3.10 Braun Intertec Agreement - West WWTF
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Utilities Utility Manager Neidermeier October 10, 2022
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
AE2S Engineer Schaefer
City Attorney Kendall
3.10 – Geotechnical Services
Agreement
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative
communication.
X Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and
expectations in a cost-effective manner.
Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City Staff is recommending City Council approval of the Proposal for Special Inspection and Testing Services
for the West WWTF Improvements Phase 1 project.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
Yes No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Braun Intertec was selected by competitive proposals in July 2021 to provide geotechnical investigation,
soil borings, and geotechnical reporting in support of the West WWTF Improvements Phase 1 project. The
current proposal is an extension of the previous competitive selection and includes construction phase
materials testing as well as code required special inspections. Braun Intertec also completed the similar
scope of work for the East WWTF Biosolids project.
Staff is agreeable to the terms stated and recommends approval.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Proposal
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to approve the Proposal for Special Inspection and Testing Services with Braun Intertec Corporation
for the West WWTF Improvements Phase 1 project.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
Fund 602 – Sanitary Sewer Utility
Yes
AA/EOE
Braun Intertec Corporation
11001 Hampshire Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55438
Phone: 952.995.2000
Fax: 952.995.2020
Web: braunintertec.com
May 10, 2022 Proposal QTB158028
Mr. Adam Flaherty
City of Otsego
13400 90th Street NE
Otsego, MN 55330
Re: Proposal for Special Inspection and Testing Services
Otsego West WWTF Improvements Phase 1
7551 Lancaster Avenue NE
Otsego, Minnesota
Dear Mr. Flaherty:
Braun Intertec Corporation is pleased to submit this proposal to provide special inspections and testing
services for the Otsego West WWTF Improvements Phase 1 in Otsego, Minnesota.
We have completed the geotechnical evaluation (B2107850), so we have a unique understanding of the
site and construction challenges. We can aid the construction team by applying this experience and
transferring our knowledge developed during the design phase which will provide professional continuity
to the construction. Our work on the project to date gives us familiarity with the project team and design
development which allows us to understand some of the considerations used when developing the
project’s design.
Since our inception in 1957, we have grown into one of the largest employee owned engineering firms in
the nation. With around 1,000 employee owners, retaining our firm gives you access to a diverse range of
services and professionals you can consult with if the unforeseen occurs. The size of our company also
allows us to respond quickly when schedule constraints occur.
Our Understanding of the Project
We understand this project will include the construction of several new structures and site
improvements at the existing Wastewater Treatment Facility located at 7551 Lancaster Avenue NE in
Otsego, Minnesota. New structures include an administration building, garage, secondary biological
treatment building, membrane treatment building, fine screen building, and pretreatment building
addition. These structures will be supported on cast-in-place concrete spread footing or mat foundations.
The proposed blower building will be supported on helical piles connected to cast-in-place concrete pile
caps and grade beams. Structural framing will use a variety of systems including cast-in-place concrete
walls, structural slabs, slabs on deck, precast concrete panels, structural steel, and masonry CMU walls.
Site improvements will consist of new filtration basins, utilities, site grading, and bituminous pavements.
City of Otsego
Proposal QTB158028
May 10, 2022
Page 2
Available Information
This proposal was prepared using the following documents and information.
▪ Project plans and specifications prepared by AE2S, dated March 2022.
▪ Special Inspection and Testing Schedule prepared by AE2S, included on the structural plans.
▪ A Geotechnical Evaluation report prepared by Braun Intertec, dated March 18, 2022.
▪ Discussions with Nick Thompson regarding the project testing scope.
Project Approach and Staff Qualifications
Special Inspections
Braun Intertec has adopted the International Code Council (ICC) Model Program for Special Inspection to
develop the guiding principles for our special inspection program. This model was selected because it
was designed by the ICC to assist owners, contractors and building officials in the understanding,
administration and enforcement of the special inspection requirements of the International Building
Code (IBC). Currently, there are ICC certifications for soils, reinforced concrete, structural masonry, pre-
tension/post-tension (pre-stressed) concrete, spray-applied fireproofing, structural steel and bolting, and
structural welding.
Qualifications and Experience
ICC certified special inspectors will provide special inspections. An ICC certified special inspector is one
who has successfully demonstrated their ability to understand the IBC, construction practices and how to
read and understand construction documents. Through experience and examination, our ICC certified
special inspectors have demonstrated their ability to provide special inspection services.
Inspections and Reporting
Our special inspectors summarize the nature, extent and results of special inspection activities at the
time they are performed on Special Inspection Daily Report forms submitted electronically to the general
contractor’s on-site personnel for review and records. These records can also be transmitted
electronically to others who may want to review these documents on an agreed upon schedule. When
unresolved discrepancies are noted, we will document the issues and work with the design and
construction team to bring them to resolution. Special inspection final reports will be prepared and
submitted upon completion as required by the requirements of the IBC.
Communications
Braun Intertec special inspectors will communicate the results of their inspections to the contractor and
our supervising engineer each day special inspections are performed. We strive to have our special
inspectors develop a working relationship with the project’s structural engineer-of-record. We may
attempt contact with the structural engineering consultant periodically to review the work being
performed and to request clarifications and direction on any item that may require it.
City of Otsego
Proposal QTB158028
May 10, 2022
Page 3
Construction Materials Testing
Qualified technicians working under the direction of a professional engineer will provide the services.
Experience and certification information is available upon request once we are provided with schedule
information. Concrete technicians assigned to the project are ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician –
Grade I certified to conduct the required concrete testing. Soil technicians are certified to use a nuclear
gauge for soil density testing, so test results can be determined on site and evaluated once the required
laboratory testing is completed. Field test results will be verbally reported daily to the general contractor
on site, with written field and laboratory reports distributed shortly after.
Scope of Services
Services are performed under the direction of a licensed professional engineer, either on a full-time or
periodic basis, depending on the construction schedule and when they are requested by the general
contractor. After reviewing available information, we understand our scope of services for the project
will be limited to the tasks defined below.
Soil Related Services
▪ Observe and evaluate the soils exposed in excavations to determine if the soils are similar to
those encountered with the geotechnical evaluation and suitable for support of fill,
foundations or pavements. Our engineer can provide consultation for conditions that appear
to differ from the geotechnical evaluation.
▪ Perform laboratory mechanical analyses (gradations) of prospective fill materials.
▪ Perform laboratory Proctor tests to determine the maximum Proctor dry densities and
optimum moisture contents of prospective fill materials.
▪ Observe the placement and compaction of fill.
▪ Test compacted fill placed below building footprints and oversizing areas, below slabs and/or
pavements, adjacent to walls, and in utility trenches, to determine if the relative compaction
was achieved.
▪ Engineering oversight and review of the services provided.
Helical Pile Related Services
▪ Observe installation of helical piles on a continual basis during installation.
▪ Document depth, torque and time of helical piles installation.
▪ Prepare helical foundations summary sheets and a final report.
City of Otsego
Proposal QTB158028
May 10, 2022
Page 4
Concrete Related Services
▪ Observe concrete reinforcement placement.
▪ Observe the general placement of bolts and other embeds in the plastic concrete.
▪ Sample and test the plastic concrete for slump, air content, temperature and prepare test
cylinders for laboratory compressive strength testing with ACI level 1 field technicians. We
will perform concrete testing on structural items as required by the IBC. Though not required
by the IBC we have included testing for the interior slab on grade, exterior sidewalks, curb
and gutter, and the generator pad(s).
▪ Observe the concrete placement and test sample preparation.
▪ Perform laboratory compressive strength testing of the concrete samples.
▪ Observe the installation of post-installed anchors on a periodic basis.
Structural Masonry Related Services
▪ Observe the structural masonry construction and grouting operation on a periodic basis.
▪ Perform structural masonry grout and structural masonry unit testing.
Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Welding Related Services
▪ Observe and test the structural steel welded and bolted connections in the field.
▪ Observe and test the metal decking connections for orientation, sidelap fasteners, the hold
down connections and the placement of shear studs.
▪ Observe and test the precast concrete welded or bolted connections.
▪ Observe and document the installation of the base plate anchor bolts.
Paving Related Services
▪ Observe test rolls of the pavement subgrade soils and/or aggregate base layer to determine
if the materials tested are capable of supporting bituminous pavement.
Engineering Consulting and Project Communication and Reporting Services
▪ Provide engineering consulting services, review test results and observations reports, and
prepare required final reports.
▪ Management, including scheduling of our field personnel and communication with the
contractor, owner, building official, and design team.
▪ Transmit results to the project team on weekly basis to the contractor, owner, building
official, fabricators and design team.
City of Otsego
Proposal QTB158028
May 10, 2022
Page 5
Basis of Scope of Work
The costs associated with the proposed scope of services were estimated using the following
assumptions. If the construction schedule is modified or the contractor completes the various phases of
the project at different frequencies or durations than shown in this proposal, we may need to adjust the
overall cost accordingly. The scope of work and number of trips required to perform these services are as
shown in the attached table. Notable assumptions in developing our estimate include:
▪ This project will begin in the summer of 2022 and will be substantially complete by about fall
of 2023.
▪ Assumptions regarding the number of trips for special inspections and testing are outlined in
the attached cost estimate table. As the contractor’s schedule becomes available and designs
are finalized, please review this proposed scope of work to determine if the project’s needs
and budget will be met.
▪ Concrete placements for the structure will be observed throughout the duration by our
technician as required by the IBC and project documents.
▪ The masonry construction will require inspections to be completed every time grout is
placed. We assume grout will be placed with low-lift grout techniques.
▪ We assume the structural steel fabricator will be AISC certified and review of quality control
manual or inspections of the fabrication shop are not required. If this assumption is not
correct, please call us and we will provide a cost estimate for the fabrication shop
inspections.
▪ No special site-specific training or gear is required to complete our scope of services.
▪ Parking will be available on site for our vehicles.
▪ You, or others you may designate, will provide us with current and approved plans and
specifications for the project. Modification to these plans must also be sent to us so we can
review their incorporation into the work.
▪ We will require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for scheduling inspections for a specific time.
Shorter than 24 hours’ notice may impact our ability to perform the requested services, and
the associated impacts will be the responsibility of others.
City of Otsego
Proposal QTB158028
May 10, 2022
Page 6
Cost
We will furnish the services described in this proposal for an estimated fee of $135,208. A tabulation
showing hourly and unit rates associated with our proposed scope of services is attached. The actual cost
of our services will be based on the actual units or hours expended to meet the requirements of the
project documents.
This cost estimate was developed with the understanding that the scope of services defined herein will
be required and requested during our normal work hours of 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday. Services that we are asked to provide to meet the project requirements or the contractor’s
construction schedule outside our normal business hours will be invoiced using an overtime rate factor.
The factor for services provided outside our normal work hours or on Saturday will be 1.25 times the
listed hourly rate for the service provided. The factor for services provided on Sunday or legal holidays
will be 1.5 times the listed hourly rate for the service provided. We have not included premiums for
overtime in our cost estimate; however, we recommend that allowances and contingencies be made for
overtime charges based on conversations with the contractor. You will be billed only for services
provided on a time and materials basis.
Because our services are directly controlled by the schedule and performance of others, the actual cost
may vary from our estimate. It is difficult to project all of the services and the quantity of services that
may be required for any project. If services are required that are not discussed above, we will provide
them at the rates shown in the attached table or, if not shown, at our current Schedule of Charges. We
will invoice you on a monthly basis.
General Remarks
We will be happy to meet with you to discuss our proposed scope of services further and clarify the
various scope components.
We appreciate the opportunity to present this proposal to you. After reviewing this proposal, please sign
and return one copy to our office as notification of acceptance and authorization to proceed. If
anything in this proposal is not consistent with your requirements, please let us know immediately.
Braun Intertec will not release any written reports until we have received a signed agreement. Also,
ordering services from Braun Intertec constitutes acceptance of the terms of this proposal (including the
attached General Conditions).
The proposed fee is based on the scope of services described and the assumption that our services will
be authorized within 30 days and that others will not delay us beyond our proposed schedule.
City of Otsego
Proposal QTB158028
May 10, 2022
Page 7
We include the Braun Intertec General Conditions, which provide additional terms and are a part of our
agreement.
To have questions answered or schedule a time to meet and discuss our approach to this project further,
please contact Jeff Casmer at 952.995.2314 (jcasmer@braunintertec.com) or Josh Kirk at 952.995.2222
(jkirk@braunintertec.com).
Sincerely,
BRAUN INTERTEC CORPORATION
Jeffrey D. Casmer, PE
Project Engineer
Joshua L. Kirk, PE
Account Leader, Senior Engineer
Attachments:
Cost Estimate Table
General Conditions – CMT (1/1/18)
c: Mr. Nick Thompson, AE2S
The proposal is accepted. We will reimburse you in accordance with this agreement, and you are
authorized to proceed:
Authorizer’s Firm
Authorizer’s Signature
Authorizer’s Name (please print or type)
Authorizer’s Title
Date
Client:Service Description:Work Site Address:
7551 Lancaster Avenue NE
Otsego, MN
City of Otsego
Adam Flaherty
Otsego City Hall
13400 90th Street NE
Otsego, MN 55330
(763) 441-4414
Special Inspections and Materials Testing
Description Quantity Units Unit Price Extension
Phase 1 Construction and Materials Testing
Activity 1.1 Soil Observations and Testing $20,572.00
206 Excavation Observations 25.00 Hour 102.00 $2,550.00
Work Activity Detail Qty Units Hrs/Unit Extension
Site Grading/Soil Correction 3.00 Trips 3.00 9.00
Foundation Excavations 8.00 Trips 2.00 16.00
207 Compaction Testing - Nuclear 110.00 Hour 86.00 $9,460.00
Work Activity Detail Qty Units Hrs/Unit Extension
Site Grading/Soil Correction 5.00 Trips 3.00 15.00
Foundation/Wall Backfill 14.00 Trips 2.50 35.00
Utilities: Storm, Sanitary, Water, Process 24.00 Trips 2.50 60.00
1308 Nuclear moisture-density meter charge, per hour 110.00 Each 24.00 $2,640.00
1861 CMT Trip Charge 45.00 Each 50.00 $2,250.00
128 Senior Engineer 10.00 Hour 190.00 $1,900.00
1318 Moisture Density Relationship (Standard), per sample 8.00 Each 185.00 $1,480.00
1162 Sieve Analysis with 200 wash, per sample 2.00 Each 146.00 $292.00
Activity 1.2 Helical Pile Observations $1,792.00
240 Observations, Piles & Piers 16.00 Hour 102.00 $1,632.00
Work Activity Detail Qty Units Hrs/Unit Extension
Helical Pile Observations - BB 2.00 Trips 8.00 16.00
1861 CMT Trip Charge 2.00 Each 80.00 $160.00
Activity 1.3 Concrete Observations and Testing $82,258.00
260 Concrete Observations 195.00 Hour 102.00 $19,890.00
Work Activity Detail Qty Units Hrs/Unit Extension
Footings - ADM 4.00 Trips 1.50 6.00
Footings - FSB 5.00 Trips 1.50 7.50
Footings - PTB 1.00 Trips 1.50 1.50
Pile Caps and Grade Beams - BB 4.00 Trips 1.50 6.00
Mat Foundation - CA 1.00 Trips 2.00 2.00
Mat Foundation - SBT/MTB 5.00 Trips 3.00 15.00
Foundation Walls and Piers - ADM 4.00 Trips 2.00 8.00
Foundation Walls - FSB 4.00 Trips 2.00 8.00
Foundation Walls - PTB 1.00 Trips 2.00 2.00
Walls - CA 3.00 Trips 3.00 9.00
Walls - FSB 5.00 Trips 3.00 15.00
Walls - SBT/MTB 16.00 Trips 3.00 48.00
Slab-on-Grade and Trench Drains - ADM 4.00 Trips 1.50 6.00
Slab-on-Grade - CA 1.00 Trips 2.00 2.00
Slab-on-Grade and Trench Drains - FSB 3.00 Trips 2.00 6.00
Slab-on-Grade - PTB 1.00 Trips 1.50 1.50
Structural Slab - BB 1.00 Trips 2.00 2.00
Structural Slab - FSB 1.00 Trips 2.50 2.50
Structural Slab - SBT/MTB 6.00 Trips 2.50 15.00
Page 1 of 305/10/2022 12:24 PM
Project Proposal
QTB158028
Otsego West WWTF Improvements Phase 1
Slab-on-Deck - FSB 1.00 Trips 1.50 1.50
Sump Encasement Foundations - MTB 2.00 Trips 1.50 3.00
Topping - FSB 1.00 Trips 1.50 1.50
Topping - MTB 1.00 Trips 1.50 1.50
Generator Pad 1.00 Trips 1.50 1.50
Stoops 6.00 trips 1.50 9.00
Beams - SBT 5.00 Trips 2.00 10.00
Columns - MTB 2.00 trips 2.00 4.00
261 Concrete Testing 258.00 Hour 86.00 $22,188.00
Work Activity Detail Qty Units Hrs/Unit Extension
Footings - ADM 4.00 Trips 2.50 10.00
Footings - FSB 5.00 Trips 2.50 12.50
Footings - PTB 1.00 Trips 2.50 2.50
Pile Caps and Grade Beams - BB 4.00 Trips 2.50 10.00
Mat Foundation - CA 1.00 Trips 2.50 2.50
Mat Foundation - SBT/MTB 2.00 Trips 8.00 16.00
Foundation Walls and Piers - ADM 4.00 Trips 2.50 10.00
Foundation Walls - FSB 4.00 Trips 3.00 12.00
Foundation Walls - PTB 1.00 Trips 2.50 2.50
Walls - CA 3.00 Trips 2.50 7.50
Walls - FSB 5.00 Trips 3.00 15.00
Walls - SBT/MTB 16.00 Trips 3.00 48.00
Slab-on-Grade and Trench Drains - ADM 4.00 Trips 2.50 10.00
Slab-on-Grade (Geofoam) - CA 1.00 Trips 2.50 2.50
Slab-on-Grade and Trench Drains - FSB 3.00 Trips 2.50 7.50
Slab-on-Grade - PTB 1.00 Trips 2.50 2.50
Structural Slab - BB 1.00 Trips 3.00 3.00
Structural Slab - FSB 1.00 Trips 3.00 3.00
Structural Slab - SBT/MTB 6.00 Trips 3.00 18.00
Slab-on-Deck - FSB 1.00 Trips 2.50 2.50
Sump Encasement Foundations - MTB 2.00 Trips 2.50 5.00
Topping - FSB 1.00 Trips 2.50 2.50
Topping - SBT 1.00 Trips 2.50 2.50
Stoops 6.00 Trips 2.00 12.00
Generator Pad 1.00 Trips 2.00 2.00
Curb and Gutter 3.00 Trips 3.00 9.00
Sidewalks 4.00 trips 2.50 10.00
Beams - SBT 5.00 trips 2.50 12.50
Columns - MTB 2.00 trips 2.50 5.00
278 Concrete Cylinder Pick up 60.00 Hour 86.00 $5,160.00
1861 CMT Trip Charge 170.00 Each 50.00 $8,500.00
1364 Compressive strength of concrete cylinders (ASTM C 39),per
specimen
780.00 Each 34.00 $26,520.00
Work Activity Detail Qty Units Hrs/Unit Extension
Footings - ADM 4.00 Sets 5.00 20.00
Footings - FSB 5.00 Sets 5.00 25.00
Footings - PTB 1.00 Sets 5.00 5.00
Pile Caps and Grade Beams - BB 4.00 Sets 5.00 20.00
Mat Foundation - CA 1.00 Sets 5.00 5.00
Mat Foundation - SBT/MTB 24.00 Sets 5.00 120.00
Foundation Walls and Piers - ADM 4.00 Sets 5.00 20.00
Foundation Walls - FSB 7.00 Sets 5.00 35.00
Foundation Walls - PTB 1.00 Sets 5.00 5.00
Walls - CA 3.00 Sets 5.00 15.00
Walls - FSB 10.00 Sets 5.00 50.00
Walls - SBT/MTB 48.00 Sets 5.00 240.00
Slab-on-Grade and Trench Drains - ADM 4.00 Sets 5.00 20.00
Slab-on-Grade (Geofoam) - CA 1.00 Sets 5.00 5.00
Page 2 of 305/10/2022 12:24 PM
Project Proposal
QTB158028
Otsego West WWTF Improvements Phase 1
Proposal Total:$135,208.00
Slab-on-Grade and Trench Drains - FSB 3.00 Sets 5.00 15.00
Slab-on-Grade - PTB 1.00 Sets 5.00 5.00
Structural Slab - BB 1.00 Sets 5.00 5.00
Structural Slab - FSB 2.00 Sets 5.00 10.00
Structural Slab - SBT/MTB 6.00 Sets 5.00 30.00
Slab-on-Deck - FSB 1.00 Sets 5.00 5.00
Sump Encasement Foundations - MTB 2.00 Sets 5.00 10.00
Topping - FSB 1.00 Sets 5.00 5.00
Topping - SBT 1.00 Sets 5.00 5.00
Stoops 6.00 Sets 5.00 30.00
Generator Pad 1.00 Sets 5.00 5.00
Curb and Gutter 3.00 Sets 5.00 15.00
Sidewalks 4.00 Sets 5.00 20.00
Beams - SBT 5.00 Sets 5.00 25.00
Columns - MTB 2.00 Sets 5.00 10.00
Activity 1.4 Masonry Observations and Testing $2,202.00
203 Masonry Observations 15.00 Hour 102.00 $1,530.00
Work Activity Detail Qty Units Hrs/Unit Extension
Walls - ADM 4.00 Trips 2.50 10.00
Walls - PTB 2.00 Trips 2.50 5.00
1861 CMT Trip Charge 6.00 Each 50.00 $300.00
1412 Compressive strength of grout (ASTM C 1019), per specimen 3.00 Each 70.00 $210.00
1404 Compressive strength - Block, per specimen 3.00 Each 54.00 $162.00
Activity 1.5 Structural Steel Observations $5,790.00
605 ICC Structural Steel Technician 45.00 Hour 112.00 $5,040.00
Work Activity Detail Qty Units Hrs/Unit Extension
Welding, Framing, and Bolting - ADM 3.00 trips 3.00 9.00
Welding, Framing, and Bolting - BB 1.00 trips 3.00 3.00
Welding, Framing, and Bolting - CA 1.00 trips 3.00 3.00
Welding, Framing, and Bolting - FSB 2.00 trips 3.00 6.00
Welding, Framing, and Bolting - PTB 1.00 trips 3.00 3.00
Welding, Framing, and Bolting - SBT 2.00 trips 3.00 6.00
Precast Connections - ADM 1.00 trips 3.00 3.00
Precast Connections - BB 1.00 trips 3.00 3.00
Precast Connections - FSB 2.00 trips 3.00 6.00
Precast Connections - SBT 1.00 trips 3.00 3.00
1664 NDE Trip charge 15.00 Each 50.00 $750.00
Activity 1.6 Pavement Observations & Testing $1,544.00
211 Proofroll Observations 12.00 Hour 112.00 $1,344.00
Work Activity Detail Qty Units Hrs/Unit Extension
Parking Lots/Driveways 4.00 trips 3.00 12.00
1861 CMT Trip Charge 4.00 Each 50.00 $200.00
Activity 1.7 Project Management $21,050.00
238 Project Assistant 25.00 Hour 86.00 $2,150.00
226 Project Manager 100.00 Hour 170.00 $17,000.00
128 Senior Engineer 10.00 Hour 190.00 $1,900.00
Phase 1 Total:$135,208.00
Page 3 of 305/10/2022 12:24 PM
Project Proposal
QTB158028
Otsego West WWTF Improvements Phase 1
General Conditions
Construction Material Testing and Special Inspections
GC-CMT Page 1 of 2
Section 1: Agreement
1.1 Our agreement with you consists of these
General Conditions and the accompanying written
proposal or authorization (“Agreement”). This
Agreement is the entire agreement between you
and us. It supersedes prior agreements. It may be
modified only in a writing signed by us, making
specific reference to the provision modified.
1.2 The words “you,” “we,” “us,” and “our”
include officers, employees, and subcontractors.
1.3 In the event you use a purchase order or
other documentation to authorize our scope of
work (“Services”), any conflicting or additional
terms are not part of this Agreement. Directing us
to start work prior to execution of this Agreement
constitutes your acceptance. If, however, mutually
acceptable terms cannot be established, we have
the right to terminate this Agreement without
liability to you or others, and you will compensate
us for fees earned and expenses incurred up to the
time of termination.
Section 2: Our Responsibilities
2.1 We will provide Services specifically
described in this Agreement. You agree that we
are not responsible for services that are not
expressly included in this Agreement. Unless
otherwise agreed in writing, our findings, opinions,
and recommendations will be provided to you in
writing. You agree not to rely on oral findings,
opinions, or recommendations without our
written approval.
2.2 In performing our professional services, we
will use that degree of care and skill ordinarily
exercised under similar circumstances by
reputable members of our profession practicing in
the same locality. If you direct us to deviate from
our recommended procedures, you agree to hold
us harmless from claims, damages, and expenses
arising out of your direction. If during the one year
period following completion of Services it is
determined that the above standards have not
been met and you have promptly notified us in
writing of such failure, we will perform, at our
cost, such corrective services as may be necessary,
within the original scope in this Agreement, to
remedy such deficiency. Remedies set forth in this
section constitute your sole and exclusive recourse
with respect to the performance or quality of
Services.
2.3 We will reference our field observations and
sampling to available reference points, but we will
not survey, set, or check the accuracy of those
points unless we accept that duty in writing.
Locations of field observations or sampling
described in our report or shown on our sketches
are based on information provided by others or
estimates made by our personnel. You agree that
such dimensions, depths, or elevations are
approximations unless specifically stated
otherwise in the report. You accept the inherent
risk that samples or observations may not be
representative of things not sampled or seen and
further that site conditions may vary over distance
or change over time.
2.4 Our duties do not include supervising or
directing your representatives or contractors or
commenting on, overseeing, or providing the
means and methods of their services unless
expressly set forth in this Agreement. We will not
be responsible for the failure of your contractors,
and the providing of Services will not relieve
others of their responsibilities to you or to others.
2.5 We will provide a health and safety program
for our employees, but we will not be responsible
for contractor, owner, project, or site health or
safety.
2.6 You will provide, at no cost to us,
appropriate site safety measures as to work areas
to be observed or inspected by us. Our employees
are authorized by you to refuse to work under
conditions that may be unsafe.
2.7 Unless a fixed fee is indicated, our price is an
estimate of our project costs and expenses based
on information available to us and our experience
and knowledge. Such estimates are an exercise of
our professional judgment and are not guaranteed
or warranted. Actual costs may vary. You should
allow a contingency in addition to estimated costs.
Section 3: Your Responsibilities
3.1 You will provide us with prior environmental,
geotechnical and other reports, specifications,
plans, and information to which you have access
about the site. You agree to provide us with all
plans, changes in plans, and new information as to
site conditions until we have completed Services.
3.2 You will provide access to the site. In the
performance of Services some site damage is
normal even when due care is exercised. We will
use reasonable care to minimize damage to the
site. We have not included the cost of restoration
of damage in the estimated charges.
3.3 If we notify you that radiographic or gamma
ray equipment or other nuclear testing or
measuring device will be used, you will be
responsible for the cooperation of your employees
and your contractors in observing all radiation
safety standards.
3.4 You will notify us of any knowledge or
suspicion of the presence of hazardous or
dangerous materials present on any work site. If
we observe or suspect the presence of
contaminants not anticipated in this Agreement,
we may terminate Services without liability to you
or to others, and you will compensate us for fees
earned and expenses incurred up to the time of
termination.
3.5 The time our field personnel spend on the
job site depends upon the scheduling of the work
we are observing or testing. You agree that any
changes in scheduling may result in additional
costs and agree to pay for those services at the
rates listed in our cost estimate.
3.6 You agree to include us as an indemnified
party in your contracts, if any, for work by others
on the project, protecting us to the same degree
as you are protected. You agree to list us as an
Additional Insured under your liability insurance
policies and to require subrogation be waived
against us and that we will be added as an
Additional Insured on all policies of insurance,
including any policies required of your contractors
or subcontractors, covering any construction or
development activities to be performed on the
project site.
Section 4: Reports and Records
4.1 Unless you request otherwise, we will
provide our report(s) in an electronic format.
4.2 Our reports, notes, calculations, and other
documents and our computer software and data
are instruments of our service to you, and they
remain our property. We hereby grant you a
license to use the reports and related information
we provide only for the related project and for the
purposes disclosed to us. You may not transfer our
reports to others or use them for a purpose for
which they were not prepared without our written
approval. You agree to indemnify, defend, and
hold us harmless from claims, damages, losses,
and expenses, including attorney fees, arising out
of such a transfer or use.
4.3 If you do not pay for Services in full as
agreed, we may retain work not yet delivered to
you and you agree to return to us all of our work
that is in your possession or under your control.
4.4 Electronic data, reports, photographs,
samples, and other materials provided by you or
others may be discarded or returned to you, at our
discretion, unless within 15 days of the report date
you give us written direction to store or transfer
the materials at your expense.
Section 5: Compensation
5.1 You will pay for Services as stated in this
Agreement. If such payment references our
Schedule of Charges, the invoicing will be based
upon the most current schedule. An estimated
amount is not a firm figure. You agree to pay all
sales taxes and other taxes based on your
payment of our compensation. Our performance is
subject to credit approval and payment of any
specified retainer.
5.2 You will notify us of billing disputes within 15
days. You will pay undisputed portions of invoices
upon receipt. You agree to pay interest on unpaid
balances beginning 30 days after invoice dates at
the rate of 1.5% per month, or at the maximum
rate allowed by law.
5.3 If you direct us to invoice a third party, we
may do so, but you agree to be responsible for our
compensation unless the third party is
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creditworthy (in our sole opinion) and provides
written acceptance of all terms of this Agreement.
5.4 Your obligation to pay for Services under this
Agreement is not contingent on your ability to
obtain financing, governmental or regulatory
agency approval, permits, final adjudication of any
lawsuit, your successful completion of any project,
receipt of payment from a third party, or any
other event. No retainage will be withheld.
5.5 If you do not pay us in accordance with this
Agreement, you agree to reimburse all costs and
expenses for collection of the moneys invoiced,
including but not limited to attorney fees and staff
time.
5.6 You agree to compensate us in accordance
with our Schedule of Charges if we are asked or
required to respond to legal process arising out of
a proceeding related to the project and as to
which we are not a party.
5.7 If we are delayed by factors beyond our
control, or if project conditions or the scope or
amount of work changes, or if changed labor
conditions result in increased costs, decreased
efficiency, or delays, or if the standards or
methods change, we will give you timely notice,
the schedule will be extended for each day of
delay, and we will be compensated for costs and
expenses incurred in accordance with our
Schedule of Charges.
5.8 If you fail to pay us in accordance with this
Agreement, we may consider the default a total
breach of this Agreement and, at our option,
terminate our duties without liability to you or to
others, and you will compensate us for fees
earned and expenses incurred up to the time of
termination.
5.9 In consideration of our providing insurance
to cover claims made by you, you hereby waive
any right to offset fees otherwise due us.
Section 6: Disputes, Damage, and Risk Allocation
6.1 Each of us will exercise good faith efforts to
resolve disputes without litigation. Such efforts
will include, but not be limited to, a meeting(s)
attended by each party’s representative(s)
empowered to resolve the dispute. Before either
of us commences an action against the other,
disputes (except collections) will be submitted to
mediation.
6.2 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
this Agreement, neither party hereto shall be
responsible or held liable to the other for
punitive, indirect, incidental, or consequential
damages, or liability for loss of use, loss of
business opportunity, loss of profit or revenue,
loss of product or output, or business
interruption.
6.3 You and we agree that any action in relation
to an alleged breach of our standard of care or this
Agreement shall be commenced within one year
of the date of the breach or of the date of
substantial completion of Services, whichever is
earlier, without regard to the date the breach is
discovered. Any action not brought within that
one year time period shall be barred, without
regard to any other limitations period set forth by
law or statute. We will not be liable unless you
have notified us within 30 days of the date of such
breach and unless you have given us an
opportunity to investigate and to recommend
ways of mitigating damages. You agree not to
make a claim against us unless you have provided
us at least 30 days prior to the institution of any
legal proceeding against us with a written
certificate executed by an appropriately licensed
professional specifying and certifying each and
every act or omission that you contend constitutes
a violation of the standard of care governing our
professional services. Should you fail to meet the
conditions above, you agree to fully release us
from any liability for such allegation.
6.4 For you to obtain the benefit of a fee which
includes a reasonable allowance for risks, you
agree that our aggregate liability for all claims
will not exceed the fee paid for Services or
$50,000, whichever is greater. If you are
unwilling to accept this allocation of risk, we will
increase our aggregate liability to $100,000
provided that, within 10 days of the date of this
Agreement, you provide payment in an amount
that will increase our fees by 10%, but not less
than $500, to compensate us for the greater risk
undertaken. This increased fee is not the purchase
of insurance.
6.5 You agree to indemnify us from all liability
to others in excess of the risk allocation stated
herein and to insure this obligation. In addition,
all indemnities and limitations of liability set
forth in this Agreement apply however the same
may arise, whether in contract, tort, statute,
equity or other theory of law, including, but not
limited to, the breach of any legal duty or the
fault, negligence, or strict liability of either party.
6.6 This Agreement shall be governed,
construed, and enforced in accordance with the
laws of the state in which our servicing office is
located, without regard to its conflict of laws rules.
The laws of the state of our servicing office will
govern all disputes, and all claims shall be heard in
the state or federal courts for that state. Each of
us waives trial by jury.
6.7 No officer or employee acting within the
scope of employment shall have individual liability
for his or her acts or omissions, and you agree not
to make a claim against individual officers or
employees.
Section 7: General Indemnification
7.1 We will indemnify and hold you harmless
from and against demands, damages, and
expenses of others to the comparative extent they
are caused by our negligent acts or omissions or
those negligent acts or omissions of persons for
whom we are legally responsible. You will
indemnify and hold us harmless from and against
demands, damages, and expenses of others to the
comparative extent they are caused by your
negligent acts or omissions or those negligent acts
or omissions of persons for whom you are legally
responsible.
7.2 To the extent it may be necessary to
indemnify either of us under Section 7.1, you and
we expressly waive, in favor of the other only, any
immunity or exemption from liability that exists
under any worker compensation law.
Section 8: Miscellaneous Provisions
8.1 We will provide a certificate of insurance to
you upon request. Any claim as an Additional
Insured shall be limited to losses caused by our
negligence.
8.2 You and we, for ourselves and our insurers,
waive all claims and rights of subrogation for
losses arising out of causes of loss covered by our
respective insurance policies.
8.3 Neither of us will assign or transfer any
interest, any claim, any cause of action, or any
right against the other. Neither of us will assign or
otherwise transfer or encumber any proceeds or
expected proceeds or compensation from the
project or project claims to any third person,
whether directly or as collateral or otherwise.
8.4 This Agreement may be terminated early
only in writing. You will compensate us for fees
earned for performance completed and expenses
incurred up to the time of termination.
8.5 If any provision of this Agreement is held
invalid or unenforceable, then such provision will
be modified to reflect the parties' intention. All
remaining provisions of this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect.
8.6 No waiver of any right or privilege of either
party will occur upon such party's failure to insist
on performance of any term, condition, or
instruction, or failure to exercise any right or
privilege or its waiver of any breach.