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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 20707: AGREEMENT WITH FREESE AND NICHOLS, INC., GIS City n1 or! r111u � www.PortArth u rTx.gov INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: April 12, 2019 To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Through: Rebecca Underhill, CPA, Interim City Manager From: Pamela D. Langford, Development Services Manager OD Cc: Ronald "Ron" Burton, Director of Development Services RE: P.R. NO. 20707 —A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for professional services for GIS Server and Database Maintenance and GIS Tasks to support the NFIP/CRS activities. Introduction: The intent of this Agenda Item is to request that City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for professional services for GIS Server and Database Maintenance and GIS Tasks to Support the National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating System activities and additional services as authorized by the City in the amount not-to-exceed $25,000.00. Funding available is GIS Professional Services Account No. 001-1050-517.54-00. Background: On March 13, 2018, City Council approved Resolution No. 18-088, authorizing an agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for professional services for Geographic Information System (GIS) Server and Database maintenance and additional services as deemed necessary for the City, in an amount not-to-exceed $25,000.00 annually. This is the first renewal of the on-call agreement authorized by City Council on March 13, 2018. A request was submitted for funding for this project for the current fiscal year (FY18- 19). The project was described as an "on-call service agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for GIS Maintenance (as mandated by the City's IT Department)" and approved by City Council as part of the budget process. Freese and Nichols, Inc. was selected as the professional of choice because of their demonstrated competence and qualifications in the field as mandated by Texas Local Government Code Sections 2254.002 and 2254.00. Budget Impact: An annual budgetary impact not-to-exceed $25,000.00. Funding available in GIS Professional Services Account No. 001-1050-517.54-00 as budgeted for FY18-19. Recommendation: It is recommended that City Council approve P.R. No. 20707, authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for professional services for GIS Server and Database Maintenance and GIS Tasks to Support the National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating System activities and additional services as authorized by the City in the amount not-to-exceed $25,000.00. Funding available is GIS Professional Services Account No. 001-1050-517.54-00. "Remember, we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur" P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 P.R. NO.20707 04/12/2019 PDL PAGE 1 OF 12 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH FREESE AND NICHOLS, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) SERVER AND DATABASE MAINTENANCE AND GIS TASKS TO SUPPORT THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM (NFIP)/COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM (CRS) ACTIVITIES AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES AS AUTHORIZED BY THE CITY IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $25,000.00; FUNDING AVAILABLE IN GIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ACCOUNT NO. 001-1050-517.54-00. AGREEMENT WITH FREESE AND NICHOLS, INC. WHEREAS, City Council approved Resolution No. 18-088, authorizing an agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for professional services for Geographic Information System (GIS) Server and Database maintenance and additional services as deemed necessary for the City, in an amount not-to-exceed $25,000.00 annually; and, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Port Arthur (City Council) seeks the benefit of reliable on-call GIS services for database maintenance and GIS tasks in connection with NFIP CRS activities and other GIS services deemed necessary for the City; and WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur (City) is a Home Rule municipality empowered by Texas Local Government Code Section 51 .072 to self-govern: and WHEREAS, the City has the authority to enter into a professional services agreement under Article XIV, Section 5 of the Charter of the City of Port Arthur; and WHEREAS, the City Council may adopt an ordinance, rule. or police regulation that is necessary or proper for carrying out a power granted by law to the City under Texas Local Government Code Section 51 .001(2); and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for P.R.NO.20707 04/12/2019 PDI. PAGE 2 OF 12 the provision of on-call GIS services for database maintenance and GIS tasks in connection with NFIP CRS activities and other GIS services deemed necessary for the City, as delineated in Attachment "A"; and WHEREAS, the City will request services under this contract on an as needed basis; and, WHEREAS, services shall be computed on the basis of the Schedule of Charges, as delineated in Attachment "A", but shall not exceed $25,000.00 annually. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas: Section 1. That all of the above premises are hereby found to be true and correct legislative and factual findings of the City Council of Port Arthur, and are hereby approved and incorporated into the body of this Resolution as if copied in their entirety. Section 2. That this Resolution adopts and otherwise enters into with Freese and Nichols, Inc., the contract document entitled, "Agreement for Professional Services," which is attached hereto and incorporated herein (Attachment "A"). Section 3. That the City Council authorizes the City Manager to execute the attached contract documents with Freese and Nichols, Inc. on behalf of the City. Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect immediately from and after its passage and publication as may be required by governing law. Section 5. That all Ordinances or Resolutions in force when the provisions of this Resolution become effective which are inconsistent or in conflict with the terms and provisions contained in this Resolution are hereby repealed only to the extent of any such conflict. P.R.NO.2071)- 04/12/2019 PDI. PAGE OF 12 Section 6. That it is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this Resolution or the policy adopted by this Resolution be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this Resolution shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs or sections of this Resolution, and the remainder of this Resolution shall be enforced as written. Section 7. That it is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at which this Resolution was passed was open to the public as required and that public notice of the time, place and purpose of said meeting was given as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. READ, ADOPTED & APPROVED, this day of April, A.D. 2019, at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor: Council members: NOES: Derrick Ford Freeman, Mayor ATTEST: Sherri Bellard, TRMC, City Secretary P.R.NO.20707 04/12/2019 Pot. PAGE 4 OF 12 APPROVED AS TO FORM: o bel 4 o� Vales Tizeno, City Attorney APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION: Rebecca Underhill, CPA, Interim City Manager Ronald "Ron" Burton, Assistant City Manager-Operations/ Director of Development Services APPROVED FOR THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING: interim Finance Direct Band Iktniels Clifton Williams, CPPB, Purchasing Manager P.R.NO.20707 04/12/2019 P1)1 PAGE 5 OF 12 Attachment "A" Agreement for Professional Services with Freese and Nichols, Inc. Ree 12 15 AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF JEFFERSON § This Agreement is entered into by the City of Port Arthur,Texas hereinafter called"City"and Freese and Nichols, Inc.,hereinafter called"FNI." In consideration of the Agreements herein, the parties agree as follows: I. EMPLOYMENT OF FNI: In accordance with the terms of this Agreement:City agrees to employ FNI; EN! agrees to perform professional services in connection with the Project; City agrees to pay to FNI compensation. The Project is described as follows: On-Call GIS Services for the City of Port Arthur. El. SCOPE OF SERVICES: FNI shall render professional services in connection with Project as set forth in Attachment SC -Scope of Services and Responsibilities of City which is attached to and made a part of this Agreement. III. COMPENSATION: City agrees to pay FNI for all professional services rendered under this Agreement in accordance with Attachment CO - Compensation which is attached hereto and made a part of this Agreement. FNl shall perform professional services as outlined in the '`Scope of Services" on an hourly basis not to exceed$25,000. Details concerning the fee are included in Attachment CO. If FNI's services are delayed or suspended by City, or if FN1's services are extended for more than 60 days through no fault of FNI, FNI shall be entitled to equitable adjustment of rates and amounts of compensation to reflect reasonable costs incurred by FNI in connection with such delay or suspension and reactivation and the fact that the time for performance under this Agreement has been revised. IV. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AGREEMENT: The Terms and Conditions of Agreement as set forth as Attachment TC shall govern the relationship between the City and FNI. Nothing under this Agreement shall be construed to give any rights or benefits in this Agreement to anyone other than City and FNI, and all duties and responsibilities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement will be for the sole and exclusive benefit of City and FNI and not for the benefit of any other party. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between City and FNI and supersedes all prior written or oral understandings. This contract is executed in two counterparts. IN TESTIMONY HEREOF,they have executed this Agreement,the day of ,2019. ATTEST: City of Port Arthur,Texas (CITY) By: Print Name and Title ATTEST: Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) / .�� � By: _JAI"/`," 2 or e fat enir Print N e. d Title ,ca S/e/649 L`.Resources,.OLCR`P\PortArthur'd3IS On-CaIPContract\Renewal ATTACHMENT SC SCOPE OF SERVICES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITY ARTICLE I BASIC SERVICES: FNI shall render the following professional services in connection with the development of the Project: On-Call GIS Services for the City of Port Arthur. SCOPE OF SERVICES: Upon written authorization to proceed from the City, FNI shall perform geographic information system(GIS) services necessary for: GIS server and database maintenance,GIS tasks to support National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP)Community Rating System(CRS)activities. A. Requesting and Authorizing GIS Services City will request GIS services under this contract on an as needed basis. When GIS services are required, City will submit a request to FNI detailing services to be provided. FNI shall submit a list of proposed tasks and an estimate of resources necessary to provide requested services to City for authorization prior to proceeding. Compensation to FNI shall be made by the City based upon the actual effort required to complete each task. FNI shall notify the City if the performance of a task will exceed the agreed to effort and will not proceed with performance of the task without authorization from the City. For purposes of this Agreement, email correspondence is sufficient. B. Required Task Elements 1. GIS server and database maintenance type tasks shall include: support requested by the GIS Coordinator including, but not limited to, required periodic ArcGIS server maintenance tasks; technical support and updates for the City's My Government Services, Park Locator, Community Addressing and Land Use Public Notification web applications;technical support,training and/or development of data collection services using Collector for ArcGIS Online. These services may be performed remotely, or, if requested by the GIS Coordinator,these services will be performed in person. 2. GIS tasks to support CRS activities shall include: support requested by the GIS Coordinator including, but not limited to, researching required mapping deliverables; attending City CRS meetings either in person or via conference call; conducting field investigations as necessary and approved by the City to develop accurate severe repetitive loss area mapping; developing any requested mapping to support CRS activities as directed by the City. C. Report Submittals Unless hard copies are requested by the City, FNI shall submit draft and final mapping to the City electronically, in Adobe portable document file(PDF)format,unless an alternate electronic format is requested by the City. In addition, FNI shall submit shapefiles used to develop the final mapping. D. As Needed Services For services not defined above, FNI will negotiate a scope and fee to add an additional task to the project L,Resources'OLCR\P\PortArthur\GIS On-Call'•Contract'Renewal ENI--� SC-1 CITY ARTICLE II ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Additional Services to be performed by FNI, if authorized by City, which are not included in the above described basic services,are described as follows: A. Providing services to investigate existing conditions or facilities,or to make measured drawings thereof,or to verify the accuracy of drawings or other information furnished by City. B. Preparing applications and supporting documents for government grants, loans, or planning advances and providing data for detailed applications. C. Related planning services that can be integrated into the GIS system. D. Preparing data and reports for assistance to City in preparation for hearings before regulatory agencies, courts, arbitration panels or any mediator, giving testimony, personally or by deposition, and preparations therefore before any regulatory agency, court,arbitration panel or mediator. E. Providing basic or additional services on an accelerated time schedule. The scope of this service include cost for overtime wages of employees and consultants, inefficiencies in work sequence and plotting or reproduction costs directly attributable to an accelerated time schedule directed by the City. F. Preparing statements for invoicing or other documentation for billing other than for the standard invoice for services attached to this professional services agreement. ARTICLE III TIME OF COMPLETION: FNI is authorized to commence work on the Project upon execution of this Agreement and agrees to complete the services by the end of April 2020. If FNI's services are delayed through no fault of FNI, FNI shall be entitled to adjust contract schedule consistent with the number of days of delay. These delays may include but are not limited to delays in City or regulatory reviews, delays on the flow of information to be provided to FNI, governmental approvals, etc. These delay's may result in an adjustment to compensation as outlined on the face of this Agreement and in Attachment CO. ARTICLE IV RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITY: City shall perform the following in a timely manner so as not to delay the services of FNI: A. Provide meeting space and coordinate equipment needs, room set up, and logistics for meetings outlined in Article 1. B. Contact meeting invitees for stakeholder and public meeting. This includes email, mail, newsletter or other forms of notification. C. Designate in writing a person to act as City's representative with respect to the services to be rendered under this Agreement. Such person shall have contract authority to transmit instructions, receive information, interpret and define City's policies and decisions with respect to FNI's services for the Project. L\Resources\OLCR\P\PortArthur\GIS On-Call Contract Renewal SC-2 CITY D. Arrange for access to and make all provisions for FNI to enter upon public and private property as required for FNI to perform services under this Agreement. E. Examine and provide prompt feedback on all submittals, draft reports, sketches, drawings, and other documents presented by ENI within a reasonable time so as not to delay the services of FNI. F. Furnish,or direct FNI to provide,Additional Services as stipulated in Attachment SC,Article II of this Agreement or other services as required. G. Bear all costs incident to compliance with the requirements of this Article IV. ARTICLE V DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES: FNI and City designate the following representatives: CITY's Designated Representative— Name: Address: Phone: Email: CITY's Accounting Representative Name: Address: Phone: Email: FNI's Designated Representative Shad Comeaux,AICP. 11200 Broadway St., Suite 2320 Pearland,Texas 77584 (832)456-4700 sec@freese.com FNI's Accounting Representative— Stephanie Kirchstein 2711 North Flaskell Avenue, Suite 3300 Dallas,Texas 75204 (214) 217-2212 Stephanie.Kirchstein@freese.com L 1Resources'OLCR\PWortArtnur',GIS On-Call\Contract\Renewal SC-3 CITY ATTACHMENT CO Compensation Compensation to FNI for Basic Services in Attachment SC shall be computed on the basis of the Schedule of Charges, but shall not exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00). If FNI sees the Scope of Services changing so that Additional Services are needed, including but not limited to those services described as Additional Services in Attachment SC, FNI will notify OWNER for OWNER's approval before proceeding. Additional Services shall be computed based on the Schedule of Charges. Schedule of Charges: Position Min Professional 1 75 138 Professional 2 101 186 Professional 3 127 208 Professional4 142 224 Professional 5 170 284 Professional 6 179 365 Construction Manager 1 93 166 Construction Manager 2 102 174 Construction Manager 3 140 192 Construction Manager 4 176 260 CAD Technician/Designer 1 62 119 CAD Technician/Designer 2 91 141 CAD Technician/Designer 3 118 189 Corporate Project Support 1 45 115 Corporate Project Support 2 68 156 Corporate Project Support 3 90 244 Intern/Coop 40 78 Rates for In-House Services Technology Charge Bulk Printing and Reproduction $8 50 per hour B&W Color Small Format(per copy) $0.10 $0.25 Travel Large Format(per sq.ft) Standard IRS Rates Bond $0.25 $0.75 Glossy/Mylar $0.75 $1.25 Vinyl/Adhesive $1.50 $2.00 Mounting(per sq.n.) $2.00 Binding(per binding) $0.25 OTHER DIRECT EXPENSES: Other direct expenses are reimbursed at actual cost limes a multiplier of 1.10. They include outside printing and reproduction expense, communication expense, travel, transportation and subsistence away from the FNI office and other miscellaneous expenses directly related to the work, including costs of laboratory analysis, test, and other work required to be done by independent persons other than staff members. For Resident Representative services performed by non-FNI employees and CAD services performed In-house by non-FNI employees where FNI provides workspace and equipment to perform such services, these services will be billed at cost times a multiplier of 2.0. This markup approdmates the cost to FNI if an FNI employee was performing the same or similar services. These ranges and rates will be adjusted annually in February. Last updated February 2019. 140022019 L',Resources',OLCR\P1PortArthurGIS On-Call'•Contract CO-I CITY 12-01-16 ATTACHMENT TC TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AGREEMENT 1. DEFINITIONS: The term Owner as used herein refers to the City of Port Arthur,Texas . The term FNI as used herein refers to Freese and Nichols,Inc.,its employees and agents;also its subcontractors and their employees and agents. As used herein, Services refers to the professional services performed by Freese and Nichols pursuant to the Agreement. 2. CHANGES: Owner, without invalidating the Agreement, may order changes within the general scope of the work required by the Agreement by altering,adding to and,or deducting from the work to be performed. If any change under this clause causes an increase or decrease in FNI's cost of, or the time required for,the performance of any part of the Services under the Agreement,an equitable adjustment will be made by mutual agreement and the Agreement modified in writing accordingly. 3. TERMINATION: The obligation to provide services under this Agreement may be terminated by either party upon ten days' written notice. In the event of termination, FNI will be paid for all services rendered and reimbursable expenses incurred to the date of termination and, in addition,all reimbursable expenses directly attributable to termination. 4. CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES: In no event shall FNI or its subcontractors be liable in contract,tort,strict liability, warranty,or otherwise for any special,indirect.incidental or consequential damages,such as loss of product,loss of use of the equipment or system,loss of anticipated profits or revenue, non-operation or increased expense of operation or other equipment or systems. 5. INFORMATION FURNISHED BY OWNER: Owner will assist FNI by placing at FNI's disposal all available information pertinent to the Project including previous reports and any other data relative to design or construction of the Project. FNI shall have no liability for defects or negligence in the Services attributable to FNI's reliance upon or use of data,design criteria, drawings, specifications or other information furnished by Owner and Owner agrees to indemnify and hold FNI harmless from any and all claims and judgments,and all losses,costs and expenses arising therefrom. FNI shall disclose to Owner,prior to use thereof,defects or omissions in the data,design criteria,drawings, specifications or other information furnished by Owner to FM that FNI may reasonably discover in its review and inspection thereof. 6. INSURANCE: FNI shall provide to Owner certificates of insurance which shall contain the following minimum coverage: Commercial General Liability Workers'Compensation General Aggregate $2,000,000 Each Accident $1,000,000 Automobile Liability(Any Auto) Professional Liability CSL S 1,000.000 $3,000,000 Annual Aggregate 7. SUBCONTRACTS: If,for any reason,at any time during the progress of providing Services,Owner determines that any subcontractor for FNI is incompetent or undesirable,Owner will notify FNI accordingly and FM shall take immediate steps for cancellation of such subcontract. Subletting by subcontractors shall be subject to the same regulations. Nothing contained in the Agreement shall create any contractual relation between any subcontractor and Owner. 8. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS: All drawings,reports data and other project information developed in the execution of the Services provided under this Agreement shall be the property of the Owner upon payment of FNI's fees for services. FNI may retain copies for record purposes. Owner agrees such documents are not intended or represented to be suitable for reuse by Owner or others. Any reuse by Owner or by those who obtained said documents from Owner without written verification or adaptation by FM will be at Owner's sole risk and without liability or legal exposure to FNI, or to FN1's independent associates or consultants,and Owner shall indemnify and hold harmless FNI and FNI's independent associates and consultants from all claims, damages, losses and expenses including attorneys' fees arising out of or resulting therefrom. Any such verification or adaptation will entitle FNI to further reasonable compensation. FNI may reuse all drawings,report data and other project information in the execution of the Services provided under this Agreement in FN1's other activities. Any reuse by FNI will be at FNI's sole risk and without liability or legal exposure to Owner,and FNI shall indemnify and hold harmless Owner from all claims,damages,losses and expenses including attorneys'fees arising out of or resulting therefrom. Page 1 of 2 FN _ OWNER 9. POLLUTANTS AND HAZARDOUS WASTES: It is understood and agreed that FNI has neither created nor contributed to the creation or existence of any hazardous, radioactive, toxic, irritant,pollutant,or otherwise dangerous substance or condition at the site,if any,and its compensation hereunder is in no way commensurate with the potential risk of injury or loss that may be caused by exposures to such substances or conditions. The parties agree that in performing the Services required by this Agreement,FNI does not take possession or control of the subject site,but acts as an invitee in performing the services,and is not therefore responsible for the existence of any pollutant present on or migrating from the site. Further, FNI shall have no responsibility for any pollutant during clean-up,transportation,storage or disposal activities. 10. OPINION OF PROBABLE COSTS: FNI will furnish an opinion of probable project development cost based on present day cost,but does not guarantee the accuracy of such estimates. Opinions of probable cost,financial evaluations,feasibility studies,economic analyses of alternate solutions and utilitarian considerations of operations and maintenance costs prepared by FM hereunder will be made on the basis of FM's experience and qualifications and represent FM's judgment as an experienced and qualified design professional. It is recognized,however, that FNI does not have control over the cost of labor,material,equipment or services furnished by others or over market conditions or contractors'methods of determining their prices. 11. CONSTRUCTION REPRESENTATION: If required by the Agreement,FNI will furnish Construction Representation according to the defined scope for these services. FNI will observe the progress and the quality of work to determine in general if the work is proceeding in accordance with the Contract Documents. In performing these services, FNI will endeavor to protect Owner against defects and deficiencies in the work of Contractors; FNI will report any observed deficiencies to Owner, however, it is understood that FNI does not guarantee the Contractor's performance, nor is FNI responsible for the supervision of the Contractor's operation and employees. FN! shall not be responsible for the means, methods, techniques, sequences or procedures of construction selected by the Contractor, or the safety precautions and programs incident to the work of the Contractor. FM shall not be responsible for the acts or omissions of any person(except his own employees or agent)at the Project site or otherwise performing any o f the work of the Project. If Owner designates a person to serve in the capacity of Resident Project Representative who is not a FNI's employee or FNI's agent,the duties, responsibilities and limitations of authority of such Resident Project Representative(s)will be set forth in writing and made a part of this Agreement before the Construction Phase of the Project begins. 12. PAYMENT: Progress payments may be requested by FNI based on the amount of services completed. Payment for the services of FNI shall be due and payable upon submission of a statement for services to Owner and in acceptance of the services as satisfactory by the Owner. Statements for services shall not be submitted more frequently than monthly. Any applicable new taxes imposed upon services,expenses,and charges by any governmental body after the execution of this Agreement will be added to FNI's compensation. If Owner fails to make any payment due FNI for services and expenses within thirty(30)days after receipt of FNI's statement for services therefore,the amounts due FNI will be increased at the rate of one percent(1%)per month from said thirtieth (30th) day, and, in addition, FNI may, after giving seven (7)days' written notice to Owner, suspend services under this Agreement until FNI has been paid in full,all amounts due for services,expenses and charges. 13. ARBITRATION: No arbitration arising out of,or relating to,this Agreement involving one party to this Agreement may include the other party to this Agreement without their approval. 14. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNMENTS: Owner and FNI each are hereby bound and the partners,successors,executors, administrators and legal representatives of Owner and FNI are hereby bound to the other party to this Agreement and to the partners,successors,executors,administrators and legal representatives(and said assigns)of such other party,in respect of all covenants,agreements and obligations of this Agreement. Neither Owner nor FM shall assign, sublet or transfer any rights under or interest in (including, but without limitation, moneys that may become due or moneys that are due)this Agreement without the written consent of the other,except to the extent that any assignment,subletting or transfer is mandated by law or the effect of this limitation may be restricted by law. Unless specifically stated to the contrary in any written consent to an assignment,no assignment will release or discharge the assignor from any duty or responsibility under this Agreement. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall prevent FM from employing such independent associates and consultants as FNI may deem appropriate to assist in the performance of services hereunder. 15. PURCHASE ORDERS: If a Purchase Order is used to authorize FNI's Services,only the terms,conditions,instructions typed on the face of the Purchase Order shall apply to this Agreement. Should there be any conflict between the Purchase Order and the terms of this Agreement,then this Agreement shall prevail and shall be determinative of the conflict. Page 2 of 2 FNI OWNER