TIPS Member will make payments directly to the Vendor, the Vendor Assigned Dealer or as agreed by
the Vendor and the TIPS Member after receiving invoice and in compliance with applicable payment
statute(s), whichever is the greater time or as otherwise provided by an agreement of the parties.
Pricing
Price increases will be honored according to the terms of the solicitation. All pricing submitted to TIPS shall
include the participation fee, as provided in the solicitation, to be remitted to TIPS by the Vendor. Vendor
will not show adding the fee to the invoice presented to TIPS Member customer.
Participation Fees and Reporting of Sales to TIPS by Vendor
The Participation Fee that was published as part of the Solicitation and the fee published is the legally effective
fee, along with any fee conditions stated in the Solicitation. Collection of the fees by TIPS is required under
Texas Government Code §791.011 Et seq. Fees are due on all TIPS purchases reported by either Vendor or
Member. Fees are due to TIPS upon payment by the Member to the Vendor, Reseller or Vendor Assigned
TIPS Vendor Agreement 06022020_sr Page 3
Dealer. Vendor, Reseller or Vendor Assigned Dealer agrees that the participation fee is due to TIPS for all
Agreement sales immediately upon receipt of payment including partial payment, from the Member Entity
and must be paid to TIPS at least on a monthly basis, specifically within 31 calendar days of receipt of payment,
if not more frequently, or as otherwise agreed by TIPS in writing and signed by an authorized signatory of TIPS.
Thus, when an awarded Vendor, Reseller or Vendor Assigned Dealer receives any amount of payment, even
partial payment, for a TIPS sale, the legally effective fee for that amount is immediately due to TIPS from the
Vendor and fees due to TIPS should be paid at least on a monthly basis, specifically within 31 calendar days of
receipt of payment, if not more frequently.
Reporting of Sales to TIPS by Vendor
Vendor is required to report all sales under the TIPS contract to TIPS. When a public entity initiates a purchase
with a TIPS Awarded Vendor, if the Member inquires verbally or in writing whether the Vendor holds a TIPS
Contract, it is the duty of the Vendor to verify whether or not the Member is seeking a TIPS purchase. Once
verified, the Vendor must include the TIPS Contract number on any communications and related sales
documents exchanged with the TIPS Member entity. To report sales, the Vendor must login to the TIPS Vendor
Portal online at https://www.tips-usa.com/vendors_form.cfm and click on the PO’s and Payments tab. Pages
3-7 of the Vendor Portal User Guide will walk you through the process of reporting sales to TIPS. Please refer
to the TIPS Accounting FAQ’s for more information about reporting sales and if you have further questions,
contact the Accounting Team at accounting@tips-usa.com. The Vendor or vendor assigned dealers are
responsible for keeping record of all sales that go through the TIPS Agreement and submitting same to TIPS.
Failure to render the participation fee to TIPS shall constitute a breach of this agreement with our parent
governmental entity, Texas Education Service Center Region 8, as established by the Texas legislature and shall
be grounds for termination of this agreement and any other agreement held with TIPS and possible legal
action. Any overpayment of participation fees to TIPS by a Vendor will be refunded to the Vendor within ninety
(90) days of receipt of notification if TIPS receives written notification of the overpayment not later than the
expiration of six (6) months from the date of overpayment and TIPS determines that the amount was not
legally due to TIPS pursuant to this agreement and applicable law. It is the Vendor’s responsibility to identify
which sales are TIPS Agreement sales and pay the correct participation fee due for TIPS Agreement sales. Any
notification of overpayment received by TIPS after the expiration of six (6) months from the date of
overpayment will be non-refundable. Region 8 ESC and TIPS reserve the right to extend the six (6) month
deadline to notify if approved by the Region 8 ESC Board of Directors. TIPS reserves all rights under the law to
collect the fees due. Please contact TIPS at tips@tips-usa.com or call (866) 839-8477 if you have questions
about paying fees.
Indemnity
The Vendor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless and defend TIPS, TIPS Member(s), officers and employees
from and against all claims and suits by third parties for damages, injuries to persons (including death),
property damages, losses, and expenses including court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, arising out of,
or resulting from, Vendor’s performance under this Agreement, including all such causes of action based
upon common, constitutional, or statutory law, or based in whole or in part, upon allegations of negligent
or intentional acts on the part of the Vendor, its officers, employees, agents, subcontractors, licensees, or
invitees. Parties found liable shall pay their proportionate share of damages as agreed by the parties or as
ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction over the case. NO LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES
FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE ARE PERMITTED OR AGREED BY TIPS/ESC REGION 8. Per
Texas Education Code §44.032(f), and pursuant to its requirements only, reasonable Attorney’s fees are
recoverable by the prevailing party in any dispute resulting in litigation.
State of Texas Franchise Tax
TIPS Vendor Agreement 06022020_sr Page 4
By signature hereon, the Vendor hereby certifies that he/she is not currently delinquent in the payment of
any franchise taxes owed the State of Texas under Chapter 171, Tax Code.
Miscellaneous
The Vendor acknowledges and agrees that continued participation in TIPS is subject to TIPS sole discretion
and that any Vendor may be removed from the participation in the Program at any time with or without
cause. Nothing in the Agreement or in any other communication between TIPS and the Vendor may be
construed as a guarantee that TIPS or TIPS Members will submit any orders at any time. TIPS reserves the
right to request additional proposals for items or services already on Agreement at any time.
Purchase Order Pricing/Product Deviation
If a deviation of pricing/product on a Purchase Order or contract modification occurs between the Vendor
and the TIPS Member, TIPS must be notified within five (5) business days of receipt of change order.
Termination for Convenience of TIPS Agreement Only
TIPS reserves the right to terminate this agreement for cause or no cause for convenience with a thirty (30)
days prior written notice. Termination for convenience is conditionally required under Federal Regulations 2
CFR part 200 if the customer is using federal funds for the procurement. All purchase orders presented to
the Vendor, but not fulfilled by the Vendor, by a TIPS Member prior to the actual termination of this
agreement shall be honored at the option of the TIPS Member. The awarded Vendor may terminate the
agreement with ninety (90) days prior written notice to TIPS 4845 US Hwy North, Pittsburg, Texas 75686.
The vendor will be paid for goods and services delivered prior to the termination provided that the goods
and services were delivered in accordance with the terms and conditions of the terminated agreement.
This termination clause does not affect the sales agreements executed by the Vendor and the TIPS Member
customer pursuant to this agreement. TIPS Members may negotiate a termination for convenience clause
that meets the needs of the transaction based on applicable factors, such as funding sources or other
needs.
TIPS Member Purchasing Procedures
Usually, purchase orders or their equal are issued by participating TIPS Member to the awarded vendor and
should indicate on the order that the purchase is per the applicable TIPS Agreement Number. Orders are
typically emailed to TIPS at tipspo@tips-usa.com.
• Awarded Vendor delivers goods/services directly to the participating member.
• Awarded Vendor invoices the participating TIPS Member directly.
• Awarded Vendor receives payment directly from the participating member.
• Fees are due to TIPS upon payment by the Member to the Vendor. Vendor agrees to pay the
participation fee to TIPS for all Agreement sales upon receipt of payment including partial payment, from
the Member Entity or as otherwise agreed by TIPS in writing and signed by an authorized signatory of TIPS.
Licenses
Awarded Vendor shall maintain, in current status, all federal, state and local licenses, bonds and permits
required for the operation of the business conducted by awarded Vendor. Awarded Vendor shall remain
reasonably fully informed of and in compliance with all ordinances and regulations pertaining to the lawful
provision of goods or services under the Agreement. TIPS and TIPS Members reserves the right to stop work
and/or cancel an order or terminate this or any other sales Agreement of any awarded Vendor whose license(s)
required for performance under this Agreement have expired, lapsed, are suspended or terminated subject
to a 30-day cure period unless prohibited by applicable statue or regulation.
TIPS Vendor Agreement 06022020_sr Page 5
Novation
If awarded Vendor sells or transfers all assets, rights or the entire portion of the assets or rights required to
perform this Agreement, a successor in interest must guarantee to perform all obligations under this
Agreement. A simple change of name agreement will not change the Agreement obligations of awarded
vendor. TIPS will consider Contract Assignments on a case by case basis. TIPS must be notified within five
(5) business days of the transfer of assets or rights.
Site Requirements (only when applicable to service or job)
Cleanup: When performing work on site at a TIPS Member’s property, awarded Vendor shall clean up and
remove all debris and rubbish resulting from their work as required or directed by TIPS Member or as
agreed by the parties. Upon completion of work, the premises shall be left in good repair and an orderly,
neat, clean and unobstructed condition.
Preparation: Awarded Vendor shall not begin a project for which TIPS Member has not prepared the site,
unless awarded Vendor does the preparation work at no cost, or until TIPS Member includes the cost of
site preparation in a purchase order. Site preparation includes, but is not limited to: moving furniture,
installing wiring for networks or power, and similar pre-installation requirements.
Registered sex offender restrictions: For work to be performed at schools, awarded Vendor agrees that
no employee of a subcontractor who has been adjudicated to be a registered sex offender will perform
work at any time when students are, or reasonably expected to be, present unless otherwise agreed by
the TIPS Member. Awarded Vendor agrees that a violation of this condition shall be considered a material
breach and may result in the cancellation of the purchase order at the TIPS Member’s discretion. Awarded
Vendor must identify any additional costs associated with compliance of this term. If no costs are
specified, compliance with this term will be provided at no additional charge. Safety measures: Awarded
Vendor shall take all reasonable precautions for the safety of employees on the worksite, and shall erect
and properly maintain all necessary safeguards for protection of workers and the public. Awarded Vendor
shall post warning signs against all hazards created by the operation and work in progress. Proper
precautions shall be taken pursuant to state law and standard practices to protect workers, general public
and existing structures from injury or damage.
Safety Measures
Awarded Vendor shall take all reasonable precautions for the safety of employees on the worksite, and shall
erect and properly maintain all necessary safeguards for protection of workers and the public. Awarded
vendor shall post warning signs against all hazards created by the operation and work in progress. Proper
precautions shall be taken pursuant to state law and standard practices to protect workers, general public
and existing structures from injury or damage.
Smoking
Persons working under Agreement shall adhere to the TIPS Member’s or local smoking statutes, codes or
policies.
Marketing
Awarded Vendor agrees to allow TIPS to use their name and logo within TIPS website, marketing materials
and advertisement subject to any reasonable restrictions provided to TIPS in the Proposal to the
Solicitation. The Vendor may submit an acceptable use directive for Vendor’s names and logos with which
TIPS agrees to comply. Any use of TIPS name and logo or any form of publicity, inclusive of press release,
regarding this Agreement by awarded vendor must have prior approval from TIPS which will not be
unreasonably withheld. Request may be made by email to TIPS@TIPS-USA.COM.
TIPS Vendor Agreement 06022020_sr Page 6
Supplemental Agreements
The TIPS Member entity participating in the TIPS Agreement and awarded Vendor may enter into a separate
Supplemental Agreement or contract to further define the level of service requirements over and above
the minimum defined in this Agreement such as but not limited to, invoice requirements, ordering
requirements, specialized delivery, etc. Any Supplemental Agreement or contract developed as a result of
this Agreement is exclusively between the TIPS Member entity customer and the Vendor. TIPS, its agents,
TIPS Members and employees not a party to the Supplemental Agreement with the TIPS Member customer,
shall not be made party to any claim for breach of such agreement unless named and agreed by the Party
in question in writing in the agreement. If a Vendor submitting a Proposal requires TIPS and/or TIPS
Member to sign an additional agreement, those agreements shall comply with the award made by TIPS to
the Vendor. Supplemental Vendor’s Agreement documents may not become part of TIPS’ Agreement with
Vendor unless and until an authorized representative of TIPS reviews and approves it. TIPS review and
approval may be at any time during the life of this Vendor Agreement. TIPS permits TIPS Members to
negotiate additional terms and conditions with the Vendor for the provision of goods or services under the
Vendor’s TIPS Agreement so long as they do not materially conflict with this Agreement.
Survival Clause
All applicable sales, leases, Supplemental Agreements, contracts, software license agreements, warranties or
service agreements that were entered into between Vendor and TIPS or the TIPS Member Customer under
the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement. All
Orders, Purchase Orders issued or contracts executed by TIPS or a TIPS Member and accepted by the Vendor
prior to the expiration or termination of this agreement, shall survive expiration or termination of the
Agreement, subject to previously agreed terms and conditions agreed by the parties or as otherwise
specified herein relating to termination of this agreement.
Legal obligations
It is the responding Vendor’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with all local, state and federal laws
governing the sale of products/services identified in the applicable Solicitation that resulted in this Vendor
Agreement and any awarded Agreement thereof. Applicable laws and regulations must be followed even if
not specifically identified herein.
Audit rights
Due to transparency statutes and public accountability requirements of TIPS and TIPS Members’, the
awarded Vendor shall, at their sole expense, maintain appropriate due diligence of all purchases made by
TIPS Member that utilizes this Agreement. TIPS and Region 8 ESC each reserve the right to audit the
accounting of TIPS related purchases for a period of three (3) years from the time such purchases are made.
This audit right shall survive termination of this Agreement for a period of one (1) year from the effective
date of termination. In order to ensure and confirm compliance with this agreement, TIPS shall have
authority to conduct audits of Awarded Vendor’s pricing or TIPS transaction documentation with TIPS
Members with 30 days’ notice unless the audit is ordered by a Court Order or by a Government Agency with
authority to do so without notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that TIPS is made aware of
any pricing being offered to eligible entities that is materially inconsistent with the pricing under this
agreement, TIPS shall have the ability to conduct the audit internally or may engage a third- party auditing
firm to investigate any possible non- compliant conduct or may terminate the Agreement according to the
terms of this Agreement. In the event of an audit, the requested materials shall be reasonably provided in
the time, format and at the location acceptable to Region 8 ESC or TIPS. TIPS agrees not to perform a random
audit the TIPS transaction documentation more than once per calendar year, but reserves the right to audit
for just cause or as required by any governmental agency or court with regulatory authority over TIPS or the
TIPS Vendor Agreement 06022020_sr Page 7
TIPS Member.
Force Majeure
If by reason of Force Majeure, either party hereto shall be rendered unable wholly or in part to carry out its
obligations under this Agreement then such party shall give notice and full particulars of Force Majeure in
writing to the other party within a reasonable time after occurrence of the event or cause relied upon, and
the obligation of the party giving such notice, so far as it is affected by such Force Majeure, shall be
suspended during the continuance of the inability then claimed, except as hereinafter provided, but for no
longer period, and such party shall endeavor to remove or overcome such inability with all reasonable
dispatch.
Choice of Law
The Agreement between the Vendor and TIPS/ESC Region 8 and any addenda or other additions resulting
from this procurement process, however described, shall be governed by, construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, regardless of any conflict of laws principles.
Venue, Jurisdiction and Service of Process
Any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this procurement process or any contract issued by TIPS resulting
from or any contemplated transaction shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in Camp County,
Texas and each of the parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of said court in any such
proceeding, waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to venue or to convenience of forum, agrees
that all claims in respect of the Proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and agrees
not to bring any proceeding arising out of or relating to this procurement process or any contract resulting
from or any contemplated transaction in any other court. The parties agree that either or both of them may
file a copy of this paragraph with any court as written evidence of the knowing, voluntary and freely
bargained for agreement between the parties irrevocably to waive any objections to venue or to
convenience of forum. Process in any Proceeding referred to in the first sentence of this Section may be
served on any party anywhere in the world. Venue for any dispute resolution process, other than litigation,
between TIPS and the Vendor shall be located in Camp or Titus County, Texas.
Project Delivery Order Procedures
The TIPS Member having approved and signed an interlocal agreement, or other TIPS Membership
document, may make a request of the awarded Vendor under this Agreement when the TIPS Member desires
goods or services awarded to the Vendor. Notification may occur via phone, the web, courier, email, fax, or
in person. Upon notification of a pending request, the awarded Vendor shall acknowledge the TIPS
Member’s request as soon as possible, but must make contact with the TIPS Member within two working
days.
Status of TIPS Members as Related to This Agreement
TIPS Members stand in the place of TIPS as related to this agreement and have the same access to the
proposal information and all related documents. TIPS Members have all the same rights under the awarded
Agreement as TIPS.
Vendor’s Resellers as Related to This Agreement
Vendor’s Named Resellers (“Resellers”) under this Agreement shall comply with all terms and conditions of
this agreement and all addenda or incorporated documents. All actions related to sales by Authorized
Vendor’s Resellers under this Agreement are the responsibility of the awarded Vendor. If Resellers fail to
report sales to TIPS under your Agreement, the awarded Vendor is responsible for their contractual failures
TIPS Vendor Agreement 06022020_sr Page 8
and shall be billed for the fees. The awarded Vendor may then recover the fees from their named reseller.
Support Requirements
If there is a dispute between the awarded Vendor and TIPS Member, TIPS or its representatives may, at TIPS
sole discretion, assist in conflict resolution if requested by either party. TIPS, or its representatives, reserves
the right to inspect any project and audit the awarded Vendor’s TIPS project files, documentation and
correspondence related to the requesting TIPS Member’s order. If there are confidentiality requirements by
either party, TIPS shall comply to the extent permitted by law.
Incorporation of Solicitation
The TIPS Solicitation which resulted in this Vendor Agreement, whether a Request for Proposals, the Request
for Competitive Sealed Proposals or Request for Qualifications solicitation, or other, the Vendor’s response
to same and all associated documents and forms made part of the solicitation process, including any
addenda, are hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement as if copied verbatim.
SECTION HEADERS OR TITLES
THE SECTON HEADERS OR TITLES WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT ARE MERELY GUIDES FOR CONVENIENCE AND
ARE NOT FOR CLASSIFICATION OR LIMITING OF THE RESPONSIBILITES OF THE PARTIES TO THIS DOCUMENT.
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Texas governmental entities are prohibited from doing business with companies that fail to certify to this
condition as required by Texas Government Code Sec. 2270.
By executing this agreement, you certify that you are authorized to bind the undersigned Vendor and that
your company (1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of the Agreement.
You certify that your company is not listed on and does not and will not do business with companies that are
on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts list of Designated Foreign Terrorists Organizations per Texas
Gov't Code 2270.0153 found at https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/foreign-terrorist.pdf
You certify that if the certified statements above become untrue at any time during the life of this Agreement
that the Vendor will notify TIPS within three (3) business day of the change by a letter on Vendor’s letterhead
from and signed by an authorized representative of the Vendor stating the non-compliance decision and the
TIPS Agreement number and description at:
Attention: General Counsel
ESC Region 8/The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS)
4845 Highway 271 North
Pittsburg, TX,75686
And by an email sent to bids@tips-usa.com
Insurance Requirements
The undersigned Vendor agrees to maintain the below minimum insurance requirements for TIPS Contract
Holders:
General Liability $1,000,000 each Occurrence/ Aggregate
TIPS Vendor Agreement 06022020_sr Page 9
Automobile Liability $300,000 Includes owned, hired & non-owned
Workers' Compensation Statutory limits for the jurisdiction in which
the Vendor performs under this Agreement.
Umbrella Liability $1,000,000
When the Vendor or its subcontractors are liable for any damages or claims, the Vendor’s policy, when the
Vendor is responsible for the claim, must be primary over any other valid and collectible insurance carried
by the Member. Any immunity available to TIPS or TIPS Members shall not be used as a defense by the
contractor's insurance policy. The coverages and limits are to be considered minimum requirements and in
no way limit the liability of the Vendor(s). Insurance shall be written by a carrier with an A-; VII or better
rating in accordance with current A.M. Best Key Rating Guide. Only deductibles applicable to property
damage are acceptable, unless proof of retention funds to cover said deductibles is provided. "Claims made"
policies will not be accepted. Vendor’s required minimum coverage shall not be suspended, voided,
cancelled, non-renewed or reduced in coverage or in limits unless replaced by a policy that provides the
minimum required coverage except after thirty (30) days prior written notice by certified mail, return receipt
requested has been given to TIPS or the TIPS Member if a project or pending delivery of an order is ongoing.
Upon request, certified copies of all insurance policies shall be furnished to the TIPS or the TIPS Member.
Special Terms and Conditions
• Orders: All Vendor orders received from TIPS Members must be emailed to TIPS at tipspo@tips-
usa.com. Should a TIPS Member send an order directly to the Vendor, it is the Vendor’s responsibility
to forward a copy of the order to TIPS at the email above within 3 business days and confirm its
receipt with TIPS.
• Vendor Encouraging Members to bypass TIPS agreement: Encouraging TIPS Members to purchase
directly from the Vendor or through another agreement, when the Member has requested using the
TIPS cooperative Agreement or price, and thereby bypassing the TIPS Agreement is a violation of the
terms and conditions of this Agreement and will result in removal of the Vendor from the TIPS
Program.
• Order Confirmation: All TIPS Member Agreement orders are approved daily by TIPS and sent to the
Vendor. The Vendor should confirm receipt of orders to the TIPS Member (customer) within 3
business days.
• Vendor custom website for TIPS: If Vendor is hosting a custom TIPS website, updated pricing when
effective. TIPS shall be notified when prices change in accordance with the award.
• Back Ordered Products: If product is not expected to ship within the time provided to the TIPS
Member by the Vendor, the Member is to be notified within 3 business days and appropriate action
taken based on customer request.
The TIPS Vendor Agreement Signature Page is inserted here.
TIPS Vendor Agreement 06022020_sr Page 10
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Company Name KORG U.S.A., Inc. (dba/SoundTree)
Address 316 South Service Rd.
City Melville State NY Zip 11747
Phone (631) 390-6574 Fax (631) 390-8548
Email of Authorized Representative chrisk@soundtree.com
Name of Authorized Representative Chris Kearney
Title Education Technology Specialist
Signature of Authorized Representative
Date 3/4/21
TIPS Authorized Representative Name Meredith Barton
Title CHief Operating Officer
TIPS Authorized Representative Signature
Approved by ESC Region 8
Date 5-13-2021