Continuing Contract for Professional Geotechnical Services United Consulting FULLY EXECUTED (1)

AID 1876288 · View on Simbli

Agenda Item

i. Contract Renewal and Ratification ~ RFQu 24-752-023 ~ Professional Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services ~ ECS Southeast, LLC, Goodwyn Mills and Cawood LLC, Matrix Engineering Group, Inc., Nova Engineering & Environmental, LLC, Oasis Consulting Services, United Consulting ~ Contract Renewal #1 of 4 (Not to exceed $5,000,000) Updated 11.5.2025

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education (“the Board”) approve the renewal and ratification of RFQu No. 24-752-023 for Professional Geotechnical, Environmental, and Construction Material Services in the not-to-exceed amount of $5,000,000. This is the first of four (#1 of 4) contract renewals with ratification as follows:


ECS Southeast, LLC - Ratification required from October 8, 2025
Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC - Ratification required from October 8, 2025
Matrix Engineering Group, Inc. - Ratification required from September 30, 2025
Nova Engineering - Ratification required from August 30, 2025
Oasis Consulting Services - Ratification required from October 8, 2025
United Consulting - Ratification required from October 8, 2025
Why: This request is a contract renewal for the above firms to provide Professional Geotechnical, Environmental, and Construction Material Services throughout DeKalb County School District (“DCSD”) on an as-needed basis for various remodeling, renovations, life safety, maintenance and repair projects, for both SPLOST and Non-SPLOST projects.

This is the first of four (#1 of 4) one (1) year renewal options.
Details: On August 12, 2024, the Board approved the award of contract RFQu No. 24-752-023 for Professional Geotechnical, Environmental, and Construction Material Services on an as needed basis, districtwide.

Specific details related to the scope of work for Professional Geotechnical, Environmental, and Construction Material Services can be found on the District’s solicitation website at http://www.dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net
Financial impact: The total contract amount for these services in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000, will be allocated from the various General Fund Budget and E-SPLOST charge codes.

Board Policy DJE requires the Board of Education to approve the expenditure of any vendor that provides goods and/or services to the school system that may exceed $100,000 in purchases for the fiscal year. All single projects over the $100,000 threshold will be presented to the Board for formal approval in accordance with Board policy.

The ratification amount of $55,135 is funded from E-SPLOST VI.
Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1332
Mr. Hans Williams, Director of Planning & CIP Programming, Division of Operations, 678.676.1483
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs
          CONTINUING CONTRACT FOR

            PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

                    BETWEEN THE

  DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

                        AND



Design
Professional:       United Consulting Group, Ltd.

Design
Professional Address:     625 Holcomb Bridge Road

                          Norcross, Georgia 30071

Solicitation No.:         RFQu No. 24-752-023
                          TABLE OF           CONTENTS

Article 1     Professional Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
              Services’ Responsibilities                                              1
Article 2     Owner’s Responsibilities                                                5
Article 3     Schedule                                                                6
Article 4     Compensation                                                            8
Article 5     Ownership and License of Documents and Intellectual Property            9
Article 6     Maintenance of Records                                                  11
Article 7     Indemnity                                                               11
Article 8     Errors and Omissions Insurance                                          12
Article 9     Other Insurance                                                         12
Article 10    Services by Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
              Professional’s Own Staff                                                12
Article 11    Waiver of Claims                                                        13
Article 12    Termination or Suspension                                               13
Article 13    Prohibition Against Contingent Fees                                     14
Article 14    Conflict of Interest                                                    14
Article 15    Applicable Law                                                          15
Article 16    Successors and Assigns                                                  15
Article 17    No Third-Party Beneficiaries                                            15
Article 18    Cooperation with Program Manager and Construction Manager               15
Article 19    Asbestos Statement                                                      16
Article 20    Mandatory Addendum to the Owner/Geotechnical, Environmental and
              Construction Material Testing Professional Agreement                   .16
Article 21    Entire Agreement                                                        16
Article 22    Modification                                                            16
Article 23    Notices and Address of Record                                           17
Article 24    Miscellaneous                                                           17
Exhibit “A”   List of Proposal Documents for the Project                              21
Exhibit “B”   Work Authorization Form                                                 22
Exhibit “C”   Staffing Schedule                                                       23
Exhibit “D”   Rate Schedule                                                           24
Exhibit “E”   Other Insurance                                                         29
Exhibit “F”   Asbestos Exclusion Certification Form                                   31
                                              i
Exhibit “G”   Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services
              Professional Proposal                                                    32
Exhibit “H”   Mandatory Addendum to the Owner/Geotechnical, Environmental and
              Construction Material Testing Professional Agreement               ..    80
Exhibit “I”   Contractor Affidavit                                                     87
Exhibit “J”   Subcontractor Affidavit                                                  89




                                            ii
      CONTINUING CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
        This contract (the "Contract") is made and entered into by and between the DeKalb County
Board of Education (the "Owner") and United Consulting, authorized to do business in the State
of Georgia, whose business address is 625 Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross, Georgia 30071
(hereinafter referred to as the “GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION
MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES”). This Contract shall be effective on the date executed by the
last party to execute it.

                                       W I T N E S S E T H:

       WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of OWNER to be able to obtain professional
geotechnical, environmental and construction material testing, or consulting services
expeditiously when a need arises in connection with a study or a partial or entire DeKalb County
School District construction project; and

       WHEREAS, Board Policy DJE, Section III, makes provisions for contracts for professional
services; and

       WHEREAS, OWNER has selected Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
Testing Services in accordance with the provisions of Board Policy DJE, and Geotechnical,
Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services will provide professional geotechnical,
environmental and construction material testing, or consulting services as directed by Owner
for such projects and tasks as may be required on an as needed basis by Owner.

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements
stated herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, the Owner and the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
Services agree:


                                            ARTICLE 1

       GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING
                          SERVICES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

1.1     From time to time upon request or direction of the Owner as hereinafter provided,
        Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall provide to
        Owner professional geotechnical, environmental and construction material testing, or
        consulting services (hereinafter the “Services”).       All Services to be provided by
        Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services pursuant to this
        Contract shall be in conformance with the scope of services, which shall be described in a
        Work Authorization issued pursuant to the procedures described herein. The form of the
        Work Authorization is set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto and incorporated herein by
        reference. Any proposed deviation from the Services set forth in the Work Authorization must
        be brought to Owner's attention in writing by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
        Material Testing Services and all such deviations must be expressly approved by Owner in
        writing in advance.

        1.1.1   All Services must be authorized in writing by Owner in the form of a Work
                Authorization, and Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
                Services shall not provide any Services to Owner unless and to the extent they are
                                                 1
              required in a written Work Authorization. Any Services provided by Geotechnical,
              Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services without a written Work
              Authorization shall be at Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
              Testing Services own risk and Owner shall have no liability or responsibility for
              payment for such Services.

      1.1.2   As Owner identifies certain Services it wishes Geotechnical, Environmental And
              Construction Material Testing Services to provide pursuant to the terms of this
              Contract, Owner shall request a proposal from Geotechnical, Environmental And
              Construction Material Testing Services for such Services, said proposal to be in
              compliance with the terms of this Contract and in the form of Exhibit G attached
              hereto and incorporated herein by reference. If the parties reach an agreement with
              respect to such Services, including, but not limited to the scope of those Services and
              the compensation to be paid for such Services, then Owner shall prepare a Work
              Authorization which incorporates the terms of the understanding reached by the
              parties with respect to such Services, and if both parties are in agreement therewith,
              they shall jointly execute the Work Authorization. The Owner’s proposal documents
              for each Project shall be attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by
              reference.

      1.1.3   Upon execution of a Work Authorization as aforesaid, Geotechnical, Environmental
              And Construction Material Testing Services agrees to promptly provide the Services
              required thereby, in accordance with the terms of this Contract, the subject Work
              Authorization, the Schedule (as defined in Paragraph 3.1 hereof), and all applicable
              laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

      1.1.4   It is mutually understood and agreed that the nature, amount, and frequency of the
              Services shall be determined solely by Owner and that Owner does not represent or
              guarantee unto Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
              Services that any specific or minimum number of Services will be requested or
              required of Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
              pursuant to this Contract.

      1.1.5   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees that
              upon request of Owner under this Contract Geotechnical, Environmental and
              Construction Material Testing Services will provide bidding assistance and
              construction contract administration services as needed.

      1.1.5   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall have
              no authority to act as the agent of Owner under this Contract or to obligate OWNER
              in any manner or way. Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
              Testing Services is an independent contractor, and neither it nor any of its agents,
              servants or employees will be an employee or agent of the Owner. Nothing contained
              in this Contract shall constitute or be deemed or construed to create a partnership or
              joint venture, or any agency relationship, between owner and Geotechnical,
              Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services.

      1.1.6   All duly executed Work Authorizations shall be and are hereby incorporated into and
              made a part of this Contract by reference.

1.2   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees to obtain
      and maintain throughout the period of this Contract all such licenses and permits as are
      required for Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services to do
      business in the State of Georgia and in DeKalb County, including, but not limited to, all
      licenses and permits required by the respective state boards and other governmental
      agencies responsible for regulating and licensing the professional Services to be provided

                                                 2
      and performed by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
      pursuant to this Contract.

1.3   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees that, when
      the Services to be provided hereunder relate to a professional service which, under the laws
      of the State of Georgia, requires a license, certificate of authorization or other form of legal
      entitlement to practice such Services, it shall employ and/or retain only qualified personnel to
      provide such Services.

1.4   Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services hereby designates
      Scott D. Smelter as its Principal in Charge (hereinafter referred to as the "Principal in
      Charge"), who has full authority to bind and obligate Geotechnical, Environmental And
      Construction Material Testing Services on all matters arising out of or relating to this Contract.
      For each Work Authorization, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
      Testing Services will designate in writing an individual to serve as Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ representative (hereinafter
      referred to as the "Representative"), who may be the same as the Principal in Charge. The
      Representative is authorized and responsible to act on behalf of Geotechnical, Environmental
      And Construction Material Testing Services with respect to directing, coordinating and
      administering all aspects of the Services to be provided and performed under the Work
      Authorization. By execution of this Contract, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services acknowledges that the Principal in Charge and Representative(s)
      have full authority to bind and obligate Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services on all matters arising out of or relating to this Contract and the Work
      Authorization, respectively. Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
      Services agrees that the Principal in Charge and the Representatives shall devote whatever
      time is required to satisfactorily and diligently manage the Services to be provided, and
      performed by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
      under the Work Authorization. Further, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services agrees that the Principal in Charge and the Representatives shall
      not be removed by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
      without Owner's prior approval, and if so removed must be immediately replaced with a
      person acceptable to Owner, which approval and acceptance shall not be unreasonably
      withheld by Owner.

1.5   The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall assign
      only qualified personnel to perform any service concerning the Project (as defined in
      Paragraph 3.1 hereof). The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
      Services management, design, and construction administration staff assigned to the Project
      shall have experience in K-12 school design and construction. The Owner shall have the
      right, but not the obligation, to interview the management, design, and construction
      administration staff that will be assigned to the Project.

1.6   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees that its
      senior staff, subconsultants and subcontractors who will perform any Services under this
      Contract are subject to Owner's reasonable approval. Attached hereto as Exhibit C is a listing
      of Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ senior staff,
      subconsultants and subcontractors who have been assigned to provide the services required
      under this Contract. None of the senior staff, subconsultants and subcontractors identified in
      Exhibit C shall be removed from a Project by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services without OWNER'S prior approval (such approval not to be
      unreasonably withheld), and if so removed shall be immediately replaced with a person or
      firm reasonably acceptable to Owner. Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services further agrees, within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of a
      written request from Owner, to promptly remove from a Project and replace the
      Representative, or any other personnel employed or retained by Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services, or any subconsultants or
                                                  3
      subcontractors or any personnel of any such subconsultants or subcontractors engaged by
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services to provide and
      perform any of the Services pursuant to the requirements of this Contract, whom Owner shall
      request in writing to be removed, which request may be made by Owner with or without
      cause. If Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services is required
      to remove and replace a subconsultant or subcontractor without cause, an equitable
      adjustment shall be made to the compensation provided for in any Work Authorization to
      which such subcontractor or subconsultant may have been assigned.

1.7   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services represents to
      Owner that it has expertise in the type of professional Services that will be required under
      this Contract. Drawings shall be prepared in electronic AutoCAD 2014 format and a project
      manual for each Project (the “Project Manual”) shall be prepared as an electronic Word 2010
      document. By execution of this Contract and each subsequent Work Authorization issued
      hereafter, if any, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
      acknowledges it has received the most recent version of the DCSD 2020 Vision – Educational
      Specifications and Design Guidelines as of the date of this Contract or such subsequent Work
      Authorization and will follow, observe and design in accordance with the standards,
      requirements and conventions set forth therein. Geotechnical, Environmental And
      Construction Material Testing Services agrees that all Services to be provided by
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services pursuant to this
      Contract shall be subject to Owner's reasonable review and approval and shall be in
      accordance with all applicable laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations (including
      utility regulations), local and state fire marshal requirements and the Georgia Department of
      Education requirements, Georgia Construction Code, as well as the requirements of any
      governmental agencies which regulate or have jurisdiction over the Project (as defined in
      Paragraph 3.1 hereof) or the Services to be provided and performed by Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services hereunder. In the event of any
      conflicts in these requirements, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
      Testing Services shall promptly notify Owner of such conflict in writing and utilize its best
      professional judgment to resolve the conflict. Owner's approval of any design documents in
      no way relieves Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services of
      its obligation to deliver complete and accurate documents necessary for successful
      completion of the subject Project pursuant to the Work Authorization.

1.8   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees not to
      divulge, furnish or make available to any third person, firm or organization, without Owner's
      prior written consent, or unless incident to the proper performance of Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ obligations hereunder, or in the
      course of judicial or legislative proceedings where such information has been properly
      subpoenaed, any non-public information concerning the Services to be rendered by
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services hereunder, and
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall require all of
      its employees, agents, sub-consultants and subcontractors to comply with the provisions of
      this paragraph. This paragraph shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this
      Contract.

1.9   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services acknowledges that
      Owner may contract with a construction manager or general contractor who, if retained, shall
      be responsible for any construction identified in the Work Authorization (hereinafter referred
      to as "Construction Contractor"). If a Construction Contractor Is Retained, Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees to cooperate with
      Construction Contractor with respect to Construction Contractor's delivery of work and
      services to Owner. Also, in such event, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services agrees to incorporate, whenever reasonably practicable and
      consistent with good design principles, and after Owner's written approval, all suggestions or

                                                 4
       recommendations timely made by Construction Contractor with respect to any design set
       forth in the Work Authorization.

1.10   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees to comply
       with all of Owner's rules and regulations with respect to safety and security at the Owner's
       facilities, including Owner's drug program, as said rules and regulations may be modified and
       amended by Owner from time to time. Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
       Material Testing Services further agrees to enforce compliance with such rules and
       regulations by all of Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
       Services’ subconsultants and subcontractors.

1.11   Owner may have one or more representatives visit the site of the Project (as defined in
       Paragraph 3.1 hereof) from time to time, or on a full-time basis, and Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall not interfere with the
       functions of said representatives and will cooperate and work with said representatives. No
       action or failure to act by a representative of Owner shall relieve Geotechnical, Environmental
       And Construction Material Testing Services from any of its duties or obligations hereunder.

1.12   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall be
       responsible for obtaining and reviewing all geological reports obtained by Owner with respect
       to the Project (as defined in Paragraph 3.1 hereof). Geotechnical, Environmental And
       Construction Material Testing Services’ design documents shall be consistent and
       coordinated with the information set forth in all such geological reports. In the event
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services has any questions
       or concerns about the contents of any such reports, Geotechnical, Environmental And
       Construction Material Testing Services shall notify Owner in writing within ten (10) days of
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ receipt of any such
       geological reports. Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
       and Owner will work in good faith to mutually resolve any such questions or concerns.

                                            ARTICLE 2

                                 OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1    For each Work Authorization, OWNER shall designate in writing a project coordinator to act
       as Owner's representative with respect to the Services to be rendered under the Work
       Authorization (hereinafter referred to as the "Project Manager"). The Project Manager shall
       have authority to transmit instructions, receive information, interpret and define Owner's
       policies and decisions with respect to Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
       Material Testing Services’ Services under the Work Authorization. However, except as may
       be otherwise expressly authorized in writing by the DeKalb County School District, neither
       the Project Manager nor any other party is authorized to issue any oral or written orders or
       instructions to Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services that
       would have the effect, or be interpreted to have the effect, of modifying or changing in any
       way whatever the: (1) Services to be provided and performed by Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services as set forth in the Work
       Authorization; (2) the time in which Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
       Testing Services is obligated to complete all such Services as set forth in the Work
       Authorization or in the Schedule (as defined in Paragraph 3.1 hereof) submitted and
       approved pursuant to this Contract; (3) the amount of compensation Owner is obligated or
       committed to pay Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
       as set forth in the Work Authorization; or (4) the indemnification obligations of Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services under the Contract or the Work
       Authorization. Any additional services (hereinafter the “Additional Services”) must be
       approved in writing in the form of a written and executed amendment to this Contract or
       applicable Work Authorization prior to starting such Additional Services. OWNER will not be

                                                  5
      liable or responsible for the costs of Additional Services commenced without its express prior
      written approval.

2.2   Within a reasonable time after request from Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services, Owner shall provide, if available, all criteria and information
      requested by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
      necessary for Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services to
      comply with Owner's requirements for the Services specified in the Work Authorization,
      including design objectives and constraints, space, capacity and performance requirements,
      flexibility and expendability, and any budgetary limitations, which may affect the Services.

2.3   Within a reasonable time after request from Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services, Owner will make available to Geotechnical, Environmental And
      Construction Material Testing Services all reasonably available information in Owner's
      possession pertinent to the Services specified in the Work Authorization, including existing
      drawings, specifications, shop drawings, product literature, previous reports and any other
      data relative to design or construction set forth in the Work Authorization necessary for
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services to comply with
      Owner’s requirements for the Services specified in the Work Authorization.

2.4   Owner shall arrange for access to and make all reasonable provisions for Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services to enter the site set forth in the
      Work Authorization (if any) to perform the Services to be provided by Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services under this Contract.
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services acknowledges that
      such access may be provided during times that are not the normal business hours of
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services.

2.5   Owner shall provide written notice to Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
      Testing Services of any deficiencies or defects discovered by Owner with respect to the
      Services to be rendered by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
      Services hereunder.

2.6   Wherever the terms of this Contract refer to some action, consent, or approval (excluding
      approvals of Additional Services or changes to this Contract) to be provided by Owner or
      some notice, report or document is to be provided to Owner, such reference to "Owner" shall
      mean Owner, Owner's staff, or Owner's designee, including Project Manager, unless
      otherwise stated.


                                           ARTICLE 3

                                          SCHEDULE

3.1   Within ten (10) days of receiving a written Work Authorization from Owner to perform Services
      hereunder for a particular project ("Project"), Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services agrees to submit to Owner a computer-generated bar graph time
      schedule ("Schedule") for the performance of such Services to be provided with respect to
      the Project. Said Schedule shall be of a form and content satisfactory to Owner. Services to
      be rendered by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
      shall be commenced, performed and completed in accordance with the Work Authorization
      and the Schedule. Time is of the essence with respect to the performance of this Contract,
      including any and all Projects assigned to Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services.



                                                6
3.2   Should Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services be
      obstructed or delayed in the prosecution or completion of its Services as a result of
      unforeseeable causes beyond the control of Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services, including but not restricted to acts of God or of public enemy, acts
      of government or negligent or intentionally wrongful conduct of Owner, fires, floods,
      epidemics, quarantine regulations, strikes or lock-outs, and not due to Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ own fault or neglect, then
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall notify
      OWNER in writing within three (3) business days (unless Owner expressly agrees in writing
      to a longer period of time) after commencement of such delay, stating the cause or causes
      thereof and requesting a reasonable extension of time, or be deemed to have waived any
      right which Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services may
      have had to request a time extension.

3.3   Unless otherwise expressly provided for in the Work Authorization, no interruption,
      interference, inefficiency, suspension or delay in the commencement or progress of
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ Services from any
      cause whatsoever, including those for which Owner may be responsible in whole or in part,
      shall relieve Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services of its
      duty to perform or give rise to any right to damages or additional compensation from Owner.
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services expressly
      acknowledges and agrees that it shall receive no damages for delay. Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ sole remedy, if any, against
      OWNER will be the right to seek an extension of time to its Schedule; provided, however, the
      granting of any such time extension shall not be a condition precedent to the aforementioned
      ''No Damage For Delay" provision. This paragraph shall expressly apply to claims for early
      completion, as well as claims based on late completion. Provided, however, if through no
      fault and neglect of Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services,
      the Services to be provided hereunder have been delayed for a total of six (6) months or
      more, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’
      compensation shall be equitably adjusted, with respect to those Services that have not yet
      been performed, to reflect the incremental increase in costs actually experienced by
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services, if any, as a result
      of such delays.

3.4   Should Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services fail to
      commence, provide, perform or complete any of the Services to be provided hereunder in a
      timely and diligent manner in compliance with this Contract, the Work Authorization and all
      applicable laws, then, in addition to any other rights or remedies available to Owner
      hereunder, Owner at its sole discretion and option may withhold any and all payments due
      and owing to Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services until
      such time as Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
      resumes performance of its obligations hereunder in such a manner so as to establish to
      Owner's satisfaction that Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
      Services’ performance is or will shortly be back on schedule and in compliance with this
      Contract, the Work Authorization and all applicable laws.

3.5   Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Contract may be renewed annually by
      OWNER at its sole discretion. If Owner elects not to renew this Contract, it shall send written
      notice thereof to Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services at
      least ten (10) days prior to the annual anniversary date of this Contract. If Owner fails to send
      said written nonrenewal notice as herein provided, Owner shall be deemed to have elected
      to renew this Contract. In the event Owner sends said written nonrenewal notice, Owner may
      provide for either the termination or continued performance of any Services under any
      outstanding Work Authorizations. If Owner directs Geotechnical, Environmental And
      Construction Material Testing Services to continue to perform any such Services,
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall continue
                                                 7
      performance of such Services in accordance with OWNER'S directions, and this Contract
      and the applicable Work Authorization(s) shall continue as to such Services until completion.

                                           ARTICLE 4

                                        COMPENSATION

4.1   Compensation and the manner of payment of such compensation by Owner for Services
      rendered hereunder by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
      Services shall be as prescribed in each written Work Authorization. Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees to furnish to Owner, within
      three (3) days after the end of each calendar month, or as specified in the Work Authorization,
      a comprehensive and itemized statement of charges for the Services performed and
      rendered by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services during
      that time period, and for any Owner authorized Reimbursable Expenses (as hereinbelow
      defined), incurred and/or paid by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
      Testing Services during that time period. The monthly statement shall be in such form and
      supported by such documentation as may be required by Owner. All such statements shall
      indicate the Contract Number, Work Authorization Number, Purchase Order Number and
      Project Site description (School or Facility Name).

4.2   The compensation (whether based upon lump sum, hourly, hourly with a cap or some other
      agreed-upon formula) contained in each separate Work Authorization shall be based on the
      hourly rates as set forth and identified in Exhibit D, which is attached hereto and incorporated
      herein by this reference (the “Rate Schedule”), for the time reasonably expended by
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ personnel in
      performing the Services in accordance with the Schedule, the Contract, and the Work
      Authorization. The Rate Schedule shall be updated by mutual agreement on a yearly basis,
      in conjunction with the annual renewal of this Contract provided for in paragraph 3.5 above.

4.3   OWNER agrees to reimburse Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
      Testing Services for all necessary and reasonable Reimbursable Expenses incurred or paid
      by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services in connection
      with Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ performance
      of the Services, at its direct cost with no markup, to the extent such reimbursement is
      permitted in the Work Authorization. For the purposes hereof, the term "Reimbursable
      Expenses " shall be deemed to include the following unless otherwise agreed to by Owner
      or set forth in the Work Authorization:

      4.3.1   All necessary fees paid by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
              Testing Services to governmental authorities having jurisdiction over any Project
              specified in a Work Authorization, for securing required approval or permitting of the
              Project or any part of it.

      4.3.2   The actual, direct cost to Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
              Testing Services without markup for necessary copying/reproduction of plans and
              other documents required in connection with any Project specified in the Work
              Authorization.

      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall obtain the
      prior written approval of Owner before incurring any expenses other than the aforesaid
      Reimbursable Expenses, and absent such prior approval, no expenses incurred by
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services will be deemed to
      be a Reimbursable Expense.



                                                 8
4.4   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall bear and pay
      all overhead and other expenses, except for the Reimbursable Expenses specified and
      defined above, incurred by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
      Services in the performance of the Services.

4.5   Prior to authorizing Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
      to provide any Services or to incur any Reimbursable Expenses under a Work Authorization
      pursuant to this Contract, Owner shall request that Geotechnical, Environmental And
      Construction Material Testing Services in writing advise Owner of (i) the estimated time
      required of Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’
      personnel and the estimated fees thereof for the proposed Services to be specified in the
      Work Authorization; and (ii) the estimated charge to Owner for the Reimbursable Expenses
      applicable to the contemplated Services to be performed by Geotechnical, Environmental
      And Construction Material Testing Services under the proposed Work Authorization.
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall promptly
      supply such estimate to Owner based on Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services’ good faith analysis.

4.6   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees that, with
      respect to any subconsultant or subcontractor to be utilized by Geotechnical, Environmental
      And Construction Material Testing Services under any particular Work Authorization,
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall be limited to
      a maximum markup of __% on the fees and expenses associated with such subconsultants
      and subcontractors.

                                           ARTICLE 5

      OWNERSHIP AND LICENSE OF DOCUMENTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY


5.1   The Preliminary Design and the Construction Documents shall become “Instruments of
      Service” and include all Drawings, Plans, Specifications, and other documents, including
      those in electronic form, prepared specifically for the subject Project by the Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services and its consultants. The
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees to, and
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services and its consultants
      shall be deemed to have prepared their respective Instruments of Service as geotechnical,
      environmental and construction material testing works and works made for hire as defined in
      17 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102(a)(8) and 201(b), thereby transferring and vesting in the Owner,
      pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 201(d), all common law, statutory, and other reserved rights,
      including copyrights in the Instruments of Service and in the buildings, improvements, and
      structures constituting the Project. The Instruments of Service shall include the Space Plan
      and Design Concept, if any.

5.2   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services hereby expressly
      grants, assigns, transfers, and otherwise quitclaims to the Owner, its successors, and
      assigns, pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 201(d), all common law, statutory, and other reserved rights,
      including copyrights in both the Instruments of Service and in the buildings, improvements,
      and structures embodying the geotechnical, environmental and construction material testing
      works that constitute the Project, provided that the Owner shall comply with all obligations,
      including prompt payment of all sums, when due, under this Contract. The Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall obtain similar grants,
      assignments, transfers, and quitclaims from its consultants consistent with this Contract. The
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services warrants (and shall
      cause each of the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services


                                                9
      Consultants To Warrant Also) That This Transfer Of Copyright And Other Rights Is Valid
      Against The World.

5.3   The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services Hereby
      Grants, Assigns, Transfers, And Otherwise Quitclaims To The Owner, Without Reservation,
      All Copyrights To All Project-Related Documents, Models, Computer Drawings, And Other
      Electronic Expressions, Photographs, And Other Expression Or Instruments Of Service
      Produced By The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services.
      However, The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services Will
      Retain All Rights To Any Pre-Existing Intellectual Property Or Standard Construction Details
      Or Conventions Contained In The Instruments Of Service.

5.4   All Licenses Granted Herein Or Pursuant To This Contract Are Worldwide, Perpetual And
      Irrevocable And Shall Continue Even In The Event This Contract Expires Or Is Terminated
      For Any Reason. Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
      Hereby Consents To Any Use Of Any And All Project Documents By Any Replacement
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Engineers, Contractors, Or
      Other Professionals Retained By Owner In The Event Of Any Such Expiration Or
      Termination; Provided, However, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
      Testing Services Shall Not Be Liable For Any Of The Design Work Performed By Such
      Replacement Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Engineers Or
      Other Professionals. This Paragraph Shall Survive The Expiration Or Termination Of This
      Contract.

5.5   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services, Upon Reasonable
      Request By Owner, Even If Such Request Is Made After Termination Or Expiration Of This
      Contract For Any Reason, Shall Take All Steps Reasonably Required By Owner To
      Memorialize, Perfect, Substantiate, Record, Or Evidence All Licenses, Assignments, And
      Rights Owner Has, Is Due, Or May Have Under Or Pursuant To This Contract, And Shall Do
      So At No Additional Charge To Owner. This Paragraph Shall Survive The Expiration Or
      Termination Of This Contract.

5.6   The Owner Hereby Grants To The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
      Testing Services A Nonexclusive License To Reproduce Such Documents For Purposes
      Relating Directly To The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
      Services’ Performance Of Any Project, For The Geotechnical, Environmental And
      Construction Material Testing Services’ Archival Records, And For The Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ Reproduction Of Drawings And
      Photographs For The Design Professional’s Marketing Materials Provided That The Content
      Of Those Materials, As To Each Such Project, Are Approved By The Owner Prior To
      Publication. No Other Project-Related Documents May Be Reproduced For Any Other
      Purpose Without The Express Written Permission Of The Owner Or Unless Otherwise
      Required By Law. The Publication Of The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services Materials Shall Not Include The Owner's Confidential Or
      Proprietary Information.

5.7   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services Shall, Upon
      Reasonable Request By Owner, Even If Such Request Is Made After Termination Or
      Expiration Of This Contract For Any Reason, Or Upon Completion Of The Project Should No
      Such Request Be Made By The Owner, Provide To Owner (I) Reproducible Copies Of All
      Project Documents, (Ii) Written Copies Of All Licenses And Assignments Obtained By
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services From
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ Consultants
      Pursuant To Paragraph 6.1, And (Iii) A Written License From Geotechnical, Environmental
      And Construction Material Testing Services To Owner pursuant to Paragraph 6.2. Wherever
      practical, all such copies of the Project Documents shall be provided in both editable
      electronic form and in hard paper form. Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
                                               10
      Material Testing Services shall not be responsible for inadvertent errors caused by the
      electronic transmission of Project Documents, unless it knew or reasonably should have
      known of such errors and failed to promptly notify Owner in writing. In the event of any
      discrepancies between any such electronic copies and hard paper copies issued by
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services, the hard paper
      copy shall control. This paragraph shall survive the expiration or termination of this Contract.

                                            ARTICLE 6

                                 MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS

6.1   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall keep
      adequate records and supporting documentation which concerns or reflect its Services
      hereunder. The records and documentation shall be retained by Geotechnical, Environmental
      And Construction Material Testing Services for a minimum of three (3) years from the date of
      termination of this Contract or the date the Services under each Work Authorization are
      completed, or such longer period of time as may be required by this Contract or applicable
      law, whichever is later. Owner, or any duly authorized agents or representatives of Owner,
      shall have the right to audit, inspect and copy all such records and documentation as often
      as they deem necessary during the period of this Contract and during the period noted above
      in which the records are to be retained; provided, however, such activity shall be conducted
      only during normal business hours. This paragraph shall survive the expiration or termination
      of this Contract.

6.2   The records specified above in paragraph 6.1 include accurate time records, which
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services agrees to keep and
      maintain, from day to day, showing the time expended by each principal and employee of
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services in performing the
      Services and therein specifying the work performed by each, with all such time records to be
      kept within one-half of an hour. At the request of Owner, or as specified in the Work
      Authorization, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall
      furnish to Owner any of the aforesaid time records, as well as invoices or proofs showing
      Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ incurrence and/or
      payment of any Reimbursable Expenses.

                                            ARTICLE 7

                                           INDEMNITY

7.1   To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services shall indemnify and hold harmless the Owner from and against all
      liability, claims, damage, loss, liens, costs and expenses, including without limitation
      attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses, to the extent caused by or resulting from the
      negligence, recklessness, or intentionally wrongful conduct of the Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services or other persons employed or
      utilized by the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services in
      the performance of the Contract. In the event the Owner is alleged to be liable on account
      of alleged acts or omissions, or both, of the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
      Material Testing Services, the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
      Testing Services shall defend such allegations through counsel chosen by the Owner, and
      the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall bear all
      costs, fees, and expenses of such defense, including but not limited to, all attorneys’ fees
      and expenses, court costs, expert witness fees and expenses. The Geotechnical,
      Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall not be required to indemnify
      or hold harmless the Owner against claims for damages, losses, or expenses, including
      attorneys’ fees, to the extent caused by or resulting from the negligence of the Owner.

                                                11
                                              ARTICLE 8

                              ERRORS AND OMISSIONS INSURANCE

8.1     The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall obtain
        and maintain, at its sole cost and expense, the following errors, and omissions insurance at
        all times this Contract is in effect and for a period of three (3) years after Final Completion of
        each Project:

        8.1.1   Within five (5) days after the execution of this Contract the Geotechnical,
                Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall file with the Owner
                the certificate from an insurance company authorized to do business in the State of
                Georgia showing issuance to Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
                Testing Services of errors and omissions insurance (professional liability insurance)
                with minimum limits per claim of 20% of the stated cost limitation set forth in the Work
                Authorization but not less than the minimum limits of $2,000,000 per claim coverage,
                $2,000,000 aggregate. Such errors and omissions insurance shall have a deductible
                amount of no more than $50,000 per claim unless a different deductible amount is (i)
                agreed upon in writing by the Owner and (ii), if necessary for the benefit of the Owner,
                approved by the Georgia Department of Education.

        8.1.2   The insurance policy maintained in accordance with this Contract shall contain an
                endorsement providing thirty (30) days’ notice to the Owner prior to any cancellation
                of said policy. Said policy shall be written by an insurer acceptable to the Owner and
                shall be in a form acceptable to the Owner.


                                              ARTICLE 9

                                         OTHER INSURANCE

9.1     The geotechnical, environmental and construction material testing engineer shall also
        obtain and maintain, at its sole cost and expense, all insurance in accordance with the
        requirements of Exhibit E attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.



                                              ARTICLE 10

      SERVICES BY GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
                         TESTING SERVICES’ OWN STAFF

10.1    The Services to be performed hereunder shall be performed by the staff, subconsultants and
        subcontractors identified in Exhibit C attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference,
        unless otherwise authorized in writing by Owner. The employment of, contract with, or use of
        the services of any other person or firm by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
        Material Testing Services, as independent consultant or otherwise, shall be subject to the
        prior written approval of Owner. No provision of this Contract shall, however, be construed
        as constituting an agreement between Owner and any such other person or firm. Nor shall
        anything contained herein be deemed to give any such party or any third party any claim or
        right of action against Owner.




                                                   12
                                            ARTICLE 11

                                       WAIVER OF CLAIMS

11.1   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ acceptance of final
       payment for Services provided under any Work Authorization shall constitute a full waiver of
       any and all claims by it against Owner arising out of the Work Authorization or otherwise
       related to those Services, except those previously made in writing and identified by
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services as unsettled at the
       time of the final payment. Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
       Services agrees to execute such lien waivers and other necessary documentation reasonably
       required by Owner in order to waive such claims of record. Neither the acceptance of
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ Services nor
       payment by Owner shall be deemed to be a waiver of any of Owner's rights against
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services.


                                            ARTICLE 12

                                TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION

12.1   This Contract is a "continuing contract" for the services of Geotechnical, Environmental And
       Construction Material Testing Services. It is agreed that either party hereto shall at any and
       all times have the right and option to terminate this Contract by giving to the other party not
       less than sixty (60) days' prior written notice of such termination. Upon this Contract being so
       terminated by either party hereto, neither party hereto shall have any further rights or
       obligations under this Contract subsequent to the date of termination except for those
       provisions expressly stated to survive the expiration or termination of this Contract, and
       except that Owner may require that Services specified to be performed under a previously
       issued Work Authorization shall proceed to completion under the terms of this Contract.

12.2   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall be considered
       in material default of this Contract and such default will be considered cause for Owner to
       terminate this Contract and any Work Authorizations in effect, in whole or in part, as further
       set forth herein, for any of the following reasons: (a) failure to begin work under the Contract
       within the times specified under the Work Authorization(s), or (b) failure to properly and timely
       perform the Services to be provided hereunder or as directed by Owner, or (c) the bankruptcy
       or insolvency or a general assignment for the benefit of creditors by Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services or by any of Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ principals, partners, officers or
       directors, or (d) failure to obey laws, ordinances, regulations, Owner’s policies and
       procedures or other codes of conduct, or (e) Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
       Material Testing Services otherwise materially breaches this Contract including the terms of
       any Work Authorization. Owner may so terminate this Contract, in whole or in part, by giving
       Owner five (5) business days’ written notice.

12.3   If, after notice of termination of this Contract as provided for in Paragraph 12.2 above, it is
       determined for any reason that Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
       Testing Services was not in default, or that its default was excusable, or that Owner otherwise
       was not entitled to the remedy against Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
       Material Testing Services provided for in Paragraph 12.2, and the parties mutually agree to
       such determination in writing, then the notice of termination given pursuant to Paragraph 12.2
       shall be deemed to be the notice of termination provided for in Paragraph 12.4 below and
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ remedies against
       Owner shall be the same as and limited to those afforded Geotechnical, ENVIRONMENTAL
       And Construction Material Testing Services under Paragraph 12.4 below.

                                                  13
12.4   Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary (including the provisions of Paragraph 12.1
       above), OWNER shall have the right to terminate this Contract and any Work Authorization(s)
       then in effect, in whole or in part, with or without cause upon five (5) business days’ written
       notice to Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services. In the
       event of such termination for convenience, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
       Material Testing Services’ recovery against Owner shall be limited to that portion of
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ compensation
       earned through the date of termination, for any Work Authorizations so cancelled, together
       with any retainage withheld and any costs reasonably incurred by Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services that are directly attributable to the
       termination, but Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
       shall not be entitled to any other or further recovery against OWNER, including, but not limited
       to, anticipated fees or profit on Services not required to be performed.

12.5   Upon termination, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services
       shall deliver to Owner, as set forth in Paragraph 5.1 herein, all papers, records, documents,
       Auto CADD files, drawings, calculations, models, and other materials in Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ possession or control arising out
       of or relating to this Contract.

12.6   Owner shall have the authority to suspend all or any portions of the Services to be provided
       by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services hereunder upon
       giving Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services two (2)
       business days’ prior written notice of such suspension. If all or any portion of the Services to
       be rendered hereunder are so suspended, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
       Material Testing Services’ sole and exclusive remedy shall be to seek an extension of time
       to its Schedule subject to the procedures set forth in Article 3 herein.


                                            ARTICLE 13

                          PROHIBITION AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES

13.1   The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services by execution
       of this Contract warrants that it has not employed or retained any company or person, other
       than a bona fide employee working solely for it, to solicit or secure this Contract and that
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services has not paid or
       agreed to pay any person, company, corporation, individual, or firm, other than a bona fide
       employee working solely for it, any fees, commission, percentage, gift, or other consideration
       contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Contract.


                                            ARTICLE 14

                                    CONFLICT OF INTEREST

14.1   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services represents that it
       presently has no interest and shall acquire no interest, either direct or indirect, which would
       conflict in any manner with the performance of Services required hereunder. Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services further represents that no persons
       having any such interest shall be employed to perform those Services.




                                                 14
                                            ARTICLE 15

                                        APPLICABLE LAW

15.1   This Contract shall be governed and construed under the laws of the State of Georgia. Each
       and every provision required by law to be inserted in this Contract shall be deemed to be
       inserted herein and the Contract shall be read and enforced as though it were included
       herein. ser irrevocably consents to the non-exclusive venue of the courts sitting in the county
       in which the Project is located regarding any matter arising out of or relating to this Contract.

                                            ARTICLE 16

                                  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

16.1   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Engineer shall not
       assign its rights hereunder, excepting its right to payment, nor shall it delegate any of its
       duties hereunder without the written consent of the Owner. Subject to the provisions of the
       immediately preceding sentence, this Contract shall be binding upon each party and its
       respective successors, assigns and legal representatives.

                                            ARTICLE 17

                               NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES

17.1   Nothing contained herein shall create any relationship, contractual or otherwise, with, or any
       rights in favor of, any third party.


                                            ARTICLE 18

       COOPERATION WITH PROGRAM MANAGER AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

18.1   In the event the Owner gives the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
       Testing Services written notice that Owner will employ the services of a program manager or
       construction manager, then the terms of this Article 18 shall apply to the services provided
       by the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services.

18.2   In the event the Owner gives the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
       Testing Services written notice that Owner will employ the services of a construction
       manager, the term “contractor” as used in this Contract shall mean “construction manager”
       and the term “Construction Contract” as used in this Contract shall mean “Construction
       Management Contract”.

18.3   The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall fully
       cooperate with the Owner’s program manager (“Program Manager”) and, if applicable, the
       construction manager (“Construction Manager”). Such cooperation shall include, without
       limitation, providing any requested information to the Program Manager and, if applicable,
       the Construction Manager, and advising, meeting with, consulting with, and coordinating with
       the Program Manager and, if applicable, the Construction Manager.

18.4   The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services acknowledges
       that it has received, reviewed, and studied the contract between the Owner and Program
       Manager. To the extent that the Program Manager is authorized by its contract with Owner
       to act as the agent of the Owner, Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
       Testing Services agrees to comply with all directions and instructions given by the Program
       Manager. To the extent that the Program Manager is authorized and responsible for

                                                  15
       providing certain services delegated to the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
       Material Testing Services hereinabove, the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
       Material Testing Services’ role with reference thereto shall be to advise, consult, and
       cooperate with the Program Manager in its provisions of such services.

18.5   The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services is not a third-
       party beneficiary of any agreement by and between Owner and the Program Manager or any
       Construction Manager. It is expressly acknowledged and agreed that Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ duties to Owner are independent
       of, and are not diminished by, any duties owed to Owner by the Program Manager or any
       Construction Manager.

                                          ARTICLE 19

                                   ASBESTOS STATEMENT

19.1   The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall sign and
       deliver to the Owner the Asbestos Exclusion Certification, attached hereto as Exhibit F and
       incorporated herein by reference, or in such other form as may be required by Owner or the
       Georgia Department of Education, at such time as the Owner may require.

                                          ARTICLE 20

   MANDATORY ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER/GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND
          CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES AGREEMENT

20.1   Pursuant to the requirements of the Georgia Department of Education, the “Mandatory
       Addendum to the Owner/Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
       Services Agreement For Projects Funded in Whole or in Part with State Capital Outlay Funds”
       attached hereto as Exhibit H is hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof to the
       extent that the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’
       Services are for the design and supervision of a state-funded capital outlay construction
       project.

                                          ARTICLE 21

                                     ENTIRE AGREEMENT

21.1   With the exception of any future Work Authorizations, which are incorporated herein by
       reference, this Contract constitutes the entire and exclusive agreement between the parties
       with reference to the Services and supersedes any and all prior communications,
       discussions, negotiations, understandings, or agreements between the parties, whether oral
       or written.
                                            ARTICLE 22

                                        MODIFICATION

22.1   No modification, amendment, or change to this Contract shall be valid or binding upon the
       parties unless in writing and executed by both OWNER and the GEOTECHNICAL,
       ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES.




                                               16
                                             ARTICLE 23

                             NOTICES AND ADDRESS OF RECORD

23.1   All notices required or permitted pursuant to this Contract to be given by Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services to Owner shall be in writing and
       shall be delivered by hand or by United States Postal Service, first class registered or certified
       mail, postage pre-paid, return receipt requested, or by overnight delivery by a nationally
       recognized carrier such as FedEx or UPS, addressed to the following Owner's address of
       record:

                         DeKalb County School District Facilities Services
                                 Sam A. Moss Service Center
                                      1780 Montreal Road
                                    Tucker, Georgia 30084
                               Attention: Chief Operating Officer

23.2   All notices required or permitted pursuant to this Contract to be given by Owner to
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall be made in
       writing and shall be delivered by hand or by the United States Postal Service, first class
       registered or certified mail, postage pre-paid, return receipt requested, or by overnight
       delivery by a nationally recognized carrier such as FedEx or UPS, addressed to the following
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ address of record:

                                      625 Holcomb Bridge Road
                                      Norcross, Georgia 30071
                                      Email: ssmelter@unitedconsulting.com


                                     ATTENTION: __Scott D. Smelter_

23.3   Either party may change its address of record by written notice to the other party given in
       accordance with requirements of this Article.

23.4   All notices shall be deemed received, whether or not actually received: i) if by personal
       delivery, on the date of acceptance or refusal of such delivery, ii) if by registered or certified
       mail, three (3) business days after deposit with the United States Postal Service, and iii) if by
       overnight delivery, one (1) business day after deposit with the overnight delivery service.


                                             ARTICLE 24

                                         MISCELLANEOUS

24.1   Throughout the performance of its duties under this Contract, the Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall comply with, and shall
       provide all services necessary for the Owner to comply with, all laws applicable to the design
       of the Project or the administration of the Construction Contract (as defined in Paragraph 18
       hereof), including without limitation the rules, guidelines, and other requirements of the State
       of Georgia Environmental Protection Division, the State of Georgia Department of Education
       and the ordinances and codes of DeKalb County, Georgia and any applicable municipality.

24.2   Unless otherwise expressly provided to the contrary in this Contract, the term
       ”day” shall mean calendar day. The term "business day" shall mean all days of the week
       excluding Saturdays and Sundays and all legal holidays observed by Owner.

                                                  17
24.3   In addition to, and not in limitation of, the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
       Material Testing Services’ other obligations under this Contract, the Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall, without additional
       compensation, promptly assist the Owner in resolving any problems arising out of, resulting
       from or relating to the design of the Project or the materials or equipment specified by the
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services or its consultant(s).

24.4   Any claim, dispute or other matter in question arising out of or related to this Contract shall
       be subject to mediation as a condition precedent to the institution of legal or equitable
       proceedings by either party. If such matter relates to or is the subject of a lien arising out of
       the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services, The
       Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services may proceed in
       accordance with applicable law to comply with the lien notice or filing deadlines prior to
       resolution of the matter by mediation. The Owner and Geotechnical, Environmental And
       Construction Material Testing Services shall endeavor to resolve claims, disputes and other
       matters in question between them by mediation which, unless the parties mutually agree
       otherwise, shall be in accordance with the Construction Industry Mediation Rules of the
       American Arbitration Association currently in effect. Request for mediation shall be filed in
       writing with the other party to this Contract and with the American Arbitration Association.
       The request may be made concurrently with the filing of a civil action but, in such event,
       mediation shall proceed in advance of legal or equitable proceedings, which may be stayed
       pending mediation for a period of 60 days from the date of filing, unless stayed for a longer
       period by agreement of the parties or a court order. The parties shall share the responsibility
       for the mediator’s fee and any filing fees equally. The mediation shall be held in the place
       where the Project is located, unless another location is mutually agreed upon. Subject to the
       express approval of the DeKalb County Board of Education, agreements reached in
       mediation shall be enforceable as settlement agreements in any court having jurisdiction
       thereof.

24.5   Georgia Security And Immigration Compliance Act Requirements. Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services certifies its compliance with Illegal
       Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 and specifically those provisions codified
       at O.C.G.A. § 13-10-90, et seq. Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material
       Testing Services warrants that it has registered with and uses the federal work authorization
       program commonly known as “E-Verify.” Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction
       Material Testing Services further agrees that if it contracts for the physical performance of
       Services in satisfaction of this Contract, it will do so only with firms who present an affidavit
       as required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91. Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material
       Testing Services warrants that it will include a similar provision in all contracts entered into
       with subcontractors for the physical performance of Services in satisfaction of this Contract.
       The Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services shall sign and
       deliver to the Owner a Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
       Services Affidavit, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I and shall have any subcontractors
       sign and deliver to the Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
       Services a Subcontractor Affidavit in the form attached hereto as Exhibit J.

24.6   Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services acknowledges that
       pursuant to state law, as well as Owner’s policies, any person listed on the Georgia Violent
       Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is prohibited from
       being within 1,000 feet of the site of any Project. Grantee shall comply with all relevant laws,
       rules and regulations, including without limitation, the aforementioned state law, in the
       performance of any activities on the site.

24.6   No failure of Owner to exercise any power given Owner under this Contract, or to insist upon
       strict compliance by Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing
       Services Of Geotechnical, Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’
       obligations hereunder, and no custom or practice of the parties at variance with the terms
                                                  18
       hereof will constitute a waiver of Owner’s right to demand strict compliance with the terms
       hereof.

24.7   Owner shall be excused from the performance of any of its obligations under this Contract
       for the period of any delay resulting from any cause beyond its control, including, without
       limitation, labor disputes, governmental regulations or controls, fires or other casualties,
       natural disasters, acts of God, or any inability to obtain supplies or other difficulties beyond
       the reasonable control of Owner.

24.8   If any clause or provision of this Contract is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
       illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, then such terms shall be stricken from the Contract and the
       unaffected terms and provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

24.9   Each covenant, agreement, obligation or other provision of this Contract on Geotechnical,
       Environmental And Construction Material Testing Services’ part to be performed shall be
       deemed and construed as independent covenants of Geotechnical, Environmental And
       Construction Material Testing Services, not dependent on any other provisions of this
       Contract.

24.10 This Contract may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
      original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. For purposes
      of this Contract, any signature transmitted by facsimile or electronically via e-mail shall be
      considered to have the same legal and binding effect as any original signature.

24.11 Each individual executing this Contract on behalf of Geotechnical, Environmental And
      Construction Material Testing Services represents and warrants that he or she is duly
      authorized to execute this Contract on behalf of Geotechnical, Environmental And
      Construction Material Testing Services, and that Geotechnical, Environmental And
      Construction Material Testing Services has full right and authority to execute and deliver this
      Contract.




                                 [SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]




                                                 19
                                     EXHIBIT “A”

                LIST OF PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS FOR THE PROJECT

RFQu 24-752-023

RFQu 24-752-023 Attachment Package

RFQu 24-752-023 Appendices Package

Addendum No. 1 Dated May 10, 2024

Addendum No. 2 Dated May 22, 2024

Attachments:
      A. Professional Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
         Services
         Revised Appendix B Design Review-Minimum Submittal Requirements (SCL<$5M)
         (11 pages)

      B. Professional Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Services
         Revised Appendix C1 DCSD Elementary School Educational Specifications (8 pages)

      C. Professional Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Services
         Revised Appendix C2 DCSD Middle School Educational Specifications (9 Pages)

      D. Professional Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Services
         Revised Appendix C3 DCSD High School Educational Specifications (8 Pages)

      E. Professional Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Services
         Revised Appendix D Design Guidelines (51 Pages)

      F. Professional Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Services
         Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference Meeting Minutes (3 Pages)

      G. Professional Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Mandatory
         Pre-Proposal Conference Sign-In Sheet (3 Pages)




                                          21
                                        EXHIBIT “B”

                              WORK AUTHORIZATION FORM


       This Work Authorization, dated                                20           , is hereby
issued pursuant to that certain Continuing Contract for Professional Services ("Contract"),
dated                          20           , between The DeKalb County Board of Education
("Owner") and ______                                                       ("Geotechnical,
Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services").

       All terms used herein shall have the same meaning as defined in the Contract unless
otherwise noted herein. In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth
below, Owner and Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services
agree as follows:

                                  PROJECT NAME AND NUMBER

       Owner is undergoing a project for the ______________________________ [describe
project] known as ____________________ [school or facility name/project name] and
having project number _______________ [project number, if applicable] (hereinafter, the
“Project”).



                                       SCOPE OF SERVICES



       Owner hereby authorizes Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material
Testing Services to provide the following Services for the Project:




                                         SCHEDULE

       The Services under this Work Authorization shall commence by ________ and shall
be completed by                                    . A detailed Services schedule is
attached.


                                      COMPENSATION

The compensation for the Services under this Work Authorization shall be as follows:



                                              22
                             EXHIBIT “C”

                          STAFFING SCHEDULE

Name                                         Function

Roman Zhest                           Team Leader

Jay Paul Gapuzan                      Project Manager

Christopher L. Roberds,               Principal-in-Charge

Medhi Moazzami                        Geotechnical Team Leader

Michael Kemp                          Geotechnical Project Manager

Tim Beck                              Environmental Team Leader

Ryan Griffin                          Environmental Project Manager

Pat Carr                              Team Leader/Lead Inspector

Jay Paul Gapuzan                      Quality Assurance/Quality Control Manager

Subcontractor                         RL Reeves & Associates




                                 23
 EXHIBIT “D”

RATE SCHEDULE




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                                          EXHIBIT “E”

                                      OTHER INSURANCE

         1.1 The GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
TESTING SERVICES shall maintain the following other insurance at all times this Contract is in
effect and for a period of six (6) years after Final Completion of the Project. The GEOTECHNICAL,
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES shall secure the
following insurance at his own expense and shall file Certificates of Insurance with the Owner within
five (5) days after the execution of this Contract. Insurance will not be acceptable unless written by
a Company licensed by the State Insurance Department to do business in Georgia at the time the
policy is issued and the company must in addition be acceptable to the Owner.

             1.1.1   Workmen’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability to statutory limits.

             1.1.2 Comprehensive Commercial General Liability (“CGL”) including Owner’s &
             Contractor’s Protective with the following limits;

                     (a)    General Aggregate: $2,000,000, which shall apply on a per-project
                            basis;
                     (b)    Products and Completed Operations Aggregate: $1,000,000;
                     (c)    Personal & Advertising Injury: $1,000,000;
                     (d)    Each Occurrence: $1,000,000;
                     (e)    Fire Damage (Any one fire): $50,000; and,
                     (f)    Medical Expense (Any one person): $5,000.

             1.1.3 Automobile Liability (owned, non-owned, hired) with combined single limit of
             $2,000,000 annual aggregate, $1,000,000 per occurrence.

             1.1.4   Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions); as per Article 8 of the Contract.

             1.1.5 Excess/Umbrella Liability Insurance with limits of at least $5,000,000 per
             occurrence and in the aggregate which shall provide excess coverage above all
             insurance described in this Section 1.1.

             1.1.6 The Owner and the GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND
             CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES waive all rights against (1) each
             other and any of their subcontractors, subconsultants, agents and employees, each of
             the other, and (2) the Contractor, the Contractor subcontractors, if any, and any of their
             subcontractors, sub-contractors, agents and employees, for damages caused by fire
             or other causes of loss to the extent fully covered by property insurance obtained
             pursuant to Paragraph 1.1.2(e) above or other property insurance applicable to the
             Project, except such rights as they have to proceeds of such insurance held by the
             GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING
             SERVICES as fiduciary.

       1.2 The Owner and DeKalb County School District shall be included as additional insured
       on the coverages specified in subparagraphs 1.1.2, 1.1.3 and 1.1.5 and shall be indicated as
       such on certificates of insurance required herein.

             1.2.1 With respect to CGL Insurance only, all CGL insurance policies shall contain
             additional insured endorsements forms CG 20 10 11 85, CG 20 10 10 01, CG 20 37 10
                                                29
     01, or their substantial equivalents, so that the policies provide additional insured
     coverage for (a) both ongoing and completed operations; and (b) liability “arising out
     of” GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
     TESTING Services’ work.

     1.2.2 Each certificate shall contain a provision that coverages afforded under the
     policies will not be canceled, changed or allowed to expire until thirty (30) days after
     the Owner has received written notice evidenced by return receipt of registered letter.

     1.2.3 Each primary and excess/umbrella CGL and Automobile Liability insurance
     policy required to be maintained by the GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND
     CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES and any of its subcontractors or
     subconsultants shall be primary to and non-contributory with any insurance carried by
     the Owner and DeKalb County School District, such that no primary, excess or umbrella
     insurance carried by the Owner or DeKalb County School District shall be required to
     respond to any claim, suit or demand, if at all, until all applicable primary and
     excess/umbrella CGL and Automobile Liability insurance policies maintained by the
     GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING
     SERVICES and any of its subcontractors and subconsultants have been exhausted.

     1.2.4 The primary, excess/umbrella CGL and Automobile Liability insurance policies
     maintained by the GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION
     MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES and any of its subcontractors or subconsultants shall
     not contain any insured vs. insured, cross-liability or cross-claim exclusion or
     endorsement barring coverage for any claims by the Owner or DeKalb County School
     District against the GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION
     MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES or any other insured under said policies.

1.3 In the event that the GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION
MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES elects to retain subcontractors or subconsultants and
the Owner approves said retention, the GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND
CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES shall require all such subcontractors
and subconsultants to comply with the insurance and notice requirements of this Exhibit
E, including but not limited to (a) maintaining the types and amounts of insurance
described in this Exhibit E; and (b) having the DeKalb County Board of Education and
DeKalb County School District named as additional insureds on all such insurance
pursuant to Paragraph 1.2 of this Exhibit E. The GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL
AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES assumes all liability for its
subcontractors’ and subconsultants’ failure to comply with insurance provisions of this
Exhibit E.




                                       30
                                               EXHIBIT “F”

                         ASBESTOS EXCLUSION CERTIFICATION FORM
                          (NEW CONSTRUCTION & ADDITIONS ONLY)


In compliance with Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Part 763 “Asbestos”,
Subpart E “Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools”, Section 763.99 “Exclusions” paragraph
(a) (7), I                                 , the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction
Material Testing Services
           (Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services)

of record for                                           ,
                  (Project Name)                               (Substantial Completion Date)

located in        DeKalb County School District,                                      (the “Project”)
                  (School System Name)                  (State Project Number)

certify that [initial one of the following]:

   (i)       to my actual knowledge, no Asbestos Containing Building Material (ACBM) was
             specified as a building material in any construction document for the Project. [initial
             if applicable]:____________

             or

   (ii)      to the best of my knowledge, no ACBM was used as a building material on the
             Project. [initial if applicable]: ____________

________________________________________
      (Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services)


________________________________________
      (Signature of Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
Services)


________________________________________
      (Date)

________________________________________
      (Georgia Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services
License Number)


_________________________________________
      (Seal and Signature)




                                                   31
                         EXHIBIT “G”
GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING
                      SERVICES PROPOSAL




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                                          EXHIBIT “H”

                      MANDATORY ADDENDUM TO THE
OWNER/GEOTECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TESTING
                         SERVICES AGREEMENT
(DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF A STATE-FUNDED CAPITAL OUTLAY CONSTRUCTION
                             PROJECT ONLY)

The Owner may use any form of agreement mutually agreed upon by the Owner and
Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services to contract for the
Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services for any project funded
in whole or in part with State Capital Outlay Funds provided by the Georgia Department of
Education (“GaDOE”); provided, however, that this Mandatory Addendum must and shall be
incorporated into the Owner and Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
Services selected form of agreement on any such State Capital Outlay Funded project. In the
event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of the selected form of
agreement and this Mandatory Addendum, the terms and conditions of this Mandatory Addendum
shall prevail and govern over conflicting or inconsistent terms and conditions of the selected form
of agreement. This Mandatory Addendum shall not be modified without prior written consent of
the GaDOE. THE GaDOE SHALL NOT RELEASE ANY STATE CAPITAL OUTLAY FUNDS FOR
AN APPROVED CAPITAL OUTLAY PROJECT IF THIS MANDATORY ADDENDUM IS NOT
MADE A PART OF THE OWNER/ Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material
Testing Services CONTRACT.

1.     For purposes of this Mandatory Addendum, notwithstanding terminology used in the
       Owner/ Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services
       Contract, the following terms are defined to mean:
          a. “Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services” shall
              be the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services,
              whether individually or as a firm or other legal entity, engaged to perform the
              Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services.
          b. “Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services” shall
              be the scope of the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material
              Testing Services for the Project set forth in the Contract, including the services and
              requirements set forth in this Mandatory Addendum.
          c. “Owner” shall be the Local Board of Education that is engaging the Geotechnical,
              Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services to perform the
              Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services for the
              Project.
          d. “Contract” shall be the form of agreement between the Owner and the
              Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services, to which
              this Mandatory Addendum is attached and is a part, and shall set forth the
              Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services for the
              Project.
          e. “Project” shall be the Project for which the Geotechnical, Environmental and
              Construction Material Testing Services are engaged and performed pursuant to
              the Contract.
          f. “Program” shall be the Owner’s policies, purposes, concepts, goals and objectives,
              and design, construction, scheduling, budgetary or operational needs, restrictions,
              or requirements for the Project.

                                                80
        g. “Stated Cost Limitation” shall be the maximum amount that the Owner is
           authorized to spend to construct the Project as determined and established by the
           Owner.
        h. “Record Plans and Specifications” shall be the as-built plans and specifications
           including, but not limited to, actual location of utility lines, and any approved
           change orders.

2.   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services agrees not
     to assign or transfer any interest or rights in the Contract to any person or entity without
     the advanced written consent of the Owner. The Geotechnical, Environmental and
     Construction Material Testing Services agrees to utilize the design and management team
     represented to the Owner and agrees that no substitutions, additions, or deletions to this
     team shall occur without the advanced written consent of the Owner. The Owner agrees
     to provide a response to the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material
     Testing Services within 14 days of any such request by the Geotechnical, Environmental
     and Construction Material Testing Services.

3.   Prior to beginning the “Preliminary Plans and Specifications,” the Geotechnical,
     Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall first consult in detail with
     the Owner to determine and understand the Owner’s Program. Within 10 days of such
     consultation, the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
     Services shall prepare and submit to the Owner a written report detailing and confirming
     the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services’
     understanding of the Owner’s Program. The Geotechnical, Environmental and
     Construction Material Testing Services’ report must include, but is not limited to, the
     identification of any design, construction, scheduling, budgetary, operational, or other
     issues, problems or impediments foreseen by the Geotechnical, Environmental and
     Construction Material Testing Services concerning the Project, the Program, or both.
     The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services’ report
     should include proposed solutions or recommendations, for the Owner’s consideration,
     to resolve, eliminate, minimize or mitigate any such issues, problems or impediments.
     The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services’ report
     shall also include any applicable educational specifications and GaDOE requirements.

4.   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall obtain
     written authorization from the Owner before proceeding with each next stage of
     Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services, including the
     “Preliminary Plans and Specifications,” the “Check Set Plans and Specifications,” and the
     “Final Plans and Specifications,” as defined in “Guidelines for Submission of Documents
     for Review of Planning, Bidding, and Construction of Educational Facilities” (as may be
     amended from time to time, always using the most recently published edition).

5.   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services agrees to
     comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances in the design
     of the Project. The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
     Services also agrees to comply with all applicable GaDOE rules and guidelines and to
     make required submittals in a timely manner to GaDOE’s Facility Services Unit. The
     Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall respond to
     GaDOE’s Facility Services Unit review report comments in a timely fashion so as to ensure

                                             81
     that the review process may proceed orderly, efficiently and does not impede the Project
     or the Program.

6.   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services assumes
     full responsibility to the Owner for the acts and omissions of the Geotechnical,
     Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services and the Geotechnical,
     Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services’ consultants, subconsultants
     and employees in connection with the Contract, the Project and the Program.

7.   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services agrees to
     design the Project within the Owner’s budgetary limits and consistent with the Owner’s
     Program for the construction of the Project which shall be referred to as the Stated Cost
     Limitation, as follows:

     The Stated Cost Limitation for the Project shall be $___________________________,
     which is composed of:

     State Capital Outlay Funds in the amount of $_____TBD____________________, and

     Required Local Funds in the amount of $_________TBD__________________, and

     Additional Required Local Funds in the amount of $____TBD___________________.

8.   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall
     provide reasonably reliable cost estimates to the Owner at the following design stages: (1)
     Preliminary Plans and Specifications stage, (2) 65% completion stage, and (3) Check Set
     Plans and Specifications stage (95% completion).

9.   In the event the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services’
     final project cost estimate (at Check Set Plans and Specifications stage) exceeds the
     Stated Cost Limitation for the Project, the Owner may require the Geotechnical,
     Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services, at no additional cost to the
     Owner, to consult with the Owner and to revise the design so as to enable the Owner to
     obtain a final cost for the Project at or below the Stated Cost Limitation. The
     Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services acknowledges
     and agrees that the Stated Cost Limitation shall not be exceeded except as provided
     herein; provided, however, the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material
     Testing Services further acknowledges and agrees that budgetary limitations are never a
     justification for breach, disregard or circumvention of sound principles of Geotechnical,
     Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services. Therefore, the Geotechnical,
     Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall take no calculated risks
     in the design of the Project. The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material
     Testing Services agrees that, in the event that the Geotechnical, Environmental and
     Construction Material Testing Services determines that the Project cannot be designed so
     as to be fully and finally constructed within the Stated Cost Limitation and in keeping
     with sound principles of design, the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction
     Material Testing Services will give written notice of such determination immediately, and
     in no event more than seven (7) days after the Geotechnical, Environmental and
     Construction Material Testing Services makes such a determination, to the Owner and to
     the GaDOE Facilities Services Unit.
                                             82
10.   The Stated Cost Limitation may be amended by written mutual agreement signed by the
      Owner and the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services
      at any time after the Contract between the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction
      Material Testing Services and Owner is executed. Prior to such amendment, the
      Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall provide the
      Owner with reliable and verifiable evidence through either internal-Geotechnical,
      Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services estimates, third party
      estimates, materials supplier quotes, or other industry best management practices
      standards to establish that an increase in the Stated Cost Limitation is warranted and
      justifiable. The Owner reserves the right to request additional supporting documentation
      substantiating the need to increase the Stated Cost Limitation. The Owner reserves and
      has the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse to increase the Stated Cost Limitation.

11.   All plans, specifications, design calculations, designs, drawings, or other documents or
      data produced pursuant to the Contract by the Geotechnical, Environmental and
      Construction Material Testing Services, or the Geotechnical, Environmental and
      Construction Material Testing Services’ consultants, subconsultants, or employees shall
      be the sole property of the Owner regardless of the stage in which the development of the
      design has progressed, and shall be delivered to the Owner upon request. The Owner
      shall retain all ownership rights with regard to such plans, specifications, design
      calculations, designs, drawings, or other documents or data produced pursuant to the
      Contract.

12.   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall
      provide and maintain Professional Liability Insurance at all times this Contract is in effect
      and for a period of six (6) years after execution by the Geotechnical, Environmental and
      Construction Material Testing Services of the “Certificate of Final Completion” indicating
      final completion of the Project, with a minimum level of coverage as described herein
      below. Said coverage shall be written by an insurer licensed to do business in the State
      of Georgia and acceptable to the Owner.

      Before the Owner executes the Contract, the Geotechnical, Environmental and
      Construction Material Testing Services shall provide the Owner and the GaDOE Facility
      Services Unit with a valid Certificate of Insurance showing that the Geotechnical,
      Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services is then insured with
      Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions) Insurance with limits not less than the
      following:

            i.    With minimum limits per claim of 20% of the stated cost limitation set forth in
                  the Work Authorization but not less than the minimum limits of $2,000,000 per
                  claim coverage, $2,000,000 aggregate.
            ii.   Workmen’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability to statutory limits.




                                               83
           iii.   Comprehensive Commercial General Liability (“CGL”) including Owner’s &
                  Contractor’s Protective with the following limits;

                    (a)    General Aggregate: $2,000,000, which shall apply on a per-project
                           basis;
                    (d)    Products and Completed Operations Aggregate: $1,000,000;
                    (e)    Personal & Advertising Injury: $1,000,000;
                    (g)    Each Occurrence: $1,000,000;
                    (h)    Fire Damage (Any one fire): $50,000; and,
                    (i)    Medical Expense (Any one person): $5,000.

       iv. Automobile Liability (owned, non-owned, hired) with combined single limit of
            $2,000,000 annual aggregate, $1,000,000 per occurrence.

      For such period of time that Professional Liability insurance is required for the Project, as
      set forth above, the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
      Services shall provide the Owner with an updated or renewed Certificate of Insurance at
      least annually, or more frequently if requested by the Owner, showing the required
      coverage and limits of coverage remain in place.

13.   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall
      carefully inspect the work of the Contractor within 24 hours of the Owner’s request, and
      shall also, at a minimum, inspect work at the Project site
      ____________________________________, and in any event, no less frequent than
      once per month. At least once per month, the inspection shall be performed by an
      Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services Engineer
      licensed in the State of Georgia. The purpose of such inspections, among other things,
      shall be to determine the quality and quantity of the work in comparison with the
      requirements of the contract documents for the Project. In performing such inspections,
      the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall
      advise the Owner of: deficient or defective work; real or potential delays in the schedule
      or the work of the Project; and, requests for payment by the Contractor which could
      constitute overpayment for work not yet performed or completed. Within three (3) days
      of each site visit, the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
      Services shall submit a written report of such site visit which, in addition to the
      information required by the preceding sentence, shall include and convey any relevant
      information, comments or recommendations to the Owner.

14.   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall
      provide Owner a set of “Record Plans and Specifications” within thirty (30) days after
      execution by the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services
      of the “Certificate of Substantial Completion.” Such “Record Plans and Specifications”
      shall include any authorized change orders, actual locations of all utility lines, and any
      other appropriate information. The drawings shall be presented in a Computer Aided
      Drafting (CAD) format or other format of the Owner’s choice, and the specifications shall
      be presented in a word processing format of the Owner’s choice.

15.   The Contract executed between the Owner and the Geotechnical, Environmental and
      Construction Material Testing Services, to which this Mandatory Addendum is a part, shall
      include a provision for the termination of the Geotechnical, Environmental and
      Construction Material Testing Services (or be deemed to include this Paragraph 15) giving

                                               84
      the Owner the rights of (1) termination of the Geotechnical, Environmental and
      Construction Material Testing Services with cause and (2) termination of the Geotechnical,
      Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services without cause. In the event of
      termination, the Owner shall pay the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction
      Material Testing Services for the reasonable value of the Geotechnical, Environmental
      and Construction Material Testing Services performed by the Geotechnical,
      Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services prior to the termination.
      Payment for the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services
      rendered prior to termination shall be based on statements properly submitted by the
      Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services to the Owner
      and supported by time sheets, invoices and such other supporting documentation that the
      Owner may reasonably require; provided, however, that in no event shall the total payment
      to the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services exceed
      an amount equal to the percentage of completion of the Geotechnical, Environmental and
      Construction Material Testing Services for the Project at the time of termination.

16.   The Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services shall be
      responsible for the timely submittal and completion of all forms required by GaDOE and
      shall respond to GaDOE comments on submittals within twenty-one (21) days of receipt
      of GaDOE comments. Such forms may be obtained from the Facilities Services Unit,
      Georgia Department of Education, 1670 Twin Towers East, 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, SE,
      Atlanta, Georgia 30334. At the close of the Project, the Geotechnical, Environmental and
      Construction Material Testing Services shall submit an “Geotechnical, Environmental
      and Construction Material Testing Services Certification” form, as provided by the
      GaDOE, to the Owner. Unless the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction
      Material Testing Services are terminated by the Owner before final completion of the
      Project, the completion and submittal of this form is required prior to the Owner’s release
      of the final payment to the Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing
      Services.

17.   All Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services plans and
      specifications shall bear the signature and seal of the Geotechnical, Environmental and
      Construction Material Testing Services, which shall be licensed to practice in the State of
      Georgia. Civil, survey, structural, electrical, and mechanical plans and specifications shall
      bear the signature and seal of the respective engineer, who shall be licensed to practice
      in the State of Georgia.

18.   A fully executed copy of the Contract between the Owner and the Geotechnical,
      Environmental and Construction Material Testing Services, including a completed copy of
      this Mandatory Addendum, must be filed with the GaDOE Facilities Services Unit.




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                                         EXHIBIT “I”

                                CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT

      By executing this affidavit, the undersigned Contractor verifies its compliance with
O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, and attests under oath that:

       (1)     the individual, firm, or corporation (“Contractor”) which is contracting with the
DeKalb County Board of Education has registered with, is authorized to use, uses, and will
continue throughout the contract term to use and participate in, a federal work authorization
program [any of the electronic verification of work authorization programs operated by the
United States Department of Homeland Security or any equivalent federal work authorization
program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information
of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA),
P.L. 99-603], in accordance with the applicability provisions and deadlines established in
O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, as amended. As of the effective date of O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, the applicable
federal work authorization program is the “EEV/Basic Pilot Program” operated by the U. S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
in conjunction with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

       (2)     Contractor’s correct user identification number and date of authorization is set
forth herein below.

       (3)      Contractor agrees that the Contractor will not employ or contract with any
subcontractor(s) in connection with the physical performance of services pursuant to this
contract with the DeKalb County Board of Education, unless at the time of the contract said
subcontractor:

       (a) is registered with and participates in the federal work authorization
       program;

       (b) provides Contractor with a duly executed, notarized affidavit with the
       same affirmations, agreements, and information as contained herein and in
       such form as required under applicable law; and

       (c) agrees to provide Contractor with notice of receipt and a copy of every sub-
       subcontractor Affidavit or other applicable verification procured by subcontractor
       at the time of contract with the sub-subcontractor(s) within five (5) business days
       after receiving the said Affidavit or verification.

Contractor agrees to maintain records of such compliance and to provide notice of receipt
and a copy of each such subcontractor Affidavit or other permissible verification to the DeKalb
County Board of Education at the time the subcontractor(s) is retained to perform such service or
within five (5) days after receiving the said Affidavit or verification, whichever first occurs.




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                                         EXHIBIT “J”

                              SUBCONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT

            By executing this affidavit, the undersigned subcontractor verifies its
compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, and attests under oath that:

        (1) the undersigned individual, firm or corporation (“Subcontractor”) is engaged in
  the physical performance of services under a contract with United Consulting Group, Ltd.
    (name of Contractor), which has a contract with the DeKalb County Board of Education.

       (2) Subcontractor has registered with, is authorized to use, uses, and will continue
throughout the contract term to use and participate in, a federal work authorization program [any
of the electronic verification of work authorization programs operated by the United States
Department of Homeland Security or any equivalent federal work authorization program operated
by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information of newly hired
employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), P.L. 99-603],
in accordance with the applicability provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. 13-10-
91. As of the effective date of O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, the applicable federal work authorization
program is the “EEV/Basic Pilot Program” operated by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services Bureau of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Social
Security Administration (SSA).

       (3) Subcontractor’s correct user identification number and date of authorization is set
forth herein below.

      (4) Subcontractor agrees that the Subcontractor will not employ or contract with any sub-
subcontractor(s) in connection with the physical performance of services pursuant to this
subcontract or the contract with the DeKalb County Board of Education, unless said sub-
subcontractor:

             (a) is registered with and participates in the federal work authorization
       program;

              (b) provides Subcontractor with a duly executed, notarized affidavit
       with the same affirmations, agreements, and information as contained herein
       and in such form as required under applicable law; and

              (c) agrees to provide Subcontractor with notice of receipt and a copy of
       every sub-subcontractor Affidavit or other permissible verification procured by sub-
       subcontractor at the time the sub-subcontractor(s) is retained to perform such
       service or within five (5) days after receiving the said Affidavit or verification,
       whichever first occurs.




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