95-2843. Electric System Construction Policies and Procedures  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 36 (Thursday, February 23, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 10152-10260]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-2843]
    
    
    
          
    
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    Part II
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Agriculture
    
    
    
    
    
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    Rural Utilities Service
    
    
    
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    7 CFR Part 1726
    
    
    
    Electric System Construction Policies and Procedures; Final Rule
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 36 / Thursday, February 23, 1995 / 
    Rules and Regulations
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    [[Page 10152]] 
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    
    Rural Utilities Service
    
    7 CFR Part 1726
    
    RIN 0572-AA47
    
    
    Electric System Construction Policies and Procedures
    
    AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), successor to the Rural 
    Electrification Administration (REA), hereby amends its regulation on 
    Electric System Construction Policies and Procedures. This action 
    codifies the policies and the procedures applicable to RUS electric 
    borrowers when purchasing materials and equipment, and when 
    constructing system facilities by contract or force account. These 
    policies and procedures were contained in six REA bulletins. The 
    changes made pertain to RUS approval of contracts, subcontracts and 
    amendments to contracts; documentation of contracting activity by RUS 
    borrowers; procurement procedures to be used by RUS borrowers; and 
    closeout procedures for construction contracts.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective March 27, 1995.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Fred J. Gatchell, Deputy Director, 
    Electric Staff Division, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of 
    Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1500, telephone (202) 720-1398.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Executive Order 12866
    
        This rule has been determined to be not significant for the 
    purposes of Executive Order 12866 and therefore has not been reviewed 
    by OMB.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
    
        This action does not fall within the scope of the Regulatory 
    Flexibility Act.
    
    Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements
    
        In compliance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
    regulations (5 CFR part 1320) which implement the Paperwork Reduction 
    Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-511) and section 3504 of the Act, the 
    information collection and recordkeeping requirements contained in this 
    rule have been approved by OMB under control number 0572-0107. Comments 
    concerning these requirements should be directed to the Office of 
    Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for 
    USDA, room 10102, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503.
    
    National Environmental Policy Act Certification
    
        The Administrator has determined that this rule will not 
    significantly affect the quality of the human environment as defined by 
    the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). 
    Therefore, this action does not require an environmental impact 
    statement or assessment.
    
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
    
        The program described by this rule is listed in the Catalog of 
    Federal Domestic Assistance programs under No. 10.850, Rural 
    Electrification Loans and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is available on 
    a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, the United 
    States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Telephone 
    (202) 783-3238.
    
    Executive Order 12372
    
        This rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order 12372, 
    Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation with 
    State and local officials. A Notice of Final Rule entitled Department 
    Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order 12372 (50 FR 
    47034) exempts RUS loans and loan guarantees from coverage under this 
    order.
    
    Executive Order 12778
    
        This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, Civil 
    Justice Reform. This rule will not: (1) Preempt any State or local 
    laws, regulations. or policies; (2) Have any retroactive effect; and 
    (3) Require administrative proceedings before parties may file suit 
    challenging the provisions of this rule.
    
    Background
    
        The Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture 
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-354, 101 Stat. 3178), signed by 
    President Clinton on October 13, 1994, provides for the establishment 
    of RUS as successor to REA with respect to various programs, including 
    the electric loan program established by the Rural Electrification Act 
    of 1936, as amended, (the RE Act) (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.). On October 
    20, 1994, the Secretary of Agriculture issued Secretary's Memorandum 
    1010-1, establishing RUS and abolishing REA. Therefore, RUS is 
    publishing this final rule that was previously proposed by REA. 
    Pursuant to the RE Act, RUS hereby amends 7 CFR chapter XVII, by 
    revising Part 1726, Electric System Construction Policies and 
    Procedures. This revised part contains the policies and the procedures 
    applicable to RUS borrowers and contractors when purchasing materials 
    and equipment and constructing electric system facilities by contract 
    or force account (the RUS borrower's own construction crews).
        These policies and the procedures implement certain provisions of 
    the RUS standard form of loan documents regarding the borrower's 
    purchase of materials and equipment and the construction of its 
    electric system by contract or force account. In order to facilitate 
    the programmatic interests of the RE Act, and, in order to assure that 
    loans made or guaranteed by RUS are adequately secured, RUS, as a 
    secured lender, has established certain standards and specifications 
    for materials, equipment, and the construction of electric systems. The 
    use of standard forms and procurement procedures helps assure RUS that: 
    (1) appropriate standards and specifications are maintained; (2) RUS's 
    loan security is not adversely affected; and (3) loan and loan 
    guarantee funds are used effectively and for the intended purposes.
        The previous policies and procedures were set forth in REA Bulletin 
    40-6, Construction Methods and Purchase of Materials and Equipment; REA 
    Bulletin 40-8, Construction Specifications, Drawings and Contract Forms 
    for Distribution, Transmission and Generation Facilities; REA Bulletin 
    81-6, Closeout Procedures and Documents for Contract Construction of 
    Distribution and Transmission Facilities; REA Bulletin 85-1, Closeout 
    Procedures and Documents for the Contract Construction of Generating 
    Facilities and Associated Buildings; REA Bulletin 86-1, Closeout 
    Procedures and Documents for the Construction of Buildings Other than 
    Generating Plants; and REA Bulletin 86-3, Headquarters Facilities for 
    Electric Borrowers. The previous policies and procedures are being 
    changed and updated by this rule. When this rule is effective, 
    Bulletins 40-6, 81-6, 85-1, 86-1, and 86-3 will be superseded in their 
    entirety and rescinded, and Bulletin 40-8 will be superseded with 
    respect to the contract forms listed in this rule.
        Bulletin 40-8 will be superseded in its entirety and rescinded when 
    all forms referenced therein have been promulgated.
    
    Major Changes
    
        The major substantive changes are as follows: [[Page 10153]] 
        (a) This rule applies to procurement and construction for all 
    projects which are financed, in whole or in part, with loans made or 
    guaranteed by RUS, including reimbursable projects. REA Bulletin 40-6 
    contained the requirements for all procurement and construction, 
    regardless of the source of funds.
        (b) This rule eliminates the previous requirement that RUS approve 
    subcontracts. (Subcontracts for generating projects were already exempt 
    from RUS approval.)
        (c) This rule changes the dollar thresholds that determine which 
    procurement procedure is to be used for a project.
        (d) This rule raises the dollar thresholds that determine whether 
    RUS approval of a contract is required and eliminates the requirement 
    of RUS approval of certain contract amendments.
        (e) This rule eliminates the requirement of RUS approval of 
    borrowers' contracts for headquarters facilities.
        (f) This rule adds procedures for procurement of communication and 
    control facilities.
        (g) This rule simplifies the procedures for the closeout of 
    construction contracts by reducing the number of forms to be submitted 
    to RUS.
        (h) This rule revises the RUS standard contract forms. The major 
    changes in the contract forms are as follows:
        (1) Change the forms to reflect the changes listed above.
        (2) Change the insurance and bonding dollar limits as outlined in 7 
    CFR part 1788.
        (3) Change the forms to require prequalification of all bidders.
        (4) Change the interest rate on overdue accounts.
        (5) Change the ``Buy American'' provision to include Mexico and 
    Canada in accordance with the North American Free Trade Agreement 
    Implementation Act of December 8, 1993, Pub. L. 103-182.
        (6) Change the indemnification clause (also called ``hold harmless 
    clause'') to reflect RUS's current policy.
        (7) Incorporate certain technical changes relating to wood treating 
    and right-of-way clearing chemicals. In order to reduce printing cost 
    and volume, the forms included in this part are condensed, especially 
    the tables. Also, several forms refer to guide drawings, which do not 
    contain requirements, and, hence, will not be included. RUS intends to 
    reformat these forms similar to their current configuration (including 
    the tables and drawings) and make them available in that format either 
    from RUS or for purchase from the Government Printing Office. See 
    Sec. 1726.300 for a list of the standard forms of electric contracts 
    and where each may be obtained.
        This rule was published as a proposed rule at 59 FR 28924, June 3, 
    1994. In addition, ``Permitted Contract Modifications--
    Indemnification,'' dealing with indemnification of the owner by the 
    contractor in RUS's standard contract forms, was published as a 
    proposed rule at 59 FR 4603, February 1, 1994. This rule incorporates 
    the changes and addresses the comments resulting from the proposed rule 
    ``Permitted Contract Modifications--Indemnification.''
    
    Comments
    
        A total of 45 organizations submitted comments on the proposed 
    rule, including 27 borrowers, the National Rural Electric Cooperative 
    Association, 6 engineers and engineering organizations, the Power and 
    Communication Contractors Association, two insurance companies, two 
    state borrower associations, and 6 others. RUS considered all comments 
    received. The more significant and most commonly made comments are 
    addressed herein.
    
    Applicability
    
        Many commenters suggested changes or clarification as to when this 
    rule applies. This rule has been clarified to state that it applies 
    when materials, equipment, and construction are financed, in whole or 
    in part, with loans made or guaranteed by RUS, including reimbursable 
    projects. A statement regarding jointly owned projects has also been 
    added. Competitive bidding for new capacity resources, however, is 
    outside the scope of this rule.
    
    Threshold Limits
    
        There were many comments suggesting changes in the various dollar 
    limits regarding forms to be used, bidding procedures to be followed, 
    RUS approvals, etc. Several comments also suggested making the dollar 
    limits more consistent. RUS has increased the contract approval limit 
    for transmission construction and for load control, communication, and 
    SCADA systems for power supply borrowers. RUS believes that the limits, 
    as revised, are a reasonable balance that allows the borrower 
    reasonable flexibility while assuring RUS that loan funds are being 
    used properly. A number of clarifications have been added to avoid 
    potential ambiguities.
        Several commenters expressed concern about using a calendar year 
    limit, since one or two large procurements could consume the entire 
    limit, and very small procurements thereafter would be subject to more 
    stringent requirements. This situation is inherent in any calendar 
    limit, and RUS expects each borrower to manage its procurement program 
    by using the procurement procedure (e.g., formal competitive bidding) 
    or the contract form not subject to the calendar year limit for large 
    procurements and prudently utilizing the flexibility provided by this 
    rule so that the calendar year limits are not exceeded.
    
    Bidders Qualifications and Competition
    
        Several commenters suggested that a bidder's performance record, 
    safety record, and similar factors should be considered when evaluating 
    bids. RUS strongly disagrees with this. RUS believes that such factors 
    can and should be considered when determining the bidder's 
    qualifications to be invited to bid, but it is inappropriate and 
    unacceptable to evaluate these factors when evaluating a bid from a 
    qualified and invited bidder. Language has been added to the rule 
    clarifying this position.
        Other comments concerned how to deal with a potential conflict of 
    interest with a bidder. This rule places primary responsibility on the 
    borrower's board of directors to determine if a potential conflict of 
    interest is significant, and RUS believes this is appropriate.
        A number of commenters suggested that fewer than three bidders 
    could represent adequate competition. RUS believes that, for most 
    procurement, three or more bidders are needed to assure adequate 
    competition. We have, however, eliminated the requirement that RUS 
    concurrence be obtained prior to awarding a contract based on fewer 
    than three bids, providing that the borrower documents that all 
    reasonable measures were taken to assure adequate competition.
    
    Engineer
    
        Many commenters noted that borrowers often utilize staff engineers, 
    but the language of the rule generally implies that the engineer is an 
    outside consultant. RUS agrees with this position and has revised the 
    language accordingly.
        One commenter noted that several engineering contract forms were 
    not included in the list of RUS standard contract forms. Such forms are 
    still available and in some cases mandatory, but are outside the scope 
    of this rule and are contained in other RUS rules.
    [[Page 10154]]
    
    Definitions
    
        Various commenters recommended clarifications and changes to the 
    definitions as well as the addition of several more definitions. RUS 
    has revised several definitions and added two new definitions. The 
    other proposed definitions appear to be self-explanatory without 
    modification.
        Several commenters suggested that the contracting committee was not 
    needed or should have a different make-up. RUS believes that this 
    committee, required only under informal competitive bidding and 
    multiparty negotiation, is needed as specified to insure the integrity 
    of these procedures.
    
    RUS Approvals
    
        Some commenters suggested that RUS approval be automatic after a 
    specified time period (30 or 60 days) without RUS action. Due to 
    numerous factors which may affect RUS approval, including other agency 
    priorities, human resources, and unresolved issues, this change was not 
    made.
        Other commenters felt that RUS approval should not be required to 
    purchase used equipment and materials. Since most RUS loans are long-
    term, RUS must be satisfied that the physical security is adequate, so 
    RUS will continue to require new equipment and materials unless 
    specifically approved by RUS.
        Many commenters objected to RUS reserving the right to require 
    contract construction in lieu of force account construction 
    (Sec. 1726.22). While RUS has rarely exercised this right in the past 
    and does not expect to use it often in the future, there are 
    circumstances where such authority has been and may again be needed, 
    therefore, the language of the rule has not been changed.
        Many commenters also objected to certain amendments being subject 
    to RUS approval even if the original contract was not. The purpose of 
    this requirement was to prevent changing the RUS approved form of 
    contract by amendment where the borrower is not permitted to make such 
    changes in the form without RUS approval. The language of the rule has 
    been changed to indicate that the approved form of contract cannot be 
    changed either prior to bidding or by amendment without prior RUS 
    approval, but the actual amendment would not be subject to RUS 
    approval.
        Other commenters suggested that a RUS approved form of contract 
    should only be required if RUS approval of the contract is required. 
    RUS disagrees with this. RUS has eliminated many of the requirements 
    for RUS approval of contracts based on the requirement that the 
    borrower use certain forms and procedures for other contracts. This 
    also applies to the amendment forms, although RUS has determined that 
    special requirements for amendments for payment for material delivered 
    are not necessary, so Sec. 1726.26, along with RUS Form 800, have been 
    deleted.
    
    Documents Submitted to RUS
    
        Many commenters suggested that certain of the documents submitted 
    to RUS are unnecessary. With regard to ``Proof of Insurance,'' RUS 
    agrees and has deleted this requirement. RUS believes that the 
    remaining documents to be submitted are needed to assure that loan 
    funds are being used properly.
    
    Procurement Procedures
    
        Several commenters requested clarification of the applicability of 
    some of the procedures and changes to some of the details of the 
    requirements. Several changes have been made in this area. Other 
    commenters suggested that the informal bidding procedure and the 
    multiparty negotiation procedure be changed to allow clarifying 
    discussions or negotiations, respectively, with only the apparent low 
    evaluated bidder. This change has not been made. RUS believes that 
    meeting with at least the three apparent lowest evaluated bidders will 
    insure adequate competition and fairness without undue burden on the 
    borrower.
    
    Forms
    
        A number of commenters suggested that computer generated versions 
    of RUS standard contract forms should be acceptable in addition to the 
    preprinted versions. RUS agrees with this only for those forms which 
    are primarily tables (Forms 251 and 254). For the remainder of the 
    contract forms, RUS continues to believe that the most effective means 
    of maintaining accurate and recognizable forms is to continue to use 
    the preprinted version.
        Commenters suggested that RUS Form 792 be modified to allow multi-
    year contracting and to allow RUS Form 786 to be modified to be a 
    ``purchase only'' contract form. These changes have been made. One 
    commenter suggested that all contract bonds use RUS Form 168c instead 
    of RUS Form 168b. Form 168c is currently used when the contractor's 
    surety has accepted a Small Business Administration guarantee and the 
    contract is for one million dollars or less. RUS Form 168b has proved 
    to be a satisfactory bond form for other contracts, so RUS has 
    determined that it will require the RUS Form 168b where the Form 168c 
    is not applicable.
        A number of other suggestions were made regarding changes to the 
    contract forms. Some minor changes have been made, but RUS intends to 
    thoroughly review and revise these forms in the near future, so other 
    comments will be considered at that time.
        Two commenters suggested that RUS prepare a standard form for 
    ``Engineer-Procure-Construct'' (EPC) or ``Turnkey'' type projects. 
    RUS's experience with such projects indicate that each one tends to be 
    unique and not well suited to a standard contract form, so therefore, 
    no attempt has been made to develop such a standard form at this time.
    
    Indemnification
    
        RUS requires borrowers to use standard contract forms for certain 
    construction, material supply, equipment supply, architectural 
    services, and engineering services contracts. The construction contract 
    forms contain a standard indemnification clause (also called ``hold 
    harmless'') pursuant to which the contractor agrees to indemnify the 
    owner against certain risks. Some borrowers have requested approval to 
    incorporate an alternative indemnification clause in certain contracts. 
    They believe that it provides them indemnification in addition to that 
    afforded by the currently required clause. Some contractors have 
    expressed concern about the extent of their potential liability under 
    such a modified indemnification provision, particularly for certain 
    actions of the owner. RUS has determined that it is in the Government's 
    and the borrowers' best interest to have a reasonable and balanced 
    indemnification provision: one that provides adequate protection for 
    the borrower while not placing an unreasonable business risk on the 
    contractor. An indemnification provision that does not adequately 
    protect the borrower could expose the borrower to liability for damages 
    which could endanger the Government's loan security. An indemnification 
    provision which places an unreasonable business risk on the contractor 
    could result in qualified, capable contractors declining to bid under 
    such conditions, which could result in reduced competition and higher 
    costs. It could even result in the borrower being exposed to increased 
    liability if only financially weak contractors bid, since the 
    contractor may be financially unable to meet its indemnification 
    obligations. In response to these requests, ``Permitted Contract 
    Modifications--Indemnification,'' was published as a proposed rule at 
    59 FR 4603, February 1, 1994. This final rule incorporates the changes 
    concerning the [[Page 10155]] indemnification clause in the contract 
    forms proposed by both of these rules.
        In response to the proposed ``Permitted Contract Modifications--
    Indemnification,'' the issue which drew the most comments was whether 
    to extend the indemnification to the borrower's engineer. Nine 
    organizations (generally engineers or engineering organizations) are in 
    favor of including the engineer, while two commenters opposed their 
    inclusion. Since the engineer is independent of the borrower and has no 
    direct contractual relationship with the contractor, RUS has determined 
    that a clear separation should be maintained between the engineer and 
    the contractor. Therefore, the indemnification clause does not extend 
    to the engineer.
        Many commenters expressed the view that the borrower (owner) should 
    be named as Additional Insured on the contractor's liability insurance 
    policies. Others felt that the engineer should also be named as 
    Additional Insured. It appears that naming the borrower (but not the 
    engineer) as Additional Insured will further RUS'S overall objective 
    without adding significantly to the cost of the contract. RUS has 
    decided, therefore, to add a requirement to name the owner as 
    Additional Insured on the contractor's liability insurance policies.
        Several commenters suggested minor wording changes under certain 
    circumstances to insure that the language accomplishes its purpose. A 
    section has been added under Section H allowing the borrower to make 
    certain changes in the language if appropriate in its jurisdiction. One 
    commenter found the indemnification language to be ``weak at best,'' 
    while two commenters felt that it placed too much burden on the 
    contractor. RUS believes that the final language included in this rule 
    reasonably balances the interests of the borrower, the engineer, and 
    the contractor.
    
    Other Comments
    
        A number of comments were received suggesting or requesting 
    clarifications or corrections to the language of the rule. These have 
    generally been made, although certain areas which appeared reasonably 
    clear were not clarified further.
    
    List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1726
    
        Electric power, Loan programs--energy, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements, Rural areas.
    
        In view of the above, RUS hereby amends 7 CFR chapter XVII by 
    revising part 1726 to read as follows:
    
    PART 1726--ELECTRIC SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
    
    Subpart A--General
    
    Sec.
    1726.1-1726.9  [Reserved]
    1726.10  Introduction.
    1726.11  Purpose.
    1726.12  Applicability.
    1726.13  Waivers.
    1726.14  Definitions.
    1726.15  ``Buy American''.
    1726.16  Debarment and suspension.
    1726.17  Restrictions on lobbying.
    1726.18  Preloan contracting.
    1726.19  Use of competitive procurement.
    1726.20  Standards and specifications.
    1726.21  New materials.
    1726.22  Methods of construction.
    1726.23  Qualification of bidders.
    1726.24  Written contracts.
    1726.25  Subcontracts.
    1726.26-1726.34  [Reserved]
    1726.35  Submission of documents to RUS.
    1726.36  Documents subject to RUS approval.
    1726.37  OMB control number.
    1726.38-1726.49  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart B--Distribution Facilities
    
    1726.50  Distribution line materials and equipment.
    1726.51  Distribution line construction.
    1726.52-1726.74  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart C--Substation and Transmission Facilities
    
    1726.75  General.
    1726.76  Substation and transmission line materials and equipment.
    1726.77  Substation and transmission line construction.
    1726.78-1726.124  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart D--Generation Facilities
    
    1726.125  Generating plant facilities.
    1726.126-1726.149  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart E--Buildings
    
    1726.150  Headquarters buildings.
    1726.151-1726.174  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart F--General Plant
    
    1726.175  General plant materials.
    1726.176  Communications and control facilities.
    1726.177-1726.199  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart G--Procurement Procedures
    
    1726.200  General requirements.
    1726.201  Formal competitive bidding.
    1726.202  Informal competitive bidding.
    1726.203  Multiparty negotiation.
    1726.204  Multiparty unit price quotations.
    1726.205  Multiparty lump sum quotations.
    1726.206-1726.249  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart H--Modifications to RUS Standard Contract Forms
    
    1726.250  General.
    1726.251  Prior approved contract modification related to price 
    escalation on transmission equipment, generation equipment, and 
    generation construction contracts.
    1726.252  Prior approved contract modification related to liability 
    for special and consequential damages.
    1726.253  Prior approved contract modification related to 
    alternative bid provision for payment to contractor for bulk 
    purchase of materials.
    1726.254  Prior approved contract modifications related to RUS 
    approval of contracts and amendments and modified bidding 
    requirements.
    1726.255  Prior approved contract modifications related to 
    indemnification.
    1726.256-1726.299  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart I--RUS Standard Forms
    
    1726.300  List of RUS standard contracting forms for electric 
    systems.
    1726.301  Use of printed forms.
    1726.302  RUS approved forms of contract.
    1726.303  Interest on overdue accounts.
    1726.304-1726.309  [Reserved]
    1726.310  Contractor's bond, RUS Form 168b.
    1726.311  Contractor's bond, RUS Form 168c.
    1726.312  Construction contract amendment, RUS Form 180.
    1726.313  Certificate of completion, contract construction for 
    buildings, RUS Form 181.
    1726.314  Certificate of completion, contract construction, RUS Form 
    187.
    1726.315  Equipment contract, RUS Form 198.
    1726.316-1726.319  [Reserved]
    1726.320  Construction contract, generating, RUS Form 200.
    1726.321  Right-of-way clearing contract, RUS Form 201.
    1726.322  Transmission system right-of-way clearing contract, RUS 
    Form 203.
    1726.323  Certificate (Buy America), RUS Form 213.
    1726.324  Waiver and release of lien, RUS Form 224.
    1726.325  Certificate of contractor, RUS Form 231.
    1726.326  Construction or equipment contract amendment, RUS Form 
    238.
    1726.327  Material receipt, RUS Form 251.
    1726.328  Construction inventory (for labor and material contract), 
    RUS Form 254.
    1726.329  Contract to construction buildings, RUS Form 257.
    1726.330  [Reserved]
    1726.331  Bid bond, RUS Form 307.
    1726.332-1726.339  [Reserved]
    1726.340  Substation and switching station erection contract, RUS 
    Form 764.
    1726.341  Electric system communications and control equipment 
    contract, RUS Form 786.
    1726.342  Distribution line extension construction contract (labor 
    and materials), RUS Form 790.
    1726.343  Distribution line extension construction contract (labor 
    only), RUS Form 792.
    1726.344  [Reserved]
    1726.345  Certificate of contractor and indemnity agreement (line 
    extensions), RUS Form 792b.
    1726.346  Supplemental contract for additional project, RUS Form 
    792c.
    1726.347-1726.350  [Reserved] [[Page 10156]] 
    1726.351  Electric system construction contract (labor and 
    materials), RUS Form 830.
    1726.352  Electric transmission construction contract (labor and 
    materials), RUS Form 831.
    1726.353-1726.399  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart J--Contract Closeout
    
    1726.400  Final contract amendment.
    1726.401  Material contract closeout.
    1726.402  Equipment contract closeout.
    1726.403  Project construction contract closeout.
    1726.404  Non-site specific construction contract closeout.
    1726.405  Inventory of work orders (RUS Form 219).
    
        Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq.; Pub. L. 103-354, 
    108 Stat. 3178 (7 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.).
    
    Subpart A--General
    
    
    Secs. 1726.1-1726.9  [Reserved]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.10  Introduction.
    
        The policies, procedures and requirements included in this part are 
    intended to implement provisions of the standard form of loan documents 
    between the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and its electric borrowers. 
    Unless prior written approval is received from RUS, borrowers are 
    required to comply with RUS policies and procedures as a condition to 
    RUS providing loans, loan guarantees, or reimbursement of general funds 
    for the construction and improvement of electric facilities. 
    Requirements relating to RUS approval of plans and specifications, 
    duties and responsibilities of the engineer and architect, and 
    engineering and architectural services contracts, are contained in 
    other RUS regulations. The terms ``RUS form'', ``RUS standard form'', 
    ``RUS specification'', ``and RUS bulletin'' have the same meanings as 
    the terms ``REA form'', ``REA standard form'', ``REA specification'', 
    ``and REA bulletin'', respectively, unless otherwise noted.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.11  Purpose.
    
        Each borrower is responsible for the planning, design, 
    construction, operation and maintenance of its electric system. RUS, as 
    a secured lender, has a legitimate interest in accomplishing RUS's 
    programmatic objectives, and in assuring that the costs of 
    construction, materials, and equipment are reasonable and economical 
    and that the property securing the loans is constructed adequately to 
    serve the purposes for which it is intended.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.12  Applicability.
    
        The requirements of this part apply to the procurement of materials 
    and equipment for use by electric borrowers in their electric systems 
    and to the construction of their electric systems if such materials, 
    equipment, and construction are financed, in whole or in part, with 
    loans made or guaranteed by RUS, including reimbursable projects. In 
    order for general fund expenditures for procurement or construction to 
    be eligible for reimbursement from loan funds, the borrower must comply 
    with the procedures required by this part. In the case of jointly owned 
    projects, RUS will determine on a case by case basis the applicability 
    of the requirements of this part.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.13  Waivers.
    
        The Administrator may waive, for good cause on a case by case 
    basis, certain requirements and procedures of this part. RUS reserves 
    the right, as a condition of providing loans, loan guarantees, or other 
    assistance, to require any borrower to make any specification, 
    contract, or contract amendment subject to the approval of the 
    Administrator.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.14  Definitions.
    
        Terms used in this part have the meanings set forth in 7 CFR 
    1710.2. References to specific RUS forms and other RUS documents, and 
    to specific sections or lines of such forms and documents, shall 
    include the corresponding forms, documents, sections and lines in any 
    subsequent revisions of these forms and documents. In addition to the 
    terms defined in 7 CFR 1710.2, the following terms have the following 
    meanings for the purposes of this part:
        Approval of proposed construction means RUS approval of a 
    construction work plan or other appropriate engineering study and RUS 
    approval, for purposes of system financing, of the completion of all 
    appropriate requirements of part 1794 of this chapter.
        Architect means a registered or licensed person employed by the 
    borrower to provide architectural services for a project and duly 
    authorized assistants and representatives.
        Bona fide bid means a bid which is submitted by a contractor on the 
    borrower's list of qualified bidders for the specific contract, prior 
    to bid opening.
        ``Buy American'' certificate means a certification that the 
    contractor has complied with the ``Buy American'' requirement (see 
    Sec. 1726.15).
        Competitive procurement means procurement of goods or services 
    based on lowest evaluated bid for similar products or services when 
    three or more bids are received.
        Construction unit means a specifically defined portion of a 
    construction project containing materials, labor, or both, for purposes 
    of bidding and payment.
        Contracting committee means the committee consisting of three to 
    five members representing the borrower's management and board of 
    directors and the engineer. The contracting committee represents the 
    borrower during contract clarifying discussions or negotiations under 
    informal competitive bidding or multiparty negotiation, respectively.
        Encumbrance means the process of approval for advance of loans 
    funds by RUS.
        Engineer means a registered or licensed person, who may be a staff 
    employee or an outside consultant, to provide engineering services and 
    duly authorized assistants and representatives.
        Equipment means a major component of an electric system, e.g., a 
    substation transformer, heat exchanger or a transmission structure.
        Force account construction means construction performed by the 
    borrower's employees.
        Formal competitive bidding means the competitive procurement 
    procedure wherein bidders submit sealed proposals for furnishing the 
    goods or services stipulated in the specification. Bids are publicly 
    opened and read at a predetermined time and place. If a contract is 
    awarded, it must be to the lowest evaluated responsive bidder (see 
    Sec. 1726.201).
        Goods or services means materials, equipment, or construction, or 
    any combination thereof.
        Informal competitive bidding means the competitive procurement 
    procedure which provides for private opening of bids and allows 
    clarifying discussions between the contracting committee and the 
    bidders. During the clarifying discussions any exceptions to the bid 
    documents must be eliminated, or the bid rejected, so that the contract 
    is awarded to the lowest evaluated responsive bidder (see 
    Sec. 1726.202).
        Material means miscellaneous hardware which is combined with 
    equipment to form an electric system, e.g., poles, insulators, or 
    conductors.
        Minor error or irregularity means a defect or variation in a bid 
    that is a matter of form and not of substance. Errors or irregularities 
    are ``minor'' if they can be corrected or waived without being 
    prejudicial to other bidders and when they do not affect the price, 
    quantity, quality, or timeliness of construction. A minor error or 
    [[Page 10157]] irregularity is not an exception for purposes of 
    determining whether a bid is responsive.
        Minor modification or improvement means a project where the cost is 
    less than $50,000, exclusive of the cost of owner furnished materials.
        Multiparty lump sum quotations means the procurement of goods or 
    services on a lump sum basis, based on the lowest evaluated offering, 
    when three or more offers are received. (See Sec. 1726.205).
        Multiparty negotiation means the procurement procedure where three 
    or more bids are received and provides for negotiations between the 
    contracting committee and each bidder to determine the bid which is in 
    the borrower's best interest (see Sec. 1726.203).
        Multiparty unit price quotations means the procurement of goods or 
    services on a unit price basis, based on the lowest evaluated offering, 
    when three or more offers are received (See Sec. 1726.204).
        Net utility plant (NUP) means Part C, Line 5 of RUS Form 7 for 
    distribution borrowers or Section B, Line 5 of RUS Form 12a for power 
    supply borrowers for the immediately preceding calendar year.
        Procurement method means a procedure, including, but not limited 
    to, those in subpart G of this part, that a borrower uses to obtain 
    goods and services.
        Owner furnished materials means materials or equipment or both 
    supplied by the borrower for installation by the contractor.
        Responsive bid means a bid with no exceptions or non-minor errors 
    or irregularities on any technical requirement or in the contract terms 
    and conditions.
        RUS approval means written approval by the Administrator or a 
    representative with delegated authority. RUS approval must be in 
    writing, except in emergency situations where RUS approval may be given 
    over the telephone followed by a confirming letter.
        Unit prices means individual prices for specific construction units 
    defined in accordance with RUS approved units specified in RUS standard 
    contract forms.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.15  ``Buy American''.
    
        The borrower must ensure that all materials and equipment financed 
    with loans made or guaranteed by RUS complies with the ``Buy American'' 
    provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 903 
    note), as amended by the North American Free Trade Agreement 
    Implementation Act (107 Stat 2129). When a ``Buy American'' certificate 
    is required by this part, this must be on RUS Form 213.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.16  Debarment and suspension.
    
        Borrowers are required to comply with certain requirements on 
    debarment and suspension in connection with procurement activities as 
    set forth in part 3017 of this title, particularly with respect to 
    lower tier transactions, e.g., procurement contracts for goods or 
    services.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.17  Restrictions on lobbying.
    
        Borrowers are required to comply with certain restrictions and 
    requirements in connection with procurement activities as set forth in 
    part 3018 of this title.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.18  Preloan contracting.
    
        Borrowers must consult with RUS prior to entering into any contract 
    for material, equipment, or construction if a construction work plan, 
    general funds, loan or loan guarantee for the proposed work has not 
    been approved. While the RUS staff will work with the borrower in such 
    circumstances, nothing contained in this part is to be construed as 
    authorizing borrowers to enter into any contract before the 
    availability of funds has been ascertained by the borrower and all the 
    requirements of part 1794 of this chapter, Environmental Policies and 
    Procedures for Electric and Telephone Borrowers, have been fulfilled.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.19  Use of competitive procurement.
    
        RUS borrowers' procurement is not subject to the provisions of the 
    Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1); however, since 
    borrowers receive the benefit of Federal financial assistance borrowers 
    must use competitive procurement to the greatest extent practical. The 
    borrower must use competitive procurement for obtaining all goods or 
    services when a RUS loan or loan guarantee is involved except:
        (a) As specifically provided for in subparts B through F of this 
    part; or
        (b) A waiver is granted.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.20  Standards and specifications.
    
        All materials, equipment, and construction must meet the minimum 
    requirements of all applicable RUS standards and specifications. (See 
    Part 1728, Electric Standards and Specifications for Materials and 
    Construction, of this chapter, which is applicable regardless of the 
    source of funding.)
    
    
    Sec. 1726.21  New materials.
    
        The borrower shall purchase only new materials and equipment unless 
    otherwise approved by RUS, on a case by case basis, prior to the 
    purchase.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.22  Methods of construction.
    
        The borrower is generally responsible for determining whether 
    construction will be by contract or force account. If construction is 
    by contract, the borrower must determine whether materials will be 
    supplied by the contractor or will be furnished by the borrower. RUS 
    reserves the right to require contract construction in lieu of force 
    account construction on a case by case basis.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.23  Qualification of bidders.
    
        (a) Qualified bidder list (QBL). The borrower shall (acting through 
    its engineer, if applicable) review the qualifications of prospective 
    bidders for contract construction and for material and equipment 
    procurement, and select firms qualified for inclusion on the borrower's 
    list of qualified bidders for each contract. (See also Sec. 1726.16 and 
    Sec. 1726.17.) A bid may not be solicited from a prospective bidder or 
    opened by the borrower unless that bidder has been determined to be a 
    qualified bidder for the contract. When preparing the QBL, in addition 
    to the actual experience of the borrower, if any, in dealing with a 
    prospective bidder, the borrower may solicit information from that 
    bidder or from other parties with firsthand experience regarding the 
    firm's capabilities and experience. It is also important to consider 
    the firm's performance record, safety record, and similar factors in 
    determining whether to include that firm on the QBL, since the borrower 
    may not evaluate these factors when evaluating a bid from a qualified 
    and invited bidder.
        (b) Conflict of interest. If there is a relationship between the 
    borrower or engineer and a prospective bidder which might cause the 
    borrower or engineer to have or appear to have a conflict of interest, 
    that prospective bidder shall not be included on the QBL unless the 
    engineer discloses the nature of the relationship to the borrower. In 
    the case of the borrower, if its employees or directors have a 
    relationship with a prospective bidder, the prospective bidder shall 
    not be included on the qualified bidders list unless the nature of the 
    relationship is disclosed to the board of directors, and the board of 
    directors specifically approves the inclusion of that bidder in light 
    of the potential for a conflict of interest.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.24  Written contracts.
    
        (a) General. Procurement of goods or services must be by written 
    contract or written purchase order. The borrower [[Page 10158]] shall 
    use a RUS Approved Form of Contract for such contracts where required 
    by subparts B through F of this part.
        (b) Amendments to contracts.--(1) Contract forms. The borrower must 
    use RUS Form 180, Construction Contract Amendment, for any change or 
    addition in a distribution line construction contract. The borrower 
    must use RUS Form 238, Construction or Equipment Contract Amendment, 
    for any change or addition in any other contract for construction, or 
    for materials or equipment.
        (2) Special considerations. Each time an amendment to a 
    construction contract is executed, the borrower must ensure that 
    contractor's bond is adequate, that all necessary licenses and permits 
    have been obtained, and that any environmental requirements associated 
    with the proposed construction have been met.
        (3) Amendment approval requirements. (i) If a RUS approved form of 
    contract is required by this part, an amendment must not alter the 
    terms and conditions of the RUS approved form of contract without prior 
    RUS approval.
        (ii) The borrower must make a contract amendment subject to RUS 
    approval if the underlying contract was made subject to RUS approval 
    and the total amended contract price exceeds 120 percent of the 
    original contract price (excluding any escalation provision contained 
    in the contract).
        (iii) Contract amendments, except as provided in paragraph 
    (b)(3)(ii) of this section, are not subject to RUS approval and need 
    not be submitted to RUS unless specifically requested by RUS on a case 
    by case basis.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.25  Subcontracts.
    
        The contractor or supplier may use RUS Form 282, Subcontract, for 
    subcontracts on construction, material or equipment contracts. 
    Subcontracts are not subject to RUS approval and need not be submitted 
    to RUS unless specifically requested by RUS on a case by case basis.
    
    
    Secs. 1726.26-1726.34  [Reserved]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.35  Submission of documents to RUS.
    
        (a) Where to send documents. Documents required to be submitted to 
    RUS under this part are to be sent to the office of the borrower's 
    respective RUS Regional Director, the Power Supply Division Director, 
    or such other office of RUS as designated by RUS (see part 1700 of this 
    chapter.)
        (b) Borrower certification. When a borrower certification is 
    required by this part, it must be made by the borrower's manager unless 
    the board of directors specifically authorizes another person to make 
    the required certification. In such case, a certified copy of the 
    specific authorizing resolution must accompany the document or be on 
    file with RUS.
        (c) Contracts requiring RUS approval. The borrower shall submit to 
    RUS three copies of each contract that is subject to RUS approval under 
    subparts B through F of this part. At least one copy of each contract 
    must be an original signed in ink (i.e., no facsimile signature). Each 
    contract submittal must be accompanied by:
        (1) A bid tabulation and evaluation and, if applicable, a written 
    recommendation of the architect or engineer.
        (2) For awards made under the informal competitive bidding 
    procedure or the multiparty negotiation procedure, a written 
    recommendation of the contracting committee (See Secs. 1726.202 and 
    1726.203).
        (3) Three copies of an executed contractor's bond on RUS approved 
    bond forms as required in the contract form (at least one copy of which 
    must be an original signed in ink) and one copy of the bid bond or 
    facsimile of the certified check.
        (4) A certification by the borrower or chairperson of the 
    contracting committee, as applicable, that the appropriate bidding 
    procedures were followed as required by this part.
        (5) A certified copy of the board resolution awarding the contract.
        (6) Evidence of clear title to the site for substations and 
    headquarters construction contracts, if not previously submitted.
        (7) Documentation that all reasonable measures were taken to assure 
    competition if fewer than three bids were received.
        (d) Contract amendments requiring RUS approval. The borrower must 
    submit to RUS three copies of each contract amendment (at least one 
    copy of which must be an original signed in ink) which is subject to 
    RUS approval under Sec. 1726.24(b). Each contract amendment submittal 
    to RUS must be accompanied by:
        (1) A certified copy of the board resolution approving the 
    amendment; and
        (2) A bond extension, where necessary.
        (e) Encumbrance of loan or loan guarantee funds. (1) For contracts 
    subject to RUS approval, the submittals required under paragraph (c) of 
    this section will initiate RUS action to encumber loan or loan 
    guarantee funds for such contracts.
        (2) For contracts not subject to RUS approval (except for 
    generation projects), loan or loan guarantee funds will normally be 
    encumbered using RUS Form 219, Inventory of Work Orders, after closeout 
    of the contracts. In cases where the borrower can show good cause for a 
    need for immediate cash, the borrower may request encumbrance of loan 
    or loan guarantee funds based on submittal of a copy of the executed 
    contract, provided it meets all applicable RUS requirements.
        (3) For generation project contracts not subject to RUS approval, 
    the borrower must submit to RUS the following documentation:
        (i) A brief description of the scope of the contract, including 
    contract identification (name, number, etc.);
        (ii) Contract date;
        (iii) Contractor's name;
        (iv) Contract amount;
        (v) Bidding procedure used;
        (vi) Borrower certification that:
        (A) The board of directors approved the contract;
        (B) The bidding procedures and contract award for each contract 
    were in conformance with the requirements of Part 1726, Electric System 
    Construction Policies and Procedures;
        (C) If a RUS approved form of contract is required by this part, 
    the terms and conditions of the RUS approved form of contract have not 
    been altered;
        (D) If RUS has approved plans and specifications for the contract, 
    the contract was awarded on the basis of those plans and 
    specifications; and
        (E) No restriction has been placed on the borrower's right to 
    assign the contract to RUS or its successors.
        (4) Contract amendments. (i) For amendments subject to RUS 
    approval, the submittals required under paragraph (c) of this section 
    will initiate RUS action to encumber loan or loan guarantee funds for 
    contract amendments requiring RUS approval.
        (ii) For amendments not subject to RUS approval (except generation 
    projects), loan or loan guarantee funds will normally be encumbered 
    using RUS Form 219, Inventory of Work Orders, after closeout of the 
    contracts. In cases where the borrower can justify a need for immediate 
    cash, the borrower may request encumbrance of loan or loan guarantee 
    funds based on submittal of a copy of the executed amendment, providing 
    it meets all applicable RUS requirements.
        (iii) For each generation project contract amendment not subject to 
    RUS approval, the borrower must submit to RUS the following information 
    and documentation:
        (A) The contract name and number; [[Page 10159]] 
        (B) The amendment number;
        (C) The amendment date;
        (D) The dollar amount of the increase or the decrease of the 
    amendment;
        (E) Borrower certification that:
        (1) The amendment was approved in accordance with the policy of the 
    board of directors (the borrower must ensure that RUS has a certified 
    copy of the board resolution establishing such policy);
        (2) If a RUS approved form of contract is required by this part, 
    the terms and conditions of the RUS approved form of contract has not 
    been altered; and
        (3) No restriction has been placed on the borrower's right to 
    assign the contract to RUS or its successors.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.36  Documents subject to RUS approval.
    
        Unless otherwise indicated, the borrower shall make all contracts 
    and amendments that are subject to RUS approval effective only upon RUS 
    approval.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.37  OMB control number.
    
        The collection of information requirements in this part have been 
    approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned OMB 
    control number 0572-0107.
    
    
    Secs. 1726.38-1726.49  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart B--Distribution Facilities
    
    
    Sec. 1726.50  Distribution line materials and equipment.
    
        (a) Contract forms. (1) The borrower shall use RUS Form 198, 
    Equipment Contract, for purchases of equipment where the total cost of 
    the contract is $500,000 or more.
        (2) The borrower may, in its discretion, use RUS Form 173, 
    Materials Contract, RUS Form 198, Equipment Contract, or a written 
    purchase order for purchases of equipment of less than $500,000 and for 
    all materials.
        (b) Standards and specifications. Distribution line materials and 
    equipment must meet the minimum requirements of RUS standards as 
    determined in accordance with the provisions of part 1728 of this 
    chapter, Electric Standards and Specifications for Materials and 
    Construction. The borrower must obtain RUS approval prior to purchasing 
    any unlisted distribution line material or equipment of the types 
    listed in accordance with the provisions of part 1728 of this chapter.
        (c) Procurement procedures. It is the responsibility of each 
    borrower to determine the procurement method that best meets its needs 
    for the purchase of material and equipment to be used in distribution 
    line construction.
        (d) Contract approval. Contracts for purchases of distribution line 
    materials and equipment are not subject to RUS approval and need not be 
    submitted to RUS unless specifically requested by RUS on a case by case 
    basis.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.51  Distribution line construction.
    
        (a) Contract forms. The borrower must use RUS Form 201, 790, 792, 
    or 830, as outlined in this paragraph (a), for distribution line 
    construction, except for minor modifications or improvements.
        (1) The borrower may use RUS Form 790, Distribution Line Extension 
    Construction Contract (Labor and Materials), or RUS Form 792, 
    Distribution Line Extension Construction Contract (Labor only) under 
    the following circumstances:
        (i) For contracts for which the borrower supplies all materials and 
    equipment; or
        (ii) For non-site specific construction contracts accounted for 
    under the work order procedure; or
        (iii) If neither paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (a)(1)(ii) of this section 
    are applicable, the borrower may use RUS Form 790 or 792 for contracts, 
    up to a cumulative total of $250,000 or one percent of NUP, whichever 
    is greater, per calendar year of distribution line construction, 
    exclusive of the cost of owner furnished materials and equipment
        (2) The borrower must use RUS Form 830, Electric System 
    Construction Contract (Labor and Materials), for all other distribution 
    line construction. Where distribution lines are being constructed 
    incidental to transmission line construction, the borrower must use RUS 
    Form 831, Electric Transmission Construction Contract.
        (3) The borrower must use RUS Form 201, Right-of-Way Clearing 
    Contract, for new distribution line construction right-of-way clearing 
    when done separately from work performed under RUS Form 830.
        (b) Procurement procedures. (1) It is the responsibility of each 
    borrower to determine the procurement method that best meets its needs 
    to award contracts in amounts of up to a cumulative total of $250,000 
    or one percent of NUP, whichever is greater, per calendar year of 
    distribution line construction (including minor modifications or 
    improvements), exclusive of the cost of owner furnished materials and 
    equipment.
        (2) In addition to the cumulative total stipulated in paragraph 
    (b)(1) of this section, a borrower may use Multiparty Unit Price 
    Quotations to award contracts in amounts of up to a cumulative total of 
    $350,000 or 1.5 percent of NUP, whichever is greater, per calendar year 
    of distribution line construction (including minor modifications or 
    improvements), exclusive of the cost of owner furnished materials and 
    equipment.
        (3) The borrower shall use formal competitive bidding for all other 
    distribution line contract construction. The amount of contracts bid 
    using the formal competitive bidding procedure do not apply to the 
    cumulative total stipulated in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
        (4) An amendment which increases the scope of the contract by 
    adding a project is not considered competitively bid, therefore, the 
    amount of that amendment does apply to the cumulative total stipulated 
    in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
        (c) Contract approval. Contracts for distribution line construction 
    are not subject to RUS approval and need not be submitted to RUS unless 
    specifically requested by RUS on a case by case basis.
    
    
    Secs. 1726.52-1726.74  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart C--Substation and Transmission Facilities
    
    
    Sec. 1726.75  General.
    
        As used in this part, ``substations'' includes substations, 
    switching stations, metering points, and similar facilities.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.76  Substation and transmission line materials and equipment.
    
        (a) Contract forms. (1) The borrower must use RUS Form 198, 
    Equipment Contract, for purchases of equipment where the total cost of 
    the contract is $500,000 or more.
        (2) The borrower may, in its discretion, use RUS Form 173, 
    Materials Contract, RUS Form 198, Equipment Contract, or a written 
    purchase order for purchases of equipment of less than $500,000 and for 
    all materials.
        (b) Standards and specifications. Substation and transmission line 
    materials and equipment must meet the minimum requirements of RUS 
    standards as determined in accordance with the provisions of part 1728 
    of this chapter, Electric Standards and Specifications for Materials 
    and Construction. The borrower must obtain RUS approval prior to 
    purchasing of any unlisted substation or transmission line material or 
    equipment of the types listed in accordance with the provisions of part 
    1728 of this chapter.
        (c) Procurement procedures. It is the responsibility of each 
    borrower to determine the procurement method that best meets its needs 
    for purchase of material and equipment to be used in 
    [[Page 10160]] substation and transmission line construction.
        (d) Contract approval. Contracts for purchases of substation and 
    transmission line materials and equipment are not subject to RUS 
    approval and need not be submitted to RUS unless specifically requested 
    by RUS on a case by case basis.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.77  Substation and transmission line construction.
    
        (a) Contract forms. (1) The borrower must use RUS Form 764, 
    Substation Erection Contract, for construction of substations, except 
    for minor modifications or improvements. The borrower must use RUS Form 
    831, Electric Transmission Construction Contract for projects where 
    substations are incidental to transmission line construction and are to 
    be constructed under the same contract.
        (2) The borrower must use RUS Form 831, Electric Transmission 
    Construction Contract, for construction of transmission lines (except 
    for minor modifications or improvements).
        (3) The borrower must use RUS Form 203, Transmission System Right-
    of-Way Clearing Contract, for new transmission line construction right-
    of-way clearing when right-of-way clearing is performed separately from 
    work performed under RUS Form 831.
        (b) Procurement procedures. (1) It is the responsibility of each 
    borrower to determine the procurement method that best meets its needs 
    to award contracts not requiring RUS approval in amounts of up to a 
    cumulative total of $250,000 or one percent of NUP (not to exceed 
    $2,000,000), whichever is greater, per calendar year of substation and 
    transmission line construction (including minor modifications or 
    improvements), exclusive of the cost of owner furnished materials and 
    equipment.
        (2) The borrower shall use formal competitive bidding for all other 
    contract construction, including all contracts requiring RUS approval. 
    The amount of contracts bid using the formal competitive bidding 
    procedure do not apply to the cumulative total stipulated in paragraph 
    (b)(1) of this section.
        (3) An amendment which increases the scope of the contract by 
    adding a project is not considered competitively bid, therefore, the 
    amount of that amendment does apply to the cumulative total stipulated 
    in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
        (c) Contract approval. Individual contracts in amounts of $250,000 
    or more or one percent of NUP (not to exceed $500,000 for distribution 
    borrowers or $1,500,000 for power supply borrowers), whichever is 
    greater, exclusive of the cost of owner furnished materials and 
    equipment, are subject to RUS approval.
    
    
    Secs. 1726.78-1726.124  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart D--Generation Facilities
    
    
    Sec. 1726.125  Generating plant facilities.
    
        This section covers the construction of all portions of a 
    generating plant, including plant buildings and the generator step-up 
    transformer. Generally, the transmission switchyard will be covered 
    under this section during initial construction of the plant. Subpart C 
    of this part covers subsequent modifications to transmission 
    switchyards. Warehouses and equipment service type buildings are 
    covered under subpart E of this part.
        (a) Contract forms. (1) The borrower must use RUS Form 198, 
    Equipment Contract, for the purchase of generating plant equipment in 
    the amount of $1,500,000 or more and for any generating plant equipment 
    contract requiring RUS approval.
        (2) The borrower must use RUS Form 200, Construction Contract--
    Generating, for generating project construction contracts in the amount 
    of $1,500,000 or more and for any generating project construction 
    contract requiring RUS approval.
        (3) The borrower may, in its discretion, use other contract or 
    written purchase order forms for those contracts in amounts of less 
    than $1,500,000 and that do not require RUS approval.
        (b) Plans and specifications. The borrower shall obtain RUS 
    approval of the plans and specifications for generating plant equipment 
    prior to issuing invitations to bid for any contract subject to RUS 
    approval as determined under this subpart and for any contract for 
    generating plant equipment or construction which will cost $1,500,000 
    or more. Plans and specifications for other equipment and construction 
    contracts do not require RUS approval and need not be submitted to RUS 
    unless specifically requested by RUS on a case by case basis.
        (c) Procurement procedures. (1) It is the responsibility of each 
    borrower to determine the procurement method that best meets its needs 
    to award contracts in amounts of less than $1,500,000 each.
        (2) If the amount of the contract is $1,500,000 or more or if the 
    contract requires RUS approval, the borrower must use formal or 
    informal competitive bidding to award the contract.
        (3) Where formal or informal competitive bidding is not applicable, 
    or does not result in a responsive bid, multiparty negotiation may be 
    used only after RUS approval is obtained.
        (d) Contract approval. During the early stages of generating plant 
    design or project design, RUS will, in consultation with the borrower 
    and its consulting engineer, identify the specific contracts which 
    require RUS approval based on information supplied in the plant design 
    manual. The following are typical contracts for each type of generating 
    project which will require RUS approval. Although engineering services 
    are not covered by this part, they are listed in this paragraph (d) to 
    emphasize that RUS approval is required for all major generating 
    station engineering service contracts in accordance with applicable RUS 
    rules. For types of projects not shown, such as nuclear and alternate 
    energy projects, RUS will identify the specific contracts which will 
    require RUS approval on a case by case basis.
        (1) Fossil generating stations. Engineering services, steam 
    generator, turbine generator, flue gas desulfurization system, 
    particulate removal system, electric wiring and control systems, 
    mechanical equipment installation (including turbine installation and 
    plant piping), power plant building (foundation and superstructure), 
    site preparation, coal unloading and handling facilities, main step-up 
    substation, cooling towers, and dams or reservoirs.
        (2) Diesel and combustion turbine plants. Engineering services, 
    prime mover and generator, building (foundation and superstructure), 
    and electrical control systems.
        (3) Hydro installations. Engineering services, turbine/generator, 
    civil works and powerhouse construction, electrical control system, and 
    mechanical installation.
    
    
    Secs. 1726.126-1726.149  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart E--Buildings
    
    
    Sec. 1726.150  Headquarters buildings.
    
        This section includes headquarters buildings such as warehouses and 
    equipment service type buildings. Generating plant buildings are 
    covered under subpart D of this part.
        (a) Contract forms. The borrower must use RUS Form 257, Contract to 
    Construct Buildings, for all contracts for construction of new 
    headquarters facilities, and additions to, or modifications of existing 
    headquarters facilities (except for minor modifications or 
    improvements).
        (b) Procurement procedures. A borrower may use Multiparty Lump 
    [[Page 10161]] Sum Quotations to award contracts in amounts of up to a 
    cumulative total of $250,000 or one percent of NUP (not to exceed 
    $1,000,000), whichever is greater, per calendar year of headquarters 
    construction (including minor modifications or improvements.) The 
    borrower must use formal competitive bidding for all other headquarters 
    contract construction.
        (c) Contract approval. Contracts for headquarters construction are 
    not subject to RUS approval and need not be submitted to RUS unless 
    specifically requested by RUS on a case by case basis.
    
    
    Secs. 1726.151-1726.174  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart F--General Plant
    
    
    Sec. 1726.175  General plant materials.
    
        This section covers items such as office furniture and equipment; 
    transportation equipment and accessories, including mobile radio 
    systems, stores and shop equipment, laboratory equipment, tools and 
    test equipment.
        (a) Contract forms. The borrower may, in its discretion, use RUS 
    Form 173, Material Contract, RUS Form 198, Equipment Contract, or a 
    written purchase order.
        (b) Procurement procedures. It is the responsibility of each 
    borrower to determine the procurement method that best meets its needs 
    for purchase of general plant material and equipment.
        (c) Contract approval. Contracts for the purchase of general plant 
    items are not subject to RUS approval and need not be submitted to RUS 
    unless specifically requested by RUS on a case by case basis.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.176  Communications and control facilities.
    
        This section covers the purchase of microwave and power line 
    carrier communications systems, load control, and supervisory control 
    and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. Mobile radio systems are covered 
    as general plant materials in Sec. 1726.175.
        (a) Power line carrier systems. Power line carrier equipment will 
    frequently be purchased as part of a substation and will be included in 
    the complete substation plans and specifications. When purchased in 
    this manner, the requirements of subpart C of this part, Substation and 
    Transmission Facilities, will apply. If obtained under a contract for 
    only a power line carrier system, the requirements of paragraph (b) of 
    this section apply.
        (b) Load control systems, communications systems, and SCADA 
    systems--(1) Contract forms. The borrower must use RUS Form 786, 
    Electric System Communication and Control Equipment Contract. This form 
    may be modified to be a ``purchase only'' contract form.
        (2) Procurement procedures. (i) It is the responsibility of each 
    borrower to determine the procurement method that best meets its needs 
    to award contracts not requiring RUS approval in amounts of up to a 
    cumulative total of $250,000 or one percent of NUP (not to exceed 
    $2,000,000), whichever is greater, per calendar year of communications 
    and control facilities construction (including minor modifications or 
    improvements.), exclusive of the cost of owner furnished materials and 
    equipment.
        (ii) The borrower must use multiparty negotiation for all other 
    communications and control facilities contract construction, including 
    all contracts requiring RUS approval. The amount of contracts bid using 
    the multiparty negotiation procedure do not apply to the cumulative 
    total stipulated in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section.
        (iii) An amendment which increases the scope by adding a project is 
    not considered competitively bid, therefore, the amount of that 
    amendment does apply to the cumulative total stipulated in paragraph 
    (b)(2)(i) of this section.
        (3) Contract approval. Individual contracts in amounts of $250,000 
    or more or one percent of NUP (not to exceed $500,000 for distribution 
    borrowers or $1,500,000 for power supply borrowers), whichever is 
    greater, exclusive of the cost of owner furnished materials and 
    equipment, are subject to RUS approval.
    
    
    Secs. 1726.177-1726.199  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart G--Procurement Procedures
    
    
    Sec. 1726.200  General requirements.
    
        The borrower must use the procedures described in this subpart 
    where such procedures are required under subparts B through F of this 
    part. The borrower must ensure that arrangements prior to announcement 
    of the award of the contract are such that all bidders are treated 
    fairly and no bidder is given an unfair advantage over other bidders.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.201  Formal competitive bidding.
    
        Formal competitive bidding is used for distribution, transmission, 
    and headquarters facilities, and may be used for generation facilities. 
    The borrower must use the following procedure for formal competitive 
    bidding:
        (a) Selection of qualified bidders. The borrower (acting through 
    its engineer, if applicable) will compile a list of qualified bidders 
    for each proposed contract. The borrower will send invitations to bid 
    only to persons or organizations on its QBL for the specific project 
    (see Sec. 1726.23).
        (b) Invitations to bid. The borrower (acting through its engineer, 
    if applicable) is responsible for sending out invitations to 
    prospective bidders, informing them of scheduled bid openings and 
    taking any other action necessary to procure full, free and competitive 
    bidding. The borrower should send out a sufficient number of 
    invitations in order to assure adequate competition and so that at 
    least three bids will be received. Subject to the foregoing criteria, 
    the determination of how many and which bidders will be permitted to 
    bid will be the responsibility of the borrower.
        (c) Evaluation basis. Any factors, other than lowest dollar amount 
    of the bid, which are to be considered in evaluating the proposals of 
    qualified bidders (e.g., power consumption, losses, etc.) must be 
    stated in the ``Notice and Instructions to Bidders.'' The borrower will 
    not evaluate a bidder's performance record, safety record, and similar 
    factors when evaluating a bid from a qualified and invited bidder. Such 
    factors are to be considered when determining whether to include a 
    particular bidder on the qualified bidders list.
        (d) Handling of bids received. The borrower or the engineer, as 
    applicable, will indicate, in writing, the date and time of receipt by 
    the borrower or the engineer on the outside envelope of each bid and 
    all letters and other transmittals amending or modifying the bids. Any 
    bid received at the designated location after the time specified must 
    be returned to the bidder unopened.
        (e) Bid openings. Bid openings are generally conducted by the 
    engineer in the presence of bidders and a representative of the 
    borrower and the borrower's attorney. Each bona fide bid must be opened 
    publicly and reviewed for any irregularities, errors, or exceptions. It 
    must be verified that any addendum or supplement to the specification 
    has been acknowledged by the bidder. The adequacy of bid bonds or 
    certified checks must be verified at this time.
        (f) Conditions affecting acceptability of bids. The borrower must 
    take the following specified action if any of the following exist:
        (1) Fewer than three bona fide bids received. If fewer than three 
    bona fide bids are received for the contract project, the borrower must 
    determine that all reasonable measures have been taken to assure 
    competition prior to awarding the contract. This 
    [[Page 10162]] determination must be documented and such documentation 
    submitted to RUS where required by subpart A of this part. The borrower 
    may, however, elect to reject all bids, make changes in the 
    specification or the qualified bidders list or both and invite new 
    bids.
        (2) Significant error or ambiguity in the specification. If a 
    significant error or ambiguity in the specification is found which 
    could result in the bidders having varying interpretations of the 
    requirements of the bid, the borrower must either issue an addendum to 
    each prospective bidder correcting the error or ambiguity before bids 
    are received, or reject all bids and correct the specification. If a 
    significant error or ambiguity in the specification is discovered after 
    the bids are opened, the borrower must reject all bids, correct the 
    specification and invite new bids.
        (3) Minor errors or omissions in the specification. If minor errors 
    or omissions in the specification are found, the borrower must issue an 
    addendum to each prospective bidder correcting the error or omission 
    prior to opening any bids. After bid opening, the error or omission 
    must be corrected in the executed contract.
        (4) Minor errors or irregularities in bid. The borrower may waive 
    minor errors or irregularities in any bid, if the borrower determines 
    that such minor errors or irregularities were made through 
    inadvertence. Any such minor errors or irregularities so waived must be 
    corrected on the bid in which they occur prior to the acceptance 
    thereof by the borrower.
        (5) Non-minor error or irregularity in bid. If a bid contains a 
    non-minor error or irregularity, the bid must be rejected and the bid 
    price must not be disclosed.
        (6) Unbalanced bid. If a bid contains disproportionate prices 
    between labor and materials or between various construction units, the 
    borrower may reject the bid.
        (7) No acceptable price quoted. If none of the bidders quote an 
    acceptable price, the borrower may reject all bids.
        (g) Evaluating bids. The borrower (acting through the engineer, if 
    applicable) must conduct the evaluation of bids on the basis of the 
    criteria set out in the ``Notice and Instructions to Bidders.'' The 
    contract, if awarded, must be awarded to the bidder with the lowest 
    evaluated responsive bid.
        (h) Announcement of bids. If possible, the borrower will announce 
    bids at the bid opening. However, where extensive evaluation is 
    required, the borrower may elect to adjourn and make formal written 
    announcement to all bidders at a later time. Any discrepancy in a 
    rejected bid must be indicated in the bid announcement.
        (i) Award of contract. Upon completion of the bid evaluations and 
    based upon the findings and recommendations of the borrower's 
    management and engineer, the borrower's board of directors will either:
        (1) Resolve to award the contract to the lowest evaluated 
    responsive bidder; or
        (2) Reject all bids.
        (j) Certification by the borrower and its engineer. The borrower 
    shall certify and the engineer shall certify as follows: ``The 
    procedures for formal competitive bidding, as described in 7 CFR 
    1726.201, were followed in awarding this contract.'' The certification 
    executed by and on behalf of the borrower and its engineer shall be 
    submitted to RUS in writing where required by subpart A of this part.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.202  Informal competitive bidding.
    
        Informal competitive bidding may be used for equipment purchases 
    and generation construction. The borrower must use the following 
    procedure for informal competitive bidding:
        (a) Selection of qualified bidders. The borrower (acting through 
    its engineer, if applicable) will compile a list of qualified bidders 
    for each proposed contract. The borrower will send invitations to bid 
    only to persons or organizations on its qualified bidder list for the 
    specific project (see Sec. 1726.23).
        (b) Invitations to bid. The borrower (acting through its engineer, 
    if applicable) is responsible for sending out invitations to 
    prospective bidders, informing them of scheduled bid openings and any 
    other action necessary to procure full, free and competitive bidding. 
    In any event, however, sufficient invitations need to be sent out to 
    assure competition and that at least three bids will be received. 
    Subject to the criteria in the preceding sentence, the determination of 
    how many and which bidders will be permitted to bid will be the 
    responsibility of the borrower.
        (c) Notice and instructions to bidders. The borrower must indicate 
    in the ``Notice and Instructions to Bidders'' section of the bid 
    documents that bids will be opened privately. The borrower may elect to 
    conduct clarifying discussions with the bidders. If such clarifying 
    discussions are held, at least the three apparent low evaluated bidders 
    must be given an equal opportunity to resolve any questions related to 
    the substance of the bidder's proposal and to arrive at a final price 
    for a responsive bid.
        (d) Evaluation basis. Any factors, other than lowest dollar amount 
    of the bid, which are to be considered in evaluating the proposals of 
    qualified bidders (e.g., power consumption, losses, etc.) must be 
    stated in the ``Notice and Instructions to Bidders.'' The borrower will 
    not evaluate a bidder's performance record, safety record, and similar 
    factors when evaluating a bid from a qualified and invited bidder. Such 
    factors are to be considered when determining whether to include a 
    particular bidder on the qualified bidders list.
        (e) Handling of bids received. The borrower or the engineer, as 
    applicable, will indicate, in writing, the date and time of receipt by 
    the borrower or the engineer on the outside envelope of each bid and 
    all letters and other transmittals amending or modifying the bids. Any 
    bid received at the designated location after the time specified must 
    be returned to the bidder unopened.
        (f) Bid opening. The contracting committee will conduct the bid 
    opening in private. The contracting committee will open each bona fide 
    bid which has been received prior to the deadline, and review it for 
    any irregularities, errors, or exceptions. It must be verified that any 
    addendum to the specification has been acknowledged by each bidder. The 
    adequacy of bid bonds or certified checks must also be verified.
        (g) Conditions affecting acceptability of bids. The borrower must 
    take the following specified action if any of the following exist:
        (1) Fewer than three bona fide bids received. If fewer than three 
    bona fide bids are received for the contract project, the borrower must 
    determine that all reasonable measures have been taken to assure 
    competition prior to awarding the contract. This determination must be 
    documented and such documentation submitted to RUS where required by 
    subpart A of this part. The borrower may, however, elect to reject all 
    bids, make changes in the specification or the qualified bidders list 
    or both and invite new bids.
        (2) Significant error or ambiguity in the specification. If a 
    significant error or ambiguity in the specification is found which 
    could result in the bidders having varying interpretations of the 
    requirements of the bid, the borrower must either issue an addendum to 
    each prospective bidder correcting the error or ambiguity before bids 
    are received, or reject all bids and correct the specification. If a 
    significant error or ambiguity in the specification is discovered after 
    the bids are opened, the borrower must reject all bids, correct the 
    specification and invite new bids. [[Page 10163]] 
        (h) Clarification of proposals. The contracting committee may elect 
    not to hold any clarifying discussions and recommend awarding the 
    contract to the low responsive bidder. Otherwise, the contracting 
    committee must give at least each of the three apparent lowest 
    evaluated bidders an equal opportunity to participate in discussions 
    for the purpose of resolving questions regarding the specification and 
    contract terms and to arrive at a final price. Neither prices of other 
    bids nor relative ranking of any bidder are to be revealed under any 
    circumstances. Such discussions may be held by telephone or similar 
    means provided at least each of the three apparent lowest evaluated 
    bidders have an equal opportunity to participate. Upon completion of 
    the clarifying discussions, the contracting committee will determine 
    the lowest evaluated responsive bid. If no bids are responsive after 
    the contracting committee has completed clarifying discussions, no 
    contract award can be made under the informal bidding procedure.
        (i) Award of the contract. Upon completion of the bid evaluations, 
    the contracting committee will promptly report all findings and 
    recommendations to the borrower's board of directors. The board will 
    either:
        (1) Resolve to award the contract to the lowest evaluated 
    responsive bidder; or
        (2) Reject all bids.
        (j) Certifications by the contracting committee. The chairperson of 
    the contracting committee shall certify as follows: ``The procedures 
    for informal competitive bidding as described in 7 CFR 1726.202 were 
    followed in awarding this contract.'' The certification executed by the 
    chairperson of the contracting committee shall be submitted to RUS in 
    writing where required by subpart A of this part.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.203  Multiparty negotiation.
    
        Multiparty negotiation may only be used where permitted under 
    subpart F of this part or where prior RUS approval has been obtained. 
    The borrower must use the following procedure for multiparty 
    negotiation:
        (a) Selection of qualified bidders. The borrower (acting through 
    its engineer, if applicable) will compile a list of qualified bidders 
    for each proposed contract. The borrower will send invitations to bid 
    only to persons or organizations on its qualified bidder list for the 
    specific project (see Sec. 1726.23).
        (b) Invitations to bid. The borrower (acting through its engineer, 
    if applicable) is responsible for sending out invitations to 
    prospective bidders, informing them of scheduled bid openings and any 
    other action necessary to procure full, free and competitive bidding. 
    In any event, however, sufficient invitations need to be sent out to 
    assure competition and so that at least three bids will be received. 
    Subject to the criteria in the preceding sentence, the determination of 
    how many and which bidders will be permitted to bid will be the 
    responsibility of the borrower.
        (c) Notice and instructions to bidders. The borrower must indicate 
    in the ``Notice and Instructions to Bidders'' section of the bid 
    documents that bids will be opened privately. The borrower may elect to 
    conduct negotiations with the bidders. If such negotiations are held, 
    at least the three apparent low evaluated bidders must be given an 
    equal opportunity to resolve any questions related to the substance of 
    the bidder's proposal and to arrive at a final price.
        (d) Evaluation basis. Any factors, other than lowest dollar amount 
    of the bid, which are to be considered in evaluating the proposals of 
    qualified bidders (e.g., power consumption, losses, etc.) must be 
    stated in the ``Notice and Instructions to Bidders.'' The borrower will 
    not evaluate a bidder's performance record, safety record, and similar 
    factors when evaluating a bid from a qualified and invited bidder. Such 
    factors are to be considered when determining whether to include a 
    particular bidder on the qualified bidders list.
        (e) Handling of bids received. The borrower or the engineer, as 
    applicable, will indicate, in writing, the date and time of receipt by 
    the borrower or the engineer on the outside envelope of each bid and 
    all letters and other transmittals amending or modifying the bids. Any 
    bid received at the designated location after the time specified must 
    be returned to the bidder unopened.
        (f) Bid opening. The contracting committee will conduct the bid 
    opening in private. The contracting committee will open each bona fide 
    bid which has been received prior to the deadline, and review it for 
    any irregularities, errors, or exceptions. It must be verified that any 
    addendum to the specification has been acknowledged by each bidder. The 
    adequacy of bid bonds or certified checks must also be verified.
        (g) Conditions affecting acceptability of bids. The borrower must 
    take the following specified action if any of the following exist:
        (1) Fewer than three bona fide bids received. If fewer than three 
    bona fide bids are received for the contract project, the borrower must 
    determine that all reasonable measures have been taken to assure 
    competition prior to awarding the contract. This determination must be 
    documented and such documentation submitted to RUS where required by 
    subpart A of this part. The borrower may, however, elect to reject all 
    bids, make changes in the specification or the qualified bidders list 
    or both and invite new bids.
        (2) Significant error or ambiguity in the specification. If a 
    significant error or ambiguity in the specification is found which 
    could result in the bidders having varying interpretations of the 
    requirements of the bid, the borrower must either issue an addendum to 
    each prospective bidder correcting the error or ambiguity before bids 
    are received, or reject all bids and correct the specification. If a 
    significant error or ambiguity in the specification is discovered after 
    the bids are opened, the borrower must reject all bids, correct the 
    specification and invite new bids.
        (h) Negotiations. The contracting committee may elect not to hold 
    any negotiations and recommend award of the contract. Otherwise, the 
    contracting committee must give at least each of the three apparent 
    lowest evaluated bidders an equal opportunity to participate in 
    negotiations for the purpose of resolving questions regarding the 
    specification and contract terms and to arrive at a final price. 
    Neither prices of other bids nor relative ranking of any bidder are to 
    be revealed under any circumstances. Such discussions may be held by 
    telephone or similar means provided at least each of the three apparent 
    lowest evaluated bidders have an equal opportunity to participate. Upon 
    completion of the negotiations, the contracting committee will 
    determine the bid that is in the borrower's best interest.
        (i) Award of the contract. Upon completion of the bid evaluations, 
    the contracting committee will promptly report all findings and 
    recommendations to the borrower's board of directors. The board will 
    either:
        (1) Resolve to award the contract to the selected bidder; or
        (2) Reject all bids.
        (j) Certifications by the contracting committee. The chairperson of 
    the contracting committee shall certify as follows: ``The procedures 
    for multiparty negotiation as described in 7 CFR 1726.203 were followed 
    in awarding this contract.'' The certification executed by the 
    chairperson of the contracting committee shall be submitted to RUS in 
    writing where required by subpart A of this part. [[Page 10164]] 
    
    
    Sec. 1726.204  Multiparty unit price quotations.
    
        The borrower or its engineer must contact a sufficient number of 
    suppliers or contractors to assure competition and so that at least 
    three bids will be received. On the basis of written unit price 
    quotations, the borrower will select the supplier or contractor based 
    on the lowest evaluated cost.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.205  Multiparty lump sum quotations.
    
        The borrower or its engineer must contact a sufficient number of 
    suppliers or contractors to assure competition and so that at least 
    three bids will be received. On the basis of written lump sum 
    quotations, the borrower will select the supplier or contractor based 
    on the lowest evaluated cost.
    
    
    Secs. 1726.206-1726.249  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart H--Modifications to RUS Standard Contract Forms
    
    
    Sec. 1726.250  General.
    
        RUS provides standard contract forms for procurement of materials, 
    equipment, and construction, for contract amendments and subcontracts, 
    and various related forms for use by RUS borrowers. See Sec. 1726.300 
    for a listing of these forms and how to obtain them. The standard 
    contract forms shall be used by the borrowers in accordance with the 
    provisions of this part. RUS will give prior approval to certain 
    modifications to these forms without changing the applicable 
    requirements for RUS approval. Such approved modifications are set 
    forth in this subpart. These are the only modifications given prior RUS 
    approval.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.251  Prior approved contract modification related to price 
    escalation on transmission equipment, generation equipment, and 
    generation construction contracts.
    
        (a) General. Where the borrower encounters reluctance among 
    manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors to bid a firm price on 
    transmission equipment or generation equipment, materials or 
    construction, modifications may be made in the RUS standard form of 
    contracts. These modifications, if applicable, may include, as an 
    alternative to the standard form, provisions for adjusting a base price 
    either upward or downward as determined by changes in specified indexes 
    between the time of the bid and the time the work is performed or 
    materials are procured by the contractor for such work. A large number 
    of labor and materials indexes are published monthly by the Bureau of 
    Labor Statistics (BLS). The borrower (acting through its engineer, if 
    applicable) will select the indexes for the particular item to be used 
    in the price adjustment clause. Suppliers' corporate indexes may not be 
    used. Labor and materials indexes are reported in the BLS's monthly 
    publications entitled ``Employment and Earnings'' and ``Producer Prices 
    and Price Indexes.'' These publications may be ordered through the 
    Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
    Washington, DC 20402, or any of the BLS regional offices.
        (b) Material and equipment contracts. The approved provisions 
    needed to reflect the modifications to provide for price escalation in 
    the material or equipment contract forms for generation facilities are 
    as follows:
        (1) Insert new paragraphs in the Notice and Instructions to Bidders 
    as follows:
    
        ``Proposals are invited on the basis of firm prices (or prices 
    with a stated maximum percentage escalation) or on the basis of 
    nonfirm prices to be adjusted as provided for below or on both 
    bases. The owner may award the contract on either basis.
        Nonfirm prices. The prices are subject to adjustment upward or 
    downward based on change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics labor and 
    material indexes.
        A proportion of ____ percent [the borrower will enter the 
    appropriate percentage amount] of the contract price shall be deemed 
    to represent labor cost and shall be adjusted based on changes in 
    the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Average Hourly Earnings Rate____ 
    [the borrower will enter the appropriate BLS index] from the month 
    in which the bids are opened to the month in which the labor is 
    incorporated in the equipment or materials. The adjustment for labor 
    costs shall be obtained by applying the percentage of increase or 
    decrease in such index, calculated to the nearest one-tenth of one 
    percent, to the percentage of the contract prices deemed to 
    represent labor costs. A portion of ____ percent [the borrower will 
    enter the appropriate percentage amount] of the contract price shall 
    be deemed to represent material costs and shall be adjusted based on 
    changes in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, material index ____ [the 
    borrower will enter the appropriate BLS index] for the period and in 
    a manner similar to the labor cost adjustment.''
    
        (2) Insert the following in the contract documents under the 
    ``Proposal'' section:
    
    ``Firm Price $________
    Nonfirm Price $________''
    
        (3) For equipment that uses a large quantity of insulating oil, the 
    borrower may insert the following in the contract documents under the 
    ``Proposal'' section:
    
        ``The price for insulating oil shall be adjusted upward or 
    downward based on the change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
    Refined Petroleum Rate (057) from the month in which the bids are 
    opened to the month in which the oil is purchased by the equipment 
    supplier. Contracts shall be evaluated based on an estimated cost of 
    ____ cents per gallon [the borrower will enter the appropriate cost] 
    for oil. Such adjustment, if any, shall not change the contract 
    amount for purpose of applying any other adjustments to the contract 
    prices.''
    
        (c) Construction contracts. The approved provisions needed to 
    reflect the modifications to provide for price escalation in the 
    construction contract forms for generation facilities are as follows:
        (1) Insert new paragraphs in the ``Notice and Instructions'' to 
    Bidders as follows:
    
        ``Proposals are invited on the basis of firm prices (or prices 
    with a stated maximum percentage escalation) or on the basis of 
    nonfirm prices to be adjusted as provided for below or on both 
    bases. The owner may award the contract on either basis.
        Nonfirm Prices--The prices are subject to adjustment upward or 
    downward based on changes in the Bureau of Labor Statistics labor 
    and material indexes.
        A proportion of ____ percent [the borrower will enter the 
    appropriate percentage amount] of the contract price shall be deemed 
    to represent shop labor costs and shall be adjusted based on changes 
    in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Average Hourly Earnings Rate ____ 
    [the borrower will enter the appropriate BLS index] from the month 
    in which bids are opened to the month in which the work is 
    accomplished. The adjustment for shop labor costs shall be obtained 
    by applying the percentage increase or decrease in such index, to 
    the percentage of each partial payment deemed to represent shop 
    labor costs. A portion of ____ percent [the borrower will enter the 
    appropriate percentage amount] of the contract prices shall be 
    deemed to represent material costs and shall be adjusted based on 
    changes in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Producer Price Index, 
    ____ [the borrower will enter the appropriate BLS index] for the 
    period and in a manner similar to the shop labor costs adjustment. A 
    portion of ____ percent [the borrower will enter the appropriate 
    percentage amount] of the contract price shall be deemed to 
    represent field labor costs and shall be adjusted based on changes 
    in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Average Hourly Earnings Rate ____ 
    [the borrower will enter the appropriate BLS index], for the period 
    and in a manner similar to the shop labor costs adjustment.''
    
        (2) Insert the following in the contract documents under the 
    ``Proposal'' section:
    
    ``Firm Price $________
    Nonfirm Price $________''
    
    
    Sec. 1726.252  Prior approved contract modification related to 
    liability for special and consequential damages.
    
        This section applies only to transmission equipment purchases and 
    [[Page 10165]] generation contracts. Where the borrower anticipates 
    difficulty in obtaining responsive bids on RUS standard contract forms 
    due to a lack of limitation with respect to special and consequential 
    damages, and where the borrower believes that such a modification will 
    encourage competition through the receipt of an alternative bid which 
    limits the bidder's liability for special and consequential damages, 
    the borrower may make the following approved phrase modifications in 
    the RUS standard contract form on which the borrower solicits bids:
        (a) Insert new paragraphs in the ``Notice and Instructions to 
    Bidders'' as follows:
    
        ``Proposals are invited on the basis of alternative Liability 
    Clauses Numbers 1 and 2. The Owner will determine on which Liability 
    Clause basis the award will be made. Any other liability clauses in 
    the proposal or any other modifications will be considered not 
    responsive and unacceptable. These Liability Clauses are defined as 
    follows:
        Liability Clause Number 1. This will include unmodified all of 
    the standard terms and conditions of the form of contract furnished 
    by the Owner and attached hereto.
        Liability Clause Number 2. This will include the following 
    paragraph, in addition to all of the standard terms and conditions, 
    otherwise unmodified, of the form of contract furnished by the Owner 
    and attached hereto:
        `Except for the Seller's willful delay or refusal to perform the 
    contract in accordance with its terms, the Seller's liability to the 
    Owner for special or consequential damages on account of breach of 
    this contract shall not exceed in total an amount equal to ____ 
    percent [the borrower will insert an appropriate percentage between 
    0 and 100 percent, inclusive] of the contract price.'''
    
        (b) Insert the following in the contract documents under the 
    ``Proposal'' section:
    
    ``Price $(Based on Liability Clause 1)________
    Price $(Based on Liability Clause 2)________''
    
        (c) Insert the following in the acceptance section of the standard 
    contract form:
    
        ``This contract is based on Liability Clause Number________.''
    
        (d) In RUS Form 200, the word ``Bidder'' would replace the word 
    ``Seller'' in the Liability Clause in paragraph (a) of this section.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.253  Prior approved contract modification related to 
    alternative bid provision for payment to contractor for bulk purchase 
    of materials.
    
        When construction is to be performed over an extended period of 
    time, but large quantities of material are to be purchased by the 
    contractor at the beginning of the project (e.g., cable for URD 
    installations), the borrower may allow alternative bids providing for 
    payment to the contractor of 90 percent of the cost of such materials 
    within 30 days of delivery of those materials at the job site. The 
    borrower will retain the right to award the contract with or without 
    the alternative payment provision, however, the contract still must be 
    awarded on the basis of the lowest evaluated responsive bid for the 
    alternative accepted.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.254  Prior approved contract modifications related to RUS 
    approval of contracts and amendments and modified bidding requirements.
    
        It will be necessary for borrowers to make certain modifications to 
    various RUS contract forms to implement the provisions of this part. If 
    a RUS approved form of contract is required to be used by this part and 
    private bid opening is permitted by this part, the ``Notice and 
    Instructions to Bidders'' of the contract form may be modified 
    accordingly. Other modifications are needed to indicate that certain 
    provisions related to RUS approval are not applicable under specified 
    circumstances. These modifications are as follows:
        (a) RUS Form 173 Materials Contract. No modifications.
        (b) RUS Form 180 Construction Contract Amendment. No modifications.
        (c) RUS Form 198 Equipment Contract. For contracts NOT requiring 
    approval of the Administrator (in accordance with subparts B through F 
    of this part) the applicable modifications are as follows:
        (1) Change Section 5(e) of the ``Equipment Contract'' to read as 
    follows:
    
        ``(e) Each and all of the covenants and agreements herein 
    contained shall extend to and be binding upon the successors and 
    assigns of the parties hereto provided, however, the Seller shall 
    not assign this contract or any part hereof without approval in 
    writing of the Purchaser, and further the Seller shall not enter 
    into any contract with any person, firm or corporation for the 
    performance of the Seller's obligations hereunder, or any part 
    thereof, without the approval in writing of the Purchaser.''
    
        (2) Delete Section 5(f) of the ``Equipment Contract.''
        (d) RUS Form 200 Construction Contract--Generating. For contracts 
    Not requiring approval of the Administrator (in accordance with 
    subparts B through F of this part) the applicable modifications are as 
    follows:
        (1) Contractor's Proposal, Article II, Section 3(a), Sentence 2. 
    Delete the words ``and the Administrator.''
        (2) Contractor's Proposal, Article II, Section 3(d), Sentence 2. 
    Delete the words ``and approved by the Administrator\1\'' and the 
    associated footnote.
        (3) Contractor's Proposal, Article VI, Section 7. Change to read as 
    follows:
    
        ``Nonassignment of Contract. Except as provided in Section 8 of 
    this Article, the Bidder will not assign this Contract, or any 
    interest in any funds that may become due hereunder, or enter into 
    any contract with any person, firm or corporation, for the 
    performance of the Bidder's obligations hereunder, or any part 
    hereof without the approval in writing of the Owner and the Surety 
    or Sureties, if any.''
    
        (4) Contractor's Proposal, Article VI. Delete Section 10.
        (5) Acceptance. Delete the words ``Subject to the approval of the 
    Administrator.''
        (e) RUS Form 201 Right-of-Way Clearing Contract. No modifications.
        (f) RUS Form 203 Transmission System Right-of-Way Clearing 
    Contract. For contracts Not requiring approval of the Administrator (in 
    accordance with subparts B through F of this part) the applicable 
    modifications are as follows.
        (1) Notice and Instructions to Bidders, Section 8. Delete the words 
    ``and such acceptance has been approved by the Administrator.''
        (2) Contractor's Proposal, Article II, Section 1(a). Replace the 
    word ``Administrator'' with the word ``Owner'' in two places in the 
    referenced section.
        (3) Contractor's Proposal, Article II, Section 3(d), Sentence 1. 
    Delete the words ``and with the approval of the Administrator\1\'' and 
    the associated footnote.
        (4) Contractor's Proposal, Article II, Section 3(d), Sentence 3. 
    Delete the words ``and approved by the Administrator\2\'' and the 
    associated footnote.
        (5) Contractor's Proposal, Article III, Section 1. Delete the words 
    ``and the Administrator'' in five places in the referenced section.
        (6) Contractor's Proposal, Article III, Section 1(b). Replace the 
    word ``Administrator'' with the word ``Owner.''
        (7) Contractor's Proposal, Article III, Section 1(e). Replace the 
    word ``Administrator'' with the word ``Owner.''
        (8) Contractor's Proposal, Article VI, Section 1(d). Delete the 
    words ``and the Administrator.''
        (9) Contractor's Proposal, Article VI. Delete Section 
    10. [[Page 10166]] 
        (10) Acceptance. Delete the words ``Subject to the approval of the 
    Administrator.''
        (g) RUS Form 238 Construction or Equipment Contract Amendment. If 
    the contract amendment does not require RUS approval, in accordance 
    with Sec. 1726.24(b), the borrower may delete from RUS Form 238 the 
    following sentence:
    
        ``(The Administrator of RUS is hereby authorized to approve this 
    amendment either in whole or in part and to delete such items as do 
    not meet his approval.)''
    
        (h) RUS Form 257 Contract to Construct Buildings. No modifications.
        (i) RUS Form 282 Subcontracts. The applicable modifications are as 
    follows:
        (1) Section 6, line 3. Delete the words ``and the Administrator of 
    the Rural Utilities Service (hereinafter called the Administrator).''
        (2) Section 7, line 2. Change Section 7, line 2 to read as follows:
    
    ``approved in writing by the Owner and the Surety, if any; provided, 
    * * *''
    
        (3) Section 7, line 3. Delete the words ``and the Administrator.''
        (j) RUS Form 764 Substation and Switching Station Erection 
    Contract. For contracts NOT requiring approval of the Administrator (in 
    accordance with subparts B through F of this part) the applicable 
    modifications are as follows:
        (1) Notice and Instructions to Bidders, Section 10. Delete the 
    words ``and such acceptance has been approved by the Administrator.''
        (2) Contractor's Proposal, Article II, Section 1.a. Replace the 
    word ``Administrator'' with the word ``Owner'' in two places in the 
    referenced section.
        (3) Contractor's Proposal, Article II, Section 1.d, Sentence 1. 
    Delete the words ``and with the approval of the Administrator\1\'' and 
    the associated footnote.
        (4) Contractor's Proposal, Article II, Section 1.d, Sentence 2. 
    Delete the words ``and approved by the Administrator\2\'' and the 
    associated footnote.
        (5) Contractor's Proposal, Article III, Section 1. Delete the words 
    ``and the Administrator'' in five places in the referenced section.
        (6) Contractor's Proposal, Article III, Section 1.b. Replace the 
    word ``Administrator'' with the word ``Owner.''
        (7) Contractor's Proposal, Article III, Section 1.e. Replace the 
    word ``Administrator'' with the word ``Owner.''
        (8) Contractor's Proposal, Article VI, Section 1.e. Delete the 
    words ``and the Administrator.''
        (9) Contractor's Proposal, Article VI. Delete Section 10.
        (10) Acceptance. Delete the words ``Subject to the approval of the 
    Administrator.''
        (k) RUS Form 786 Electric System Communications and Control 
    Equipment Contract (including installation). For contracts NOT 
    requiring approval of the Administrator (in accordance with subparts B 
    through F of this part) the applicable modifications are as follows:
        (1) Article I, Section 2. Delete the words ``subject to the 
    approval of the Administrator\1\'' and ``and approved by the 
    Administrator\2\'' and the associated footnotes.
        (2) Article II, Section 1, Sentence 2. Replace the word 
    ``Administrator'' with ``Purchaser.''
        (3) Article II, Section 5. Delete the words ``subject to the 
    approval of the Administrator\3\'' and ``subject to the approval of the 
    Administrator\4\'' and the associated footnotes.
        (4) Article III, Section 2, Sentence 3. Replace the words ``if the 
    Administrator shall so approve'' with the words ``if the Purchaser 
    shall so approve.''
        (5) Article VI. Delete Section 7.
        (6) Acceptance. Delete the words ``Subject to the approval of the 
    Administrator.''
        (l) RUS Form 790 Distribution Line Extension Construction Contract 
    (Labor and Materials). No modifications.
        (m) RUS Form 792 Distribution Line Extension Construction Contract 
    (Labor Only). No modifications.
        (n) RUS Form 830 Electric System Construction Contract. No 
    modifications.
        (o) RUS Form 831 Electric Transmission Construction Contract. For 
    contracts NOT requiring approval of the Administrator (in accordance 
    with subparts B through F of this part) the applicable modifications 
    are as follows:
        (1) Notice and Instructions to Bidders, Section 10. Delete the 
    words ``and such acceptance has been approved by the Administrator.''
        (2) Contractor's Proposal, Article II, Section 1.d. Delete the 
    words ``with the approval of the Administrator\1\'' and ``and approved 
    by the Administrator\2\'' and the associated footnotes.
        (3) Contractor's Proposal, Article II, Section 4.a. Delete the 
    words ``and approved by the Administrator\3\'' and the associated 
    footnote.
        (4) Contractor's Proposal, Article III, Section 1.a. Sentence 4. 
    Delete the words ``and the Administrator.''
        (5) Contractor's Proposal, Article III, Section 1.b. Replace the 
    word ``Administrator'' with the word ``Owner.''
        (6) Contractor's Proposal, Article III, Section 1.c. Delete the 
    words ``and the Administrator'' in four places in the referenced 
    section.
        (7) Contractor's Proposal, Article III, Section 1.e. Replace the 
    word ``Administrator'' with the word ``Owner.''
        (8) Contractor's Proposal, Article VI, Section 1.e. Delete the 
    words ``and the Administrator.''
        (9) Contractor's Proposal, Article VI. Delete Section 11.
        (10) Acceptance. Delete the words ``Subject to the approval of the 
    Administrator.''
    
    
    Sec. 1726.255  Prior approved contract modifications related to 
    indemnification.
    
        (a) As an alternative to the indemnification provision required in 
    RUS standard construction contract forms in those jurisdictions 
    requiring specific language concerning the requirement that the 
    indemnitor indemnify the indemnitee for the indemnitee's own 
    negligence, the borrower may add the words ``otherwise this provision 
    shall apply to any alleged negligence or condition caused by the 
    Owner'' so that the first paragraph reads as follows:
    
        ``i. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Bidder's employees) and loss, damage to or destruction of 
    Owner's property or the property of any other person or entity 
    (including but not limited to Bidder's property) in any manner 
    arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the materials or 
    equipment supplied or services performed by Bidder, its 
    subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein shall 
    be construed as making Bidder liable for any injury, death, loss, 
    damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of Owner, 
    otherwise this provision shall apply to any negligence or condition 
    caused by the Owner.''
    
        (b) As an alternative to the indemnification provision required in 
    RUS standard construction contract forms in those jurisdictions that 
    have a legal prohibition against one party indemnifying another for the 
    other's negligence, the borrower may replace the words ``defend, 
    indemnify, and hold harmless'' with the words `` shall pay on behalf 
    of'' so that the first paragraph reads as follows:
    
        ``i. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall pay on 
    behalf of Owner and Owner's directors, officers, and employees from 
    all claims, causes of action, losses, [[Page 10167]] liabilities, 
    and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for personal 
    loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not limited to 
    Bidder's employees) and loss, damage to or destruction of Owner's 
    property or the property of any other person or entity (including 
    but not limited to Bidder's property) in any manner arising out of 
    or connected with the Contract, or the materials or equipment 
    supplied or services performed by Bidder, its subcontractors and 
    suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein shall be construed as 
    making Bidder liable for any injury, death, loss, damage, or 
    destruction caused by the sole negligence of Owner, otherwise this 
    provision shall apply to any negligence or condition caused by the 
    Owner.''
    
        (c) If the alternative indemnification provision in paragraph (a) 
    or (b) of this section is chosen by the borrower, the language of 
    paragraph (a) or (b) of this section would be inserted in lieu of 
    subsection (i) of the section indicated in the RUS standard 
    construction contract forms as follows:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             RUS form No.                               Title                              Desiganted section       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    200...........................  Construction Contract--Generating............  Article IV, Section 1(c).        
    201...........................  Right-of-Way Clearing Contract...............  Article IV, Section 1(e).        
    203...........................  Transmission System Right-of-Way Clearing      Article IV, Section 1(f).        
                                     Contract.                                                                      
    257...........................  Contract to Construct Buildings..............  Article IV, Section 1(b).        
    764...........................  Substation and Switching Station Erection      Article IV, Section 1(f).        
                                     Contract.                                                                      
    786...........................  Electric System Communications and Control     Article IV, Section 1(c).        
                                     Equipment Line.                                                                
    790...........................  Distribution Line Extension Construction       Article IV, Section 1(f).        
                                     Contract (labor & materials).                                                  
    792...........................  Distribution Line Extension Construction       Article IV, Section 1(f).        
                                     Contract (labor only).                                                         
    830...........................  Electric System Construction Contract (labor   Article IV, Section 1(f).        
                                     & material).                                                                   
    831...........................  Electric Transmission Construction Contract    Article IV, Section 1(f).        
                                     (labor & material).                                                            
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (d) In RUS Forms 201, 790, and 792, the word ``Contractor'' would 
    replace the word ``Bidder'' in the alternative indemnification clause 
    in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
        (e) In RUS Form 786, the word ``Seller'' would replace the word 
    ``Bidder'' and the word ``Purchaser'' would replace the word ``Owner'' 
    in the alternative indemnification clause in paragraph (a) or (b) of 
    this section.
    
    
    Secs. 1726.256-1726.299  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart I--RUS Standard Forms
    
    
    Sec. 1726.300  List of RUS standard contracting forms for electric 
    systems.
    
        The following is a list of the current RUS standard contracting 
    forms that RUS has prepared for use by electric borrowers when 
    purchasing materials and equipment and constructing facilities with a 
    RUS loan or loan guarantee. Copies of the contract forms are available 
    from the sources indicated in the listing. A notice of any change in 
    these contract forms will be published in the Federal Register.
    
                                      RUS Electric Program Standard Contract Forms                                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Issue                                                                                      
       RUS form No.       date            Title                        Purpose                 Source of copies\1\  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    168b..............     2-95  Contractor's bond......  Used in RUS Forms 200, 201, 203,   In respective contract 
                                                           257, 764, 786, 790, 792, 830 &     form.                 
                                                           831.                                                     
    168c..............     2-95  Contractor's bond (less  In lieu of RUS Form 168b, used     RUS.                   
                                  than $1 million).        when contractor's surety has                             
                                                           accepted a Small Business.                               
    172...............     9-58  Certificate of           Administration guarantee--Used to  RUS.                   
                                  Inspection Contract      notify RUS that construction is                          
                                  Construction.            ready for inspection.                                    
    173...............     3-55  Materials contract.....  Used for distribution,             RUS.                   
                                                           transmission, and general plant                          
                                                           material purchases.                                      
    180...............     2-95  Construction Contract     Used to amend distribution line   RUS.                   
                                  Amendment.               construction contracts.                                  
    181...............     2-95  Certificate of           Used for the closeout of RUS Form  RUS.                   
                                  Completion Contract      257.                                                     
                                  Construction for                                                                  
                                  Buildings.                                                                        
    187...............     2-95  Certificate of           Used in RUS Forms 200, 203, 764,   In respective contract 
                                  Completion Contract      786, 830, and 831.                 form.                 
                                  Construction.                                                                     
    198...............     2-95  Equipment Contract       Used for equipment purchases.....  RUS.                   
                                  Construction Contract--                                                           
                                  Generating.                                                                       
    200...............     2-95  Construction Contract    Used for generating plant          RUS.                   
                                  Generating.              construction or for the                                  
                                                           furnishing and installation of                           
                                                           major items of equipment.                                
    201...............     2-95  Right-of-Way Clearing    Used for distribution right-of-    RUS.                   
                                  Contract.                way clearing work which is to be                         
                                                           performed separate from line                             
                                                           construction.                                            
    203...............     2-95  Transmission System      Used for transmission line right-  RUS.                   
                                  Right-of-Way Clearing    of-way clearing work which is to                         
                                  Contract.                be performed separate from line                          
                                                           construction.                                            
    213...............     2-95  Certificate (``Buy       Used to document compliance with   RUS.                   
                                  American'').             the ``Buy American'' requirement.                        
    219...............    10-88  Inventory of Work        Used to encumber funds...........  RUS.                   
                                  Orders.                                                                           
    224...............     2-95  Waiver and Release of    Used in RUS Forms 200, 203, 764,   In respective contract 
                                  Lien.                    786, 830, and 831.                 form.                 
    231...............     2-95  Certificate of           Used in RUS Forms 200, 203, 764,   In respective contract 
                                  Contractor.              786, 830, and 831.                 form.                 
    238...............     2-95  Construction or          Used to amend contracts except     RUS.                   
                                  Equipment Contract       for distribution line                                    
                                  Amendment.               construction contracts.                                  
    251...............     2-95  Material Receipt.......  Used in RUS Forms 764, 830, and    In respective contract 
                                                           831.                               form.                 
    [[Page 10168]]                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                    
    254...............     2-95  Construction Inventory.  Used with the closeout of RUS      RUS.                   
                                                           Forms 203, 764, 830, and 831.                            
    257...............     2-95  Contract to Construct    Used to construct headquarters     GPO.\2\                
                                  Buildings.               buildings and other structure                            
                                                           construction.                                            
    270...............     7-70  Equal Opportunity        Addendum to contracts not having   RUS                    
                                  Addendum.                current equal opportunity                                
                                                           provisions.                                              
    274...............     6-81  Bidder's Qualifications  Used to document Bidder's          RUS.                   
                                                           Qualifications.                                          
    282...............    11-53  Subcontract............  Used for subcontracting..........  RUS.                   
    307...............     2-95  Bid Bond...............  Used In RUS Forms 200, 203, 257,   In respective contract 
                                                           764, 830 and 831.                  form.                 
    458...............     3-55  Material Contract......  Used to obtain generating plant    RUS.                   
                                                           material and equipment purchases                         
                                                           over $10,000, not requiring                              
                                                           acceptance tests at the project                          
                                                           site.                                                    
    764...............     2-95  Substation and           Used to construct substations and  RUS.                   
                                  Switching Station        switching stations.                                      
                                  Erection Contract.                                                                
    786...............     2-95  Electric System          Used for delivery and              RUS.                   
                                  Communications and       installation of equipment for                            
                                  Control Equipment        system communications.                                   
                                  Contract.                                                                         
    790...............     2-95  Distribution Line        Used for limited distribution      GPO.\2\                
                                  Extension Construction   construction accounted for under                         
                                  Contract (labor &        work order procedure.                                    
                                  materials).                                                                       
    792...............     2-95  Distribution Line        Used for limited distribution      GPO.\2\                
                                  Extension Construction   construction accounted for under                         
                                  Contract (labor only).   work order procedure.                                    
    792b..............     2-95  Certificate of           Used in RUS Forms 201, 790, and    In respective contract 
                                  Construction and         792.                               form.                 
                                  Indemnity Agreement.                                                              
    792c..............     2-95  Supplemental Contract    Used in RUS Forms 201, 790, and    In respective contract 
                                  for Additional Project.  792.                               form.                 
    830...............     2-95  Electric System          Used for distribution and/or       GPO.\2\                
                                  Construction Contract    transmission project                                     
                                  (labor & material).      construction.                                            
    831...............     2-95  Electric Transmission    Used for transmission project      GPO.\2\                
                                  Construction Contract    construction.                                            
                                  (labor & material).                                                               
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Notes:                                                                                                          
    \1\A single copy of the form will be furnished by RUS upon request. Additional copies may be duplicated or      
      reproduced. Requests for copies should be sent to: Director, Administrative Services Division, U.S. Department
      of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC 20250.                                                
    \2\Requests for copies should be submitted to the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
      Washington, DC 20402. Telephone orders may also be placed, using Mastercard or Visa, by calling (202) 512-    
      1800.                                                                                                         
    
    Sec. 1726.301  Use of printed forms.
    
        If a RUS contract form is required by this part, the borrower shall 
    use the form in the format available from RUS or GPO (photocopying or 
    other exact reproduction is acceptable.) The contract forms are not to 
    be retyped, changed, modified or altered in any manner not specifically 
    authorized in this part or approved by RUS in writing. Any 
    modifications approved by RUS must be clearly shown so to indicate that 
    such are different from the standard form. Electronic reproduction is 
    acceptable for RUS Forms 251 and 254 only.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.302  RUS approved forms of contract.
    
        If a specific RUS contract form is required by a particular section 
    of this part, the borrower shall use that form without changes or 
    modifications or alterations unless, prior to issuing the bid package 
    to bidders, RUS has specifically approved any such changes to that form 
    for that borrower, nor shall any change be made to the form by 
    amendment of an executed contract without prior RUS approval. Any 
    proposed changes shall not relieve the contractor or the borrower of 
    the basic responsibilities required by the standard RUS contract form, 
    and, shall not alter any terms and conditions required by law. Changes 
    permitted or required by subpart H of this part or by part 1788, RUS 
    Fidelity and Insurance Requirements for Electric and Telephone 
    Borrowers, of this chapter are approved by RUS under the circumstances 
    indicated.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.303  Interest on overdue accounts.
    
        Certain RUS contract forms contain a provision concerning payment 
    of interest on overdue accounts. Prior to issuing the invitation to 
    bidders, the borrower must insert an interest rate equal to the lowest 
    ``Prime Rate'' listed in the ``Money Rates'' section of the Wall Street 
    Journal on the date such invitation to bid is issued. If no prime rate 
    is published on that date, the last such rate published prior to that 
    date must be used. The rate must not, however, exceed the maximum rate 
    allowed by any applicable state law.
    
    
    Secs. 1726.304-1726.309  [Reserved]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.310  Contractor's bond, RUS Form 168b.
    
        The bond form in this section shall be used when a Contractor's 
    Bond is required by RUS Forms 200, 201, 203, 257, 764, 786, 790, 792, 
    830, or 831 unless the contractor's surety has accepted a Small 
    Business Administration guarantee and the contract is for one million 
    dollars or less.
    
    Contractor's Bond
    
        1. Know all men that we, ________, as Principal, and ________, 
    as Surety, are held and firmly bound unto ________ (hereinafter 
    called the ``Owner'') and unto the United States of America 
    (hereinafter called the ``Government'') and unto all persons, firms 
    and corporations who or which may furnish materials for or perform 
    labor on a Rural Utilities Service Project known as Project ________ 
    and to their successors and assigns, in the penal sum of ________ 
    dollars ($________), as hereinafter set forth and for the payment of 
    which sum well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our 
    executors, administrators, successors and assigns jointly and 
    severally by these presents. Said Project is described in a certain 
    construction contract (hereinafter called the ``Construction 
    [[Page 10169]] Contract'') between the Owner and the Principal, 
    dated ________, 19____, pursuant and subject to a certain loan 
    contract (hereinafter called the ``Loan Contract'') between the 
    Owner and the Government, acting through the Administrator of the 
    Rural Utilities Service (hereinafter called the ``Administrator'').
        2. The condition of this obligation is such that if the 
    Principal shall well and truly perform and fulfill all the 
    undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions and agreements of the 
    Construction Contract and any amendments thereto, whether such 
    amendments are for additions, decreases, or changes in materials, 
    their quantity, kind or price, labor costs, mileage, routing or any 
    other purpose whatsoever, and whether such amendments are made with 
    or without notice to the Surety, and shall fully indemnify and save 
    harmless the Owner and the Government from all costs and damages 
    which they, or either of them, shall suffer or incur by reason of 
    any failure so to do, and shall fully reimburse and repay the Owner 
    and the Government for all outlay and expense which they, or either 
    of them shall incur in making good any such failure of performance 
    on the part of the Principal, and shall promptly make payment to all 
    persons working on or supplying labor or materials for use in the 
    construction of the Project contemplated in the Construction 
    Contract and any amendments thereto, in respect of such labor or 
    materials furnished and used therein, to the full extent thereof, 
    and in respect of such labor or materials furnished but not so used, 
    to the extent of the quantities estimated in the Construction 
    Contract and any amendments thereto to be required for the 
    construction of the Project, and shall well and truly reimburse the 
    Owner and the Government, as their respective interests may appear, 
    for any excess in cost of construction of said Project over the cost 
    of such construction as provided in the Construction Contract and 
    any amendments thereto, occasioned by any default of the Principal 
    under the Construction Contract and any amendments thereto, then 
    this obligation shall be null and void, but otherwise shall remain 
    in full force and effect.
        3. It is expressly agreed that this bond shall be deemed amended 
    automatically and immediately, without formal and separate 
    amendments hereto, upon any amendment to the Construction Contract, 
    so as to bind the Principal and the Surety to the full and faithful 
    performance of the Construction Contract as so amended, provided 
    only that the total amount of all increases in the cost of 
    construction shall not exceed 20 percent of the amount of the 
    maximum price set forth in the Construction Contract. The term 
    ``Amendment,'' wherever used in this bond, and whether referring to 
    this bond, the Construction Contract or the Loan Contract shall 
    include any alteration, addition, extension, modification, 
    amendment, rescission, waiver, release or annulment, of any 
    character whatsoever.
        4. It is expressly agreed that any amendment which may be made 
    by agreement or otherwise between the Principal and the Owner in the 
    terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of the Construction 
    Contract, or in the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of 
    the Loan Contract (including, without limitation, the granting by 
    the Administrator to the Owner of any extension of time for the 
    performance of the obligations of the Owner under the Loan Contract 
    or the granting by the Administrator or the Owner to the Principal 
    of any extension of time for the performance of the obligations of 
    the Principal under the Construction Contract, or the failure or 
    refusal of the Administrator or the Owner to take any action, 
    proceeding or step to enforce any remedy or exercise any right under 
    either the Construction Contract or the Loan Contract, or the taking 
    of any action, proceeding or step by the Administrator or the Owner, 
    acting in good faith upon the belief that the same is permitted by 
    the provisions of the Construction Contract or the Loan Contract) 
    shall not in any way release the Principal and the Surety, or either 
    of them or their respective executors, administrators, successors or 
    assigns, from liability hereunder. The Surety hereby acknowledges 
    receipt of notice of any amendment, indulgence or forbearance, made, 
    granted or permitted.
        5. This bond is made for the benefit of all persons, firms and 
    corporations who or which may furnish any materials or perform any 
    labor for or on account of the construction to be performed under 
    the Construction Contract and any amendments thereto, and they, and 
    each of them, are hereby made obligees hereunder with the same force 
    and effect as if their names were written herein as such, and they 
    and each of them may sue hereon.
        In witness whereof, the undersigned have caused this instrument 
    to be executed and their respective corporate seals to be affixed 
    and attested by their duly authorized representatives this ________ 
    day of ________, 19____.
    
    Principal ________ (Seal)
    By ________
    Attest: ________ Secretary
    Surety________ (Seal)
    By ________
    Attest: ________ Secretary
    ________ Address of Surety's Home Office
    By ________ Resident Agent of Surety
    
        Signatures: The Contractor's Bond must be signed with the full 
    name of the Contractor. If the Contractor is a partnership the 
    Contractor's Bond must be signed in the partnership name by a 
    partner. If the Contractor is a corporation the Contractor's Bond 
    must be signed in the corporate name by a duly authorized officer 
    and the corporate seal affixed and attested by the Secretary of the 
    corporation. A typewritten copy of all such names and signatures 
    shall be appended.
        Power of Attorney: The Contractor's Bond must be accompanied by 
    a power of attorney authorizing execution on behalf of the Surety 
    and, in jurisdictions so requiring should be countersigned by a duly 
    authorized resident agent of the Surety.
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.311  Contractor's bond, RUS Form 168c.
    
        The bond form in this section shall be used when a Contractor's 
    Bond is required by RUS Form 200, 201, 203, 257, 764, 786, 790, 792, 
    830, or 831 and the contractor's surety has accepted a Small Business 
    Administration guarantee and the contract is for one million dollars or 
    less.
    
    Contractor's Bond
    
    (Use only when contract is less than $1 million and Surety has 
    accepted an SBA (Small Business Administration) Guarantee)
        1. Know all men that we, ________, as Principal, and ________, 
    as Surety, are held and firmly bound unto ________ (hereinafter 
    called the ``Owner'') and unto the United States of America 
    (hereinafter called the ``Government'') and unto all persons, firms 
    and corporations who or which may furnish materials for or perform 
    labor on a Rural Utilities Service Project known as Project ________ 
    and to their successors and assigns, in the penal sum of ________ 
    dollars ($________), as hereinafter set forth and for the payment of 
    which sum well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our 
    executors, administrators, successors and assigns jointly and 
    severally by these presents. Said Project is described in a certain 
    construction contract (hereinafter called the ``Construction 
    Contract'') between the Owner and the Principal, dated ________, 
    19____, pursuant and subject to a certain loan contract (hereinafter 
    called the ``Loan Contract'') between the Owner and the Government, 
    acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service 
    (hereinafter called the ``Administrator'').
        2. The condition of this obligation is such that if the 
    Principal shall well and truly perform and fulfill all the 
    undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions and agreements of the 
    Construction Contract and any amendments thereto, whether such 
    amendments are for additions, decreases, or changes in materials, 
    their quantity, kind or price, labor costs, mileage, routing or any 
    other purpose whatsoever, and whether such amendments are made with 
    or without notice to the Surety, and shall fully indemnify and save 
    harmless the Owner and the Government from all costs and damages 
    which they, or either of them, shall suffer or incur by reason of 
    any failure so to do, and shall fully reimburse and repay the Owner 
    and the Government for all outlay and expense which they, or either 
    of them shall incur in making good any such failure of performance 
    on the part of the Principal, and shall promptly make payment to all 
    persons working on or supplying labor or materials for use in the 
    construction of the Project contemplated in the Construction 
    Contract and any amendments thereto, in respect of such labor or 
    materials furnished and used therein, to the full extent thereof, 
    and in respect of such labor or materials furnished but not so used, 
    to the extent of the quantities estimated in the Construction 
    Contract and any amendments thereto to be required for 
    [[Page 10170]] the construction of the Project, and shall well and 
    truly reimburse the Owner and the Government, as their respective 
    interests may appear, for any excess in cost of construction of said 
    Project over the cost of such construction as provided in the 
    Construction Contract and any amendments thereto, occasioned by any 
    default of the Principal under the Construction Contract and any 
    amendments thereto, then this obligation shall be null and void, but 
    otherwise shall remain in full force and effect.
        3. Provided, that the liability of the Principal and Surety 
    hereunder to the Government shall be subject to the same limitations 
    and defenses as may be available to them against a claim hereunder 
    by the Owner, provided, however, that the Government may, at its 
    option, perform any obligations of the Owner required by the 
    contract.
        4. It is expressly agreed that this bond shall be deemed amended 
    automatically and immediately, without formal and separate 
    amendments hereto, upon any amendment to the Construction Contract, 
    so as to bind the Principal and the Surety to the full and faithful 
    performance of the Construction Contract as so amended, provided 
    only that the total amount of all increases in the cost of 
    construction shall not exceed 20 percent of the amount of the 
    maximum price set forth in the Construction Contract. The term 
    ``Amendment,'' wherever used in this bond, and whether referring to 
    this bond, the Construction Contract or the Loan Contract shall 
    include any alteration, addition, extension, modification, 
    amendment, rescission, waiver, release or annulment, of any 
    character whatsoever.
        5. It is expressly agreed that any amendment which may be made 
    by agreement or otherwise between the Principal and the Owner in the 
    terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of the Construction 
    Contract, or in the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of 
    the Loan Contract (including, without limitation, the granting by 
    the Administrator to the Owner of any extension of time for the 
    performance of the obligations of the Owner under the Loan Contract 
    or the granting by the Administrator or the Owner to the Principal 
    of any extension of time for the performance of the obligations of 
    the Principal under the Construction Contract, or the failure or 
    refusal of the Administrator or the Owner to take any action, 
    proceeding or step to enforce any remedy or exercise any right under 
    either the Construction Contract or the Loan Contract, or the taking 
    of any action, proceeding or step by the Administrator or the Owner, 
    acting in good faith upon the belief that the same is permitted by 
    the provisions of the Construction Contract or the Loan Contract) 
    shall not in any way release the Principal and the Surety, or either 
    of them or their respective executors, administrators, successors or 
    assigns, from liability hereunder. The Surety hereby acknowledges 
    receipt of notice of any amendment, indulgence or forbearance, made, 
    granted or permitted.
        6. This bond is made for the benefit of all persons, firms and 
    corporations who or which may furnish any materials or perform any 
    labor for or on account of the construction to be performed under 
    the Construction Contract and any amendments thereto. Provided, that 
    beneficiaries or claimants hereunder shall be limited to the 
    subcontractors, and persons, firms and corporations having a direct 
    contract with the Principal or its subcontractors.
        7. Provided, further, that no suit or action shall be commenced 
    hereunder by any person, firm, or corporation who performed work or 
    labor or who furnished materials for the project: (a) Unless such 
    person, firm, or corporation, other one having a direct contract 
    with the Principal (or with the Government in the event the 
    Government is performing the obligation of the Owner), shall have 
    given detailed written notice of claim to: The Principal, and the 
    Owner, within ninety (90) days after such person, firm, or 
    corporation did or performed the last of the work or labor, or 
    furnished the last of the materials for which such claim is made. 
    (b) After the expiration of one (1) year following the date on which 
    Principal ceased work on said contract, it being understood, 
    however, that if any limitation embodied in the Bond is prohibited 
    by any law controlling the construction hereof, such limitation 
    shall be deemed to be amended so as to equal to the minimum period 
    of limitation permitted by such law.
        In witness whereof, the undersigned have caused this instrument 
    to be executed and their respective corporate seals to be affixed 
    and attested by their duly authorized representatives this ________ 
    day of ________, 19____.
    
    Principal ________ (Seal)
    By ________
    Attest: ________ Secretary
    Surety ________ (Seal)
    By ________
    Attest: ________ Secretary
    ________ Address of Surety's Home Office
    By ________ Resident Agent of Surety
    
        Signatures: The Contractor's Bond must be signed with the full 
    name of the Contractor. If the Contractor is a partnership the 
    Contractor's Bond must be signed in the partnership name by a 
    partner. If the Contractor is a corporation the Contractor's Bond 
    must be signed in the corporate name by a duly authorized officer 
    and the corporate seal affixed and attested by the Secretary of the 
    corporation. A typewritten copy of all such names and signatures 
    shall be appended.
        Power of Attorney: The Contractor's Bond must be accompanied by 
    a power of attorney authorizing execution on behalf of the Surety 
    and, in jurisdictions so requiring should be countersigned by a duly 
    authorized resident agent of the Surety.
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.312  Construction contract amendment, RUS Form 180.
    
        The amendment form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Construction Contract Amendment
    
        Instructions--Submit 3 copies of this form & 3 copies of all 
    attachments to Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. 
    Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
    
    1. Project Designation ________
    2. Amendment No. ________
    3. Date ________
    4. Details of changes are tabulated on sheet ________ to ________ 
    attached and are part of this amendment.
    5. The following changes in Construction Contract Number ________ 
    dated ________, 19____ are hereby submitted for your approval.
    6. Data pertinent to the original contract and amendments including 
    this amendment are as follows (decrease to be preceded by (-) minus 
    sign):
    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                             Consumers                                      
                                                                              Miles        --------------------------------------------         Price       
                                                                                                   Signed               Potential                           
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Original Contract                                                                                                                                       
    Amendment No. 1                                                                                                                                         
    Amendment No. 2                                                                                                                                         
    Amendment No. 3                                                                                                                                         
    Amendment No. 4                                                                                                                                         
    Amendment No. 5                                                                                                                                         
    Amendment No. 6                                                                                                                                         
                                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total with this Amendment                                                                                                                         
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    7. Changes in materials furnished by Owner: This amendment provides 
    for an increase/decrease of $________ in the amount of materials 
    furnished by Owner. The details of changes in items, quantities, or 
    prices [[Page 10171]] are tabulated on sheet ________ to ________ 
    attached and made a part hereof.
    8. Bond extension attached ____ Yes ____ No
    9. The construction period will be changed ________ days.
    10. New counties (if any) ________
    11. Description and reason for change: ________ This amendment 
    providing for an increase/decrease of $________ in the amount of 
    said construction contract is submitted pursuant to the provisions 
    thereof and pursuant to the loan contract between the United States 
    of America and the undersigned borrower. You are hereby authorized 
    to approve this amendment either in whole or in part and to delete 
    such items as do not meet with your approval. To the extent the 
    items hereof are approved by you the construction contract shall be 
    amended.
    
    Accepted
    ________ Contractor
    By ________ President-Owner-Partner (Strike out inapplicable title. 
    If signed by other than above, power of attorney should be attached 
    or on file with RUS.)
    ________ Date
    ________ Owner
    By ________ President-Board of Directors
    ________ Date
    Approved
    ________ Date
    ________ Engineer for the Borrower
    Details of Contract Amendment
    Item No. ________
    Assembly Unit Designation ________
    Quantity Previously Approved ________
    Net Change Number Of Units ________
    Contract Amended To Read (Show quantities and prices as revised by 
    this amendment):
        Number of Units ________
    Unit Price:
        Labor ________
        Material ________
        Total ________
    Total Price ________
    Total Increase Price ________
    Total Decrease ________
    Totals ________
    Net Total ________
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.313  Certificate of completion, contract construction for 
    buildings, RUS Form 181.
    
        The closeout form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Certificate of Completion; Contract Construction for Buildings
    
    ________ (Project Designation)
    
        I, the undersigned Architect of the above-designated Rural 
    Utilities Service Project, hereby certify that:
        1. The construction provided for pursuant to Construction 
    Contract No. ________ dated ________ 19____, including all approved 
    amendments, (hereinafter called the ``Project'') between 
    ________(``Owner'') and ________ (``Contractor'') has been completed 
    as of ________ 19____, and is in all respects in strict compliance 
    with the provisions of the Loan Contract and the Construction 
    Contract, including the Plans and Specifications and all 
    modifications thereto.
        2. To the best of my knowledge, payment in full has been made to 
    all persons who have furnished labor for the Project.
        3. The Contractor has, to the best of my knowledge, obtained 
    valid releases of lien from all Manufacturers, materialmen, and 
    subcontractors that furnished materials or services or both which 
    were employed by the Contractor in the performance of the 
    Construction Contract, and that such releases have been delivered to 
    the Owner.
        4. All defects in workmanship and materials reported during the 
    period of construction of the Project have been corrected.
        5. The final Contract Price of the Project as completed is 
    ________ dollars ($________).
    
    ________Date
    ________Representative of Architect
    ________Title
    Acceptance
    ________Date
    ________Representative of Contractor
    ________Title
    ________Date
    ________Name of Owner
    ________President, Board of Directors
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.314  Certificate of completion, contract construction, RUS 
    Form 187.
    
        The closeout form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Certificate of Completion; Contract Construction
    
    To: Administrator
    Rural Utilities Service
    U.S. Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250
    ________ (Project Designation)
        I, the undersigned Engineer of the above-designated Rural 
    Utilities Service Project do hereby certify that:
        1. The construction provided for pursuant to Construction 
    Contract No. ________ dated ________ 19____ including all 
    approved amendments, (hereinafter called the ``Project'') between 
    ________ (``Owner'') and ________ (``Contractor'') has been 
    completed as of ________ 19____, and is in all respects in strict 
    compliance with the provisions of the Loan Contract and the 
    Construction Contract, including all Plans, specifications, maps, 
    and drawings and all modifications thereto.
        2. Payment in full has been made to all persons who have 
    furnished labor for the Project.
        3. The Contractor has obtained valid releases of lien from all 
    persons, firms and/or corporations furnishing materials, supplies, 
    and appliances which were employed by the Contractor in the 
    performance of the Construction Contract, and that such releases 
    have been delivered by the Contractor to the Owner.
        4. If applicable, the Final Inventory attached hereto and made a 
    part hereof is a complete and accurate summary of all units of 
    construction in the Project and of all work performed in accordance 
    with the Construction Contract.
        5. If applicable, the staking sheets and tabulation of staking 
    sheets upon which the Final Inventory is based show the accurate 
    location, number, and kind of all units of construction of the 
    project and show all work performed in accordance with the 
    Construction Contract.
        6. All defects in workmanship and materials reported during the 
    period of construction of the Project have been corrected.
        7. The total cost of the Project as completed is ________ 
    dollars ($________). The Project consists of facilities shown on the 
    Statement of Construction which is true and correct and which is 
    attached hereto and made a part hereof.
    
        Dated this ________ day of ________, 19____.
    ________ Name of Engineer
    By ________
    ________ Title
    ________ Date
    Approved as to Items 1 and 6 above:
    ________ RUS Field Engineer
    
        We, the undersigned Owner and Contractor, do hereby certify 
    that:
        1. The Project has been completed in accordance with the 
    provisions of the Construction Contract, dated ________ 19____, 
    provided, however, that acceptance of the Project by the Owner shall 
    not be deemed to relieve the Contractor of its obligations contained 
    in the Construction Contract with respect to defective workmanship 
    or, materials discovered within one year after the date of 
    completion.
        2. If applicable, the Final Inventory attached hereto and made a 
    part hereof is a complete and accurate summary of all units of 
    construction in the Project and of work performed in accordance with 
    the Construction Contract.
    
    ________ Owner
    By ________ President
    ________ Date
    ________ Name of Contractor
    By ________
    ________ Title
    ________ Date
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.315  Equipment contract, RUS Form 198.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Equipment Contract
    
    Notice and Instructions to Bidders
    
        1. Sealed proposals for the furnishing and delivery f.o.b. 
    ________ of equipment for the ________ (hereinafter called the 
    ``Owner'') which is to be part of the project known as ________ will 
    be received by the Owner on or before ________ o'clock, ____ M., 
    ________ 19____, at ________ at which time and place the proposals 
    will be publicly opened and read. Any proposal received subsequent 
    to the time specified will be promptly returned to the Bidder 
    unopened.
        2. The Plans and Specifications, together with all necessary 
    forms and other documents for bidders may be obtained from the Owner 
    or from the Engineer, ________ at the latter's office at ________. 
    The Plans and Specifications may be examined at the office of the 
    Owner or at the office of the Engineer. [[Page 10172]] A copy of the 
    loan contract (if the Project is to be financed in whole or in part, 
    pursuant to a loan contract) between the Owner and the United States 
    of America acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities 
    Service (hereinafter called the ``Administrator'') and of the loan 
    contract between the Owner and any other lender, may be examined at 
    the office of the Owner.
        3. Proposals and all supporting instruments must be submitted on 
    the forms furnished by the Owner and must be delivered in a sealed 
    envelope addressed to the Owner. The name and address of the Bidder 
    and the date and hour of the opening of bids must appear on the 
    envelope in which the Proposal is submitted. Proposals must be 
    filled in in ink or typewriter. No alterations or interlineations 
    will be permitted, unless made before submission and initialed and 
    dated.
        4. Prior to the submission of the Proposal, the Bidder shall 
    make and shall be deemed to have made a careful examination of the 
    Plans and Specifications and forms of Equipment Contract on file 
    with the Secretary of the Owner and with the Engineer, and all other 
    matters, including transportation facilities, that may affect the 
    cost and the time of completion of the work.
        5. Proposals will be accepted only from those prequalified 
    bidders invited by the Owner to submit a proposal.
        6. In estimating the lowest cost to the Owner as one of the 
    factors in deciding the award of the Contract, the Owner will 
    consider, in addition to the price quoted in the Proposals, the 
    following: ________.
        7. The Contract, when executed, shall be deemed to include the 
    entire agreement between the parties thereto, and the Bidder shall 
    not claim any modification thereof resulting from any representation 
    or promise made at any time by any officer, agent, or employee of 
    the Owner or by any other person.
        8. The Owner reserves the right to waive minor irregularities or 
    minor errors in any Proposal if it appears to the Owner that such 
    irregularities or errors were made through inadvertence. Any such 
    irregularities or errors so waived must be corrected on the Proposal 
    in which they occur prior to the execution of any contract which may 
    be awarded thereon.
        9. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals.
    ________ Owner
    By ________
    ________ Date
    
    Proposal
    
        To: ________ (hereinafter called the ``Owner''.)
        1. The undersigned (hereinafter called the ``Bidder'') hereby 
    proposes to furnish and deliver the equipment (hereinafter called 
    the ``Equipment'') described in the Plans and Specifications 
    attached hereto and made a part hereof for the following prices: 
    Item ________.
        2. The prices of Equipment set forth herein shall include the 
    cost of delivery to ________. Such delivery shall be made within 
    ________ days after the receipt of the written order of the Owner.
        3. This Proposal is made pursuant to the provisions of the 
    Notice and Instructions to Bidders, if any shall be attached hereto, 
    and the Bidder agrees to the terms and conditions thereof.
        4. The Bidder warrants the accuracy of all statements contained 
    in the Bidder's Qualifications, if any shall be submitted, and 
    agrees that the Owner shall rely upon such accuracy as a condition 
    of the Contract in the event that this Proposal is accepted.
        5. The Bidder warrants that this Proposal is made in good faith 
    and without collusion or connection with any other person or persons 
    bidding for the same work.
        6. The Bidder agrees that, in the event this Proposal is 
    accepted, it will execute a Contract in the form attached hereto.
        7. The Bidder warrants that the Equipment will conform to the 
    performance data and guarantees which are attached hereto and by 
    this reference made a part hereof.
        8. If, in submitting this Proposal, the Bidder has made any 
    change in the form of Proposal or Contract furnished by the Owner, 
    the Bidder understands that the Owner and the Administrator may 
    evaluate the effect of such change as they see fit or they may 
    exclude the Proposal from consideration in determining the award of 
    the Contract.
        9. The Bidder represents that:
        It has ________, does not have ________, 100 or more employees, 
    and if it has, that it has ________, has not ________, furnished the 
    Equal Employment Opportunity-Employers Information Report EEO-1, 
    Standard Form 100, required of employers with 100 or more employees 
    pursuant to Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights 
    Act of 1964.
        The Bidder agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award of any 
    subcontract for more than $10,000 hereunder to a subcontractor with 
    100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the proposed 
    subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a current 
    report on Standard Form 100.
        The Bidder agrees that if it has 100 or more employees and has 
    not submitted a report on Standard Form 100 for the current 
    reporting year and that if this contract will amount to more than 
    $10,000, the Bidder will file such report, as required by law, and 
    notify the Owner in writing of such filing prior to the Owner's 
    acceptance of this Proposal.
        10. The Bidder certifies that it does not maintain or provide 
    for its employees any segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it does not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Bidder certifies further that it will 
    not maintain or provide for its employees any segregated facilities 
    at any of its establishments, and that it will not permit its 
    employees to perform their services at any location, under its 
    control, where segregated facilities are maintained. The Bidder 
    agrees that a breach of this certification is a violation of the 
    Equal Opportunity Clause in this contract. As used in this 
    certification, the term ``segregated facilities'' means any waiting 
    rooms, work areas, restrooms and washrooms, restaurants and other 
    eating areas, timeclocks, locker rooms and other storage or dressing 
    areas, parking lots, drinking fountains, recreation or entertainment 
    areas, transportation, and housing facilities provided for employees 
    which are segregated by explicit directive or are in fact segregated 
    on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin, because 
    of habit, local custom, or otherwise. The Bidder agrees that (except 
    where it has obtained identical certifications from proposed 
    subcontractors for specific time periods) it will obtain identical 
    certifications from proposed subcontractors prior to the award of 
    subcontracts exceeding $10,000 which are not exempt from the 
    provisions of the Equal Opportunity Clause, and that it will retain 
    such certifications in its files.
    ________ Name of Bidder
    ________ Address of Bidder
    By ________
    ________ Title of Officer
    ________ Date
    
    Equipment Contract
    
        Agreement made ________ 19____, between ________ (hereinafter 
    called the ``Purchaser'') and ________ (hereinafter called the 
    ``Seller''), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of 
    the State of ________.
        Whereas, the Purchaser desires to purchase and the Seller 
    desires to sell the equipment described herein for the project 
    financed in part or whole by a loan to the Purchaser from the United 
    States of America, acting through the Administrator of the Rural 
    Utilities Service (hereinafter called the ``Administrator'') which 
    project is designated ________.
        Now therefore, in consideration of the mutual undertakings 
    herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
    
    Section 1--Acceptance of Proposal
    
        (a) The Purchaser accepts the Proposal which is attached hereto 
    and by this reference made a part hereof, and the parties hereto 
    agree that the Seller shall sell and deliver to the Purchaser and 
    the Purchaser shall purchase and receive from the Seller the 
    equipment (hereinafter called the ``Equipment'') described in the 
    Proposal upon the terms and conditions herein stated.
        (b) The prices set forth in the Proposal include the cost of 
    delivery to ________.
        (c) The prices set forth in the Proposal do not include any sums 
    which are or may be payable by the Seller on account of taxes 
    imposed by any taxing authority upon the sale, purchase or use of 
    the Equipment. If any such tax is applicable to the sale, purchase 
    or use of the Equipment hereunder, the amount thereof shall be added 
    to the purchase price and paid by the Purchaser.
    
    Section 2--Delivery
    
        The Seller shall deliver the Equipment within ________ days 
    after receipt of the written order or orders of the Purchaser. The 
    time for delivery shall be extended for the period of any reasonable 
    delay due exclusively to causes beyond the control and without the 
    fault of the Seller, including, but not limited to, acts of God, 
    fires, strikes, and floods.
    
    Section 3--Payment
    
        Upon the shipment of any Equipment hereunder, the Seller shall 
    submit to the [[Page 10173]] Purchaser a detailed statement of the 
    Equipment shipped. The Purchaser shall, upon receipt of the 
    Equipment, pay the Seller ninety percent (90%) of the contract price 
    of the Equipment. When the Equipment has been installed, placed in 
    satisfactory operation, tested and accepted by the Purchaser, the 
    Purchaser shall make final payments therefor to the Seller; 
    provided, however, such final payment shall be made not later than 
    one-hundred eighty (180) days after delivery of the Equipment, 
    unless such acceptance by the Purchaser shall be withheld because of 
    the fault of the Seller.
    
    Section 4--Defective Material and Workmanship
    
        (a) All Equipment furnished hereunder shall be subject to the 
    inspection, tests, and approval of the Purchaser and the 
    Administrator and the Seller shall furnish all information required 
    concerning the nature of source of any Equipment and provide 
    adequate facilities for testing and inspecting the Equipment at the 
    plant of the Seller.
        (b) The Equipment furnished hereunder shall become the property 
    of the Purchaser upon delivery, provided, however, that the 
    Purchaser or the Administrator, within one year after delivery or 
    within the period for which the Equipment is guaranteed, whichever 
    is longer, may reject any Equipment which does not comply with the 
    Specifications attached hereto and made a part hereof or with the 
    guarantees, if any, of the Seller and the manufacturer. Upon any 
    such rejection, the Seller shall repair or replace such defective 
    Equipment within a reasonable time after notice in writing from the 
    Purchaser and in the event of failure by the Seller so to do, the 
    Purchaser may make such replacement and the cost and expense thereof 
    shall be paid by and recoverable from the Seller.
    
    Section 5--Miscellaneous
    
        (a) All manufacturers' guarantees of Equipment, if any, shall be 
    transferred and assigned to the Purchaser upon delivery of any 
    Equipment and before final payment is made for such Equipment. Such 
    guarantees shall be in addition to those required of the Seller by 
    other provisions of this Contract.
        (b) The Seller shall hold harmless and indemnify the Purchaser 
    from any and all claims, suits, and proceedings for infringement of 
    any patent or patents covering Equipment purchased hereunder.
        (c) In the performance of this contract there shall be furnished 
    only such unmanufactured articles, materials, and supplies as have 
    been mined or produced in the United States, Mexico, or Canada, and 
    only such manufactured articles, materials, and supplies as have 
    been manufactured in the United States substantially all from 
    articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced or manufactured, as 
    the case may be, in the United States, Mexico, or Canada; provided 
    that other articles, materials, or supplies may be used in the event 
    and to the extent that the Administrator shall expressly in writing 
    authorize such use pursuant to the provisions of the Rural 
    Electrification Act of 1938, being Title IV of Public Resolution No. 
    122, 75th Congress, approved June 21, 1938. The Seller agrees to 
    submit to the Purchaser such certificates with respect to compliance 
    with the foregoing provision as the Administrator from time to time 
    may require.
        (d) During the performance of this contract, the Seller agrees 
    as follows:
        (1) The Seller will not discriminate against any employee or 
    applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or 
    national origin. The Seller will take affirmative action to ensure 
    that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during 
    employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or 
    national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, 
    the following: Employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer; 
    recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates 
    of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, 
    including apprenticeship. The Seller agrees to post in conspicuous 
    places, available to employees and applicants for employment, 
    notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this 
    nondiscrimination clause.
        (2) The Seller will, in all solicitations or advertisements for 
    employees placed by or on behalf of the Seller, state that all 
    qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
        (3) The Seller will send to each labor union or representative 
    of workers with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or 
    other contract or understanding, a notice to be provided advising 
    the said labor union or workers' representative of the Seller's 
    commitments under this section, and shall post copies of the notice 
    in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for 
    employment.
        (4) The Seller will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations and 
    relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Seller will furnish all information and reports required 
    by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by rules, 
    regulations and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant 
    thereto, and will permit access to its books, records and accounts 
    by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes 
    of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Seller's noncompliance with the 
    nondiscrimination clauses of this contract or with any of the said 
    rules, regulations or orders, this contract may be cancelled, 
    terminated or suspended in whole or in part and the Seller may be 
    declared ineligible for further Government contracts or federally 
    assisted construction contracts in accordance with procedures 
    authorized in Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such 
    other sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in 
    the said Executive Order or by rule, regulation or order of the 
    Secretary of Labor, or as otherwise provided by law.
        (7) The Seller will include the portion of the sentence 
    immediately preceding paragraph (1) and the provisions of paragraphs 
    (1) through (7) in every subcontract or purchase order unless 
    exempted by rules, regulations or orders of the Secretary of Labor 
    issued pursuant to Section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 
    24, 1965, so that such provisions will be binding upon each 
    subcontractor or vendor. The Seller will take such action with 
    respect to any subcontract or purchase order as the administering 
    agency may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions, including 
    sanctions for noncompliance: Provided, however, that in the event a 
    Seller becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a 
    subcontractor or vendor as a result of such direction by the 
    administering agency, the Seller may request the United States to 
    enter into such litigation to protect the interest of the United 
    States.
        (e) Each and all of the covenants and agreements herein 
    contained shall extend to and be binding upon the successors and 
    assigns of the parties hereto provided, however, that the Seller 
    shall not assign this contract or any part hereof without approval 
    in writing of the Purchaser and the Administrator, and further that 
    the Seller shall not enter into any contract with any person, firm 
    or corporation for the performance of the Seller's obligations 
    hereunder, or any part thereof, without the approval in writing of 
    the Purchaser.
        (f) This contract shall become effective only upon approval by 
    the Administrator. Neither this contract nor any provision thereof 
    shall be modified, amended, rescinded, waived, or terminated without 
    the approval in writing of the Administrator. Amendments executed on 
    RUS Form 238 are not subject to approval of the Administrator, 
    except that when a contract amendment along with all previous 
    amendments to this contract cause the total amended contract price 
    to exceed 120 percent of the original contract price, as stated in 
    the Seller's proposal and accepted by the Owner, that amendment and 
    all subsequent amendments to this contract shall be made subject to 
    the approval of the Administrator.
        1In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have caused this 
    contract to be signed in their respective corporate names by their 
    presidents and their corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and 
    attested by their secretaries, all as of the day and year first 
    above written.
    
        \1\When Seller is a corporation this section of agreement to be 
    used.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ________ Purchaser
    By ________ President
    Attest: ________ Secretary
    ________ Seller
    By ________ President
    Attest: ________ Secretary
    
        2In Witness Whereof, the Purchaser has caused this contract 
    to be signed in its corporate name by its President and its 
    corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and attested by its Secretary, 
    and the Seller has (have) set his (their) hand(s), all as of the day 
    and year first above written.
    
        \2\When Seller is an individual or partnership this section of 
    agreement to be used. If a partnership--all partners shall sign.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ________ Purchaser
    By ________ President
    Attest: ________ Secretary [[Page 10174]] 
    ________ Seller
    ________ Name
    ________ Title
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Secs. 1726.316-1726.319  [Reserved]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.320  Construction contract, generating, RUS Form 200.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Construction Contract--Generating
    
    Notice and Instructions to Bidders
    
        1. Sealed proposals for the furnishing, delivery and 
    installation of equipment and materials for the electric generating 
    plant of ________ (hereinafter called the ``Owner'') which is to be 
    part of the system known as ________ will be received by the Owner 
    on or before ____ o'clock __.M.,____, 19__, at ____, at which time 
    and place the proposals will be publicly opened and read. Any 
    proposal received subsequent to the time specified will be promptly 
    returned to the Bidder unopened.
        2. Obtaining Documents. The Plans and Specifications together 
    with all necessary forms and other documents for bidders may be 
    obtained from the Owner or from the Engineer, ________, at the 
    latter's office at ________ upon the payment of $________, all of 
    which will be refunded to each bona fide bidder within ten days 
    after the bid opening. The Plans and Specifications may be examined 
    at the office of the Owner or at the office of the Engineer. A copy 
    of the Loan Contract (if the Project is to be financed, in whole or 
    in part, pursuant to a loan contract) between the Owner and the 
    United States of America acting through The Administrator of the 
    Rural Utilities Service (hereinafter called the ``Administrator''), 
    and of the Loan Contract between the Owner and any other lender may 
    be examined at the office of the Owner. Each set of documents will 
    have a serial number, given by the Engineer, and the number of each 
    set with the name of the purchaser will be recorded by the 
    Engineers. Bids will be accepted only from the original purchasers.
        3. Manner of Submitting Proposals. Proposals and all supporting 
    instruments must be submitted on the forms furnished by the Owner 
    and must be delivered in a sealed envelope addressed to the Owner. 
    The name and address of the Bidder, its license number, if a license 
    is required by the State, and the date and hour of the opening of 
    bids must appear on the envelope in which the Proposal is submitted. 
    Proposals must be filled in in ink or typewritten. No alterations of 
    interlineations will be permitted, unless made before submission and 
    initiated and dated.
        4. Familiarity with Conditions. Prior to the submission of the 
    Proposal, the Bidder shall make and shall be deemed to have made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project and of the Plans and 
    Specifications, Construction Drawings and forms of Contractor's 
    Proposal and Acceptance, and Contractor's Bond on file with the 
    Owner and with the Engineer, and shall become informed as to the 
    location and nature of the proposed construction, the ecological and 
    environmental criteria to be followed, the transportation 
    facilities, the kind and character of soil and terrain to be 
    encountered, the kind of facilities required before and during the 
    construction of the Project, general local conditions and all other 
    matters that may affect the cost and the time of completion of the 
    Project. Bidders will be required to comply with all applicable 
    statutes, regulations, etc., including those pertaining to the 
    licensing of contractors, and the so-called ``Kick-Back'' Statute 
    (48 Stat. 948) and regulations issued pursuant thereto.
        5. Proposals will be accepted only from those prequalified 
    bidders invited by the Owner to submit a proposal.
        6. The Time for Completion of the Project shall be as specified 
    by the Engineer in the Proposal.
        7. Bid Bond. Each Proposal must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in 
    the form attached or a certified check on a bank that is a member of 
    the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, payable to the order of 
    the Owner, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the maximum 
    bid price. Each Bidder agrees, provided its Proposal is one of the 
    three low Proposals, that, by filing its Proposal together with such 
    Bid Bond or check in consideration of the Owner's receiving and 
    considering such Proposal, said Proposal shall be firm and binding 
    upon each such Bidder and such Bid Bond or check shall be held by 
    the Owner until a Proposal is accepted and a satisfactory 
    Contractor's Bond is furnished (where required) by the successful 
    Bidder and such acceptance has been approved by the Administrator, 
    or for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date 
    hereinbefore set for the opening of Proposals, whichever period 
    shall be the shorter. If such Proposal is not one of the three low 
    Proposals, the Bid Bond or check will be returned in each instance 
    within a period of ten (10) days to the Bidder furnishing same.
        8. Contractor's Bond. The successful Bidder will be required to 
    execute two additional counterparts of the Proposal and, for a 
    Contract in excess of $100,000, to furnish a Contractor's Bond in 
    triplicate in the form attached hereto with sureties listed by the 
    United States Treasury Department as Acceptable Sureties in a penal 
    sum not less than the Contract price.
        9. Failure to Furnish Contractor's Bond. Should the successful 
    Bidder fail or refuse to execute such counterparts of the Proposal 
    or to furnish a Contractor's Bond (where required) within ten (10) 
    days after written notification of the acceptance of the Proposal by 
    the Owner, the Bidder will be considered to have abandoned the 
    Proposal. In such event, the Owner shall be entitled (a) to enforce 
    the Bid Bond in accordance with its terms, or (b) if a certified 
    check has been delivered with the Proposal, to retain from the 
    proceeds of the certified check the difference (not exceeding the 
    amount of the certified check) between the amount of the Proposal 
    and such larger amount for which the Owner may in good faith 
    contract with another party to construct the Project. The term 
    ``successful Bidder'' shall be deemed to include any Bidder whose 
    proposal is accepted after another Bidder has previously refused or 
    has been unable to execute the counterparts of the proposal or to 
    furnish a satisfactory Contractor's Bond (where required.)
        10. Factors in Deciding the Award of the Contract. In estimating 
    the lowest cost to the Owner as one of the factors in deciding the 
    award of the Contract, the Owner will consider, in addition to the 
    prices quoted in the Proposals, the following: ________.
        11. Contract is Entire Agreement. The Contract to be effected by 
    the acceptance of the Proposal shall be deemed to include the entire 
    agreement between the parties thereto, and the Bidder shall not 
    claim any modification thereof resulting from any representation or 
    promise made at any time by any officer, agent or employee of the 
    Owner or by any other person.
        12. Minor Irregularities. The Owner reserves the right to waive 
    minor irregularities or minor errors in any Proposal, if it appears 
    to the Owner that such irregularities or errors were made through 
    inadvertence. Any such irregularities or errors so waived must be 
    corrected on the Proposal prior to the acceptance thereof by the 
    Owner.
        13. Bid Rejection. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or 
    all Proposals.
        14. Definition of Terms. The terms ``Administrator'', 
    ``Engineer'', ``Supervisor'', ``Project'', ``Completion of 
    Construction'' and ``Completion of the Project,'' as used throughout 
    this Contract, shall be as defined in Article VI, Section 1 of the 
    Contractor's Proposal.
        15. The Owner Represents:
        (a) If by provisions of the Contractor's Proposal the Owner 
    shall have undertaken to furnish any materials for the construction 
    of the Project, such materials are on hand at locations specified or 
    if such materials are not on hand they will be made available to the 
    successful Bidder at the locations specified before the time such 
    materials are required for construction.
        (b) All funds necessary for prompt payment for the construction 
    of the Project will be available. If the Owner shall fail to comply 
    with any of the undertakings contained in the foregoing 
    representations or if any of such representations shall be 
    incorrect, the Bidder will be entitled to an extension of time of 
    completion for a period equal to the delay, if any, caused by the 
    failure of the Owner to comply with such undertakings or by any such 
    incorrect representations, provided the Bidder shall have promptly 
    notified the Owner in writing of its desire to extend the time of 
    completion, and provided, further, that such extension, if any, of 
    the time of the completion shall be the sole remedy of the Bidder 
    for the Owner's failure, because of conditions beyond the control 
    and without the fault of the Owner, to furnish materials in 
    accordance with subparagraph a, hereof.
    
    ________ Owner
    By ________
    ____, 19__
    
    Contractor's Proposal
    
    To Furnish, Deliver and Install Equipment and Materials
    To: ________ (hereinafter called the ``Owner'') [[Page 10175]] 
    
    Article I--General
    
        Section 1. Offer to Furnish, Deliver and Install. The 
    undersigned (hereinafter called the ``Bidder'') hereby proposes to 
    furnish, deliver and install the materials, supplies and equipment 
    (hereinafter called the ``Project'') described in the plans, 
    specifications and drawings (hereinafter called the 
    ``Specifications'') attached hereto and made a part hereof, financed 
    in part or whole by a loan to the Owner by the United States of 
    America, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities 
    Service (hereinafter called the ``Administrator'') and designated 
    ________.
        Section 2. Familiarity with Conditions. The Bidder has made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project and of the Plans and 
    Specifications, Construction Drawings, and form of Contractor's Bond 
    attached hereto, and has become informed as to the location and 
    nature of the proposed construction, the transportation facilities 
    and the kind of facilities required before and during the 
    construction of the Project, and has become acquainted with the 
    labor conditions, the ecological and environmental criteria to be 
    followed, state and local laws and regulations which would affect 
    work on the proposed construction.
        Section 3. License. The Bidder warrants that a Contractor's 
    License is ____, is not ____, required, and if required, it 
    possesses Contractor's License No. ____ of the State of ____, in 
    which the Project is located and said license expires on ____, 19__.
        Section 4. The Bidder warrants that this Proposal is made in 
    good faith and without collusion or connection with any person or 
    persons bidding for the same work.
        Section 5. The Bidder warrants that it possesses adequate 
    financial resources and agrees that in the event this Proposal is 
    accepted and a Contractor's Bond is required, it will furnish a 
    Contractor's Bond in the form attached hereto, in a penal sum not 
    less than the maximum Contract Price, with a surety or sureties 
    listed by the United States Treasury Department as Acceptable 
    Sureties.
        In the event that the surety or sureties on the performance bond 
    delivered to the Owner contemporaneously with the execution of the 
    Contract or on any bond or bonds delivered in substitution thereof 
    or in addition thereto shall at any time become unsatisfactory to 
    the Owner or the Administrator, the Bidder agrees to deliver to the 
    Owner another or an additional bond.
        The Bidder understands, that, if in submitting this Proposal, 
    the Bidder has made any change in the form of Proposal furnished by 
    the Owner, that the Owner and the Administrator may evaluate the 
    effect of such change as they see fit or they may exclude the 
    Proposal from consideration in determining the award of the 
    contract.
    
    Article II--Construction
    
        Section 1. Bid Price. The Bidder will construct the Project for 
    the following sum:
    
    Base Bid ________ Dollars ($______)
    Alternate No. 1 ________ Dollars ($______)
    Alternate No. 2 ________ Dollars ($______)
    
        Section 2. Taxes. The price quoted herein includes all amounts 
    which the Bidder estimates will be payable by the Bidder or the 
    Owner on account of taxes imposed by any taxing authority upon the 
    sale, purchase or use of materials, supplies or equipment or 
    services or labor of installation to be incorporated in the Project. 
    The Bidder will pay all such taxes and will furnish to appropriate 
    taxing authorities any required information and reports pertaining 
    thereto.
        Section 3. Time and Manner of Construction.
        (a) The time of Completion of Construction of the Project is of 
    the essence of this Contract. The Bidder will commence the work 
    within ____ calendar days after the Owner shall have given the 
    Bidder written notice to commence construction, will prosecute 
    diligently and complete such construction to the satisfaction of the 
    Owner and the Administrator within ____ calendar days after giving 
    of such notice.
        (b) The time of Completion of Construction shall be extended for 
    the period of any reasonable delay due exclusively to causes beyond 
    the control and without fault of the Bidder, including Acts of God, 
    fires, strikes, floods, inability to obtain materials, changes in 
    the Specifications as herein provided and acts or omissions of the 
    Owner with respect to matters for which the Owner is solely 
    responsible: Provided, however, that no such extension of time for 
    completion shall be granted the Bidder unless within ten (10) days 
    after the happening of any event relied upon by the Bidder for such 
    an extension of time the Bidder shall have made a request therefor 
    in writing to the Owner, and provided further that no delay in such 
    time of completion or in the progress of the work which results from 
    any of the above causes except acts or omissions of the Owner, shall 
    result in any liability on the part of the Owner.
        (c) In the sequence of construction, the Owner, acting through 
    the Engineer, shall have the right to direct the Bidder to perform 
    any part or parts of the work which is to be performed at the site 
    of the Project before any other part or parts, of such work and the 
    Bidder agrees to comply with all such directions. The Bidder shall 
    comply with all other reasonable directions of the Owner.
        (d) The Owner, acting through the Engineer, may from time to 
    time during the progress of the construction of the Project make 
    such changes, additions to or subtractions from the Plans and 
    Specifications and sequence of construction provided for in the 
    previous paragraph which are part of the Contractor's Proposal as 
    conditions may warrant: Provided, however, that if any change in the 
    construction to be done shall require an extension of time, a 
    reasonable extension will be granted if the Bidder shall make a 
    written request therefor to the Owner within ten (10) days after any 
    such change is made. If the cost of the Project to the Bidder to 
    make the change shall be increased or decreased, the contract price 
    shall be amended by an amount equal to the reasonable cost hereof in 
    accordance with a construction amendment signed by the Owner and the 
    Bidder and approved by the Administrator\1\, but no claim for 
    additional compensation for any such change or addition will be 
    considered unless the Bidder shall have made a written request 
    therefor to the Owner prior to the commencement of work in 
    connection with such change or addition. The reasonable cost of any 
    increase or decrease in the contract price covered by contract 
    amendment as outlined above, in the absence of other mutual 
    agreement, shall be computed on the basis of the direct cost of 
    materials, f.o.b. the site of the Project, plus the direct cost of 
    labor necessary to incorporate such materials into the Project 
    (including actual cost of payroll taxes and insurance), plus ____ 
    percent of the direct cost of materials and labor. Labor costs shall 
    be limited to the direct costs for workmen and foremen. Costs for 
    profit and overhead for subcontractors, if any, Bidder's main office 
    overhead, job office overhead and superintendence shall not be 
    included.
    
        \1\As long as the total price of this contract including all 
    amendments is less than 120 percent of the original contract price 
    as stated in the acceptance hereto, amendments executed on RUS Form 
    238 are not subject to the approval of the Administrator. Whenever 
    an amendment to this contract causes the total amended contract to 
    exceed 120 percent of the original contract price, that amendment 
    and all subsequent amendments to this contract shall be made subject 
    to the approval of the Administrator.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Section 4. The Bidder agrees that in the event this Proposal is 
    accepted it will make available for use in connection with the 
    proposed construction all necessary tools and equipment and 
    qualified superintendents and foremen.
        Section 5. Supervision and Inspection.
        a. The Bidder will give sufficient supervision to the work, 
    using its best skill and attention. The Bidder will carefully study 
    and compare all drawings, specifications and other instructions and 
    will at once report to the Owner any error, inconsistency or 
    omission which it may discover. The Bidder shall cause the 
    construction work on the Project to receive constant supervision by 
    a competent superintendent (hereinafter called the 
    ``Superintendent'') who shall be present at all times during working 
    hours where construction is being carried on. The Bidder shall also 
    employ, in connection with the construction of the Project, capable, 
    experienced and reliable foremen and such skilled workmen as may be 
    required for the various classes of work to be performed. Directions 
    and instructions given to the Superintendent shall be binding upon 
    the Bidder.
        b. The Owner reserves the right to require the removal from the 
    Project of any employee of the Bidder if in the judgment of the 
    Owner such removal shall be necessary in order to protect the 
    interest of the Owner. The Owner or the Supervisor, if any, shall 
    have the right to require the Bidder to increase the number of its 
    employees and to increase or change the amount or kinds of tools and 
    equipment if at any time the progress of the work shall be 
    unsatisfactory to the Owner or Supervisor; but the failure of the 
    Owner or Supervisor to give any such directions shall not relieve 
    the Bidder of its obligations to complete the work within the time 
    and in the manner specified in this Proposal.
        c. The manner of construction of the Project, and all materials 
    and equipment [[Page 10176]] used therein, shall be subject to the 
    inspection, tests and approval of the Owner and the Administrator, 
    and the Bidder shall furnish all information required by the Owner 
    or by the Administrator concerning the nature or source of any 
    materials incorporated or to be incorporated in the Project. The 
    Owner and the Administrator shall have the right to inspect all 
    payrolls, invoices of materials, and other data and records of the 
    Bidder and of any subcontractor, relevant to the construction of the 
    Project. The Bidder shall provide all reasonable facilities 
    necessary for such inspection and tests and shall maintain an office 
    at the site of the Project, with telephone service where obtainable 
    and at least one office employee to whom directions and instructions 
    of the Owner may be delivered. Delivery of such directions or 
    instructions in writing to the employee of the Bidder at such office 
    shall constitute delivery to the Bidder. The Bidder shall have an 
    authorized agent accompany the Engineer when final inspection is 
    made and, if requested by the Owner, when any other inspection is 
    made.
        d. In the event that the Owner through its Engineer, or the 
    Administrator, shall determine that the construction contains or may 
    contain numerous defects, it shall be the duty of the Bidder and the 
    Bidder's Surety or Sureties, if any, to have an inspection made by 
    an engineer approved by the Owner and the Administrator for the 
    purpose of determining the exact nature, extent and location of such 
    defects.
        e. The Engineer may recommend to the Owner that the Bidder 
    suspend the work wholly or in part for such period or periods as the 
    Engineer may deem necessary due to unsuitable weather or such other 
    conditions as are considered unfavorable for the satisfactory 
    prosecution of the work or because of the failure of the Bidder to 
    comply with any of the provisions of the Contract: Provided, 
    however, that the Bidder shall not suspend work pursuant to this 
    provision without written authority from the Owner to do so. The 
    time of completion hereinabove set forth shall be increased by the 
    number of days of any such suspension, except when such suspension 
    is due to the failure of the Bidder to comply with any of the 
    provisions of this Contract. In the event that work is suspended by 
    the Bidder with the consent of the Owner, the Bidder before resuming 
    work shall give the Owner at least twenty-four (24) hours notice 
    thereof in writing.
        Section 6. Defective Materials and Workmanship.
        a. The acceptance of any materials, equipment or any workmanship 
    by the Owner or the Engineer shall not preclude the subsequent 
    rejection thereof if such materials, equipment, or workmanship shall 
    be found to be defective after delivery or installation, and any 
    such materials, equipment or workmanship found defective before 
    final acceptance of the construction shall be replaced or remedied, 
    as the case may be, including the installation and removal thereof, 
    by and at the expense of the Bidder. Any such condemned material or 
    equipment shall be immediately removed from the site of the Project 
    by the Bidder at the Bidder's expense. The Bidder shall not be 
    entitled to any payment hereunder so long as any defective 
    materials, equipment, or workmanship in respect to the Project, of 
    which the Bidder shall have had notice, shall not have been replaced 
    or remedied, as the case may be.
        b. Notwithstanding the acceptance of workmanship, materials, 
    supplies or equipment, or the giving of any certificate with respect 
    to the completion of the work, if during the construction or within 
    one year after such completion, or within such longer period as the 
    Project or any part thereof may be guaranteed by other provisions of 
    the Contract or the Specifications, the workmanship, materials, 
    supplies or equipment shall be found to be defective or not in 
    conformity with the requirements of the Specifications, the Bidder 
    shall replace such defective materials or equipment or remedy any 
    such defective workmanship within thirty (30) days after notice of 
    the existence thereof shall have been given to the Bidder by the 
    Owner. In event of failure by the Bidder to do so, the Owner may 
    replace such defective materials or equipment or remedy such 
    defective workmanship, as the case may be, and in such event the 
    Bidder shall pay to the Owner the cost and expense thereof.
    
    Article III--Payments and Release of Liens
    
        Section 1. Payments to Bidder.
        a. Within the first fifteen (15) days of each calendar month, 
    the Owner shall make partial payment to the Bidder for construction 
    accomplished during the preceding calendar month on the basis of 
    estimates thereof certified to by the Bidder, and approved by the 
    Engineer and by the Owner solely for the purpose of payment: 
    Provided, however, that such approval shall not be deemed approval 
    of the workmanship or materials; and provided further, that in 
    estimating the amount of construction accomplished, consideration 
    shall be given only to equipment and materials incorporated into the 
    Project and equipment and materials delivered to the site in 
    accordance with approved shipping schedule. Only ninety percent 
    (90%) of each such estimate approved during the construction of the 
    Project shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder prior to Completion 
    of the Project. Upon completion by the Bidder of the construction of 
    the Project, the Engineer shall inspect the work performed hereunder 
    and if he shall find the work acceptable and all provisions 
    hereunder fully performed, he shall so certify to the Owner and 
    shall certify the balance found to be due the Bidder.
        The Certificate of Completion, Contract Construction, RUS Form 
    187, a copy of which is attached hereto, after it has been signed by 
    the Engineer and certified to by the Owner and the Bidder shall 
    thereupon be submitted to the Administrator for his approval and 
    when such approval has been given, the Owner shall make payment to 
    the Bidder of all unpaid amounts to which the Bidder shall be 
    entitled hereunder unless withheld because of the fault of the 
    Bidder.
        b. Interest at the rate of ______ percent2 (____%) per 
    annum shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder on all unpaid 
    balances due the Bidder commencing fifteen (15) days after the due 
    date: Provided that the delay in payment beyond the due date is not 
    caused by any condition within the control of the Bidder. The due 
    date for purposes of such monthly payment shall be the fifteenth day 
    of each calendar month provided (1) the Bidder on or before the 
    fifth day of such month shall have submitted its certification of 
    construction completed during the preceding month, and (2) the Owner 
    on or before the fifteenth day of such month shall have approved 
    such certification. If, for any reasons not due to the Bidder's 
    fault, such approval shall not have been given on or before the 
    fifteenth day of such month, the due date for purposes of this 
    subsection ``b'' shall be the fifteenth day of such month 
    notwithstanding the absence of the approval of the certification.
    
        \2\The Owner shall insert a rate equal to the lowest ``Prime 
    Rate'' listed in the ``Money Rates'' section of the Wall Street 
    Journal on the date such invitation to bid is issued.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        c. No payments shall be due while the Bidder is in default in 
    respect of any of the provisions of this Proposal and the Owner may 
    withhold from the Bidder the amount of any claim by a third party 
    against either the Bidder or the Owner based upon an alleged failure 
    of the Bidder to perform the work hereunder in accordance with the 
    provisions of this Proposal.
        Section 2. Release of Liens and Certificate of Contractor. (See 
    Sample RUS Form 224, Waiver and Release of Lien, and sample RUS Form 
    231, Certificate of Contractor.) Upon the completion by the Bidder 
    of the construction of the Project but prior to the payment to the 
    Bidder of any amount in excess of ninety percent (90%) of the total 
    cost of construction, the Bidder shall deliver to the Owner, in 
    duplicate, releases of all liens and of rights to claim any lien, in 
    the form attached hereto, from all manufacturers, materialmen, and 
    subcontractors furnishing services or materials for the Project and 
    a certificate in the form attached hereto to the effect that all 
    labor used on or for the project has been paid and that all such 
    releases have been submitted to the Owner for approval.
        Section 3. Payments to Materialmen and Subcontractors. The 
    Bidder shall pay each materialman, and each subcontractor, if any, 
    within five (5) days after receipt of any payment from the Owner, 
    the amount thereof allowed the Bidder for and on account of 
    materials furnished or construction performed by each materialman or 
    each subcontractor.
    
    Article IV--Particular Undertakings of the Bidder
    
        Section 1. Protection to Persons and Property. The Bidder shall 
    at all times exercise reasonable precautions for the safety of 
    employees on the work and of the public, and shall comply with all 
    applicable provisions of Federal, State and Municipal safety laws 
    and building and construction codes. All machinery and equipment and 
    other physical hazards shall be guarded in accordance with the 
    ``Manual of Accident [[Page 10177]] Prevention in Construction'' of 
    the Associated General Contractors of America, unless such 
    instructions are incompatible with Federal, State or Municipal laws 
    or regulations.
        The following provisions shall not limit the generality of the 
    above requirements:
        (a) The Bidder shall at all times keep the premises free from 
    accumulations of waste materials or rubbish caused by his employees 
    or work, and at the completion of the work he shall remove all 
    rubbish from and about the Project and all his tools, scaffolding 
    and surplus materials and shall leave his work ``broom clean''. The 
    Bidder shall dispose of waste material by burying it on the work 
    site or in a manner approved by local authorities, but shall not 
    dispose of any waste materials or rubbish by open burning. The 
    Bidder shall provide chemical sanitary facilities which may be 
    required in compliance with applicable local, State and Federal laws 
    or regulations.
        (b) The Bidder will perform the work in such a manner as to 
    maximize preservation of aesthetics and conservation of natural 
    resources, and minimize marring and scarring of the landscape, 
    erosion of soils and oil spillage. There will be no depositing of 
    trash in streams or waterways. Herbicides, other chemicals or their 
    containers will not be deposited in or near streams or waterways.
        (c) The Project, from the commencement of work to completion, or 
    to such earlier date or dates when the Owner may take possession and 
    control, in whole or in part as hereinafter provided, shall be under 
    the charge and control of the Bidder and during such period of 
    control by the Bidder all risks in connection therewith and the 
    materials, supplies and equipment to be used therein shall be borne 
    by the Bidder, except risk of loss or of damage to materials or 
    equipment furnished for or used in connection with the Project by 
    the Owner, Bidder or any subcontractor, caused by fire, lightning, 
    wind damage, explosion, riot or civil commotion, aircraft and other 
    vehicles, and smoke damage (against which perils the Owner will 
    maintain insurance, hereinafter called ``Builder's Risk 
    Insurance''). The Bidder will make good and fully repair all 
    injuries and damages to the Project, or any portion thereof under 
    the control of the Bidder by reason of any act of God, or any other 
    casualty or cause whether or not the same shall have occurred by 
    reason of the Bidder's negligence, except damage covered by the 
    Owner's Builder's Risk Insurance.
        (i) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall defend, 
    indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, officers, 
    and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Bidder's employees) and loss, damage to or destruction of 
    Owner's property or the property of any other person or entity 
    (including but not limited to Bidder's property) in any manner 
    arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the materials or 
    equipment supplied or services performed by Bidder, its 
    subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein shall 
    be construed as making Bidder liable for any injury, death, loss, 
    damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of Owner.
        (ii) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all liens and claims filed or asserted 
    against Owner, its directors, officers, and employees, or Owner's 
    property or facilities, for services performed or materials or 
    equipment furnished by Bidder, its subcontractors and suppliers of 
    any tier, and from all losses, demands, and causes of action arising 
    out of any such lien or claim. Bidder shall promptly discharge or 
    remove any such lien or claim by bonding, payment, or otherwise and 
    shall notify Owner promptly when it has done so. If Bidder does not 
    cause such lien or claim to be discharged or released by payment, 
    bonding, or otherwise, Owner shall have the right (but shall not be 
    obligated) to pay all sums necessary to obtain any such discharge or 
    release and to deduct all amounts so paid from the amount due 
    Bidder.
        (iii) Bidder shall provide to Owner's satisfaction evidence of 
    Bidder's ability to comply with the indemnification provisions of 
    subparagraphs i and ii above, which evidence may include but may not 
    be limited to a bond or liability insurance policy obtained for this 
    purpose through a licensed surety or insurance company.
        (d) The Bidder shall submit to the Owner monthly reports in 
    duplicate of all accidents giving such data as may be prescribed by 
    the Engineer.
        (e) Upon violation by the Bidder of any of the provisions of 
    this section, after written notice of such violation given to the 
    Bidder by the Engineer or the Owner, the Bidder shall immediately 
    correct such violation. Upon failure of the Bidder so to do the 
    Owner may correct such violation at the Bidder's expense: Provided, 
    however, that the Owner may, if it deems it necessary or advisable, 
    correct such violation at the Bidder's expense without such prior 
    notice to the Bidder.
        Section 2. Insurance. The Bidder shall take out and maintain 
    throughout the contract period insurance of the following types and 
    minimum amounts:
        (a) Workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance, as 
    required by law, covering all their employees who perform any of the 
    obligations of the contractor, engineer, and architect under the 
    contract. If any employer or employee is not subject to the workers' 
    compensation laws of the governing state, then insurance shall be 
    obtained voluntarily to extend to the employer and employee coverage 
    to the same extent as though the employer or employee were subject 
    to the workers' compensation laws.
        (b) Public liability insurance covering all operations under the 
    contract shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less 
    than $1 million each occurrence, limits for property damage of not 
    less than $1 million each occurrence, and $1 million aggregate for 
    accidents during the policy period. A single limit of $1 million of 
    bodily injury and property damage is acceptable. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        (c) Automobile liability insurance on all motor vehicles used in 
    connection with the contract, whether owned, nonowned, or hired, 
    shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1 
    million per person and $1 million per occurrence, and property 
    damage limits of $1 million for each occurrence. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        The Owner shall have the right at any time to require public 
    liability insurance and property damage liability insurance greater 
    than those required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of this Section. 
    In any such event, the additional premium or premiums payable solely 
    as the result of such additional insurance shall be added to the 
    Contract price.
        The Owner shall be named as Additional Insured on all policies 
    of insurance required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of this 
    Section.
        The policies of insurance shall be in such form and issued by 
    such insurer as shall be satisfactory to the Owner. The Bidder shall 
    furnish the Owner a certificate evidencing compliance with the 
    foregoing requirements which shall provide not less than (30) days 
    prior written notice to the Owner of any cancellation or material 
    change in the insurance.
        Section 3. Assignment of Guarantees. All guarantees of materials 
    and workmanship running in favor of the Bidder shall be transferred 
    and assigned to the Owner prior to the time the Bidder receives 
    final payment.
        Section 4. Delivery of Possession and Control to Owner. Upon 
    written request of the Owner, the Bidder shall deliver to the Owner 
    full possession and control of any portion of the Project provided 
    the Bidder shall have been paid at least ninety percent (90%) of the 
    cost of construction of such portion. Upon such delivery of the 
    possession and control of any portion of the Project to the Owner, 
    the risks and obligations of the Bidder as set forth in Article IV, 
    Section 1 c hereof with respect to such portion so delivered to the 
    Owner shall be terminated; Provided, however, that nothing herein 
    contained shall relieve the Bidder of any liability with respect to 
    defective materials and workmanship as contained in Article II, 
    Section 6 hereof.
    
    Article V--Remedies
    
        Section 1. Completion on Bidder's Default. If default shall be 
    made by the Bidder or by any subcontractor in the performance of any 
    of the terms of this Proposal, the Owner, without in any manner 
    limiting its legal and equitable remedies in the circumstances, may 
    serve upon the Bidder and the Surety or Sureties, if any, upon the 
    Contractor's Bond or Bonds a written notice requiring the Bidder to 
    cause such default to be corrected forthwith. Unless within twenty 
    (20) days after the service of such notice upon the Bidder such 
    default shall be corrected or arrangements for the correction 
    thereof satisfactory to both the Owner and the Administrator shall 
    be made by the Bidder or its Surety or Sureties, if any, the Owner 
    may take over the construction of the Project and 
    [[Page 10178]] prosecute the same to completion by Contract or 
    otherwise for the account and at the expense of the Bidder, and the 
    Bidder and its Surety or Sureties, if any, shall be liable to the 
    Owner for any cost or expense in excess of the Contract price 
    occasioned thereby. In such event the Owner may take possession of 
    and utilize, in completing the construction of the Project, any 
    materials, tools, supplies, equipment, appliances, and plant 
    belonging to the Bidder or any of its subcontractors, which may be 
    situated at the site of the Project. The Owner in such contingency 
    may exercise any rights, claims or demands which the Bidder may have 
    against third parties in connection with this Contract and for such 
    purpose the Bidder does hereby assign, transfer and set over unto 
    the Owner all such rights, claims and demands.
        Section 2. Enforcement of Remedies by Administrator. The 
    Administrator may on behalf of the Owner exercise any right or 
    enforce any remedy which the Owner may exercise hereunder.
        Section 3. Cumulative Remedies. Every right or remedy herein 
    conferred upon or reserved to the Owner or the Administrator shall 
    be cumulative and shall be in addition to every right and remedy now 
    or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute and the 
    pursuit of any right or remedy shall not be construed as an 
    election.
    
    Article VI--Miscellaneous
    
        Section 1. Definitions.
        a. The term ``Administrator'' shall mean the Administrator of 
    the Rural Utilities Service of the United States of America and his 
    duly authorized representatives or any other person in whom or 
    authority in which may be vested the duties and functions which the 
    Administrator is now authorized by law to perform.
        b. The term ``Engineer'' shall mean the engineer employed by the 
    Owner, with the approval of the Administrator, to provide 
    engineering services for the Project, and said Engineer's duly 
    authorized assistants and representatives.
        c. The term ``Supervisor'' shall mean the person, if any, 
    appointed by the Administrator as the representative of the 
    Government under the provisions of the Loan Contract providing for 
    such appointment in special cases. The term is limited to such 
    special representative of the Government, if any, who is responsible 
    exclusively to the Administrator and does not refer to the Manager 
    or any other person employed by the Owner and responsible to it.
        d. The term ``Completion of Construction'' shall mean full 
    performance by the Bidder of the Bidder's obligations under the 
    Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof except the 
    Bidder's obligations in respect of Releases of Liens and Certificate 
    of Contractor under Article III, Section 2 hereof. The term 
    ``Completion of the Project'' shall mean full performance by the 
    Bidder of the Bidder's obligations under the Contract and all 
    amendments and revisions thereof. The Certificate of Completion, 
    signed by the Engineer and approved in writing by the Owner and the 
    Administrator, shall be the sole and conclusive evidence as to the 
    date of Completion of Construction and as to the fact of Completion 
    of the Project.
        Section 2. Purchase of Materials. The Bidder shall purchase all 
    materials, supplies, and equipment outright and not subject to any 
    conditional sales agreements, bailment lease or other agreement 
    reserving unto the seller any right, title or interest therein. All 
    materials, supplies and equipment shall be new and shall become the 
    property of the Owner when erected in place, or when the Owner shall 
    have made any payment to the Bidder in respect of such materials; 
    whichever shall occur first.
        Section 3. Materials and Supplies. In the performance of this 
    contract there shall be furnished only such unmanufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been mined or produced in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada, and only such manufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been manufactured in the United 
    States substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies 
    mined, produced or manufactured, as the case may be, in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada; provided that other articles, materials, 
    or supplies may be used in the event and to the extent that the 
    Administrator shall expressly in writing authorize such use pursuant 
    to the provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1938, being 
    Title IV of Public Resolution No. 122, 75th Congress, approved June 
    21, 1938. The Bidder agrees to submit to the Purchaser such 
    certificates with respect to compliance with the foregoing provision 
    as the Administrator from time to time may require.
        Section 4. Patent Infringement. The Bidder shall save harmless 
    and indemnify the Owner from any and all claims, suits and 
    proceedings for the infringement of any patent or patents covering 
    any materials or equipment used in construction of the Project.
        Section 5. Compliance with Statutes and Regulations. The Bidder 
    shall comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules, and 
    regulations pertaining to the work. The Bidder acknowledges that it 
    is familiar with the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, 
    the so-called ``Kick-Back'' Statute (48 Stat. 948), and regulations 
    issued pursuant thereto, and 18 U.S.C. Section 287 and 1001, as 
    amended. The Bidder understands that the obligations of the parties 
    hereunder are subject to the applicable regulations and orders of 
    Governmental Agencies having jurisdiction in the premises.
        Section 6. Equal Opportunity Provisions.
        (a) Bidder's Representations.
        The Bidder represents that:
        It has ____, does not have ____, 100 or more employees, and if 
    it has, that it has ____, has not ____ furnished the Equal 
    Employment Opportunity-Employers Information Report EEO-1, Standard 
    Form 100, required of employers with 100 or more employees pursuant 
    to Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 
    1964.
        The Bidder agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award of any 
    subcontract for more than $10,000 hereunder to a subcontractor with 
    100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the proposed 
    subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a current 
    report on Standard Form 100.
        The Bidder agrees that if it has 100 or more employees and has 
    not submitted a report on Standard Form 100 for the current 
    reporting year and that if this Contract will amount to more than 
    $10,000, the Bidder will file such report, as required by law, and 
    notify the owner in writing of such filing prior to the Owner's 
    acceptance of this Proposal.
        (b) Equal Opportunity Clause. During the performance of this 
    Contract, the Bidder agrees as follows:
        (1) The Bidder will not discriminate against any employee or 
    applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex or 
    national origin. The Bidder will take affirmative action to ensure 
    that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during 
    employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex or 
    national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, 
    the following: Employment, upgrading, demotions or transfer; 
    recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates 
    of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection of training, 
    including apprenticeship. The Bidder agrees to post in conspicuous 
    places, available to employees and applicants for employment, 
    notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this Equal 
    Opportunity Clause.
        (2) The Bidder will, in all solicitations or advertisements for 
    employees placed by or on behalf of the Bidder, state that all 
    qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
        (3) The Bidder will send to each labor union or representative 
    of workers, with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or 
    other contract or understanding, a notice to be provided advising 
    the said labor union or workers' representative of the Bidder's 
    commitments under this section, and shall post copies of the notice 
    in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for 
    employment.
        (4) The Bidder will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and the rules, regulations and 
    relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Bidder will furnish all information and reports required 
    by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by rules, 
    regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant 
    thereto, and will permit access to its books, records, and accounts 
    by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes 
    of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations, and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Bidder's noncompliance with the Equal 
    Opportunity Clause of this Contract or with any of the said rules, 
    regulations, or orders, this Contract may be canceled, terminated, 
    or suspended in whole or in part, and the Bidder may be declared 
    ineligible for further Government contracts or federally assisted 
    construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other 
    sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation, 
    or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as provided by law.
        (7) The Bidder will include this Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    every subcontract or [[Page 10179]] purchase order unless exempted 
    by the rules, regulations, or order of the Secretary of Labor issued 
    pursuant to Section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 
    1965, so that such provisions will be binding upon each 
    subcontractor or vendor. The Bidder will take such action with 
    respect to any subcontract or purchase order as the administering 
    agency may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions, including 
    sanctions for noncompliance; Provided, however, that in the event 
    Bidder becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a 
    subcontractor or vendor as a result of such direction by the 
    administering agency, the Bidder may request the United States to 
    enter into such litigation to protect the interests of the United 
    States.
        (c) Certificate of Nonsegregated Facilities. The Bidder 
    certifies that it does not maintain or provide for its employees any 
    segregated facilities at any of its establishments, and that it does 
    not permit its employees to perform their services at any location, 
    under its control, where segregated facilities are maintained. The 
    Bidder certifies further that it will not maintain or provide for 
    its employees any segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it will not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Bidder agrees that a breach of this 
    certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity Clause in this 
    Contract. As used in this certification, the term ``segregated 
    facilities'' means any waiting rooms, work areas, restrooms and 
    washrooms, restaurants and other eating areas, timeclocks, locker 
    rooms and other storage or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking 
    fountains, recreation or entertainment areas, transportation, and 
    housing facilities provided for employees which are segregated by 
    explicit directive or are in fact segregated on the basis of race, 
    color, religion, or national origin, because of habit, local custom, 
    or otherwise. The Bidder agrees that (except where it has obtained 
    identical certifications from proposed subcontractors for specific 
    time periods) it will obtain identical certifications from proposed 
    subcontractors prior to the award of subcontracts exceeding $10,000 
    which are not exempt from the provisions of the Equal Opportunity 
    Clause, and that it will retain such certifications in its files.
        Section 7. Nonassignment of Contract. Except as provided in 
    Section 8 of this Article, the Bidder will not assign this Contract, 
    or any interest in any funds that may become due hereunder, or enter 
    into any contract with any person, firm or corporation, for the 
    performance of the Bidder's obligations hereunder, or any part 
    hereof without the approval in writing of the Owner, the Surety or 
    Sureties, if any, and the Administrator.
        Section 8. Subcontracts. The Bidder shall not enter into any 
    subcontract or subcontracts with any person, firm or corporation for 
    the performance of the Bidder's obligation hereunder in any 
    aggregate amount in excess of 40% of The Bidder's obligations (to be 
    calculated on the basis of the total contract price) nor shall the 
    Bidder enter into any subcontract in excess of $20,000, without the 
    approval in writing of the Owner and of the Surety or Sureties, if 
    any, on any bond furnished by the Bidder for the faithful 
    performance of the Bidder's obligations hereunder. If the Bidder 
    shall enter into a subcontract with any subcontractor for the 
    performance of any part of this Contract, the Bidder shall be as 
    fully responsible to the Owner and the Administrator for the acts 
    and omissions of such subcontractor and of persons employed by such 
    subcontractor as the Bidder would be for its own acts and omissions 
    and those of persons directly employed by it.
        Section 9. Contractor. Upon acceptance of this Proposal, the 
    successful Bidder shall be the Contractor and all references in the 
    Proposal to the Bidder shall apply to the Contractor.
        Section 10. Approval of the Administrator. The acceptance of 
    this Proposal by the Owner shall not create a contract unless such 
    acceptance shall be approved in writing by the Administrator within 
    sixty (60) days after the date set for the opening of proposals.
    
    ________ (Bidder)
    By ________ (President)
    ________ (Title)
    __________ (Address)
    Attest:
    __________ (Secretary)
    Date __________
    
        The Proposal must be signed with the full name of the Bidder. If 
    the Bidder is a partnership, the Proposal must be signed in the 
    partnership name by a partner. If the Bidder is a corporation, the 
    Proposal must be signed in the corporate name by a duly authorized 
    officer and the corporate seal affixed and attested by the Secretary 
    of the Corporation.
    
    Acceptance
    
        Subject to the approval of the Administrator, the Owner, 
    __________, hereby accepts the Proposal of the above-named Bidder 
    for the construction of the Project therein described for the Base 
    Bid of $ ________ and
    
    Alternate No. 1 $________
    Alternate No. 2 $________
    The total contract price is $________
    ________ (Owner)
    By __________ President
    Attest:
    __________ (Secretary)
    __________ Date of Contract
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.321  Right-of-way clearing contract, RUS Form 201.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part. This form refers to guide drawings, which do not contain 
    requirements, and, hence, are not included in this part. The guide 
    drawings are included in the printed form available from RUS (see 
    Sec. 1726.300.).
    Right-of-Way Clearing Contract
    
    Contractor's Proposal
    
    (Proposal shall be submitted in ink or typewritten)
    To: __________ (Hereinafter called the ``Owner'')
    
    Article I--General
    
        Section 1. Offer to Clear. The undersigned (hereinafter called 
    the ``Contractor'') hereby proposes to furnish all materials, 
    equipment, machinery, tools, labor, transportation and other means 
    required to clear rights-of-way for the rural electric system 
    bearing the RUS Designation __________ in strict accordance with the 
    Specifications and Drawings therefor, attached hereto and made a 
    part hereof, for the prices hereinafter stated.
        Section 2. Description of Project. The Project will consist of 
    approximately ________ miles of right-of-way clearing. The Project 
    is located in __________ counties in the State of __________.
        Section 3. Description of Contract. The Description of Units, 
    Specifications, Drawings and Plans attached hereto and made a part 
    hereof, together with the Proposal and Acceptance constitute the 
    Contract. The Plans consisting of maps and plan and profile sheets 
    if transmission clearing is included, showing the number and types 
    of right-of-way units that are to be cleared, along with other 
    special drawings are identified as follows:
        Section 4. Familiarity with Conditions. The Contractor warrants 
    that it has made careful examination of the site of the Project and 
    of the Specifications, Drawings, and form of Contractors' Bond 
    attached hereto, and has become informed as to the location and 
    nature of the proposed work, the transportation facilities, the kind 
    and character of soil and terrain to be encountered, and the kind of 
    facilities required for undertaking and completing the Project, and 
    has become acquainted with the labor conditions, state and local 
    laws and regulations which would affect the proposed work.
        Section 5. License. The Contractor warrants that a Contractor's 
    License is ____, is not ____, required, and if required, it 
    possesses Contractor's license number ____ for the State of 
    __________ in which the Project is located and said license expires 
    on __________, 19____.
        Section 6. Contractor's Bond. If the estimated cost of the 
    clearing of a Section shall exceed $100,000, the Contractor agrees 
    to furnish, prior to the commencement of work on such Section, a 
    bond in the penal sum of not less than the estimated cost of the 
    Section in the form attached hereto with a Surety or Sureties listed 
    by the United States Treasury Department as acceptable sureties. In 
    the event that the Surety or Sureties on the performance bond 
    delivered to the Owner shall at any time become unsatisfactory to 
    the Owner, the Contractor agrees to deliver to the Owner another or 
    an additional bond.
        Section 7. Taxes. The unit prices for Right-of-Way Clearing 
    Units in this Proposal include any sums which are or may be payable 
    by the Contractor on account of taxes imposed by any taxing 
    authority on payments for materials furnished or services 
    [[Page 10180]] performed by the Contractor under the terms of this 
    Contract.
    
    Article II--Construction
    
        Section 1. Time and Manner of Work.
        (a) The Contractor agrees to commence work on the Project on a 
    date (hereinafter called the ``Commencement Date'') which shall be 
    determined by the Owner after its acceptance of this Proposal, but 
    in no event will the Commencement Date be later than ____ calendar 
    days after date of acceptance of this Proposal. The Contractor 
    further agrees to prosecute diligently and to complete clearing in 
    strict accordance with the Specifications and Drawings within ____ 
    (____) calendar days (excluding Sundays) after Commencement Date.
        (b) The time for Completion of Clearing shall be extended for 
    the period of any reasonable delay which is due exclusively to 
    causes beyond the control and without the fault of the Contractor, 
    including acts of God, fires, floods, inability to obtain materials 
    and acts or omissions of the Owner with respect to matters for which 
    the Owner is solely responsible: Provided, however, that no such 
    extension of time for completion shall be granted the Contractor 
    unless within ten (10) days after the happening of any event relied 
    upon by the Contractor for such an extension of time the Contractor 
    shall have made a request therefor in writing to the Owner, and 
    provided further that no delay in such time of completion or in the 
    progress of the work which results from any of the above causes 
    except acts or omissions of the Owner, shall result in any liability 
    on the part of the Owner.
        (c) The sequence of construction shall be as set forth below, 
    the numbers or names being the designations of extensions or areas 
    (hereinafter called the ``Sections'') corresponding to the numbers 
    or names shown on the maps attached hereto, or if no Sections are 
    set forth below, the sequence of construction shall be as determined 
    by the Contractor subject to the approval of the Owner.
        (d) The Owner may from time to time during the progress of the 
    work on the Project make such changes in, additions to or 
    subtractions from the Specifications, Drawings and sequence of work 
    provided for in the previous paragraph which are part of the 
    Contractor's Proposal as conditions may warrant: Provided, however, 
    that if any change in the work to be done shall require an extension 
    of time, a reasonable extension will be granted if the Contractor 
    shall make a written request therefor to the Owner within ten (10) 
    days after any such change is made. And provided further, that if 
    the cost to the Contractor of completion of the Project shall be 
    materially increased by any such change or addition, the Owner shall 
    pay the Contractor for the reasonable cost thereof in accordance 
    with a Contract Amendment signed by the Owner and the Contractor, 
    but no claim for additional compensation for any such change or 
    addition will be considered unless the Contractor shall have made a 
    written request therefor to the Owner prior to the commencement of 
    work in connection with such change or addition.
        (e) The Contractor will not perform any work hereunder on 
    Sundays unless there is urgent need for such Sunday work and the 
    Owner consents thereto in writing. The time for completion specified 
    in subsection (a) of this Section 1 shall not be affected in any way 
    by inclusion of this subsection by the Owner's consent or lack of 
    consent to Sunday work hereunder.
        Section 2. Environmental Protection. The Contractor shall 
    perform work in such a manner as to maximize preservation of beauty, 
    conservation of natural resources, and minimize marring and scarring 
    of the landscape and silting of streams. The Contractor shall not 
    deposit trash in streams or waterways, and shall not deposit 
    herbicides or other chemicals or their containers in or near 
    streams, waterways or pastures. The Contractor shall follow, under 
    the general direction of the Engineer, the criteria relating to 
    environmental protection as specified herein by the Engineer.
        Section 3. Supervision and Inspection.
        (a) The Contractor shall cause the work on the Project to 
    receive constant supervision by a competent superintendent 
    (hereinafter called the ``Superintendent'') who shall be present at 
    all times during working hours where work is being carried on. The 
    Contractor shall also employ in connection with the Project, 
    capable, experienced and reliable foremen and such skilled workmen 
    as may be required for the various classes of work to be performed. 
    Directions and instructions given to the Superintendent shall be 
    binding upon the Contractor.
        (b) The Owner reserves the right to require the removal from the 
    Project of any employee of the Contractor if in the judgment of the 
    Owner such removal shall be necessary in order to protect the 
    interest of the Owner. The Owner shall have the right to require the 
    Contractor to increase the number of its employees and to increase 
    or change the amount or kind of tools and equipment if at any time 
    the progress of the work shall be unsatisfactory to the Owner; but 
    the failure of the Owner to give any such directions shall not 
    relieve the Contractor of its obligations to complete the work 
    within the time and in the manner specified in this Proposal.
        (c) The manner of performance of the work, and all equipment 
    used therein, shall be subject to the inspection and approval of the 
    Owner. The Owner shall have the right to inspect all payrolls and 
    other data and records of the Contractor relevant to the work. The 
    Contractor will provide all reasonable facilities necessary for such 
    inspection. The Contractor shall have an authorized agent accompany 
    the inspector when final inspection is made and, if requested by the 
    Owner, when any other inspection is made.
        (d) In the event that the Owner shall determine that the work 
    contains or may contain numerous defects, it shall be the duty of 
    the Contractor and the Contractor's Surety or Sureties to have an 
    inspection made by an engineer approved by the Owner for the purpose 
    of determining the exact nature, extent and location of such 
    defects.
        (e) The Engineer may recommend to the Owner that the Contractor 
    suspend the work wholly or in part for such period or periods as the 
    Engineer may deem necessary due to unsuitable weather or such other 
    conditions as are considered unfavorable for the satisfactory 
    prosecution of the work or because of the failure of the Contractor 
    to comply with any of the provisions of the Contract: Provided, 
    however, that the Contractor shall not suspend work pursuant to this 
    provision without written authority from the Owner so to do. The 
    time of completion hereinabove set forth shall be increased by the 
    number of days of any such suspension, except when such suspension 
    is due to the failure of the Contractor to comply with any of the 
    provisions of this Contract. In the event that work is suspended by 
    the Contractor with the consent of the Owner, the Contractor before 
    resuming work shall give the Owner at least twenty-four (24) hours' 
    notice thereof in writing.
        Section 4. Unsuitable Workmanship. The acceptance of any 
    workmanship by the Owner or the Engineer shall not preclude the 
    subsequent rejection thereof if such workmanship shall be found to 
    be unsuitable. Workmanship found unsuitable before final acceptance 
    of the work shall be remedied, by and at the expense of the 
    Contractor. The Contractor shall not be entitled to any payment 
    hereunder so long as any unsuitable workmanship in respect to the 
    Project, of which the Contractor shall have had notice, shall not 
    have been remedied.
    
    Article III--Payment
    
        Section 1. Payments to Contractor.
        (a) Within the first fifteen (15) days of each calendar month, 
    the Owner shall make partial payment to the Contractor for work 
    accomplished during the preceding calendar month on the basis of a 
    statement of completed clearing units furnished and certified to by 
    the Contractor and approved by the Owner solely for the purposes of 
    payment: Provided, however, that such approval by the Owner shall 
    not be deemed approval of the workmanship or materials. Only ninety 
    percent (90%) of each such statement approved during the clearing of 
    a Section shall be paid by the Owner to the Contractor prior to 
    completion of the Section. Upon completion by the Contractor of the 
    clearing of a Section, the Contractor shall prepare a Final 
    Inventory of the Section showing the total number and character of 
    clearing units and shall deliver to the Owner a Certificate of 
    Contractor and Indemnity Agreement in the form attached hereto, 
    showing the total cost of the work performed and stating (1) that 
    all persons who have furnished labor in connection with the Project 
    and subcontractors who have furnished services for the Project have 
    been paid in full and (2) that the Contractor shall hold the Owner 
    harmless against any liens arising out of the Contractor's 
    performance hereunder which may have been or may be filed against 
    the Owner. Upon the approval of such certificate, the Owner shall 
    make payment to the Contractor of all amounts to which the 
    Contractor shall be entitled thereunder which shall not have been 
    paid.
        (b) The Contractor shall be paid on the basis of the number of 
    clearing units actually completed at the direction of the Owner 
    shown by the Final Inventory: Provided, however, that the total cost 
    shall not exceed [[Page 10181]] the total contract price for the 
    Project as set forth in the Acceptance, unless such excess shall 
    have been approved in writing by the Owner.
        (c) No payment shall be due while the Contractor is in default 
    in respect of any of the provisions of this Contract and the Owner 
    may withhold from the Contractor the amount of any claim by a third 
    party against either the Contractor or the Owner based upon an 
    alleged failure of the Contractor to perform the work hereunder in 
    accordance with the provisions of the Contract.
        (d) If no Sections are designated in Article II, Section 1 (c) 
    the term ``Section'' shall mean for purposes of this subsection (a) 
    and Article IV, Section 3 (b) only, a part of the Project as 
    designated by the Owner which represents at least twenty-five 
    percent (25%) of the total contract price as stated in the 
    Acceptance.
        (e) Interest at the rate of ____ percent\1\ (____%) per annum 
    shall be paid by the Owner to the Contractor on all unpaid balances 
    due on monthly statements, commencing fifteen (15) days after the 
    due date; provided the delay in payment beyond the due date is not 
    caused by any condition within the control of the Contractor. The 
    due date for purposes of such monthly payment shall be the fifteenth 
    day of each calendar month provided (1) the Contractor on or before 
    the fifth day of such month shall have submitted its certification 
    of right-of-way clearing units completed during the preceding month 
    and (2) the Owner on or before the fifteenth day of such month shall 
    have approved such certification. If for reasons not due to the 
    Contractor's fault, such approval shall not have been given on or 
    before the fifteenth day of such month, the due date for purposes of 
    this subsection (e) shall be the fifteenth day of such month 
    notwithstanding the absence of the approval of the certification.
    
        \1\The Owner shall insert a rate equal to the lowest ``Prime 
    Rate'' listed in the ``Money Rates'' section of the Wall Street 
    Journal on the date such invitation to bid is issued.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (f) Interest at the rate of ____ percent\2\ (____%) per annum 
    shall be paid by the Owner to the Contractor on the final payment 
    for the Project or any completed Section thereof, commencing fifteen 
    (15) days after the due date. The due date for purposes of such 
    final payment shall be the date of approval by the Owner of the 
    Final Inventory and receipt of the Certificate of Contractor and 
    Indemnity Agreement as conditions precedent to the making of final 
    payment.
    
        \2\See Footnote 1.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Section 2. Payments to Subcontractors. The Contractor shall pay 
    each subcontractor, if any, within five (5) days after receipt of 
    any payment from the Owner, the amount thereof allowed the 
    Contractor for and on account of services performed by each 
    subcontractor.
    
    Article IV--Particular Undertakings of the Contractor
    
        Section 1. Protection to Persons and Property. The Contractor 
    shall at all times take all reasonable precautions for the safety of 
    employees on the work and of the public, and shall comply with all 
    applicable provisions of Federal, state, and municipal safety laws 
    and building and construction codes, as well as the safety rules and 
    regulations of the Owner. All machinery and equipment and other 
    physical hazards shall be guarded in accordance with the ``Manual of 
    Accident Prevention in Construction'' of the Associated General 
    Contractors of America unless such instructions are incompatible 
    with Federal, state, or municipal laws or regulations.
        The following provisions shall not limit the generality of the 
    above requirements:
        (a) The Contractor shall so conduct work on the Project as to 
    cause the least possible obstruction of public highways.
        (b) The Contractor shall provide and maintain all such guard 
    lights and other protection for the public as may be required by 
    applicable statutes, ordinances, and regulations or by local 
    conditions.
        (c) The Contractor shall do all things necessary or expedient to 
    properly protect any and all parallel, converging, and intersecting 
    lines, joint line poles, highways, and any and all property of 
    others from damage, and in the event that any such parallel, 
    converging and intersecting lines, joint line poles, highways, or 
    other property are damaged in the course of work on the Project the 
    Contractor shall at its own expense restore any or all of such 
    damaged property immediately to as good a state as before such 
    damage occurred.
        (d) Where the right-of-way of the Project traverses cultivated 
    lands, the Contractor shall limit the movement of his crews and 
    equipment so as to cause as little damage as possible to crops, 
    orchards, or property and shall endeavor to avoid marring the lands. 
    All fences which are necessarily opened or moved during work on the 
    project shall be replaced in as good condition as they were found 
    and precautions shall be taken to prevent the escape of livestock. 
    The Contractor shall not be responsible for loss of or damage to 
    crops, orchards, or property (other than livestock) on the right-of-
    way necessarily incident to work on the Project and not caused by 
    negligence or inefficient operation of the Contractor. The 
    Contractor shall be responsible for all other loss of or damage to 
    crops, orchards, or property, whether on or off the right-of-way, 
    and for all loss of or damage to livestock caused by work on the 
    Project. The right-of-way for purposes of this said section shall 
    consist of an area extending ____ feet on both sides of the center 
    line of the poles along the route of the Project lines, plus such 
    area reasonably required by the Contractor for access to the route 
    of the Project lines from public roads to carry on the work.
        (e) The Project, from the commencement of work to completion, or 
    to such earlier date or dates when the Owner may take possession and 
    control in whole or in part as hereinafter provided, shall be under 
    the charge and control of the Contractor and during such period of 
    control by the Contractor all risks in connection with the work on 
    the Project and the materials to be used therein shall be borne by 
    the Contractor. The Contractor shall make good and fully repair all 
    injuries and damages to the Project or any portion thereof under the 
    control of the Contractor by reason of an act of God or other 
    casualty or cause whether or not the same shall have occurred by 
    reason of the Contractor's negligence.
        (i) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Contractor shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Contractor's employees) and loss, damage to or 
    destruction of Owner's property or the property of any other person 
    or entity (including but not limited to Contractor's property) in 
    any manner arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the 
    materials or equipment supplied or services performed by Contractor, 
    its subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein 
    shall be construed as making Contractor liable for any injury, 
    death, loss, damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of 
    Owner.
        (ii) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Contractor shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all liens and claims filed or asserted 
    against Owner, its directors, officers, and employees, or Owner's 
    property or facilities, for services performed or materials or 
    equipment furnished by Contractor, its subcontractors and suppliers 
    of any tier, and from all losses, demands, and causes of action 
    arising out of any such lien or claim. Contractor shall promptly 
    discharge or remove any such lien or claim by bonding, payment, or 
    otherwise and shall notify Owner promptly when it has done so. If 
    Contractor does not cause such lien or claim to be discharged or 
    released by payment, bonding, or otherwise, Owner shall have the 
    right (but shall not be obligated) to pay all sums necessary to 
    obtain any such discharge or release and to deduct all amounts so 
    paid from the amount due Contractor.
        (iii) Contractor shall provide to Owner's satisfaction evidence 
    of Contractor's ability to comply with the indemnification 
    provisions of subparagraphs i and ii above, which evidence may 
    include but may not be limited to a bond or liability insurance 
    policy obtained for this purpose through a licensed surety or 
    insurance company.
        (f) Any and all excess earth, rock, debris, underbrush, and 
    other useless material shall be removed by the Contractor from the 
    site of the Project as rapidly as practicable as the work 
    progresses. The Contractor shall not deposit trash in streams or 
    waterways, and shall not deposit herbicides or other chemicals or 
    their containers in or near streams, waterways or pastures.
        (g) Upon violation by the Contractor of any provisions of this 
    section, after written notice of such violation given to the 
    Contractor by the Owner, the Contractor shall immediately correct 
    such violation. Upon failure of the Contractor so to do the Owner 
    may correct such violation at the Contractor's expense.
        (h) The Contractor shall submit to the Owner monthly reports in 
    duplicate of all accidents, giving such data as may be prescribed by 
    the Owner.
        (i) The Contractor shall not proceed with the cutting of trees 
    or clearing of right-of-way [[Page 10182]] without written 
    notification from the Owner that proper authorization has been 
    received from the owner of the property and the Contractor shall 
    promptly notify the Owner whenever any landowner objects to the 
    trimming or felling of any trees or the performance of any other 
    work on his land in connection with the Project and shall obtain the 
    consent in writing of the Owner before proceeding in any such case.
        Section 2. Insurance. The Contractor shall take out and maintain 
    throughout the period of this Agreement the following minimum 
    amounts of insurance:
        (a) Worker's compensation and employer's liability insurance, as 
    required by law, covering all their employees who perform any of the 
    obligations of the contractor, engineer, and architect under the 
    contract. If any employer or employee is not subject to workers' 
    compensation laws of the governing state, then insurance shall be 
    obtained voluntarily to extend to the employer and employee coverage 
    to the same extent as though the employer or employee were subject 
    to the workers' compensation laws.
        (b) Public liability insurance covering all operations under the 
    contract shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less 
    than $1 million each occurrence, limits for property damage of not 
    less than $1 million each occurrence, and $1 million aggregate for 
    accidents during the policy period. A single limit of $1 million of 
    bodily injury and property damage is acceptable. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        (c) Automobile liability insurance on all motor vehicles used in 
    connection with the contract, whether owned, nonowned, or hired, 
    shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1 
    million per person and $1 million each occurrence, and property 
    damage limits of $1 million for each occurrence. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        The Owner shall have the right at any time to require public 
    liability insurance and property damage liability insurance greater 
    than those required in subsection ``b'' and ``c'' of this Section. 
    In any such event, the additional premium or premiums payable solely 
    as the result of such additional insurance shall be added to the 
    Contract price.
        The Owner shall be named as Additional Insured on all policies 
    of insurance required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of this 
    Section.
        The policies of insurance shall be in such form and issued by 
    such insurer as shall be satisfactory to the Owner. The Bidder shall 
    furnish the Owner a certificate evidencing compliance with the 
    foregoing requirements which shall provide not less than (30) days 
    prior written notice to the Owner of any cancellation or material 
    change in the insurance.
        Section 3. Delivery of Possession and Control to the Owner.
        (a) Upon written request of the Owner, the Contractor shall 
    deliver to the Owner full possession and control of any portion of 
    the Project provided the Contractor shall have been paid at least 
    ninety percent (90%) of the cost of the work of such portion. Upon 
    such delivery of possession and control to the Owner, the risks and 
    obligations of the Contractor as set forth in Section 1(e) of this 
    Article IV with respect to such portion so delivered to the Owner, 
    shall be terminated: Provided, however, that nothing herein 
    contained shall relieve the Contractor of any liability with respect 
    to unsuitable workmanship as specified in Article II, Section 4.
        (b) Where the construction of a Section as hereinbefore defined 
    in Article II, Section 1 (c) and Article III, Section 1 (d) shall 
    have been completed by the Contractor, the Owner agrees, after 
    receipt of a written request from the Contractor, to accept delivery 
    of possession and control of such Section upon having inspected the 
    Section and having found the work acceptable. Upon such delivery of 
    the possession and control of any such Section to the Owner, the 
    risk and obligations of the Contractor as set forth in Article IV, 
    Section 1 (e) hereof with respect to such Section so delivered to 
    the Owner shall be terminated: Provided, however, that nothing 
    herein contained shall relieve the Contractor of any liability with 
    respect to unsuitable workmanship as specified in Article II, 
    Section 4 hereof.
        Section 4. Assignment of Guarantees. All guarantees of materials 
    and workmanship running in favor of the Contractor shall be 
    transferred and assigned to the Owner prior to the time the 
    Contractor receives final payment for any Section.
    
    Article V--Remedies
    
        Section 1. Completion on Contractor's Default. If default shall 
    be made by the Contractor or by any subcontractor in the performance 
    of any of the terms of this Proposal, the Owner, without in any 
    manner limiting its legal and equitable remedies in the 
    circumstances, may serve upon the Contractor and the Surety, if any, 
    a written notice requiring the Contractor to cause such default to 
    be corrected forthwith.
        Unless within twenty (20) days after the service of such notice 
    upon the Contractor and the Surety, if any, such default shall be 
    corrected or arrangements for the correction thereof satisfactory to 
    the Owner shall be made, the Owner may take over the work on the 
    Project and prosecute the same to completion by contract or 
    otherwise for the account and at the expense of the Contractor, and 
    the Contractor shall be liable to the Owner for any cost or expense 
    in excess of the contract price occasioned thereby. In such event 
    the Owner may take possession of and utilize, in completing the 
    Project, any materials, tools, supplies, equipment, appliance, and 
    plant belonging to the Contractor or any of its subcontractors, 
    which may be situated at the site of the Project. The Owner in such 
    contingency may exercise any rights, claims, or demands which the 
    Contractor may have against third persons in connection with this 
    Proposal and for such purpose the Contractor does hereby assign, 
    transfer, and set over unto the Owner all such rights, claims, and 
    demands.
        Section 2. Liquidated Damages. The time of the Completion of 
    Clearing is of the essence of the Contract. Should the Contractor 
    neglect, refuse or fail to complete the clearing within the time 
    herein agreed upon, after giving effect to extensions of time, if 
    any, herein provided, then, in that event and in view of the 
    difficulty of estimating with exactness damages caused by such 
    delay, the Owner shall have the right to deduct from and retain out 
    of such monies which may be then due, or which may become due and 
    payable to the Contractor the sum of ____ dollars (____) per day for 
    each and every day that such work is delayed in its completion 
    beyond the specified time, as liquidated damages and not as a 
    penalty; if the amount due and to become due from the Owner to the 
    Contractor is insufficient to pay in full any such liquidated 
    damages, the Contractor shall pay to the Owner the amount necessary 
    to effect such payment in full: Provided, however, that the Owner 
    shall promptly notify the Contractor in writing of the manner in 
    which the amount retained, deducted or claimed as liquidated damages 
    was computed.
        Section 3. Cumulative Remedies. Every right or remedy herein 
    conferred upon or reserved to the Owner shall be cumulative, shall 
    be in addition to every right and remedy now or hereafter existing 
    at law or in equity or by statute and the pursuit of any right or 
    remedy shall not be construed as an election: Provided, however, 
    that the provision of Section 2 of this Article shall be the 
    exclusive measure of damages for failure by the Contractor to 
    complete the clearing within the time herein agreed upon.
    
    Article VI--Miscellaneous
    
        Section 1. Definitions.
        (a) The term ``Engineer'' shall mean the engineer employed by 
    the Owner to provide engineering services for the Project and said 
    Engineer's duly authorized assistants and representatives. The term 
    ``Engineer'' will mean ``Owner'' if no engineer is employed by the 
    Owner to provide engineering services.
        (b) The term ``Completion of Clearing'' shall mean full 
    performance by the Contractor of the Contractor's obligations under 
    the Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof except the 
    Contractor's obligations in respect of furnishing (1) the 
    ``Certificate of Contractor and Indemnity Agreement'' and (2) the 
    Final Inventory both referred to in Article III, Section 1 hereof.
        (c) The term ``Completion'' shall mean full performance by the 
    Contractor of the Contractor's obligations under the Contract and 
    all amendments and revisions thereof relating to any Section of the 
    Project or to the Project.
        Section 2. Patent Infringement. The Contractor shall save 
    harmless and indemnify the owner from any and all claims, suits and 
    proceedings for the infringement of any patent or patents covering 
    any materials or equipment used in construction of the Project.
        Section 3. Permits for Explosives. All permits necessary for the 
    handling or use of dynamite or other explosives in connection with 
    the construction of the Project shall be obtained by and at the 
    expense of the Contractor.
        Section 4. Compliance with Statutes and Regulations. The 
    Contractor will comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, 
    [[Page 10183]] rules, and regulations pertaining to the work. The 
    Contractor acknowledges that it is familiar with the Rural 
    Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, the so-called ``Kick-Back'' 
    Statute (48 Stat. 948), and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and 
    18 U.S.C. Secs. 286, 287, 1001, as amended. The Contractor 
    understands that the obligations of the parties hereunder are 
    subject to the applicable regulations and orders of governmental 
    agencies having jurisdiction in the premises.
        Section 5. Equal Opportunity Provisions.
        (a) Contractor's Representations.
        The Contractor represents that:
        It has __, does not have __, 100 or more employees, and if it 
    has, that it has __, has not __, furnished the Equal Employment 
    Opportunity---Employers Information Report EEO-1, Standard Form 100, 
    required of employers with 100 or more employees pursuant to 
    Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
        The Contractor agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award of 
    any subcontractor for more than $10,000 hereunder to a subcontractor 
    with 100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the proposed 
    subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a current 
    report on Standard Form 100. The Contractor agrees that if it has 
    100 or more employees and has not submitted a report on Standard 
    Form 100 for the current reporting year and that if this Contract 
    will amount to more than $10,000, the Contractor will file such 
    report, as required by law, and notify, the Owner in writing of such 
    filing prior to the Owner's acceptance of this Proposal.
        (b) Equal Opportunity Clause. During the performance of this 
    Contract, the Contractor agrees as follows:
        (1) The Contractor will not discriminate against any employee or 
    applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or 
    national origin. The Contractor will take affirmative action to 
    ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated 
    during employment without regard to their race, color, religion, 
    sex, or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be 
    limited to the following: Employment, upgrading, demotion or 
    transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or 
    termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and 
    selection for training, including apprenticeship. The Contractor 
    agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and 
    applicants for employment, notices to be provided setting forth the 
    provisions of this Equal Opportunity Clause.
        (2) The Contractor will, in all solicitations or advertisements 
    for employees placed by or on behalf of the Contractor, state that 
    all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
        (3) The Contractor will send to each labor union or 
    representative of workers with which it has a collective bargaining 
    agreement or other contract or understanding, a notice to be 
    provided advising the said labor union or worker's representatives 
    of the Contractor's commitments under this section, and shall post 
    copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees 
    and applicants for employment.
        (4) The Contractor will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations and 
    relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Contractor will furnish all information and reports 
    required by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by 
    rules, regulations and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant 
    thereto, and will permit access to its books, records and accounts 
    by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes 
    of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Contractor's noncompliance with the 
    Equal Opportunity Clause of this Contract or with any of the said 
    rules, regulations or orders, this Contract may be cancelled, 
    terminated or suspended in whole or in part and the Contractor may 
    be declared ineligible for further Government contracts or 
    federally-assisted construction contracts in accordance with 
    procedures authorized in Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 
    1965, and such other sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked 
    as provided in the said Executive Order or by rule, regulation or 
    order of the Secretary of Labor, or as otherwise provided by law.
        (7) The Contractor will include this Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by rules, 
    regulations or orders of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to 
    Section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, so that 
    such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. 
    The Contractor will take such action with respect to any subcontract 
    or purchase order as the administering agency may direct as a means 
    of enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance: 
    Provided, however, that in the event a Contractor becomes involved 
    in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor 
    as a result of such direction by the administering agency, the 
    Contractor may request the United States to enter into such 
    litigation to protect the interests of the United States.
        (c) Certificate of Nonsegregated Facilities. The Contractor 
    certifies that it does not maintain or provide for its employees any 
    segregated facilities at any of its establishments, and that it does 
    not permit its employees to perform their services at any location, 
    under its control, where segregated facilities are maintained. The 
    Contractor certifies further that it will not maintain or provide 
    for its employees any segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it will not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Contractor agrees that a breach of 
    this certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    this Contract. As used in this certification, the term ``segregated 
    facilities'' means any waiting rooms, work areas, restrooms and 
    washrooms, restaurants and other eating areas, timeclocks, locker 
    rooms and other storage or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking 
    fountains, recreation or entertainment areas, transportation, and 
    housing facilities provided for employees which are segregated by 
    explicit directive or are in fact segregated on the basis of race, 
    color, religion, or national origin, because of habit, local custom, 
    or otherwise. The Contractor agrees that (except where it has 
    obtained identical certifications from proposed subcontractors for 
    specific time periods) it will obtain identical certifications from 
    proposed subcontractors prior to the award of subcontracts exceeding 
    $10,000 which are not exempt from the provisions of the Equal 
    Opportunity Clause, and that it will retain such certifications in 
    its files.
        Section 6. Franchises and Rights-of-way. The Contractor will be 
    under no obligation to obtain or assist in obtaining any franchises, 
    authorizations, permits, or approvals required to be obtained by the 
    Owner from Federal, state, county, municipal or other authority; any 
    rights-of-way over private lands; or any agreements between the 
    Owner and third parties with respect to the construction and 
    operation of the Project.
        Section 7. Nonassignment of Contract. The Contractor shall not 
    assign the Contract effected by an acceptance of this Proposal or 
    any part thereof or enter into any contract with any person, firm or 
    corporation for the performance of the Contractor's obligations 
    thereunder, or any part thereof, without the approval in writing of 
    the Owner.
        Section 8. Extension to Successors and Assigns. Each and all of 
    the covenants and agreements contained in the Contract effected by 
    the acceptance of the Proposal shall extend to and be binding upon 
    the successors and assigns of the parties thereto.
    
    ________ (Contractor)
    By ________ (President)
    ________ (Address)
    Attest: ________ (Secretary)
    Date of Proposal ________
    
        This Proposal must be signed with the full name of the 
    Contractor. If the Contractor is a partnership, the Proposal must be 
    signed in the partnership name by a partner. If the Contractor is a 
    corporation, the Proposal must be signed in the corporate name by a 
    duly authorized officer and the corporate seal affixed and attested 
    by the Secretary of the Corporation.
    
    Description of Units
    
        Right-of-Way Clearing Units:
        R1-10. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and 10 feet in width (to 
    be measured on one side of the pole line) of actual clearing of 
    right-of-way. This includes clearing of underbrush, tree removal, 
    and such tree trimming as is required so that the right-of-way, 
    except for tree stumps which shall not exceed ________ in height, 
    shall be clear from the ground up of the width specified on one side 
    of the line of poles carrying primary conductors. This unit does not 
    include clearing or trimming associated with secondaries or services 
    which is included with conductor units. The length of actual 
    clearing shall be measured in a straight line parallel to the 
    horizontal line between stakes and across the maximum dimension of 
    foliage cleared projected to the [[Page 10184]] ground line. All 
    trees and underbrush across the width of the right-of-way, as 
    designated by the Engineer shall be considered to be grouped 
    together as a single length in measuring the total length of 
    clearing. Spaces along the right-of-way in which no trees are to be 
    removed or trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the 
    total measurement. All length thus arrived at, added together and 
    divided by 1,000, shall give the number of 1,000-foot R1-10 units of 
    clearing. This unit includes the removal or topping, at the option 
    of the Contractor; of danger trees outside of the right-of-way when 
    so designated by the Engineer. (Danger trees are defined as dead or 
    leaning trees which, in falling, will affect the operation of the 
    line.) The Contractor shall not remove or trim shade, fruit or 
    ornamental trees unless so directed by the Engineer.
        R1-20. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that width is 20 
    feet (to be measured 10 feet on each side of the pole line).
        R1-30. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that width is 30 
    feet (to be measured 15 feet on each side of the pole line).
        R1-40. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that width is 40 
    feet (to be measured 20 feet on each side of the pole line).
        RC1-10, RC1-20, RC1-30, RC1-40. These units are identical to the 
    respective R1 units except that chemical treatment of stumps is 
    required in addition to the clearing of underbrush, tree removal and 
    tree trimming.
        TM-12. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ____ (____) feet in 
    width (to be measured ____ (____) feet on one side of pole line or 
    centerline of structures) of actual clearing of right-of-way. This 
    includes clearing of underbrush, tree removal, and such tree 
    trimming as is required so that the right-of-way, except for tree 
    stumps which shall not exceed ____ in height, shall be clear from 
    the ground up on one side of the line poles carrying conductors. 
    (See Detail A, Drawing TM-12-2A). The length of actual clearing 
    shall be measured in a straight line parallel to the horizontal line 
    between poles or centerline of structures and across the maximum 
    dimension of foliage cleared projected to the ground line (See 
    Detail B, Drawing TM-12-2A). All trees and underbrush across the 
    width of the right-of-way shall be considered to be grouped together 
    as a single length in measuring the total length of clearing (See 
    Detail C, Drawing TM-12-2A). Spaces along the right-of-way in which 
    no trees are to be removed or trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be 
    omitted from the total measurement. All length thus arrived at, 
    added together and divided by 1,000 shall give the number of TM-12 
    units of clearing. The Contractor shall not remove or trim shade, 
    fruit or ornamental trees unless so directed by the Engineer in 
    writing.
        TM-12 (1). This unit is identical with TM-12, except the full 
    width of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ____ (____) feet 
    wide (to be measured ____ (____) feet on each side of the pole line 
    or centerline of structures) (See Detail D, Drawing TM-12-2A.)
        TMC-12, TMC-12(1). These units are identical to the respective 
    TM units except that chemical treatment of stumps is required in 
    addition to the clearing of underbrush, tree removal and tree 
    trimming.
        TM-13. The unit, for purpose of quoting, is 1,000 feet in length 
    of clearing off the right-of-way. The Engineer will select those 
    trees of the right-of-way that he deems to be a hazard to the line 
    and will designate them to the Contractor in writing as danger 
    trees. When so designated, the Contractor shall remove or top such 
    trees at his option except that the Contractor shall trim and not 
    remove shade, fruit or ornamental trees unless otherwise directed by 
    the Engineer in writing (See Drawings TM-12-2A and TM-13 for 
    examples of danger trees).
        The measurement of length of right-of-way to be cleared shall be 
    considered as a straight line parallel to the horizontal line 
    between poles or centerline of structures, such measurement of 
    length to be based on maximum dimension of foliage (not trunk) 
    projected to the ground line (See Details E, F, G, and H, Drawing 
    TM-12-2A). Dead trees having no foliage shall be measured across the 
    maximum dimension and multiplied by two. (See Detail F, Drawing TM-
    12-2A). Each tree so removed shall be added together to determine 
    the total length of clearing. All length thus arrived at, added 
    together and divided by 1,000 shall give the number of TM-13 units 
    (Example: Details E, F, G, and H, Drawing TM-12-2A, total .1 of a 
    TM-13 unit).
        TM-14. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ____ (____) feet in 
    width (to be measured ____ (____) feet on one side of right-of-way 
    center line) of actual clearing of right-of-way. Trees and 
    underbrush should be cleared from the ground up within 10 feet of 
    any structure location. The Engineer will mark the trees and brush 
    to be cleared to provide ``undulating'' boundaries. Low growing 
    trees and brush are to be left in the right-of-way to the extent it 
    will not be hazardous to the line or will not interfere with the 
    access road. The length of actual clearing shall be measured in a 
    straight line parallel to the horizontal line between poles or 
    center line of structures and across the maximum dimension of 
    foliage cleared projected to the ground line (See Detail B, Drawing 
    TM-12-2A). All trees and underbrush cleared across the right-of-way 
    shall be considered to be grouped together as a single length in 
    measuring the total length of clearing (See Detail C, Drawing TM-12-
    2A). Spaces along the right-of-way in which no trees are to be 
    removed or trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the 
    total measurement.
        TM-14 (1). This unit is identical with TM-14 except the full 
    width of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ____ (____) feet 
    wide (See Detail D, Drawing TM-12-2A).
        TM-15. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ____ (____) feet in 
    width (to be measured ____ (____) feet on one side of the right-of-
    way center line) of actual clearing of the right-of-way. Trees and 
    underbrush should be cleared from ground up within 10 feet of any 
    structure location. The Engineer will mark the trees and brush to be 
    cleared to provide a ``feathered'' appearance in the right-of-way. 
    Low growing trees and brush are to be left in the right-of-way to 
    the extent it will not be hazardous to the line or will not 
    interfere with the access road.
        The length of actual clearing shall be measured in a straight 
    line parallel to the horizontal line between poles or center line of 
    structures and across the maximum dimension of foliage cleared 
    projected to ground line. (See Detail B, Drawing TM-12-2A). All 
    trees and underbrush cleared across the right-of-way shall be 
    considered to be grouped together as a single length in measuring 
    the total length of clearing (See Detail C, Drawing TM-12-2A). 
    Spaces along the right-of-way, in which no trees are to be removed 
    or trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the total 
    measurement.
        TM-15 (1). This unit is identical to TM-15 except the full width 
    of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ____ (____) feet wide 
    (See Detail D, Drawing TM-12-2A).
        Additional Requirements. (When specifying units denote type of 
    disposal A or B).
        A. Trees, brush, branches and refuse shall, without delay be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as the Engineer will 
    direct (Engineer to strike out methods not to be used).
        1. Burned
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (Describe)
        B. Trees that are felled shall be cut to commercial wood 
    lengths, stacked neatly, and left on the right-of-way for the 
    landowner. Commercial wood length means the length designated by the 
    Engineer but in no case shall it be required to be less than ____ 
    (____) feet. Brush, branches and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as the Engineer will 
    direct (Engineer to strike out methods not to be used).
        1. Burned
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (Describe)
    
    Specifications
    
        In preparing the right-of-way, trees shall be removed, 
    underbrush cleared, and trees trimmed so that the right-of-way shall 
    be clear from the ground up or as specified. Trees fronting each 
    side of the right-of-way shall be trimmed symmetrically unless 
    otherwise directed by the Engineer. Dead trees beyond the right-of-
    way which would strike the line in falling shall be removed. Leaning 
    trees beyond the right-of-way which would strike the line in falling 
    and which would require topping if not removed may be removed or 
    topped at the direction of the Engineer.
        Where RC or TMC units are specified, the right-of-way shall be 
    cleared in accordance with the instructions in the preceding 
    paragraph and in addition, all stumps one-half inch in diameter and 
    larger shall be sprayed as specified by the Engineer.
    [[Page 10185]]
    
    Right-of-Way Units
    
                           Distribution Clearing Units                      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Unit No.           No. of units      Unit price    Extended price
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
      ....................                                                  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total------------------------------------------------------------------
    
                           Transmission Clearing Units                      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Unit No.         No. of units       Unit price      Extended price 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Distribution and Transmission ________
    
    Acceptance
    
        The Owner hereby accepts the foregoing Proposal of the 
    Contractor, ________ for the following:
    
    Total Distribution Clearing: $________
    Total Transmission Clearing: $________
    The total contract price is $________
    ________ Owner
    
    By ________ President
    ________ Secretary
    ________ Date of Contract
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.322  Transmission system right-of-way clearing contract, RUS 
    Form 203.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part. This form refers to guide drawings, which do not contain 
    requirements, and, hence, are not included in this part. The guide 
    drawings are included in the printed form available from RUS (See 
    Sec. 1726.300.).
    
    Transmission System Right-of-Way Clearing Contract
    
    Notice and Instructions to Bidders
    
        1. Sealed proposals for the clearing of underbrush and trees 
    from right-of-way, including the supply of necessary labor and 
    equipment, of a rural electric system of ____ (hereinafter called 
    the ``Owner'') bearing the RUS Designation ____ will be received by 
    the Owner on or before ____ o'clock __M., ____ 19____, at its office 
    at ____ at which time and place the proposals will be publicly 
    opened and read. Any proposal received subsequent to the time 
    specified will be promptly returned to the Bidder unopened.
        2. Description of Project. The Project will consist of 
    approximately: ____ miles of right-of-way clearing. The Project is 
    located in ____ Counties in the State of ____.
        3. Obtaining Documents. All necessary forms and other documents 
    for bidders may be obtained from the Owner, or from the Engineer 
    ____ at the latter's office at ____. A copy of the Loan Contract (if 
    the Project is to be financed in whole or in part, pursuant to a 
    Loan Contract) between the Owner and the United States of America 
    acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service 
    (hereinafter called the Administrator), and any other lender's 
    contract may be examined at the office of the Owner. Each set of 
    documents will have a serial number, given by the Engineer, and the 
    number of each set with the name of the recipient will be recorded 
    by the Engineer. Bids will be accepted only from the original 
    recipient.
        4. Manner of Submitting Proposals. Proposals and all supporting 
    instruments must be submitted on the forms furnished by the Owner 
    and must be delivered in a sealed envelope addressed to the Owner. 
    The name and address of the Bidder, its license number if a license 
    is required by the State, and the date and hour of the opening of 
    bids must appear on the envelope in which the Proposal is submitted. 
    Proposals must be filled in in ink or typewritten. No alterations or 
    interlineations will be permitted, unless made before submission, 
    and initialed and dated.
        5. Familiarity with Conditions. Prior to the submission of the 
    Proposal the Bidder shall make and shall be deemed to have made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project and of the 
    Specifications, Drawings, and forms of Contractor's Proposal and 
    Contractor's Bond on file with the Secretary of the Owner and with 
    the Engineer, and shall become informed as to the location and 
    nature of the proposed work, the transportation facilities, the kind 
    and character of soil and terrain to be encountered, the kind of 
    facilities required before and during the construction of the 
    Project. Bidders will be required to comply with all applicable 
    statutes, regulations, etc., including those pertaining to the 
    licensing of contractors, and the so-called ``Kick-back Statute'' 
    (48 Stat. 948) and regulations issued pursuant thereto.
        6. Proposals will be accepted only from those prequalified 
    bidders invited by the Owner to submit a proposal.
        7. The time for Completion of the Project shall be as specified 
    by the Engineer in the Proposal.
        8. Bid Bond. Each Proposal must be accompanied by a bid bond in 
    the form attached or a certified check on a bank that is a member of 
    the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, payable to the order of 
    the Owner, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the maximum 
    bid price. Each Bidder agrees, provided its Proposal is one of the 
    three low Proposals, that, by filing its Proposal together with such 
    bid bond or check in consideration of the Owner's receiving and 
    considering such Proposals, said Proposal shall be firm and binding 
    upon each such Bidder and such bid bond or check shall be held by 
    the Owner until a Proposal is accepted and a satisfactory 
    Contractor's Bond is furnished (where required) by the successful 
    Bidder and such acceptance has been approved by the Administrator, 
    or for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date 
    hereinbefore set for the opening of Proposals, whichever period 
    shall be the shorter. If such Proposals is not one of the three low 
    Proposals, the bid bond or check will be returned in each instance 
    within a period of ten (10) days to the Bidder furnishing same.
        9. Contractor's Bond. The successful Bidder will be required to 
    execute two additional counterparts of the Proposal and, for a 
    Contract in excess of $100,000, to furnish a Contractor's Bond in 
    triplicate in the form attached hereto with sureties listed by the 
    United States Treasury Department as Acceptable Sureties, in a penal 
    sum not less than the contract price.
        10. Failure to Furnish Contractor's Bond. Should the successful 
    Bidder fail or refuse to execute such counterparts or to furnish a 
    Contractor's Bond (where required) within ten (10) days after 
    written notification of the acceptance of the Proposal by the Owner, 
    the Bidder will be considered to have abandoned the Proposal. In 
    such event, the Owner shall be entitled (a) to enforce the bid bond 
    in accordance with its terms, or (b) if a certified check has been 
    delivered with the Proposal, to retain from the proceeds of the 
    certified check, the difference (not exceeding the amount of the 
    certified check) between the amount of the Proposal and such larger 
    amount for which the Owner may in good faith contract with another 
    party to construct the Project. The term ``successful Bidder'' shall 
    be deemed to include any Bidder whose Proposal is accepted after 
    another Bidder has previously refused or has been unable to execute 
    the counterparts or to furnish a satisfactory Contractor's Bond 
    (where required.)
        11. Contract is Entire Agreement. The Contract to be effected by 
    the acceptance of the Proposal shall be deemed to include the entire 
    agreement between the parties thereto, and the Bidder shall not 
    claim any modification thereof resulting from any representation or 
    promise made at any time by any officer, agent or employee of the 
    Owner or by any other person.
        12. Minor Irregularities. The Owner reserves the right to waive 
    minor irregularities or minor errors in any Proposal, if it appears 
    to the Owner that such irregularities or errors were made through 
    inadvertence. Any such irregularities or errors so waived must be 
    corrected on the Proposal in which they occur prior to the 
    acceptance thereof by the Owner.
        13. Bid Rejection. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or 
    all Proposals.
        14. Definition of Terms. The terms ``Administrator,'' 
    ``Engineer,'' ``Supervisor,'' ``Project,'' ``Completion of 
    Construction'' and ``Completion of the Project'' as used throughout 
    this Contract shall be as defined in Article VI, Section 1, of the 
    Contractor's Proposal.
        15. The Owner represents:
        a. All easements and rights-of-way, except as shown on maps 
    included in the Specifications, have been obtained from the Owners 
    of the properties across which the project is to be carried out 
    (including tenants who may reasonably be expected to object to such 
    clearing). The remaining easements and rights-of-way, if any, will 
    be obtained as required to avoid delay in construction.
        b. Prompt payment for the work to be done will be made with 
    funds pursuant to the Loan Contract, or with funds otherwise 
    available to the Owner.
        If the Owner shall fail to comply with any of the undertakings 
    contained in the [[Page 10186]] foregoing representations or if any 
    such representations shall be incorrect, the Bidder will be entitled 
    to extension of time of completion for a period equal to the delay, 
    if any, caused by the failure of the Owner to comply with such 
    undertakings or by any such incorrect representation; provided the 
    Bidder shall have promptly notified the Owner in writing of its 
    desire to extend the time of completion in accordance with the 
    foregoing.
    
    ________ Owner
    By ________
    ________, 19____
    Contractor's Proposal
    (Proposal shall be submitted in ink or typewritten)
    To: ________ (Hereinafter called the ``Owner'')
    
    Article I--General
    
        Section 1. Offer to Clear. The undersigned (hereinafter called 
    the ``Bidder'') hereby proposes to furnish all materials, equipment, 
    machinery, tools, labor, transportation and other means required to 
    clear rights-of-way for rural electric system bearing the RUS 
    Designation ____ in strict accordance with the Specifications and 
    Drawings therefore, attached hereto and made a part hereof, for the 
    prices hereinafter stated.
        Section 2. Description of Contract. The Notice and Instructions 
    to Bidders and Specifications attached hereto and made a part 
    hereof, together with the Proposal and Acceptance constitute the 
    contract. The Specifications consisting of maps, plan and profile 
    sheets showing the number and types of right-of-way units that are 
    to be cleared for each parcel, along with other special drawings are 
    identified as follows: ____.
        Section 3. Familiarity with Conditions. The Bidder has made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project and of the 
    Specifications, Drawings, and form of Contractor's Bond attached 
    hereto, and has become informed as to the location and nature of the 
    proposed work, the transportation facilities, the kind and character 
    of soil and terrain to be encountered, and the kind of facilities 
    required for undertaking and completing the Project, and has become 
    acquainted with the labor conditions, state and local laws and 
    regulations which would affect the proposed work.
        Section 4. License. The Bidder warrants that a Contractor's 
    License is ____, is not ____, required, and if required, it 
    possesses Contractor's license number ________ for the State of 
    ________ in which the Project is located and said license expires on 
    ________, 19____.
        Section 5. The Bidder warrants that this Proposal is made in 
    good faith and without collusion or connection with any person or 
    persons bidding for the same work.
        Section 6. The Bidder warrants that it possesses adequate 
    financial resources and agrees that in the event this Proposal is 
    accepted and a Contractor's Bond is required, it will furnish a 
    Contractor's Bond in the form attached hereto, in a penal sum not 
    less than the maximum Contractor price, with a surety or sureties 
    listed by the United States Treasury Department as Acceptable 
    Sureties.
        In the event that the surety or sureties on the performance bond 
    delivered to the Owner contemporaneously with the execution of the 
    Contract or on any bond or bonds delivered in substitution therefore 
    or in addition thereto shall at any time become unsatisfactory to 
    the Owner or the Administrator, the Bidder agrees to deliver to the 
    Owner another or an additional bond.
    
    Article II--Construction
    
        Section 1. Time and Manner of Work.
        (a) Bidder agrees to commence work on the Project on a date 
    (hereinafter called the ``Commencement Date'') which shall be 
    determined by the Engineer after notice in writing of approval of 
    the Contract by the Administrator, but in no event will the 
    Commencement Date be later than ________ calendar days after date of 
    approval of the Contract by the Administrator. The Bidder further 
    agrees to prosecute diligently and to complete construction in 
    strict accordance with the Specifications and Drawings within ______ 
    (______) calendar days (excluding Sundays) after Commencement Date.
        (b) The time for Completion of Clearing shall be extended for 
    the period of any reasonable delay which is due exclusively to 
    causes beyond the control and without the fault of the Bidder, 
    including Acts of God, fires, floods, inability to obtain materials 
    and acts or omissions of the Owner with respect to matters for which 
    the Owner is solely responsible: Provided however, that no such 
    extension of time for completion shall be granted the Bidder unless 
    within ten (10) days after the happening of any event relied upon by 
    the Bidder for such an extension of time the Bidder shall have made 
    a request therefore in writing to the Owner, and provided further 
    that no delay in such time of completion or in the progress of the 
    work which results from any of the above causes except acts or 
    omission of the Owner, shall result in any liability on the part of 
    the Owner.
        (c) The sequence of construction shall be as set forth below, 
    the numbers or names being the designations of extensions or areas 
    (hereinafter called the ``Sections'') corresponding to the numbers 
    or names shown on the maps attached hereto, or if no Sections are 
    set forth below, the sequence of construction shall be as determined 
    by the Bidder, subject to the approval of the Engineer ______.
        (d) The Owner, acting through the Engineer and with the approval 
    of the Administrator1, may from time to time during the 
    progress of the work on the Project make such changes in additions 
    to or subtractions from the Specifications, Drawings, and sequence 
    of construction provided for in the previous paragraph which are 
    part of the Contractor's Proposal as conditions may warrant: 
    Provided, however, that if any change in the construction to be done 
    shall require an extension of time, a reasonable extension will be 
    granted if the Bidder shall make a written request therefore to the 
    Owner within ten (10) days after any such change is made. And 
    provided further, that if the cost to the Bidder of construction of 
    the Project shall be materially increase by any such change or 
    addition, the Owner shall pay the Bidder for the reasonable cost 
    thereof in accordance with a Contract Amendment signed by the Owner 
    and the Bidder and approved by the Administrator2, but no claim 
    for additional compensation for any such change or addition will be 
    considered unless the Bidder shall have made a written request 
    therefore to the Owner prior to the commencement of work in 
    connection with such change or addition.
    
        \1\As long as the total price of this contract including all 
    amendments is less than 120 percent of the original contract price 
    as stated in the acceptance hereto, amendments executed on RUS Form 
    238 are not subject to the approval of the Administrator. Whenever 
    an amendment to this contract causes the total amended contract to 
    exceed 120 percent of the original contract price, that amendment 
    and all subsequent amendments to this contract shall be made subject 
    to the approval of the Administrator.
        \2\See Footnote 1.
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        (e) The Bidder will not perform any work hereunder on Sundays 
    unless there is urgent need for such Sunday work and the Owner 
    consents thereto in writing. The time for completion specified in 
    subsection (a) of this Section 1 shall not be affected in any way by 
    inclusion of this subsection nor by the Owner's consent or lack of 
    consent to Sunday work hereunder.
        Section 2. Environmental Protection. The Bidder shall perform 
    work in such a manner as to maximize preservation of beauty, 
    conservation of natural resources, and minimize marring and scarring 
    of the landscape and silting of streams. There should be no 
    deposition of trash in streams or waterways. Herbicides, other 
    chemicals or their containers should not be deposited in or near 
    streams, waterways or pastures. The Bidder will be required to 
    follow, under the general direction of the engineer, the criteria 
    relating to environmental protection as specified herein by the 
    engineer.
        Section 3. Supervision and Inspection.
        (a) The Bidder shall cause the work on the Project to receive 
    constant supervision by a competent superintendent (hereinafter 
    called the ``Superintendent'') who shall be present at all times 
    during working hours where work is being carried on. The Bidder 
    shall also employ in connection with the Project, capable, 
    experienced and reliable foremen and such skilled workmen as may be 
    required for the various classes of work to be performed. Directions 
    and instructions given to the Superintendent shall be binding upon 
    the Bidder.
        (b) The Owner reserves the right to require the removal from the 
    Project of any employee of the Bidder if in the judgment of the 
    Owner such removal shall be necessary in order to protect the 
    interest of the Owner. The Owner or the Supervisor, if any, shall 
    have the right to require the Bidder to increase the number of its 
    employees and to increase or change the amount or kind of tools and 
    equipment if at any time the progress of the work shall be 
    unsatisfactory to the Owner or Supervisor; but the failure of the 
    Owner or Supervisor to give any such directions shall not relieve 
    the Bidder of its obligations to complete the work within the time 
    and in the manner specified in this proposal.
        (c) The manner of carrying out the Project, and all materials 
    and equipment used therein, shall be subject to the inspection, 
    [[Page 10187]] tests and approval of the Owner and the 
    Administrator, and the Bidder shall furnish all information required 
    by the Owner or by the Administrator concerning the nature or source 
    of any materials incorporated or to be incorporated in the Project. 
    The Owner and the Administrator shall have the right to inspect all 
    payrolls, invoices of materials, and other data and records of the 
    Bidder and of any subcontractor, relevant to the Project. The Bidder 
    shall provide all reasonable facilities necessary for such 
    inspection and tests and shall maintain an office at the site of the 
    Project, with telephone service where obtainable and at least one 
    office employee to whom directions and instructions of the Owner may 
    be delivered. Delivery of such directions or instructions in writing 
    to the employee of the Bidder at such office shall constitute 
    delivery to the Bidder. The Bidder shall have an authorized agent 
    accompany the Engineer when final inspection is made and, if 
    requested by the Owner, when any other inspection is made.
        (d) In the event that the Owner, or the Administrator, shall 
    determine that the work contains or may contain numerous defects, it 
    shall be the duty of the Bidder and the Bidder's Surety or Sureties, 
    if any, to have an inspection made by an engineer approved by the 
    Owner and the Administrator for the purpose of determining the exact 
    nature, extent and location of such defects.
        (e) The Engineer may recommend to the Owner that the Bidder 
    suspend the work wholly or in part for such period or periods as the 
    Engineer may deem necessary due to unsuitable weather or such other 
    conditions as are considered unfavorable for the satisfactory 
    prosecution of the work or because of the failure of the Bidder to 
    comply with any of the provisions of the Contract: Provided, 
    however, that the Bidder shall not suspend work pursuant to this 
    provision without written authority from the Owner to do so. The 
    time of completion hereinabove set forth shall be increased by the 
    number of days of any such suspension, except when such suspension 
    is due to the failure of the Bidder to comply with any of the 
    provisions of this Contract. In the event that work is suspended by 
    the Bidder with the consent of the Owner, the Bidder before resuming 
    work shall give the Owner at least twenty-four (24) hours notice 
    thereof in writing
        Section 4. Unsuitable Workmanship. The acceptance of any 
    workmanship by the Owner or the Engineer shall not preclude the 
    subsequent rejection thereof if such workmanship shall be found to 
    be unsuitable. Workmanship found unsuitable before final acceptance 
    of the work shall be remedied, by and at the expense of the Bidder. 
    The Bidder shall not be entitled to any payment hereunder so long as 
    any unsuitable workmanship in respect to the Project, of which the 
    Bidder shall have had notice, shall not have been remedied.
    
    Article III--Payments and Release of Liens
    
        Section 1. Payments to Bidder.
        (a) Within the first fifteen (15) days of each calendar month, 
    the Owner shall make partial payment to the Bidder for work 
    accomplished during the preceding calendar month on the basis of 
    completed rights-of-way clearing units furnished and certified to by 
    the Bidder, recommended by the Engineer and approved by the Owner 
    solely for the purposes of payment: Provided, however, that such 
    approval shall not be deemed approval of the workmanship or 
    materials. Only ninety percent (90%) of each such estimate shall be 
    paid by the Owner to the Bidder prior to Completion of the Project: 
    Provided, however, that at any time after work, which, in the sole 
    determination of the Engineer, amounts to fifty percent (50%) of the 
    maximum contract price has been completed, the Owner may elect, in 
    lieu of paying ninety percent (90%) of each such subsequent 
    estimate, to pay each such subsequent estimate in full. Upon 
    completion by the Bidder of the Project, the Engineer will prepare a 
    Final Inventory of the Project showing the total number and 
    character of rights-of-way clearing units and, after checking such 
    inventory with the Bidder, will certify it to the Owner, together 
    with a certificate of the total cost of the construction performed. 
    Upon the approval of such certificates by the Owner and the 
    Administrator, the Owner shall make payment to the Bidder of all 
    amounts to which the Bidder shall be entitled thereunder which shall 
    not have been paid: Provided, however, that such final payments 
    shall be made not later than ninety (90) days after the date of 
    Completion of Construction of the Project, as specified in the 
    Certificate of Completion, unless withheld because of the fault of 
    the Bidder.
        (b) The Bidder shall be paid on the basis of the number of 
    rights-of-way clearing units actually completed at the direction of 
    the Owner shown by the inventory based on the staking sheets or 
    structure lists; Provided, however, that the total cost shall not 
    exceed the maximum contract price for the construction of the 
    Project as set forth in the Acceptance, unless such excess shall 
    have been approved in writing by the Administrator.
        (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1 (a) above, the 
    Bidder may, by giving written notice thereof to the Owner elect to 
    receive payment in full for any Section of the Project upon:
        (1) completion of such Section as certified by the Engineer and 
    approved by the Owner and the Administrator;
        (2) submission to the Owner and the Administrator of the 
    releases of lien and the certificate referred to in Section 2 
    hereof;
        (3) approval by the Owner and the Administrator of the inventory 
    in respect of such Section; and
        (4) submission to the Owner and the Administrator of the consent 
    in writing by the Surety or Sureties, if any, on the Contractor's 
    Bond to payment in full for such Section prior to Completion of 
    Project.
        If no Sections are designated in Article II, Section 1 (c), the 
    term ``Section'' shall mean for purposes of this subsection (a) and 
    Article IV, Section 3 (b) only, a part of the Project as designated 
    by the Owner which represents at least twenty-five percent (25%) of 
    the maximum Contract price as stated in Article III, Section 1.
        (d) Interest at the rate of ____ percent3 (____%) per annum 
    shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder on all unpaid balances due 
    on monthly estimates, commencing fifteen (15) days after the due 
    date; provided the delay in payment beyond the due date is not 
    caused by any condition within the control of the Bidder. The due 
    date for purposes of such monthly payment shall be the fifteenth day 
    of each calendar month provided (1) the Bidder on or before the 
    fifth day of such month shall have submitted its certification of 
    rights-of-way clearing units completed during the preceding month 
    and (2) the Owner on or before the fifteenth day of such month shall 
    have approved such certification. If, for reasons not due to the 
    Bidder's fault, such approval shall not have been given on or before 
    the fifteenth day of such month, the due date for purposes of this 
    subsection (d) shall be the fifteenth day of such month 
    notwithstanding the absence of the approval of the certification.
    
        \3\The Owner shall insert a rate equal to the lowest ``Prime 
    Rate'' listed in the ``Money Rates'' section of the Wall Street 
    Journal on the date such invitation to bid is issued.
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        (e) Interest at the rate of ____ percent4 (____%) per annum 
    shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder on the final payment for 
    the Project or any completed Section thereof, commencing fifteen 
    (15) days after the due date. The due date for purposes of such 
    final payment shall be the date of approval by the Administrator of 
    all of the documents requiring such approval, as a condition 
    precedent to the making of final payment, or ninety (90) days after 
    the date of Completion of Construction of the Project, as specified 
    in the Certificate of Completion, whichever date is earlier.
    
        \4\See Footnote 3.
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        (f) No payment shall be due while the Bidder is in default in 
    respect of any of the provisions of this Contract and the Owner may 
    withhold from the Bidder the amount of any claim by a third party 
    against either the Bidder or the Owner based upon an alleged failure 
    of the Bidder to perform the work hereunder in accordance with the 
    provisions of this Contract.
        Section 2. Release of Liens and Certificate of Contractor. (See 
    sample RUS Form 224, Waiver and Release of Lien and sample RUS Form 
    231, Certificate of Contractor.) Upon the Completion of Clearing by 
    the Bidder (or any Section thereof if the Bidder shall elect to 
    receive payment in full for any section when completed as provided 
    above) but prior to final payment to the Bidder the Bidder shall 
    deliver to the Owner, in duplicate, releases of all liens and of 
    rights to claim any lien, in the form attached hereto from all 
    manufacturers, materialmen, and subcontractors furnishing services 
    or materials for the Project or such Section and a certificate in 
    the form attached hereto to the effect that all labor used on or for 
    the Project or such Section has been paid and that all such releases 
    have been submitted to the Owner for approval.
        Section 3. Payments to Subcontractors. The Bidder shall pay each 
    subcontractor, if any, within five (5) days after receipt of any 
    payment from the Owner, the amount thereof [[Page 10188]] allowed 
    the Bidder for and on account of work performed by each 
    subcontractor.
    
    Article IV--Particular Undertakings of the Bidder
    
        Section 1. Protection to Persons and Property. The Bidder shall 
    at all times take all reasonable precautions for the safety of 
    employees on the work and of the public, and shall comply with all 
    applicable provisions of Federal, State, and Municipal safety laws 
    and building and construction codes, as well as the safety rules and 
    regulations of the Owner. All machinery and equipment and other 
    physical hazards shall be guarded in accordance with the ``Manual of 
    Accident Prevention in Construction'' of the Associated General 
    Contractors of America unless such instructions are incompatible 
    with Federal, State, or Municipal laws or regulations.
        The following provisions shall not limit the generality of the 
    above requirements:
        (a) The Bidder shall at no time and under no circumstances cause 
    or permit any employee of the Bidder to perform any work upon 
    energized lines, or upon poles carrying energized lines, unless 
    otherwise specified in the Notice and Instructions to Bidders.
        (b) The Bidder shall so conduct the construction of the Project 
    as to cause the least possible obstruction of Public highways.
        (c) The Bidder shall provide and maintain all such guard lights 
    and other protection for the public as may be required by applicable 
    statutes, ordinances and regulations or by local conditions.
        (d) The Bidder shall do all things necessary or expedient to 
    properly protect any and all parallel, converging and intersecting 
    lines, joint line poles, highways and any and all property of others 
    from damage, and in the event that any such parallel, converging and 
    intersecting lines, joint line poles, highways or other property are 
    damaged in the course of the construction of the Project, the Bidder 
    shall at its own expense restore any or all of such damaged property 
    immediately to as good a state as before such damage occurred.
        (e) Where the right-of-way of the Project traverses cultivated 
    lands, the Bidder shall limit the movement of its crews and 
    equipment so as to cause as little damage as possible to crops, 
    orchards or property and shall endeavor to avoid marring the lands. 
    All fences which are necessarily opened or moved during the 
    construction of the Project shall be replaced in as good condition 
    as they were found and precautions shall be taken to prevent the 
    escape of livestock. The Bidder shall not be responsible for loss of 
    or damage to crops, orchards or property (other than livestock) on 
    the right-of-way necessarily incident to the construction of the 
    Project and not caused by negligence or inefficient operation of the 
    Bidder. The Bidder shall be responsible for all other loss of or 
    damage to crops, orchards, or property, whether on or off the right-
    of-way, and for all loss of or damage to livestock caused by the 
    construction of the Project. The right-of-way for purposes of this 
    said section shall consist of area extending ________ feet on both 
    sides of the center line of the poles along the route of the Project 
    lines, plus such area reasonably required by the Bidder for access 
    to the route of the Project lines from Public roads to carry on 
    construction activities.
        (f) The Project, from the commencement of work to completion, or 
    to such earlier date or dates when the Owner may take possession and 
    control in whole or in part as hereinafter provided shall be under 
    the charge and control in whole or in part as hereinafter provided 
    shall be under the charge and control of the Bidder and during such 
    period of control by the Bidder all risks in connection with the 
    construction of the Project and the materials to be used therein 
    shall be borne by the Bidder. The Bidder shall make good and fully 
    repair all injuries and damages to the Project or any portion 
    thereof under the control of the Bidder by reason of any Act of God 
    or other casualty or cause whether or not the same shall have 
    occurred by reason of the Bidder's negligence.
        (i) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall defend, 
    indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, officers, 
    and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Bidder's employees) and loss, damage to or destruction of 
    Owner's property or the property of any other person or entity 
    (including but not limited to Bidder's property) in any manner 
    arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the materials or 
    equipment supplied or services performed by Bidder, its 
    subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein shall 
    be construed as making Bidder liable for any injury, death, loss, 
    damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of Owner.
        (ii) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all liens and claims filed or asserted 
    against Owner, its directors, officers, and employees, or Owner's 
    property or facilities, for services performed or materials or 
    equipment furnished by Bidder, its subcontractors and suppliers of 
    any tier, and from all losses, demands, and causes of action arising 
    out of any such lien or claim. Bidder shall promptly discharge or 
    remove any such lien or claim by bonding, payment, or otherwise and 
    shall notify Owner promptly when it has done so. If Bidder does not 
    cause such lien or claim to be discharged or released by payment, 
    bonding, or otherwise, Owner shall have the right (but shall not be 
    obligated) to pay all sums necessary to obtain any such discharge or 
    release and to deduct all amounts so paid from the amount due 
    Bidder.
        (iii) Bidder shall provide to Owner's satisfaction evidence of 
    Bidder's ability to comply with the indemnification provisions of 
    subparagraphs i and ii above, which evidence may include but may not 
    be limited to a bond or liability insurance policy obtained for this 
    purpose through a licensed surety or insurance company.
        (g) Any and all excess earth, rock, debris, underbrush and other 
    useless material shall be removed by the Bidder from the site of the 
    Project as rapidly as practicable as the work progresses. There 
    should no disposition of trash in streams or waterways. Herbicides, 
    other chemicals or their containers should not be deposited in or 
    near streams, waterways or pastures.
        (h) Upon violation by the Bidder of any of the provisions of 
    this section, after written notice of such violation given to the 
    Bidder by the Engineer or the Owner, the Bidder shall immediately 
    correct such violation. Upon failure of the Bidder so to do the 
    Owner may correct such violation at the Bidder's expense: Provided, 
    however, that the Owner may, if it deems it necessary or advisable, 
    correct such violation at the Bidder's expense without such prior 
    notice to the Bidder.
        (i) The Bidder shall submit to the Owner monthly reports in 
    duplicate of all accidents, giving such data as may be prescribed by 
    the Owner.
        (j) The Bidder shall not proceed with the cutting of trees or 
    clearing of right-of-way without written notification from the Owner 
    that proper authorization has been received from the owner of the 
    property, and the Bidder shall promptly notify the Owner whenever 
    any landowner objects to the trimming or felling of any trees or the 
    performance of any other work on its land in connection with the 
    Project and shall obtain the consent in writing of the Owner before 
    proceeding in any such case.
        Section 2. Insurance. The Bidder shall take out and maintain 
    throughout the contract period insurance of the following types and 
    minimum amounts:
        (a) Workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance, as 
    required by law, covering all their employees who perform any of the 
    obligations of the contractor, engineer, and architect under the 
    contract. If any employer or employee is not subject to the workers' 
    compensation laws of the governing state, then insurance shall be 
    obtained voluntarily to extend to the employer and employee coverage 
    to the same extent as though the employer or employee were subject 
    to the workers' compensation laws.
        (b) Public liability insurance covering all operations under the 
    contract shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less 
    than $1 million each occurrence, limits for property damage of not 
    less than $1 million each occurrence, and $1 million aggregate for 
    accidents during the policy period. A single limit of $1 million of 
    bodily injury and property damage is acceptable. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        (c) Automobile liability insurance on all motor vehicles used in 
    connection with the contract, whether owned, nonowned, or hired, 
    shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1 
    million per person and $1 million per occurrence, and property 
    damage limits of $1 million for each occurrence. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        The Owner shall have the right at any time to require public 
    liability insurance and property damage liability insurance greater 
    than those required in subsection ``b'' and [[Page 10189]] ``c'' of 
    this Section. In any such event, the additional premium or premiums 
    payable solely as the result of such additional insurance shall be 
    added to the Contract price.
        The Owner shall be named as Additional Insured on all policies 
    of insurance required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of this 
    Section.
        The policies of insurance shall be in such form and issued by 
    such insurer as shall be satisfactory to the Owner. The Bidder shall 
    furnish the Owner a certificate evidencing compliance with the 
    foregoing requirements which shall provide not less than (30) days 
    prior written notice to the Owner of any cancellation or material 
    change in the insurance.
        Section 3. Delivery of Possession and Control to Owner.
        (a) Upon written request of the Owner the Bidder shall deliver 
    to the Owner full possession and control of any portion of the 
    Project provided the Bidder shall have been paid at least ninety 
    percent (90%) of the cost of construction of such portion. Upon such 
    delivery of the possession and control of any portion of the Project 
    to the Owner, the risk and obligations of the Bidder as set forth in 
    Article IV, Section 1(f) hereof with respect to such portion of the 
    Project so delivered to the Owner shall be terminated: Provided, 
    however, that nothing herein contained shall relieve the Bidder of 
    any liability with respect to defective materials and workmanship as 
    contained in Article II, Section 4 hereof.
        (b) Where the construction of a Section as hereinbefore defined 
    in Article II, Section 1 (c) and Article III, Section 1(c) shall 
    have been completed by the Bidder, the Owner agrees, after receipt 
    of a written request from the Bidder, to accept delivery of 
    possession and control of such Section upon the issuance by the 
    Engineer of a written statement that the Section has been inspected 
    and found acceptable by the Engineer. Upon such delivery of the 
    possession and control of any such Section to the Owner, the risk 
    and obligations of the Bidder as set forth in Article IV, Section 
    1(f) hereof with respect to such Section so delivered to the Owner 
    shall be terminated; Provided, however, that nothing herein 
    contained shall relieve the Bidder of any liability with respect to 
    defective materials or workmanship as contained in Article II, 
    Section 4 hereof. Section 4. Assignment of Guarantees. All 
    guarantees of materials and workmanship running in favor of the 
    Bidder shall be transferred and assigned to the Owner prior to the 
    time the Bidder receives final payment.
    
    Article V--Remedies
    
        Section 1. Completion of Bidder's Default. If default shall be 
    made by the Bidder or by any subcontractor in the performance of any 
    of the terms of this Proposal, the Owner, without in any manner 
    limiting its legal and equitable remedies in the circumstances, may 
    serve upon the Bidder and the Surety or Sureties, if any, upon the 
    Contractor's Bond or Bonds a written notice requiring the Bidder to 
    cause such default to be corrected forthwith. Unless within twenty 
    (20) days after the service of such notice upon the Bidder such 
    default shall be corrected or arrangements for the correction 
    thereof satisfactory to both the Owner and the Administrator shall 
    be made by the Bidder or its Surety or Sureties if any, the Owner 
    may take over the Project and prosecute the same to completion by 
    contract or otherwise for the account and at the expense of the 
    Bidder, and the Bidder and its Surety or Sureties if any, shall be 
    liable to the Owner for any cost or expense in excess of the 
    contract price occasioned thereby. In such event the Owner may take 
    possession of and utilize, in completing the construction of the 
    Project, any materials, tools, supplies, equipment, appliances, and 
    plant belonging to the Bidder or any of its subcontractors, which 
    may be situated at the site of the Project. The Owner in such 
    contingency may exercise any rights, claims or demands which the 
    Bidder may have against third persons in connection with this 
    contract and for such purpose the Bidder does hereby assign, 
    transfer and set over unto the Owner all such rights, claims and 
    demands. Section 2. Liquidated Damages. The time of the Completion 
    of the Project is of the essence of the Contract. Should the Bidder 
    neglect, refuse or fail to complete the Project within the time 
    herein agreed upon, after giving effect to extensions of time, if 
    any, herein provided, then, in that event and in view of the 
    difficulty of estimating with exactness damages caused by such 
    delay, the Owner shall have the right to deduct from and retain out 
    of such moneys which may be then due, or which may become due and 
    payable to the Bidder the sum of ________ dollars (________) per day 
    for each and every day that such construction is delayed in its 
    completion beyond the specified time, as liquidated damages and not 
    as a penalty; if the amount due and to become due from the Owner to 
    the Bidder is insufficient to pay in full any such liquidated 
    damages, the Bidder shall pay to the Owner the amount necessary to 
    effect such payment in full; Provided, however, that the Owner shall 
    promptly notify the Bidder in writing of the manner in which the 
    amount retained, deducted or claimed as liquidated damages was 
    computed.
        Section 3. Cumulative Remedies. Every right or remedy herein 
    conferred upon or reserved to the Owner or the Government or the 
    Administrator shall be cumulative, shall be in addition to every 
    right and remedy now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by 
    statute and the pursuit of any right or remedy shall not be 
    construed as an election: Provided, however, that the provision of 
    Section 2 of this Article shall be the exclusive measure of damages 
    for failure by the Bidder to complete the Project within the time 
    herein agreed upon.
    
    Article VI--Miscellaneous
    
        Section 1. Definitions.
        (a) The term ``Administrator'' shall mean the Administrator of 
    the Rural Utilities Service of the United States of America and his 
    duly authorized representatives or any other person in whom or 
    authority in which may be vested the duties and functions which the 
    Administrator is now authorized by law to perform.
        (b) The term ``Engineer'' shall mean the engineer employed by 
    the Owner with the approval of the Administrator, to provide 
    engineering services for the Project and said Engineer's duly 
    authorized assistants and representatives.
        (c) The term ``Supervisor'' shall mean the person, if any, 
    appointed by the Administrator as the representative of the 
    Government under the provisions of the Loan Contract providing for 
    such appointment in special cases. The term is limited to such 
    special representative of the Government, if any, who is responsible 
    exclusively to the Administrator and does not refer to the Manager 
    or any other person employed by the Owner and responsible to it.
        (d) The term ``Completion of Clearing'' shall mean full 
    performance by the Bidder of the Bidder's obligations under the 
    Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof except the 
    Bidder's obligations in respect of (1) Releases of liens and 
    Certificate of Contractor under Article III, Section 2 hereof, (2) 
    the inventory referred to in Article III, Section 1 hereof, and (3) 
    other final documents. The term ``Completion of the Project'' shall 
    mean full performance by the Bidder of the Bidder's obligations 
    under the Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof. The 
    Certificate of Completion signed by the Engineer and approved in 
    writing by the Owner and the Administrator, shall be the sole and 
    conclusive evidence as to the date of Completion of Clearing.
        Section 2. Patent Infringement. The Bidder shall save harmless 
    and indemnity the Owner from any and all claims, suits and 
    proceedings for the infringement of any patent or patents covering 
    any materials or equipment used in construction of the Project.
        Section 3. Permits for Explosives. All permits necessary for the 
    handling or use of dynamite or other explosives in connection with 
    the construction of the Project shall be obtained by and at the 
    expense of the Bidder.
        Section 4. Compliance with Statutes and Regulations. The Bidder 
    shall comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules, and 
    regulations pertaining to the work. The Bidder acknowledges that it 
    is familiar with the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, 
    the so-called ``Kick-Back'' Statute (48 Stat. 948), and regulations 
    issued pursuant thereto, and 18 U.S.C. Sections 286, 287 and 1001 as 
    amended. The Bidder understands that the obligations of the parties 
    hereunder are subject to the applicable regulations and orders of 
    Governmental Agencies leaving jurisdiction in the premises.
        Section 5. Equal Opportunity Provisions.
        (a) Bidder's Representations.
        The Bidder represents that:
        It has ______, does not have ______, 100 or more employees, and 
    if it has, that it has ______, has not ______, furnished the Equal 
    Employment Opportunity-Employers Information Report EEO-1, Standard 
    Form 100, required of employers with 100 or more employees pursuant 
    to Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 
    1964.
        The Bidder agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award of any 
    subcontract for more than $10,000 hereunder to a subcontractor with 
    100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the proposed 
    subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a current 
    [[Page 10190]] report on Form 100. The Bidder agrees that if it has 
    100 or more employees and has not submitted a report on Standard 
    Form 100 for the current reporting year and that if this contract 
    will amount to more than $10,000, the Bidder will file such report, 
    as required by law, and notify the Owner in writing of such filing 
    prior to the Owner's acceptance of this Proposal.
        (b) Equal Opportunity Clause. During the performance of this 
    contract, the Bidder agrees as follows:
        (1) The Bidder will not discriminate against any employee or 
    applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or 
    national origin. The Bidder will take affirmative action to ensure 
    that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during 
    employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or 
    national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, 
    the following: Employment, upgrading, demotions or transfer; 
    recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates 
    of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, 
    including apprenticeship. The Bidder agrees to post in conspicuous 
    places, available to employees and applicants for employment, 
    notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this Equal 
    Opportunity Clause.
        (2) The Bidder will, in all solicitations or advertisements for 
    employees placed by or on behalf of the Bidder, state that all 
    qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
        (3) The Bidder will send to each labor union or representative 
    of workers, with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or 
    other contract or understanding, a notice to be provided advising 
    the said labor union or worker's representatives of the Bidder's 
    commitments under this section, and shall post copies of the notice 
    in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for 
    employment.
        (4) The Bidder will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations, 
    and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Bidder will furnish all information and reports required 
    by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by rules, 
    regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant 
    thereto, and will permit access to its books, records, and accounts 
    by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes 
    of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations, and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Bidder's noncompliance with the Equal 
    Opportunity Clause of this Contract or with any of the said rules, 
    regulations, or orders, this Contract may be cancelled, terminated, 
    or suspended in whole or in part, and the Bidder may be declared 
    ineligible for further Government contracts of federally assisted 
    construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other 
    sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation, 
    or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as provided by law.
        (7) The Bidder will include this Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by the rules, 
    regulations, or order of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to 
    Section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, so that 
    such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. 
    The Bidder will take such action with respect to any subcontract or 
    purchase order as the administering agency may direct as a means of 
    enforcing such provisions including sanctions for noncompliance: 
    Provided, however, that in the event a Bidder becomes involved in, 
    or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as 
    a result of such direction by the administering agency, the Bidder 
    may request the United States to enter into such litigation to 
    protect the interests of the United States.
        (c) Certificate of Nonsegregated Facilities. The Bidder 
    certifies that it does not maintain or provide for its employees any 
    segregated facilities at any of its establishments, and that it does 
    not permit its employees to perform their services at any location, 
    under its control, where segregated facilities are maintained. The 
    Bidder certifies further that it will not maintain or provide for 
    its employees any segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it will not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Bidder agrees that a breach of this 
    certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity Clause in this 
    contract. As used in this certification, the term ``segregated 
    facilities'' means any waiting rooms, work areas, restrooms and 
    washrooms, restaurants and other eating areas, timeclocks, locker 
    rooms and other storage or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking 
    fountains recreation or entertainment areas, transportation, and 
    housing facilities provided for employees which are segregated by 
    explicit directive or are in fact segregated on the basis of race, 
    color, religion, or national origin, because of habit, local custom, 
    or otherwise. The Bidder agrees that (except where it has obtained 
    identical certifications from proposed subcontractors for specific 
    time periods) it will obtain identical certifications from proposed 
    subcontractors prior to the award of subcontracts exceeding $10,000 
    which are not exempt from the provisions of the Equal Opportunity 
    Clause, and that it will retain such certifications in its files.
        Section 6. Franchises and Rights-of-Way. The Bidder shall be 
    under no obligation to obtain or assist in obtaining: Any 
    franchises, authorizations, permits or approvals required to be 
    obtained by the Owner from Federal, State, County, Municipal or 
    other authorities; any rights-of-way over private lands; or any 
    agreements between the Owner and third parties with respect to the 
    construction and operation of the Project.
        Section 7. Nonassignment of Contract. The Bidder shall perform 
    directly and without subcontracting not less than twenty-five per 
    centum (25%) of the construction of the Project, to be calculated on 
    the basis of the total contract price. The Bidder shall not assign 
    the contract effected by an acceptance of this proposal or any 
    interest in any funds that may be due or become due hereunder or 
    enter into contract with any person, firm or corporation for the 
    performance of the Bidder's obligations hereunder or any part 
    thereof, without the approval in writing of the Owner and of the 
    Surety or Sureties, if any, on any bond furnished by the Bidder for 
    the faithful performance of the Bidder's obligation hereunder. If 
    the Bidder, with the consent of the Owner and any Surety or 
    Sureties, if any, on the Contractor's Bond or Bonds, shall enter 
    into a subcontract with any subcontractor for the performance of any 
    part of this contract, the Bidder shall be as fully responsible to 
    the Owner and the Government for the acts and omissions of such 
    subcontractor and of persons employed by such subcontractor as the 
    Bidder would be for its own acts and omissions and those of persons 
    directly employed by it.
        Section 8. Extension to Successors and Assigns. Each and all of 
    the covenants and Agreements herein contained shall extend to and be 
    binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
        Section 9. Contractor. Upon acceptance of this Proposal, the 
    successful Bidder shall be the Contractor and all references in the 
    Proposal to the Bidder shall apply to the Contractor.
        Section 10. Approval by the Administrator. No acceptance of this 
    Proposal shall become effective until approval in writing of the 
    Administrator; Provided, however that no obligations shall arise 
    hereunder unless such approval is given within sixty (60) days from 
    the date of acceptance by the Owner.
    
    ________ (Bidder)
    By ________ (President)
     ________ (Address)
    Attest: ________ (Secretary)
    Date ________
    
        The Proposal must be signed with the full name of the Bidder. If 
    the Bidder is a partnership, the Proposal must be signed in the 
    partnership name by a partner. If the Bidder is a corporation, the 
    Proposal must be signed in the Corporate name by a duly authorized 
    officer and the corporate seal affixed and attested by the Secretary 
    of the Corporation.
    
    Description of Units
    
        TM-12. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ________ (________) 
    feet in width (to be measured ________ (________) feet on one side 
    of pole line or centerline of structures) of actual clearing of 
    right-of-way. This includes clearing of underbrush, tree removal, 
    and such tree trimming as is required so that the right-of-way, 
    except for tree stumps which shall not exceed ________ in height, 
    shall be clear from the ground up on one side of the line of poles 
    carrying conductors (See Detail A, Drawing TM-12-2A.) The length of 
    actual clearing shall be measured in a straight line parallel to the 
    horizontal line between poles or centerline of structures and across 
    the maximum dimension of foliage cleared projected to the ground 
    line (See Detail B, Drawing TM-12-2A.) All trees and underbrush 
    across the width of the right-of-way shall be considered to be 
    grouped together as a single length in [[Page 10191]] measuring the 
    total length of clearing (See Detail C, Drawing TM-12-2A.) Spaces 
    along the right-of-way in which no trees are to be removed or 
    trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the total 
    measurement. All lengths thus arrived at, added together and divided 
    by 1,000 shall give the number of TM-12 units of clearing. The 
    Bidder shall not remove or trim shade, fruit, or ornamental trees 
    unless so directed by the Engineer in writing.
        TM-12 (1). This unit is identical with TM-12, except the full 
    width of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ________ feet wide 
    (to be measured ________ (________) feet on each side of the pole 
    line or centerline of structures) (See Detail D, Drawing TM-12-2A.)
        TM-13. The unit, for purpose of quoting, is 1,000 feet in length 
    of clearing off the right-of-way. The Engineer will select those 
    trees off the right-of-way that he deems to be a hazard to the line 
    and will designate them to the Bidder in writing as danger trees. 
    When so designated, the Bidder shall remove or top such trees at his 
    option except that the Bidder shall trim and not remove shade, fruit 
    or ornamental trees unless otherwise directed by the Engineer in 
    writing (See Drawings TM-12-2A and TM-13 for examples of danger 
    trees.)
        The measurement of length of right-of-way to be cleared shall be 
    considered as a straight line parallel to the horizontal line 
    between poles or centerline of structures, such measurement of 
    length to be based on maximum dimension of foliage (not trunk) 
    projected to the ground line (See Details E, F, G and H, Drawing TM-
    12-2A.) Dead trees having no foliage shall be measured across the 
    maximum dimension and multiplied by two. (See Detail F, Drawing TM-
    12-2A.) Each tree so removed shall be added together to determine 
    the total length of clearing. All lengths thus arrived at, added 
    together and divided by 1,000 shall give the number of TM-13 units 
    (Example: Details E, F, G and H, Drawing TM-12-2A, total 0.10 of a 
    TM-13 unit.)
        TMC-12, TMC-12 (1). These units are identical to the respective 
    TM units except that chemical treatment of stumps is required in 
    addition to the clearing of underbrush, tree removal and tree 
    trimming.
        TM-14. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ________ (________) 
    feet in width (to be measured ________ (________) feet on one side 
    of right-of-way center line) of actual clearing of right-of-way. 
    Trees and underbrush should be cleared from the ground up within 10 
    feet of any structure location. The Engineer will mark the trees and 
    brush to be cleared to provide ``undulating'' boundaries. Low 
    growing trees and brush are to be left in the right-of-way to the 
    extent it will not be hazardous to the line or will not interfere 
    with the service road. The length of actual clearing shall be 
    measured in a straight line parallel to the horizontal line between 
    poles or center line of structures and across the maximum dimension 
    of foliage cleared projected to the ground line (See Detail B, 
    Drawing TM-12-2A.) All trees and underbrush cleared across the 
    right-of-way shall be considered to be grouped together as a single 
    length in measuring the total length of clearing (See Detail C, 
    Drawing TM-12-2A.) Spaces along the right-of-way in which no trees 
    are to be removed or trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be omitted 
    from the total measurement.
        TM-14 (1). This unit is identical with TM-14 except the full 
    width of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ________ (________) 
    feet wide (See Detail D, Drawing TM-12-2A.)
        TM-15. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ________ (________) 
    feet in width (to be measured ________ (________) feet on one side 
    of the right-of way center line) of actual clearing of the right-of-
    way. Trees and underbrush should be cleared from ground up within 10 
    feet of any structure location. The Engineer will mark the trees and 
    brush to be cleared to provide a ``feathered'' appearance in the 
    right-of-way. Low growing trees and brush are to be left in the 
    right-of-way to the extent it will not be hazardous to the line or 
    will not interfere with the service road.
        The length of actual clearing shall be measured in a straight 
    line parallel to the horizontal line between poles or center line of 
    structures and across the maximum dimension of foliage cleared 
    projected to ground line (See Detail B, Drawing TM-12-2A). All trees 
    and underbrush cleared across the right-of-way shall be considered 
    to be grouped together as a single length in measuring the total 
    length of clearing (See Detail C, Drawing TM-12-2A). Spaces along 
    the right-of-way in which no trees are to be removed or trimmed or 
    underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the total measurement.
        TM-15 (1). This unit is identical to TM-15 except the full width 
    of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ________ (________) feet 
    wide (See Detail D, Drawing TM-12-2A).
        Additional Requirements. (When Specifying TM units denote type 
    of disposal A or B).
        A. Trees, brush, branches and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as an Engineer will 
    direct (Engineer to strike out methods not to be used).
        1. Burned
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (Describe) ________
        B. Trees that are felled shall be cut to commercial wood 
    lengths, stacked neatly, and left on the right-of-way for the 
    landowner. Commercial wood length means the length designated by the 
    Engineer but in no case shall it be required to be less than 
    ________ (________) feet. Brush, branches and refuse shall, without 
    delay, be disposed of by such of the following methods as the 
    Engineer will direct (Engineer to strike out methods not to be 
    used).
        1. Burned
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (Describe) ________
    
    Transmission Right-of-Way Units
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Unit No.      No. of units           Unit price         Extended price  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Acceptance
    
        Subject to the approval of the Administrator, the Owner hereby 
    accepts the foregoing Proposal of the Bidder, ________ for the 
    construction of the following:
    
    The total contract price is $________
    ________ Owner
    By ________ President
    ________ Secretary
    ________ Date of Contract
    
    Specifications
    
        In preparing the right-of-way, trees shall be removed, 
    underbrush cleared, and trees trimmed so that the right-of-way shall 
    be clear from the ground up as specified in the Proposal. Trees 
    fronting each side of the right-of-way shall be trimmed 
    symmetrically unless otherwise directed by the Engineer. Dead trees 
    beyond the right-of-way which would strike the line in falling shall 
    be removed. Leaning trees beyond the right-of-way which would strike 
    the line in falling and which would require topping if not removed 
    may be removed or topped at the direction of the Engineer.
        Where TMC-12, TMC-12-(1) units are specified, the right-of-way 
    shall be cleared in accordance with the instructions in the 
    preceding paragraph and in addition, all stumps one-half inch in 
    diameter and larger shall be sprayed as specified by the Engineer.
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.323  Certificate (Buy America), RUS Form 213.
    
        The closeout form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Certificate
    
        With respect to compliance with the second paragraph of the 
    Rural Electrification Act of 1938, being Title IV of the Work Relief 
    and Public Works Appropriation Act of 1938 (Public Resolution No. 
    122, 75th Congress, approved June 21, 1938).
        Rural Utilities Service Project ________.
        The undersigned, being, the ________1, in a certain 
    contract No. ________ dated ________, 19 ____, between the 
    undersigned and ________2, does hereby certify that in the 
    performance of the said contract there have been used or furnished 
    no unmanufactured articles, materials or supplies which have not 
    been mined or produced in the United States, Mexico, or Canada and 
    no manufactured articles, materials or supplies which have not been 
    manufactured in the United States, Mexico, or Canada substantially 
    all from articles, materials or supplies mined, produced or 
    manufactured, as the case may be in the United States, Mexico, or 
    Canada, except to the extent that compliance with the 
    [[Page 10192]] second paragraph of the Rural Electrification Act of 
    1938, being Title IV of the Work Relief and Public Works 
    Appropriation Act of 938 (Public Resolution No. 122, 75th Congress, 
    approved June 22, 1938) has been waived by the Administrator of the 
    Rural Utilities Service.
    
        \1\Insert ``Contractor.'' ``Subcontractor.'' ``Seller'' Or 
    ``Materialman.'' as the case may be.
        \2\Insert the name of the RUS Borrower.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ________
    By ________
    Date ________, 19____
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.324  Waiver and release of lien, RUS Form 224.
    
        The closeout form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Waiver and Release of Lien
    
        Whereas the undersigned, ________ (name of manufacturer, 
    materialman or subcontractor) has furnished to ________ (name of 
    contractor) the following: ________ (kind of material and services 
    furnished) for use in the construction of a Project belonging to 
    ________ (name of borrower) and designated by the Rural Utilities 
    Service as ________ (RUS project designation.)
        Now, Therefore, the undersigned, ________ (name of manufacturer, 
    materialman or subcontractor) for and in consideration of $________ 
    and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt whereof is 
    hereby acknowledged, do(es) hereby waive and release any and all 
    liens, or right to or claim of lien, on the above described project 
    and premises, under any law, common or statutory, on account of 
    labor or materials, or both, heretofore or hereafter furnished by 
    the undersigned to or for the account of said ________ (name of 
    contractor) for said project.
        Given under my(our) hand(s) and seal(s) this ________ day of 
    ________, 19____. ________ Name of manufacturer, materialman or 
    subcontractor
        By ________ President, vice president, partner or owner, or, if 
    signed by other than one of foregoing, accompanied by power of 
    attorney signed by one of the foregoing in favor of the signer. (use 
    designation applicable)
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.325  Certificate of contractor, RUS Form 231.
    
        The closeout form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Certificate of Contractor
    
        ________, certifies that he is the ________ (Title of Office) of 
    ________ (Name of Contractor), the Contractor, in a Construction 
    Contract No. ________ dated ________, 19____, entered into between 
    the Contractor and ________ (Name of Borrower) the Owner, for the 
    construction of a Project, which bears the Rural Utilities Service 
    Project Designation ________ and that he is authorized to and does 
    make this certification on behalf of said Contractor in order to 
    induce the Owner to make payment to the Contractor, in accordance 
    with the provisions of said Construction Contract.
        Undersigned further says that all persons who have furnished 
    labor in connection with said construction have been paid in full, 
    that the names of manufacturers, materialmen and subcontractors that 
    furnished material or services or both in connection with such 
    construction and the kind or kinds of material or services or both 
    so furnished are:
    
    Name ________
    Kind of material and service ________
    and that the releases of liens executed by all such manufacturers, 
    materialmen and subcontractors have been furnished the Owner.
    Date ________
    Signature ________
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.326  Construction or equipment contract amendment, RUS Form 
    238.
    
        The amendment form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Construction Or Equipment Contract Amendment
    
    Project Designation ________
    Date ________
    Amendment No. ________
    Contract No. ________
    Bond extension attached ____ Yes ____ No
    Delivery or Completion Date: Original ________ As Amended ________
    
        Instructions: 1. The Architect-Engineer shall submit three (3) 
    copies of this form for each contract which has been approved by 
    RUS, to the Owner. 2. The Owner will submit the three (3) copies of 
    this form to RUS for approval.
        Reasons for, and details and description of the amendment 
    ________
        (If additional space is needed, use reverse or separate sheet)
        A summary of the original contract price and amendments thereto, 
    including this amendment, follows:
        (Amendments which decreased the price are preceded by a (-) 
    minus sign).
    
    Original Contract Price $________
    Amendment Number 1 $________
    Amendment Number 2 $________
    Amendment Number 3 $________
    Amendment Number 4 $________
    Amendment Number 5 $________
    Amendment Number 6 $________
    Amendment Number 7 $________
    Amendment Number 8 $________
    Amended Contract Price $________
    
        This amendment, providing for an increase of $________ / 
    decrease of $________ in the contract price is submitted pursuant to 
    the provisions of said contract. (The Administrator of RUS is hereby 
    authorized to approve this amendment either in whole or in part and 
    to delete such items as do not meet his approval).
        To the extent the items hereof are approved the contract shall 
    be amended.
    
    Accepted
    ________ Contractor
    By ________ President-Owner-Partner (Strike out inapplicable title. 
    If signed by other than above, power of attorney should be attached 
    or on file with RUS.)
    ________ Date
     ________ Owner
    By ________ President-Board of Directors
    ________ Date
    Approved
    ________ Architect-engineer
    ________ Date
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Reasons for and description of contract         Labor or       Material or            
          Item No.                      amendment No. ____                installation\1\   equipment\1\     Total  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
        Net total.......                                                                                            
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\Changes in Cost (decrease preceded by (-) minus sign.) To be filled in when applicable.                      
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.327  Material receipt, RUS Form 251.
    
        The receipt form in this section shall be used when a Material 
    Receipt is required by RUS Form 764, 830, or 831.
    
    Materials Receipt
    
        Instructions: Prepare three (3) copies. Forward original to 
    Owner, one copy to Contractor and one copy to Engineer.
    
    Date ________
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Manufacturer and                                  
           Item\1\           Quantity     Description of item       catalog No.         Unit price    Extended price
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    [[Page 10193]]                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                    
        Total...........                                                                                            
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Notes: 1. Item corresponds with item in list of materials in construction drawings.                             
    
    Received by ________
    For:
    ________ Contractor
    ________ Owner
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.328  Construction inventory (for labor and material 
    contract), RUS Form 254.
    
        The closeout form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Construction Inventory (For Labor and Material Contract)
    
    Date ________
    Project Designation ________
    Borrower ________
    Engineer ________
    Contractor ________
    
    Amount Payable to Contractor
    
        A. Total Cost of Standard, New And Conversion Assembly Units 
    Installed (Total No. 6, RUS Form 254a) $________
        B. Cost To Remove ``I'' Units (Total No. 7, RUS Form 254a) 
    $________
        C. Amount To Be Credited To Contractor For Materials Removed 
    From Existing Facilities And Returned (Total No. 14, RUS Form 254b) 
    $________
    
    Subtotal $________
    Deduct:
    
        D. Amount Chargeable To Contractor For Materials In Assembly 
    Units Removed (Total No. 9, RUS Form 254a) $________
        E. Net Amount Of Owner-furnished Materials (Total No. 24 RUS 
    Form 254c) $________
        F. Net Amount Due Contractor (In making final payment to 
    Contractor, the net amount due the Contractor, as shown by this 
    Certification, will be reduced by the sums, if any, due the Owner 
    for liquidated damages, payment made to date, or other sums which 
    the Owner has the right to retain under the terms of the Contract, 
    and signature by all parties does not preclude the retention by the 
    Owner of such amounts.) $________
    
    Certificate of Engineer
    
        I certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief the 
    attached final inventory correctly shows the total number and 
    character of assembly units installed and removed by the Contractor 
    and that the net amount of $________ due the Contractor, as shown 
    above, is true and correct.
    
    Engineer ________
    By ________
    Date ________
    
    Acceptance by Owner
    
    Owner ________
    By ________ President
    Date ________
    
    Acceptance by Contractor
    
    Firm ________
    By ________
    Date ________
    
    Instructions
    
        (See RUS Bulletin 1767B-3, Preparation and Use of RUS Form 254, 
    for additional instructions.)
        The Engineer will prepare 5 copies of RUS Form 254 and 254a, 
    also 5 copies of Forms 254b and 254c when applicable. Original and 1 
    copy to be forwarded to RUS, 1 copy to Contractor, 1 copy to Owner, 
    and 1 copy to be retained by Engineer.
        Calculation of amount payable to Contractor will employ data 
    taken from Nos. 1 through 25, RUS Forms 254, 254a, 254b, 254c. The 
    amounts to be inserted opposite Items A, B, C, D, and E on RUS Form 
    254 are indicated in the texts of those items.
        Nos. 1 through 17, Forms 254a and 254b: (Form 254b is required 
    only when ``I'' removal units are included in the Contract.)
    
    No.--Source of Information
    
    1 and 2--From tabulation of staking sheets.1
    
        \1\Standard units will be listed first, followed by new units 
    and conversion units, in that order, with all ``I'' removal units 
    being listed last.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    3 and 4--From Contract.
    5--No. 3 plus No. 4.
    6--No. 1 multiplied by No. 5.
    7--No. 1 multiplied by No. 3 (for ``I'' units only).
    8--From Table C of Contract.
    9--No. 1 multiplied by No. 8 for ``I'' removal units only. (Table C 
    relates solely to ``I'' units.)
    10, 11, and 12--From Engineer's and Owner's records.
    13--From Table D in Contract.
    14--No. 12 multiplied by No. 13.
    15--From Engineer's records. (Quantities shall be listed opposite 
    the appropriate material items described in No. 11.)
    16--From individual stock record card for each material item listed.
    17--No. 15 multiplied by No. 16.
    
        Data shown on Form 254c to be presented under the following 
    headings, as appropriate:
    
    Part I Material Items Included in Lists Set Forth in Construction 
    Contract
    
    Part II Other Material Items Furnished by Owner
    
        Nos. 18 through 25: (Form 254c is required only when there are 
    owner-furnished materials.)
    
    No.--Source of Information
    
    18 and 19--From Contract and Material Receipts.
    20--From charge-out and credit tickets covering materials issued to 
    and returned by the Contractor.2
    
        \2\The quantities shown in No. 20 should agree with Materials 
    Receipts (RUS Form 251) prepared in connection with the contact. The 
    types of items of material and the quantity of any item of material 
    listed under Part I of the tabulation should be limited to the type 
    of items and should not exceed the quantity of any item of material 
    specified in the construction contract in the ``List of Owner's 
    Materials on Hand'' or the ``List of Materials Ordered by Owner But 
    Not Delivered.'' Any additional items of material or excess 
    quantities over the items specified in such lists are to be shown 
    under Part II of the tabulation.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    21--From average unit costs on charge-out and credit tickets 
    relating to this construction, such costs in turn being taken from 
    the average unit costs reflected by the stock record cards for the 
    applicable period.
    22--No. 20 multiplied by No. 21.
    23--For Part I, from the unit prices specified in the Contract in 
    the ``List of Owner's Materials on Hand'' or the ``List of Materials 
    Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered.''
    
        For Part II, from the actual unit costs to Owner--the same as 
    used in No. 21.
    
    24--No. 20 multiplied by No. 23.
    25--No. 24 minus No. 22. (if a minus quantity, enter in 
    parentheses.)
    
        See 7 CFR 1726, Electric System Construction Policies and 
    Procedures, for instructions regarding distribution of the completed 
    form.
        Reference should be made to RUS Bulletin 1767B-3, Preparation 
    and Use of RUS Form 254, for instruction in accounting for all 
    contract costs, including the retirement of units removed by the 
    Contractor and the unitization by record units of costs of 
    construction assemblies installed by the Contractor.
    
    RUS Form 254a
    
    Assembly Units
    
    1. Quantity ________
    2. Standard (N--New, H--Conversion, I--Removal) ________
    
    Due to Contractor for Units Installed, Converted, and Removed
    
    3. Labor (Unit Price) ________
    4. Material Unit Price (Except I Units) ________
    5. Total Unit Price (No. 3 + No. 4) (Except I Units) ________
    6. Cost of Construction (No. 1 x No. 5) (Except I Units) ________
    7. Cost to Remove ``I'' Units (No. 1 x No. 3) ________
    
    Amount Chargeable to Contractor for Materials in Assemblies Removed
    
    8. Unit Values (Table C in Contract) ________
    9. Total (No. 1 x No. 8) ________
    Total (No. 6) ________
    Total (No. 7) ________
    Total (No. 9) ________ [[Page 10194]] 
    
    RUS Form 254b
    
    Summary and Classification Of Materials Returned to Owner by Contractor 
    from ``I'' Removal Units
    
    Amounts to be Credited to Contractor for Materials Returned
    
    10. Item Designation ________
    11. Description of Material ________
    12. Quantity ________
    13. Item Value--Table D in Contract ________
    14. Total Credit to Contractor (No. 12 x No. 13) ________
    
    Returned Materials Declared Reusable by Engineer
    
    15. Quantity of Items ________
    16. Stock Card Item Price ________
    17. Salvage Value (No. 15 x No. 16) ________
    Total (No. 14) ________
    Total (No. 17) ________
    
    RUS Form 254c
    
    Tabulation of Net Amount of Materials Furnished by Owner
    
    18. Item Designation ________
    19. Description of Material ________
    20. Quantity ________
    
    Actual Cost to Owner
    
    21. Unit Cost ________
    22. Extended Cost (No. 20 x No. 21) ________
    
    Amount Chargeable to Contractor at Contract Price
    
    23. Unit Cost ________
    24. Extended Cost (No. 20 x No. 23) ________
    25. Excess of No. 24 over No. 22 ________
    Total (No. 22) ________
    Total (No. 24) ________
    Total (No. 25) ________
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.329  Contract to construction buildings, RUS Form 257.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Contract to Construct Buildings
    
    Notice and Instructions to Bidders
    
        1. Proposals: Sealed proposals for the construction, including 
    the furnishing of all materials, machinery, labor and equipment, 
    water, heat, utilities, transportation, and other means necessary 
    for construction of the building(s) listed below (hereinafter called 
    the ``Project'') to be financed ________ not to be financed ________ 
    pursuant to a loan contract between ________ (hereinafter called the 
    ``Owner'') and the United States of America, by the Administrator of 
    the Rural Utilities Service (hereinafter called the 
    ``Administrator'') and designated as Project ________ will be 
    received by the Owner on or before ________ o'clock ____ M ________ 
    Time, ________, 19____, at its office located at ________ at which 
    time and place the proposals will be publicly opened and read. The 
    Rural Telephone Bank may also be a party to the loan contract.
    
    Name or Kind of Building ________
    Location ________
    
        2. Obtaining Documents: The Plans and Specifications together 
    with all other necessary forms and documents for bidders may be 
    secured from ________ at ________ upon payment of ________ Dollars 
    ($________) which payment will be refunded to each bona fide bidder 
    within ten (10) days after the bid opening. Additional sets of Plans 
    and Specifications may be obtained upon payment of ________ Dollars 
    ($________) which payment will not be subject to refund. The Plans 
    and Specifications may be examined at the office of ________. A copy 
    of the loan contract may also be examined at the office of the 
    Owner.
        3. Manner of Submitting Proposals: Proposals and all supporting 
    documents required to be attached thereto must be submitted on the 
    forms furnished by the Owner and must be delivered in a sealed 
    envelope, addressed to the Owner. The name and address of the 
    Bidder, its license number, if a license is required by the State, 
    and the date and hour of the opening of bids must appear on the 
    envelope in which the proposal is submitted. Proposals must be 
    filled in in ink or typewritten. No alterations or interlineations 
    will be permitted, unless made before submission, and initialed and 
    dated.
        4. Familiarity with Conditions: Prior to the submission of the 
    Proposal, the Bidder shall make and shall be deemed to have made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project and of the Plans and 
    Specifications, forms of Construction Proposal and Acceptance, and 
    Contractor's Bond on file with Secretary of the Owner and shall 
    become informed as to the location and nature of the proposed 
    construction, the transportation facilities, the kind and character 
    of the soil and terrain to be encountered, the kind of facilities 
    required before and during the construction of the Project, general 
    local conditions, and all other matters that may affect the cost and 
    the time of completion of the Project. Bidders will be required to 
    comply with all applicable statutes, regulations, etc., including 
    those pertaining to the licensing of contractors and the so called 
    ``Kick-Back'' Statute (48 Stat. 948) and regulations issued pursuant 
    thereto.
        5. Proposals will be accepted only from those prequalified 
    bidders invited by the Owner to submit a proposal.
        6. Time of Completion of Construction: The time of completion of 
    construction of the Project shall be as specified by the Architect 
    in the Proposal.
        7. Bid Bond: Each proposal must be accompanied by a bid bond in 
    the form attached or a certified check on a bank that is a member of 
    the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, payable to the order of 
    the Owner, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the maximum 
    bid price. Each Bidder shall agree, provided its proposal is one of 
    the three low proposals, that by filing its proposal together with 
    such bid bond or check in consideration of the Owner's receiving and 
    considering such proposal, said proposal shall be firm and binding 
    upon each such Bidder and such bid bond or check shall be held by 
    the Owner until a Proposal is accepted and a satisfactory 
    Contractor's Bond (or Builder's Risk Policy) is furnished by the 
    successful Bidder and such acceptance has been approved by the 
    Administrator, or for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from 
    the date hereinbefore set for the opening of proposals, whichever 
    period shall be the shorter. If such proposal is not one of the 
    three low proposals, the bid bond or check will be returned in each 
    instance within a period of ten (10) days to the respective Bidder.
        8. Contractor's Bond or Builder's Risk Policy: The successful 
    Bidder will be required to execute two additional counterparts of 
    the Proposal and to furnish.
        (a) For contracts in amounts in excess of $100,000, a 
    Contractor's Bond in the form attached to the Proposal with sureties 
    listed by the United States Treasury Department as Acceptable 
    Sureties, in a penal sum not less than the contract price.
        (b) For contracts in amounts of $100,000 or less, either a 
    Contractor's Bond or a Builder's Risk Policy, whichever the Owner 
    has specified below: (Check One)
    
    ________ Contractor's Bond
    ________ Builder's Risk Policy
    
        9. Failure to Furnish Contractor's Bond or Builders Risk Policy: 
    Should the successful Bidder fail or refuse to furnish a 
    Contractor's Bond (or Builder's Risk Policy) satisfactory to the 
    Owner within fifteen (15) days after written notification of the 
    acceptance of the Proposal by the Owner, the Bidder will be 
    considered to have abandoned the Proposal. In such event, the Owner 
    shall be entitled: (a) To enforce the Bid Bond in accordance with 
    its terms, or (b) if a certified check has been delivered with the 
    Proposal, to retain from the proceeds of the certified check the 
    difference between the amount of the Proposal and such larger 
    amounts for which the Owner may in good faith contract with another 
    party to construct the Project. The term ``successful Bidder'' shall 
    be deemed to include any Bidder whose proposal is accepted after 
    another Bidder has previously refused or has failed to furnish a 
    satisfactory Contractor's Bond (or Builder's Risk Policy).
        10. Contract is Entire Agreement: The contract, effected by 
    acceptance of the Proposal, shall be deemed to include the entire 
    agreement between the parties thereto, and the Bidder shall not 
    claim any modification thereof resulting from any representation or 
    promise made at any time by any officer, agent or employee of the 
    Owner or by any other person.
        11. Minor Irregularities: The Owner reserves the right to waive 
    minor irregularities or minor errors in the Proposal, if it appears 
    to the Owner that such irregularities or errors were made through 
    inadvertence.
        Any such irregularities or errors so waived must be corrected on 
    the Proposal prior to its acceptance by the Owner.
        12. Rejection of Proposals: The Owner reserves the right to 
    reject any or all proposals.
        13. Discrepancies: Where a discrepancy appears between the sum 
    of the Base Bids of each building and the Total Base Bid, the 
    correct addition of the Base Bid price for each building shall 
    control.
        14. The Owner Represents:
        (a) If by provisions of the Proposal, the Owner shall have 
    undertaken to furnish any materials for the construction of the 
    Project, such materials are on hand at locations 
    [[Page 10195]] which may be determined by the bidders' inquiry of 
    the Architect, or if such materials are not on hand, they will be 
    made available by the Owner to the successful Bidder before the time 
    such materials are required for incorporation into the Project.
        (b) Title to the property on which the Project is to be 
    constructed has been obtained.
        (c) All funds necessary for prompt payment of the construction 
    of the Project will be available. If the owner should fail to comply 
    with any of the undertakings contained in the foregoing 
    representations or if any such representations shall be incorrect, 
    the Bidder will be entitled to an extension of the time of 
    completion of Construction for a period equal to the delay, if any, 
    caused by the failure of the Owner to comply with such undertakings 
    or by any such incorrect representations; provided the Bidder shall 
    have promptly notified the Owner in writing of its desire to extend 
    the time of completion in accordance with the foregoing, and 
    provided further that such extension, if any, of the time of 
    completion shall be the sole remedy of the Bidder for the Owner's 
    failure to comply with any of the foregoing representations.
    
    ________ Owner
    By ________
    Dated ________
    
    Proposal
    
        To: ________ (hereinafter called the ``Owner''). The undesigned 
    (hereinafter called the ``Bidder'') proposes to construct the 
    buildings(s) listed in Section 1 of Article I (hereinafter called 
    the ``Project''), financed ________, not to be financed ________, in 
    whole or in part by a loan to the Owner by the United States of 
    America, by the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service 
    (hereinafter called the ``Administrator''), or by loans to the Owner 
    by the United States of America and by the Rural Telephone Bank, 
    designated ________ and to receive and install such materials and 
    equipment as may hereinafter be specified to be furnished by the 
    Owner, and to furnish all other materials, machinery, and equipment, 
    water, heat, utilities, transportation and other means required to 
    construct the Project in accordance with the plans and 
    specifications (hereinafter called the ``Plans and 
    Specifications''), prepared by ________ (hereinafter called the 
    ``Architect'') and dated ________, 19____, and approved by the Rural 
    Utilities Service on ________, 19____, and by this reference made a 
    part hereof. The Bidder has made a careful examination of the 
    site(s) on which the Project to be constructed, has become informed 
    as to the kind of facilities required before and during the 
    construction of the Project and has become acquainted with the labor 
    conditions which would affect the work.
        The Bidder agrees that if his bid is accepted, the following 
    terms shall govern.
    
    Article I--Amount of Proposal
    
        Section 1. Bid Price: The Bidder will construct the Project for 
    the following sum:
    
    Name or Kind and Location of Building ________
    Base Bid ________
    Total of Bid $________
    Alternate Bid No. 1 (add) (deduct) $________
    Alternate Bid No. 2 (add) (deduct) $________
    Alternate Bid No. 3 (add) (deduct) $________
    Alternate Bid No. 4 (add) (deduct) $________
    
        Section 2. Taxes: The price quoted herein includes all amounts 
    which the Bidder estimates will be payable by the Bidder or the 
    Owner on account of taxes imposed by any taxing authority upon the 
    sale, purchase or use of materials, supplies or equipment or 
    services or labor of installation to be incorporated in the Project.
        The Bidder will pay all such taxes and will furnish to 
    appropriate taxing authorities any required information and reports 
    pertaining thereto.
    
    Article II--Construction
    
        Section 1. Time of Construction:
        (a) The Bidder, after notification in writing of approval of the 
    Construction Contract by the Administrator, if approval of the 
    Administrator is required, will commence construction of the Project 
    within ________ (________) calendar days after the Owner shall have 
    given the Bidder written notice to commence construction which 
    notice shall be given:
        (1) Not later than ________ (________) calendar days after 
    approval of the Construction Contract by the Administrator, if 
    approval of the Administrator is required.
        (2) On a date to be determined by the Owner.
        (The Architect will cross out the inapplicable statement (1) or 
    (2) above before requesting bids.)
        (b) The Bidder will prosecute diligently and complete 
    construction of the Project in strict accordance with the Plans and 
    Specifications and directions of the Architect within ________ 
    (________) calendar days after the expiration of the time specified 
    to commence construction.
        (c) The time for Completion of Construction herein set forth 
    shall be extended for the period of any reasonable delay which is 
    due exclusively to causes beyond the control and without the fault 
    of the Bidder, including acts of God, fires, floods, direction by 
    the Architect to cease construction during periods when in the 
    judgment of the Architect it is impractical to perform any operation 
    of construction and acts or omissions of the Owner with respect to 
    matters for which the Owner is solely responsible, provided, 
    however, that no such extension of time for completion shall be 
    granted the Bidder unless within ten (10) days after the happening 
    of any event relied upon by the Bidder for such an extension of time 
    the Bidder shall have made a request therefor in writing to the 
    Owner and provided further that no delay in such time of completion 
    or in the progress of the work which results from any of the above 
    causes or from any changes in construction which may be made 
    pursuant to Subsection (d) of this Section shall result in any 
    liability on the part of the Owner.
        (d) The Owner, acting through the Architect and with the 
    approval of the Administrator, if approval of the Administrator is 
    required, may from time to time during the progress of construction 
    make revisions in the Project. If the revision is such as to require 
    on extension in the time of construction, a reasonable extension 
    shall be granted if the Bidder shall make a written request therefor 
    to the Owner prior to the commencement of work in connection with 
    such revision. If the cost of the Project to the Bidder to make 
    revision shall be increased or decreased, the contract price shall 
    be amended by an amount equivalent to the reasonable cost thereof by 
    a Construction Contract Amendment signed by the Owner and the 
    Bidder, and approved by the Administrator, if approval of the 
    Administrator is required; but no claim for additional compensation 
    for any revision will be considered unless the Bidder shall have 
    made a written request therefore to the Owner prior to the 
    commencement of work in connection with such revision. The 
    reasonable cost of any increase or decrease in the contract 
    amendment as outline above, in the absence of any other mutual 
    agreement, shall be computed on the basis of the direct cost of 
    materials, F.O.B. the site of the Project, plus the direct cost of 
    labor necessary to incorporate such materials into the Project 
    (including actual cost of payroll taxes and insurance) plus twenty-
    five percent (25%) of the direct cost of materials and labor. Labor 
    cost shall be limited to the direct costs for workmen and foremen. 
    Costs for Bidder's main office overhead, job office overhead and 
    superintendence shall not be included.
        Section 2. Supervision: The Bidder will give sufficient 
    supervision to the work, using his best skill and attention. He will 
    carefully study and compare all drawings, specifications and other 
    instructions, and report at once to the architect any error, 
    inconsistency or omission which he may discover. The Bidder will 
    make available during construction a competent superintendent and 
    any necessary assistants, all satisfactory to the architect. The 
    superintendent shall not be changed except with the consent of the 
    Architect unless the superintendent proves to be unsatisfactory to 
    the Bidder and ceases to be his employ. The superintendent shall 
    represent the Bidder in his absence and all directions given to him 
    shall be as binding as if given to the Bidder. When requested, such 
    directions shall be confirmed in writing.
        Section 3. Shop Drawings: The Bidder, after reviewing, will 
    submit to the Architect, with such promptness as to cause no delay 
    in the work two copies of all shop or setting drawings and schedules 
    required for the work of the various trades, and the Architect shall 
    pass on them with reasonable promptness, requesting corrections 
    required thereto to be made. The Bidder will make any corrections 
    required and file with the Architect three corrected copies and 
    furnish such other copies as may be needed. The Architect's approval 
    of such drawings or schedules shall not relieve the Bidder of 
    responsibility for deviations from the Plans and Specifications. The 
    Bidder will keep one copy of the contract documents on the site, in 
    good order, available to the Architect. All drawings and 
    specifications will be returned to the Architect upon completion of 
    construction.
        Section 4. Samples: The Bidder will furnish for approval, all 
    samples as directed [[Page 10196]] by the Architect, and will 
    perform the work in accordance with such approved samples.
        Section 5. Inspection and Tests: The manner of construction of 
    the Project and all materials and equipment used or to be used 
    therein shall be subject to the inspection, tests and approval of 
    the Architect and the Administrator, and the Bidder will furnish all 
    information required by the Architect or the Administrator 
    concerning the nature or source of materials. The Owner and the 
    Administrator shall have the right to inspect all records of the 
    Bidder and of any subcontractor relevant to the work. The Bidder 
    will make available at the site of the Project, telephone service 
    where obtainable, the payroll, invoices of material and other data 
    and records of the Bidder relevant to the work. The Bidder will 
    provide all reasonable facilities necessary for such inspection and 
    tests. If the specifications, the Architect's instructions, laws, 
    ordinances or any public authorities require any work to be 
    specially tested or approved, the Bidder will give the Architect 
    timely notice of its readiness for observation by the Architect or 
    inspection by an authority other than the Architect, and if the 
    inspection is by such other authority, of the date fixed for such 
    inspection, testing or approval. The Bidder will bear all costs of 
    such inspections, tests and approvals unless otherwise provided, 
    obtain required certificates and deliver them to the Architect. 
    Observations by the Architect shall be promptly made, and where 
    practicable at the source of supply. If any work should be covered 
    without approval or consent of the Architect, it must, if required 
    by the Architect, be uncovered for examination at the Bidder's 
    expense.
        Re-examination of questioned work may be ordered by the 
    Architect and if so ordered the work must be uncovered by the 
    Bidder. If such work be found in accordance with the contract 
    documents the Owner shall pay the cost of re-examination and 
    replacement. If such work be found not in accordance with the 
    contract documents the Bidder will pay such cost.
        Section 6. Employees: The Bidder will at all times enforce 
    strict discipline and good order among his employees and shall not 
    employ any unfit person or anyone not skilled in the task assigned 
    him. The Architect and the Owner shall have the right to require the 
    removal from the Project of any employee of the Bidder or 
    subcontractor if in their judgment such removal shall be necessary 
    to protect the interest of the Owner.
        Section 7. Defective Workmanship and Materials: Notwithstanding 
    the acceptance of workmanship, materials (except owner-furnished 
    materials) or equipment or the giving of any certificate with 
    respect to the Completion of Construction, if during the 
    construction or within one year after such completion, or within 
    such longer period as the Project or any part thereof may be 
    guaranteed by other provisions of this Proposal, the workmanship, 
    materials or equipment shall be found to be defective or not in 
    conformity with the requirements of the Plans and Specifications, 
    the Bidder will remedy or replace such workmanship, materials or 
    equipment within thirty (30) days after written notice of the 
    failure of the Bidder to conform with the applicable provisions of 
    the contract documents shall have been given to the Bidder by the 
    Owner.
    
    Article III--Payment and Releases of Liens
    
        Section 1. Payments to Bidder:
        (a) On or before the fifth (5) day of each Calendar Month, the 
    Bidder will make application for payment, and the Owner, on or 
    before the fifteenth (15) day of such month, shall make partial 
    payment to the Bidder for construction accomplished during the 
    preceding Calendar Month and partial payment for materials not 
    incorporated in the Project. The payment shall be made on the basis 
    of a schedule of values and receipts or other vouchers, submitted by 
    the Bidder to, and approved by, the Architect, showing payments for 
    labor and materials, payments to subcontractors, and such other 
    evidence of the Bidder's right to payment for construction 
    accomplished, and bills of sale or such other procedure as will 
    establish the Owner's title to materials not incorporated in the 
    Project but delivered and suitably stored on the site or at any 
    other location agreed upon in writing by the Owner. Approval by the 
    Architect of the application for payment is solely for the purposes 
    of payment and shall not be deemed approval of the workmanship or 
    materials. Only ninety percent (90%) of each such estimate of the 
    cost for construction accomplished and approved and fifty percent 
    (50%) of the cost of materials not incorporated in the Project shall 
    be paid by the Owner to the Bidder prior to Completion of 
    Construction.
        The Bidder will, before the first application, submit to the 
    Architect, a schedule of values of the various parts of the work, 
    including quantities, aggregating the total contract price, divided 
    so as to assist in determining the accuracy of payments to 
    subcontractors and of the applications for payment.
        (b) Upon Completion of Construction, the Architect shall inspect 
    the Project, and if he shall find the work acceptable and all 
    provisions hereunder fully performed, he shall furnish the Owner two 
    copies of a Certificate of Completion, on forms satisfactory to the 
    Administrator, and shall certify thereon the final Contract Price. 
    The Certificate of Completion shall show thereon the Acceptance of 
    the Contractor. Upon acceptance of the Certificate of Completion by 
    the Owner, the Owner shall make final payment to the Bidder of all 
    unpaid amounts to which the Bidder shall be entitled hereunder, 
    except that, for contracts requiring approval of the Administrator, 
    the Owner shall submit one copy of the Certificate of Completion to 
    the Administrator for approval. Upon notice of approval by the 
    Administrator, the Owner shall make final payment to the Bidder.
        (c) Interest at the rate of ____ percent1 (____%) per annum 
    shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder on all unpaid balances due 
    on monthly estimates, commencing fifteen (15) days after the due 
    date, provided the delay in payment beyond the due date is not 
    caused by any condition within control of the Bidder. The due date 
    for purposes of such monthly payment shall be the fifteenth (15th) 
    day of each Calendar Month provided (1) The Bidder on or before the 
    fifth (5th) day of such month shall have submitted its certified 
    estimate of construction completed during the preceding month and 
    (2) the Architect on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of such 
    month shall have approved such certification. If, for reasons not 
    due to the Bidder's fault, such approval of the Architect shall not 
    have been given on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of such month, 
    the due date for purposes of this Subsection shall be the fifteenth 
    (15th) day of such month notwithstanding the absence of the 
    Architect's approval of the certification.
    
        \1\The Owner shall insert a rate equal to the lowest ``Prime 
    Rate'' listed in the ``Money Rates'' section of the Wall Street 
    Journal on the date such invitation to bid is issued.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (d) Interest at the rate of ____ percent2 (____%) shall be 
    paid by the Owner to the Bidder on the final payment commencing 
    fifteen (15) days after the due date. The due date for the purposes 
    of such final payment shall be sixty (60) days after the date of 
    certification by the Architect in the Certificate of Completion or 
    the date of approval by the Administrator of the Certificate of 
    Completion when approval thereof is required by the Administrator.
    
        \2\See footnote 1.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (e) No payments shall be due while the Bidder is in default in 
    respect of any of the provisions of this Proposal, and the Owner may 
    withhold from the Bidder the amount of any claim by a third party 
    against either the Bidder or the Owner based upon an alleged failure 
    of the Bidder to perform the work hereunder in accordance with the 
    provisions of this Proposal.
        Section 2. Release of Liens: Upon Completion of Construction of 
    the Project, but prior to the payment to the Bidder of any amount 
    withheld in accordance with Section 1, (a) of Article III, the 
    Bidder shall furnish the Owner, on forms satisfactory to the 
    Administrator releases of all liens, and of all rights to claim any 
    lien from manufacturers, materialmen and subcontractors who have 
    furnished materials or services for the construction of the Project, 
    and a Certificate of Contractor on a form satisfactory to the 
    Administrator, to the effect that all labor used on or for the 
    Project has been paid and that all such releases have been submitted 
    to the Owner.
    
    Article IV--Particular Undertakings of the Bidder
    
        Section 1. Protection to Persons and Property: The Bidder will, 
    at all times, take all reasonable precautions for the safety of 
    employees on the Project, and of the public and all other persons 
    who may be affected thereby, and will comply with all applicable 
    provisions of Federal, State and Municipal safety laws and building 
    and construction codes.
        The Bidder will protect from loss or damage all materials and 
    equipment to be incorporated in the Project, whether in storage on 
    or off the site, and other property at the site or adjacent thereto, 
    including trees, shrubs, lawns, walks, paved surfaces, structures 
    and utilities not designated for [[Page 10197]] removal, relocation 
    or replacement in the course of construction. The Bidder will 
    provide and maintain guard lights, watchman or other protection for 
    persons and property, and physical hazards shall be guarded in 
    accordance with the ``Manual of Accident Prevention in 
    Construction'' of the Associated General Contractors of America, 
    unless such instructions are incompatible with or less strict than 
    those of any public authority having jurisdiction thereon, or 
    instructions of the Architect.
        The following provisions shall not limit the generality of the 
    above requirements:
        (a) The Bidder will at all times, keep the premises free from 
    accumulation of waste material or rubbish caused by his employees or 
    work, and at the completion of construction he will remove all 
    rubbish from and about the Project, and all his tools, scaffolding 
    and surplus materials and will leave his work ``broom clean.''
        (b) The Project from its commencement to completion, or to such 
    earlier date or dates when the Owner may take possession and control 
    in whole or in part as hereinafter provided, will be under the 
    charge and control of the Bidder and during such period of control 
    by the Bidder all risks in connection therewith and the materials to 
    be used therein will be borne by the Bidder. The Bidder will make 
    good and fully repair all injuries and damages to the Project or any 
    portion thereof under the control of the Bidder, by reason of any 
    act of God or other casualty or cause, whether or not the same shall 
    have occurred by reason of the Bidder's negligence.
        (i) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall defend, 
    indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, officers, 
    and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Bidder's employees) and loss, damage to or destruction of 
    Owner's property or the property of any other person or entity 
    (including but not limited to Bidder's property) in any manner 
    arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the materials or 
    equipment supplied or services performed by Bidder, its 
    subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein shall 
    be construed as making Bidder liable for any injury, death, loss, 
    damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of Owner.
        (ii) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all liens and claims filed or asserted 
    against Owner, its directors, officers, and employees, or Owner's 
    property or facilities, for services performed or materials or 
    equipment furnished by Bidder, its subcontractors and suppliers of 
    any tier, and from all losses, demands, and causes of action arising 
    out of any such lien or claim. Bidder shall promptly discharge or 
    remove any such lien or claim by bonding, payment, or otherwise and 
    shall notify Owner promptly when it has done so. If Bidder does not 
    cause such lien or claim to be discharged or released by payment, 
    bonding, or otherwise, Owner shall have the right (but shall not be 
    obligated) to pay all sums necessary to obtain any such discharge or 
    release and to deduct all amounts so paid from the amount due 
    Bidder.
        (iii) Bidder shall provide to Owner's satisfaction evidence of 
    Bidder's ability to comply with the indemnification provisions of 
    subparagraphs i and ii above, which evidence may include but may not 
    be limited to a bond or liability insurance policy obtained for this 
    purpose through a licensed surety or insurance company.
        (c) The Bidder will confine his apparatus, the storage of 
    materials and the operations of his workmen to limits indicated by 
    law, ordinances, permits, or directions of the Architect, and shall 
    not unreasonably encumber the premises with his materials.
        (d) The Bidder will not load or permit any of the structure to 
    be loaded with a weight that will endanger its safety.
        (e) The Bidder will submit to the Owner, monthly reports in 
    duplicate of all accidents giving such data as may be prescribed by 
    the Architect.
        (f) Upon violation by the Bidder of any of the provisions of 
    this section, the Bidder will, after written notice of such 
    violation given to the Bidder by the Architect or the Owner, 
    immediately correct such violation. Upon failure of the Bidder so to 
    do, the Owner may correct such violation at the Bidder's expense; 
    provided, however, that the Owner may, if it deems necessary or 
    advisable, correct such violation at the Bidder's expense without 
    such prior notices to the Bidder.
        (g) The Bidder will be responsible for all construction means, 
    methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures and for coordinating 
    all portions of the construction of the Project.
        Section 2. Insurance. The Bidder shall take out and maintain 
    throughout the contract period insurance of the following types and 
    minimum amounts:
        (a) Workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance, as 
    required by law, covering all their employees who perform any of the 
    obligations of the contractor, engineer, and architect under the 
    contract. If any employer or employee is not subject to the workers' 
    compensation laws of the governing state, then insurance shall be 
    obtained voluntarily to extend to the employer and employee coverage 
    to the same extent as though the employer or employee were subject 
    to the workers' compensation laws.
        (b) Public liability insurance covering all operations under the 
    contract shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less 
    than $1 million each occurrence, limits for property damage of not 
    less than $1 million each occurrence, and $1 million aggregate for 
    accidents during the policy period. A single limit of $1 million of 
    bodily injury and property damage is acceptable. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        (c) Automobile liability insurance on all motor vehicles used in 
    connection with the contract, whether owned, nonowned, or hired, 
    shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1 
    million per person and $1 million per occurrence, and property 
    damage limits of $1 million for each occurrence. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        The Owner shall have the right at any time to require public 
    liability insurance and property damage liability insurance greater 
    than those required in subsection ``b'' and ``c'' of this Section. 
    In any such event, the additional premium or premiums payable solely 
    as the result of such additional insurance shall be added to the 
    Contract price.
        The Owner shall be named as Additional Insured on all policies 
    of insurance required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of this 
    Section.
        The policies of insurance shall be in such form and issued by 
    such insurer as shall be satisfactory to the Owner. The Bidder shall 
    furnish the Owner a certificate evidencing compliance with the 
    foregoing requirements which shall provide not less than (30) days 
    prior written notice to the Owner of any cancellation or material 
    change in the insurance.
        Section 3. Purchase of Materials: The Bidder will purchase all 
    materials (except owner-furnished materials) and supplies outright 
    and not subject to any conditional sales agreements, bailment lease 
    or other agreement reserving unto the seller any right, title or 
    interest therein. All materials and supplies shall become the 
    property of the Owner when erected in place or at such earlier time 
    as the parties may agree pursuant to Section 1(a) of Article III. 
    Unless otherwise specified, all materials shall be new.
        Section 4. Assignment of Guarantees: The Bidder will obtain from 
    manufacturers, materialmen, and subcontractors and furnish to the 
    Owner all guarantees and will transfer or assign to the Owner such 
    guarantees as run in favor of the Bidder, prior to the time the 
    Bidder receives final payment. The guarantees shall be in addition 
    to and not limited by any other provisions of the contract 
    documents, guarantee or remedy required by law.
        Section 5. Royalties and Patent Infringement: The Bidder will 
    pay all royalties and license fees, and will hold harmless and 
    indemnify the Owner from any and all claims, suits, and proceedings 
    for the infringement of any patent or patents covering any 
    equipment, materials, supplies or construction methods used in the 
    work.
        Section 6. Compliance with Statues and Regulations: The Bidder 
    will comply with all applicable statues, ordinances, rules and 
    regulations pertaining to the work. The Bidder acknowledges that it 
    is familiar with The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, 
    the so-called ``Kick-Back'' Statute (48 Stat. 948), and all 
    regulations issued pursuant thereto, and 18 U.S.C. Secs. 287, 1001 
    as amended. The Bidder understands that the obligations of the 
    parties hereunder are subject to the applicable regulations and 
    orders of Governmental agencies having jurisdiction in the premises.
        Section 7. Delivery of Possession and Control to Owner: Upon 
    written request of the Owner, the Bidder shall deliver to the Owner 
    full possession and control of any [[Page 10198]] portion of the 
    Project provided the Bidder shall have been paid at least 90 percent 
    (90%) of the cost of construction of such portion. Upon such 
    delivery of the possession and control of such portion of the 
    Project to the Owner, the risks and obligations of the Bidder as set 
    forth in Section 1(b), Article IV hereof with respect to such 
    portion so delivered to the Owner shall be terminated; provided, 
    however, that nothing herein contained shall relieve the Bidder of 
    any liability with respect to defective workmanship or materials as 
    provided in Section 7, Article II.
        Section 8. Occupancy Before Completion: Exception as provided in 
    Section 7, the Owner shall not occupy any portion of the Project 
    prior to the time of completion without the written approval of the 
    Bidder. It is agreed that such occupancy of any such portion of the 
    Project will not constitute acceptance of workmanship or materials 
    used in construction of the Project as provided in Section 7, 
    Article II, and that such occupancy will not relieve the Bidder from 
    his obligation to complete any part of the Project in compliance 
    with the contract. The Owner agrees to permit the Bidder to fulfill 
    the requirements of the contract in accordance with instructions 
    issued to the Bidder by the Architect upon occupancy by the Owner.
    
    Article V--Remedies
    
        Section 1. Liquidated Damages: The time of Completion of 
    Construction of the Project is of the essence of this Contract. 
    Should the Bidder neglect, refuse or fail to complete construction 
    within the time herein agreed upon, after giving effect to 
    extensions of time, if any herein provided for, then, in that event 
    and in view of the difficulty of estimating with exactness damages 
    caused by such delay, the Owner shall have the right to deduct from 
    and retain out of such moneys which may be then due or which may 
    become due and payable to the Bidder, the sum of ________ Dollars 
    ($________) per day of each and every day that such construction is 
    delayed in its completion beyond the specified time, as liquidated 
    damages and not as a penalty. If the amount due and to become due 
    from the Owner to the Bidder is insufficient to pay in full any such 
    liquidated damages, the Bidder shall pay to the Owner the amount 
    necessary to effect such payment in full; provided, however, that 
    the Owner shall promptly notify the Bidder in writing of the manner 
    in which the amount retained, deduced or claimed as liquidated 
    damages was computed.
        Section 2. Completion on Bidder's Default: If default shall be 
    made by the Bidder or by any subcontractor in the performance of any 
    of the terms of this Proposal, the Owner, without in any manner 
    limiting its legal and equitable remedies in the circumstances, may 
    serve upon the Bidder and the surety or sureties upon the 
    Contractor's Bond or Bonds a written notice requiring the Bidder to 
    cause such default to be corrected forthwith. Unless within twenty 
    (20) days after the service of such notice upon the Bidder, such 
    default shall be corrected or arrangements for the correction 
    thereof, satisfactory to both the Owner and the Administrator, shall 
    be made by the Bidder or its Surety or Sureties, the Owner may take 
    over the construction of the Project and prosecute the same to 
    completion by contract or otherwise for the account and at the 
    expense of the Bidder and the Bidder and its Surety or Sureties 
    shall be liable to the Owner for any cost or expense in excess of 
    the contract price occasioned thereby. Sureties shall be liable to 
    the Owner for any cost or expense in excess of the contract price 
    occasioned thereby. In such event the Owner may take possession of 
    and utilize, in completing the construction of the Project, any 
    materials, tools, supplies, equipment, appliances, and plant 
    belonging to the Bidder or any of its subcontractors, which may be 
    situated at the site of the Project. The Owner in such contingency 
    may exercise any rights, claims or demands which the Bidder may have 
    against third persons in connection with this Proposal and for such 
    purpose the Bidder does hereby assign, transfer and set over unto 
    the Owner all such rights, claims and demands.
        Section 3. Cumulative Remedies: Every right or remedy herein 
    conferred upon or reserved to the Owner or the Government or the 
    Administrator shall be cumulative, shall be in addition to every 
    right and remedy now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by 
    statute and the pursuit of any right or remedy shall not be 
    construed as an election; provided, however, that the provisions of 
    Section 1 of this Article V shall be the exclusive measure of 
    damages for failure by the Bidder to complete the construction of 
    the Project within the time herein agreed upon.
    
    Article VI--Miscellaneous
    
        Section 1. Definitions: (a) The term ``Administrator'' shall 
    mean the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service of the United 
    States of America and his duly authorized representatives or any 
    other person in whom or authority in which may be vested in the 
    duties and functions which the Administrator is now authorized by 
    law to perform.
        (b) The term ``Architect'' shall mean the person or organization 
    employed by the Owner to provide architectural services for the 
    Project, and the Architect's duly authorized assistants and 
    representatives. If an Architect is not employed, the term shall 
    apply to the duly authorized agent of the Owner.
        (c) The term ``Completion of Construction'' shall mean full 
    performance by the Bidder of the Bidder's obligations under the 
    Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof except the 
    Bidder's obligations in respect of (1) Releases of Liens and 
    Certificate of Contractor under Article III, Section 2 hereof, and 
    (2) other final documents. The term ``Completion of the Project'' 
    shall mean full performance by the Bidder of the Bidder's 
    obligations under the Contract and all amendments and revisions 
    thereof. The date of signature by the Architect of the Certificate 
    of Completion shall be the sole and conclusive evidence as to the 
    date of Completion of Construction and as to the fact of Completion 
    of the Project.
        Section 2. Materials and Supplies. In the performance of this 
    contract there shall be furnished only such unmanufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been mined or produced in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada, and only such manufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been manufactured in the United 
    States substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies 
    mined, produced or manufactured, as the case may be, in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada; provided that other articles, materials, 
    or supplies may be used in the event and to the extent that the 
    Administrator shall expressly in writing authorize such use pursuant 
    to the provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1938, being 
    Title IV of Public Resolution No. 122, 75th Congress, approved June 
    21, 1938. The Bidder agrees to submit to the Purchaser such 
    certificates with respect to compliance with the foregoing provision 
    as the Administrator from time to time may require.
        Section 3. Bond or Builder's Risk Policy: (a) The Bidder will 
    furnish to the Owner, for a contract in an amount in excess of 
    $100,000, a bond in a penal sum not less than the Total Contract 
    Price and in the form attached hereto and with a Surety or Sureties 
    listed by the United States Treasury Department as Acceptable 
    Sureties.
        (b) The Bidder will furnish to the Owner for a contract in an 
    amount of $100,000 or less, a Builder's Risk Policy or a bond like 
    that required in the preceding paragraph, whichever the Owner has 
    specified under Paragraph 8 of the Notice and Instructions to 
    Bidders. The Builder's Risk Policy shall be on a completed value 
    form, effective from the date equipment or materials is first 
    delivered to the building site, and shall name both the Owner and 
    the Contractor as insureds. The policy shall insure against loss by 
    fire or lightning and the named perils in the extended coverage 
    endorsement. The amount of coverage shall not be less than the 
    replacement value of the property constructed, including all 
    materials to be used in the construction and stored at the site or 
    at any other location whether furnished by the Owner or the 
    Contractor. When directed, the Bidder shall furnish evidence of 
    compliance with these requirements. The evidence shall be in the 
    form of a certificate of insurance by the insurance company and 
    shall include a provision that no change in or cancellation of the 
    policy shall be made without prior written notice to the Owner and 
    the Administrator.
        Section 4. Subcontracts and Nonassignment: (a) Within ten (10) 
    days after acceptance of the Proposal by the Owner and before 
    awarding any subcontracts, the Bidder will notify the Architect, 
    Owner and Surety in writing, of the names of the subcontractors 
    proposed for the principal parts of the work, and will not enter 
    into any subcontract for such work if written objection thereto is 
    received from the Architect, Owner, Surety or Sureties within 
    fifteen (15) days after receipt of such notice. The Bidder will be 
    as fully responsible to the Owner and the Administrator for the acts 
    and omissions of each subcontractor and of persons employed by such 
    subcontractor as the Bidder would be for its own acts and omissions 
    and those of persons directly employed by it. The Bidder will not 
    subcontract on aggregate amount in excess of sixty-five percent 
    (65%) of its obligations, (to be calculated on the basis of the 
    Total Contract Price) without approval of [[Page 10199]] the 
    Architect, Owner, and Surety or Sureties on any bond furnished by 
    the Bidder for the faithful performance of the Bidder's obligations 
    hereunder. Nothing contained in the Construction Contract shall 
    create any contractual relation between any subcontractor and the 
    Owner.
        (b) The Bidder will not assign the contract effected by the 
    acceptance of this Proposal or any part thereof without approval in 
    writing of the Owner, Surety or Sureties, and the Administrator if 
    the Construction Contract was approved by the Administrator.
        Section 5. Equal Opportunity Provisions: (a) Bidder's 
    Representations.
        The Bidder represents that:
        It has ____, does not have____, 100 or more employees, and if it 
    has, that it has ____, has not____, furnished the Equal Employment 
    Opportunity-Employers Information Report EEO-1, Standard Form 100, 
    required of employers with 100 or more employees pursuant to 
    Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
        The Bidder agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award of any 
    subcontract for more than $10,000 hereunder to a subcontractor with 
    100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the proposed 
    subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a current 
    report on Standard Form 100.
        The Bidder agrees that if it has 100 or more employees and has 
    not submitted a report on Standard Form 100 for the current 
    reporting year and that if this Contract will amount to more than 
    $10,000, the Bidder will file such report, as required by law, and 
    notify the Owner in writing of such filing prior to the Owner's 
    acceptance of this Proposal.
        (b) Equal Opportunity Clause, During the performance of this 
    Contract, the Bidder agrees as follows: (1) The Bidder will not 
    discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment 
    because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The Bidder 
    will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, 
    and that employees are treated during employment without regard to 
    their race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Such actions 
    shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Employment, 
    upgrading, demotions or transfer; recruitment or recruitment 
    advertising, layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of 
    compensation; and selection of training, including apprenticeship. 
    The Bidder agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to 
    employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided 
    setting forth the provisions of this Equal Opportunity Clause.
        (2) The Bidder will, in all solicitations or advertisements for 
    employees placed by or on behalf of the Bidder, state that all 
    qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
        (3) The Bidder will send to each labor union or representative 
    of workers, with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or 
    other contract or understanding, a notice to be provided advising 
    the said labor union or worker's representative of the Bidder's 
    commitments under this section, and shall post copies of the notice 
    in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for 
    employment.
        (4) The Bidder will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and rules, regulations, and 
    relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Bidder will furnish all information and reports required 
    by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by rules, 
    regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant 
    thereto, and will permit access to its books, records and accounts 
    by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes 
    of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations, and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Bidder's noncompliance with the Equal 
    Opportunity Clause of this Contract or with any of the said rules, 
    regulations, or orders, this Contract may be cancelled, terminated, 
    or suspended in whole or in part, and the Bidder may be declared 
    ineligible for further Government contracts or federally assisted 
    construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other 
    sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, 
    regulations, or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as provided by 
    law.
        (7) The Bidder will include this Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by the rules, 
    regulations, or order of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to 
    Section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, so that 
    such provisions will be binding upon each subcontract or vendor. The 
    Bidder will take such action with respect to any subcontract or 
    purchase order as the administering agency may direct as a means of 
    enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance. 
    Provided, however, that in the event Bidder becomes involved in, or 
    is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as a 
    result of such direction by the administering agency, the Bidder may 
    request the United States to enter into such litigation to protect 
    the interests of the United States.
        (c) Certificate of Nonsegregated Facilities. The Bidder 
    certifies that it does not maintain or provide for its employees any 
    segregated facilities at any of its establishments, and that it does 
    not permit its employees to perform their services at any location, 
    under its control, where segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it will not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Bidder agrees that a breach of this 
    certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity Clause in this 
    Contract. As used in this certification, the term ``segregated 
    facilities'' means any waiting rooms, work areas, restrooms and 
    washrooms, restaurants and other eating areas, timeclocks, locker 
    rooms, and other storage or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking 
    fountains, recreation or entertainment areas, transportation, and 
    housing facilities provided for employees which are segregated by 
    explicit directive or are in fact segregated on the basis of race, 
    color, religion, or national origin, because of habit, local custom, 
    or otherwise. The Bidder agrees that (except where it has obtained 
    identical certifications from proposed subcontractors for specific 
    time periods) it will obtain identical certifications from proposed 
    subcontractors prior to the award of subcontracts exceeding $10,000 
    which are not exempt from the provisions of the Equal Opportunity 
    Clause, and that it will retain such certifications in its files.
        Section 6. License: The Bidder warrants that a Contractor's 
    License is ____, is not ____, required, and if required, it 
    possesses Contractor's License No. ________ for the State of 
    ________ in which the Project is located, and said license expires 
    on ________, 19____.
        Section 7. Extension to Successors and Assigns: Each and all of 
    the covenants and agreements contained in the contract effected by 
    the Acceptance of this Proposal shall extend to and be binding upon 
    the successors and assigns of the parties thereto.
        Section 8. Description of Contract: The Notice and Instructions 
    to Bidders, the Proposal, the Acceptance, the Contractor's Bond or 
    Builder's Risk Policy, the Plans and Specifications and all 
    amendments or revisions thereto constitute the Construction 
    Contract.
        Section 9. Contractor: Upon acceptance of this Proposal the 
    successful Bidder shall be the Contractor and all references in the 
    Proposal to the Bidder shall apply to the Contractor.
        Section 10. Approval by the Administrator: No acceptance of a 
    Proposal for a contract upon which approval of the Administrator is 
    required shall become effective until the contract has been approved 
    by the Administrator; provided that no obligation shall arise 
    hereunder unless such approval is given within sixty (60) days after 
    the date set for the opening of the proposals. The acceptance of a 
    Proposal for a contract upon which approval of the Administrator is 
    not required shall become effective the date of acceptance by the 
    Owner.
    
    ________ Bidder
    By ________ President
    ________ Address
    Attest: ________ Secretary
    Date ________
    
        The Proposal must be signed with the full name of the Bidder. If 
    the Bidder is a partnership, the Proposal must be signed in 
    partnership name by a partner. If the Bidder is a corporation, the 
    Proposal must be signed in the corporate name by a duly authorized 
    officer and the corporate seal affixed and attested by the Secretary 
    of the Corporation.
    
    Acceptance
    
        Subject to the approval of the Administrator, if approval of the 
    Administrator is required, the Owner hereby accepts the Proposal of 
    ________ for the construction of the Project therein described for 
    the:
        Base Bid of ________ and alternate bids as follows (Show plus or 
    minus):
    
    Alternate bid No. ________, $________.
    Alternate bid No. ________, $________.
    Alternate bid No. ________, $________.
    Alternate bid No. ________, $________.
    Alternate bid No. ________, $________.
    Alternate bid No. ________, $________. [[Page 10200]] 
    Alternate bid No. ________, $________.
    The Total Contract Price is $________
    ________ Owner
    By ________ President
    Attest: ________ Secretary
    Dated ________
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.330  [Reserved]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.331  Bid bond, RUS Form 307.
    
        The bond form in this section shall be used when a Bid Bond is 
    required by RUS Form 200, 203, 257, 764, 830, or 831.
    
    Bid Bond
    
        1. KNOW ALL MEN that we, ________, as Principal, and ________, 
    as Surety, are held and firmly bound unto ________ (hereafter called 
    the ``Owner'') in the penal sum of ten percent (10%) of the amount 
    of the bid referred to in paragraph 2 below, but not to exceed 
    ________ dollars ($________), as hereinafter set forth and for the 
    payment of which sum well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, 
    our executors, administrators, successors and assigns, jointly and 
    severally, by these presents;
        2. WHEREAS, the Principal has submitted a bid to the Owner for 
    the construction of the Rural Utilities Service Project known as 
    Project ________.
        3. NOW, THEREFORE, the condition of this obligation is such that 
    if the Owner shall accept the bid of the Principal, and
        (a) The Principal shall execute such contract documents, if any, 
    as may be required by the terms of the bid and give such 
    Contractor's Bond or Bonds for the performance of the contract and 
    for the prompt payment of labor and material furnished for the 
    Project as may be specified in the bid, or
        (b) In the event of the failure of the Principal to execute such 
    contract documents, if any, and give such Contractor's Bond or 
    Bonds, if the Principal shall pay to the Owner the difference, not 
    to exceed the penal sum hereof, between the amount specified in the 
    bid and such larger amount for which the Owner may in good faith 
    contract with another party to construct the Project, then this 
    obligation shall be void, otherwise to remain in full force and 
    effect.
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this instrument 
    to be executed and their respective corporate seals to be affixed 
    and attested by their duly authorized representatives this ________ 
    day of________, 19____
    
    Principal ________ (Seal)
    By ________
    Title ________
    Attest: ________ (Secretary)
    Surety ________ (Seal)
    By ________
    Title ________
    Attest: ________ (Secretary)
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Secs. 1726.332-1726.339  [Reserved]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.340  Substation and switching station erection contract, RUS 
    Form 764.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Substation and Switching Station Erection Contract
    
    Notice and Instructions to Bidders
    
        1. Sealed proposals for the construction, including the supply 
    of necessary labor, materials and equipment, of a rural electric 
    project of ________ (hereinafter called the ``Owner'') to be known 
    as Project ________ will be received by the Owner on or before 
    ________ o'clock ____ M., 19____, at its office at ________ at which 
    time and place the proposals will be publicly opened and read. Any 
    proposal received subsequent to the time specified will be promptly 
    returned to the Bidder unopened.
        2. Description of Project: The Project will consist of the 
    following Substations and other Major Facilities:
    
    Name ________ KVA ____ Voltage ________
    Name ________ KVA ____ Voltage ________
    Name ________ KVA ____ Voltage ________
    
        The Project is located in ________ Counties, in the State of 
    ________ all as more fully described in the Plans, Specifications 
    for Construction, Construction Drawings and Contractor's Proposal 
    therefore hereinafter referred to.
        3. Owner Furnished Materials. The unit prices in the 
    Contractor's Proposal should include provisions for Owner Furnished 
    Materials since as stated in Article I, Section 3 of the 
    Contractor's Proposal, the value of the Owner Furnished Materials, 
    if any, will be deducted from payments to the Bidder for completed 
    Construction Units.
        4. Obtaining Documents. The Plans, Specifications for 
    Construction and Construction Drawings together with all necessary 
    forms and other documents for bidders may be obtained from the 
    Owner, or from the Engineer ________ at the latter's office at 
    ________ upon payment of $________, which payment will not be 
    subject to refund. The Plans, Specifications for Construction and 
    Construction Drawings may be examined at the office of the Owner or 
    at the office of the Engineer. A copy of the Loan Contract (if the 
    Project is to be financed in whole or in part, pursuant to a Loan 
    Contract) between the Owner and the United States of America acting 
    through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service 
    (hereinafter called the ``Administrator'') and of the loan contract 
    between the Owner and any other lender may be examined at the office 
    of the Owner. Each set of Plans, Specifications for Construction and 
    Construction Drawings will have a serial number, given by the 
    Engineer, and the number of each set with the name of the Purchaser 
    will be recorded by the Engineer. Bids will be accepted only from 
    the original purchasers.
        5. Manner of Submitting Proposals. Proposals and all supporting 
    instruments must be submitted on the forms furnished by the Owner 
    and must be delivered in a sealed envelope addressed to the Owner. 
    The name and address of the Bidder, its license number if a license 
    is required by the State, and the date and hour of the opening of 
    bids must appear on the envelope in which the Proposal is submitted, 
    Proposals must be filled in in ink or typewritten. No alterations or 
    interlineations will be permitted, unless made before submission, 
    and initialed and dated.
        6. Familiarity with Conditions. Prior to the submission of the 
    Proposal the Bidder shall make and shall be deemed to have made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project and of the Plans, 
    Specifications for Construction, Construction Drawings, and forms of 
    Contractor's Proposal and Contractor's Bond on file with the 
    Secretary of the Owner and with the Engineer, and shall become 
    informed as to the location and nature of the proposed construction, 
    the transportation facilities, the kind and character of soil and 
    terrain to be encountered, the kind of facilities required before 
    and during the construction of the Project, general local conditions 
    and all other matters that may affect the cost and the time of 
    completion of the Project. Bidders will be required to comply with 
    all applicable statutes, regulations, etc., including those 
    pertaining to the licensing of contractors, and the so-called 
    ``Kickback Statute'' (48 Stat. 948) and regulations issued pursuant 
    thereto.
        7. Proposals will be accepted only from those prequalified 
    bidders invited by the Owner to submit a proposal.
        8. Alternate Designs. The Owner reserves the right to confine 
    its consideration of the several bids to one type of design 
    regardless of alternate types of design which may be specified in 
    the Plans and Specifications for Construction and offered in the 
    Proposals.
        9. The time for Completion of Construction of the Project shall 
    be as specified by the Engineer in the Proposal.
        10. Bid Bond. Each Proposal must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in 
    the form attached or a certified check on a bank that is a member of 
    the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, payable to the order of 
    the Owner, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the maximum 
    bid price. Each Bidder agrees, provided its Proposal is one of the 
    three low Proposals, that, by filing its Proposal together with such 
    Bid Bond or check in consideration of the Owner's receiving and 
    considering such Proposal, said Proposal shall be firm and binding 
    upon each such Bidder and such Bid Bond or check shall be held by 
    the Owner until a Proposal is accepted and a satisfactory 
    Contractor's Bond is furnished (where required) by the successful 
    Bidder and such acceptance has been approved by the Administrator, 
    or for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date 
    hereinbefore set for the opening of Proposals, whichever period 
    shall be the shorter. If such Proposal is not one of the three low 
    Proposals, the Bid Bond or check will be returned in each instance 
    within a period of ten (10) days to the Bidder furnishing same.
        11. Contractor's Bond. The successful Bidder will be required to 
    execute two additional counterparts of the Proposal and, 
    [[Page 10201]] for a Contract in excess of $100,000, to furnish a 
    Contractor's Bond in triplicate in the form attached hereto with 
    sureties listed by the United States Treasury Department as 
    Acceptable Sureties, in a penal sum not less than the contract 
    price.
        12. Failure to Furnish Contractor's Bond. Should the successful 
    Bidder fail or refuse to execute such counterparts or to furnish a 
    Contractor's Bond (where required) within ten (10) days after 
    written notification of the acceptance of the Proposal by the Owner, 
    the Bidder will be considered to have abandoned the Proposal. In 
    such event, the Owner shall be entitled (a) to enforce the bid bond 
    in accordance with its terms, or (b) if a certified check has been 
    delivered with the Proposal, to retain from the proceeds of the 
    certified check the difference (not exceeding the amount of the 
    certified check) between the amount of the Proposal and such larger 
    amount for which the Owner may in good faith contract with another 
    party to construct the Project. The term ``successful Bidder'' shall 
    be deemed to include any Bidder whose Proposal is accepted after 
    another Bidder has previously refused or has been unable to execute 
    the counterparts or to furnish a satisfactory Contractor's Bond 
    (where required.)
        13. Contract is Entire Agreement. The Contract to be effected by 
    the acceptance of the Proposal shall be deemed to include the entire 
    agreement between the parties thereto, and the Bidder shall not 
    claim any modification thereof resulting from any representation or 
    promise made at any time by any officer, agent or employee of the 
    Owner or by any other person.
        14. Minor Irregularities. The Owner reserves the right to waive 
    minor irregularities or minor errors in any Propose, if it appears 
    to the Owner that such irregularities or errors were made through 
    inadvertence. Any such irregularities or errors so waived must be 
    corrected on the Proposal in which they occur prior to the 
    acceptance thereof by the Owner.
        15. Rejection of Bids. The Owner reserves the right to reject 
    any or all Proposals. The attention of Bidders is specially called 
    to the desirability of a proper balance between prices for labor and 
    materials and between the total prices for the respective 
    Construction Units. Lack of such balance may be considered as a 
    reason for rejecting a Proposal.
        16. Discrepancy in Unit Prices. Where the unit prices in the 
    Contractor's Proposal are separated into three columns designated as 
    ``Labor,'' ``Materials'' and ``Labor and Materials,'' and where a 
    discrepancy appears between the sum shown in the ``Labor and 
    Materials'' column and the correct addition of the sums appearing in 
    the ``Labor'' column and the ``Materials'' column, the correct 
    addition of the sums appearing in the ``Labor'' column and the 
    ``Materials'' column shall control.
        17. Bidding and Acceptance. If the Project includes more than 
    one substation, bidders may bid on one or more substations. The 
    Owner may award (1) a contract for all of the substations on the 
    basis of the low total bid or, (2) separate contracts for one or 
    more substations based on the low bids for the respective 
    substations.
        18. Definition of Terms. The terms ``Administrator,'' 
    ``Engineer,'' ``Supervisor,'' ``Project,'' ``Completion of 
    Construction'' and ``Completion of the Project'' as used throughout 
    this Contract shall be as defined in Article VI, Section 1, of the 
    Contractor's Proposal.
        19. The Owner represents:
        a. If by provisions of the Contractor's Proposal the Owner shall 
    have undertaken to furnish any materials for the construction of the 
    Project, such materials are on hand at locations specified or if 
    such materials are not on hand they will be made available by the 
    Owner to the successful Bidder at the locations specified before the 
    time such materials are required for construction.
        b. Title to the property on which the Project is to be 
    constructed has been obtained.
        c. All funds necessary for prompt payment for the construction 
    of the Project will be available.
        If the Owner shall fail to comply with any of the undertakings 
    contained in the foregoing representations or if any of such 
    representations shall be incorrect, the Bidder will be entitled to 
    an extension of time of completion for a period equal to the delay, 
    if any, caused by the failure of the Owner to comply with such 
    undertakings or by any such incorrect representation; provided the 
    Bidder shall have promptly notified the Owner in writing of its 
    desire to extend the time of completion in accordance with the 
    foregoing, and provided further that such extension, if any, of the 
    time of completion shall be the sole remedy of the Bidder for the 
    Owner's failure, because of conditions beyond the control and 
    without the fault of the Owner, to furnish materials in accordance 
    with subparagraph a. hereof.
    
    ________ Owner
    By ________
    ________, 19____
    
    Contractor's Proposal
    
        (Proposal shall be submitted in ink or typewritten)
        To: ________ (Hereinafter called the ``Owner'')
    
    Article I--General
    
        Section 1. Offer to Construct. The undersigned (hereinafter 
    called the ``Bidder'') hereby proposes to receive and install such 
    materials and equipment as may hereinafter be specified to be 
    furnished by the Owner, and to furnish all other materials and 
    equipment, all machinery, tools, labor transportation and other 
    means required to construct the rural electric project ________ in 
    strict accordance with the Plans, Specifications for Construction 
    and Construction Drawings for the prices hereinafter stated.
        Section 2. Materials and Equipment. The Bidder agrees to furnish 
    and use in the construction of the Project under this Proposal, in 
    the event the Proposal is accepted, only such materials and 
    equipment as are included in the current ``List of Materials 
    Acceptable for Use on Systems of RUS Electrification Borrowers,'' 
    including revisions adopted prior to the Bid Opening.
        Section 3. Owner-Furnished Materials. The Bidder understands and 
    agrees that, if this Proposal is accepted, the Owner will furnish to 
    the Bidder the material set forth in the attached ``List of Owner's 
    Materials on Hand'' (see page 10) and the Bidder will give a receipt 
    (see page 12) therefore in writing to the Owner. The Bidder, 
    further, will on behalf of the Owner accept delivery of such of the 
    materials set forth in the attached ``List of Materials Ordered by 
    Owner but Not Delivered'' (see page 11) as may be subsequently 
    delivered and will promptly forward to the Owner for payment the 
    supplier's invoice, together with the Bidder's receipt in writing 
    for such materials. The materials referred to are on hand at, or 
    will be delivered to, the locations specified in the Lists and the 
    Bidder will use such materials in constructing the Project.
        The value of the completed Construction Units certified by the 
    Bidder each month pursuant to Article III, Section 1.a of this 
    Proposal shall be reduced by an amount equal to the value of the 
    materials installed by the Bidder during the preceding month which 
    have been furnished by the Owner or the delivery of which has been 
    accepted by the Bidder on behalf of the Owner. Only ninety percent 
    (90%) of the remainder shall be paid prior to the Completion of the 
    Project. The value of such materials shall be computed on the basis 
    of the unit prices stated in the Lists. Materials, if any, not 
    required for the Project, which have been furnished to the Bidder by 
    the Owner or delivery of which has been accepted by the Bidder on 
    behalf of the Owner, shall be returned to the Owner by the Bidder 
    upon Completion of Construction of the Project. The value of all 
    materials not installed in the Project nor returned to the Owner 
    shall be deducted from the final payment to the Bidder.
        The Owner shall not be obligated to furnish materials in excess 
    of the quantities, size, kind and type set forth in the attached 
    Lists. If the Owner furnishes, and the Bidder accepts, materials in 
    excess thereof, the values of such excess materials shall be their 
    actual cost as stated by the Owner.
        Information on the shipping schedules of materials on the ``List 
    of Materials Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered'' will be furnished 
    to the Bidder as necessary during progress of the work.
        Upon delivery the Bidder shall promptly receive, unload, 
    transport and handle all materials and equipment on the ``List of 
    Materials Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered'' at its expense and 
    shall be responsible for demurrage, if any.
        Section 4. Purchase of Materials Not Furnished by Owner. The 
    Bidder will purchase all materials and equipment (other than owner-
    furnished materials) outright and not subject to any conditional 
    sales agreements, bailment, lease or other agreement reserving unto 
    the seller any right, title or interest therein. All such materials 
    and equipment shall become the property of the Owner when erected in 
    place.
        Section 5. Proposal on Unit Basis. The Bidder understands and 
    agrees that the various Construction Units on which bids are made 
    are defined by symbols and descriptions in this Proposal, that all 
    said bids are on a unit basis, and that the Owner [[Page 10202]] may 
    specify any number or combination of Construction Units that the 
    Owner may deem necessary for the construction of the Project. 
    Separate Construction Units are designated for each different 
    arrangement which may be used in the construction of the Project. 
    This Proposal is based on a consideration of each unit in place and 
    includes only the materials listed on the corresponding Construction 
    Drawings or description of unit where no drawing exists.
        Section 6. Familiarity with Conditions. The Bidder has made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project to be constructed and 
    of the Plans, Specifications for Construction, Construction 
    Drawings, and form of Contractor's Bond attached hereto, and has 
    become informed as to the location and nature of the proposed 
    construction, the transportation facilities, the kind and character 
    of soil and terrain to be encountered, and the kind of facilities 
    required before and during the construction of the Project, and has 
    become acquainted with the labor conditions, state and local laws 
    and regulations which would affect work on the proposed 
    construction.
        Section 7. License. The Bidder warrants that a Contractor's 
    License is ____, is not ____, required, and if required, it 
    possesses Contractor's License No. ________ for the State of 
    ________ in which the Project is located and said license expires on 
    ________, 19____.
        Section 8. The Bidder warrants that this Proposal is made in 
    good faith and without collusion or connection with any person or 
    persons bidding for the same work.
        Section 9. The Bidder warrants that it possesses adequate 
    financial resources and agrees that in the event this Proposal is 
    accepted and a Contractor's Bond is required, it will furnish a 
    Contractor's Bond in the form attached hereto, in a penal sum not 
    less than the maximum Contract price, with a surety or sureties 
    listed by the United States Treasury Department as Acceptable 
    Sureties.
        In the event that the surety or sureties on the performance bond 
    delivered to the Owner contemporaneously with the execution of the 
    Contractor on any bond or bonds delivered in substitution therefor 
    or in addition thereto shall at any time become unsatisfactory to 
    the Owner or the Administrator, the Bidder agrees to deliver to the 
    Owner another or an additional bond.
        Section 10. Taxes. The unit prices for Construction Units in 
    this Proposal include provisions for the payment of all monies which 
    will be payable by the Bidder or the Owner in connection with the 
    construction of the Project on account of taxes imposed by any 
    taxing authority upon the sale, purchase or use of materials, 
    supplies and equipment, or services or labor of installation 
    thereof, to be incorporated in the Project as part of such 
    Construction Units. The Bidder agrees to pay all such taxes, except 
    taxes upon the sale, purchase or use of owner-furnished materials 
    and it is understood that, as to owner-furnished materials, the 
    values stated in the attached ``List of Owner's Materials on Hand'' 
    and ``List of Materials Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered'' include 
    taxes upon the sale, purchase or use of owner-furnished materials, 
    if applicable. The Bidder will furnish to the appropriate taxing 
    authorities all required information and reports pertaining to the 
    Project, except as to the owner-furnished materials.
        Section 11. Changes in Quantities. The Bidder understands and 
    agrees that the quantities called for in this Proposal are 
    approximate, and that the total number of units upon which payment 
    shall be made shall be as set forth in the inventory. If the Owner 
    changes the quantity of any unit or units specified in this Proposal 
    by more than 15%, and the materials cost to the Bidder is increased 
    thereby to an extent which would not be adequately compensated by 
    application of the unit prices in this Proposal to the revised 
    quantity of such unit or units, such change, to the extent of the 
    quantities of such units in excess of such 15%, shall be regarded as 
    a change in the construction within the meaning of Article II, 
    Section 1(d) of this Proposal.
    
                                            List of Owner's Materials on Hand                                       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Item\1\            Description of material    Catalog No.     Quantity     Unit price    Extended price
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total..............                                                                                       
    Above Materials are                                                                                             
     Located at:                                                                                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\Item corresponds with item in list of materials in construction drawings. Under Article I, Section 3, the    
      value of these materials will be deducted from payments to the Bidder for completed Construction Units.       
    
    
                                  List of Materials Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Scheduled                                                                     
        Item\1\       Supplier name    delivery   Description of  Catalog No.    Quantity    Unit price    Extended 
                       and address       date        material                                               price   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total....                                                                                                 
    Above Material                                                                                                  
     to be                                                                                                          
     Delivered to:                                                                                                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\Item corresponds with item in list of materials in construction drawings. Under Article I, Section 3, the    
      value of these materials will be deducted from payments to the Bidder for completed Construction Units.       
    
    Article II--Construction
    
        Section 1. Time and Manner of Construction.
        a. The Bidder agrees to commence construction of the Project on 
    a date (hereinafter called the ``Commencement Date'') which shall be 
    determined by the Engineer after notice in writing of approval of 
    the Contract by the Administrator and notice in writing from the 
    Bidder that the Bidder has sufficient materials to warrant 
    commencement and continuation of construction, but in no event will 
    the Commencement Date be later than ________ calendar days after 
    date of approval of the Contract by the Administrator. The Bidder 
    further agrees to prosecute diligently and to complete construction 
    in strict accordance with the Plans, Specifications for Construction 
    and Construction Drawings within ________ (________) calendar days 
    (excluding Sundays) after Commencement Date: Provided, however, that 
    the Bidder will not be required to perform any construction on such 
    days when in the judgment of the Engineer snow, rain, or wind, or 
    the results of snow, rain, or frost make it impracticable to perform 
    any operation of construction and to the extent of the time lost due 
    to the conditions described herein and approved in writing by the 
    Engineer, the time of completion set out above will be extended if 
    the Bidder makes a written request therefor to the Owner as provided 
    in subsection b of this Section 1.
        b. The time for Completion of Construction shall be extended for 
    the period of any reasonable delay which is due exclusively to 
    causes beyond the control and without the fault of the Bidder, 
    including acts of God, fires, floods, inability to obtain materials 
    and acts or omissions of the Owner with respect to matters for which 
    the Owner is solely responsible: Provided, however, that no such 
    extension of time for completion shall be granted the Bidder unless 
    within ten (10) days after the happening of any event relied upon by 
    the Bidder for such an extension of time the Bidder shall have made 
    a request therefore in writing to the Owner, and provided further 
    that no delay in such time of completion or in the progress of the 
    work which results from any of the above causes, except acts or 
    omissions of the Owner, shall result in any liability on the part of 
    the Owner. [[Page 10203]] 
        c. The sequence of construction shall be as set forth below, the 
    numbers or names being the designations of substations or other 
    major facilities (hereinafter called the ``Stations'') corresponding 
    to the numbers or names shown on the maps attached hereto, or if no 
    Stations are set forth below, the sequence of construction shall be 
    as determined by the Bidder, subject to the approval of the 
    Engineer. ________
        d. The Owner, acting through the Engineer and with the approval 
    of the Administrator,1 may from time to time during the 
    progress of the construction of the Project make such changes, 
    additions to or subtractions from the Plans, Specifications for 
    Construction, Construction Drawings, List of Materials and sequence 
    of construction provided for in the previous paragraph which are 
    part of the Contractor's Proposal as conditions may warrant: 
    Provided, however, that if any change in the construction to be done 
    shall require an extension of time, a reasonable extension will be 
    granted if the Bidder shall make a written request therefor to the 
    Owner within ten (10) days after any such change is made. And 
    provided further, that if the cost to the Bidder of construction of 
    the Project shall be materially increased by any such change or 
    addition, the Owner shall pay the Bidder for the reasonable cost 
    thereof in accordance with a Construction Contract Amendment signed 
    by the Owner and the Bidder and approved by the Administrator,2 
    but no claim for additional compensation for any such change or 
    addition will be considered unless the Bidder shall have made a 
    written request therefor to the Owner prior to the commencement of 
    work in connection with such change or addition.
    
        \1\As long as the total price of this contract including all 
    amendments is less than 120 percent of the original contract price 
    as stated in the acceptance hereto, amendments executed on RUS Form 
    238 are not subject to the approval of the Administrator. Whenever 
    an amendment to this contract causes the total amended contract to 
    exceed 120 percent of the original contract price, that amendment 
    and all subsequent amendments to this contract shall be made subject 
    to the approval of the Administrator.
        \2\ See Footnote 1.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        e. The Bidder will not perform any work hereunder on Sundays 
    unless there is urgent need for such Sunday work and the Owner 
    consents thereto in writing. The time for completion specified in 
    subsection a of this Section 1 shall not be affected in any way by 
    inclusion of this subsection nor by the Owner's consent or lack of 
    consent to Sunday work hereunder.
        Section 2. Environmental Protection. The Bidder shall perform 
    work in such a manner as to maximize preservation beauty, 
    conservation of natural resources and minimize marring and scarring 
    of the landscape and silting of streams. The Bidder shall not 
    deposit trash in streams or waterways, and shall not deposit 
    herbicides or other chemicals or their containers in or near 
    streams, waterways or pastures. The Bidder shall follow, under the 
    general direction of the Engineer, the criteria relating to 
    environmental protection as specified herein by the Engineer.
        Section 3. The Bidder agrees that in the event this Proposal is 
    accepted it will make available for use in connection with the 
    proposed construction all necessary tools and equipment and 
    qualified superintendents and foremen.
        Section 4. Changes in Construction. The Bidder agrees to make 
    changes in construction previously installed in the Project by the 
    Bidder as required by the Owner. The compensation for such changes 
    shall be as agreed upon in writing by the Bidder and the Owner prior 
    to commencement of work in connection with such changes.
        No payment shall be made to the Bidder for materials or labor 
    involved in correcting errors or omissions on the part of the Bidder 
    which result in construction not in accordance with the Plans and 
    Specifications for Construction.
        Section 5. Construction Not in Proposal. The Bidder also agrees 
    that when it is necessary to construct units not shown in the 
    Proposal it will construct such units for a price arrived at as 
    follows:
        a. The cost of materials shall be determined by the invoices.
        b. The cost of labor shall be the reasonable cost thereof, as 
    agreed upon by the Owner and Bidder prior to the commencement of 
    work.
        Section 6. Supervision and Inspection.
        a. The Bidder shall cause the construction work on the Project 
    to receive constant supervision by a competent superintendent 
    (hereinafter called the ``Superintendent'') who shall be present at 
    all times during working hours where construction is being carried 
    on. The Bidder shall also employ, in connection with the 
    construction of the Project, capable, experienced and reliable 
    foremen and such skilled workmen as may be required for the various 
    classes of work to be performed. Directions and instructions given 
    to the Superintendent shall be binding upon the Bidder.
        b. The Owner reserves the right to require the removal from the 
    Project of any employee of the Bidder if in the judgment of the 
    Owner such removal shall be necessary in order to protect the 
    interest of the Owner. The Owner or the Supervisor, if any, shall 
    have the right to require the Bidder to increase the number of its 
    employees and to increase or change the amount or kind of tools and 
    equipment if at any time the progress of the work shall be 
    unsatisfactory to the Owner or Supervisor; but the failure of the 
    Owner or Supervisor to give any such directions shall not relieve 
    the Bidder of its obligations to complete the work within the time 
    and in the manner specified in this Proposal.
        c. The manner of construction of the Project, and all materials 
    and equipment used therein, shall be subject to the inspection, 
    tests and approval of the Owner and the Administrator, and the 
    Bidder shall furnish all information required by the Owner or by the 
    Administrator concerning the nature or source of any materials 
    incorporated or to be incorporated in the Project. The Owner and the 
    Administrator shall have the right to inspect all payrolls, invoices 
    of materials, and other data and records of the Bidder and of any 
    subcontractor, relevant to the construction of the Project. The 
    Bidder shall provide all reasonable facilities necessary for such 
    inspection and tests. The Bidder shall have an authorized agent 
    accompany the Engineer when final inspection is made and, if 
    requested by the owner, when any other inspection is made.
        d. In the event that the Owner, or the Administrator, shall 
    determine that the construction contains or may contain numerous 
    defects, it shall be the duty of the Bidder and the Bidder's Surety 
    or Sureties, if any, to have an inspection made by an engineer 
    approved by the Owner and the Administrator for the purpose of 
    determining the exact nature, extent and location of such defects.
        e. The Engineer may recommend to the Owner that the Bidder 
    suspend the work wholly or in part for such period or periods as the 
    Engineer may deem necessary due to unsuitable weather or such other 
    conditions as are considered unfavorable for the satisfactory 
    prosecution of the work or because of the failure of the Bidder to 
    comply with any of the provisions of the Contract: Provided, 
    however, that the Bidder shall not suspend work pursuant to this 
    provision without written authority from the Owner so to do. The 
    time of completion hereinabove set forth shall be increased by the 
    number of days of any such suspension, except when such suspension 
    is due to the failure of the Bidder to comply with any of the 
    provisions of this Contract. In the event that work is suspended by 
    the Bidder with the consent of the Owner, the Bidder before resuming 
    work shall give the Owner at least twenty-four (24) hours notice 
    thereof in writing.
        Section 7. Defective Materials and Workmanship.
        a. The acceptance of any materials, equipment (except owner-
    furnished materials) or any workmanship by the Owner or the Engineer 
    shall not preclude the subsequent rejection thereof if such 
    materials, equipment, or workmanship shall be found to be defective 
    after delivery or installation, and any such materials, equipment or 
    workmanship found defective before final acceptance of the 
    construction shall be replaced or remedied, as the case may be, by 
    and at the expense of the Bidder. Any such condemned material or 
    equipment shall be immediately removed from the site of the Project 
    by the Bidder at the Bidder's expense. The Bidder shall not be 
    entitled to any payment hereunder so long as any defective 
    materials, equipment or workmanship in respect to the Project, of 
    which the Bidder shall have had notice, shall not have been replaced 
    or remedied, as the case may be.
        b. Notwithstanding any certificate which may have been given by 
    the Owner or the Engineer, if any materials, equipment (except 
    owner-furnished materials) or any workmanship which does not comply 
    with the requirements of this Contract shall be discovered within 
    one (1) year after Completion of Construction of the Project, the 
    Bidder shall replace such defective materials or equipment or remedy 
    any such defective workmanship within thirty (30) days after notice 
    in writing of the existence thereof shall have been given by the 
    Owner. If the Bidder shall be called upon to replace 
    [[Page 10204]] any defective materials or equipment or to remedy 
    defective workmanship as herein provided, the Owner, if so requested 
    by the Bidder shall deenergize that portion of the Project involved 
    in such work. In the event of failure by the Bidder so to do, the 
    Owner may replace such defective materials or equipment or remedy 
    such defective workmanship, as the case maybe, and in such event the 
    Bidder shall pay to the Owner the cost and expense thereof.
    
    Article III--Payments and Release of Liens
    
        Section 1. Payments to Bidder.
        a. Within the first fifteen (15) days of each calendar month, 
    the Owner shall make partial payment to the Bidder for construction 
    accomplished during the preceding calendar month on the basis of 
    completed Construction Units furnished and certified to by the 
    Bidder, recommended by the Engineer, and approved by the Owner 
    solely for the purposes of payment: Provided, however, that such 
    approval shall not be deemed approval of the workmanship or 
    materials. Only ninety percent (90%) of each such estimate approved 
    during the construction of the Project shall be paid by the Owner to 
    the Bidder prior to Completion of the Project: Provided, however, 
    that at any time after work, which, in the sole determination of the 
    Engineer, amounts to fifty percent (50%) of the maximum Contract 
    price has been completed, the Owner may elect, in lieu of paying 
    ninety percent (90%) of each such subsequent estimate, to pay each 
    such subsequent estimate in full. Upon completion by the Bidder of 
    the construction of the Project, the Engineer will prepare an 
    inventory of the Project showing the total number and character of 
    Construction Units and, after checking such inventory with the 
    Bidder, will certify it to the Owner together with a certificate of 
    the total cost of the construction performed. Upon the approval of 
    such certificates by the Owner and the Administrator, the Owner 
    shall make payment to the Bidder of all amounts to which the Bidder 
    shall be entitled thereunder which shall not have been paid, 
    provided, however, that such final payment shall be made not later 
    than ninety (90) days after the date of Completion of Construction 
    of the Project as specified in the Certificate of Completion, unless 
    withheld because of the fault of the Bidder.
        b. The Bidder shall be paid on the basis of the number of 
    Construction Units actually installed at the direction of the Owner 
    shown by the inventory: Provided, however, that the total cost shall 
    not exceed the maximum Contract price for the construction of the 
    Project as set forth in the Acceptance, unless such excess shall 
    have been approved in writing by the Administrator.
        c. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section la above, the 
    Bidder may, by giving written notice thereof to the Owner, elect to 
    receive payment in full for any Station of the Project upon:
        (1) completion of construction of such Station as certified by 
    the Engineer and approved by the Owner and the Administrator;
        (2) submission to the Owner and the Administrator of the 
    releases of lien and the certificate referred to in Section 2 
    hereof;
        (3) approval by the Owner and the Administrator of the inventory 
    in respect of such Station; and
        (4) submission to the Owner and the Administrator of the consent 
    in writing by the Surety or Sureties, if any, on the Contractor's 
    Bond to payment in full for such Station prior to Completion of the 
    Project. d. Interest at the rate of ________ percent3 
    (________%) per annum shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder on 
    all unpaid balances due on monthly estimates, commencing fifteen 
    (15) days after the due date; provided the delay in payment beyond 
    the due date is not caused by any condition within the control of 
    the Bidder. The due date for purposes of such monthly payment shall 
    be the fifteenth day of each calendar month provided (1) the Bidder 
    on or before the fifth day of such month shall have submitted its 
    certification of Construction Units completed during the preceding 
    month and (2) the Owner on or before the fifteenth day of such month 
    shall have approved such certification. If, for reasons not due to 
    the Bidder's fault, such approval shall not have been given on or 
    before the fifteenth day of such month, the due date for purposes of 
    this subsection d shall be the fifteenth day of such month 
    notwithstanding the absence of the approval of the certification.
    
        \3\The Owner shall insert a rate equal to the lowest ``Prime 
    Rate'' listed in the ``Money Rates'' section of the Wall Street 
    Journal on the date such invitation to bid is issued.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        e. Interest at the rate of ------ percent4 (------%) per 
    annum shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder on the final payment 
    for the Project or any completed Station thereof, commencing fifteen 
    (15) days after the due date. The due date for purposes of such 
    final payment shall be the date of approval by the Administrator of 
    all of the documents requiring such approval, as a condition 
    precedent to the making of final payment, or ninety (90) days after 
    the date of Completion of Construction of the Project, as specified 
    in the Certificate of Completion, whichever date is earlier.
    
        \4\See Footnote 3.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        f. No payment shall be due while the Bidder is in default in 
    respect of any of the provisions of this Contract and the Owner may 
    withhold from the Bidder the amount of any claim by a third party 
    against either the Bidder or the Owner based upon an alleged failure 
    of the Bidder to perform the work hereunder in accordance with the 
    provisions of this Contract.
        Section 2. Release of Liens and Certificate of Contractor. (See 
    sample RUS Form 224, Waiver and Release of Lien and sample RUS Form 
    231, Certificate of Contractor.) Upon the completion by the Bidder 
    of the construction of the Project (or any Station thereof if the 
    Bidder shall elect to receive payment in full for any Station when 
    completed as provided above) but prior to final payment to the 
    Bidder, the Bidder shall deliver to the Owner, in duplicate, 
    releases of all liens and of rights to claim any lien, in the form 
    attached hereto from all manufacturers, materialmen, and 
    subcontractors furnishing services or materials for the Project or 
    such Station and a certificate in the form attached hereto to the 
    effect that all labor used on or for the Project or such Station has 
    been paid and that all such releases have been submitted to the 
    Owner for approval.
        Section 3. Payments to Materialmen and Subcontractors. The 
    Bidder shall pay each materialman and each subcontractor, if any, 
    within five (5) days after receipt of any payment from the Owner, 
    the amount thereof allowed the Bidder for and on account of 
    materials furnished or construction performed by each materialman or 
    each subcontractor.
    
    Article IV--Particular Undertakings of the Bidder
    
        Section 1. Protection to Persons and Property. The Bidder shall 
    at all times take all reasonable precautions for the safety of 
    employees on the work and of the public, and shall comply with all 
    applicable provisions of Federal, State, and Municipal safety laws 
    and building and construction codes, as well as the safety rules and 
    regulations of the Owner. All machinery and equipment and other 
    physical hazards shall be guarded in accordance with the ``Manual of 
    Accident Prevention in Construction'' of the Associated General 
    Contractors of America unless such instructions are incompatible 
    with Federal, State, or Municipal laws or regulations.
        The following provisions shall not limit the generality of the 
    above requirements:
        a. The Bidder shall at no time and under no circumstances cause 
    or permit any employee of the Bidder to perform any work upon 
    energized lines, or upon poles carrying energized lines, unless 
    otherwise specified in the Notice and Instructions to Bidders.
        b. The Bidder shall so conduct the construction of the Project 
    as to cause the least possible obstruction of public highways.
        c. The Bidder shall provide and maintain all such guard lights 
    and other protection for the public as may be required by applicable 
    statutes, ordinances and regulations or by local conditions.
        d. Temporary water, light, power and other utility service shall 
    be arranged for by the Bidder for construction purposes at its own 
    expense.
        e. The Bidder shall do all things necessary or expedient to 
    properly protect any and all adjacent lines, highways and any and 
    all property of others from damage, and in the event that any such 
    lines, highways or other property are damaged in the course of 
    construction of the Project, the Bidder shall at its own expense 
    restore any or all of such damaged property immediately to as good a 
    state as before such damage occurred.
        f. The Project, from the commencement of work to completion, or 
    to such earlier date or dates when the Owner may take possession and 
    control in whole or in part as hereinafter provided shall be under 
    the charge and control of the Bidder and during such period of 
    control by the Bidder all risks in connection with the construction 
    of the Project and the materials to be used therein shall be borne 
    by the Bidder. The Bidder shall make good and fully repair all 
    injuries and damages to the Project or any portion thereof under the 
    control of the Bidder by reason of any act of God or other casualty 
    or [[Page 10205]] cause whether or not the same shall have occurred 
    by reason of the Bidder's negligence.
        (i) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall defend, 
    indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, officers, 
    and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Bidder's employees) and loss, damage to or destruction of 
    Owner's property or the property of any other person or entity 
    (including but not limited to Bidder's property) in any manner 
    arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the materials or 
    equipment supplied or services performed by Bidder, its 
    subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein shall 
    be construed as making Bidder liable for any injury, death, loss, 
    damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of Owner.
        (ii) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all liens and claims filed or asserted 
    against Owner, its directors, officers, and employees, or Owner's 
    property or facilities, for services performed or materials or 
    equipment furnished by Bidder, its subcontractors and suppliers of 
    any tier, and from all losses, demands, and causes of action arising 
    out of any such lien or claim. Bidder shall promptly discharge or 
    remove any such lien or claim by bonding, payment, or otherwise and 
    shall notify Owner promptly when it has done so. If Bidder does not 
    cause such lien or claim to be discharged or released by payment, 
    bonding, or otherwise, Owner shall have the right (but shall not be 
    obligated) to pay all sums necessary to obtain any such discharge or 
    release and to deduct all amounts so paid from the amount due 
    Bidder.
        (iii) Bidder shall provide to Owner's satisfaction evidence of 
    Bidder's ability to comply with the indemnification provisions of 
    subparagraphs i and ii above, which evidence may include but may not 
    be limited to a bond or liability insurance policy obtained for this 
    purpose through a licensed surety or insurance company.
        g. Any and all excess earth, rock, debris, underbrush and other 
    useless material shall be removed by the Bidder from the site of the 
    Project as rapidly as practicable as the work progresses.
        h. Upon violation by the Bidder of any of the provisions of this 
    Section, after written notice of such violation given to the Bidder 
    by the Engineer or the Owner, the Bidder shall immediately correct 
    such violation. Upon failure of the Bidder so to do the Owner may 
    correct such violation at the Bidder's expense: Provided, however, 
    that the Owner may, if it deems it necessary or advisable, correct 
    such violation at the Bidder's expense without such prior notice to 
    the Bidder.
        i. The Bidder shall submit to the Owner monthly reports in 
    duplicate of all accidents, giving such data as may be prescribed by 
    the Owner.
        Section 2. Insurance. The Bidder shall take out and maintain 
    throughout the contract period insurance of the following types and 
    minimum amounts:
        (a) Workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance, as 
    required by law, covering all their employees who perform any of the 
    obligations of the contractor, engineer, and architect under the 
    contract. If any employer or employee is not subject to the workers' 
    compensation laws of the governing state, then insurance shall be 
    obtained voluntarily to extend to the employer and employee coverage 
    to the same extent as though the employer or employee were subject 
    to the workers' compensation laws.
        (b) Public liability insurance covering all operations under the 
    contract shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less 
    than $1 million each occurrence, limits for property damage of not 
    less than $1 million each occurrence, and $1 million aggregate for 
    accidents during the policy period. A single limit of $1 million of 
    bodily injury and property damage is acceptable. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        (c) Automobile liability insurance on all motor vehicles used in 
    connection with the contract, whether owned, nonowned, or hired, 
    shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1 
    million per person and $1 million per occurrence, and property 
    damage limits of $1 million for each occurrence. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        The Owner shall have the right at any time to require public 
    liability insurance and property damage liability insurance greater 
    than those required in subsection ``b'' and ``c'' of this Section. 
    In any such event, the additional premium or premiums payable solely 
    as the result of such additional insurance shall be added to the 
    Contract price.
        The Owner shall be named as Additional Insured on all policies 
    of insurance required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of this 
    Section.
        The policies of insurance shall be in such form and issued by 
    such insurer as shall be satisfactory to the Owner. The Bidder shall 
    furnish the Owner a certificate evidencing compliance with the 
    foregoing requirements which shall provide not less than (30) days 
    prior written notice to the Owner of any cancellation or material 
    change in the insurance.
        Section 3. Delivery of Possession and Control to Owner.
        a. Upon written request of the Owner the Bidder shall deliver to 
    the Owner full possession and control of any portion of the Project 
    provided the Bidder shall have been paid at least ninety percent 
    (90%) of the cost of construction of such portion. Upon such 
    delivery of the possession and control of any portion of the Project 
    to the Owner, the risk and obligations of the Bidder as set forth in 
    Article IV, Section 1f hereof with respect to such portion of the 
    Project so delivered to the Owner shall be terminated: Provided, 
    however, that nothing herein contained shall relieve the Bidder of 
    any liability with respect to defective materials and workmanship as 
    contained in Article II, Section 6 hereof.
        b. Where the construction of a Station as hereinbefore defined 
    in Article II, Section lc and Article III, Section 1c shall have 
    been completed by the Bidder, the Owner agrees, after receipt of a 
    written request from the Bidder, to accept delivery of possession 
    and control of such Station upon the issuance by the Engineer of a 
    written statement that the Station has been inspected and found 
    acceptable by the Engineer. Upon such delivery of the possession and 
    control of any such Station to the Owner, the risk and obligations 
    of the Bidder as set forth in Article IV, Section 1f hereof with 
    respect to such Station so delivered to the Owner shall be 
    terminated: Provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall 
    relieve the Bidder of any liability with respect to defective 
    materials or workmanship as contained in Article II, Section 6 
    hereof.
        Section 4. Assignment of Guarantees. All guarantees of materials 
    and workmanship running in favor of the Bidder shall be transferred 
    and assigned to the Owner prior to the time the Bidder receives 
    final payment.
    
    Article V--Remedies
    
        Section 1. Completion on Bidder's Default. If default shall be 
    made by the Bidder or by any subcontractor in the performance of any 
    of the terms of this Proposal, the Owner, without in any manner 
    limiting its legal and equitable remedies in the circumstances, may 
    serve upon the Bidder and the Surety or Sureties, if any, upon the 
    Contractor's Bond or Bonds a written notice requiring the Bidder to 
    cause such default to be corrected forthwith. Unless within twenty 
    (20) days after the service of such notice upon the Bidder such 
    default shall be corrected or arrangements for the correction 
    thereof satisfactory, to both the Owner and the Administrator shall 
    be made by the Bidder or its Surety or Sureties, if any, the Owner 
    may take over the construction of the Project and prosecute the same 
    to completion by Contract or otherwise for the account and at the 
    expense of the Bidder, and the Bidder and its Surety or Sureties, if 
    any, shall be liable to the Owner for any cost or expense in excess 
    of the Contract price occasioned thereby. In such event the Owner 
    may take possession of and utilize, in completing the construction 
    of the Project, any materials, tools, supplies, equipment, 
    appliances, and plant belonging to the Bidder or any of its 
    subcontractors, which may be situated at the site of the Project. 
    The Owner in such contingency may exercise any rights, claims or 
    demands which the Bidder may have against third persons in 
    connection with this Contract and for such purpose the Bidder does 
    hereby assign, transfer and set over unto the Owner all such rights, 
    claims and demands.
        Section 2. Liquidated Damages. The time of the Completion of 
    Construction of the Project is of the essence of the Contract. 
    Should the bidder neglect, refuse or fail to complete the 
    construction within the time herein agreed upon, after giving effect 
    to extensions of time, if any, herein provided, then, in that event 
    and in view of the difficulty of estimating with exactness damages 
    caused by such delay, the Owner shall have the right to deduct from 
    and retain out of such moneys [[Page 10206]] which may be then due, 
    or which may become due and payable to the Bidder the sum of 
    ________ dollars (________) per day for each and every day that such 
    construction is delayed on its completion beyond the specified time, 
    as liquidated damages and not as a penalty; if the amount due and to 
    become due from the Owner to the Bidder is insufficient to pay in 
    full any such liquidated damages, the Bidder, shall pay to the Owner 
    the amount necessary to effect such payment in full: Provided, 
    however, that the owner shall promptly notify the Bidder in writing 
    of the manner in which the amount retained, deducted or claimed as 
    liquidated damages was computed.
        Section 3. Cumulative Remedies. Every right or remedy herein 
    conferred upon or reserved to the Owner or the Government or the 
    Administrator shall be cumulative, shall be in addition to every 
    right and remedy now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by 
    statute and the pursuit of any right or remedy shall not be 
    construed as an election: Provided, however, that the provisions of 
    Section 2 of this Article shall be the exclusive measure of damages 
    for failure by the Bidder to complete the construction of the 
    Project within the time herein agreed upon.
    
    Article VI--Miscellaneous
    
        Section 1. Definitions.
        a. The term ``Administrator'' shall mean the Administrator of 
    the Rural Utilities Service of the United States of America and his 
    duly authorized representatives or any other person in whom or 
    authority in which may be vested the duties and functions which the 
    Administrator is now authorized by law to perform.
        b. The term ``Engineer'' shall mean the engineer employed by the 
    Owner, with the approval of the Administrator, to provide 
    engineering services for the Project, and said Engineer's duly 
    authorized assistants and representatives.
        c. The term ``Supervisor'' shall mean the person, if any, 
    appointed by the Administrator as the representative of the 
    Government under the provisions of the Loan Contract providing for 
    such appointment in special cases. The term is limited to such 
    special representative of the Government, if any, who is responsible 
    exclusively to the Administrator and does not refer to the Manager 
    or any other person employed by the Owner and responsible to it.
        d. The term ``Project'' shall mean the substations or other 
    major facilities described in the Plans, Specifications for 
    Construction, and Construction Drawings.
        e. The term ``Completion of Construction'' shall mean full 
    performance by the Bidder of the Bidder's obligations under the 
    Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof except the 
    Bidder's obligations in respect of (1) Releases of Liens and 
    Certificate of Contractor under Article III, Section 2 hereof, (2) 
    the inventory referred to in Article III, Section I hereof, and (3) 
    other final documents. The term ``Completion of the Project'' shall 
    mean full performance by the Bidder of the Bidder's obligations 
    under the Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof. The 
    Certificate of Completion, signed by the Engineer and approved in 
    writing by the Owner and the Administrator, shall be the sole and 
    conclusive evidence as to the date of Completion of Construction and 
    as to the fact of Completion of the Project.
        Section 2. Materials and Supplies. In the performance of this 
    contract there shall be furnished only such unmanufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been mined or produced in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada, and only such manufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been manufactured in the United 
    States substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies 
    mined, produced or manufactured, as the case may be, in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada; provided that other articles, materials, 
    or supplies may be used in the event and to the extent that the 
    Administrator shall expressly in writing authorize such use pursuant 
    to the provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1938, being 
    Title IV of Public Resolution No. 122, 75th Congress, approved June 
    21, 1938. The Seller agrees to submit to the Purchaser such 
    certificates with respect to compliance with the foregoing provision 
    as the Administrator from time to time may require.
        Section 3. Patent Infringement. The Bidder shall save harmless 
    and indemnify the Owner from any and all claims, suits and 
    proceedings for the infringement of any patent or patents covering 
    any materials or equipment used in construction of the Project.
        Section 4. Permits for Explosives. All permits necessary for the 
    handling or use of dynamite or other explosives in connection with 
    the construction of the Project shall be obtained by and at the 
    expense of the Bidder.
        Section 5. Compliance with Statutes and Regulations. The Bidder 
    shall comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules, and 
    regulations pertaining to the work. The Bidder acknowledges that it 
    is familiar with the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, 
    the so-called ``Kick-Back'' Statute (48 Stat. 948), and regulations 
    issued pursuant thereto, and 18 U.S.C. Secs. 287, 1001, as amended. 
    The Bidder understands that the obligations of the parties hereunder 
    are subject to the applicable regulations and orders of Governmental 
    Agencies having jurisdiction in the premises.
        Section 6. Equal Opportunity Provisions.
        a. Bidder's Representations.
        The Bidder represents that:
        It has ____, does not have ____, 100 or more employees, and if 
    it has, that it has ____, has not ____, furnished the Equal 
    Employment Opportunity-Employers Information Report EEO-1, Standard 
    Form 100, required of employers with 100 or more employees pursuant 
    to Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 
    1964.
        The Bidder agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award of any 
    subcontract for more than $10,000 hereunder to a subcontractor with 
    100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the proposed 
    subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a current 
    report on Standard Form 100.
        The Bidder agrees that if it has 100 or more employees and has 
    not submitted a report on Standard Form 100 for the current 
    reporting year and that if this Contract will amount to more than 
    $10,000, the Bidder will file such report, as required by law, and 
    notify the Owner in writing of such filing prior to the Owner's 
    acceptance of this Proposal.
        b. Equal Opportunity Clause. During the performance of this 
    Contract, the Bidder agrees as follows:
        (1) The Bidder will not discriminate against any employee or 
    applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex or 
    national origin. The Bidder will take affirmative action to ensure 
    that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during 
    employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex or 
    national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, 
    the following: Employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer; 
    recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates 
    of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, 
    including apprenticeship. The Bidder agrees to post in conspicuous 
    places, available to employees and applicants for employment, 
    notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this Equal 
    Opportunity Clause.
        (2) The Bidder will, in all solicitations or advertisements for 
    employees placed by or on behalf of the Bidder, state that all 
    qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
        (3) The Bidder will send to each labor union or representative 
    of workers with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or 
    other contract or understanding, a notice to be provided advising 
    the said labor union or workers' representatives of the Bidder's 
    commitments under this section, and shall post copies of the notice 
    in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for 
    employment.
        (4) The Bidder will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations and 
    relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Bidder will furnish all information and reports required 
    by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by rules, 
    regulations and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant 
    thereto, and will permit access to its books, records and accounts 
    by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes 
    of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Bidder's noncompliance with the Equal 
    Opportunity Clause of this Contract or with any of the said rules, 
    regulations or orders, this Contract may be cancelled, terminated or 
    suspended in whole or in part and the Bidder may be declared 
    ineligible for further Government contracts or federally assisted 
    construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other 
    sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation 
    or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as otherwise provided by law.
        (7) The Bidder will include this Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by the rules, 
    regulations or orders of the Secretary of Labor 
    [[Page 10207]] issued pursuant to Section 204 of Executive Order 
    11246 of September 24, 1965, so that such provisions will be binding 
    upon each subcontractor or vendor. The Bidder will take such action 
    with respect to any subcontractor purchase order as the 
    administering agency may direct as a means of enforcing such 
    provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance: Provided, 
    however, That in the event a Bidder becomes involved in, or is 
    threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as a 
    result of such direction by the administering agency, the Bidder may 
    request the United States to enter into such litigation to protect 
    the interests of the United States.
        c. Certificate of Nonsegregated Facilities. The Bidder certifies 
    that it does not maintain or provide for its employees any 
    segregated facilities at any of its establishments, and that it does 
    not permit its employees to perform their services at any location, 
    under its control, where segregated facilities are maintained. The 
    Bidder certifies further that it will not maintain or provide for 
    its employees any segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it will not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Bidder agrees that a breach of this 
    certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity Clause in this 
    Contract. As used in this certification, the term ``segregated 
    facilities'' means any waiting room, work areas, restrooms and 
    washrooms, restaurants and other eating areas, timeclocks, locker 
    rooms and other storage or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking 
    fountains, recreation or entertainment areas, transportation, and 
    housing facilities provided for employees which are segregated by 
    explicit directive or are in fact segregated on the basis of race, 
    color, religion, or national origin, because of habit, local custom, 
    or otherwise. The Bidder agrees that (except where it has obtained 
    identical certifications from proposed subcontractors for specific 
    time periods) it will obtain identical certifications from proposed 
    subcontractors prior to the award of subcontracts exceeding $10,000 
    which are not exempt from the provisions of the Equal Opportunity 
    Clause, and that it will retain such certifications in its files.
        Section 7. Franchises. The Bidder shall be under no obligation 
    to obtain or assist in obtaining: Any franchises, authorizations, 
    permits or approvals required to be obtained by the Owner from 
    Federal, State, County, Municipal or other authorities; or any 
    agreements between the Owner and third parties with respect to any 
    matters incident to the construction and operation of the Project.
        Section 8. Nonassignment of Contract. The Bidder shall perform 
    directly and without subcontracting not less than twenty-five per 
    centum (25%) of the construction of the Project, to be calculated on 
    the basis of the total Contract price. The Bidder shall not assign 
    the Contract effected by an acceptance of this Proposal or any 
    interest in any funds that may be due or become due hereunder or 
    enter into any contract with any person, firm or corporation for the 
    performance of the Bidder's obligations hereunder or any part 
    thereof, without the approval in writing of the Owner and of the 
    Surety and Sureties, if any, on any bond furnished by the Bidder for 
    the faithful performance of the Bidder's obligations hereunder. If 
    the Bidder, with the consent of the Owner and any Surety or Sureties 
    on the Contractor's Bond or Bonds, shall enter into a subcontract 
    with any subcontractor for the performance of any part of this 
    Contract, the Bidder shall be as fully responsible to the Owner and 
    the Government for the acts and omissions of such subcontractor and 
    of persons employed by such subcontractor as the Bidder would be for 
    its own acts and omissions and those of persons directly employed by 
    it.
        Section 9. Extension to Successors and Assigns. Each and all of 
    the covenants and agreements herein contained shall extend to and be 
    binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
        Section 10. Contractor. Upon acceptance of this Proposal, the 
    successful Bidder shall be the Contractor and all references in the 
    Proposal to the Bidder shall apply to the Contractor.
        Section 11. Approval by the Administrator. No acceptance of this 
    Proposal shall become effective until approved in writing by the 
    Administrator: Provided, however, that no obligations shall arise 
    hereunder unless such approval is given within forty-five (45) days 
    from the date of acceptance by the Owner.
    
    ________ (Bidder)
    By ________ (President)
    ________ (Address)
    Attest: ________ (Secretary)
    Date ________
    
        The Proposal must be signed with the full name of the Bidder. If 
    the Bidder is a partnership, the Proposal must be signed in the 
    partnership name by a partner. If the Bidder is a corporation, the 
    Proposal must be signed in the corporate name by a duly authorized 
    officer and the corporate seal affixed and attested by the Secretary 
    of the Corporation.
    
    Specifications for Construction
    
        Section 1. Scope of Work. The work covered by this Proposal 
    embraces the complete construction of one or more substations or 
    other major facilities as specified in the Acceptance, any omissions 
    or discrepancies notwithstanding. All material furnished by the 
    Bidder shall be new and in conformance with the Specifications for 
    Construction. All construction work shall be done in a thorough and 
    workmanlike manner in accordance with the Plans, Specifications for 
    Construction and Construction Drawings. Deviations from the Plans, 
    Specifications for Construction, and Construction Drawings shall not 
    be permitted except upon the written permission of the Owner given 
    with the approval of the Administrator.
        This contract does not include ________ which is to be done by 
    others.
        Section 2. Materials. It is the intent of these specifications 
    that insofar as materials required are included in the Rural 
    Utilities Service ``List of Materials Acceptable for use on Systems 
    of RUS Electrification Borrowers,'' such materials only shall be 
    used. In the event that any materials are required beyond the scope 
    of the ``List of Materials Acceptable for use on Systems of RUS 
    Electrification Borrowers,'' specifications for such materials will 
    be included on the drawings or in a supplement to these 
    specifications.
        Section 3. Drawings. The Drawings and Specifications 
    collectively, show the specifications of the material and equipment 
    shown thereon, and include schedules of conduit, cable and other 
    items not readily ascertained from the picture drawings. Such 
    schedules show the quantities, sizes, types and other pertinent 
    information; method of installation, and construction details are 
    indicated clearly. The drawings and specifications in the attached 
    List of Drawings are made a part of these contract Specifications.
        Section 4. Description of Construction Units. Each Construction 
    Unit consists of a complete installation of the designated portion 
    of a substation or switching station as specified on the drawings, 
    together with connections to associated equipment. Each Construction 
    Unit represents all labor and material including necessary 
    accessories completely installed and tested in satisfactory 
    operation. Full identification of each Construction Unit and all 
    necessary specifications of the installation shall be shown on the 
    drawings. Items of material in each Construction Unit shall be of 
    the designated size, rating, type, voltage, or other specification 
    in accordance With the drawings. The bill of material drawing for 
    each station should contain adequate identification of the 
    Construction Units under which the material is to be installed and 
    should show what items of material may be partly or entirely found 
    in the lists of owner-furnished materials. All items of equipment, 
    unless otherwise specified, are mounted on a structure which shall 
    be a Construction Unit of Group A.
        Each Construction Unit shall be designated by the letter of the 
    Group to which it belongs and an identifying number. The same item 
    of equipment shall carry the same Construction Unit designation in 
    all the stations. Items of equipment designated by the same 
    Construction Unit in one station shall be of only one kind as to 
    voltage, type and other specifications. The bid sheet for each 
    station shall be prepared separately from other stations and shall 
    contain all unit prices for Construction Units contained in the 
    station. It is intended that in all cases the ``Name and Description 
    of Construction Unit'' column of the Bid Sheets shall contain 
    sufficient information to identify the Construction Unit.
        Additional description to one or more of the Groups may be 
    provided by the Engineer if deemed necessary to clarify the intent 
    of these Specifications for Construction.
        Group A. Structures. A Construction Unit consists of a 
    structure, or structures, with bus supports including insulators and 
    fittings, buses, conductors and overhead ground wires to adjacent 
    structures within the station, grounding material to connect 
    equipment with the ground bus, and associated material including 
    mounting brackets, supports for equipment, clamps and connectors, 
    all as specified in the drawings. [[Page 10208]] 
        Group B. Three-Pole Group Operated Air Break Switches. A 
    Construction Unit consists of one 3-pole group operated air break 
    switch with all accessories and operating mechanisms as specified in 
    the drawings.
        Group C. Lightning Arresters. A Construction Unit consists of 
    one single-phase lightning arrester.
        Group D. Single Pole Disconnecting Switches. A Construction Unit 
    consists of one single pole disconnecting or by-pass switch as 
    specified in the drawings. If a fuse disconnect switch is specified, 
    the fuse is included with the switch.
        Group E. Oil Circuit Breakers. A Construction Unit consists of 
    one complete three-phase power circuit breaker complete with 
    supporting frame and control cabinet, unless shown otherwise in the 
    drawings, mounted as specified in the drawings.
        Group F. Oil Circuit Reclosers. A Construction Unit consists of 
    a complete single-phase or three-phase oil circuit recloser as 
    specified in the drawings.
        Group G. Meters, Relays and Instrument Transformers. A 
    Construction Unit consists of one meter, relay, potential 
    transformer or current transformer.
        Group H. Transformers. A Construction Unit consists of one power 
    transformer or one station service transformer either single-phase 
    or three-phase as specified in the drawings.
        Group I. Voltage Regulators. A Construction Unit consists of one 
    single-phase or three-phase voltage regulator as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group J. Communications and Supervisory Control Equipment. A 
    Construction Unit consists of carrier current equipment, microwave, 
    or other types of communications and supervisory control equipment 
    as specified in the drawings.
        Group K. Conduit and Cable. A Construction Unit consists of the 
    wire, cable, conduit and accessories necessary to complete the 
    installation of equipment in accordance with the specifications and 
    drawings, where such installation has not been included in other 
    Groups.
        Group L. Foundations. A Construction Unit consists of concrete 
    footings and foundations except for the fence, as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group M. Site Preparation. A Construction Unit consists of 
    clearing, grading, drainage work, and surfacing, as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group N. Fence. A Construction Unit consists of the complete 
    installation of the fence, gates, etc., as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group O. Station Grounding. A Construction Unit consists of the 
    complete ground bus including ground rods, grounding mats or 
    platforms, except as otherwise provided in other Groups, with 
    connections to structures, equipment, and fence as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group P. Building. A Construction Unit consists of a control 
    building or cabinet, on a foundation of Group L and the facilities 
    and equipment installed therein as specified in the drawings, except 
    as otherwise provided in other Groups.
        Other Groups. The Engineer shall specify such additional Groups 
    as may be necessary for the completion of the Project. Description 
    of these Groups shall be provided by an addition to this Section of 
    the Specifications for Construction.
    
    ________ Station construction Units
    Unit No. ________
    Name and Description of Construction Unit ________
    No. of Units ________
    Unit Prices
    Labor ________
    Materials ________
    Labor and Materials ________
    Extended Price--Labor and Materials ________
    Total Price ________
    
    Acceptance
    
        Subject to the approval of the Administrator, the Owner hereby 
    accepts the foregoing Proposal of the Bidder, ________ for the 
    construction of the following substations or other major facilities:
    
    ________ Substation, $________
    ________     $________
    The total contract price is $________
    ________ Owner
    By ________ President
    ________ Secretary
    ________ Date of Contract
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.341  Electric system communications and control equipment 
    contract, RUS Form 786.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Electric System Communications and Control Equipment Contract 
    (Including Installation)
    
    Proposal to Furnish, Deliver, and Install Equipment and Materials
    
    To:________ (hereinafter called the ``Purchaser'')
    
        The undersigned (hereinafter called the ``Seller'') hereby 
    proposes to furnish, deliver, install, align and test the equipment 
    and materials, (hereinafter called the ``Equipment'') described in 
    the plans, specifications and drawings (hereinafter called the 
    ``Specifications'') attached hereto identified as ________ and made 
    a part hereof, and other Attachments identified as ________ and made 
    a part hereof, for the electric system designated ________, financed 
    in whole or in part by a loan to the Purchaser by the United States 
    of America, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities 
    Service (hereinafter called the ``Administrator'').
        The Seller has become informed as to the location and 
    characteristics of the proposed Equipment and the facilities over 
    which the Equipment is to perform, has become informed as to the 
    kind of facilities required before and during the delivery and 
    installation of the Equipment and has become acquainted with the 
    labor conditions which would affect the work as well as the 
    ecological and environmental criteria to be followed. The Seller 
    agrees that if its Proposal is accepted the following terms and 
    conditions shall govern.
        If, in submitting this Proposal, the Seller has made any change 
    in the form of Proposal furnished by the Purchaser, the Seller 
    understands that the Purchaser and the Administrator may evaluate 
    the effect of such change as they see fit or they may exclude the 
    Proposal from consideration.
    
    Article I
    
        Section 1. Proposal Price. The Seller will furnish, deliver, 
    install, align and test the Equipment described in the 
    Specifications for the following sum:
    
    Total Contract Price $________
    Delivery time is ________ calendar days.
    Completion time is ________ calendar days.
    
        A detailed price breakdown by locations, showing equipment 
    pricing and installation pricing, is given in the Attachment 
    identified as ________ and made a part hereof.
        Section 2. Changes. The Purchaser, subject to the approval of 
    the Administrator,\1\ may from time to time during the performance 
    of the work make such changes, additions to or subtractions from the 
    Specification's which are part of the Proposal as conditions may 
    warrant; provided, however, that, if any change in the work shall 
    require an extension of time, a reasonable extension will be granted 
    if the Seller shall make a written request therefor to the purchaser 
    within ten (10) days after any such change is made and, provided 
    further, that, if the cost to the Seller shall be increased or 
    decreased by any such change or addition, the contract price shall 
    be increased or decreased by the reasonable cost thereof, in 
    accordance with a contract amendment signed by the Purchaser and the 
    Seller and approved by the Administrator,\2\ but no claim for 
    additional compensation for any such change or addition will be 
    considered unless the Seller shall have made a written request 
    therefor to the Purchaser prior to the commencement of work in 
    connection with such change or addition.
    
        \1\As long as the total price of this contract including all 
    amendments is less than 120 percent of the original contract price 
    as stated in the acceptance hereto, amendments executed on RUS Form 
    238 are not subject to the approval of the Administrator. Whenever 
    an amendment to this contract causes the total amended contract to 
    exceed 120 percent of the original contract price, that amendment 
    and all subsequent amendments to this contract shall be made subject 
    to the approval of the Administrator.
        \2\See Footnote 1.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Section 3. Taxes. The prices herein set forth do not include any 
    sums which are or may be payable by the Seller or the Purchaser on 
    account of taxes imposed by any taxing authority upon the sale, 
    purchase or use of the Equipment or labor of installation. If any 
    such tax is applicable, the amount thereof shall be stated 
    separately and added to the Proposal price and paid by the 
    Purchaser.
    
    Article II--Delivery and Installation
    
        Section 1. Time of Completion. The time of delivery of the 
    Equipment and of completion of the work is of the essence of this 
    Contract. The seller will deliver the Equipment within the number of 
    calendar days specified in Article I, Section 1, after the 
    Administrator shall have approved this contract in writing and will 
    prosecute [[Page 10209]] diligently and complete the work within the 
    number of calendar days specified in Article I, Section 1, after 
    such approval. The time for such delivery and completion shall be 
    extended for the period of any reasonable delay due exclusively to 
    causes beyond the control and without the fault of the Seller, 
    including, but not limited to, acts of God, fires, strikes, floods, 
    changes in the Specifications as herein provided, and acts or 
    omissions of the Purchaser with respect to matters for which the 
    Purchaser is solely responsible; provided, however, that no delay in 
    such time for delivery or completion of the work or in the progress 
    of the work shall result in any liability on the part of the 
    Purchaser, and provided further that any claim for extension of time 
    shall be adjusted at the time any such delay occurs or any such 
    change is made.
        Section 2. Supervision and Inspection. The Seller will give 
    adequate supervision to the work. He will carefully study and 
    compare all drawings, specifications, and other instructions and 
    will at once report to the Purchaser any error, inconsistency or 
    omission which he may discover. The Seller will keep on his work 
    during its progress a competent superintendent and any necessary 
    assistants, all satisfactory to the Purchaser. The Superintendent 
    shall represent the Seller in his absence and all directions given 
    to him shall be as binding as if given to the Seller. When 
    requested, such directions shall be confirmed in writing.
        Section 3. The Purchaser will make available during installation 
    a competent representative to coordinate installation activities 
    with the Seller.
        Section 4. Alignment, Inspection and Tests. The Seller shall 
    adjust and align the Equipment to perform in accordance with the 
    Specifications and furnish in writing to the Purchaser data to show 
    the state of adjustment of the Equipment. Immediately upon 
    completion of the installation and alignment of the Equipment the 
    Seller shall provide the necessary test equipment and perform the 
    inspections and tests specified in the Specifications under the 
    direct supervision of the Purchaser or its Engineer. A competent 
    representative of the Purchaser or his Engineer will be available to 
    supervise and witness these tests immediately upon completion of 
    installation and alignment by the Seller and to determine for the 
    purchaser that the performance of the equipment meets the 
    Specifications. Such determination, however, shall not preclude 
    subsequent rejection pursuant to Section 7 of this Article II. The 
    Seller shall furnish in writing to the Purchaser the results of all 
    tests. All Equipment furnished hereunder shall be subject to the 
    inspection, tests, and approval of the Purchaser and the 
    Administrator. The Purchaser and the Administrator shall have the 
    right to inspect all records of the Seller and of any subcontractor 
    relevant to the installation work. The Seller shall provide all 
    reasonable facilities necessary for such inspection and tests.
        Section 5. If as a result of the tests and measurements set 
    forth in Section 4 above, the Performance Specifications of the 
    Equipment cannot be met due to inaccuracies, or inadequacies in the 
    system data provided in the Specifications, the Purchaser and Seller 
    shall determine what corrective measures are necessary and whether 
    these corrections shall be made by the Purchaser or the Seller.
        If it is determined that the Seller shall make the corrections, 
    the Purchaser will reimburse the Seller pursuant to a contract 
    amendment, subject to the approval of the Administrator,3 for 
    such reasonable additional expenses for the corrections, realignment 
    and retesting the Seller is required to perform pursuant to this 
    amendment.
    
        \3\See Footnote 1.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Where it is determined that the Purchaser will make the 
    corrections, the Purchaser will reimburse the Seller pursuant to a 
    contract amendment, subject to the approval of the 
    Administrator,4 for such reasonable additional expenses for 
    realignment and retesting the Seller is required to perform pursuant 
    to this amendment, including, if necessary, the added expense of 
    returning to the project, where necessary, for reperforming 
    alignment and testing.
    
        \4\See Footnote 1.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Section 6. Employees. The Purchaser shall have the right to 
    require the removal from the work of any employee of the Seller if 
    in the judgment of the Purchaser such removal shall be necessary in 
    order to protect the interest of the Purchaser.
        Section 7. Defective Workmanship and Materials. Notwithstanding 
    the acceptance of workmanship, materials or equipment or the giving 
    of any certificate with respect to the Completion of the Work, if 
    during performance hereunder or within one year after completion or 
    within such longer period as the Equipment or any part thereof may 
    be guaranteed by the Seller and Manufacturer, the workmanship, 
    materials or equipment, except as may be otherwise provided in the 
    Specifications, shall be found to be defective or not in conformity 
    with the Specifications, the Seller shall remedy or replace at its 
    expense such workmanship, materials or equipment within thirty (30) 
    days after notice of the existence thereof shall have been given to 
    the Seller by the Purchaser.
    
    Article III--Payments and Releases of Liens
    
        Section 1. Payment to Seller.
        (a) The Purchaser shall pay the Seller upon the basis of 
    estimates by the Seller recommended by the supervising engineer, if 
    any, and approved by the Purchaser of the work completed, the 
    following percentages of the price of the equipment for each 
    location set forth in Article I, Section 1, as and if revised: 45% 
    when 50% of the equipment for each location has been delivered at 
    the site of the Project; 90% when all the equipment for each 
    location has been delivered at the site of the Project.
        (b) Upon completion of installation of the equipment for each 
    location, the Purchaser shall pay the Seller 90% of the Total price 
    for such location.
        (c) Upon Completion of the Installation of the Equipment, but 
    prior to the payment to the Seller of any amount in excess of ninety 
    percent (90%) of the Total Contract Price, the supervising engineer, 
    if any, of the Purchaser or the Purchaser shall inspect the work 
    performed hereunder and if the work shall be found acceptable and 
    all provisions hereunder fully performed, the supervising engineer, 
    if any, of the Purchaser shall certify as to that fact and as to the 
    amount of the balance found to be due to the Seller. Upon acceptance 
    by the Purchaser, the Purchaser shall pay to the Seller all unpaid 
    amounts to which the Seller shall be entitled hereunder; provided, 
    however, such final payments shall be made not later than 120 days 
    after completion of the work, unless such acceptance by the 
    Purchaser shall be withheld because of the fault of the Seller.
        Section 2. Release of Liens. Upon the Completion of the 
    Installation of the Equipment by the Seller, but prior to the 
    payment to the Seller of any amount in excess of ninety percent 
    (90%) of the Total Contract Price, the Seller will deliver to the 
    Purchaser, in duplicate, releases of all liens and of rights to 
    claim any lien from manufacturers, materialmen and subcontractors 
    who have furnished materials or services for the work and a 
    certificate by the Seller in a form approved by the Administrator, 
    to the effect that all labor has been paid and that all such 
    releases have been submitted to the Purchaser for approval.
        In lieu of releases of liens, and if the Administrator shall so 
    approve, the Seller may deliver to the Purchaser, in duplicate, (1) 
    a certificate, in a form approved by the Administrator, that all 
    manufacturers, materialmen and subcontractors who have furnished 
    materials or services for the Project have been paid in full, and 
    (2) an agreement to hold the Purchaser harmless against any liens 
    arising out of the Seller's performance hereunder which may have 
    been or may be filed against the Purchaser.
    
    Article IV--Particular Undertakings of the Seller
    
        Section 1. Protection to Persons and Property. At all times when 
    Equipment is being delivered and installed the Seller will exercise 
    reasonable precautions for the safety of employees on the work and 
    of the public, and will comply with all applicable provisions of 
    Federal, State and Municipal safety laws and building and 
    construction codes. All machine and equipment and other physical 
    hazards shall be guarded in accordance with the ``Manual of Accident 
    Prevention in Construction'' of the Associated General Contractors 
    of America, unless such instructions are incompatible with Federal, 
    State, or Municipal laws or regulations.
        The following provisions shall not limit the generality of the 
    above requirements:
        (a) The Seller will at all times keep the premises free from 
    accumulations of waste material or rubbish caused by his employees 
    or work, and at the completion of the work he will remove all 
    rubbish and all his tools, scaffolding and surplus materials and 
    will leave his work ``broom clean.''
        (b) The Seller will perform work in such manner as to maximize 
    preservation of aesthetics and conservation of natural resources, 
    and minimize marring and scarring of the landscape and silting of 
    streams. There will be no depositing of trash in streams or 
    waterways. Herbicides, other [[Page 10210]] chemicals or their 
    containers will not be deposited in or near streams, waterways or 
    pastures. The Seller will follow, under the general direction of the 
    Purchaser, the criteria relating to environmental protection as 
    specified herein by the Purchaser.
        (c) The work, from its commencement to completion, or to such 
    earlier date or dates when the Purchaser may take possession and 
    control, shall be under the charge and control of the Seller and 
    during such period of control by the Seller all risks in connection 
    therewith and the materials to be used therein, whether owned by the 
    Seller or Purchaser, shall be borne by the Seller. The Seller will 
    make good and fully repair all injuries and damages to the work or 
    any portion thereof under the control of the Seller by reasons of 
    any act of God, or any other casualty or cause whether or not the 
    same shall have occurred by reason of the Seller's negligence.
        (i) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Seller shall defend, 
    indemnify, and hold harmless Purchaser and Purchaser's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Seller's employees) and loss, damage to or destruction of 
    Purchaser's property or the property of any other person or entity 
    (including but not limited to Seller's property) in any manner 
    arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the materials or 
    equipment supplied or services performed by Seller, its 
    subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein shall 
    be construed as making Seller liable for any injury, death, loss, 
    damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of Purchaser.
        (ii) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Seller shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Purchaser and Purchaser's 
    directors, officers, and employees from all liens and claims filed 
    or asserted against Purchaser, its directors, officers, and 
    employees, or Purchaser's property or facilities, for services 
    performed or materials or equipment furnished by Seller, its 
    subcontractors and suppliers of any tier, and from all losses, 
    demands, and causes of action arising out of any such lien or claim. 
    Seller shall promptly discharge or remove any such lien or claim by 
    bonding, payment, or otherwise and shall notify Purchaser promptly 
    when it has done so. If Seller does not cause such lien or claim to 
    be discharged or released by payment, bonding, or otherwise, 
    Purchaser shall have the right (but shall not be obligated) to pay 
    all sums necessary to obtain any such discharge or release and to 
    deduct all amounts so paid from the amount due Seller.
        (iii) Seller shall provide to Purchaser's satisfaction evidence 
    of Seller's ability to comply with the indemnification provisions of 
    subparagraphs i and ii above, which evidence may include but may not 
    be limited to a bond or liability insurance policy obtained for this 
    purpose through a licensed surety or insurance company.
        (d) Monthly reports of all accidents will be promptly submitted 
    by the Seller, giving such data as may be prescribed by the 
    Purchaser.
        Section 2. Delivery of Possession and Control to Purchaser. Upon 
    written request of the Purchaser, the Seller shall deliver to the 
    Purchaser full possession and control of any completed location 
    included in the work, provided the Seller shall have been paid at 
    least 90% of such Total Location Price. Upon such delivery of the 
    possession and control of any such location to the Purchaser, the 
    risks and obligations of the Seller, as set forth in Article IV, 
    Section 1(b) hereof, with respect to such location shall be 
    terminated; provided however, that nothing herein contained shall 
    relieve the Seller of any liability with respect to defective 
    workmanship or materials as specified in Article II, Section 7, 
    hereof.
        Section 3. Insurance. The Seller shall take out and maintain 
    throughout the contract period insurance of the following types and 
    minimum amounts:
        (a) Workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance, as 
    required by law, covering all their employees who perform any of the 
    obligations of the contractor, engineer, and architect under the 
    contract. If any employer or employee is not subject to the workers' 
    compensation laws of the governing state, then insurance shall be 
    obtained voluntarily to extend to the employer and employee coverage 
    to the same extent as though the employer or employee were subject 
    to the workers' compensation laws.
        (b) Public liability insurance covering all operations under the 
    contract shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less 
    than $1 million each occurrence, limits for property damage of not 
    less than $1 million each occurrence, and $1 million aggregate for 
    accidents during the policy period. A single limit of $1 million of 
    bodily injury and property damage is acceptable. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        (c) Automobile liability insurance on all motor vehicles used in 
    connection with the contract, whether owned, nonowned, or hired, 
    shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1 
    million per person and $1 million per occurrence, and property 
    damage limits of $1 million for each occurrence. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        The Purchaser shall have the right at any time to require public 
    liability insurance and property damage liability insurance greater 
    than those required in subsection ``b'' and ``c'' of this Section. 
    In any such event, the additional premium or premiums payable solely 
    as the result of such additional insurance shall be added to the 
    Contract price.
        The Purchaser shall be named as Additional Insured on all 
    policies of insurance required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of 
    this Section.
        The policies of insurance shall be in such form and issued by 
    such insurer as shall be satisfactory to the Purchaser. The Seller 
    shall furnish the Purchaser a certificate evidencing compliance with 
    the foregoing requirements which shall provide not less than (30) 
    days prior written notice to the Purchaser of any cancellation or 
    material change in the insurance.
        Section 4. Purchase of Materials. The Seller shall purchase all 
    materials and supplies outright and not subject to any conditional 
    sales agreements, bailment lease or other agreement reserving unto 
    the Seller any right, title or interest therein. Materials and 
    Supplies shall become the property of the Purchaser as the Purchaser 
    makes payments therefor to the Seller in accordance with Article 
    III, Section 1(a). Unless otherwise specified, all materials shall 
    be new.
        Section 5. Assignment of Guarantees. All guaranties of materials 
    and workmanship running in favor of the Seller shall be transferred 
    and assigned to the Purchaser on completion of the work and at such 
    time as the Seller receives final payment.
        Section 6. Patent Infringement. The Seller shall hold harmless 
    and indemnify the Purchaser from any and all claims, suits, and 
    proceedings for the infringement of any patent or patents covering 
    any, equipment, materials, supplies, or installation methods used in 
    the work. The Seller shall, at its own cost (and Purchaser agrees to 
    permit Seller to do so) defend any suits which may be instituted by 
    any, party against the Seller for alleged infringement of patents 
    relating to the Seller's performance hereunder.
        Section 7. Compliance with Statutes and Regulations. The Seller 
    shall comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules and 
    regulations pertaining to the work. The Seller acknowledges that it 
    is familiar with the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, 
    the so-called ``Kick-Back'' Statutes (48 Stat. 948), and all 
    regulations issued pursuant thereto, and 18 U.S.C. Secs. 287,1001 as 
    amended and the Seller agrees to comply with the provisions of all 
    of such statutes and regulations.
    
    Article V--Remedies
    
        Section 1. Completion on Seller's Default. If default shall be 
    made by the Seller or by any subcontractor in the performance of any 
    of the work hereunder, the Purchaser, without in any manner limiting 
    its legal and equitable remedies in the circumstances, may serve 
    upon the Seller and the surety or sureties upon the Seller's Bond or 
    Bonds, if any, a written notice requiring the Seller to cause such 
    default to be corrected forthwith. Unless within twenty (20) days 
    after the service of such notice upon the Seller such default shall 
    be corrected or arrangements for the correction thereof, 
    satisfactory to both the Purchaser and the Administrator, shall be 
    made by the Seller or its surety or sureties, the Purchaser may take 
    over the performance of the Seller's obligations hereunder and 
    prosecute the same to completion by contract or otherwise for the 
    account and at the expense of the Seller, and the Seller and its 
    surely or sureties shall be liable to the Purchaser for any cost or 
    expense in excess of the contract price occasioned thereby. In such 
    event, the purchaser may take possession of and utilize, in 
    completing the work, any tools, supplies, equipment, appliances and 
    plant belonging to the Seller which may be situated at the site of 
    the installation work. The Purchaser, in such contingency, may 
    exercise any rights, claims [[Page 10211]] or demands which the 
    Seller may have against third persons in connection herewith and for 
    such purpose the Seller does hereby assign, transfer and set over 
    unto the Purchaser all such rights, claims and demands.
        Section 2. Enforcement of Remedies by Administrator. The 
    Administrator may on behalf of the Purchaser exercise any right or 
    enforce any remedy which the Purchaser may exercise or enforce 
    hereunder.
        Section 3. Cumulative Remedies. Every right or remedy herein 
    conferred upon or reserved to the Purchaser or the Administrator 
    shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every right and 
    remedy now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute 
    and the pursuit of any right or remedy shall not be construed as an 
    election.
    
    Article VI--Miscellaneous
    
        Section 1. Definitions. (a) The contract documents shall consist 
    of the Proposal and Acceptance, the Contractor's Bond and the 
    Specifications.
        (b) The term ``Completion of Installation'' shall mean full 
    performance by the Seller of the Seller's obligations under the 
    Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof, except that it 
    shall not include the final acceptance tests nor performance of the 
    Seller's obligations in respect of (i) releases of liens and 
    Certificate of Seller under Article III, Section 2 hereof, (ii) 
    other final documents. The term ``Completion of the Work'' shall 
    mean full performance by the Seller of the Seller's obligations 
    under the Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof. The 
    Certificate of Completion signed by the supervising engineer and 
    approved by the Purchaser or signed by the Purchaser, if the 
    Purchaser shall not employ an Engineer, and approved in writing by 
    the Administrator within a reasonable time after completion shall be 
    conclusive evidence as to the fact of completion and the date 
    thereof.
        Section 2. Materials and Supplies. In the performance of this 
    contract there shall be furnished only such unmanufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been mined or produced in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada, and only such manufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been manufactured in the United 
    States substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies 
    mined, produced or manufactured, as the case may be, in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada; provided that other articles, materials, 
    or supplies may be used in the event and to the extent that the 
    Administrator shall expressly in writing authorize such use pursuant 
    to the provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1938, being 
    Title IV of Public Resolution No. 122, 75th Congress, approved June 
    21, 1938. The Seller agrees to submit to the Purchaser such 
    certificates with respect to compliance with the foregoing provision 
    as the Administrator from time to time may require.
        Section 3. Equal Opportunity Provisions. (a) Seller's 
    Representations.
        The Seller represents that:
        It has ____, does not have ____, 100 or more employees, and if 
    it has, that it has ____, has not ____, furnished the Equal 
    Employment Opportunity--Employers Information Report EEO-1, Standard 
    Form 100, required of employers with 100 or more employees pursuant 
    to Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 
    1964.
        The Seller agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award of any 
    subcontract for more than $10,000 hereunder to a subcontractor with 
    100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the proposed 
    subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a current 
    report on Standard Form 100.
        The Seller agrees that if it has 100 or more employees and has 
    not submitted a report on Standard Form 100 for the current 
    reporting year and that if this Contract will amount to more than 
    $10,000 the Seller will file such report, as required by law, and 
    notify the Purchaser in writing of such filing prior to the 
    Purchaser's acceptance of this Proposal.
        (b) Equal Opportunity Clause. During the performance of this 
    Contract, the Seller agrees as follows:
        (1) The Seller will not discriminate against any employee or 
    applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex or 
    national origin. The Seller will take affirmative action to ensure 
    that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during 
    employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex or 
    national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited, to 
    the following: Employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer; 
    recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination, rates 
    of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, 
    including apprenticeship. The Seller agrees to post in conspicuous 
    places, available to employees and applicants for employment, 
    notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this Equal 
    Opportunity Clause.
        (2) The Seller will, in all solicitations or advertisements for 
    employees placed by or on behalf of the Seller, state that all 
    qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
        (3) The Seller will send to each labor union or representative 
    of workers, with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or 
    other contract or understanding, a notice to be provided advising 
    the said labor union or workers' representative of the Seller's 
    commitments under this section, and shall post copies of the notice 
    in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for 
    employment.
        (4) The Seller will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations, 
    and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Seller will furnish all information and reports required 
    by Executive Order 11246 of September 21, 1965, and by rules, 
    regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant 
    thereto, and will permit access to its books, records, and accounts 
    by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes 
    of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations, and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Seller's noncompliance with the Equal 
    Opportunity Clause of this Contract or with any of the said rules, 
    regulations or orders, this Contract may be cancelled, terminated or 
    suspended in whole or in part, and the Seller may be declared 
    ineligible for further Government contracts or federally-assisted 
    construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other 
    sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation 
    or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as otherwise provided by law.
        (7) The Seller will include this Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by the rules, 
    regulations, or orders of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to 
    Section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, so that 
    such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. 
    The Seller will take such action with respect to any subcontract or 
    purchase order as the administering agency may direct as a means of 
    enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance: 
    Provided, however, That in the event a Seller becomes involved in, 
    or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as 
    a result of such direction by the administering agency, the Seller 
    may request the United States to enter into such litigation to 
    protect the interests of the United States.
        (c) Certificate of Nonsegregated Facilities. The Seller 
    certifies that it does not maintain or provide for its employees any 
    segregated facilities at any of its establishments, and that it does 
    not permit its employees to perform their services at any location, 
    under its control, where segregated facilities are maintained. The 
    Seller certifies further that it will not maintain or provide for 
    its employees any segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it will not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Seller agrees that a breach of this 
    certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity Clause in this 
    Contract. As used in this certification, the term ``segregated 
    facilities'' means any waiting room, work areas, restrooms and 
    washrooms, restaurants and other eating areas, timeclocks, locker 
    rooms and other storage or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking 
    fountains, recreation or entertainment areas, transportation, and 
    housing facilities provided for employees which are segregated by 
    explicit directive or are in fact segregated on the basis of race, 
    color, religion, or national origin, because of habit, local custom, 
    or otherwise. The Seller agrees that (except where it has obtained 
    identical certificates from proposed subcontractors for specific 
    time periods) it will obtain identical certifications from proposed 
    subcontractors prior to the award of subcontracts exceeding $10,000 
    which are not exempt from the provisions of the Equal Opportunity 
    Clause, and that it will retain such certifications in its files.
        Section 4. Bond. The Seller will furnish to the Purchaser, for a 
    contract in excess of $100,000 a bond in a penal sum not less than 
    the Proposal price and in the form attached hereto and with a Surety 
    or Sureties listed by the United States Treasury Department as 
    acceptable Sureties. [[Page 10212]] 
        Section 5. License. The Seller shall comply with all applicable 
    construction codes.
        (a) The Seller warrants that he possesses contractor's license 
    number ____ issued to him by the State of ____ in which the work is 
    located, and said license expires on ____, 19____.
        (b) The Seller warrants that no license is required in the State 
    in which the work is located.
    
    (Cross out that subsection which does not apply.)
    
        Section 6. Nonassignment of Contract. The Seller will not assign 
    the Contract effected by acceptance of this Proposal, or any part 
    thereof, or enter into any contract with any person, firm or 
    corporation, for the performance of the Seller's obligations 
    hereunder or any part hereof, without the approval in writing of the 
    Purchaser and the Surety or Sureties on the Contractor's Bond or 
    Bonds, if any; provided, however, the Seller may subcontract the 
    whole or any part of the installation work to be performed at the 
    installation site (as distinguished from furnishing and delivery of 
    equipment and materials). If the Seller, with the consent of the 
    Purchaser and the Surety or Sureties on the Contractor's Bond or 
    Bonds, if any, shall enter into any subcontract with any 
    subcontractor for the Performance of any part of the installation 
    work to be performed at the installation site, the Seller shall be 
    as fully responsible to the Purchaser and the United States of 
    America for the acts and omissions of such subcontractor and of 
    persons employed by such subcontractor as the Seller would be for 
    its own acts and omissions and those of persons directly employed by 
    it.
        Section 7. Approval of the Administrator. The acceptance of this 
    Proposal by the Purchaser shall not create a contract unless such 
    acceptance shall be approved in writing by the Administrator within 
    ninety (90) days after the date of the Proposal.
    
    ________ Seller
    By ________
    ________ Title
    Date of Proposal ________
    
    (If executed by one other than President, Vice-President, a partner 
    or the individual owner, a power of attorney authorizing execution 
    should accompany this proposal.)
    
    Acceptance
    
    Subject to the approval of the Administrator, the Purchaser hereby 
    accepts the Proposal of ________ (Dated ________) for the Equipment 
    herein described for the Total Base Price of $________ and the 
    following options for:
    Spare Parts $________
    Maintenance Tools $________
    Test Equipment $________
    Other Options: (Describe) $________
    Total Contract Price $________
    ________ Purchaser
    By ________ President
    Attest ________ Secretary
    Date of Acceptance ________
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.342  Distribution line extension construction contract (labor 
    and materials), RUS Form 790.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Distribution Line Extension Construction Contract (Labor and Materials)
    
    Proposal
    
    To: ________ (hereinafter called the ``Owner'').
    
    Article I--General
    
        Section 1--Offer to Construct. The undersigned (hereinafter 
    called the ``Contractor'') hereby proposes to furnish labor, 
    materials, and equipment for, and construct for the prices 
    hereinafter stated, the rural electric project ____--19____ Line 
    Extensions (hereinafter called ``Project'') in strict accordance 
    with the Plans, Specifications, and Construction Drawings 
    hereinafter referred to. The Contractor understands and agrees that 
    the Project will consist of line extensions and additions and line 
    changes or similar work usually associated with overhead or 
    underground distribution system improvement or extension work all 
    located within the area served or ultimately to be served by the 
    Owner and that the exact location and scope of individual sections 
    of the Project (hereinafter called ``Sections'') will be made known 
    to the Contractor from time to time as provided in Article II, 
    Section 1 hereof; and provided, however, that the Contractor shall 
    not be obligated to start construction of any Section unless the 
    cost of construction of the Section computed on the unit prices of 
    this Proposal shall amount to at least ____ dollars ($____) and 
    provided further that the Owner shall be obligated to release to the 
    Contractor for construction at least one Section pursuant to the 
    provisions of this Proposal.
        Section 2--Additional Projects. From time to time the owner and 
    the Contractor may enter into negotiations for the performance of 
    work at prices which may differ from those in the Proposal (such 
    work being hereinafter called ``Additional Projects''). Except as 
    may otherwise be agreed upon in writing by the Owner and the 
    Contractor at the time the supplemental contract for the Additional 
    Project is negotiated, the provisions of the Contract for the 
    Project shall apply.
        Section 3--Proposal on Unit Basis. The Contractor understands 
    and agrees that the various Construction Units considered in this 
    Proposal are defined by symbols and descriptions in this Proposal, 
    that the Proposal is made on a unit basis, and that the Owner may 
    specify, as provided in Article II, Section 1 hereof, any number or 
    combination of Construction Units which the Owner, may deem 
    necessary for the construction of the Project. If kinds of 
    Construction Units for which prices are not established in this 
    Proposal are necessary for the construction of the Project, the 
    prices of such additional Units shall be as agreed upon in writing 
    by the Owner and the Contractor prior to the time of installation. 
    The unit labor prices herein set forth are applicable to work 
    performed on unenergized lines. Such unit labor prices shall be 
    increased by ____ (____) percent for all units installed on 
    energized lines in accordance with instructions of the Owner, as 
    provided in Article II, Section 1g.
        Section 4--Description of Contract. The Specifications and 
    Construction Drawings set forth in: RUS Form 804, Specifications and 
    Drawings for 7.2/12.5 kV Line Construction; RUS Form 803, 
    Specifications and Drawings for 14.4/24.9 kV Line Construction; RUS 
    Form 806, Specifications and Drawings for Underground Electric 
    Distribution; as applicable, which by this reference are 
    incorporated herein, together with the Plans, Proposal and 
    Acceptance constitute the Contract. The Plans, consisting of maps 
    and special drawings, and approved modifications in standard 
    specifications are attached hereto and identified as follows: ____
        Section 5--Familiarity with Conditions. The Contractor 
    acknowledges that it has made a careful examination of the site of 
    the Project and of the Plans, Specifications and Construction 
    Drawings, and has become informed as to the location and nature of 
    the proposed construction, the transportation facilities, the kind 
    and character of soil and terrain to be encountered, the kind of 
    equipment, tools, and other facilities required before and during 
    the construction of the Project and has become acquainted with the 
    availability status of materials and with the labor conditions which 
    would effect work on the Project.
        Section 6--License. The Contractor warrants that a Contractor's 
    license is ____ is not ____ required, and if required, it possesses 
    Contractor's License No. ____ for the State of ____ in which the 
    Project is located, and said license expires on ____, 19____.
        Section 7--Contractor's Resources. The Contractor warrants that 
    it possesses adequate financial resources for the performance of the 
    work covered by this Proposal and that it will provide necessary 
    tools and equipment and a qualified superintendent and other 
    employees.
        Section 8--Changes in Construction. The Contractor agrees to 
    make such changes in construction previously installed in the 
    Project by the Contractor as required by the Owner on the following 
    basis: The cost of labor shall be the reasonable cost thereof as 
    agreed upon by the Contractor and the Owner but in no event shall it 
    exceed two (2) times the labor price quoted in the Proposal for the 
    installation of the unit to be changed. Such compensation shall be 
    in lieu of any other payment for the installation and removal of the 
    original unit but shall not include the cost of the installation, if 
    any, of a new or replacing unit, payment for which shall be made at 
    the unit price as quoted in the Proposal.
        No payment shall be made to the contractor for correcting errors 
    or omissions on the part of the Contractor which result in 
    construction not in accordance with the Plans and Specifications.
        Section 9--Materials and Equipment. The Contractor agrees to 
    furnish and use in the construction of the Project under this 
    Proposal, only such materials and equipment as are included on the 
    current ``List of [[Page 10213]] Materials Acceptable for Use on 
    Systems of RUS Electrification Borrowers,'' including revisions 
    adopted prior to construction.
        The Contractor further agrees to furnish and use guy wire with 
    ASTM Class ____ (Owner to insert A or B) zinc coating.
        All leads on equipment such as transformers, reclosers, etc., 
    shall be of #6 minimum copper conductivity using ____ (Owner to 
    insert stranded soft drawn copper or aluminum alloy) conductor. All 
    conductor ties on insulators shall be of the materials and methods 
    shown in the following Type Guide Drawings: ____ (Owner to insert 
    appropriate drawing numbers.)
        Ground rods and butt-type grounding plates shall be ____.(Owner 
    to insert galvanized steel or copper.)
        Underground primary cables shall have ____ coated copper neutral 
    (Owner to insert round or flat.)
        The Contractor further agrees to furnish poles, crossarms, and 
    other timber products, of which the physical characteristics, method 
    of treatment, type of preservative, instructions on inspection and 
    general procedure shall be in accordance with RUS standards and 
    requirements.
        Crossarms shall be ____ (Owner to insert Douglas Fir or Southern 
    Yellow Pine), treated with ____ (Owner to insert type of 
    preservative.)
        The Contractor agrees that the prices for poles, crossarms, and 
    other timber products set forth herein shall include the cost of 
    preservative treatment and inspection or insured warranty. The 
    Contractor further agrees to obtain from the supplier inspection and 
    treatment reports or insured warranties, for checking against the 
    delivery timber, and to submit such reports or warranties to the 
    Owner as one of the prerequisites to monthly and final payments.
        Section 10--Owner-Furnished Materials. a. The Contractor 
    understands and agrees that the Owner may, with approval of the 
    Contractor, furnish to the Contractor some of the materials and 
    equipment required for construction of the Project, (hereinafter 
    called ``Owner-Furnished Materials''). The quantity, type, and value 
    of Owner-Furnished Materials for each Section shall be as agreed 
    upon by the Contractor and Owner prior to the start of construction 
    of each Section of the Project. The Owner shall make such materials 
    and equipment available to the Contractor as provided in Article II, 
    Section 1, b, and the Contractor will give to the Owner a receipt in 
    such form as the Owner shall approve.
        b. The value of the completed Construction Units certified to by 
    the Contractor each month pursuant to Article III, Section 1, a, of 
    this Proposal shall be reduced by an amount equal to the value of 
    the Owner-Furnished Materials installed by the Contractor during the 
    preceding month. Only ninety percent (90%) of the remainder shall be 
    paid prior to the Completion of the Section. Owner-Furnished 
    Materials, if any, not required for the Section, shall be returned 
    to the Owner by the Contractor upon Completion of Construction of 
    the Section. The value of all Owner-Furnished Materials not 
    installed in the Section of the Project or returned to the Owner 
    shall be deducted from the final payment to the Contractor for the 
    Section.
        Section 11--References to Materials. The references in this 
    Proposal to ``Materials'', except in Article IV, Section 1.f, shall 
    be understood to mean only materials to be furnished by the 
    Contractor.
        Section 12--Taxes. The unit prices for Construction Units in 
    this Proposal include provisions for the payment of all monies which 
    will be payable by the Contractor or the Owner in connection with 
    construction of the Project on account of taxes imposed by any 
    taxing authority upon the sale, purchase or use of materials, 
    supplies or equipment to be incorporated in the Project as part of 
    such Construction Units. The Contractor agrees to pay all such taxes 
    except on Owner-Furnished Materials and it is understood that, as to 
    Owner-Furnished Materials, the values as agreed to by the Owner and 
    Contractor for such materials include such taxes, if applicable. The 
    Contractor will furnish to the appropriate taxing authorities all 
    required information and reports pertaining to materials used on 
    construction of the Project except as to Owner-Furnished Materials.
    
    Article II--Construction
    
        Section 1--Time and Manner of Work. The Contractor agrees to be 
    prepared to commence the construction of the Project within fifteen 
    (15) calendar days after written notice by the Owner of the 
    acceptance of the Proposal. The Contractor agrees to commence 
    construction of a Section within ____ (____) days after receipt in 
    writing from the Owner of the following:
        a. Location and number of the various Construction Units 
    required for construction of the Section (hereinafter called the 
    ``Staking Sheets'').
        b. Itemized list including appropriate Unit prices, of the 
    Owner-Furnished Materials to be used in the construction of the 
    Section and an authorization by the Owner for the Contractor to 
    obtain such materials from the Owner's warehouse located at ____.
        c. A schedule showing the rate at which construction of the 
    Section shall proceed and the total number of calendar days 
    (excluding Sundays) to be allowed for completion; provided, however, 
    that the required completion time for any Section shall not be less 
    than ____ (____) days or ____ (____) days per mile of line, 
    whichever is the greater, which days shall be calendar days 
    (excluding Sundays). The time of the completion of the Section is of 
    the essence of the contract to be effected by acceptance of this 
    Proposal.
        d. A statement that all required easements and rights-of-way 
    have been obtained from the owners of the properties across which 
    the Section is to be constructed (including tenants who may 
    reasonably be expected to object to such construction).
        e. A statement that all necessary staking has been completed.
        f. A statement that all necessary funds for prompt payment for 
    the construction of the Section will be available.
        g. Specific instruction as to location and extent of work to be 
    performed on energized lines, if any. The Contractor will not be 
    required to dig holes, set poles, install anchors, install 
    underground conduit, perform any plowing for the installation of 
    underground cable, or dig trenches if there are more than six (6) 
    inches of frost in the ground nor to perform any construction on 
    such days when in the judgment of the Owner snow, rain, or wind, or 
    the results of snow, rain, or frost make it impracticable to perform 
    any operation of construction; provided further that the Contractor 
    will not perform any plowing for the installation of underground 
    cable on public roads or highways if there are more than two (2) 
    inches of frost in the ground. To the extent of the time lost due to 
    the conditions described herein and approved in writing by the 
    Owner, the time of completion set out above will be extended. The 
    time for completion shall be extended for a period of any reasonable 
    delay (other than a delay resulting from the failure of the 
    Contractor to secure sufficient labor) which is due exclusively to 
    causes beyond the control and without the fault of the Contractor 
    including acts of God, fires, floods, inability to obtain materials, 
    direction of the Owner to cease construction as herein provided, and 
    acts or omissions of the Owner with respect to matters for which the 
    Owner is solely responsible; Provided, however, that no such 
    extension of time for completion shall be granted the Contractor 
    unless within ten (10) days after the happening of any event relied 
    upon by the Contractor for such an extension of time the Contractor 
    shall have made a request therefor in writing to the Owner, and 
    provided further that no delay in such time of completion or in the 
    progress of the work which results from any of the above causes 
    except acts or omissions of the Owner, shall result in any liability 
    on the part of the Owner.
        Section 2--Changes in Plans, Specifications and Drawings. The 
    Owner may, from time to time during the progress of the construction 
    of the Project, make such changes in, additions to, or subtractions 
    from the Plans, Specifications, and Construction Drawings as 
    conditions may warrant: Provided, however, that if the cost to the 
    Contractor shall be materially increased by any such change or 
    addition, the Owner shall pay the Contractor for the reasonable cost 
    thereof in accordance with a construction contract amendment signed 
    by the Owner and the Contractor, but no claim for additional 
    compensation for any such change or addition will be considered 
    unless the Contractor shall have made a written request therefor to 
    the Owner prior to the commencement of work in connection with such 
    change or addition.
        Section 3--Supervision and Inspection. a. The Contractor shall 
    cause the construction work on the Project to receive constant 
    supervision by a competent superintendent (hereinafter called the 
    ``Superintendent'') who shall be present at all times during working 
    hours where construction is being carried on. The Contractor shall 
    also employ, in connection with the construction of the Project, 
    capable, experienced, and reliable foremen and such skilled workmen 
    as may be required for the various classes of work to be performed. 
    Directions and instructions given to the Superintendent by the Owner 
    shall be binding upon the Contractor.
        b. The Owner reserves the right to require the removal from the 
    Project of any employee [[Page 10214]] of the Contractor if in the 
    judgment of the Owner such removal shall be necessary in order to 
    protect the interest of the Owner. The Owner shall have the right to 
    require the Contractor to increase the number of his employees and 
    to increase or change the amount or kinds of tools and equipment if 
    at any time the progress of the work shall be unsatisfactory to the 
    Owner; but the failure of the Owner to give any such directions 
    shall not relieve the Contractor of his obligations to complete the 
    work within the time and in the manner specified in this Proposal.
        c. The manner of construction of the Project and all materials 
    and equipment used therein, shall be subject to the inspection, 
    tests, and approval of the Owner. The Owner shall have the right to 
    inspect all payrolls and other data and records of the Contractor 
    relevant to the work. The Contractor will provide all reasonable 
    facilities necessary for such inspection and tests. The Contractor 
    shall have an authorized agent accompany the inspector when final 
    inspection is made and, if requested by the Owner, when any other 
    inspection is made.
        d. In the event that the Owner shall determine that the 
    construction contains or may contain numerous defects, it shall be 
    the duty of the Contractor, if requested by the Owner, to have an 
    inspection made by an engineer approved by the Owner for the purpose 
    of determining the exact nature, extent, and location of such 
    defects.
        Section 4--Defective Materials and Workmanship. a. The 
    acceptance of any materials, equipment (except owner-furnished 
    materials) or any workmanship by the Owner shall not preclude the 
    subsequent rejection thereof if such materials, equipment, or 
    workmanship shall be found to be defective after delivery or 
    installation, and any such materials, equipment or workmanship found 
    defective before final acceptance of the construction shall be 
    replaced or remedied, as the case may be, by and at the expense of 
    the Contractor. Any such condemned material or equipment shall be 
    immediately removed from the site of the Project by the Contractor 
    at the Contractor's expense. The Contractor shall not be entitled to 
    any payment hereunder so long as any defective materials, equipment 
    or workmanship in respect to the Project, of which the Contractor 
    shall have had notice, shall not have been replaced or remedied, as 
    the case may be.
        b. Notwithstanding any certificate which may have been given by 
    the Owner, if any materials, equipment (except owner-furnished 
    materials) or any workmanship which does not comply with the 
    requirements of this Contract shall be discovered within one (1) 
    year after Completion of Construction of the Project, the Contractor 
    shall replace such defective materials or equipment or remedy any 
    such defective workmanship within thirty (30) days after notice in 
    writing of the existence thereof shall have been given by the Owner. 
    If the Contractor shall be called upon to replace any defective 
    materials or equipment or to remedy defective workmanship as herein 
    provided, the Owner, if so requested by the Contractor shall 
    deenergize that section of the Project involved in such work. In the 
    event of failure by the Contractor to do so, the Owner may replace 
    such defective materials or equipment or remedy such defective 
    workmanship, as the case may be, and in such event the Contractor 
    shall pay to the Owner the cost and expense thereof.
        Section 5--Materials Removed. The Contractor will return to the 
    Owner or reuse in the construction of other assembly units all 
    materials removed from the lines under Section H--Conversion 
    Assembly Units and Section I--Removal Assembly Units. Upon 
    completion of each Section of the Project the Contractor will return 
    to the Owner all materials, including usable materials as well as 
    scrap, furnished by the Owner in excess of those required for the 
    construction of the Section as determined from the Final Inventory 
    approved by the Owner. The Contractor will reimburse the Owner at 
    the current invoice cost to the Owner for loss and for breakage 
    through Contractor's negligence of materials furnished by the Owner 
    to the Contractor and for materials removed from the lines by the 
    Contractor.
        Section 6--Term of Contract. It is understood and agreed that, 
    notwithstanding any other provisions of this Contract, the 
    Contractor will not be required to commence any construction after 
    the expiration of one year ____, two years ____ following acceptance 
    of this Proposal by the Owner.
    
    Article III--Payment
    
        Section 1--Payments to Contractor. a. Within the first fifteen 
    (15), days of each calendar month, the Owner shall make partial 
    payment to the Contractor for construction accomplished during the 
    preceding calendar month on the basis of completed Construction 
    Units furnished and certified to by the Contractor and approved by 
    the Owner solely for the purpose of payment: Provided, however, that 
    such approval by the Owner shall not be deemed approval of the 
    workmanship or materials. Only ninety percent (90%) of each such 
    estimate approved during the construction of a Section shall be paid 
    by the Owner to the Contractor prior to completion of the Section. 
    Upon completion by the Contractor of the construction of a Section, 
    the Contractor will prepare a Final Inventory of the Section showing 
    the total number and character of Construction Units and, will 
    certify it to the Owner together with a certificate of the total 
    cost of the construction performed. Upon the approval of such 
    certificates, the Owner shall make payment to the Contractor of all 
    amounts to which the Contractor shall be entitled thereunder which 
    shall not have been paid.
        b. The Contractor shall be paid on the basis of the number of 
    Construction Units actually installed at the direction of the Owner, 
    as shown by the Inventory based on the Staking Sheets: Provided, 
    however, that the total cost shall not exceed the maximum Contract 
    price for the construction of the Project, unless such excess shall 
    have been approved in writing by the Owner. It is understood and 
    agreed that this maximum Contract price is ____ dollars ($____). It 
    is also agreed that the Contractor shall not be entitled to any 
    claim for damages on account of any reasonable additions to or 
    subtractions from the Project, or of any delay occasioned thereby, 
    or of any changes in the routing of the lines.
        c. No payment shall be due while the Contractor is in default in 
    respect of any of the provisions of this Contract and the Owner may 
    withhold from the Contractor the amount of any claim by a third 
    party against either the Contractor the Owner based upon an alleged 
    failure of the Contractor to perform the work hereunder in 
    accordance with the provisions of this Contract.
        Section 2--Certificate of Contractor and Indemnity Agreement--
    Line Extensions. Upon the completion of Construction of any Section 
    of the Project but prior to payment to the Contractor of any amount 
    in excess of 90 percent (90%) of the total cost of all Construction 
    Units comprising the completed Section, the Contractor shall deliver 
    to the Owner in the form attached hereto, (1) a certificate that all 
    persons who have furnished labor in connection with the Project and 
    all manufacturers, materialmen, and subcontractors who have 
    furnished materials or services for the Project have been paid in 
    full, and (2) an agreement to hold the Owner harmless against any 
    liens arising out of the Contractor's performance hereunder which 
    may have been or may be filed against the Owner.
    
    Article IV--Particular Undertakings of the Contractor
    
        Section 1--Protection to Persons and Property. The Contractor 
    shall at all times take all reasonable precautions for the safety of 
    employees on the work and of the public, and shall comply with all 
    applicable provisions of Federal, State, and Municipal safety laws 
    and building and construction codes, as well as the safety rules and 
    regulations of the Owner. All machinery and equipment and other 
    physical hazards shall be guarded in accordance with the ``Manual of 
    Accident Prevention in Construction'' of the Associated General 
    Contractors of America unless such instructions are incompatible 
    with Federal, State, or Municipal laws or regulations.
        The following provisions shall not limit the generality of the 
    above requirements:
        a. The Contractor shall at no time and under no circumstances 
    cause or permit any employee of the Contractor to perform any work 
    upon energized lines, or upon poles carrying energized lines, unless 
    otherwise specified in accordance with Article II, Section 1, 
    subsection g.
        b. The Contractor shall so conduct the construction of the 
    Project as to cause the least possible obstruction of public 
    highways.
        c. The Contractor shall provide and maintain all such guard 
    lights and other protection for the public as may be required by 
    applicable statutes, ordinances, and regulations or by local 
    conditions.
        d. The Contractor shall do all things necessary or expedient to 
    protect properly any and all parallel, converging, and intersecting 
    lines, joint line poles, highways, and any and all property of 
    others from damage, and in the event that any such parallel, 
    converging and intersecting lines, joint line poles, highways, or 
    other property are damaged in the course of the construction of the 
    Project, the Contractor shall at its own expense restore any or all 
    of such damaged [[Page 10215]] property immediately to as good a 
    state as before such damage occurred.
        e. Where the right-of-way of the Project traverses cultivated 
    lands, the Contractor shall limit the movement of his crews and 
    equipment so as to cause as little damage as possible to crops, 
    orchards, or property and shall endeavor to avoid marring the lands. 
    All fences which are necessarily opened or moved during the 
    construction of the Project shall be replaced in as good condition 
    as they were found and precautions shall be taken to prevent the 
    escape of livestock. Except as otherwise provided in the 
    descriptions of underground plowing and trenching assembly units, 
    the Contractor shall not be responsible for loss of or damage to 
    crops, orchards, or property (other than livestock) on the right-of-
    way necessarily incident to the construction of the Project and not 
    caused by negligence or inefficient operation of the Contractor. The 
    Contractor shall be responsible for all other loss of or damage to 
    crops, orchards, or property, whether on or off the right-of-way, 
    and for all loss of or damage to livestock caused by the 
    construction of the Project.
        f. The Project, from the commencement of work to completion, or 
    to such earlier date or dates when the Owner may take possession and 
    control in whole or in part as hereinafter provided shall be under 
    the charge and control of the Contractor and during such period of 
    control by the Contractor all risks in connection with the 
    construction of the Project and the materials to be used therein 
    shall be borne by the Contractor. The Contractor shall make good and 
    fully repair all injuries and damages to the Project or any portion 
    thereof under the control of the Contractor by reason of any Act of 
    God or other casualty or cause whether or not the same shall have 
    occurred by reason of the Contractor's negligence.
        (i) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Contractor shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Contractor's employees) and loss, damage to or 
    destruction of Owner's property or the property of any other person 
    or entity (including but not limited to Contractor's property) in 
    any manner arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the 
    materials or equipment supplied or services performed by Contractor, 
    its subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein 
    shall be construed as making Contractor liable for any injury, 
    death, loss, damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of 
    Owner.
        (ii) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Contractor shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all liens and claims filed or asserted 
    against Owner, its directors, officers, and employees, or Owner's 
    property or facilities, for services performed or materials or 
    equipment furnished by Contractor, its subcontractors and suppliers 
    of any tier, and from all losses, demands, and causes of action 
    arising out of any such lien or claim. Contractor shall promptly 
    discharge or remove any such lien or claim by bonding, payment, or 
    otherwise and shall notify Owner promptly when it has done so. If 
    Contractor does not cause such lien or claim to be discharged or 
    released by payment, bonding, or otherwise, Owner shall have the 
    right (but shall not be obligated) to pay all sums necessary to 
    obtain any such discharge or release and to deduct all amounts so 
    paid from the amount due Contractor.
        (iii) Contractor shall provide to Owner's satisfaction evidence 
    of Contractor's ability to comply with the indemnification 
    provisions of subparagraphs i and ii above, which evidence may 
    include but may not be limited to a bond or liability insurance 
    policy obtained for this purpose through a licensed surety or 
    insurance company.
        g. Any and all excess earth, rock, debris, underbrush, and other 
    useless material shall be removed by the Contractor from the site of 
    the Project as rapidly as practicable as the work progresses.
        h. Upon violation by the Contractor of any provisions of this 
    section, after written notice of such violation given to the 
    Contractor by the Owner, the Contractor shall immediately correct 
    such violation. Upon failure of the Contractor to do so the Owner 
    may correct such violation at the Contractor's expense.
        i. The Contractor shall submit to the Owner monthly reports in 
    duplicate of all accidents, giving such data as may be prescribed by 
    the Owner.
        j. The Contractor shall not proceed with the cutting of trees or 
    clearing of right-of-way without written notification from the Owner 
    that proper authorization has been received from the owner of the 
    property, and the Contractor shall promptly notify the Owner 
    whenever any landowner objects to the trimming or felling of any 
    trees or the performance of any other work on his land in connection 
    with the Project and shall obtain the consent in writing of the 
    Owner before proceeding in any such case.
        Section 2--Insurance. The Bidder shall take out and maintain 
    throughout the period of this Agreement the following types and 
    minimum amounts of insurance:
        a. Workers' compensation and employer's liability insurance, as 
    required by law, covering all their employees who perform any of the 
    obligations of the contractor, engineer, and architect under the 
    contract. If any employee or employee is not subject to workers' 
    compensation laws of the governing state, then insurance shall be 
    obtained voluntarily to extend to the employer and employee coverage 
    to the same extent as though the employer or employee were subject 
    to the workers' compensation laws.
        b. Public liability insurance covering all operations under the 
    contract shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less 
    than $1 million each occurrence, limits for property damage of not 
    less than $1 million each occurrence, and $1 million aggregate for 
    accidents during the policy period. A single limit of $1 million of 
    bodily injury and property damage is acceptable. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        c. Automobile liability insurance on all motor vehicles used in 
    connection with the contract, whether owned, nonowned, or hired, 
    shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1 
    million each occurrence, and property damage limits of $1 million 
    for each occurrence. This required insurance may be in a policy of 
    policies of insurance, primary and excess including the umbrella or 
    catastrophe form. The Owner shall have the right at any time to 
    require public liability insurance and property damage liability 
    insurance greater than those required in subsection ``b'' and ``c'' 
    of this Section. In any such event, the additional premium or 
    premiums payable solely as the result of such additional insurance 
    shall be added to the Contract price.
        The Owner shall be named as Additional Insured on all policies 
    of insurance required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of this 
    Section.
        The policies of insurance shall be in such form and issued by 
    such insurer as shall be satisfactory to the Owner. The Bidder shall 
    furnish the Owner a certificate evidencing compliance with the 
    foregoing requirements which shall provide not less than (30) days 
    prior written notice to the Owner of any cancellation or material 
    change in the insurance.
        Section 3--Bond. If the estimated cost of the construction of a 
    Section shall exceed $100,000, the Contractor agrees to furnish 
    prior to the commencement of such construction, a bond in the penal 
    sum not less than the estimated cost of such section in the form 
    attached hereto with a Surety or Sureties listed by the United 
    States Treasury Department as acceptable sureties. In the event that 
    the Surety or Sureties on the performance bond delivered to the 
    Owner shall at any time become unsatisfactory to the Owner, the 
    Contractor agrees to deliver to the Owner another or an additional 
    bond.
        Section 4--Delivery of Possession and Control to the Owner. Upon 
    written request of the Owner, the Contractor will deliver to the 
    Owner full possession and control of any portion of the Project 
    provided the Contractor shall have been paid at least ninety percent 
    (90%) of the cost of construction of such portion. Upon such 
    delivery of possession and control to the Owner, the risks and 
    obligations of the Contractor as set forth in Section 1f of this 
    Article IV with respect to such portion so delivered to the Owner, 
    shall be terminated; Provided, however, that nothing herein 
    contained shall relieve the Contractor of any liability with respect 
    to defective workmanship as specified in Article II, Section 4.
        Section 5--Purchase of Materials. The Contractor shall purchase 
    all materials and supplies outright and not subject to any 
    conditional sales agreement, bailment lease, or other agreement 
    reserving to the seller any right, title, or interest therein. All 
    materials and supplies shall become the property of the Owner when 
    erected in place.
        Section 6--Assignment of Guarantees. All guarantees of materials 
    and workmanship running in favor of the Contractor shall be 
    transferred and assigned to the Owner on Completion of Construction 
    and at such times as the Contractor receives final payment.
    [[Page 10216]]
    
    Article V--Remedies
    
        Section 1--Completion on Contractor's Default. If default shall 
    be made by the Contractor or by any subcontractor in the performance 
    of any of the terms of this Proposal, the Owner, without in any 
    manner limiting its legal and equitable remedies in the 
    circumstances, may serve upon the Contractor and the Surety, if any, 
    a written notice requiring the Contractor to cause such default to 
    be corrected forthwith. Unless within twenty (20) days after the 
    service of such notice upon the Contractor and the Surety, if any, 
    such default shall be corrected or arrangements for the correction 
    thereof satisfactory to the Owner shall be made, the Owner may take 
    over the construction of the Project and prosecute the same to 
    completion by contract or otherwise for the account and at the 
    expense of the Contractor, and the Contractor shall be liable to the 
    Owner for any cost or expense in excess of the Contract price 
    occasioned thereby. In such event the Owner may take possession of 
    and utilize, in completing the construction of the Project, any 
    materials, tools, supplies, equipment, appliance, and plant 
    belonging to the Contractor or any of its subcontractors, which may 
    be situated at the site of the Project. The Owner in such 
    contingency may exercise any rights, claims, or demands which the 
    Contractor may have against third persons in connection with this 
    Proposal and for such purpose the Contractor does hereby assign, 
    transfer, and set over unto the Owner all such rights, claims, and 
    demands.
    
    Article VI--Miscellaneous
    
        Section 1--Patent Infringement. The Contractor will save 
    harmless and indemnify the Owner from any and all claims, suits, and 
    proceedings for the infringement of any patent or patents covering 
    any equipment used in the work.
        Section 2. Materials and Supplies. In the performance of this 
    contract there shall be furnished only such unmanufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been mined or produced in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada, and only such manufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been manufactured in the United 
    States substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies 
    mined, produced or manufactured, as the case may be, in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada; provided that other articles, materials, 
    or supplies may be used in the event and to the extent that the 
    Administrator shall expressly in writing authorize such use pursuant 
    to the provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1938, being 
    Title IV of Public Resolution No. 122, 75th Congress, approved June 
    21, 1938. The Contractor agrees to submit to the Purchaser such 
    certificates with respect to compliance with the foregoing provision 
    as the Administrator from time to time may require.
        Section 3--Permits for Explosives. All permits necessary for the 
    handling or use of dynamite or other explosives in connection with 
    the construction of the Project shall be obtained by and at the 
    expense of the Contractor.
        Section 4--Compliance with Statutes and Regulations. The 
    Contractor will comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, 
    rules, and regulations pertaining to the work. The Contractor 
    acknowledges that it is familiar with the Rural Electrification Act 
    of 1936, as amended, the so-called ``Kick-Back'' Statute (48 Stat. 
    948), and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and 18 U.S.C. 
    Secs. 287, 1001, as amended. The Contractor understands that the 
    obligations of the parties hereunder are subject to the applicable 
    regulations and orders of Governmental agencies having jurisdiction 
    in the premises.
        Section 5. Equal Opportunity Provisions. a. Contractor's 
    Representations.
        The Contractor represents that:
        It has ____, does not have ____, 100 or more employees, and if 
    it has, that it has ____, has not ____, furnished the Equal 
    Employment Opportunity--Employers Information Report EEO-1, Standard 
    Form 100, required of employers with 100 or more employees pursuant 
    to Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 
    1964. The Contractor agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award 
    of any subcontract for more than $10,000 hereunder to a 
    subcontractor with 100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the 
    proposed subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a 
    current report on Standard Form 100.
        The Contractor agrees that if it has 100 or more employees and 
    has not submitted a report on Standard Form 100 for the current 
    reporting year and that if this Contract will amount to more than 
    $10,000, the Contractor will file such report, as required by law, 
    and notify the Owner in writing of such filing prior to the Owner's 
    acceptance of this Proposal.
        b. Equal Opportunity Clause. During the performance of this 
    Contract, the Contractor agrees as follows: (1) The Contractor will 
    not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment 
    because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The 
    Contractor will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants 
    are employed, and that employees are treated during employment 
    without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or national 
    origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the 
    following: Employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer; recruitment 
    or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or 
    other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including 
    apprenticeship. The Contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places, 
    available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be 
    provided setting forth the provisions of this Equal Opportunity 
    Clause.
        (2) The Contractor will, in all solicitations or advertisements 
    for employees placed by or on behalf of the Contractor, state that 
    all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
        (3) The Contractor will send to each labor union or 
    representative of workers, with which it has a collective bargaining 
    agreement or other contract or understanding, a notice to be 
    provided advising the said labor union or workers' representatives 
    of the Contractor's commitments under this section, and shall post 
    copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees 
    and applicants for employment.
        (4) The Contractor will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations, 
    and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Contractor will furnish all information and reports 
    required by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by 
    rules, regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or 
    pursuant thereto, and will permit access to its books, records, and 
    accounts by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for 
    purposes of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations, and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Contractor's noncompliance with the 
    Equal Opportunity Clause of this Contract or with any of the said 
    rules, regulations, or orders, this Contract may be cancelled, 
    terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the Contractor may 
    be declared ineligible for further Government contracts or federally 
    assisted construction contracts in accordance with procedures 
    authorized in Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such 
    other sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation, 
    or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as provided by law.
        (7) The Contractor will include this Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by the rules, 
    regulations, or order of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to 
    Section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, so that 
    such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. 
    The Contractor will take such action with respect to any subcontract 
    or purchase order as the administering agency may direct as a means 
    of enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance: 
    Provided, however, that in the event a Contractor becomes involved 
    in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor 
    as a result of such direction by the administering agency, the 
    Contractor may request the United States to enter into such 
    litigation to protect the interests of the United States.
        c. Certificate of Nonsegregated Facilities. The Contractor 
    certifies that it does not maintain or provide for its employees any 
    segregated facilities at any of its establishments, and that it does 
    not permit its employees to perform their services at any location, 
    under its control, where segregated facilities are maintained. The 
    Contractor certifies further that it will not maintain or provide 
    for its employees any segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it will not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Contractor agrees that a breach of 
    this certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    this Contract. As used in this certification, the term ``segregated 
    facilities'' means any waiting rooms, work areas, restrooms and 
    washrooms, restaurants and other eating areas, timeclocks, locker 
    rooms and other storage or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking 
    fountains, recreation or [[Page 10217]] entertainment areas, 
    transportation, and housing facilities provided for employees which 
    are segregated by explicit directive or are in fact segregated on 
    the basis of race, color, religion. or national origin, because of 
    habit, local custom, or otherwise. The Contractor agrees that 
    (except where it has obtained identical certifications from proposed 
    subcontractors for specific time periods) it will obtain identical 
    certifications from proposed subcontractors prior to the award of 
    subcontracts exceeding $10,000 which are not exempt from the 
    provisions of the Equal Opportunity Clause, and that it will retain 
    such certifications in its files.
        Section 6--Franchises and Rights-of-way. The Contractor will be 
    under no obligation to obtain or assist in obtaining any franchises, 
    authorizations, permits, or approvals required to be obtained by the 
    Owner from Federal, State, County, municipal or other authority; any 
    rights-of-way over private lands or any agreements between the Owner 
    and third parties with respect to the joint use of poles, crossings 
    or any other matter incident to the construction and operation of 
    the Project.
        Section 7--Nonassignment of Contract. The Contractor will not 
    assign the Contract effected by an acceptance of this Proposal or 
    any part thereof or enter into any contract with any person, firm or 
    corporation for the performance of the Contractor's obligations 
    thereunder, or any part thereof, without the approval in writing of 
    the Owner.
        Section 8--Definitions. a. The term ``Owner'' shall also include 
    an engineer employed by the Owner, or a firm or engineer retained by 
    the Owner, and designated by the Owner to act in that capacity. The 
    Contractor will be notified in writing by the Owner of those 
    designated to act for the Owner at the time of acceptance of this 
    Proposal.
        b. The term ``Completion of Construction'' shall mean full 
    performance by the Contractor of the Contractor's obligations under 
    the contract and all amendments and revisions thereof relating to 
    any Section of the Project or to the Project except the Contractor's 
    obligations in respect of (i) Certificate of Contractor and 
    Indemnity Agreement--Line Extensions under Article III, Section 2 
    hereof and (ii) the Final Inventory referred to in Article III, 
    Section 1a hereof.
        c. The term ``Completion'' shall mean full performance by the 
    Contractor of the Contractor's obligations under the Contract and 
    all amendments and revisions thereof relating to any Section of the 
    Project or to the Project.
        Section 9--Extension to Successors and Assigns. Each and all of 
    the covenants and agreements contained in the Contract effected by 
    the acceptance of the Proposal shall extend to and be binding upon 
    the successors and assigns of the parties thereto.
    
    ________ (Contractor)
    By ________ (President)
    ________ (Address)
    Attest: ________ (Secretary)
    ________ Date of Proposal
    
        This Proposal must be signed with the full name of the 
    Contractor. If the Contractor is a partnership, the Proposal must be 
    signed in the partnership name by a partner. If the Contractor is a 
    corporation, the Proposal must be signed in the corporate name by a 
    duly authorized officer and the corporate seal affixed and attested 
    by the Secretary of the Corporation.
    
    Construction Units--New Construction
    
    Section 1--Pole Units
    
        A pole unit consists of one pole in place. It does not include 
    pole-top assembly unit or other parts attached to the pole. The 
    first two digits indicate the length of the pole; the third digit 
    shows the classification per A.S.A. (Example: 25-6 means a pole 25 
    feet long, class 6.)
    
    Species of Timber: ________
    Kind of Preservative: (Check one)
    1. Creosote ________; 2. Pentachlorophenol ________; 3. Copper 
    Naphthenate ________; 4. Waterborne preservative--CCA ________ ACZA 
    ________
    Method of Treatment: (Check one)
    1. Pressure ________; 2. Thermal process: ________
    Pole Plan Under Which the Poles are to be Furnished: (Check one)
    1. Insured Warranted ________; 2. Independently Inspected ________; 
    3. Quality Assured ________; 4. Either Insured
    Warranted, Independently Inspected, or Quality Assured ________
    
    (Owner to complete above)
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Unit price                     
                      ------------------------------------------------------
         Unit No.                                                Labor &    
                             Labor            Materials         materials   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section A--Single Phase Pole Top Assembpy Units
    
    Section B--V Phase Pole Top Assembly Units
    
        A pole top assembly unit consists of the hardware, crossarms, 
    and their appurtenances, insulators, etc., except tie wire, required 
    to support the primary conductors. It does not include the pole. 
    Crossarm pins include 2x2x1/8 inch washer, nut, and locknut.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Unit price                     
                      ------------------------------------------------------
         Unit No.                                                Labor &    
                             Labor            Materials         materials   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    A                                                                       
    B                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section C--Three Phase Pole Top Assembly Units
    
        A pole top assembly unit consists of the hardware, crossarms, 
    and their appurtenances, insulators, etc., except tie wire, required 
    to support the primary conductors. It does not include the pole. 
    Crossarm pins include 2x2x1/8 inch washer, nut, and locknut.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Unit price                     
                      ------------------------------------------------------
         Unit No.                                                Labor &    
                             Labor            Materials         materials   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    C                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section D--Conductor Assembly Units
    
        A conductor assembly unit consists of 1,000 feet of conductor or 
    cable for primaries, secondaries or services, and includes tie 
    wires, sleeves for splicing, connectors, and armor rods with clips 
    or armor wire where necessary. Tree trimming necessary for 
    installing services and secondaries on poles not carrying primary 
    line is included with the conductor assembly unit and shall be 
    performed in accordance with the directions of the Owner. The 
    service shall be connected to the secondary or transformer and 2 
    feet of conductor or cable shall be left for connecting to the 
    consumer's service entrance. In computing the compensation to the 
    Contractor for conductor assembly units only the horizontal distance 
    between conductor supports or pole stakes shall be used. The 
    conductor or cable sizes and types listed are the manufacturer's 
    designation.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Unit price                     
                      ------------------------------------------------------
         Unit No.                                                Labor &    
                             Labor            Materials         materials   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    D                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section E--Guy Assembly Units
    
        A guy assembly unit consists of the hardware and wire, and guy 
    insulator where necessary. An overhead guy assembly consists of an 
    overhead guy, a pole, and a down guy, each of which is listed 
    separately. Guy guards are designated separately.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Unit price                     
                      ------------------------------------------------------
         Unit No.                                                Labor &    
                             Labor            Materials         materials   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    E                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section F--Anchor Assembly Units
    
        An anchor assembly unit consists of the anchor with rod 
    complete, ready for attaching the guy wire.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    F                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section G--Transformer Assembly Units
    
        A transformer assembly unit consists of the transformer, its 
    protective equipment, and its hardware and leads with their 
    connectors and supporting insulators and pins. This unit does not 
    include the pole top, secondary, service, or grounding assemblies.
    
                                                                            
    [[Page 10218]]                                                          
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    G                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section J--Secondary Assembly Units
    
        A secondary assembly unit consists of the hardware, insulators, 
    etc., to support the secondary conductors or cable. It does not 
    include the secondary conductor or cable, or any hardware, 
    insulators, etc., required to support service conductors or cable.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    J                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section K--Service Assembly Units
    
        A service assembly unit consists of the hardware, insulators, 
    etc., required to support the service conductors or cable. It does 
    not include the service conductor or cable, or any hardware, 
    insulators, etc., required to support secondary conductors or cable.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    K                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section M--Miscellaneous Assembly Units
    
        A miscellaneous assembly unit consists of an additional unit 
    needed in the Project for new line construction but not otherwise 
    listed in the Proposal. This section includes grounding assemblies 
    consisting of the conductor, ground rod, grounding plate, connectors 
    and clamps as shown on the respec tive drawings for the various 
    types. It also includes fuse cutouts, reclosers, sectionalizers, 
    switches, capacitors, regulators, metering and other assembly units.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    M                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section R--Right-of-Way Clearing Units
    
        R1-10. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and 10 feet in width (to 
    be measured on one side of the pole line) of actual clearing of 
    right-of-way. This includes clearing of underbrush, tree removal, 
    and such tree trimming as is required so that the right-of-way, 
    except for tree stumps which shall not exceed ____ in height, shall 
    be clear from the ground up on one side of the line of poles 
    carrying primary conductors of the width specified. This unit does 
    not include clearing or trimming associated with secondaries or 
    services which is included with conductor units. The length of 
    actual clearing shall be measured in a straight line parallel to the 
    horizontal line between stakes and across the maximum dimension of 
    foliage cleared projected to the ground line. All trees and 
    underbrush across the width of the right-of-way, as designated by 
    the Owner, shall be considered to be grouped together as a single 
    length in measuring the total length of clearing. Spaces along the 
    right-of-way in which no trees are to be removed or trimmed or 
    underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the total measurement. All 
    length thus arrived at, added together and divided by 1,000, shall 
    give the number of 1,000-foot R1-10 units of clearing. This unit 
    includes the removal or topping, at the option of the Contractor, of 
    danger trees outside of the right-of-way when so designated by the 
    Owner. (Danger trees are defined as dead or leaning trees which, in 
    falling, will affect the operation of the line.)
        The Contractor shall not remove or trim shade, fruit, or 
    ornamental trees unless so directed by the Owner.
        R1-20. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that width is 20 
    feet (to be measured 10 feet on each side of the pole line).
        R1-30. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that width is 30 
    feet (to be measured 15 feet on each side of the pole line).
        R1-40. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that width is 40 
    feet (to be measured 20 feet on each side of the pole line).
        RC1-10, RC1-20, RC1-30, RC1-40. These units are identical to the 
    respective R1 units except that chemical treatment of stumps is 
    required in addition to the clearing of underbrush, tree removal and 
    tree trimming.
        Additional Requirements (When specifying R1 units denote type of 
    disposal (A or B).)
        A. Trees, brush, branches and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as the Owner will 
    direct (Owner to strike out methods not to be used):
        1. Burned.
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way.
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (describe) ____.
        B. Trees that are felled shall be cut to commercial wood 
    lengths, stacked neatly, and left on the right-of-way for the 
    landowner. Commercial wood length means the length designated by the 
    Owner but in no case shall it be required to be less than ____ 
    (____) feet. Brush, branches, and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as the Owner will 
    direct (Owner to strike out methods not to be used):
        1. Burned.
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way.
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (describe) ____.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    R                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section S--Substation Assembly Units
    
        A substation assembly unit consists of the complete substation 
    ready for connection of the line conductors, as shown on the 
    substation drawings attached.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    S                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section UD--Underground Cable Assembly Units
    
        An underground cable assembly unit consists of 1,000 feet of 
    cable for underground primaries, secondaries or services. It does 
    not include the conduit, plowing, trenching and backfilling, or the 
    termination of the primary cable which are provided for in other 
    assembly units. It includes the termination, connection and sealing 
    of secondary and service cables and conductors as shown in the 
    specifications and construction drawings, and all primary, secondary 
    and service cable splices (buried cable may be spliced only when and 
    where permitted by the Owner).1,2 In computing the compensation 
    to the Contractor for underground cable assembly units, only the 
    distance between stakes, paralleling the cable shall be used. The 
    number of units so computed will include all cable installed in 
    place in all specified trenches, risers, conduits, crossings, 
    manholes, transformers, terminal housings and meter boxes.3) 
    The conductor or cables listed are the manufacturer's designation of 
    types, size, voltage rating and material. The Contractor and the 
    Owner shall jointly perform cable acceptance tests on installed 
    cable in accordance with the specifications using test equipment 
    furnished by the ____. (Owner to insert Owner or Contractor.)
    
        \1\____ Owner check here if primary splices are permitted;
        \2\____ Owner check here if secondary and service splices are 
    permitted.
        \3\____ Owner check here if 12 feet of service conductor is to 
    be left as a coil three feet from the building with ends capped 
    instead of connection to meter box.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    UD                                                                      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section UG--Underground Transformer Assembly Units
    
        An underground transformer assembly unit consists of the 
    transformer, its housing, warning sign, switches, over-current 
    protective devices, grounding loop, and hardware and leads with 
    their connectors and supporting insulators installed in place. This 
    unit includes the cable terminations but does not include lightning 
    arresters, fault indicators, ground rods or trenching. For 
    submersible transformers, it includes the cable terminations, the 
    enclosure and cover, drainable material (when specified4), and 
    the excavation when required. For pad-mount transformers, it does 
    not include the pad, site preparation, drainable material, 
    backfilling or [[Page 10219]] compaction which are included in the 
    pad assembly units.
    
        \4\____ Owner check here if drainable material is specified.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    UG                                                                      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section UK--Underground Secondary and Service Assembly Units
    
        An underground secondary and service assembly unit consists of 
    secondary or service cable terminal housing mounted in place. It 
    includes the power pedestal, stake (when required), mounting 
    hardware, warning sign, directional marker, housing identification 
    marking, and the cable identification tags. It does not include the 
    cable terminations, ground rod, or pad, when required.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    UK                                                                      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section UM--Miscellaneous Underground Assembly Units
    
        A miscellaneous underground assembly unit consists of an 
    additional unit needed in the Project for new construction but not 
    otherwise listed in the Proposal. This section includes the 
    miscellaneous assembly units as shown on the respective underground 
    construction drawings. Where miscellaneous units consist of or 
    include a primary cable termination, the unit includes the 
    preparation of the cable to accommodate the termination, the stress 
    cone and the connection of the cable to the terminal equipment. Pad 
    assembly units are in this section and include the site preparation, 
    bedding, drainable material when specified, cable slot, backfilling, 
    tamping and the pad in place.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    UM                                                                      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section UR--Underground Excavation Assembly Units
    
        UR1-S (D) Plowing Assembly Unit, Soil--Consists of one (1) 
    lineal foot of plowing in soil, measured parallel to the surface of 
    the ground, to a specified depth (D), in inches, including the 
    compacting, except as specifically provided for in other units. This 
    unit includes all material and labor required in the repair and/or 
    replacement of streets, roads, drives, fences, lawns, shrubbery, 
    watermains, pipes, pipelines and contents, underground power and 
    telephone facilities, buried sewerage and drainage facilities, and 
    any other property damaged during the plowing of the cable, except 
    as specifically provided for in other units. This unit does not 
    include underground cable facilities installed in the slot.
    
        Note: Where in the judgment of the Owner greater than normal 
    difficulty will be involved in plowing because of the presence of 
    underground facilities of other utilities, this unit will be 
    suffixed by the letter ``T''. This will be applicable only in those 
    areas predesignated by the Owner on the detail maps herein. All 
    plowing outside of the predesignated area on the map, regardless of 
    the difficulty in placement actually experi- enced, will be 
    inventoried as the regular UR1-S (D) units. If field conditions show 
    the existence of rock to prevent the placing of the cable in soil to 
    the depth required in the specifications the Owner may specify UR2-R 
    units. Where more than one cable is to be installed in the slot, the 
    UR1-S unit designation should be modified by a suffix corresponding 
    to the number of cables installed. For example, UR1-S (D)3c for 3 
    cables plowed at one time.
    
        UR2-S (D&W) Trenching Assembly Unit, Soil--Consists of one (1) 
    lineal foot of trenching in soil, measure parallel to the surface of 
    the ground, to a specified depth (D) and width (W), in inches, 
    including the excavation, and backfilling and compacting. This unit 
    includes all material and labor required in the repair and/or 
    replacement of streets, roads, drives, fences, lawns, shrubbery, 
    watermains, pipes, pipelines and contents, underground power and 
    telephone facilities, buried sewerage and drainage facilities, and 
    any other property damaged by the trenching, except as specifically 
    provided for in other units. This unit does not include underground 
    cable facilities installed in the trench or cable bedding assembly 
    units, when required.
    
        Note: Where in the judgment of the Owner greater than normal 
    difficulty will be involved in trenching because of the presence of 
    underground facilities of other utilities, this unit will be 
    suffixed by the letter ``T''. This will be applicable only in those 
    areas predesignated by the Owner on the detail maps herein. Where 
    more than one cable is to be installed in the trench, the regular 
    UR2-S unit designation should be modified by a suffix corresponding 
    to the construction drawing for the type of cable placement desired.
    
        UR2-R (D&W) Trenching Assembly Unit, Rock--Consists of one (1) 
    lineal foot of trenching in rock, measured parallel to the surface 
    of the ground, to specified depth (D) and width (W), in inches, 
    including the excavation, and backfilling and compacting to place 
    cable to the depth specified in the Specifications. This unit will 
    be specified by the Owner only when field conditions at the site 
    show the existence of rock at a depth preventing the placing of the 
    cable in soil to the depths required in the Specifications. This 
    unit includes all material and labor required in the repair and/or 
    replacement of streets, roads, drives fences, lawns, shrubbery, 
    watermains, pipes, pipelines and contents, underground power and 
    telephone facilities, buried sewerage and drainage facilities, and 
    any other property damaged by the trenching, except as specifically 
    provided for in other units. This unit does not include underground 
    cable facilities installed in the trench or cable bedding assembly 
    units, when required.
        UR-3  Cable Bedding Assembly Unit--Consists of one (1) lineal 
    foot of a two-inch bed of clean and or soil placed in the trench 
    under the cable and a four-inch layer of clean sand or soil backfill 
    over the cable to the width of the trench.
    
        Note: The exact location and number of units shall be determined 
    by the Owner after the trenches are open in those areas where rock 
    or other conditions make special bedding necessary.
    
        UR-4a  Pavement Assembly Unit, Asphalt--Consists of the labor 
    and material necessary to remove and restore one (1) lineal foot of 
    asphalt pavement, measured along the route of the cable, including 
    any trenching necessary to place the cable at the required depth. 
    All work shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of 
    state or local authorities.
        UR-4c  Pavement Assembly Unit, Concrete--Consists of the labor 
    and material necessary to remove and restore one (1) lineal foot of 
    concrete pavement, measured along the route of the cable, including 
    any trenching necessary to place the cable at the required depth. 
    All work shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of 
    state or local authorities.
        UR-5  ( ) Underground Pipe Crossing Assembly Unit--Consists of 
    one (1) lineal foot of steel pipe, of the inside diameter, in 
    inches, specified in the last digit of the assembly unit 
    designation, installed in place. This unit includes the pushing of 
    pipe and any excavation, backfilling and tamping necessary for the 
    installation of the pipe. The pipe will be installed at the depth 
    specified by the Owner. Underground cable installed in the pipe is 
    not included in this unit.
        UR-6  Underground Nonpipe Crossing Assembly Unit--Consists of 
    the labor in providing a hole in soil one (1) foot in length of a 
    diameter sufficient to accommodate the cable to be installed 
    therein. The depth of the hole below the surface of the ground shall 
    be specified by the Owner. This unit includes any excavation, 
    backfilling and tamping necessary for the installation. This unit 
    may be used where the permanent installation of a steel pipe under 
    the UR-5 unit is not required. Underground cable installed in the 
    hole is not included in this unit.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Unit price                          
    Unit No. ---------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor           Materials               Labor & materials    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    UR                                                                      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Construction Units--Line Changes
    
        The general heading of Line Changes applies to the changing of 
    existing lines or portions thereof from their existing phasing, wire 
    size, and type to new phasing, wire size, and type and the removal 
    of existing lines or portions thereof and replacing with new lines 
    in close proximity thereto. In general line changes involve three 
    types of assembly units as follows:
        Section H--Conversion assembly units;
        Section I--Removal assembly units;
        Section N--New construction assembly units on existing lines or 
    in replacing lines. [[Page 10220]] 
        The assembly units that are included in Sections H, I, and N are 
    defined by symbols and descriptions which follow together with the 
    applicable descriptions included under New Construction. Where the 
    descriptions are not correct or sufficiently explicit, or when 
    special units are not covered by Construction Drawings, descriptions 
    have been provided by the Owner in the respective sections.
        Work included in these sections shall be performed under a 
    schedule of deenergization and operating procedures as set forth by 
    the Owner at the time of release of any Section involving work on 
    existing lines. The Contractor will so plan and perform its work 
    that it will be possible to safely reenergize all lines involved at 
    the expiration of the time limits set up in the schedule to resume 
    service to all consumers being served prior to deenergization. Prior 
    to commencement of work each day on lines to be deenergized, and 
    upon completion of work each day on such lines, the Contractor will 
    notify the Owner thereof in writing or in such other manner as the 
    circumstances permit.
    
    Section H--Conversion Assembly Units
    
        Conversion assembly units are pole-top assemblies and cover the 
    furnishing of all labor and additional materials for changing an 
    existing assembly unit to a new assembly unit, utilizing certain 
    items of materials of the existing assembly unit on poles to be left 
    in place. Any materials removed from the existing assembly units 
    which are not required in the construction of the conversion 
    assembly unit are to be reused by the Contractor in the construction 
    of other assembly units, or returned to Owner's warehouse, as 
    directed by the Owner.
        Conversion assembly units are specified by the prefix H with the 
    new construction assembly unit designation shown first and the 
    existing assembly unit designation shown last. For example, an H B1-
    A1 signifies the conversion of an existing A1 assembly unit to a B1 
    assembly unit (as was defined in the description of construction 
    assembly units). In this instance the Contractor utilizes the 
    existing pin-type insulator, single upset bolt and neutral spool and 
    furnishes the additional crossarm, crossarm pins, braces, machine 
    bolt, carriage bolts, lag screw, and insulator required for the new 
    unit. The Contractor transports the pole-top pin and two machine 
    bolts to the warehouse or uses them on the Project as directed by 
    the Owner.
        The Conversion assembly units also include the furnishing of all 
    labor and materials in the transferring, resagging and retying of 
    conductors from one position on the pole to a different position on 
    the pole where such transfers are required. Where replacement of 
    conductor is required, the existing conductor will be removed under 
    Section I and the new conductor installed under Section N.
        Where replacement of a pole is required, the existing pole and 
    pole-top assembly will be removed under Section I and the new pole 
    and pole-top assembly will be installed according to Section N and 
    no H units will be involved.
        Conversion assemblies are listed in three subsections for 
    converting pole-top assemblies from single to V phase, single to 
    three phase, and V to three phase. The following descriptions apply 
    to only those conversion units not sufficiently explicit:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Unit                              Description                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Subsection H (B-A)--1 Phase to V Phase
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Unit price          
                                            --------------------------------
                    Unit No.                                        Labor & 
                                               Labor    Materials  materials
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Subsection H (C-A)--1 Phase to 3 Phase
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Unit price          
                                            --------------------------------
                    Unit No.                                        Labor & 
                                               Labor    Materials  materials
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Subsection H (C-B)--V Phase to 3 Phase
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Unit price          
                                            --------------------------------
                    Unit No.                                        Labor & 
                                               Labor    Materials  materials
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section I--Removal Assembly Units
    
        Removal assembly units cover the furnishing of all labor for the 
    removal of existing units of construction from existing lines, 
    disassembling into material items, and all labor and transportation 
    for the returning of all materials to the warehouse of the Owner in 
    an orderly manner or transporting elsewhere to the site of the 
    Project for reuse in the prosecution of this Contract as directed by 
    the Owner. All materials removed remain the property of the Owner. 
    The provisions for Owner-Furnished materials in the Proposal shall 
    apply if such materials are reused for construction of the Project.
        The unit removal prices shall include all materials and labor 
    required to reinstall in accordance with specifications any 
    conductors temporarily detached. The Contractor will reinstall at 
    his own expense any other units removed by him for his own 
    convenience.
        The removal units are specified by the prefix I and followed by 
    the assembly unit designation of existing assembly unit to be 
    removed. For example, an I-A1 signifies the removal of an A1 
    assembly unit. The following special notes apply to specific removal 
    units:
        a. Poles. All poles of the same height, regardless of pole 
    class, are designated by the same unit. Thus an I-30-foot pole 
    signifies the removal of a 30-foot pole of any class. The Contractor 
    is not required under this unit to remove from the pole any ground 
    wire or pole numbering attached to the pole. This unit includes the 
    refilling and tamping of holes in a workmanlike manner unless they 
    are to be reused.
        b. Pole-top Assemblies. The unit of removal of pole-top 
    assemblies includes, in addition to the removal of the assembly 
    itself, any necessary handling, resagging, and retying of conductors 
    in those cases where an existing pole-top assembly will be removed 
    and replaced by a new pole-top assembly and where any existing 
    conductor is to be reused.
        The unit of removal of pole-top assemblies also includes any 
    holding or handling of mainline or tap conductors at tap lines, 
    angles, and deadends where such is involved, and the reinstalling of 
    such conductor in accordance with the specifications; for example, 
    an I-A5-4 will include the disconnection of the tap conductors, 
    snubbing off the tap line at the nearest practical point and the 
    reconnection and resagging of these tap conductors if necessary to 
    the new tap assembly when installed. The new unit of construction, 
    however, will be specified separately in Section N.
        c. Conductor. The conductor removal unit covers the removal of 
    1,000 feet of conductor or cable and reeling or coiling it in a 
    workmanlike manner in such a way that it can be reused by the 
    Contractor or the Owner. The Owner will furnish to the Contractor 
    reels if it is to be returned to the Owner's warehouse on reels. The 
    removal unit for each size of conductor or cable is shown by the 
    prefix I followed by D and the conductor or cable type; thus an I-D 
    6ACWC signifies the removal unit for 1,000 feet of 6 A Copperweld-
    copper conductor.
        d. Guys. All guys regardless of length, type of attachment, or 
    size of guy strand are specified by the same unit; thus an I-E 
    signifies the removal of any guy.
        e. Anchors. Only anchor rods are to be removed by the Contractor 
    in anchor removal units. The anchors will be left in the ground; 
    thus an I-F signifies the removal of any anchor rod. If the rod 
    cannot be unscrewed, the end of the rod shall either be cut off or 
    bent down so that the rod will be at least 18 inches below ground.
        f. Transformers. The unit for removal of transformer assembly 
    units is divided into two sections, (1) Conventional Transformer 
    Assembly, and (2) Self-protected Transformer Assembly. Only one unit 
    is specified for each type, and all sizes of transformers from 1 to 
    15 kVA within each group will be covered by the same unit. ``Self-
    protected'' refers to transformers where all protective equipment is 
    mounted on or within the transformer. ``Conventional'' refers to 
    transformers where protective equipment is mounted separately from 
    the transformer. The unit is designated by the prefix I followed by 
    the description of the unit to be removed; thus I-G Conventional 
    signifies the removal of a conventional transformer assembly for any 
    size transformer from 1 to 15 kVA.
        g. Secondary Units. The unit for removal of secondary assemblies 
    includes, in addition to the removal of the assembly itself, all 
    necessary handling such as untying, resagging, and retying of 
    secondary conductor or cables where existing secondary conductor or 
    cable is to be reused. In addition, the unit for removal of the 
    secondary assembly includes the handling or holding of any conductor 
    at tap lines where such is involved, and the reinstalling of such 
    tap conductor in accordance with the specifications. [[Page 10221]] 
        h. Service Unit. The unit for removal of service assemblies 
    includes, in addition to the removal of the assembly itself, all 
    necessary handling such as untying, resagging, and retying of 
    service conductor or cable where existing service conductor or cable 
    is to be reused.
        The following descriptions apply only to those removal units not 
    sufficiently explicit:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Unit                              Description                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Unit No.                         Unit labor price                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section N--New Assembly Units
    
        The purpose of this section is to list complete new units of 
    construction where such units are to be added to existing lines or 
    installed in replacing lines.
        The units as covered by this section are the same as the units 
    described in Construction Units--New Construction, except that these 
    units are prefixed by the letter N.
        For example, an N40-6 unit covers the furnishing of all material 
    and labor for the installation of a 40-6 pole either in an existing 
    distribution line being operated by the Owner or in a new line being 
    constructed to replace an existing distribution line being operated 
    by the Owner.
        The following descriptions apply only to those new units not 
    sufficiently explicit:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Unit                              Description                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Unit price          
                                            --------------------------------
                    Unit No.                                        Labor & 
                                               Labor    Materials  materials
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    N                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Acceptance
    
        The undersigned hereby accepts the foregoing Proposal of 
    ________, dated ________, to construct the rural electric Project 
    ________ 19____ Line Extensions.
    
    ________ (Owner)
    By ________ (President)
    ________ Secretary
    ________ Date of Contract
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.343  Distribution line extension construction contract (labor 
    only), RUS Form 792.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Distribution Line Extension Construction Contract (Labor Only)
    
    Proposal
    
    To: ________ (hereinafter called the ``Owner'').
    
    Article I--General
    
        Section 1--Offer to Construct. The undersigned (hereinafter 
    called the ``Contractor'') hereby proposes to construct for the 
    prices hereinafter stated, with materials furnished by the Owner, 
    the rural electric project ________, 19____ Line Extensions 
    (hereinafter called ``Project'') in strict accordance with the 
    Plans, Specifications, and Construction Drawings hereinafter 
    referred to. The Contractor understands and agrees that the Project 
    will consist of line extensions and additions and line changes or 
    similar work usually associated with overhead or underground 
    distribution system improvement or extension work all located within 
    the area served or ultimately to be served by the Owner and that the 
    exact location and scope of individual sections of the Project 
    (hereinafter called ``Sections'') will be made known to the 
    Contractor from time to time as provided in Article II, Section 1 
    hereof; and provided, however, that the Contractor shall not be 
    obligated to start construction of any Section unless the cost of 
    construction of the Section computed on the unit prices of this 
    Proposal shall amount to at least ________ dollars ($________) and 
    provided further that the Owner shall be obligated to release to the 
    Contractor for construction at least one Section pursuant to the 
    provisions of this Proposal.
        Section 2--Additional Projects. From time to time the Owner and 
    the Contractor may enter into negotiations for the performance of 
    work at labor prices which may differ from those in the Proposal 
    (such work being hereinafter called ``Additional Projects''). Except 
    as may otherwise be agreed upon in writing by the Owner and the 
    Contractor at the time the supplemental contract for the Additional 
    Project is negotiated, the provisions of the Contract for the 
    Project shall apply.
        Section 3--Proposal on Unit Basis. The Contractor understands 
    and agrees that the various Construction Units considered in this 
    Proposal are defined by symbols and descriptions in this Proposal, 
    that the Proposal is made on a unit basis, and that the Owner may 
    specify, as provided in Article II, Section 1 hereof, any number or 
    combination of Construction Units which the Owner, may deem 
    necessary for the construction of the Project. If kinds of 
    Construction Units for which prices are not established in this 
    Proposal are necessary for the construction of the Project, the 
    prices of such additional Units shall be as agreed upon in writing 
    by the Owner and the Contractor prior to the time of installation. 
    The unit prices herein set forth are applicable to work performed on 
    unenergized lines. Such unit prices shall be increased by ________ 
    (________) percent for all units installed on energized lines in 
    accordance with instructions of the Owner, as provided in Article 
    II, Section 1g.
        Section 4--Description of Contract. The Specifications and 
    Construction Drawings set forth in: RUS Form 804, Specifications and 
    Drawings for 7.2/12.5 kV Line Construction; RUS Form 803, 
    Specifications and Drawings for 14.4/24.9 kV Line Construction; RUS 
    Form 806, Specifications and Drawings for Underground Electric 
    Distribution; as applicable, which by this reference are 
    incorporated herein, together with the Plans, Proposal and 
    Acceptance constitute the Contract. The Plans, consisting of maps 
    and special drawings, and approved modifications in standard 
    specifications are attached hereto and identified as follows: 
    ________
        Section 5--Familiarity with Conditions. The Contractor 
    acknowledges that it has made a careful examination of the site of 
    the Project and of the Plans, Specifications and Construction 
    Drawings, and has become informed as to the location and nature of 
    the proposed construction, the transportation facilities, the kind 
    and character of soil and terrain to be encountered, the kind of 
    equipment, tools, and other facilities required before and during 
    the construction of the Project and has become acquainted with the 
    availability status of materials to be furnished by the Owner and 
    with the labor conditions which would affect work on the Project.
        Section 6--License. The Contractor warrants that a Contractor's 
    license is ____ is not ____ required, and if required, it possesses 
    Contractor's License No. ________ for the State of ________ in which 
    the Project is located, and said license expires on ________, 
    19____.
        Section 7--Contractor's Resources. The Contractor warrants that 
    it possesses adequate financial resources for the performance of the 
    work covered by this Proposal and that it will provide necessary 
    tools and equipment and a qualified superintendent and other 
    employees.
        Section 8--Changes in Construction. The Contractor agrees to 
    make such changes in construction previously installed in the 
    Project by the Contractor as required by the Owner on the following 
    basis: The cost of labor shall be the reasonable cost thereof as 
    agreed upon by the Contractor and the Owner but in no event shall it 
    exceed two (2) times the labor price quoted in the Proposal for the 
    installation of the unit to be changed. Such compensation shall be 
    in lieu of any other payment for the installation and removal of the 
    original unit but shall not include the cost of the installation, if 
    any, of a new or replacing unit, payment for which shall be made at 
    the unit price as quoted in the Proposal. No payment shall be made 
    to the Contractor for correcting errors or omissions on the part of 
    the Contractor which result in construction not in accordance with 
    the Plans and Specifications.
    
    Article II--Construction
    
        Section 1--Time and Manner of Work. The Contractor agrees to be 
    prepared to commence the construction of the Project within fifteen 
    (15) calendar days after written notice by the Owner of acceptance 
    of the Proposal. The Contractor agrees to commence construction of a 
    Section within ________ (________) days after receipt in writing 
    from the Owner of the following:
        a. Location and number of the various Construction Units 
    required for construction of the Section (hereinafter called the 
    ``Staking Sheets'').
        b. Itemized list of the materials required for the construction 
    of the Section and an authorization by the Owner for the Contractor 
    to obtain such materials from the Owner's warehouse located at ____.
        c. A schedule showing the rate at which construction of the 
    Section shall proceed and [[Page 10222]] the total number of 
    calendar days (excluding Sundays) to be allowed for completion; 
    provided, however, that the required completion time for any Section 
    shall not be less than ________ (________) days or ________ 
    (________) days per mile of line, whichever is the greater, which 
    days shall be calendar days (excluding Sundays). The time of the 
    completion of the Section is of the essence of the contract to be 
    effected by acceptance of this Proposal.
        d. A statement that all required easements and rights-of-way 
    have been obtained from the owners of the properties across which 
    the Section is to be constructed (including tenants who may 
    reasonably be expected to object to such construction).
        e. A statement that all necessary staking has been completed.
        f. A statement that all necessary funds for prompt payment for 
    the construction of the Section will be available.
        g. Specific instruction as to location and extent of work to be 
    performed on energized lines, if any. The Contractor will not be 
    required to dig holes, set poles, install anchors, install 
    underground conduit, perform any plowing for the installation of 
    underground cable, or dig trenches if there are more than six (6) 
    inches of frost in the ground nor to perform any construction on 
    such days when in the judgment of the Owner snow, rain, or wind or 
    the results of snow, rain, or frost make it impracticable to perform 
    any operations of construction; provided further that the contractor 
    will not perform any plowing for the installation of underground 
    cable on public roads or highways if there are more than two (2) 
    inches of frost in the ground. To the extent of the time lost due to 
    the conditions described herein and approved in writing by the 
    Owner, the time of completion set out above will be extended. The 
    time for completion shall be extended for a period of any reasonable 
    delay (other than a delay resulting from the failure of the 
    Contractor to secure sufficient labor) which is due exclusively to 
    causes beyond the control and without the fault of the Contractor 
    including acts of God, fires, floods, inability to obtain materials, 
    direction of the Owner to cease construction as herein provided, and 
    acts or omissions of the Owner with respect to matters for which the 
    Owner is solely responsible: Provided, however, that no such 
    extension of time for completion shall be granted the Contractor 
    unless within ten (10) days after the happening of any event relied 
    upon by the Contractor for such an extension of time the Contractor 
    shall have made a written request therefor in writing to the Owner, 
    and provided further that no delay in such time of completion or in 
    the progress of the work which results from any of the above causes, 
    except acts or omissions of the Owner, shall result in any liability 
    on the part of the Owner.
        Section 2--Changes in Plans, Specifications and Drawings. The 
    Owner may, from time to time during the progress of the construction 
    of the Project, make such changes in, additions to, or subtractions 
    from the Plans, Specifications, and Construction Drawings as 
    conditions may warrant: Provided, however, that if the cost to the 
    Contractor shall be materially increased by any such change or 
    addition, the Owner shall pay the Contractor for the reasonable cost 
    thereof in accordance with a construction contract amendment signed 
    by the Owner and the Contractor, but no claim for additional 
    compensation for any such change or addition will be considered 
    unless the Contractor shall have made a written request therefor to 
    the Owner prior to the commencement of work in connection with such 
    change or addition.
        Section 3--Supervision and Inspection. a. The Contractor shall 
    cause the construction work on the Project to receive constant 
    supervision by a competent superintendent (hereinafter called the 
    ``Superintendent'') who shall be present at all times during working 
    hours where construction is being carried on. The Contractor shall 
    also employ, in connection with the construction of the Project, 
    capable, experienced, and reliable foremen and such skilled workmen 
    as may be required for the various classes of work to be performed. 
    Directions and instructions given to the Superintendent by the Owner 
    shall be binding upon the Contractor.
        b. The Owner reserves the right to require the removal from the 
    Project of any employee of the Contractor if in the judgment of the 
    Owner such removal shall be necessary in order to protect the 
    interest of the Owner. The Owner shall have the right to require the 
    Contractor to increase the number of his employees and to increase 
    or change the amount or kind of tools and equipment if at any time 
    the progress of the work shall be unsatisfactory to the Owner; but 
    the failure of the Owner to give any such directions shall not 
    relieve the Contractor of his obligations to complete the work 
    within the time and in the manner specified in this Proposal.
        c. The manner of performance of the work, and all equipment used 
    therein, shall be subject to the inspection, tests, and approval of 
    the Owner. The Owner shall have the right to inspect all payrolls 
    and other data and records of the Contractor relevant to the work. 
    The Contractor will provide all reasonable facilities necessary for 
    such inspection and tests. The Contractor shall have an authorized 
    agent accompany the inspector when final inspection is made and, if 
    requested by the Owner, when any other inspection is made.
        d. In the event that the Owner shall determine that the 
    construction contains or may contain numerous defects, it shall be 
    the duty of the Contractor, if requested by the Owner, to have an 
    inspection made by an engineer approved by the Owner for the purpose 
    of determining the exact nature, extent, and location of such 
    defects.
        Section 4--Defective Workmanship. The acceptance of any 
    workmanship by the Owner shall not preclude the subsequent rejection 
    thereof if such workmanship shall be found to be defective after 
    installation, and any such workmanship found defective before final 
    acceptance of the work or within one (1) year after completion shall 
    be remedied or replaced, as the case may be, by and at the expense 
    of the Contractor. In the event of failure by the Contractor so to 
    do, the Owner may remedy such defective workmanship and in such 
    event the Contractor shall pay to the Owner the cost and expense 
    thereof. The Contractor shall not be entitled to any payment 
    hereunder so long as any defective workmanship, in respect of the 
    Project, of which the Contractor shall have had notice, shall not 
    have been remedied or replaced, as the case may be.
        Section 5--Materials. At or prior to the commencement of 
    construction of each Section, the Owner shall make available to the 
    Contractor all materials for such Section which the Owner has on 
    hand, and from time to time as such additional deliveries of 
    materials, if any, are received by the Owner, the Owner shall make 
    such materials available to the Contractor: Provided, however, that 
    the Contractor or his authorized representative will give to the 
    Owner a receipt in such form as the Owner shall approve for all 
    materials furnished by the Owner to the Contractor. The Contractor 
    will return to the Owner or reuse in the construction of other 
    assembly units all materials removed from the lines under Section 
    H--Conversion Assembly Units and Section I--Removal Assembly Units. 
    Upon completion of each Section of the Project the Contractor will 
    return to the Owner all materials, including usable materials as 
    well as scrap, furnished by the Owner in excess of those required 
    for the construction of the Section as determined from the Final 
    Inventory approved by the Owner. The Contractor will reimburse the 
    Owner at the current invoice cost to the Owner for loss and for 
    breakage through Contractor's negligence of materials furnished by 
    the Owner to the Contractor and for materials removed from the lines 
    by the Contractor.
        Section 6--Term of Contract. It is understood and agreed that, 
    notwithstanding any other provisions of this Contract, the 
    Contractor will not be required to commence any construction after 
    the expiration of 1 year ________, 2 years ________ following 
    acceptance of this Proposal by the Owner.
    
    Article III--Payment
    
        Section 1--Payments to Contractor. a. Within the first fifteen 
    (15) days of each calendar month, the Owner shall make partial 
    payment to the Contractor for construction accomplished during the 
    preceding calendar month on the basis of completed Construction 
    Units furnished and certified to by the Contractor and approved by 
    the Owner solely for the purpose of payment: Provided, however, that 
    such approval by the Owner shall not be deemed approval of the 
    workmanship or materials. Only ninety percent (90%) of each such 
    estimate approved during the construction of a Section shall be paid 
    by the Owner to the Contractor prior to completion of the Section. 
    Upon completion by the Contractor of the construction of a Section, 
    the Contractor will prepare a Final Inventory of the Section showing 
    the total number and character of Construction Units and, will 
    certify it to the Owner together with a certificate of the total 
    cost of the construction performed. Upon the approval of such 
    certificates, the Owner shall make payment to the Contractor of all 
    amounts to which the Contractor shall be entitled thereunder which 
    shall not have been paid. [[Page 10223]] 
        b. The Contractor shall be paid on the basis of the number of 
    Construction Units actually installed at the direction of the Owner, 
    as shown by the Inventory based on the Staking Sheets: Provided, 
    however, that the total cost shall not exceed the maximum Contract 
    price for the construction of the Project, unless such excess shall 
    have been approved in writing by the Owner. It is understood and 
    agreed that this maximum Contract price is ________ dollars 
    ($________). It is also agreed that the Contractor shall not be 
    entitled to any claim for damages on account of any reasonable 
    additions to or subtractions from the Project, or of any delay 
    occasioned thereby, or of any changes in the routing of the lines.
        c. No payment shall be due while the Contractor is in default in 
    respect of any of the provisions of this Contract and the Owner may 
    withhold from the Contractor the amount of any claim by a third 
    party against either the Contractor or the Owner based upon an 
    alleged failure of the Contractor to perform the work hereunder in 
    accordance with the provisions of this Contract.
        Section 2--Certificate of Contractor and Indemnity Agreement--
    Line Extensions. Upon the Completion of Construction of any Section 
    of the Project but prior to payment to the Contractor of any amount 
    in excess of ninety percent (90%) of the total cost of all 
    Construction Units comprising the completed Section, the Contractor 
    shall deliver to the Owner in the form attached hereto, (1) a 
    certificate that all persons who have furnished labor in connection 
    with the Project and subcontractors who have furnished services for 
    the Project have been paid in full, and (2) an agreement to hold the 
    Owner harmless against any liens arising out of the Contractor's 
    performance hereunder which may have been or may be filed against 
    the Owner.
    
    Article IV--Particular Undertakings of the Contractor
    
        Section 1. Protection to Persons and Property. The Contractor 
    shall at all times take all reasonable precautions for the safety of 
    employees on the work and of the public, and shall comply with all 
    applicable provisions of Federal, State, and Municipal safety laws 
    and building and construction codes, as well as the safety rules and 
    regulations of the Owner. All machinery and equipment and other 
    physical hazards shall be guarded in accordance with the ``Manual of 
    Accident Prevention in Construction'' of the Associated General 
    Contractors of America unless such instructions are incompatible 
    with Federal, State, or Municipal laws or regulations.
        The following provisions shall not limit the generality of the 
    above requirements:
        a. The Contractor shall at no time and under no circumstances 
    cause or permit any employee of the Contractor to perform any work 
    upon energized lines, or upon poles carrying energized lines, unless 
    otherwise specified in accordance with Article II, Section 1, 
    subsection g.
        b. The Contractor shall so conduct the construction of the 
    Project as to cause the least possible obstruction of public 
    highways.
        c. The Contractor shall provide and maintain all such guard 
    lights and other protection for the public as may be required by 
    applicable statutes, ordinances, and regulations or by local 
    conditions.
        d. The Contractor shall do all things necessary or expedient to 
    protect properly any and all parallel, converging, and intersecting 
    lines, joint line poles, highways, and any and all property of 
    others from damage, and in the event that any such parallel, 
    converging and intersecting lines, joint line poles, highways, or 
    other property are damaged in the course of the construction of the 
    Project the Contractor shall at its own expense restore any or all 
    of such damaged property immediately to as good a state as before 
    such damage occurred.
        e. Where the right-of-way of the Project traverses cultivated 
    lands, the Contractor shall limit the movement of his crews and 
    equipment so as to cause as little damage as possible to crops, 
    orchards, or property and shall endeavor to avoid marring the lands. 
    All fences which are necessarily opened or moved during the 
    construction of the Project shall be replaced in as good condition 
    as they were found and precautions shall be taken to prevent the 
    escape of livestock. Except as otherwise provided in the 
    descriptions of underground plowing and trenching assembly units, 
    the Contractor shall not be responsible for loss of or damage to 
    crops, orchards, or property (other than livestock) on the right-of-
    way necessarily incident to the construction of the Project and not 
    caused by negligence or inefficient operation of the Contractor. The 
    Contractor shall be responsible for all other loss of or damage to 
    crops, orchards, or property, whether on or off the right-of-way, 
    and for all loss of or damage to livestock caused by the 
    construction of the Project.
        f. The Project, from the commencement of work to completion, or 
    to such earlier date or dates when the Owner may take possession and 
    control in whole or in part as hereinafter provided shall be under 
    the charge and control of the Contractor and during such period of 
    control by the Contractor all risks in connection with the 
    construction of the Project and the materials to be used therein 
    shall be borne by the Contractor. The Contractor shall make good and 
    fully repair all injuries and damages to the Project or any portion 
    thereof under the control of the Contractor by reason of any act of 
    God or other casualty or cause whether or not the same shall have 
    occurred by reason of the Contractor's negligence.
        (i) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Contractor shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Contractor's employees) and loss, damage to or 
    destruction of Owner's property or the property of any other person 
    or entity (including but not limited to Contractor's property) in 
    any manner arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the 
    materials or equipment supplied or services performed by Contractor, 
    its subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein 
    shall be construed as making Contractor liable for any injury, 
    death, loss, damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of 
    Owner.
        (ii) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Contractor shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all liens and claims filed or asserted 
    against Owner, its directors, officers, and employees, or Owner's 
    property or facilities, for services performed or materials or 
    equipment furnished by Contractor, its subcontractors and suppliers 
    of any tier, and from all losses, demands, and causes of action 
    arising out of any such lien or claim. Contractor shall promptly 
    discharge or remove any such lien or claim by bonding, payment, or 
    otherwise and shall notify Owner promptly when it has done so. If 
    Contractor does not cause such lien or claim to be discharged or 
    released by payment, bonding, or otherwise, Owner shall have the 
    right (but shall not be obligated) to pay all sums necessary to 
    obtain any such discharge or release and to deduct all amounts so 
    paid from the amount due Contractor.
        (iii) Contractor shall provide to Owner's satisfaction evidence 
    of Contractor's ability to comply with the indemnification 
    provisions of subparagraphs i and ii above, which evidence may 
    include but may not be limited to a bond or liability insurance 
    policy obtained for this purpose through a licensed surety or 
    insurance company.
        g. Any and all excess earth, rock, debris, underbrush, and other 
    useless material shall be removed by the Contractor from the site of 
    the Project as rapidly as practicable as the work progresses.
        h. Upon violation by the Contractor of any provisions of this 
    section, after written notice of such violation given to the 
    Contractor by the Owner, the Contractor shall immediately correct 
    such violation. Upon failure of the Contractor so to do the Owner 
    may correct such violation at the Contractor's expense.
        i. The Contractor shall submit to the Owner monthly reports in 
    duplicate of all accidents, giving such data as may be prescribed by 
    the Owner.
        j. The Contractor shall not proceed with the cutting of trees or 
    clearing of right-of-way without written notification from the Owner 
    that proper authorization has been received from the owner of the 
    property, and the Contractor shall promptly notify the Owner 
    whenever any landowner objects to the trimming or felling of any 
    trees or the performance of any other work on his land in connection 
    with the Project and shall obtain the consent in writing of the 
    Owner before proceeding in any such case.
        Section 2--Insurance. The Bidder shall take out and maintain 
    throughout the period of this Agreement the following types and 
    minimum amounts of insurance:
        a. Workers' compensation and employer's liability insurance, as 
    required by law, covering all their employees who perform any of the 
    obligations of the contractor, engineer, and architect under the 
    contract. If any employer or employee is not subject to workers' 
    compensation laws of the governing state, then insurance shall be 
    obtained voluntarily to extend to the employer and employee coverage 
    to the same extent as [[Page 10224]] though the employer or employee 
    were subject to the workers' compensation laws.
        b. Public liability insurance covering all operations under the 
    contract shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less 
    than $1 million each occurrence, limits for property damage of not 
    less than $1 million each occurrence, and $1 million aggregate for 
    accidents during the policy period. A single limit of $1 million of 
    bodily injury and property damage is acceptable. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        c. Automobile liability insurance on all motor vehicles used in 
    connection with the contract, whether owned, nonowned, or hired, 
    shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1 
    million each occurrence, and property damage limits of $1 million 
    for each occurrence. This required insurance may be in a policy or 
    policies or insurance, primary and excess including the umbrella or 
    catastrophe form. The Owner shall have the right at any time to 
    require public liability insurance and property damage liability 
    insurance greater than those required in subsection ``b'' and ``c'' 
    of this Section. In any such event, the additional premium or 
    premiums payable solely as the result of such additional insurance 
    shall be added to the Contract price.
         The Owner shall be named as Additional Insured on all policies 
    of insurance required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of this 
    Section.
        The policies of insurance shall be in such form and issued by 
    such insurer as shall be satisfactory to the Owner. The Bidder shall 
    furnish the Owner a certificate evidencing compliance with the 
    foregoing requirements which shall provide not less than (30) days 
    prior written notice to the Owner of any cancellation or material 
    change in the insurance.
        Section 3--Bond. If the estimated cost of the construction of a 
    Section shall exceed $100,000, the Contractor agrees to furnish 
    prior to the commencement of such construction, a bond in the penal 
    sum not less than the estimated cost of such Section in the form 
    attached hereto with a Surety or Sureties listed by the United 
    States Treasury Department as acceptable sureties. In the event that 
    the Surety or Sureties on the performance bond delivered to the 
    Owner shall at any time become unsatisfactory to the Owner, the 
    Contractor agrees to deliver to the Owner another or an additional 
    bond.
        Section 4--Delivery of Possession and Control to the Owner. Upon 
    written request of the Owner, the Contractor will deliver to the 
    Owner full possession and control of any portion of the Project 
    provided the Contractor shall have been paid at least ninety percent 
    (90%) of the cost of construction of such portion. Upon such 
    delivery of possession and control to the Owner, the risks and 
    obligations of the Contractor as set forth in Section 1f of this 
    Article IV with respect to such portion so delivered to the Owner, 
    shall be terminated; Provided, however, that nothing herein 
    contained shall relieve the Contractor of any liability with respect 
    to defective workmanship as specified in Article 11, Section 4.
    
    Article V--Remedies
    
        Section 1--Completion on Contractor's Default. If default shall 
    be made by the Contractor or by any subcontractor in the performance 
    of any of the terms of this Proposal, the Owner, without in any 
    manner limiting its legal and equitable remedies in the 
    circumstances, may serve upon the Contractor and the Surety, if any, 
    a written notice requiring the Contractor to cause such default to 
    be corrected forthwith. Unless within twenty (20) days after the 
    service of such notice upon the Contractor and the Surety, If any, 
    such default shall be corrected or arrangements for the correction 
    thereof satisfactory to the Owner shall be made, the Owner may take 
    over the construction of the Project and prosecute the same to 
    completion by contract or otherwise for the account and at the 
    expense of the Contractor, and the Contractor shall be liable to the 
    Owner for any cost or expense in excess of the Contract price 
    occasioned thereby. In such event the Owner may take possession of 
    and utilize, in completing the construction of the Project, any 
    materials, tools, supplies, equipment, appliance, and plant 
    belonging to the Contractor or any of its subcontractors, which may 
    be situated at the site of the Project. The Owner in such 
    contingency may exercise any rights, claims, or demands which the 
    Contractor may have against third persons in connection with this 
    Proposal and for such purpose the Contractor does hereby assign, 
    transfer, and set over unto the Owner all such rights, claims, and 
    demands.
    
    Article VI--Miscellaneous
    
        Section 1--Patent Infringement. The Contractor will save 
    harmless and indemnify the Owner from any and all claims, suits, and 
    proceedings for the infringement of any patent or patents covering 
    any equipment used in the work.
        Section 2--Permits for Explosives. All permits necessary for the 
    handling or use of dynamite or other explosives in connection with 
    the construction of the Project shall be obtained by and at the 
    expense of the Contractor.
        Section 3--Compliance with Statutes and Regulations. The 
    Contractor will comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, 
    rules, and regulations pertaining to the work. The Contractor 
    acknowledges that it is familiar with the Rural Electrification Act 
    of 1936, as amended, the so-called ``Kick-Back'' Statute (48 Stat. 
    948), and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and 18 U.S.C. 
    Secs. 287,1001, as amended. The Contractor understands that the 
    obligations of the parties hereunder are subject to the applicable 
    regulations and orders of Governmental agencies having jurisdiction 
    in the premises.
        Section 4--Equal Opportunity Provisions. a. Contractor's 
    Representations.
        The Contractor represents that:
        It has ____, does not have ____, 100 or more employees, and if 
    it has, that it has ____, has not ____, furnished the Equal 
    Employment Opportunity--Employers Information Report EEO-1, Standard 
    Form 100, required of employers with 100 or more employees pursuant 
    to Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 
    1964.
        The Contractor agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award of 
    any subcontract for more than $10,000 hereunder to a subcontractor 
    with 100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the proposed 
    subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a current 
    report on Standard Form 100. The Contractor agrees that if it has 
    100 or more employees and has not submitted a report on Standard 
    Form 100 for the current reporting year and that if this Contract 
    will amount to more than $10,000, the Contractor will file such 
    report, as required by law, and notify the Owner in writing of such 
    filing prior to the Owner's acceptance of this Proposal.
        b. Equal Opportunity Clause. During the performance of this 
    Contract, the Contractor agrees as follows:
        (1) The Contractor will not discriminate against any employee or 
    applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or 
    national origin. The Contractor will take affirmative action to 
    ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated 
    during employment without regard to their race, color, religion, 
    sex, or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be 
    limited to, the following: Employment, upgrading, demotion or 
    transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or 
    termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and 
    selection for training, including apprenticeship. The Contractor 
    agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and 
    applicants for employment, notices to be provided setting forth the 
    provisions of this Equal Opportunity Clause.
        (2) The Contractor will, in all solicitations or advertisements 
    for employees placed by or on behalf of the Contractor, state that 
    all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
        (3) The Contractor will send to each labor union or 
    representative of workers, with which it has a collective bargaining 
    agreement or other contract or understanding, a notice to be 
    provided advising the said labor union or workers' representatives 
    of the Contractor's commitments under this section, and shall post 
    copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees 
    and applicants for employment.
        (4) The Contractor will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations, 
    and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Contractor will furnish all information and reports 
    required by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by 
    rules, regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or 
    pursuant thereto, and will permit access to its books, records, and 
    accounts by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for 
    purposes of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations, and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Contractor's noncompliance with the 
    Equal Opportunity Clause of this Contract or with any of the said 
    rules, regulations, or orders, this Contract may be cancelled, 
    terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the Contractor may 
    be declared ineligible for further Government 
    [[Page 10225]] contracts or federally assisted construction 
    contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other sanctions may be 
    imposed and remedies invoked as provided in Executive Order 11246 of 
    September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation, or order of the 
    Secretary of Labor, or as provided by law.
        (7) The Contractor will include this Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by the rules, 
    regulations, or order of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to 
    Section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, so that 
    such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. 
    The Contractor will take such action with respect to any subcontract 
    or purchase order as the administering agency may direct as a means 
    of enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance: 
    Provided, however, That in the event a Contractor becomes involved 
    in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor 
    as a result of such direction by the administering agency, the 
    Contractor may request the United States to enter into such 
    litigation to protect the interests of the United States.
        c. Certificate of Nonsegregated Facilities. The Contractor 
    certifies that it does not maintain or provide for its employees any 
    segregated facilities at any of its establishments, and that it does 
    not permit its employees to perform their services at any location, 
    under its control, where segregated facilities are maintained. The 
    Contractor certifies further that it will not maintain or provide 
    for its employees any segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it will not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Contractor agrees that a breach of 
    this certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    this Contract. As used in this certification, the term ``segregated 
    facilities'' means any waiting rooms, work areas, restrooms and 
    washrooms, restaurants and other eating areas, timeclocks, locker 
    rooms and other storage or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking 
    fountains, recreation or entertainment areas, transportation, and 
    housing facilities provided for employees which are segregated by 
    explicit directive or are in fact segregated on the basis of race, 
    color, religion, or national origin, because of habit, local custom, 
    or otherwise. The Contractor agrees that (except where it has 
    obtained identical certifications from proposed subcontractors for 
    specific time periods) it will obtain identical certifications from 
    proposed subcontractors prior to the award of subcontracts exceeding 
    $10,000 which are not exempt from the provisions of the Equal 
    Opportunity Clause, and that it will retain such certifications in 
    its files.
        Section 5--Franchises and Rights-of-way. The Contractor will be 
    under no obligation to obtain or assist in obtaining any franchises, 
    authorizations, permits, or approvals required to be obtained by the 
    Owner from Federal, State, County, Municipal or other authority; any 
    rights-of-way over private lands or any agreements between the Owner 
    and third parties with respect to the joint use of poles, crossing 
    or any other matter incident to the construction and operation of 
    the Project.
        Section 6--Nonassignment of Contract. The Contractor will not 
    assign the Contract effected by an acceptance of this Proposal or 
    any part thereof or enter into any contract with any person, firm or 
    corporation for the performance of the Contractor's obligations 
    thereunder, or any part thereof, without the approval in writing of 
    the Owner.
        Section 7--Definitions.
        a. The term ``Owner'' shall also include an engineer employed by 
    the Owner, or a firm or engineer retained by the Owner, and 
    designated by the Owner to act in that capacity. The Contractor will 
    be notified in writing by the Owner of those designated to act for 
    the Owner at the time of acceptance of this Proposal.
        b. The term ``Completion of Construction'' shall mean full 
    performance by the Contractor of the Contractor's obligations under 
    the contract and all amendments and revisions thereof relating to 
    any Section of the Project or to the Project except the Contractor's 
    obligations in respect of (i) Certificate of Contractor and 
    Indemnity Agreement--Line Extensions under Article III, Section 2 
    hereof and (ii) the Final Inventory referred to in Article III, 
    Section 1a hereof.
        c. The term ``Completion'' shall mean full performance by the 
    Contractor of the Contractor's obligations under the Contract and 
    all amendments and revisions thereof relating to any Section of the 
    Project or to the Project.
        Section 8--Extension to Successors and Assigns. Each and all of 
    the covenants and agreements contained in the Contract effected by 
    the acceptance of the Proposal shall extend to and be binding upon 
    the successors and assigns of the parties thereto.
    
    ________ (Contractor)
    By ________ (President)
    ________ (Address)
    Attest: ________ (Secretary)
    ________ Date of Proposal
    
        This Proposal must be signed with the full name of the 
    Contractor. If the Contractor is a partnership, the Proposal must be 
    signed in the partnership name by a partner. If the Contractor is a 
    corporation, the Proposal must be signed in the corporate name by a 
    duly authorized officer and the corporate seal affixed and attested 
    by the Secretary of the Corporation.
    
    Construction Units--New Construction
    
    Section 1--Pole Units
    
        A pole unit consists of the installation of one pole. The first 
    two digits indicate the length of the pole; the third digit shows 
    the classification per A.S.A. (Example: 25-6 means a pole 25 feet 
    long, class 6.)
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Pole Top Assembly Units
    
        A pole top assembly unit consists of the installation of the 
    hardware, crossarms and their appurtenances, insulators, etc., 
    except tie wire, required to support the primary conductors.
    
    Section A--1 Phase
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section B--V Phase
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section C--3 Phase
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section D--Conductor
    
        A conductor assembly unit consists of the installation of 1,000 
    feet of conductor or cable for primaries, secondaries or services. 
    Tree trimming necessary for installing services and secondaries on 
    poles not carrying primary line is included with the conductor 
    assembly unit and shall be performed in accordance with the 
    directions of the Owner. The service shall be connected to the 
    secondary or transformer and 2 feet of conductor or cable shall be 
    left for connecting to the consumer's service entrance. In computing 
    the compensation to the Contractor for conductor assembly units only 
    the horizontal distance between conductor supports or pole stales 
    shall be used. The conductor or cable sizes and types listed are the 
    manufacturer's designation.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section E--Guy Assembly Units
    
        A guy assembly unit consists of the installation of the hardware 
    and wire, and guy insulator where necessary. An overhead guy 
    assembly unit does not include the associated pole and down guy, 
    each of which is listed separately. Guy guards are designated 
    separately.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section F--Anchor Assembly Units
    
        An anchor assembly unit consists of the installation of an 
    anchor with rod complete, ready for attaching the guy wire.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section G--Transformer Assembly Units
    
        A transformer assembly unit consists of the installation of the 
    transformer, its protective equipment and its hardware and leads 
    with their connectors and supporting insulators and pins. This unit 
    does not include the installation of the pole top, secondary, 
    service, or grounding assemblies.
    
                                                                            
    [[Page 10226]]                                                          
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section J--Secondary Assembly Units
    
        A secondary assembly unit consists of the installation of the 
    hardware, insulators, etc., to support the secondary conductor or 
    cable. It does not include the installation of the secondary 
    conductor or cable, or of any hardware, insulators, etc., required 
    to support service conductors or cable.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section K--Service Assembly Units
    
        A service assembly unit consists of the installation of the 
    hardware, insulators, etc. to support the service conductors or 
    cable. It does not include the installation of the service conductor 
    or cable, or of any hardware, insulators etc. required to support 
    secondary conductors or cable.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section M--Miscellaneous Assembly Units
    
        A miscellaneous assembly unit consists of the installation of an 
    additional unit needed in the Project for new line construction but 
    not otherwise listed in the Proposal. This section includes the 
    installation of grounding assemblies, fuse cutouts, reclosers, 
    sectionalizers, switches, capacitors, regulators, metering and other 
    assembly units.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section R--Right-of-Way Clearing Units
    
        R1-10. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and 10 feet in width (to 
    be measured on one side of the pole line) of actual clearing of 
    right-of-way. This includes clearing of underbrush, tree removal, 
    and such tree trimming as is required so that the right-of-way, 
    except for tree stumps which shall not exceed ____ in height, shall 
    be clear from the ground up on one side of the line of poles 
    carrying primary conductors.
        This unit does not include clearing or trimming associated with 
    secondaries or services which is included with conductor units. The 
    length of actual clearing shall be measured in a straight line 
    parallel to the horizontal line between stakes and across the 
    maximum dimension of foliage cleared projected to the ground line. 
    All trees and underbrush across the width of the right-of-ways as 
    designated by the Owner shall be considered to be grouped together 
    as a single length in measuring the total length of clearing. Spaces 
    along the right-of-way in which no trees are to be removed or 
    trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the total 
    measurement. All length thus arrived at, added together and divided 
    by 1,000, shall give the number of 1,000-foot R1-10 units of 
    clearing. This unit includes the removal or topping, at the option 
    of the Contractor, of danger trees outside of the right-of-way when 
    so designated by the Owner. (Danger trees are defined as dead or 
    leaning trees which, in falling, will affect the operation of the 
    line.)
        The Contractor shall not remove or trim shade, fruit, or 
    ornamental trees unless so directed by the Owner.
        R1-20. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that width is 20 
    feet (to be measured 10 feet on each side of the pole line).
        R1-30. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that width is 30 
    feet (to be measured 15 feet on each side of the pole line).
        R1-40. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that width is 40 
    feet (to be measured 20 feet on each side of the pole line).
        RC1-10, RC1-20, RC1-30, RC1-40. These units are identical to the 
    respective R1 units except that chemical treatment of stumps is 
    required in addition to the clearing of underbrush, tree removal and 
    tree trimming.
        Additional Requirements (When specifying R1 units denote type of 
    disposal (A or B).)
        A. Trees, brush, branches and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as the Owner will 
    direct (Owner to strike out methods not to be used):
        1. Burned.
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way.
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (describe) ____.
        B. Trees that are felled shall be cut to commercial wood 
    lengths, stacked neatly, and left on the right-of-way for the 
    landowner. Commercial wood length means the length designated by the 
    Owner but in no case shall it be required to be less than ____ 
    (____) feet. Brush, branches, and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as the Owner will 
    direct (Owner to strike out methods not to be used):
        1. Burned.
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way.
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (describe)____.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section S--Substation Assembly Units
    
        A substation assembly unit consists of the complete substation 
    ready for connection of the line conductors, as shown on the 
    substation drawings attached.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section UD--Underground Cable Assembly Units
    
        An underground cable assembly unit consists of the installation 
    of 1,000 feet of cable for underground primaries, secondaries or 
    services. It does not include the plowing, trenching and 
    backfilling, or the termination of the primary cable which are 
    provided for in other assembly units. It includes the labor for the 
    termination, connection and sealing of secondary and service cables 
    and conductors as shown in the specifications and construction 
    drawings, and the labor for making all primary, secondary and 
    service cable splices (buried cable may be spliced only when and 
    where permitted by the Owner1,2.) In computing the compensation 
    to the Contractor for underground cable assembly units, only the 
    distance between stakes, paralleling the cable shall be used. The 
    number of units so computed includes all installation of cable in 
    all specified trenches, risers, conduits, crossings, manholes, 
    transformers, terminal housings and meter boxes 3. The 
    conductor or cables listed are the manufacturer's designation of 
    types, size, voltage rating and material. The Contractor and the 
    Owner shall jointly perform cable acceptance tests on installed 
    cable in accordance with the specifications using test equipment 
    furnished by the ____ (Owner to insert Owner or Contractor).
    
        \1\ ____ Owner check here if primary splices are permitted.
        2 ____ Owner check here if secondary and service splices 
    are permitted.
        \3\ ____ Owner check here if 12 feet of service conductor is to 
    be left as a coil 3 feet from the building with ends capped instead 
    of connection to meter box.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section UG--Underground Transformer Assembly Units
    
        An underground transformer assembly unit consists of the 
    installation of the transformer, its housing, warning sign, 
    switches, over-current protective devices, grounding loop, and its 
    hardware and leads with their connectors and supporting insulators. 
    This unit also includes the installation of primary cable 
    terminations but not of lightning arresters, fault indicators or 
    ground rods, nor does it include any trenching. For pad-mount 
    transformers, it does not include installation of the pad, drainable 
    material, backfilling, compaction, or site preparation which are 
    included in the pad assembly units. For submersible transformers it 
    includes the installation of cable terminations, of the enclosure 
    and cover, of drainable material (when specified4) and the 
    excavation.
    
        \4\____ Owner check here if drainable material is specified.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section UK--Underground Secondary and Service Assembly Units
    
        An underground secondary and service assembly unit consists of 
    the installation of the secondary or service cable terminal housing. 
    It includes the installation of the power pedestal, stake (when 
    required), mounting hardware, warning sign, directional marker, 
    housing identification marking, and the cable identification tags. 
    It does not include the installation of the cable terminations, 
    ground rod, or pad, when required.
    
                                                                            
    [[Page 10227]]                                                          
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section UM--Miscellaneous Underground Assembly Units
    
        A miscellaneous underground assembly unit consists of the 
    installation of an additional unit needed in the Project for new 
    construction, but not otherwise listed in the Proposal. This section 
    includes the installation of the miscellaneous assembly units as 
    shown on the respective underground construction drawings. Where 
    miscellaneous units consist of or include the installation of a 
    primary cable termination, the unit includes the preparation of the 
    cable to accommodate the termination, the installation of the stress 
    cone, and the connection of the cable to the terminal equipment. Pad 
    assembly units are in this section and include the installation of 
    the bedding, drainable material (when specified), cable slot, and 
    site preparation, backfilling and tamping.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section UR--Underground Excavation Assembly Units
    
        UR1-S  (D) Plowing Assembly Unit, Soil--Consists of one (1) 
    lineal foot of plowing in soil, measured parallel to the surface of 
    the ground, to a specified depth (D), in inches, including the 
    compacting, except as specifically provided for in other units. This 
    unit includes all labor required in the repair and/or replacement of 
    streets, roads, drives, fences, lawns, shrubbery, watermains, pipes, 
    pipelines and contents, underground power and telephone facilities, 
    buried sewerage and drainage facilities, and any other property 
    damaged during the plowing of the cable, except as specifically 
    provided for in other units.
    
        Note: Where in the judgment of the Owner greater than normal 
    difficulty will be involved in plowing because of the presence of 
    underground facilities of other utilities, this unit will be 
    suffixed by the letter ``T''. This will be applicable only in those 
    areas predesignated by the Owner on the detail maps herein. All 
    plowing outside of the predesignated area on the map, regardless of 
    the difficulty in placement actually experienced, will be 
    inventoried as the regular UR1-S (D) units. If field conditions show 
    the existence of rock to prevent the placing of the cable in soil to 
    the depth required in the specifications the Owner may specify UR2-R 
    units. Where more than one cable is to be installed in the slot, the 
    UR1-S unit designation should be modified by a suffix corresponding 
    to the number of cables installed. For example, UR1-S (D) 3c for 3 
    cables plowed at one time.
    
        UR2-S  (D&W) Trenching Assembly Unit, Soil--Consists of one (1) 
    lineal foot of trenching in soil, measured parallel to the surface 
    of the ground, to a specified depth (D) and width (W), in inches, 
    including the excavation, and backfilling and compacting. This unit 
    includes all labor required in the repair and/or replacement of 
    streets, roads, drives, fences, lawns, shrubbery, watermains, pipes, 
    pipelines and contents, underground power and telephone facilities, 
    buried sewerage and drainage facilities, and any other property 
    damaged by the trenching, except as specifically provided for in 
    other units.
    
        Note: Where in the judgment of the Owner greater than normal 
    difficulty will be involved in trenching because of the presence of 
    underground facilities of other utilities, this unit will be 
    suffixed by the letter ``T''. This will be applicable only in those 
    areas predesignated by the Owner on the detail maps herein. Where 
    more than one cable is to be installed in the trench, the regular 
    UR2-S unit designation should be modified by a suffix corresponding 
    to the construction drawing for the type of cable placement desired.
    
        UR2-R  (D&W) Trenching Assembly Unit, Rock--Consists of one (1) 
    lineal foot of trenching in rock, measured parallel to the surface 
    of the ground, to specified depth (D) and width (W), in inches, 
    including the excavation, and backfilling and compacting to place 
    cable to the depth specified in the Specifications. This unit will 
    be specified by the Owner only when field conditions at the site 
    show the existence of rock at a depth preventing the placing of the 
    cable in soil to the depths required in the Specifications. This 
    unit includes all labor required in the repair and/or replacement of 
    streets, roads, drives, fences, lawns, shrubbery, watermains, pipes, 
    pipelines and contents, underground power and telephone facilities, 
    buried sewerage and drainage facilities, and any other property 
    damaged by the trenching, except as specifically provided for in 
    other units. This unit does not include underground cable facilities 
    installed in the trench or cable bedding assembly units, when 
    required.
        UR-3  Cable Bedding Assembly Unit--Consists of the installation 
    of one (1) lineal foot of a 2-inch bed of clean sand or soil placed 
    in the trench under the cable and a 4-inch layer of clean sand or 
    soil backfill over the cable to the width of the trench.
    
        Note: The exact location and number of units shall be determined 
    by the Owner after the trenches are open in those areas where rock 
    or other conditions make special bedding necessary.
    
        UR-4a  Pavement Assembly Unit, Asphalt--Consists of the labor 
    necessary to remove and restore one (1) lineal foot of asphalt 
    pavement, measured along the route of the cable, including any 
    trenching necessary to place the cable at the required depth. All 
    work shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of State 
    or local authorities.
        UR-4c  Pavement Assembly Unit, Concrete--Consists of the labor 
    necessary to remove and restore one (1) lineal foot of concrete 
    pavement, measured along the route of the cable, including any 
    trenching necessary to place the cable at the required depth. All 
    work shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of State 
    or local authorities.
        UR-5  ( ) Underground Pipe Crossing Assembly Unit--Consists of 
    the installation of one (1) lineal foot of steel pipe, of the inside 
    diameter, in inches, specified in the last digit of the assembly 
    unit designation, installed in place. This unit includes the pushing 
    of pipe and any excavation, backfilling and tamping necessary for 
    the installation of the pipe. The pipe will be installed at the 
    depth specified by the Owner. The installation of underground cable 
    in the pipe is not included in this unit.
        UR6  Underground Nonpipe Crossing Assembly Unit--Consists of the 
    labor in providing a hole in soil one (1) foot in length of a 
    diameter sufficient to accommodate the cable to be installed 
    therein. The depth of the hole below the surface of the ground shall 
    be specified by the Owner. This unit includes any excavation, 
    backfilling and tamping necessary for the installation. This unit 
    may be used where the permanent installation of a steel pipe under 
    the UR-5 unit is not required. The installation of underground cable 
    in the pipe is not included in this unit.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Construction Units--Line Changes
    
        The general heading of Line Changes applies to the changing of 
    existing lines or portions thereof from their existing phasing, wire 
    size, and type to new phasing, wire size, and type and the removal 
    of existing lines or portions thereof and replacing with new lines 
    in close proximity thereto. In general line changes involve three 
    types of assembly units as follows:
        Section H--Conversion assembly units;
        Section I--Removal assembly units;
        Section N--New construction assembly units on existing lines or 
    in replacing lines.
        The assembly units that are included in Sections H, I, and N are 
    defined by symbols and descriptions which follow together with the 
    applicable descriptions included under New Construction. Where the 
    descriptions are not correct or sufficiently explicit, or when 
    special units are not covered by Construction Drawings, descriptions 
    have been provided by the Owner in the respective sections.
        Work included in these sections shall be performed under a 
    schedule of deenergization and operating procedures as set forth by 
    the Owner at the time of release of any Section involving work on 
    existing lines.
        The Contractor will so plan and perform its work that it will be 
    possible to safely reenergize all lines involved at the expiration 
    of the time limits set up in the schedule to resume service to all 
    consumers being served prior to deenergization. Prior to 
    commencement of work each day on lines to be deenergized, and upon 
    completion of work each day on such lines, the Contractor will 
    notify the Owner thereof in writing or in such other manner as the 
    circumstances permit.
    
    Section H--Conversion Assembly Units
    
        Conversion assembly units are pole-top assemblies and cover the 
    furnishing of all labor for changing an existing assembly unit to a 
    new assembly unit, utilizing certain [[Page 10228]] items of 
    materials of the existing assembly unit on poles to be left in 
    place. Any materials removed from the existing assembly units which 
    are not required in the construction of the conversion assembly unit 
    are to be reused by the Contractor in the construction of other 
    assembly units, or returned to Owner's warehouse, as directed by the 
    Owner. Conversion assembly units are specified by the prefix H with 
    the new construction assembly unit designation shown first and the 
    existing assembly unit designation shown last. For example, an H B1-
    A1 signifies the conversion of an existing A1 assembly unit to a B1 
    assembly unit (as was defined in the description of construction 
    assembly units). In this instance the Contractor utilizes the 
    existing pin-type insulator, single upset bolt and neutral spool and 
    installs the additional crossarm, crossarm pins, braces, machine 
    bolt, carriage bolts, lag screw, and insulator supplied by the Owner 
    required for the new unit. The Contractor transports the pole-top 
    pin and two machine bolts to the warehouse or uses them on the 
    Project as directed by the Owner.
        The Conversion assembly units also include the furnishing of all 
    labor in the transferring, resagging and retying of conductors from 
    one position on the pole to a different position on the pole where 
    such transfers are required. Where replacement of conductor is 
    required, the existing conductor will be removed under Section I and 
    the new conductor installed under Section N.
        Where replacement of a pole is required, the existing pole and 
    pole-top assembly will be removed under Section I and the new pole 
    and pole-top assembly will be installed according to Section N and 
    no H units will be involved.
        Conversion assemblies are listed in three subsections for 
    converting pole-top assemblies from single to V phase, single to 
    three phase, and V to three phase. The following descriptions apply 
    to only those conversion units not sufficiently explicit:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Unit                              Description                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Subsection H (B-A)--1 Phase to V Phase
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Subsection H (C-A)--1 Phase to 3 Phase
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Subsection H (C-B)--V Phase to 3 Phase
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section I--Removal Assembly Units
    
        Removal assembly units cover the furnishing of all labor for the 
    removal of existing units of construction from existing lines, 
    disassembling into material items, and all labor and transportation 
    for the returning of all materials to the warehouse of the Owner in 
    an orderly manner or transporting elsewhere to the site of the 
    Project for reuse in the prosecution of this Contract as directed by 
    the Owner.
        The unit removal prices shall include all labor required to 
    reinstall in accordance with specifications any conductors 
    temporarily detached. The Contractor will reinstall at his own 
    expense any other units removed by him for his own convenience.
        The removal units are specified by the prefix I and followed by 
    the assembly unit designation of existing assembly unit to be 
    removed. For example, an I-A1 signifies the removal of an A1 
    assembly unit. The following special notes apply to specific removal 
    units:
        a. Poles. All poles of the same height, regardless of pole 
    class, are designated by the same unit. Thus an I-30-foot pole 
    signifies the removal of a 30-foot pole of any class. The Contractor 
    is not required under this unit to remove from the pole any ground 
    wire or pole numbering attached to the pole. This unit includes the 
    refilling and tamping of holes in a workmanlike manner unless they 
    are to be reused.
        b. Pole-top Assemblies. The unit of removal of pole-top 
    assemblies includes, in addition to the removal of the assembly 
    itself, any necessary handling, resagging, and retying of conductors 
    in those cases where an existing pole-top assembly will be removed 
    and replaced by a new pole-top assembly and where any existing 
    conductor is to be reused.
        The unit of removal of pole-top assemblies also includes any 
    holding or handling of mainline or tap conductors at tap lines, 
    angles, and deadends where such is involved, and the reinstalling of 
    such conductor in accordance with the Specifications; for example, 
    an I-A5-4 will include the disconnection of the tap conductors, 
    snubbing off the tap line at the nearest practical point and the 
    reconnection and resagging of these tap conductors if necessary to 
    the new tap assembly when installed. The new unit of construction, 
    however, will be specified separately in Section N.
        c. Conductor. The conductor removal unit covers the removal of 
    1,000 feet of conductor or cable and reeling or coiling it in a 
    workmanlike manner in such a way that it can be reused by the 
    Contractor or the Owner. The Owner will furnish to the Contractor 
    reels if it is to be returned to the Owner's warehouse on reels. The 
    removal unit for each size of conductor or cable is shown by the 
    prefix I followed by D and the conductor or cable type; thus an I-D 
    6ACWC signifies the removal unit for 1,000 feet of 6 A Copperweld-
    copper conductor.
        d. Guys. All guys regardless of length, type of attachment, or 
    size of guy strand are specified by the same unit; thus an I-E 
    signifies the removal of any guy.
        e. Anchors. Only anchor rods are to be removed by the Contractor 
    in anchor removal units. The anchors will be left in the ground; 
    thus an I-F signifies the removal of any anchor rod. If the rod 
    cannot be unscrewed, the end of the rod shall either be cut off or 
    bent down so that the rod will be at least 18 inches below ground.
        f. Transformers. The unit for removal of transformer assembly 
    units is divided into two sections, (1) Conventional Transformer 
    Assembly, and (2) Self-protected Transformer Assembly. Only one unit 
    is specified for each type, and all sizes of transformers from 1 to 
    15 kVA within each group will be covered by the same unit. ``Self-
    protected'' refers to transformers where all protective equipment is 
    mounted on or within the transformer. ``Conventional'' refers to 
    transformers where protective equipment is mounted separately from 
    the transformer. The unit is designated by the prefix I followed by 
    the description of the unit to be removed; thus, I-G Conventional 
    signifies the removal of a conventional transformer assembly for any 
    size transformer from 1 to 15 kVA.
        g. Secondary Units. The unit for removal of secondary assemblies 
    includes, in addition to the removal of the assembly itself, all 
    necessary handling such as untying, resagging, and retying of 
    secondary conductor or cables where existing secondary conductor or 
    cable is to be reused.
        In addition, the unit for removal of the secondary assembly 
    includes the handling or holding of any conductor at tap lines where 
    such is involved, and the reinstalling of such tap conductor in 
    accordance with the Specifications.
        h. Service Unit. The unit for removal of service assemblies 
    includes, in addition to the removal of the assembly itself, all 
    necessary handling such as untying, resagging, and retying of 
    service conductor or cable where existing service conductor or cable 
    is to be reused.
        The following descriptions apply only to those removal units not 
    sufficiently explicit:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Unit                              Description                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section N--New Assembly Units
    
        The purpose of this section is to list complete new units of 
    construction where such units are to be added to existing lines or 
    installed in replacing lines.
        The units as covered by this section are the same as the units 
    described in Construction Units--New Construction, except that these 
    units are prefixed by the letter N.
        For example, an N40-6 unit covers the furnishing of all labor 
    for the installation of a 40-6 pole either in an existing 
    distribution line being operated by the Owner or in a new line being 
    constructed to replace an existing distribution line being operated 
    by the Owner.
        The following descriptions apply only to those new units not 
    sufficiently explicit:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Unit                              Description                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Unit No.                         Unit labor price                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    [[Page 10229]] Acceptance
    
        The undersigned hereby accepts the foregoing Proposal of ____, 
    dated ____, to construct the rural electric Project ____19____ Line 
    Extensions.
    
    ____ (Owner)
    By ____ President
    ____ Secretary
    ____ Date of Contract
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.344  [Reserved]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.345  Certificate of contractor and indemnity agreement (line 
    extensions), RUS Form 792b.
    
        The closeout form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part.
    
    Certificate of Contractor and Indemnity Agreement (Line Extensions)
    
        ____, certifies that he is the ____ (title or designation), of 
    ____ (name of contractor), the Contractor, in a contract dated ____ 
    19____ entered into between the Contractor and ____ (name of RUS 
    Borrower) ____, the Owner, for the construction of a rural electric 
    Project (hereinafter referred to as Project), which bears the 
    Project Designation ____ 19____ Line Extensions, and that he is 
    authorized to and does make this Certificate and Indemnity Agreement 
    on behalf of said Contractor in order to induce the Owner to make 
    payment to the Contractor, in accordance with the provisions of the 
    said contract.
        Undersigned further says that all persons who have furnished 
    labor in connection with the Section of the Project represented by 
    the Final Inventory dated ____, in the amount of $____, have been 
    paid in full; that all manufacturers, materialmen and subcontractors 
    which furnished any materials or services, or both, for the said 
    Section of the Project have been paid in full; that no lien has been 
    filed against the Project and no person has any right to claim any 
    lien against the Project.
        Undersigned further says that if the Owner pays the Contractor 
    the contract price for the said Section of the Project the 
    Contractor will indemnify and hold harmless and does hereby 
    undertake and agree to indemnity and hold harmless the Owner from 
    any claim or lien arising out of the negligence or other fault of 
    the Contractor in respect of the performance of the contract which 
    may have been or may be filed against the Owner.
        ____ Signature of Contractor (President, Vice-President, Partner 
    or Owner, or, if signed by other than one of foregoing, Power of 
    Attorney signed by one of the foregoing should be attached. Indicate 
    applicable designation.)
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.346  Supplemental contract for additional project, RUS Form 
    792c.
    
        The form in this section shall be used when required by RUS Form 
    201, 790, or 792.
    
    Supplemental Contract For Additional Project
    
    Date ____
    To: ____ Contractor
        Pursuant to Article I, Section 2 of the Contractor's Proposal 
    dated ____, for the rural electric Project ____, we request that you 
    construct Additional Project No. ____, consisting of approximately 
    the following system improvement and line extension work: ____.
        The Additional Project is to be constructed in accordance with 
    all of the provisions of the Contractor's Proposal, except:
        1. The time for completion of the Additional Project shall be 
    ____
        2. The prices for Construction Units for the Additional Project 
    are attached.
        Please indicate your acceptance of the foregoing by signing 
    below, return two signed copies and retain one copy.
    Sincerely,
    ____ Owner
    By ____ President, Vice President (strike out inapplicable 
    designation.)
    
    Acceptance:
    
    ____ Contractor
    By ____ President, Vice President, Partner (strike out inapplicable 
    designation.)
    Date ____
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Secs. 1726.347-1726.350  [Reserved]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.351  Electric system construction contract (labor and 
    materials), RUS Form 830.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part. This form refers to guide drawings, which do not contain 
    requirements, and, hence, are not included in this part. The guide 
    drawings are included in the printed form available from GPO (See 
    Sec. 1726.300.).
    
    Electric System Construction Contract (Labor and Materials)
    
    Notice And Instructions To Bidders
    
        1. Sealed proposals for the construction, including the supply 
    of necessary labor, materials and equipment, of a rural electric 
    project of ____ (hereinafter called the ``Owner'') to be known as 
    ____ Project will be received by the Owner on or before ____ o'clock 
    ____ M., ____, 19____, at its office at ____ at which time and place 
    the proposals will be publicly opened and read. Any proposals 
    received subsequent to the time specified will be promptly returned 
    to the Bidder unopened.
        2. Description of Project: The Project will consist of 
    approximately:
    
    Overhead Distribution Line Construction
    
    ____ miles of ____ kV Single Phase Lines
    ____ miles of ____ kV V-Phase Lines
    ____ miles of ____ kV Three-Phase Lines
    ____ miles of secondary on secondary poles
    ____ miles of services for ____ consumers
    
    Underground Distribution Facilities
    
    ____ miles of ____ kV Single-Phase Construction
    ____ miles of ____ kV V-Phase Construction
    ____ miles of ____ kV Three-Phase Construction
    ____ miles of ____ Volt Secondary and Service
    Construction for ____ Consumers.
    
    Distribution Line Changes, Conversion, and Removal
    
    ____ miles of ____
    
    Transmission Line Construction
    
    ____ miles ____ kV; ____ miles ____ kV
    ____ miles ____ kV underbuild
    
    Substations and Other Major Facilities
    
    ____ kVA ____ Voltage ____ Name
    
        This Project is located in ____ Counties, in the State(s) of 
    ____ all as more fully described in the Plans, Specifications, 
    Construction Drawings, and Contractor's Proposal therefore 
    hereinafter referred to.
        3. Work on Energized Lines. Unless stated below all construction 
    work including attachments to existing poles and line changes, is to 
    be done with the line deenergized. The hours during which existing 
    lines will be deenergized are shown in the Contractor's Proposal. 
    Approximately ____ miles of the line changes are to be made with the 
    lines energized and such lines are in the following locations or 
    areas: ____ and are more fully described in the Plans, 
    Specifications, and Contractor's Proposal. For work in these 
    locations the Bidder must provide personnel capable of working on 
    energized lines. All such work shall be performed to meet at least 
    the safety rules and regulations prescribed by the Owner for its own 
    employees including the use of rubber gloves, hot sticks and 
    associated protective equipment, a copy of which rules and 
    regulations may be examined at the office of the Owner.
        4. Owner-Furnished Materials. The unit prices in the 
    Contractor's Proposal should include provisions for Owner-Furnished 
    Materials since as stated in Article I, Section 3 of the 
    Contractor's Proposal, the value of the Owner-Furnished Materials, 
    if any, will be deducted from payments to the Bidder for completed 
    Construction Units.
        5. Obtaining Documents. The Plans, Specifications and 
    Construction Drawings, together with all necessary forms and other 
    documents for bidders may be obtained from the Owner, or from the 
    Engineer ____ at the latter's office at ____ upon the payment of 
    $____, which payment will not be subject to refund. The Plans, 
    Specifications, and Construction Drawings may be examined at the 
    office of the Owner or at the office of the Engineer. A copy of the 
    Loan Contract (if the Project is to be financed, in whole or in 
    part, pursuant to a loan contract) between the Owner and the United 
    States of America acting through the Administrator of the Rural 
    Utilities Service and of the loan contract between the Owner and any 
    other lender may be examined at the office of the Owner. Each set of 
    Plans, Specifications and Construction Drawings will have a serial 
    number, given by the Engineer, and the number of each set with the 
    name of the purchaser will be recorded by the Engineer. Bids will be 
    accepted only from the original purchaser.
        6. Manner of Submitting Proposals. Proposals and all supporting 
    instruments must be submitted on the forms furnished by the Owner 
    and must be delivered in a sealed [[Page 10230]] envelope addressed 
    to the Owner. The name and address of the Bidder, its license number 
    if a license is required by the State, and the date and hour of the 
    opening of bids must appear on the envelope in which the Proposal is 
    submitted. Proposals must be filled in in ink or typewritten. No 
    alterations or interlineations will be permitted, unless made before 
    submission, and initialed and dated.
        7. Familiarity with Conditions. Prior to the submission of the 
    Proposal the Bidder shall make and shall be deemed to have made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project and of the Plans, 
    Specifications, Construction Drawings, and forms of Contractor's 
    Proposal and Contractor's Bond on file with the Secretary of the 
    Owner and with the Engineer, and shall become informed as to the 
    location and nature of the proposed construction, the transportation 
    facilities, the kind and character of soil and terrain to be 
    encountered, the kind of facilities required before and during the 
    construction of the Project, general local conditions and all other 
    matters that may affect the cost and time of completion of the 
    Project. Bidders will be required to comply with all applicable 
    statutes, regulations, etc., including those pertaining to the 
    licensing of contractors, and the so-called ``Kick-Back Statute'' 
    (48 State. 948) and regulations issued pursuant thereto.
        8. Proposals will be accepted only from those prequalified 
    bidders invited by the Owner to submit a proposal.
        9. Alternate Designs. The Owner reserves the right to confine 
    its consideration of the several bids to one type of design 
    regardless of alternate types of design which may be specified in 
    the Plans and Specifications and offered in the Proposals.
        10. Proposals for Distribution and Transmission Facilities. If 
    the Project includes both distribution and transmission facilities, 
    bidders shall bid on both of the facilities and the Owner will 
    evaluate the Proposals on the basis of low total bid for both 
    facilities.
        11. The Time for Completion of Construction of the Project shall 
    be as specified by the Engineer in the Proposal.
        12. Bid Bond. Each Proposal must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in 
    the form attached or a certified check on a bank that is a member of 
    the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, payable to the order of 
    the Owner, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the maximum 
    bid price. Each Bidder agrees, provided its Proposal is one of the 
    three low Proposals, that, by filing its Proposal together with such 
    Bid Bond or check in consideration of the Owner's receiving and 
    considering such Proposals, said Proposal shall be firm and binding 
    upon each such Bidder and such Bid Bond or check shall be held by 
    the Owner until a Proposal is accepted and a satisfactory 
    Contractor's Bond is furnished (where required) by the successful 
    Bidder and such acceptance has been approved by the Administrator, 
    or for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date 
    hereinbefore set for the opening of Proposals, whichever period 
    shall be the shorter. If such Proposal is not one of the three low 
    Proposals, the Bid Bond or check will be returned in each instance 
    within a period of ten (10) days to the Bidder furnishing same.
        13. Contractor's Bond. The successful Bidder will be required to 
    execute two additional counterparts of the Proposal and, for a 
    Contract in excess of $100,000, to furnish a Contractor's Bond in 
    triplicate in the form attached hereto with sureties listed by the 
    United States Treasury Department as Acceptable Sureties, in a penal 
    sum not less than the contract price.
        14. Failure to Furnish Contractor's Bond. Should the successful 
    Bidder fail or refuse to execute such counterparts or to furnish a 
    Contractor's Bond (where required) within ten (10) days after 
    written notification of the acceptance of the Proposal by the Owner, 
    the Bidder will be considered to have abandoned the Proposal. In 
    such event, the Owner shall be entitled (a) to enforce the Bid Bond 
    in accordance with its terms, or (b) if a certified check has been 
    delivered with the Proposal, to retain from the proceeds of the 
    certified check, the difference (not exceeding the amount of the 
    certified check) between the amount of the Proposal and such larger 
    amount for which the Owner may in good faith contract with another 
    party to construct the Project. The term ``Successful Bidder'' shall 
    be deemed to include any Bidder whose Proposal is accepted after 
    another Bidder has previously refused or has been unable to execute 
    the counterparts or to furnish a satisfactory Contractor's Bond 
    (where required.)
        15. Contract is Entire Agreement. The Contract to be effected by 
    the acceptance of the Proposal shall be deemed to include the entire 
    agreement between the parties thereto, and the Bidder shall not 
    claim any modifications thereof resulting from any representation or 
    promise made at any time by any officer, agent or employee of the 
    Owner or by any other person.
        16. Minor Irregularities. The Owner reserves the right to waive 
    minor irregularities or minor errors in any Proposal, if it appears 
    to the Owner that such irregularities or errors were made through 
    inadvertence. Any such irregularities or errors so waived must be 
    corrected on the Proposal in which they occur prior to the 
    acceptance thereof by the Owner.
        17. Balanced Bid. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or 
    all Proposals. The attention of Bidders is specially called to the 
    desirability of a proper balance between prices for labor and 
    materials and between the total prices for the respective 
    Construction Units. Lack of such balance may be considered as a 
    reason for rejecting a Proposal.
        18. Discrepancy in Unit Prices. Where the unit prices in the 
    Contractor's Proposal are separated into three columns designated as 
    ``Labor,'' ``Materials,'' and ``Labor and Materials,'' and where a 
    discrepancy appears between the sum shown in the ``Labor and 
    Materials'' column and the correct addition of the sums appearing in 
    the ``Labor'' column and the ``Materials'' column, the correct 
    addition of the sums appearing in the ``Labor'' column and the 
    ``Materials'' column shall control.
        19. Definition of Terms. The terms ``Administrator,'' 
    ``Engineer,'' ``Supervisor,'' ``Project,'' ``Completion of 
    Construction,'' and ``Completion of the Project'' as used throughout 
    this Contract shall be as defined in Article VI, Section 1, of the 
    Contractor's Proposal.
        20. The Owner Represents: a. If by provisions of the 
    Contractor's Proposal the Owner shall have undertaken to furnish any 
    materials for the construction of the Project, such materials are on 
    hand at locations specified or if such materials are not on hand 
    they will be made available by the Owner to the successful Bidder at 
    the locations specified before the time such materials are required 
    for construction.
        b. All easements and rights-of-way, except as shown on maps 
    included in the Plans and Specifications, have been obtained from 
    the owners of the properties across which the Project is to be 
    constructed (including tenants who may reasonably be expected to 
    object to such construction). The remaining easements and rights-of-
    way, if any, will be obtained as required to avoid delay in 
    construction.
        c. All staking, except as shown on the maps included in the 
    Plans and Specifications, has been completed and sufficient staking 
    crews will be available to maintain stakes at all times in advance 
    of construction.
        d. Where underground distribution construction is required, 
    permission has been obtained from state and local highway and road 
    authorities to install underground distribution power facilities and 
    set pedestals, if any, on the highway and road right-of-way in the 
    Project area. Notwithstanding such permission granted to the Owner, 
    each Bidder is responsible for ascertaining that the equipment, 
    methods of construction, and repair proposed to be used on the 
    Project will meet all requirements of public authorities having 
    jurisdiction over highway and road right-of-way. The successful 
    Bidder will be required to furnish proof satisfactory to the Owner 
    of compliance with this requirement. If required by highway or road 
    authorities, the successful Bidder will furnish to such authorities 
    a bond or meet other guaranty requirements to assure the prompt 
    repair of all damages to highways and roads and their associated 
    rights-of-way caused by the Bidder during construction of the 
    Project. This requirement is in addition to and independent of the 
    Contractor's Bond required under this Contract. The acceptance of a 
    bid from any Bidder is not to be construed as approval of the 
    Bidder's equipment or proposed construction methods by or on behalf 
    of the highway and road authorities. Bidders may obtain information 
    concerning the requirements of highway and road authorities by 
    communicating with the following ____.
        e. All funds necessary for prompt payment for the construction 
    of the Project will be available. If the Owner shall fail to comply 
    with any of the undertakings contained in the foregoing 
    representation or if any of such representations shall be incorrect, 
    the Bidder will be entitled to an extension of time of completion 
    for a period equal to the delay, if any, caused by the failure of 
    the Owner to comply with such undertakings or by any such incorrect 
    representation; provided the [[Page 10231]] Bidder shall have 
    promptly notified the Owner in writing of its desire to extend the 
    time of completion in accordance with the foregoing; provided, 
    however, that such extension, if any, of the time of completion 
    shall be the sole remedy of the Bidder for the Owner's failure, 
    because of conditions beyond the control and without the fault of 
    the Owner, to furnish materials in accordance with subparagraph a. 
    above.
    
    Owner ____
    By ____
    ____. 19____
    
    Contractor's Proposal
    
    (Proposal shall be submitted in ink or typewritten)
    
    To: ____ (hereinafter called the ``Owner'')
    
    Article I--General
    
        Section 1. Offer to Construct. The undersigned (hereinafter 
    called the ``Bidder'') hereby proposes to receive and install such 
    materials and equipment as may hereinafter be specified to be 
    furnished by the Owner, and to furnish all other materials and 
    equipment, all machinery, tools, labor, transportation and other 
    means required to construct the rural electric project ____ in 
    strict accordance with the Plans, Specifications and Construction 
    Drawings for the prices hereinafter stated.
        The total length of the project lines shall be determined by 
    taking the sum of all straight horizontal span distances between 
    pole stakes or from center to center of poles, or centerline of 
    structures, carrying conductors, plus the length of service drops, 
    if any, measured horizontally from center of last pole to the point 
    of attachment to the consumer's building.
        Section 2. Materials and Equipment. The Bidder agrees to furnish 
    and use in the construction of the Project under this Proposal, in 
    the event the Proposal is accepted, only such ``fully listed'' and 
    ``conditionally listed'' materials and equipment as are included in 
    the current ``List of Materials Acceptable for Use on Systems of RUS 
    Electrification Borrowers,'' including revisions adopted prior to 
    the Bid Opening. The use of ``conditionally listed'' materials and 
    equipment requires prior consent by the Owner or Engineer. For 
    distribution lines, the Bidder further agrees to furnish and use guy 
    wire with ASTM Class ____ (Engineer to insert A or B) zinc coating.
        All leads on equipment such as transformers, reclosers, etc., 
    shall be of #6 minimum copper conductivity using ____ (Engineer to 
    insert standard soft drawn copper or aluminum alloy) conductor. All 
    conductor ties on insulators shall be of the materials and methods 
    shown in the following Tying Guide Drawings: ____ (Engineer to 
    insert appropriate drawing numbers).
        Ground rods and butt-type pole grounding plates shall be ____ 
    (Engineer to insert galvanized steel or copper).
        Underground primary cable shall have ____ coated copper neutral 
    (Engineer to insert round or flat).
        For transmission lines, the Bidder further agrees to furnish and 
    use guy wire, overhead ground wire, and pole ground wire with ASTM 
    Class ____ (Engineer to insert A, B, or C) zinc coating. Guy wire 
    shall be the same size and grade as the overhead ground wire. Where 
    overhead ground wire is not specified, the guy wire shall be ____ 
    size, ____ grade.
        The Bidder further agrees to furnish and use poles, crossarms, 
    and other timber products, of which the physical characteristics, 
    method of treatment, type of preservative, instructions on 
    inspection and general procedure shall be in accordance with RUS 
    standards and requirements.
        Crossarms shall be ____ (Engineer to insert Douglas fir or 
    Southern Yellow Pine), treated with ____ (Engineer to insert type of 
    preservative.)
        The Bidder agrees that the prices for poles, crossarms, and 
    other timber products set forth herein shall include the cost of 
    preservative treatment and inspection, insured warranty, or quality 
    assurance. The Bidder further agrees to obtain from the supplier 
    inspection and treatment reports or insured warranties, for checking 
    against the delivered timber, and to submit such reports or 
    warranties to the Owner as one of the prerequisites to monthly and 
    final payments.
        Section 3. Owner-Furnished Materials. The Bidder understands and 
    agrees that, if this Proposal is accepted, the Owner will furnish to 
    the Bidder the material set forth in the attached ``List of Owner's 
    Materials on Hand'' (see page ____) and the Bidder will give a 
    receipt (see page ____) therefore in writing to the Owner. The 
    Bidder, further, will on behalf of the Owner accept delivery of such 
    of the materials set forth in the attached ``List of Materials 
    Ordered by Owner but Not Delivered'' (see page ____) as may be 
    subsequently delivered and will promptly forward to the Owner for 
    payment the supplier's invoice, together with the Bidder's receipt 
    in writing for such materials. The materials referred to are on hand 
    at, or will be delivered to, the locations specified in the List and 
    the Bidder will use such materials in constructing the Project.
        The value of the completed Construction Units certified by the 
    Bidder each month pursuant to Article III, Section 1.a of the 
    Proposal shall be reduced by an amount equal to the value of the 
    materials installed by the Bidder during the preceding month which 
    have been furnished by the Owner or the delivery of which has been 
    accepted by the Bidder on behalf of the Owner. Only ninety percent 
    (90%) of the remainder shall be paid prior to the Completion of the 
    Project. The value of such materials shall be computed on the basis 
    of the unit prices stated in the Lists. Materials, if any, not 
    required for the Project, which have been furnished to the Bidder by 
    the Owner or delivery of which has been accepted by the Bidder on 
    behalf of the Owner, shall be returned to the Owner by the Bidder 
    upon completion of construction of the Project. The value of all 
    materials not installed in the Project nor returned to the Owner 
    shall be deducted from the final payment to the Bidder.
        The Owner shall not be obligated to furnish materials in excess 
    of the quantities, size, kind and type set forth in the attached 
    Lists. If the Owner furnishes, and the Bidder accepts, materials in 
    excess thereof, the values of such excess materials shall be their 
    actual cost as stated by the Owner.
        Information on the shipping schedules of materials on the ``List 
    of Materials Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered'' will be furnished 
    to the Bidder as necessary during progress of the work. Upon 
    delivery the Bidder shall promptly receive, unload, transport and 
    handle all materials and equipment on the ``List of Materials 
    Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered'' at its expense and shall be 
    responsible for demurrage, if any.
        Section 4. Purchase of Materials Not Furnished By Owner. The 
    Bidder will purchase all materials and equipment (other than Owner-
    furnished materials) outright and not subject to any conditional 
    sales agreements, bailment, lease or other agreement reserving unto 
    the seller any right, title or interest therein.
        Section 5. Proposal on Unit Basis. The Bidder understands and 
    agrees that the various Construction Units on which bids are made 
    are defined by symbols and descriptions in this Proposal, that all 
    said bids are on a unit basis, and that the Owner may specify any 
    number or combination of Construction Units that the Owner may deem 
    necessary for the construction of the Project. Separate Construction 
    Units are designated for each different arrangement which may be 
    used in the construction of the Project. This Proposal is based on a 
    consideration of each unit in place and includes only the materials 
    listed on the corresponding Construction Drawings or description of 
    unit where no drawing exists.
        Section 6. Description of Contract. The Notice and Instructions 
    to Bidders and Plans attached hereto and made a part hereof, and the 
    Specifications and Construction Drawings set forth in:
        RUS Bulletin 50-3, Specifications and Drawings for 12.5/7.2 kV 
    Line Construction;
        RUS Form 803, Specifications and Drawings for 14.4/24.9 kV Line 
    Construction;
        RUS Form 806, Specifications and Drawings for Underground 
    Electric Distribution;
        RUS Bulletin 50-2, RUS Specifications T-805A, Electric 
    Transmission Specifications and Drawings, 34.5 kV through 69 kV;
        RUS Bulletin 50-1, RUS Specification T-805B, Electric 
    Transmission Specifications and Drawings for 115 kV through 230 kV; 
    as applicable, which by this reference are incorporated herein, 
    together with the Proposal and Acceptance constitute the Contract. 
    The Plans, consisting of maps and special drawings, and approved 
    modifications in standard specifications are attached hereto and 
    identified as follows: ----------.
        Section 7. Familiarity with Conditions. The Bidder has made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project to be constructed and 
    of the Plans, Specifications, Construction Drawings, and form of 
    Contractor's Bond attached hereto, and has become informed as to the 
    location and nature of the proposed construction, the transportation 
    facilities, the kind and character of soil and terrain to be 
    encountered, and the kind of facilities required before and during 
    the construction of the Project, and has become acquainted 
    [[Page 10232]] with the labor conditions, state and local laws, and 
    regulations which would affect work on the proposed construction.
        Section 8. License. The Bidder warrants that a Contractor's 
    License is ____ is not ____ required, and if required it posses 
    Contractor's License No. ____ for the State of ____ in which the 
    Project is located and said license expires on ____, 19____.
        Section 9. Warranty of Good Faith. The Bidder warrants that this 
    Proposal is made in good faith and without collusion or connection 
    with any person or persons bidding for the same work.
        Section 10. Warranty of Financial Resources. The Bidder warrants 
    that it possesses adequate financial resources and agrees that in 
    the event this Proposal is accepted and a Contractor's Bond is 
    required, it will furnish a Contractor's Bond in the form attached 
    hereto, in a penal sum not less than the maximum Contract price, 
    with a surety or sureties listed by the United States Department of 
    Treasury as Acceptance Sureties.
        In the event that the surety or sureties on the performance bond 
    delivered to the Owner contemporaneously with the execution of the 
    Contract or on any bond or bonds delivered in substitution thereof 
    or in addition thereto shall at any time become unsatisfactory to 
    the Owner or the Administrator, the Bidder agrees to deliver to the 
    Owner another or an additional bond.
        Section 11. Taxes. The unit prices for Construction Units in 
    this Proposal include provisions for the payment of all monies which 
    will be payable by the Bidder or the Owner in connection with the 
    construction of the Project on account of taxes imposed by any 
    taxing authority upon the sale, purchase or use of materials, 
    supplies and equipment, or services or labor of installation 
    thereof, to be incorporated in the Project as part of such 
    Construction Units. The Bidder agrees to pay all such taxes, except 
    taxes upon the sale, purchase or use of owner-furnished materials 
    and it is understood that, as to owner-furnished materials, the 
    values stated in the attached ``List of Owner's Materials on Hand'' 
    and ``List of Materials Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered'' include 
    taxes upon the sale, purchase or use of owner-furnished materials, 
    if applicable. The Bidder will furnish to the appropriate taxing 
    authorities all required information and reports pertaining to the 
    Project, except as to the Owner-furnished materials.
        Section 12. Changes in Quantities. The Bidder understands and 
    agrees that the quantities called for in this Proposal are 
    approximate, and that the total number of units upon which payment 
    shall be made shall be as set forth in the inventory. If the Owner 
    changes the quantity of any unit or units specified in this Proposal 
    by more than fifteen percent (15%) and the materials cost to the 
    Bidder is increased thereby to an extent which would not be 
    adequately compensated by application of the unit prices in this 
    Proposal to the revised quantity of such unit or units, such change, 
    to the extent of the quantities of such units in excess of such 
    fifteen percent (15%) shall be regarded as a change in the 
    construction within the meaning of Article II, Section 1(d) of this 
    proposal.
    
                                            List of Owner's Materials on Hand                                       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Description                                           Extended 
                        Item\1\                      of material  Catalog No.    Quantity    Unit price     price   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
        Total:                                                                                                      
    Above Materials are Located at:                                                                                 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Notes: 1. Item corresponds with item in list of materials in construction drawings. Under Article I, Section 3, 
      the value of these materials will be deducted from payments to the Bidder for completed Construction Units.   
    
    
                                  List of Materials Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Supplier    Scheduled                                                                  
           Item\1\           name and     delivery   Description  Catalog No.    Quantity    Unit price    Extended 
                             address        date     of material                                            price   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
        Total:                                                                                                      
    Above Material to be                                                                                            
     Delivered to:                                                                                                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Notes: 1. Item corresponds with item in list of materials in construction drawings. Under Article I, Section 3, 
      the value of these materials will be deducted from payments to the Bidder for completed Construction Units.   
    
    Article II--Construction
    
        Section 1. Time and Manner of Construction.
        a. The Bidder agrees to commence construction of the Project on 
    a date (hereinafter called the ``Commencement Date'') which shall be 
    determined by the Engineer after notice in writing from the Bidder 
    that the Bidder has sufficient materials to warrant commencement and 
    continuation of construction, but in no event will the Commencement 
    Date be later than ________ calendar days after date of approval of 
    the Contract by the Administrator. The Bidder further agrees to 
    prosecute diligently and to complete construction in strict 
    accordance with the Plans, Specifications and Construction Drawings 
    within ________ (________) calendar days (excluding Sundays) after 
    Commencement Date: Provided, however, that the Bidder will not be 
    required to dig holes, set poles, install anchors, install 
    underground conduit, perform any plowing for the installation of 
    underground cable, or dig trenches if there are more than six (6) 
    inches of frost on the ground nor to perform any construction on 
    such days when in the judgment of the Engineer snow, rain, or wind, 
    or the results of snow, rain, or frost make it impracticable to 
    perform any operation of construction; provided further that the 
    Bidder will not be required to perform any plowing for the 
    installation of underground cable on public roads or highways if 
    there are more than two (2) inches of frost in the ground. To the 
    extent of the time lost due to the conditions described herein and 
    approved in writing by the Engineer, the time of completion set out 
    above will be extended if the Bidder makes a written request 
    therefore to the Owner as provided in subsection b of this Section 
    1.
        b. The time for Completion of Construction shall be extended for 
    the period of any reasonable delay which is due exclusively to 
    causes beyond the control and without the fault of the Bidder, 
    including Acts of God, fires, floods, inability to obtain materials 
    and acts or omissions of the Owner with respect to matters for which 
    the Owner is solely responsible: Provided, however that no such 
    extension of time for completion shall be granted the Bidder unless 
    within ten (10) days after the happening of any event relied upon by 
    the Bidder for such an extension of time the Bidder shall have made 
    a request therefore in writing to the Owner, and provided further 
    that no delay in such time of completion or in the progress of the 
    work which results from any of the above causes except acts or 
    omissions of the Owner, shall result in any liability on the part of 
    the Owner.
        c. The sequence of construction shall be as set forth below, the 
    number or names being the designations of extensions or areas 
    (hereinafter called the ``Sections'') corresponding to the numbers 
    or names shown on the maps attached hereto, or if no Sections are 
    set forth below, the sequence of construction shall be as determined 
    by the [[Page 10233]] Bidder, subject to the approval of the 
    Engineer. ________
        d. The Owner, acting through the Engineer may from time to time 
    during the progress of the construction of the Project make such 
    changes, additions or subtractions from the Plans, Specifications, 
    Construction Drawings, List of Materials and sequence of 
    construction provided for in the previous paragraph which are part 
    of the Contractor's Proposal as conditions may warrant: Provided, 
    however, that if any change in the construction to be done shall 
    require an extension of time, a reasonable extension will be granted 
    if the Bidder shall make a written request therefore to the Owner 
    within (10) days after any such change is made. And provided 
    further, that if the cost to the Bidder of construction of the 
    project shall be materially increased by any such change or 
    addition, the Owner shall pay the Bidder for the reasonable cost 
    thereof in accordance with a Construction Contract Amendment signed 
    by the Owner and the Bidder, but no claim for additional 
    compensation for any such change or addition will be considered 
    unless the Bidder shall have made a written request therefore to the 
    Owner prior to the commencement of work in connection with such 
    change or addition.
        e. The Bidder will not perform any work hereunder on Sundays 
    unless there is urgent need for such Sunday work and the Owner 
    consents thereto in writing. The time for completion specified in 
    subsection a of this Section 1 shall not be affected in any way by 
    inclusion of this subsection nor by the Owner's consent or lack of 
    consent to Sunday work hereunder.
        Section 2. Environmental Protection. The Bidder shall perform 
    work in such a manner as to maximize preservation of beauty, 
    consideration of natural resources and minimize marring and scarring 
    of the landscape and silting of streams. The Bidder shall not 
    deposit trash in streams or waterways, and shall not deposit 
    herbicides or other chemicals or their containers in or near 
    streams, waterways or pastures. The Bidder shall follow the criteria 
    relating to environmental protection as specified herein by the 
    Engineer.
        Section 3. Tools, Equipment, and Qualified Personnel. The Bidder 
    agrees that in the event this Proposal is accepted it will make 
    available for use in connection with the proposed construction all 
    necessary tools and equipment and qualified superintendents and 
    foremen.
        Section 4. Changes in Construction. The Bidder agrees to make 
    such changes in construction previously erected in the Project by 
    the Bidder as required by the Owner for prices arrived at as 
    follows:
        a. For substations and other units where only a portion of the 
    complete unit is affected by the change, the compensation for such 
    change shall be as agreed upon in writing by the Bidder and the 
    Owner prior to the commencement of work in connection with such 
    change.
        b. For all other units, the compensation for such change shall 
    be the reasonable cost thereof as agreed upon by the Bidder and the 
    Owner, but in no event shall it exceed two (2) times the labor price 
    quoted in the Proposal for the installation of the unit to be 
    changed. Such compensation shall be in lieu of any other payment for 
    the installation and removal of the original unit. (If a new or 
    replacing unit is installed, payment for such new or replacing unit 
    shall be made as shown in the final inventory.)
        No payment shall be made to the Bidder for materials or labor 
    involved in correcting errors or omissions on the part of the Bidder 
    which result in construction not in accordance with the Plans and 
    Specifications. Section 5. Construction Not in Proposal. The Bidder 
    also agrees that when it is necessary to construct units not shown 
    in the Proposal it will construct such units for a price arrived at 
    as follows:
        a. The cost of materials shall be determined by the invoices.
        b. The cost of labor shall be the reasonable cost thereof, but 
    in no event shall it exceed an amount determined by calculating the 
    ratio of the total labor costs to the total material costs in the 
    section of the Proposal involved, and multiplying the cost of 
    materials for the unit in question by this ratio: Provided, however, 
    that in respect of sections H, M, and N, the ratio shall be 
    calculated for only those units of the section which are similar to 
    the new unit for which a price is to be determined.
        Section 6. Supervision and Inspection.
        a. The Bidder shall cause the construction work on the Project 
    to receive constant supervision by a competent superintendent 
    (hereinafter called the ``Superintendent'') who shall be present at 
    all times during working hours where construction is being carried 
    on. The Bidder shall also employ, in connection with the 
    construction of the Project, capable, experienced and reliable 
    foremen and such skilled workmen as may be required for the various 
    classes of work to be performed. Directions and instructions given 
    to the Superintendent shall be binding upon the Bidder.
        b. The Owner reserves the right to require the removal from the 
    Project of any employee of the Bidder if in the judgment of the 
    Owner such removal shall be necessary in order to protect the 
    interest of the Owner. The Owner or the Supervisor, if any, shall 
    have the right to require the Bidder to increase the number of its 
    employees and to increase or change the amount or kind of tools and 
    equipment if at any time the progress of the work shall be 
    unsatisfactory to the Owner or Supervisor; but the failure of the 
    Owner or Supervisor to give any such directions shall not relieve 
    the Bidder of its obligations to complete the work within the time 
    and in the manner specified in this Proposal.
        c. The construction of the Project and all materials and 
    equipment used therein, shall be subject to the inspection, tests, 
    and acceptance by the Owner and the Administrator and the Bidder 
    shall furnish all information required by the Owner or by the 
    Administrator concerning the nature or source of any materials 
    incorporated or to be incorporated in the Project. The Owner and the 
    Administrator shall have the right to inspect all payrolls, invoices 
    of materials, and other data and records of the Bidder and of any 
    subcontractor, relevant to the construction of the Project. The 
    Bidder shall provide all reasonable facilities necessary for such 
    inspection and tests and shall maintain an office at the site of the 
    Project, with telephone service where obtainable and at least one 
    office employee to whom directions and instructions of the Owner may 
    be delivered. Delivery of such directions or instructions in writing 
    to the employee of the Bidder at such office shall constitute 
    delivery to the Bidder. The Bidder shall have an authorized agent 
    accompany the Engineer when final inspection is made and, if 
    requested by the Owner, when any other inspection is made.
        d. In the event that the Owner, or the Administrator, shall 
    determine that the construction contains or may contain numerous 
    defects, it shall be the duty of the Bidder and the Bidder's Surety 
    or Sureties, if any, to have an inspection made by an engineer 
    approved by the Owner for the purpose of determining the exact 
    nature, extent and location of such defects.
        e. The Engineer may recommend to the Owner that the Bidder 
    suspend the work wholly or in part for such period or periods as the 
    Engineer may deem necessary due to unsuitable weather or such other 
    conditions as are considered unfavorable for satisfactory 
    prosecution of the work or because of the failure of the Bidder to 
    comply with any of the provisions of the Contract: Provided, 
    however, that the Bidder shall not suspend work pursuant to this 
    provision without written authority from the Owner so to do. The 
    time of completion hereinabove set forth shall be increased by the 
    number of days of any such suspension, except when such suspension 
    is due to the failure of the Bidder to comply with any of the 
    provisions of this Contract. In the event that work is suspended by 
    the Bidder with the consent of the Owner, the Bidder before resuming 
    work shall give the Owner at least twenty-four (24) hours notice 
    thereof in writing.
        Section 7. Defective Materials and Workmanship.
        a. The acceptance of any materials, equipment (except Owner-
    furnished materials) or any workmanship by the Owner or the Engineer 
    shall not preclude the subsequent rejection thereof if such 
    materials, equipment, or workmanship shall be found to be defective 
    after delivery or installation, and any such materials, equipment or 
    workmanship found defective before final acceptance of the 
    construction shall be replaced or remedied, as the case may be, by 
    and at the expense of the Bidder. Any such condemned material or 
    equipment shall be immediately removed from the site of the Project 
    by the Bidder at the Bidder's expense. The Bidder shall not be 
    entitled to any payment hereunder so long as any defective 
    materials, equipment or workmanship in respect to the Project, of 
    which the Bidder shall have had notice, shall not have been replaced 
    or remedied, as the case may be.
        b. Notwithstanding any certificate which may have been given by 
    the Owner or the Engineer, if any materials, equipment (except 
    Owner-furnished materials) or any workmanship which does not comply 
    with the requirements of this Contract shall be discovered within 
    one (1) year after [[Page 10234]] Completion of Construction of the 
    Project, the Bidder shall replace such defective materials or 
    equipment or remedy any such defective workmanship within thirty 
    (30) days after notice in writing of the existence thereof shall 
    have been given by the Owner. If the Bidder shall be called upon to 
    replace any defective materials or equipment or to remedy defective 
    workmanship as herein provided, the Owner, if so requested by the 
    Bidder shall deenergize that section of the Project involved in such 
    work. In the event of failure by the Bidder so to do, the Owner may 
    replace such defective materials or equipment or remedy such 
    defective workmanship, as the case may be, and in such event the 
    Bidder shall pay to the Owner the cost and expense thereof.
    
    Article III--Payments and Release of Liens
    
        Section 1. Payments to Bidder
        a. Within the first fifteen (15) days of each calendar month, 
    the Owner shall make partial payment to the Bidder for construction 
    accomplished during the preceding calendar month on the basis of 
    completed Construction Units furnished and certified to by the 
    Bidder, recommended by the Engineer and approved by the Owner solely 
    for the purposes of payment: Provided, however, that such approval 
    shall not be deemed approval of the workmanship or materials. Only 
    ninety percent (90%) of each such estimate approved during the 
    construction of the Project shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder 
    prior to Completion of the Project: Provided, however, that at any 
    time after work, which, in the sole determination of the Engineer, 
    amounts to fifty percent (50%) of the maximum Contract price has 
    been completed, the Owner may elect, in lieu of paying ninety 
    percent (90%) of each such subsequent estimate, to pay each such 
    subsequent estimate in full. Upon completion by the Bidder of the 
    construction of the Project, the Engineer will prepare an inventory 
    of the Project showing the total number and character of 
    Construction Units and, after checking such inventory with the 
    Bidder, will certify it to the Owner. Upon the approval by the Owner 
    and the Administrator of a Certificate of Completion--Contract 
    Construction, RUS Form 187, showing the total cost of the 
    construction performed, the Owner shall make payment to the Bidder 
    of all amounts to which the Bidder shall be entitled thereunder 
    which shall not have been paid: Provided, however, that such final 
    payment shall be made not later than ninety (90) days after the date 
    of Completion of Construction of the Project, as specified in the 
    Certificate of Completion, unless withheld because of the fault of 
    the Bidder.
        b. The Bidder shall be paid on the basis of the number of 
    Construction Units actually installed at the direction of the Owner 
    shown by the inventory based on the staking sheets or structure 
    lists; Provided, however, that the total cost shall not exceed the 
    maximum Contract price for the construction of the Project as set 
    forth in the Acceptance plus the costs of any additional change 
    orders, unless such excess shall have been approved in writing by 
    the Owner.
        c. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.a above, the 
    Bidder may, by giving written notice thereof to the Owner, elect to 
    receive payment in full for any Section of the Project upon:
        (1) completion of such Section as certified by the Engineer and 
    approved by the Owner;
        (2) submission to the Owner of the releases of lien and the 
    certificate referred to in Section 2 hereof;
        (3) approval by the Owner of the inventory in respect of such 
    Section; and
        (4) submission to the Owner and the Administrator of the consent 
    in writing by the Surety or Sureties, if any, on the Contractor's 
    Bond to payment in full for such Section prior to Completion of the 
    Project. If no Sections are designated in Article II, Section 1c, 
    the term ``Section'' shall mean for purposes of this subsection c 
    and Article IV, Section 3b only, a part of the Project as designated 
    by the Owner which represents at least twenty-five percent (25%) of 
    the maximum Contract price as stated in Article III, Section 1, and 
    which is capable of being energized and operated by the Owner.
        d. Interest at the rate of ____ percent\1\ (____%) per annum 
    shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder on all unpaid balances due 
    on monthly estimates, commencing fifteen (15) days after the due 
    date; provided the delay in payment beyond the due date is not 
    caused by any condition within the control of the Bidder. The due 
    date for purposes of such monthly payment or interest on all unpaid 
    balances shall be the fifteenth (15) day of each calendar month 
    provided (1) the Bidder on or before the fifth (5) day of such month 
    shall have submitted its certification of Construction Units 
    completed during the preceding month and (2) the Owner on or before 
    the fifteenth (15) day of such month shall have approved such 
    certification. If, for reasons not due to the Bidder's fault, such 
    approval shall not have been given on or before the fifteenth (15) 
    day of such month, the due date for purposes of this subsection d 
    shall be the fifteenth (15) day of such month notwithstanding the 
    absence of the approval of the certification.
    
        \1\The Owner shall insert a rate equal to the lowest ``Prime 
    Rate'' listed in the ``Money Rates'' section of the Wall Street 
    Journal on the date such invitation to bid is issued.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        e. Interest at the rate of ____ percent\2\ (____%) per annum 
    shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder on the final payment for 
    the Project or any completed Section thereof, commencing fifteen 
    (15) days after the due date. The due date for purposes of such 
    final payment or interest on all unpaid balances shall be the date 
    of approval by the Owner of all of the documents requiring such 
    approval, as a condition precedent to the making of final payment, 
    or ninety (90) days after the date of Completion of Construction of 
    the Project, as specified in the Certificate of Completion, 
    whichever date is earlier.
    
        \2\See Footnote 1.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        f. No payment shall be due while the Bidder is in default in 
    respect of any of the provisions of this Contract and the Owner may 
    withhold from the Bidder the amount of any claim by a third party 
    against either the Bidder or the Owner based upon an alleged failure 
    of the Bidder to perform the work hereunder in accordance with the 
    provisions of this Contract.
        Section 2. Release of Liens and Certificate of Contractor. (See 
    RUS Form 224, Waiver and Release of Lien and RUS Form 231, 
    Certificate of Contractor). Upon the completion by the Bidder of the 
    construction of the Project (or any Section thereof if the Bidder 
    shall elect to receive payment in full for any Section when 
    completed as provided above) but prior to final payment to the 
    Bidder, the Bidder shall deliver to the Owner, in duplicate, 
    releases of all liens and of rights to claim any lien, in the form 
    attached hereto from all manufacturers, material suppliers, and 
    subcontractors furnishing services or materials for the Project or 
    such Section and a certificate in the form attached hereto to the 
    effect that all labor used on or for the Project or such Section has 
    been paid and that all such releases have been submitted to the 
    Owner.
        Section 3. Payments to Material Suppliers and Subcontractors. 
    The Bidder shall pay each material supplier, if any, within five (5) 
    days after receipt of any payment from the Owner, the amount thereof 
    allowed the Bidder for and on account of materials furnished or 
    construction performed by each material supplier or each 
    subcontractor.
    
    Article IV--Particular Undertakings of the Bidder
    
        Section 1. Protection to Persons and Property. The Bidder shall 
    at all times take all reasonable precautions for the safety of 
    employees on the work and of the public, and shall comply with all 
    applicable provisions of Federal, State, and Municipal safety laws 
    and building and construction codes, as well as the safety rules and 
    regulations of the Owner. All machinery and equipment and other 
    physical hazards shall be guarded in accordance with the ``Manual of 
    Accident Prevention in Construction'' of the Associated General 
    Contractors of America unless such instructions are incompatible 
    with Federal, State, or Municipal laws or regulations.
        The following provisions shall not limit the generality of the 
    above requirements:
        a. The Bidder shall at no time and under no circumstances cause 
    or permit any employee of the Bidder to perform any work upon 
    energized lines, or upon poles carrying energized lines, unless 
    otherwise specified in the Notice and Instructions to Bidders.
        b. The Bidder shall so conduct the construction of the Project 
    as to cause the least possible obstruction of public highways.
        c. The Bidder shall provide and maintain all such guard lights 
    and other protection for the public as may be required by applicable 
    statutes, ordinances and regulations or by local conditions.
        d. The Bidder shall do all things necessary or expedient to 
    properly protect any and all parallel, converging and intersecting 
    lines, joint line poles, highways and any and all property of others 
    from damage, and in the event that any such parallel, converging and 
    intersecting lines, joint line poles, highways or other property are 
    damaged in the course of the construction of the Project the Bidder 
    shall at its own expense restore any or all of such damaged property 
    immediately to as good a state as before such damage occurred.
        e. Where the right-of-way of the Project traverses cultivated 
    lands, the Bidder shall [[Page 10235]] limit the movement of its 
    crews and equipment so as to cause as little damage as possible to 
    crops, orchards or property and shall endeavor to avoid marring the 
    lands. All fences which are necessarily opened or moved during the 
    construction of the Project shall be replaced in as good condition 
    as they were found and precautions shall be taken to prevent the 
    escape of livestock. Except as otherwise provided in the 
    descriptions of underground plowing and trenching assembly units, 
    the Bidder shall not be responsible for loss of or damage to crops, 
    orchards or property (other than livestock) on the right-of-way 
    necessarily incident to the construction of the Project and not 
    caused by negligence or inefficient operation of the Bidder. The 
    Bidder shall be responsible for all other loss of or damage to 
    crops, orchards, or property, whether on or off the right-of-way, 
    and for all loss of or damage to livestock caused by the 
    construction of the Project. The right-of-way for purposes of this 
    said section shall consist of an area extending ____ feet on both 
    sides of the center line of the poles along the route of the Project 
    lines, plus such area reasonably required by the Bidder for access 
    to the route of the Project lines from Public roads to carry on 
    construction activities.
        f. The Project, from the commencement of work to completion, or 
    to such earlier date or dates when the Owner may take possession and 
    control in whole or in part as hereinafter provided shall be under 
    the charge and control of the Bidder and during such period of 
    control by the Bidder all risks in connection with the construction 
    of the Project and the materials to be used therein shall be borne 
    by the Bidder. The Bidder shall make good and fully repair all 
    injuries and damages to the Project or any portion thereof under the 
    control of the Bidder by reason of any act of God or other casualty 
    or cause whether or not the same shall have occurred by reason of 
    the Bidder's negligence.
        (i) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall defend, 
    indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, officers, 
    and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Bidder's employees) and loss, damage to or destruction of 
    Owner's property or the property of any other person or entity 
    (including but not limited to Bidder's property) in any manner 
    arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the materials or 
    equipment supplied or services performed by Bidder, its 
    subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein shall 
    be construed as making Bidder liable for any injury, death, loss, 
    damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of Owner.
        (ii) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all liens and claims filed or asserted 
    against Owner, its directors, officers, and employees, or Owner's 
    property or facilities, for services performed or materials or 
    equipment furnished by Bidder, its subcontractors and suppliers of 
    any tier, and from all losses, demands, and causes of action arising 
    out of any such lien or claim. Bidder shall promptly discharge or 
    remove any such lien or claim by bonding, payment, or otherwise and 
    shall notify Owner promptly when it has done so. If Bidder does not 
    cause such lien or claim to be discharged or released by payment, 
    bonding, or otherwise, Owner shall have the right (but shall not be 
    obligated) to pay all sums necessary to obtain any such discharge or 
    release and to deduct all amounts so paid from the amount due 
    Bidder.
        (iii) Bidder shall provide to Owner's satisfaction evidence of 
    Bidder's ability to comply with the indemnification provisions of 
    subparagraphs i and ii above, which evidence may include but may not 
    be limited to a bond or liability insurance policy obtained for this 
    purpose through a licensed surety or insurance company.
        g. Any and all excess earth, rock, debris, underbrush and other 
    useless materials shall be removed by the Bidder from the site of 
    the Project as rapidly as practicable as the work progresses.
        h. Upon violation by the Bidder of any of the provisions of this 
    section, after written notice of such violation given to the Bidder 
    by the Engineer or the Owner, the Bidder shall immediately correct 
    such violation. Upon failure of the Bidder so to do the Owner may 
    correct such violation at the Bidder's expense: Provided, however, 
    that the Owner may, if it deems it necessary or advisable, correct 
    such violation at the Bidder's expense without such prior notice to 
    the Bidder.
        i. The Bidder shall submit to the Owner monthly reports in 
    duplicate of all accidents, giving such data as may be prescribed by 
    the Owner.
        j. The Bidder shall not proceed with the cutting of trees or 
    clearing of right-of-way without written notification from the Owner 
    that proper authorization has been received from the owner of the 
    property, and the Bidder shall promptly notify the Owner whenever 
    any landowner objects to the trimming or felling of any trees or the 
    performance of any other work on its land in connection with the 
    Project and shall obtain the consent in writing of the Owner before 
    proceeding in any such case.
        k. The Bidder will furnish, prior to the commencement of 
    underground distribution construction, proof, satisfactory to the 
    Owner, of compliance with requirements of highway and road 
    authorities having jurisdiction, including without limitation, the 
    furnishing of a bond or other guaranty, and approval by such 
    authorities of the equipment and methods of construction and repair 
    to be used by the Bidder.
        Section 2. Insurance. The Bidder shall take out and maintain 
    throughout the period of this Agreement the following types and 
    minimum amounts of insurance:
        a. Workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance, as 
    required by law, covering all their employees who perform any of the 
    obligations of the contractor, engineer, and architect under the 
    contract. If any employer or employee is not subject to the workers' 
    compensation laws of the governing state, then insurance shall be 
    obtained voluntarily to extend to the employer and employee coverage 
    to the same extent as though the employer or employee were subject 
    to the workers' compensation laws.
        b. Public liability insurance covering all operations under the 
    contract shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less 
    than $1 million each occurrence, limits for property damage of not 
    less than $1 million each occurrence, and $1 million aggregate for 
    accidents during the policy period. A single limit of $1 million of 
    bodily injury and property damage is acceptable. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        c. Automobile liability insurance on all motor vehicles used in 
    connection with the contract, whether owned, nonowned, or hired, 
    shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1 
    million per person and $1 million each occurrence, and property 
    damage limits of $1 million for each occurrence. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        The Owner shall have the right at any time to require public 
    liability insurance and property damage liability insurance greater 
    than those required in subsection ``b'' and ``c'' of this Section. 
    In any such event, the additional premium or premiums payable solely 
    as the result of such additional insurance shall be added to the 
    Contract price.
        The Owner shall be named as Additional Insured on all policies 
    of insurance required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of this 
    Section.
        The policies of insurance shall be in such form and issued by 
    such insurer as shall be satisfactory to the Owner. The Bidder shall 
    furnish the Owner a certificate evidencing compliance with the 
    foregoing requirements which shall provide not less than (30) days 
    prior written notice to the Owner of any cancellation or material 
    change in the insurance.
        Section 3. Delivery of Possession and Control to Owner.
        a. Upon written request of the Owner the Bidder shall deliver to 
    the Owner full possession and control of any portion of the Project 
    provided the Bidder shall have been paid at least ninety percent 
    (90%) of the cost of construction of such portion. Upon such 
    delivery of the possession and control of any portion of the Project 
    to the Owner, the risk and obligations of the Bidder as set forth in 
    Article IV, Section 1f hereof with respect to such portion of the 
    Project so delivered to the Owner shall be terminated; Provided, 
    however, that nothing herein contained shall relieve the Bidder of 
    any liability with respect to defective materials and workmanship as 
    contained in Article II, Section 6 hereof.
        b. Where the construction of a Section as hereinbefore defined 
    in Article II, Section 1c and Article III, Section 1c shall have 
    been completed by the Bidder, the Owner agrees, after receipt of a 
    written request from the Bidder, to accept delivery of possession 
    and control of such Section upon the issuance by the Engineer of a 
    written statement that the [[Page 10236]] Section has been inspected 
    and found acceptable by the Engineer. Upon such delivery of the 
    possession and control of any such Section to the Owner, the risk 
    and obligations of the Bidder as set forth in Article IV, Section 1f 
    hereof with respect to such Section so delivered to the Owner shall 
    be terminated: Provided, however, that nothing herein contained 
    shall relieve the Bidder of any liability with respect to defective 
    materials or workmanship as contained in Article II, Section 6 
    hereof.
        Section 4. Energizing the Project.
        a. Prior to Completion of the Project the Owner, upon written 
    notice to the Bidder, may test the construction thereof by 
    temporarily energizing any portion or portions thereof. During the 
    period of such test the portion or portions of the Project so 
    energized shall be considered as within the possession and control 
    of the Owner and governed by the provisions of Section 3 of this 
    Article. Upon written notice to the Bidder by the Owner of the 
    completion of such test and upon deenergizing the lines involved 
    therein said portion or portions of the Project shall be considered 
    as returned to the possession and control of the Bidder unless the 
    Owner shall elect to continue possession and control in the manner 
    provided in Section 3 of this Article.
        b. The Owner shall have the right to energize permanently any 
    portion or portions of the Project delivered to its possession and 
    control pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of this Article.
        Section 5. Assignment of Guarantees. All guarantees of materials 
    and workmanship running in favor of the Bidder shall be transferred 
    and assigned to the Owner prior to the time the Bidder receives 
    final payment.
    
    Article V--Remedies
    
        Section 1. Completion on Bidder's Default. If default shall be 
    made by the Bidder or by any subcontractor in the performance of any 
    of the terms of this Proposal, the Owner, without in any manner 
    limiting its legal and equitable remedies in the circumstances, may 
    serve upon the Bidder and the Surety or Sureties, if any, upon the 
    Contractor's Bond or Bonds a written notice requiring the Bidder to 
    cause such default to be corrected forthwith. Unless within twenty 
    (20) days after the service of such notice upon the Bidder such 
    default shall be corrected or arrangements for the correction 
    thereof satisfactory to both the Owner and the Administrator shall 
    be made by the Bidder or its Surety or Sureties, if any, the Owner 
    may take over the construction of the Project and prosecute the same 
    to completion by Contract or otherwise for the account and at the 
    expense of the Bidder, and the Bidder and its Surety or Sureties, if 
    any, shall be liable to the Owner for any cost or expense in excess 
    of the Contract price occasioned thereby. In such event the Owner 
    may take possession of and utilize, in completing the construction 
    of the Project, any materials, tools, supplies, equipment, 
    appliances, and plant belonging to the Bidder or any of its 
    subcontractors, which may be situated at the site of the Project. 
    The Owner in such contingency may exercise any rights, claims or 
    demands which the Bidder may have against third persons in 
    connection with this Contract and for such purpose the Bidder does 
    hereby assign, transfer and set over unto the Owner all such rights, 
    claims and demands.
        Section 2. Liquidated Damages. The time of the Completion of 
    Construction of the Project is of the essence of the Contract. 
    Should the Bidder neglect, refuse or fail to complete the 
    construction within the time herein agreed upon, after giving effect 
    to extensions of time if any, herein provided, then, in that event 
    and in view of the difficulty of estimating with exactness damages 
    caused by such delay, the Owner shall have the right to deduct from 
    and retain out of such moneys which may be then due, or which may 
    become due and payable to the Bidder the sum of ________ dollars 
    (________) per day for each and every day that such construction is 
    delayed in its completion beyond the specified time, as liquidated 
    damages and not as a penalty; if the amount due and to become due 
    from the Owner to the Bidder is insufficient to pay in full any such 
    liquidated damages, the Bidder shall pay to the Owner the amount 
    necessary to effect such payment in full: Provided, however, that 
    the Owner shall promptly notify the Bidder in writing of the manner 
    in which the amount retained, deducted or claimed as liquidated 
    damages was computed.
        Section 3. Cumulative Remedies. Every right or remedy herein 
    conferred upon or reserved to the Owner or the Government or the 
    Administrator shall be cumulative, shall be in addition to every 
    right and remedy now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by 
    statute and the pursuit of any right or remedy shall not be 
    construed as an election: Provided, however, that the provisions of 
    Section 2 of this Article shall be the exclusive measure of damages 
    for failure by the Bidder to complete the construction of the 
    Project within the time herein agreed upon.
    
    Article VI--Miscellaneous
    
        Section 1. Definitions.
        a. The term ``Administrator'' shall mean the Administrator of 
    the Rural Utilities Service of the United States of America and his 
    duly authorized representative or any other person in whom or 
    authority in which may be vested the duties and functions which the 
    Administrator is now authorized by law to perform.
        b. The term ``Engineer'' shall mean the Engineer employed by the 
    Owner, to provide engineering services for the Project and said 
    Engineer's duly authorized assistants and representatives.
        c. The term ``Supervisor'' shall mean the person, if any, 
    appointed by the Administrator as the representative of the 
    Government under the provisions of the Loan Contract providing for 
    such appointment in special cases. The term is limited to such 
    special representative of the Government, if any, who is responsible 
    exclusively to the Administrator and does not refer to the Manager 
    or any other person employed by the Owner and responsible to it.
        d. The term ``Project'' shall mean the rural electric system, or 
    portion thereof, described in the Plans and Specifications, 
    Construction Drawings.
        e. The term ``Completion of Construction'' shall mean full 
    performance by the Bidder's obligations under the Contract and all 
    amendments and revisions thereof except the Bidder's obligations in 
    respect of (1) Releases of Liens and Certificate of Contractor under 
    Article III, Section 2 hereof, (2) the inventory referred to in 
    Article III, Section 1 hereof, and (3) other final documents. The 
    term ``Completion of the Project'' shall mean full performance by 
    the Bidder of the Bidder's obligations under the Contract and all 
    amendments and revisions thereof. The Certificate of Completion, 
    signed by the Engineer and approved in writing by the Owner, shall 
    be the sole and conclusive evidence as to the date of Completion of 
    Construction and as to the fact of Completion of the Project.
        Section 2. Materials and Supplies. In the performance of this 
    contract there shall be furnished only such unmanufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been mined or produced in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada, and only such manufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been manufactured in the United 
    States substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies 
    mined, produced or manufactured, as the case may be, in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada; provided that other articles, materials, 
    or supplies may be used in the event and to the extent that the 
    Administrator shall expressly in writing authorize such use pursuant 
    to the provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1938, being 
    Title IV of Public Resolution No. 122, 75th Congress, approved June 
    21, 1938. The Seller agrees to submit to the Purchaser such 
    certificates with respect to compliance with the foregoing provision 
    as the Administrator from time to time may require.
        Section 3. Patent Infringement. The Bidder shall hold harmless 
    and indemnify the Owner from any and all claims, suits and 
    proceedings for the infringement of any patent or patents covering 
    any materials or equipment used in construction of the Project.
        Section 4. Permits for Explosives. All permits necessary for the 
    handling or use of dynamite or other explosives in connection with 
    the construction of the Project shall be obtained by and at the 
    expense of the Bidder.
        Section 5. Compliance with Statutes and Regulations. The Bidder 
    shall comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules, and 
    regulations pertaining to the work. The Bidder acknowledges that it 
    is familiar with the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, 
    the so-called ``Kick-Back'' Statute (48 Stat. 948), and regulations 
    issued pursuant thereto, and 18 U.S.C. Secs. 287, 1001, as amended. 
    The Bidder understands that the obligations of the parties hereunder 
    are subject to the applicable regulations and orders of Governmental 
    Agencies having jurisdiction in the premises.
        Section 6. Equal Opportunity Provisions.
        (a) Bidder's Representations.
        The Bidder represents that:
        It has ____, does not have ____, 100 or more employees, and if 
    it has, that it has ____, has not ____ furnished the Equal 
    Employment Opportunity-Employers Information Report EEO-1, Standard 
    Form 100, required of employers with 100 or more employees pursuant 
    to Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 
    1964. [[Page 10237]] 
        The Bidder agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award of any 
    subcontract for more than $10,000 hereunder to a subcontractor with 
    100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the proposed 
    subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a current 
    report on Standard Form 100.
        The Bidder agrees that if it has 100 or more employees and has 
    not submitted a report on Standard Form 100 for the current 
    reporting year and that if this Contract will amount to more than 
    $10,000, the Bidder will file such report, as required by law, and 
    notify the owner in writing of such filing prior to the Owner's 
    acceptance of this Proposal.
        (b) Equal Opportunity Clause. During the performance of this 
    Contract, the Bidder agrees as follows:
        (1) The Bidder will not discriminate against any employee or 
    applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex or 
    national origin. The Bidder will take affirmative action to ensure 
    that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during 
    employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex or 
    national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, 
    the following: Employment, upgrading, demotions or transfer; 
    recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates 
    of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection of training, 
    including apprenticeship. The Bidder agrees to post in conspicuous 
    places, available to employees and applicants for employment, 
    notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this Equal 
    Opportunity Clause.
        (2) The Bidder will, in all solicitations or advertisements for 
    employees placed by or on behalf of the Bidder, state that all 
    qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
        (3) The Bidder will send to each labor union or representative 
    of workers, with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or 
    other contract or understanding, a notice to be provided advising 
    the said labor union or workers' representative of the Bidder's 
    commitments under this section, and shall post copies of the notice 
    in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for 
    employment.
        (4) The Bidder will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and the rules, regulations and 
    relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Bidder will furnish all information and reports required 
    by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by rules, 
    regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant 
    thereto, and will permit access to its books, records, and accounts 
    by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes 
    of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations, and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Bidder's noncompliance with the Equal 
    Opportunity Clause of this Contract or with any of the said rules, 
    regulations, or orders, this Contract may be canceled, terminated, 
    or suspended in whole or in part, and the Bidder may be declared 
    ineligible for further Government contracts or federally assisted 
    construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other 
    sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation, 
    or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as provided by law.
        (7) The Bidder will include this Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by the rules, 
    regulations, or order of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to 
    Section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, so that 
    such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. 
    The Bidder will take such action with respect to any subcontract or 
    purchase order as the administering agency may direct as a means of 
    enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance; 
    Provided, however, that in the event Bidder becomes involved in, or 
    is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as a 
    result of such direction by the administering agency, the Bidder may 
    request the United States to enter into such litigation to protect 
    the interests of the United States.
        (c) Certificate of Nonsegregated Facilities. The Bidder 
    certifies that it does not maintain or provide for its employees any 
    segregated facilities at any of its establishments, and that it does 
    not permit its employees to perform their services at any location, 
    under its control, where segregated facilities are maintained. The 
    Bidder certifies further that it will not maintain or provide for 
    its employees any segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it will not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Bidder agrees that a breach of this 
    certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity Clause in this 
    Contract. As used in this certification, the term ``segregated 
    facilities'' means any waiting rooms, work areas, restrooms and 
    washrooms, restaurants and other eating areas, timeclocks, locker 
    rooms and other storage or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking 
    fountains, recreation or entertainment areas, transportation, and 
    housing facilities provided for employees which are segregated by 
    explicit directive or are in fact segregated on the basis of race, 
    color, religion, or national origin, because of habit, local custom, 
    or otherwise. The Bidder agrees that (except where it has obtained 
    identical certifications from proposed subcontractors for specific 
    time periods) it will obtain identical certifications from proposed 
    subcontractors prior to the award of subcontracts exceeding $10,000 
    which are not exempt from the provisions of the Equal Opportunity 
    Clause, and that it will retain such certifications in its files.
        Section 7. Franchises and Rights-of-Way. The Bidder shall be 
    under no obligation to obtain or assist in obtaining: Any 
    franchises, authorizations, permits or approvals required to be 
    obtained by the Owner from Federal, State, County, Municipal or 
    other authorities; any rights-of-way over private lands; or any 
    agreements between the Owner and third parties with respect to the 
    joint use of poles, crossings, or other matter incident to the 
    construction and operation of the Project.
        Section 8. Nonassignment of Contract. The Bidder shall perform 
    directly and without subcontracting not less than twenty-five 
    percent (25%) of the construction of the Project, to be calculated 
    on the basis of the total Contract price. The Bidder shall not 
    assign the Contract effected by an acceptance of this Proposal or 
    any interest in any funds that may be due or become due hereunder or 
    enter into any contract with any person, firm or corporation for the 
    performance of the Bidder's obligations hereunder or any part 
    thereof, without the approval in writing of the Owner and of the 
    Surety or Sureties, if any, on any bond furnished by the Bidder for 
    the faithful performance of the Bidder's obligations hereunder. If 
    the Bidder, with the consent of the Owner and any Surety or Sureties 
    on the Contractor's Bond or Bonds, shall enter into a subcontract 
    with any subcontractor for the performance of any part of this 
    Contract, the Bidder shall be as fully responsible to the Owner and 
    the Government for the acts and omissions of such subcontractor and 
    of persons employed by such subcontractor as the Bidder would be for 
    its own acts and omissions and those of persons directly employed by 
    it.
        Section 9. Extension to Successors and Assigns. Each and all of 
    the covenants and agreements herein contained shall extend to and be 
    binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
        Section 10. Contractor. Upon acceptance of this Proposal, the 
    successful Bidder shall be the Contractor and all references in the 
    Proposal to the Bidder shall apply to the Contractor.
    
    ________ (Bidder)
    By ________ (President)
    ________ (Address)
    Attest: ________ (Secretary)
    Date ________
    
        The Proposal must be signed with the full name of the Bidder. If 
    the Bidder is a partnership, the Proposal must be signed in the 
    partnership name by a partner. If the Bidder is a corporation, the 
    Proposal must be signed in the corporate name by a duly authorized 
    officer and the corporate seal affixed and attested by the Secretary 
    of the Corporation.
    
    Distribution Construction Units--New Construction
    
    Section 1--Pole Units
    
        A pole unit consists of one pole in place. It does not include 
    pole-top assembly unit or other parts attached to the pole. The 
    first two digits indicate the length of the pole; the third digit 
    shows the classification per ANSI (Example: 35-5 means a pole 35 
    feet long, class 5.)
    
    Species of Timber: ________
        Kind of Preservative: (Check one)
    
    1. Creosote ____; 2. Pentachlorophenol ____; 3. Copper Naphthenate 
    ____; 4. Waterborne preservative--CCA ____ ACZA ____
        Method of Treatment: (Check one)
    
    1. Pressure ____; 2. Thermal Process ____
    
         [[Page 10238]] Pole Plan Under Which the Poles are to be 
    Furnished: (Check one)
    
    1. Insured Warranted ____; 2. Independently Inspected ____; 3. 
    Quality Assured ____; 4. Either Insured Warranted, Independently 
    Inspected, or Quality Assured ____
    
    (Engineer to complete above)
    
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                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
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                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section 1--____________
    
    Section A--Single Phase Pole Top Assembly Units
    
        A pole top assembly unit consists of the hardware, crossarms, 
    and their appurtenances, insulators, etc., except tie wire, required 
    to support the primary conductors. It does not include the pole. 
    Crossarm pins include washer, nut, and locknut.
    
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                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section A--____________
    
    Section B--V Phase Pole Top Assembly Units
    
        A pole top assembly units consists of the hardware, crossarms, 
    and their appurtenances, insulators, etc., except tie wire, required 
    to support the primary conductors. It does not include the pole. 
    Crossarm pins include washer, nut, and locknut.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section B--____________
    
    Section C--Three Phase Pole Top Assembly Units
    
        A pole top assembly unit consists of the hardware, crossarms, 
    and their appurtenances, insulators, etc., except tie wire, required 
    to support the primary conductors. It does not include the pole. 
    Crossarm pins include washer, nut, and locknut.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
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                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section C--____________
    
    Section D--Conductor Assembly Units
    
        A conductor assembly unit consists of 1,000 feet of conductor or 
    cable for primaries, secondaries or services, and includes tie 
    wires, sleeves for splicing, connectors, and armor rods with clips 
    or armor wire where necessary.
        Tree trimming necessary for installing services and secondaries 
    on poles not carrying primary line is included with the conductor 
    assembly unit and shall be performed in accordance with the 
    directions of the Engineer. The service shall be connected to the 
    secondary or transformer and 2 feet of conductor or cable shall be 
    left for connecting to the consumer's service entrance. In computing 
    the compensation to the Bidder for conductor assembly units only the 
    horizontal distance between conductor supports or pole stakes shall 
    be used. The conductor or cable sizes and types listed are the 
    manufacturer's designation.
    
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     [[Page 10239]] Total, Section D--____________
    
    Section E--Guy Assembly Units
    
        A guy assembly unit consists of the hardware and wire, and guy 
    insulator where necessary. An overhead guy assembly consists of an 
    overhead guy, a pole, and a down guy, each of which is listed 
    separately. Guy markers are designated separately.
    
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                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
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    E                                                                                                               
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section E--____________
    
    Section F--Anchor Assembly Units
    
        An anchor assembly unit consists of the anchor with rod 
    complete, ready for attaching the guy wire.
    
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    F                                                                                                               
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    Total, Section F--____________
    
    Section G--Transformer Assembly Units
    
        A transformer assembly units consists of the transformer, its 
    protective equipment, and its hardware and leads with their 
    connectors and supporting insulators and pins. this units does not 
    include the pole top, secondary, service, or grounding assemblies.
    
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    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section G--____________
    
    Section J--Secondary Assembly Units
    
        A secondary assembly unit consists of the hardware, insulators, 
    etc., to support the secondary conductors or cable. It does not 
    include the secondary conductor or cable, or any hardware, 
    insulators, etc. required to support service conductors or cable.
    
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    J                                                                                                               
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    Total, Section J--____________
    
    Section K--Service Assembly Units
    
        A service assembly unit consists of the hardware, insulators, 
    etc., required to support the service conductors or cable. It does 
    not include the service conductor or cable, or any hardware, 
    insulators, etc., required to support secondary conductors or cable.
    
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    K                                                                                                               
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section K--____________
    
    Section M--Miscellaneous Assembly Units
    
        A miscellaneous assembly unit consists of an additional unit 
    needed in the Project for new line construction but not otherwise 
    listed in the Proposal. This section includes grounding assemblies 
    consisting of the conductor, ground rod, grounding plate, connectors 
    and clamps as shown on the respective drawings for the various 
    types. It also includes fuse cutouts, reclosers, sectionalizers, 
    switches, capacitors, regulators, metering and other assembly units.
    
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                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
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    M                                                                                                               
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section M--____________
    
    Section R--Right-of-Way Clearing Units
    
        R1-10. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and 10 feet in width (to 
    be measured on one side of the pole line) of actual clearing of 
    right-of-way. This includes clearing of underbrush, tree removal, 
    and such tree trimming as is required so that the right-of-way, 
    except for tree stumps which shall not exceed ________ in height, 
    shall be clear from the ground up on one side of the line of poles 
    carrying primary conductors of the width specified. This unit does 
    not include clearing or trimming associated with secondaries or 
    services which is included with conductor units. The segmental 
    length of actual clearing shall be measured in a straight line 
    parallel to the transmission centerline using the maximum dimension 
    of foliage cleared and projected to the ground line. All trees and 
    underbrush across this width of the right-of-way shall be considered 
    to be grouped together as a single length in measuring the total 
    length of clearing. Spaces along the right-of-way in which no trees 
    are to be removed or trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be omitted 
    from the total measurement. All length thus arrived at, added 
    together and divided by 1,000, shall give the number of 1,000-foot 
    R1-10 units of clearing. This unit includes the removal or topping, 
    at the option of the Bidder, of danger trees outside of the right-
    of-way when so designated by the Engineer. (Danger trees are defined 
    as dead or leaning trees which, in falling, will affect the 
    operation of the line.) The Bidder shall not remove or trim shade, 
    fruit, or ornamental trees unless so directed by the Engineer.
        R1-20. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that the width 
    is 20 feet (to be measured 10 feet on each side of the pole line).
        R1-30. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that the width 
    is 30 feet (to be measured 15 feet on each side of the pole line).
        R1-40. This unit is identical with R1-10 except that width is 40 
    feet (to be measured 20 feet on each side of the pole line).
        RC1-10, RC1-20, RC1-30, RC1-40. These units are identical to the 
    respective R1 units except that chemical treatment of stumps is 
    required in addition to the clearing of underbrush, tree removal and 
    tree trimming.
        Additional Requirements (When specifying R1 units denote type of 
    disposal (A or B).)
        A. Trees, brush, branches and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by one of the following methods as the Engineer will 
    direct (Engineer to strike out methods not to be used):
        1. Burned
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (describe) ________
        B. Trees that are felled shall be cut to commercial wood 
    lengths, stacked neatly, and left on the right-of-way for the 
    landowner. Commercial wood length means the length designated by the 
    Engineer but in no case shall it be required to be less than ____ 
    (____) feet. Brush, branches, and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as the Engineer will 
    direct (Engineer to strike out methods not to be used):
        1. Burned
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (describe) ________
    
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    R                                                                                                               
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    Total, Section R--____________
    
    Section UD--Underground Cable Assembly Units
    
        An underground cable assembly unit consists of 1,000 feet of 
    cable for underground primaries, secondaries or services. It does 
    not include the conduit, plowing, trenching and backfilling, or the 
    termination of the primary cable which are provided for in other 
    assembly units. It includes the termination, connection and sealing 
    of secondary and service cables and conductors as shown in the 
    specifications and construction drawings, and all primary, secondary 
    and service cable splices (buried cable may be spliced only when and 
    where permitted by the Owner3,4.) In computing the compensation 
    to the Bidder for underground cable assembly units, only the 
    distance between stakes, paralleling the cable shall be used. The 
    number of units so computed will include all cable installed in 
    place in all specified trenches, risers, conduits, crossings, 
    manholes, transformers, terminal housings and meter boxes.5 The 
    conductor or cables listed are the manufacturer's designation of 
    types, size, voltage rating and material. The Bidder and the Owner 
    shall jointly perform cable acceptance tests on installed cable in 
    accordance with the specifications using test equipment furnished by 
    the ________. (Engineer to insert Owner or Bidder). [[Page 10240]] 
    
        \3\____ Engineer check here if primary splices are permitted.
        \4\____ Engineer check here if secondary and service splices are 
    permitted.
        \5\____ Engineer check here if 12 feet of service conductor is 
    to be left as a coil 3 feet from the building with ends capped 
    instead of connection to meter box.
    
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    UD                                                                                                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section UD____________
    
    Section UG--Underground Transformer Assembly Units
    
        An underground transformer assembly unit consists of the 
    transformer, its housing, warning sign, switches, over-current 
    protective devices, grounding loop, and hardware and leads with 
    their connectors and supporting insulators installed in place. This 
    unit includes the cable terminations but does not include lightning 
    arresters, fault indicators, ground rods or trenching. For 
    submersible transformers, it includes the cable terminations, the 
    enclosure and cover, drainable material (when specified6), and 
    the excavation when required. For pad-mount transformers, it does 
    not include the pad, site preparation, drainable material, 
    backfilling or compaction which are included in the pad assembly 
    units. [[Page 10241]] 
    
        \6\____ Engineer check here if drainable material is specified.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                              Labor &   labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    UG                                                                                                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section UG--____________
    
    Section UK--Underground Secondary and Service Assembly Units
    
        An underground secondary and service assembly unit consists of 
    secondary or service cable terminal housing mounted in place. It 
    includes the power pedestal, stake (when required), mounting 
    hardware, warning sign, directional marker, housing identification 
    marking and the cable identification tags. It does not include the 
    cable terminations, ground rod, or pad, when required.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                              Labor &   labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    UK                                                                                                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section UK ____________
    
    Section UM--Miscellaneous Underground Assembly Units
    
        A miscellaneous underground assembly unit consists of an 
    additional unit needed in the Project for new construction but not 
    otherwise listed in the Proposal. This section includes the 
    miscellaneous assembly units as shown on the respective underground 
    construction drawings. Where miscellaneous units consist of or 
    include a primary cable termination, the unit includes the 
    preparation of the cable to accommodate the termination, the stress 
    cone and the connection of the cable to the terminal equipment. Pad 
    assembly units are in this section and include the site preparation, 
    bedding, drainable material when specified, cable slot, backfilling, 
    tamping and the pad in place.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                              Labor &   labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    UM                                                                                                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section UM--____________
    
    Section UR--Underground Excavation Assembly Units
    
        UR 1-S(d) Plowing Assembly Unit, Soil--Consists of one (1) 
    lineal foot of plowing in soil, measured parallel to the surface of 
    the ground, to a specified depth (D), in inches, including the 
    compacting, except as specifically provided for in other units. This 
    unit includes all material and labor required in the repair and/or 
    replacement of streets, roads, drives, fences, lawns, shrubbery, 
    watermains, pipes, pipelines and contents, underground power and 
    telephone facilities, buried sewerage and drainage facilities, and 
    any other property damaged during the plowing of the cable, except 
    as specifically provided for in other units. This unit does not 
    include underground cable facilities installed in the slot.
    
        Note: Where in the judgment of the Owner greater than normal 
    difficulty will be involved in plowing because of the presence of 
    underground facilities of other utilities, this unit will be 
    suffixed by the letter ``T''. This will be applicable only in those 
    areas predesignated by the Owner on the detail maps herein. All 
    plowing outside of the predesignated area on the map, regardless of 
    the difficulty in placement actually experienced, will be 
    inventoried as the regular UR 1-S(D) units. If field conditions show 
    the existence of rock to prevent the placing of the cable in soil to 
    the depth required in the specifications, the Owner may specify UR 
    2-R units. Where more than one cable is to be installed in the slot, 
    the UR1-S unit designation should be modified by a suffix 
    corresponding to the number of cables installed. Example: UR1-S(D) 
    3c for 3 cables plowed at one time.
    
        UR 2-S(D&W) Trenching Assembly Unit, Soil--Consists of one (1) 
    lineal foot of trenching in soil, measured parallel to the surface 
    of the ground, to a specified depth (D) and width (W), in inches, 
    including the excavation, and backfilling and compacting. This unit 
    includes all material and labor required in the repair and/or 
    replacement of streets, roads, drives, fences, lawns, shrubbery, 
    watermains, pipes, pipelines and contents, under-ground power and 
    telephone facilities, buried sewerage and drainage facilities, and 
    any other property damaged by the trenching, except as specifically 
    provided for in other units. This unit does not include underground 
    cable facilities installed in the trench or cable bedding assembly 
    units, when required.
    
        Note: Where in the judgment of the Owner greater than normal 
    difficulty will be involved in trenching because of the presence of 
    underground facilities of other utilities, this unit will be 
    suffixed by the letter ``T''. This will be applicable only in those 
    areas predesignated by the Owner on the detail maps herein. Where 
    more than one cable is to be installed in the trench, the regular UR 
    2-S unit designation should be modified by a suffix corresponding to 
    the construction drawing for the type of cable placement desired.
    
        UR 2-R (D&W) Trenching Assembly Unit, Rock--Consists of one (1) 
    lineal foot of trenching in rock, measured parallel to the surface 
    of the ground, to specified depth (D) and width(W), in inches, 
    including the excavation, and backfilling and compacting to place 
    cable to the depth specified in the Specifications. This unit will 
    be specified by the Owner only when field conditions at the site 
    show the existence of rock at a depth preventing the placing of the 
    cable in soil to the depths required in the Specifications. This 
    unit includes all material and labor required in the repair and/or 
    replacement of [[Page 10242]] streets, roads, drives, fences, lawns, 
    shrubbery, watermains, pipes, pipelines and contents, underground 
    power and telephone facilities, buried sewerage and drainage 
    facilities, and any other property damaged by the trenching, except 
    as specifically provided for in other units. This unit does not 
    include underground cable facilities installed in the trench or 
    cable bedding assembly units, when required.
        UR-3 Cable Bedding Assembly Unit--Consists of one (1) lineal 
    foot of a 2-inch bed of clean sand or soil placed in the trench 
    under the cable and a 4-inch layer of clean sand or soil backfill 
    over the cable to the width of the trench.
    
        Note: The exact location and number of units shall be determined 
    by the Owner after the trenches are open in those areas where rock 
    or other conditions make special bedding necessary.
    
        UR-4a Pavement Assembly Unit, Asphalt--Consists of the labor and 
    material necessary to remove and restore one (1) lineal foot of 
    asphalt pavement, measured along the route of the cable. All work 
    shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of state or 
    local authorities. Any trenching which may be necessary is included 
    in this unit.
        UR-4c Pavement Assembly Unit, Concrete--Consists of the labor 
    and material necessary to remove and restore one (1) lineal foot of 
    concrete pavement, measured along the route of the cable. All work 
    shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of state or 
    local authorities. Any trenching which may be necessary is included 
    in this unit.
        UR-5( ) Underground Pipe Crossing Assembly Unit--Consists of one 
    (1) lineal foot of steel pipe, of the inside diameter, in inches, 
    specified in the last digit of the assembly unit designation, 
    installed in place. This unit includes the pushing of pipe and any 
    excavation, backfilling and tamping necessary for the installation 
    of the pipe. The pipe will be installed at the depth specified by 
    the Owner. Underground cable installed in the pipe is not included 
    in this unit.
        UR-6 Underground Nonpipe Crossing Assembly Unit--Consists of the 
    labor in providing a hole in soil one (1) foot in length of a 
    diameter sufficient to accommodate the cable to be installed 
    therein. The depth of the hole below the surface of the ground shall 
    be specified by the Owner. This unit includes any excavation, 
    backfilling and tamping necessary for the installation. This unit 
    may be used where the permanent installation of a steel pipe under 
    the UR-5 unit is not required. Underground cable installed in the 
    hole is not included in this unit.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                              Labor &   labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    UR                                                                                                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section UR--____________
    
    Distribution Construction Units--Line Changes
    
        The general heading of Line Changes applies to the changing of 
    existing lines or portion thereof from their existing phasing, wire 
    size, and type to new phasing, wire size, and type and the removal 
    of existing lines or portion thereof and replacing with new lines in 
    close proximity thereto. In general line changes involve three types 
    of assembly units as follows:
    
    Section H--Conversion assembly units;
    Section I--Removal assembly units;
    Section N--New construction assembly units on existing lines or in 
    replacing lines.
    
        The assembly units that are included in Section H, I, and N are 
    defined by symbols and descriptions which follow together with the 
    applicable descriptions included under New construction. Where the 
    descriptions are not correct or sufficiently explicit, or when 
    special units are not covered by Construction Drawings, descriptions 
    have been provided by the Engineer in the respective sections.
        Work included in these sections shall be performed under the 
    schedule as set forth below: ________.
    
      Schedule of Deenergization of Existing Distribution Lines Under Which 
               Work Under Sections H, I, and N Shall be Performed           
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Line section (To be designated by    Hours and days of week when lines 
       point to point description on      will be deenergized to permit line
                detail map)                            changes              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The Bidder will so plan and perform its work on the above lines 
    that it will be possible for the Owner to safely reenergize all 
    lines involved at the expiration of the time limits set up in the 
    above schedule to resume service to all consumers being served prior 
    to deenergization. Prior to commencement of work each day on lines 
    to be deenergized, the Bidder will notify the Owner in writing 
    thereof, designating the lines to be deenergized and upon receipt of 
    such notice, the Owner will deenergize such lines. Upon completion 
    of work each day on such deenergized lines, the Bidder will notify 
    the Owner thereof in writing or in such other manner as the 
    circumstances permit designating the lines to be reenergized and 
    stating that such lines may be safely reenergized and upon receipt 
    of such notice, the Owner will reenergize such lines.
    
    Section H--Conversion Assembly Units
    
        Conversion assembly units are pole-top assemblies and cover the 
    furnishing of all labor and additional materials for changing an 
    existing assembly unit to a new assembly unit, utilizing certain 
    items of materials of the existing assembly unit on poles to be left 
    in place. The unit prices for materials should include only 
    additional material that is required to complete the new unit, less 
    suitable allowance for material removed. Any materials removed from 
    the existing assembly units which are not required in the 
    construction of the conversion assembly unit become the property of 
    the Bidder and may, with the permission of the Engineer, be reused 
    by the Bidder in the construction of other assembly units called for 
    in the Construction Contract. Conversion assembly units are 
    specified by the prefix H with the new construction assembly unit 
    designation shown first and the existing assembly unit designation 
    shown last. For example, a H B1-A1 signifies the conversion of an 
    existing A1 assembly unit to a B1 assembly unit (as was defined in 
    the description of construction assembly units). In this instance 
    the Bidder utilizes the existing pin-type insulator, single upset 
    bolt and neutral spool in the construction of the new assembly unit. 
    The Bidder furnishes the additional crossarm, crossarm pins, braces, 
    machine bolt, carriage bolts, lag screw, and insulator required for 
    the new unit. The Bidder takes possession of the pole-top pin and 
    two machine bolts and with the permission of the Engineer may reuse 
    these elsewhere in the construction of the Project. The Bidder will 
    not be held accountable to the Owner for the materials he so 
    acquires.
        The Conversion assembly units also include the furnishing of all 
    labor and materials in the transferring, resagging and retying of 
    conductors from one position on the pole to a different position on 
    the pole where such transfers are required. Where replacement of 
    conductor is required, the existing conductor will be removed under 
    Section I and the new conductor installed under Section N.
        Where replacement of a pole is required, the existing pole and 
    pole-top assembly will be removed under Section I and the new pole 
    and pole-top assembly will be installed according to Section N and 
    no H units will be involved.
        Conversion assemblies are listed in three subsections for 
    converting pole-top assemblies from single to V phase, single to 
    three phase, and V to three phase. The following descriptions apply 
    to only those units not sufficiently explicit.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Unit                             Description              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H                                                                       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section H--Conversion Assembly Units
    
    Subsection H (B-A) 1 Phase to V Phase
    
                                                                            
    [[Page 10243]]                                                          
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                              Labor &   labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H                                                                                                               
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section H (B-A)--____________
    
    Section H--Conversion Assembly Units
    
    Subsection H (C-A) 1 Phase to 3 Phase
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                              Labor &   labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H                                                                                                               
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Subsection H (C-A)----____________
    
    Section H--Conversion Assembly Units
    
    Subsection H (C-B) V Phase to 3 Phase
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                              Labor &   labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H                                                                                                               
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Subsection H (C-B)--____________
    Total, Subsection H (B-A)--____________
    Total, Subsection H (C-A)--____________
    Total, Section H--____________
    
    Section I--Removal Assembly Units
    
        Removal assembly units cover the furnishing of all labor for the 
    removal of existing units of construction from existing lines, 
    disassembling into material items, and all labor and transportation 
    for the returning of all materials to the warehouse of the Owner in 
    an orderly manner or transporting elsewhere to the site of the 
    Project for reuse in the prosecution of this Contract as approved by 
    the Engineer.
        The Bidder will be charged by the Owner for the full value of 
    all materials removed under this section at the value shown in Table 
    C. Such charges will be placed against the Bidder as units are 
    removed and the value will be deducted from the total value of 
    installed assembly units for determination of the work accomplished 
    for purposes of monthly progress payments to the Bidder.
        Of the materials listed in Table C to be removed from existing 
    lines, certain materials will be reused in the construction of the 
    Project. Such materials to be reused are listed in Table C-1. 
    Materials other than those listed in Table C-1 shall, if not damaged 
    in handling, be returned to the Owner for full credit at the values 
    shown in Table D. The Bidder will be allowed full credit for all 
    material items, other than those listed in Table C-1, returned to 
    the Owner which, in the opinion of the Engineer, were not damaged by 
    the Bidder in removal and handling even though the materials may not 
    be reusable for reasons of obsolescence or deterioration. Such 
    credits shall be allowed the Bidder as materials are returned to the 
    Owner's warehouse and shall be added to the total value of installed 
    assembly units for determination of the work accomplished for 
    purposes of monthly progress payments to the Bidder.
        The unit removal prices shall include all material and labor 
    required to reinstall in accordance with specifications any 
    conductors temporarily detached. The Bidder will reinstall at his 
    own expense any other units removed by him for his own convenience.
        The removal units are specified by the prefix I and followed by 
    the assembly unit designation of existing assembly unit to be 
    removed. For example, an I-A1 signifies the removal of an A1 
    assembly unit. The following special notes apply to specific removal 
    units: ________.
        a. Poles. All poles of the same height, regardless of pole 
    class, are designated by the same unit. Thus an I-30-foot pole 
    signifies the removal of a 30-foot pole of any class. The Bidder is 
    not required under this unit to remove from the pole any ground wire 
    or pole numbering attached to the pole. This unit includes the 
    refilling and tamping of holes in a workmanlike manner unless they 
    are to be reused.
        b. Pole-Top Assemblies. The unit of removal of pole-top 
    assemblies includes, in addition to the removal of the assembly 
    itself, any necessary handling, resagging, and retying of conductors 
    in those cases where an existing pole-top assembly will be removed 
    and replaced by a new pole-top assembly and where any existing 
    conductor is to be reused.
        The unit of removal of pole-top assemblies also includes any 
    holding or handling of mainline or tap conductors at tap lines, 
    angles, and deadends where such is involved, and reinstalling of 
    such conductor in accordance with the specifications; for example, 
    an I-A5-4 will include the disconnection of the tap conductors, 
    snubbing off the tap line at the nearest practical point and the 
    reconnection and resagging of these tap conductors if necessary to 
    the new tap assembly when installed. The new unit of construction, 
    however, will be specified separately in Section N.
        c. Conductor. The conductor removal unit covers the removal of 
    1,000 feet of conductor or cable and reeling or coiling it in a 
    workmanlike manner in such a way that it can be reused by the Bidder 
    or the Owner. The Owner will furnish to the Bidder reels if it is to 
    be returned to the Owner's warehouse on reels. The Bidder will 
    retain possession of all jumpers, tie wire, armor rods, connectors, 
    and other conductor accessories removed. These items will not be 
    returned to the Owner. The removal unit for each size of conductor 
    or cable is shown by the prefix I followed by D and the conductor or 
    cable type; thus an I-D-6ACWC signifies the removal unit for 1,000 
    feet of 6A Copperweld-copper conductor.
        d. Guys. All guys regardless of length, type of attachment, or 
    size of guy strand are specified by the same unit; thus an I-E 
    signifies the removal of any guy.
        e. Anchors. Only anchor rods are to be removed by the Bidder in 
    anchor removal units. The anchor will be left in the ground; thus an 
    I-F signifies the removal of any anchor rod. If the rod cannot be 
    unscrewed, the end of the rod shall either be cut off or bent down 
    so that the rod will be at least 18 inches below ground.
        f. Transformers. The unit for removal of transformer assembly 
    units is divided into two sections, (1) Conventional Transformer 
    Assembly, and (2) Self-Protected Transformer 
    [[Page 10244]] Assembly. Only one unit is specified for each type, 
    and all sizes of transformers from 1 to 25 kVA within each group 
    will be covered by the same unit. ``Self-protected'' refers to 
    transformers where all protective equipment is mounted on or within 
    the transformer. ``Conventional'' refers to transformers where 
    protective equipment is mounted separately from the transformer. The 
    unit is designated by the prefix I followed by the description of 
    the unit to be removed; thus IG Conventional signifies the removal 
    of a conventional transformer assembly for any size transformer from 
    1 to 25 kVA.
        g. Secondary Units. The unit for removal of secondary assemblies 
    includes, in addition to the removal of the assembly itself, all 
    necessary handling such as untying, resagging, and retying of 
    secondary conductor or cables where existing secondary conductor or 
    cable is to be reused.
        In addition, the unit for removal of the secondary assembly 
    includes the handling or holding of any conductor at tap lines where 
    such is involved, and the reinstalling of such tap conductor in 
    accordance with the specifications.
        h. Service Unit. The unit for removal of service assemblies 
    includes, in addition to the removal of the assembly itself, all 
    necessary handling such as untying, resagging, and retying of 
    service conductor or cable where existing service conductor or cable 
    is to be reused.
        The following descriptions apply only to those removal units not 
    sufficiently explicit:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Unit                             Description            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Labor                
        Unit No.       No. of units  ---------------------------------------
                                        Unit price        Extended price    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section I--____________
    
                                                                            
         Table C.--Unit Material Values of I Units Chargeable to Bidder     
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Unit No.       No. of units    Unit material value1   Extended value
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Notes: 1. Unit values are based on item values from Table D.            
    
    
                     Table C-1--Material Items To Be Reused                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          RUS Item letter        Description of material                    
          designation\1\                   item               No. of items  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Notes: 1. See ``List of Materials Acceptable for Use on Systems of RUS  
      Electrification Borrowers''.                                          
    
    
             Table D. Values of Material Items Creditable to Bidder         
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
          RUS Item letter        Description of material                    
          designation\1\                   item                Item value   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Notes: 1. See ``List of Materials Acceptable for Use on Systems of RUS  
      Electrification Borrowers''.                                          
    
    Section N--New Assembly Units
    
        The purpose of this section is to list complete new units of 
    construction where such units are to be added to existing lines or 
    installed in replacing lines.
        The units as covered by this section are the same as the units 
    described in Distribution Construction Units--New Construction, 
    except that these units are prefixed by the letter N.
        For example, an N40-6 unit covers the furnishing of all material 
    and labor for the installation of a 40-6 pole either in an existing 
    distribution line being operated by the Owner or in a new line being 
    constructed to replace an existing distribution line being operated 
    by the Owner.
        The following descriptions apply only to those new units not 
    sufficiently explicit:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Unit                             Description            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section N--New Assembly Units
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                              Labor &   labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    N                                                                                                               
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section N--____________
    
    Proposal Summary
    
    Recapitulation of Sections
    
    New Construction
    
    Overhead
    
    Section--1 ________ $________
    Section--A ________ ________
    Section--B ________ ________
    Section--C ________ ________
    Section--D ________ ________
    Section--E ________ ________
    Section--F ________ ________
    Section--G ________ ________
    Section--J ________ ________
    Section--K ________ ________
    Section--M ________ ________
    Section--R ________ ________
    Total Overhead ________
    
    Underground
    
    Section--UD ________ $________
    Section--UG ________ ________
    Section--UK ________ ________
    Section--UM ________ ________
    Section--UR ________ ________
    Total Underground ________
    Total New Construction $________
    
    Line Changes
    
    Section--H ________ $________
    Section--I ________ ________
    Section--N ________ ________
    Total Line Changes $________
    Total Distribution Line Construction $________
    
    Transmission Construction Units
    
    Section 1--Pole Units
    
        A pole unit consists of one pole in place. It does not include 
    pole-top assembly unit or other parts attached to the pole. The 
    first two digits indicate the length of the pole; the third digit 
    shows the classification per ANSI (Example: 60-3 means a pole 60 
    feet long, class 3.)
    
    Species of Timber: ________
    
    Kind of Preservative: (Check one)
    
        1. Creosote ____; 2. Pentachlorophenol ____; 3. Copper 
    Naphthenate ____; 4. Waterborne preservative--CCA ____ ACZA ____
    
    Method of Treatment: (Check one)
    
        1. Pressure ________; 2. Thermal Process ________
    
    Pole Plan Under Which the Poles are to be Furnished: (Check one)
    
        1. Insured Warranted ____; 2. Independently Inspected ____; 3. 
    Quality Assured ____; 4. Either Insured Warranted, Independently 
    Inspected, or Quality Assured ____
    (Engineer to complete above)
    
                                                                                                                    
    [[Page 10245]]                                                                                                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                             Labor and  labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
          Total, Section 1--                                                                                        
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section 2--Pole Top Assembly Units
    
        A pole top assembly unit consists of the hardware, crossarms and 
    their appurtenances, insulators, etc., except tie wire, required to 
    support the power conductors and overhead ground wire. It does not 
    include the pole, the downlead, and butt coil, which are separate 
    units.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                             Labor and  labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TH                                                                                                              
    TP                                                                                                              
    TS                                                                                                              
    TSS                                                                                                             
    TSZ                                                                                                             
        Total, Section 2--                                                                                          
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section 3--Conductor Assembly Units
    
        A conductor assembly unit consists of 1,000 feet of a single 
    conductor or overhead ground wire, and includes tie wire, sleeves 
    for splicing, and armor rods with clips or armor wire where 
    necessary. The length of conductor or overhead ground wire shall be 
    determined by taking the sum of all straight horizontal span 
    distances between pole stakes or from center to center of the poles 
    carrying the conductors. The conductor sizes and types listed are 
    the manufacturer's designation.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                             Labor and  labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
        Total, Section 3--                                                                                          
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        As provided for in the specifications, prior to beginning of 
    work the Bidder will furnish the Engineer the following data on 
    tension equipment:
    
    Diameter Bull Wheel ________ in.
    Diameter Groove ________ in.
    Conductor Bending Radius ________ in.
    Thickness of Neoprene at Bottom of Groove ________ in.
    Stringing Sheave Diameter; Tangent ________ in., Large Angle 
    ________ in.
    
    Section 4--Guy Assembly Units (TG Units)
    
        A guy assembly unit consists of the hardware and wire. Guy 
    guards are designated separately.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                             Labor and  labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TG-1                                                                                                            
    TG-2                                                                                                            
    TG-3                                                                                                            
    TG-4                                                                                                            
    TG-5                                                                                                            
        Total, Section 4--                                                                                          
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section 5--Anchor Assembly Units
    
        An anchor assembly unit consists of the anchor with rod or rods, 
    complete, ready for attaching the guy wire.
    
                                                                                                                    
    [[Page 10246]]                                                                                                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                             Labor and  labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TA-1-5                                                                                                          
    TA-1-8                                                                                                          
    TA-3                                                                                                            
        Total, Section 5--                                                                                          
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section 6--Miscellaneous Assembly Units
    
        A miscellaneous assembly unit consists of an additional unit 
    needed in the Project for line construction but not otherwise listed 
    in the Proposal.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                             Labor and  labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TM                                                                                                              
        Total, Section 6--                                                                                          
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Section 7--Right-of-Way Clearing Units
    
        TM-12. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ______ (______) feet 
    in width (to be measured ______ (______) feet on one side of pole 
    line or centerline of structures) of actual clearing of right-of-
    way. This includes clearing of underbrush, tree removal, and such 
    tree trimming as is required so that the right-of-way, except for 
    tree stumps which shall not exceed ______ in height, shall be clear 
    from the ground up on one side of the line of poles carrying 
    conductors. (See Detail A, Drawing TM-12-2A.) The length of actual 
    clearing shall be measured in a straight line parallel to the 
    horizontal line between poles or centerline of structures and across 
    the maximum dimension of foliage cleared projected to the ground 
    line. (See Detail B, Drawing TM-12-2A.) All trees and underbrush 
    across the width of the right-of-way shall be considered to be 
    grouped together as a single length in measuring the total length of 
    clearing. (See Detail C, Drawing TM-12-2A.) Spaces along the right-
    of-way in which no trees are to be removed or trimmed or underbrush 
    cleared shall be omitted from the total measurement. All length thus 
    arrived at, added together and divided by 1,000 shall give the 
    number of 1,000-foot TM-12 units of clearing. The Bidder shall not 
    remove or trim shade, fruit, or ornamental trees unless so directed 
    by the Engineer in writing.
        TM-12 (1). This unit is identical with TM-12, except the full 
    width of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ______ (______) 
    feet wide (to be measured ______ (______) feet on each side of the 
    pole line or centerline of structures). (See Detail D, Drawing TM-
    12-2A.) TMC-12, TMC-12 (1). These units are identical to the 
    respective TM units except that chemical treatment of stumps is 
    required in addition to the clearing of underbrush, tree removal and 
    tree trimming.
        TM-13. The unit, for purpose of quoting, is 1,000 feet in length 
    of clearing off the right-of-way. The Engineer will select those 
    trees off the right-of-way that he deems to be a hazard to the line 
    and will designate them to the Bidder in writing as danger trees. 
    When so designated, the Bidder shall remove or top such trees at his 
    option except that the Bidder shall trim and not remove shade, 
    fruit, or ornamental trees unless otherwise directed by the Engineer 
    in writing. (See Drawings TM-12-2A and TM-13 for examples of danger 
    trees.)
        The measurement of the length of clearing off the right-of-way 
    shall be considered as a straight line parallel to the horizontal 
    line between poles or centerline of structures, such measurement of 
    length to be based on maximum dimension of foliage (not trunk) 
    projected to the ground line. (See Details E, F, G, and H, Drawing 
    TM-12-2A.) Dead trees having no foliage shall be measured across the 
    maximum dimension and multiplied by two. (See Detail F, Drawing TM-
    12-2A.) Each tree so removed shall be added together to determine 
    the total length of clearing. All length thus arrived at, added 
    together and divided by 1,000, shall give the number of TM-13 units. 
    (Example: Details E, F, G, and H, Drawing TM-12-2A, total .1 of a 
    TM-13 unit.)
        TM-14. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ______ (______) feet 
    in width (to be measured ______ (______) feet on one side of right-
    of-way centerline) of actual clearing of right-of-way. Trees and 
    underbrush should be cleared from the ground up within 10 feet of 
    any structure location. The Engineer will mark the trees and brush 
    to be cleared to provide ``undulating'' boundaries. Low growing 
    trees and brush are to be left in the right-of-way to the extent it 
    will not be hazardous to the line or will not interfere with the 
    access road. The length of actual clearing shall be measured in a 
    straight line parallel to the horizontal line between poles or 
    centerline of structures and across the maximum dimension of foliage 
    cleared projected to the ground line (See Detail B, Drawing TM-12-
    2A.) All trees and underbrush cleared across the right-of-way shall 
    be considered to be grouped together as a single length in measuring 
    the total length of clearing (See Detail C, Drawing TM-12-2A.) 
    Spaces along the right-of-way in which no trees are to be removed or 
    trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the total 
    measurement.
        TM-14 (1). This unit is identical with TM-14 except the full 
    width of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ______ (______) 
    feet in width (to be measured ______ (______) feet wide (See Detail 
    D, Drawing TM-12-2A.)
        TM-15. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ______ (______) feet 
    in width (to be measured ______ (______) feet on one side of the 
    right-of-way centerline) of actual clearing of the right-of-way. 
    Trees and underbrush should be cleared from ground up within 10 feet 
    of any structure location. The Engineer will mark the trees and 
    brush to be cleared to provide a ``feathered'' appearance in the 
    right-of-way. Low growing trees and brush are to be left in the 
    right-of-way to the extent it will not be hazardous to the line or 
    will not interfere with the access road.
        The length of actual clearing shall be measured in a straight 
    line parallel to the horizontal line between poles or centerline of 
    structures and across the maximum dimension of foliage cleared 
    projected to ground line (See Detail B, Drawing TM-12-2A). All trees 
    and underbrush cleared across the right-of-way shall be considered 
    to be grouped together as a single length in measuring the total 
    length of clearing (See Detail C, Drawing TM-12-2A). Spaces along 
    the right-of-way which no trees are to be removed or trimmed or 
    underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the total measurement.
        TM-15 (1). This unit is identical to TM-15 except the full width 
    of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ______ (______) feet wide 
    (See Detail D, Drawing TM-12-2A).
        Additional Requirements (When specifying TM units denote type of 
    disposal (A or B).)
        A. Trees, brush, branches and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as the Engineer will 
    direct (Engineer to strike out methods not to be used):
    
        1. Burned
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (describe) ______
    
        B. Trees that are felled shall be cut to commercial wood 
    lengths, stacked neatly, and left on the right-of-way for the 
    landowner. Commercial wood length means [[Page 10247]] the length 
    designated by the Engineer but in no case shall it be required to be 
    less than ______ (______) feet. Brush, branches, and refuse shall, 
    without delay, be disposed of by such of the following methods as 
    the Engineer will direct (Engineer to strike out methods not to be 
    used):
    
        1. Burned
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (describe) ______
    
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Unit price                               
                                                     No. of   ------------------------------------  Extended price--
                       Unit No.                       units                             Labor and  labor & materials
                                                                  Labor     Materials   materials                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
        Total, Section 6--                                                                                          
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Proposal Summary
    
    Recapitulation of Sections:
    
    Section--1 ______ $______
    Section--2 ______ ______
    Section--3 ______ ______
    Section--4 ______ ______
    Section--5 ______ ______
    Section--6 ______ ______
    Section--7 ______ ______
    Total Transmission Line Construction ______
    
    Section 8--Substation Assembly Units
    
        Description of Construction Units. Each Construction Unit 
    consists of a complete installation of the designated portion of a 
    substation as specified on the drawings, together with connections 
    to associated equipment. Each Construction Unit represents all labor 
    and material including necessary accessories completely installed 
    and tested in satisfactory operation. Full identification of each 
    Construction Unit and all necessary specifications of the 
    installation is shown on the drawings.
        Items of material in each Construction Unit shall be of the 
    designated size, rating, type, voltage, or other specification in 
    accordance with the drawings. The bill of material drawing for each 
    substation shows the identification of the Construction Units under 
    which the material is to be installed and shows which items of 
    material may be partly or entirely found on the lists of Owner-
    furnished materials. All items of equipment, unless otherwise 
    specified, are mounted on a structure which shall be a Construction 
    Unit of Group A.
        Each Construction Unit is designated by the letter of the Group 
    to which it belongs and an identifying number. The same item of 
    equipment carries the same Construction Unit designation in all the 
    substations. Items of equipment designated by the same Construction 
    Unit in one substation are of only one kind as to voltage, type and 
    other specifications. The tabulation of Construction units for each 
    substation is separate and contains all units necessary for 
    construction of that substation.
        Group A. Structures. A Construction Unit consists of a 
    structure, or structures, with bus supports including insulators and 
    fittings, buses, conductors and overhead ground wires to adjacent 
    structures within the substation, grounding material to connect 
    equipment with the ground bus, and associated material including 
    mounting brackets, supports for equipment, clamps and connectors, 
    all as specified in the drawings.
        Group B. Three-Pole Group Operated Air Break Switches. A 
    Construction Unit consists of one 3-pole group operated air break 
    switch with all accessories and operating mechanisms as specified in 
    the drawings.
        Group C. Lightning Arresters. A Construction Unit consists of 
    one single arrester.
        Group D. Single Pole Disconnecting Switches. A Construction Unit 
    consists of one single pole disconnecting or by-pass switch as 
    specified in the drawings. If a fuse disconnect switch is specified, 
    the fuse is included with the switch.
        Group E. Oil Circuit Breakers. A Construction Unit consists of 
    one complete three-phase power circuit breaker complete with 
    supporting frame and control cabinet, unless shown otherwise in the 
    drawings, mounted as specified in the drawings.
        Group F. Oil Circuit Reclosers. A Construction Unit consists of 
    a complete single-phase or three phase oil circuit recloser as 
    specified in the drawings.
        Group G. Meters, Relays and Instrument Transformers. A 
    Construction Unit consists of one meter, relay potential transformer 
    or current transformer.
        Group H. Transformers. A Construction Unit consists of one power 
    transformer or one station service transformer either single-phase 
    or three-phase as specified in the drawings.
        Group I. Voltage Regulators. A Construction Unit consists of one 
    single-phase or three-phase voltage regulator as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group J. Communications and Supervisory Control Equipment. A 
    Construction Unit consists of carrier current equipment, microwave, 
    or other types of communications and supervisory control equipment 
    as specified in the drawings.
        Group K. Conduit and Cable. A Construction Unit consists of the 
    wire, cable, conduit and accessories necessary to complete the 
    installation of equipment in accordance with the specifications and 
    drawings, where such installation has not been included in other 
    Groups.
        Group L. Foundations. A Construction Unit consists of concrete 
    footings and foundations except for the fence, as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group M. Site Preparation. A Construction Unit consists of 
    clearing, grading, drainage work, and surfacing, as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group N. Fence. A Construction Unit consists of the complete 
    installation of the fence, gates, etc., as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group O. Station Grounding. A Construction Unit consists of the 
    complete ground bus including ground rods, grounding mats or 
    platforms, except as otherwise provided in other Groups, with 
    connections to structures, equipment, and fence as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group P. Building. A Construction Unit consists of a control 
    building or cabinet, on a foundation of Group L and the facilities 
    and equipment installed therein as specified in the drawings, except 
    as otherwise provided in other Groups.
        Other Groups. The Engineer shall specify such additional Groups 
    as may be necessary for the completion of the Project. Description 
    of these Groups shall be provided by an addition to this Section of 
    the Specifications for Construction.
    
    ________ Station Construction Units
    
    Unit No. ________
    Name and Description of Construction Unit ________
    No. of Units ________
    Unit Prices
    Labor ________
    Materials ________
    Labor and Materials ________
    Extended Price--Labor and Materials ________
    
        Total Price ________
    
    Proposal Summary
    
    ________ Substation $________
    ________ Substation ________
    ________ Substation ________
    ________ Switching Station ________
    ________ Switching Station ________
    
        Total Station Construction $________
    
    Proposed Recapitulation
    
    Distribution line construction $________
    Transmission line construction ________
    Substation and Switching Station Construction ________
    
        Total $________
    
    Acceptance
    
        The Owner hereby accepts the foregoing Proposal of the Bidder, 
    ________ for the construction of the following:
    
    Distribution Construction Units: Sections: ________
    Transmission Construction Units: Sections: ________
    Substation and Switching Station Construction: Stations (name): 
    ________
    ________ Owner
    By ________ President
    ________ Secretary
    ________ Date of Contract [[Page 10248]] 
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Sec. 1726.352  Electric transmission construction contract (labor and 
    materials), RUS Form 831.
    
        The contract form in this section shall be used when required by 
    this part. This form refers to guide drawings, which do not contain 
    requirements, and, hence, are not included in this part. The guide 
    drawings are included in the printed form available from GPO (See 
    Sec. 1726.300.).
    
    Electric Transmission Construction Contract (Labor and Materials)
    
    Notice and Instructions to Bidders
    
        1. Sealed proposals for the construction, including the supply 
    of necessary labor, materials and equipment, of a rural electric 
    project of ________ (hereinafter called the ``Owner'') to be known 
    as Project will be received by the Owner on or before ________ 
    o'clock ________ M., ________, 19________ at its office at ________ 
    at which time and place the proposals will be publicly opened and 
    read. Any proposal received subsequent to the time specified will be 
    promptly returned to the Bidder unopened.
        2. Description of Project: The Project will consist of 
    approximately:
    
    Transmission Line Construction
    
    ________ miles ________ kV; ________ miles ________ kV
    ________ miles ________ kV underbuild
    
    Substations and Other Major Facilities
    
    ________ kVA ________ Voltage ________ Name
    
        The Project is located in ________ Counties, in the State of 
    ________ all as more fully described in the Plans, Specifications, 
    Construction Drawings and Contractor's Proposal therefore 
    hereinafter referred to.
        3. Owner Furnished Materials. The unit prices in the 
    Contractor's Proposal shall include provisions for Owner Furnished 
    Materials since as stated in Article 1, Section 3 of the 
    Contractor's Proposal, the value of the Owner Furnished Materials, 
    if any, will be deducted from payments to the Bidder for completed 
    Construction Units.
        4. Obtaining Documents. The Plans, Specifications and 
    Construction Drawings together with all necessary forms and other 
    documents for bidders may be obtained from the Owner, or from the 
    Engineer, ________ at the latter's office at ________ upon the 
    payment of $________, which payment will not be subject to refund. 
    The Plans, Specifications and Construction Drawings may be examined 
    at the office of the Owner or at the office of the Engineer. A copy 
    of the Loan Contract (if the Project is to be financed, in whole or 
    in part, pursuant to a loan contract) between the Owner and the 
    United States of America acting through the Administrator of the 
    Rural Utilities Service (hereinafter called the Administrator) and 
    of the loan contract between the Owner and any other lender may be 
    examined at the office of the Owner. Each set of Plans, 
    Specifications and Construction Drawings will have a serial number, 
    given by the Engineer, and the number of each set with the name of 
    the Purchaser will be recorded by the Engineer. Bids will be 
    accepted only from the original purchaser.
        5. Manner of Submitting Proposals. Proposals and all supporting 
    instruments must be submitted on the forms furnished by the Owner 
    and must be delivered in a sealed envelope addressed to the Owner. 
    The name and address of the Bidder, its license number if a license 
    is required by the State, and the date and hour of the opening of 
    bids must appear on the envelope in which the Proposal is submitted. 
    Proposals must be filled in in ink or typewritten. No alterations or 
    interlineations will be permitted, unless made before submission, 
    and initialed and dated.
        6. Familiarity with Conditions. Prior to the submission of the 
    Proposal the Bidder shall make and shall be deemed to have made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project and of the Plans, 
    Specifications, Construction Drawings, and forms of Contractor's 
    Proposal and Contractor's Bond on file with the Secretary of the 
    Owner and with the Engineer, and shall become informed as to the 
    location and nature of the proposed construction, the transportation 
    facilities, the kind and character of soil and terrain to be 
    encountered, the kind of facilities required before and during the 
    construction of the Project, general local conditions and all other 
    matters that may affect the cost and the time of completion of the 
    Project. Bidders will be required to comply with all applicable 
    statutes, regulations, etc., including those pertaining to the 
    licensing of contractors, and the so-called ``Kick-back Statute'' 
    (48 Stat. 948) and regulations issued pursuant thereto.
        7. Proposals will be accepted only from those prequalified 
    bidders invited by the Owner to submit a proposal.
        8. Alternate Designs. The Owner reserves the right to confine 
    its consideration of the several bids to one type of design 
    regardless of alternate types of design which may be specified in 
    the Plans and Specifications and offered in the Proposals.
        9. The Time for Completion of Construction of the Project shall 
    be as specified by the Engineer in the Proposal.
        10. Bid Bond. Each Proposal must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in 
    the form attached or a certified check on a bank that is a member of 
    the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, payable to the order of 
    the Owner, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the maximum 
    bid price. Each Bidder agrees, provided its Proposal is one of the 
    three low Proposals, that, by filing its Proposal together with such 
    Bid Bond or check in consideration of the owner's receiving and 
    considering such Proposals, said Proposal shall be firm and binding 
    upon each such Bidder and such Bid Bond or check shall be held by 
    the Owner until a Proposal is accepted and a satisfactory 
    Contractor's Bond is furnished (where required) by the successful 
    Bidder and such acceptance has been approved by the Administrator, 
    or for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date 
    hereinbefore set for the opening of Proposals, whichever period 
    shall be the shorter. If such Proposal is not one of the three low 
    Proposals, the Bid Bond or check will be returned in each instance 
    within a period of ten (10) days to the Bidder furnishing same.
        11. Contractor's Bond. The successful Bidder will be required to 
    execute two additional counterparts of the Proposal and, for a 
    Contract in excess of $100,000, to furnish a Contractor's Bond in 
    triplicate in the form attached hereto with sureties listed by the 
    United States Treasury Department as Acceptable Sureties, in a penal 
    sum not less than the contract price.
        12. Failure to Furnish Contractor's Bond. Should the successful 
    Bidder fail or refuse to execute such counterparts or to furnish a 
    Contractor's Bond (where required) within ten (10) days after 
    written notification of the acceptance of the Proposal by the Owner, 
    the Bidder will be considered to have abandoned the Proposal. In 
    such event, the Owner shall be entitled (a) To enforce the Bid Bond 
    in accordance with its terms, or (b) if a certified check has been 
    delivered with the Proposal, to retain from the proceeds of the 
    certified check, the difference (not exceeding the amount of the 
    certified check) between the amount of the Proposal and such larger 
    amount for which the Owner may in good faith contract with another 
    party to construct the Project. The term ``Successful Bidder'' shall 
    be deemed to include any Bidder whose Proposal is accepted after 
    another Bidder has previously refused or has been unable to execute 
    the counterparts or to furnish a satisfactory Contractor's Bond 
    (where required.)
        13. Contract is Entire Agreement. The Contract to be effected by 
    the acceptance of the Proposal shall be deemed to include the entire 
    agreement between the parties thereto, and the Bidder shall not 
    claim any modification thereof resulting from any representation or 
    promise made at any time by any officer, agent or employee of the 
    Owner or by any other person.
        14. Minor Irregularities. The Owner reserves the right to waive 
    minor irregularities or minor errors in any Proposal, if it appears 
    to the Owner that such irregularities or errors were made through 
    inadvertence. Any such irregularities or errors so waived must be 
    corrected on the Proposal in which they occur prior to the 
    acceptance thereof by the Owner.
        15. Balanced Bid. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or 
    all Proposals. The attention of Bidders is specially called to the 
    desirability of a proper balance between prices for labor and 
    materials and between the total prices for the respective 
    Construction Units. Lack of such balance may be considered as a 
    reason for rejecting a Proposal.
        16. Discrepancy in Unit Prices. Where the unit prices in the 
    Contractor's Proposal are separated into three columns designated as 
    ``Labor,'' ``Materials'' and ``Labor and Materials,'' and where a 
    discrepancy appears between the sum shown in the ``Labor and 
    Materials'' column and the correct addition of the sums appearing in 
    the ``Labor'' column and the ``Materials'' column, the correct 
    addition of the sums appearing in the ``Labor'' column and the 
    ``Materials'' column shall control.
        17. Definition of Terms. The terms ``Administrator,'' 
    ``Engineer,'' ``Supervisor,'' [[Page 10249]] ``Project,'' 
    ``Completion of Construction'' and ``Completion of the Project'' as 
    used throughout this Contract shall be as defined in Article VI, 
    Section 1, of the Contractor's Proposal.
        18. The Owner Represents:
        a. If by provisions of the Contractor's Proposal the Owner shall 
    have undertaken to furnish any materials for the construction of the 
    Project, such materials are on hand at locations specified or if 
    such materials are not on hand they will be made available by the 
    Owner to the successful Bidder at the locations specified before the 
    time such materials are required for construction.
        b. All easements and rights-of-way, except as shown on maps 
    included in the Plans and Specifications, have been obtained from 
    the owners of the properties across which the Project is to be 
    constructed (including tenants who may reasonably be expected to 
    object to such construction). The remaining easements and rights-of-
    way, if any, will be obtained as required to avoid delay in 
    construction.
        c. All staking, except as shown on the maps included in the 
    Plans and Specifications, has been completed and sufficient staking 
    crews will be available to maintain stakes at all times in advance 
    of construction.
        d. Prompt payment for the construction of the Project will be 
    made with funds pursuant to the Loan Contract, or with funds 
    otherwise available to the Owner.
        If the Owner shall fail to comply with any of the undertakings 
    contained in the foregoing representations or if any of such 
    representations shall be incorrect, the Bidder will be entitled to 
    an extension of time of completion for a period equal to the delay, 
    if any, caused by the failure of the Owner to comply with such 
    undertakings or by any such incorrect representation; provided the 
    Bidder shall have promptly notified the Owner in writing of its 
    desire to extend the time of completion in accordance with the 
    foregoing; provided, however, that such extension, if any, of the 
    time and completion shall be the sole remedy of the Bidder for the 
    Owner's failure, because of conditions beyond the control and 
    without the fault of the Owner, to furnish materials in accordance 
    with subparagraph a hereof.
    
    ________ Owner
    By ________
    ________, 19____
    
    Contractor's Proposal
    
    (Proposal shall be submitted in ink or typewritten)
    To: ________ (Hereinafter called the ``Owner'')
    
    Article I--General
    
        Section 1. Offer to Construct. The undersigned (hereinafter 
    called the ``Bidder'') hereby proposes to receive and install such 
    materials and equipment as may hereinafter be specified to be 
    furnished by the Owner, and to furnish all other materials and 
    equipment, all machinery, tools, labor, transportation and other 
    means required to construct the rural electric project ________ in 
    strict accordance with the Plans, Specifications and Construction 
    Drawings therefor, attached hereto and made a part hereof, for the 
    prices hereinafter stated. The total length of the project lines 
    shall be determined by taking the sum of all straight horizontal 
    span distances between pole stakes or from center to center of 
    poles, or centerline of structures, carrying conductors.
        Section 2. Materials and Equipment. The Bidder agrees to furnish 
    and use in the construction of the Project under this Proposal, in 
    the event the Proposal is accepted, only such materials and 
    equipment as are included in the current ``List of Materials 
    Acceptable for Use on Systems of RUS Electrification Borrowers,'' 
    including revisions adopted prior to the Bid Opening.
        The Bidder further agrees to furnish:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Type   Size        Galvanizing class     
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Overhead ground wire                                                    
    Guy wire                                                                
    Structure ground wire                                                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    (Engineer to insert Type, Size and Galvanizing Class as appropriate)
    
        The Bidder further agrees to furnish and use poles, crossarms, 
    and other timber products, of which the physical characteristics, 
    method of treatment, type of preservative, instructions on 
    inspection and general procedure shall be in accordance with RUS 
    standards and requirements.
        Crossarms shall be ________ (Engineer to insert Douglas Fir or 
    Southern Yellow Pine), treated with ________
    
    (Engineer to insert type of preservative.)
    
        Section 3. Owner-Furnished Materials. The Bidder understands and 
    agrees that, if this Proposal is accepted, the Owner will furnish to 
    the Bidder the material set forth in the attached ``List of Owner's 
    Materials on Hand'' (see page ____) and the Bidder will give a 
    receipt (see page ____) therefor in writing to the Owner. The 
    Bidder, further, will on behalf of the Owner accept delivery of such 
    of the materials set forth in the attached ``List of Materials 
    Ordered by Owner but Not Delivered'' (see page ____) as may be 
    subsequently delivered and will promptly forward to the Owner for 
    payment the supplier's invoice, together with the Bidder's receipt 
    in writing for such materials. The materials referred to are on hand 
    at, or will be delivered to, the locations specified in the Lists 
    and the Bidder will use such materials in constructing the Project.
        The value of the completed Construction Units certified by the 
    Bidder each month pursuant to Article III, Section 1(a) of this 
    Proposal shall be reduced by an amount equal to the value of the 
    materials installed by the Bidder during the preceding month which 
    have been furnished by the Owner or the delivery of which has been 
    accepted by the Bidder on behalf of the Owner. Only ninety percent 
    (90%) of the remainder shall be paid prior to the Completion of the 
    Project. The value of such materials shall be computed on the basis 
    of the unit prices stated in the Lists, Materials, if any, not 
    required for the Project, which have been furnished to the Bidder by 
    the Owner or delivery of which has been accepted by the Bidder on 
    behalf of the Owner, shall be returned to the Owner by the Bidder 
    upon completion of construction of the Project. The value of all 
    materials not installed in the Project nor returned to the Owner 
    shall be deducted from the final payment to the Bidder.
        The Owner shall not be obligated to furnish materials in excess 
    of the quantities, size, kind and type set forth in the attached 
    Lists. If the Owner furnished, and the Bidder accepts, materials in 
    excess therefor, the values of such excess materials shall be their 
    actual cost as stated by the Owner.
        Information on the shipping schedules of materials on the ``List 
    of Materials Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered'' will be furnished 
    to the Bidder as necessary during progress of the work.
        Upon delivery the Bidder shall promptly receive, unload, 
    transport and handle all materials and equipment on the ``List of 
    Materials Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered'' at its expense and 
    shall be responsible for demurrage, if any.
        Section 4. Purchase of Materials Not Furnished by Owner. The 
    Bidder will purchase all materials and equipment (other than owner-
    furnished materials) outright and not subject to any conditional 
    sales agreements, bailment, lease or other agreement reserving unto 
    the seller any right, title or interest therein. All such materials 
    and equipment shall become the property of the Owner when erected in 
    place.
        Section 5. Proposal on Unit Basis. The Bidder understands and 
    agrees that the various Construction Units on which bids are made 
    are defined by symbols and descriptions in this Proposal, that all 
    said bids are on a unit basis, and that the Owner may specify any 
    number or combination of Construction Units that the Owner may deem 
    necessary for the construction of the Project. Separate Construction 
    Units are designated for each different arrangement which may be 
    used in the construction of the Project. This Proposal is based on a 
    consideration of each unit in place and includes only the materials 
    listed on the corresponding Construction Drawings or description of 
    unit where no drawing exists.
        Section 6. Description of Contract. The Notice and Instructions 
    to Bidders and Plans attached hereto and made a part hereof, and the 
    Specifications and Construction Drawings set forth in the Electric 
    Transmission Specifications & Drawings, RUS Form 805, as applicable, 
    together with the Proposal and Acceptance constitute the Contract. 
    The plans, consisting of maps and special drawings, are identified 
    as follows: ________.
        Section 7. Familiarity with Conditions. The Bidder has made a 
    careful examination of the site of the Project to be constructed and 
    of the Plans, Specifications, Construction Drawings, and form of 
    Contractor's Bond attached hereto, and has become informed as to the 
    location and nature of the proposed construction, the transportation 
    facilities, the kind and character of soil and terrain to be 
    encountered, and the kind of facilities required before and during 
    the construction of the Project, and has become acquainted 
    [[Page 10250]] with the labor conditions, state and local laws and 
    regulations which would affect work on the proposed construction.
        Section 8. License. The Bidder warrants that a Contractor's 
    License is ____ is not ____ required, and if required it possesses 
    Contractor's License No. ________ for the State of ________ in which 
    the Project is located and said license expires on ________, 19____.
        Section 9. The Bidder warrants that this Proposal is made in 
    good faith and without collusion or connection with any person or 
    persons bidding for the same work.
        Section 10. The Bidder warrants that it possesses adequate 
    financial resources and agrees that in the event this Proposal is 
    accepted and a Contractor's Bond is required, it will furnish a 
    Contractor's Bond in the form attached hereto, in a penal sum not 
    less than the maximum Contractor price, with a surety or sureties 
    listed by the United States Treasury Department as Acceptance 
    Sureties.
        In the event that the surety or sureties on the performance bond 
    delivered to the Owner contemporaneously with the execution of the 
    Contract or on any bond or bonds delivered in substitution therefor 
    or in addition thereto shall at any time become unsatisfactory to 
    the Owner or the Administrator, the Bidder agrees to deliver to the 
    Owner another or an additional bond.
        Section 11. Taxes. The unit prices for Construction Units in 
    this Proposal include provisions for the payment of all monies which 
    will be payable by the Bidder or the Owner in connection with the 
    construction of the Project on account of taxes imposed by any 
    taxing authority upon the sale, purchase or use of materials, 
    supplies and equipment, or services or labor of installation 
    thereof, to be incorporated in the Project as part of such 
    Construction Units. The Bidder agrees to pay all such taxes, except 
    taxes upon the sale, purchase or use of owner-furnished materials 
    and it is understood that, as to owner-furnished materials, the 
    values stated in the attached ``List of Owner's Materials on Hand'' 
    and ``List of Materials Ordered by Owner But Not Delivered'' include 
    taxes upon the sale, purchase or use of owner-furnished materials, 
    if applicable. The Bidder will furnish to the appropriate taxing 
    authorities all required information and reports pertaining to the 
    Project, except as to the owner-furnished materials.
        Section 12. Changes in Quantities. The Bidder understands and 
    agrees that the quantities called for in this Proposal are 
    approximate, and that the total number of units upon which payment 
    shall be made shall be as set forth in the Inventory. If the Owner 
    changes the quantity of any Assembly Unit or Assembly Units 
    specified in this Proposal by more than 15%, and the materials cost 
    to the Bidder is increased thereby to an extent which would not be 
    adequately compensated by application of the unit prices in this 
    Proposal to the revised quantity of such unit or units, such change, 
    to the extent of the quantities of such units in excess of such 15%, 
    shall be regarded as a change in the construction within the meaning 
    of Article II, Section 1(d) of this proposal.
        Section 13. Description of Contract. The Notice and Instructions 
    to Bidders, Plans, Specifications for Construction and Construction 
    Drawings, all attached hereto and made a part hereof together with 
    the Proposal and Acceptance constitute the contract. The Plans and 
    Construction Drawings are identified as follows: ________
    
                                            List of Owner's Materials on Hand                                       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Description    Catalog                                            
                       Item\1\                    of material      No.      Quantity   Unit price    Extended price 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
        Total                                                                                                       
    Above materials are located at:                                                                                 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Notes: 1. Item corresponds with item in list of materials in construction drawings. Under Article I, Section 3, 
      the value of these materials will be deducted from payments to the Bidder for completed Construction Units.   
    
    
                                  List of Materials Ordered by Owner but not Delivered                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Supplier    Scheduled                                                                    
           Item\2\         name and    delivery   Description    Catalog    Quantity   Unit price    Extended price 
                            address      date     of material      No.                                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
        Total                                                                                                       
    Above material to be                                                                                            
     delivered to:                                                                                                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Notes: 2. Item corresponds with item in list of materials in construction drawings. Under Article I, Section 3, 
      the value of these materials will be deducted from payments to the Bidder for completed Construction Units.   
    
    Article II--Construction
    
    Section 1. Time and Manner of Construction
    
        a. The Bidder agrees to commence construction of the Project on 
    a date (hereinafter called the ``Commencement Date'') which shall be 
    determined by the Engineer after notice in writing of approval of 
    the Contract by the Administrator and notice in writing from the 
    Bidder that the Bidder has sufficient materials to warrant 
    commencement and continuation of construction, but in no event will 
    the Commencement Date be later than ____ calendar days after date of 
    approval of the Contract by the Administrator. The Bidder further 
    agrees to prosecute diligently and to complete construction in 
    strict accordance with the Plans, Specifications and Construction 
    Drawings within ____ (____) calendar days (excluding Sundays) after 
    Commencement Date: Provided, however, that the Bidder will not be 
    required to dig holes, set poles or install anchors if there are 
    more than six (6) inches of frost in the ground nor to perform any 
    construction on such days when in the judgment of the Engineer snow, 
    rain, or wind, or the results of snow, rain, or frost make it 
    impracticable to perform any operation of construction and to the 
    extent of the time lost due to the conditions described herein and 
    approved in writing by the Engineer, the time of completion set out 
    above will be extended if the Bidder makes a written request 
    therefor to the Owner as provided in subsection b of this Section 1.
        b. The time for Completion of Construction shall be extended for 
    the period of any reasonable delay which is due exclusively to 
    causes beyond the control and without the fault of the Bidder, 
    including Acts of God, fires, floods, inability to obtain materials 
    and acts or omissions of the Owner with respect to matters for which 
    the Owner is solely responsible: Provided, however, that no such 
    extension of time for completion shall be granted the Bidder unless 
    within ten (10) days after the happening of any event relied upon by 
    the Bidder for such an extension of time the Bidder shall have made 
    a request therefor in writing to the Owner, and provided further 
    that no delay in such time of completion or in the progress of the 
    work which results from any of the above causes except acts or 
    omissions of the Owner, shall result in any liability on the part of 
    the Owner.
        c. The sequence of construction shall be as set forth below, the 
    numbers or names being the designations of extensions or areas 
    (hereinafter called the ``Sections'') corresponding to the numbers 
    or names shown on the maps attached hereto, or if no 
    [[Page 10251]] Sections are set forth below, the sequence of 
    construction shall be as determined by the Bidder, subject to the 
    approval of the Engineer. ________
        d. The Owner, acting through the Engineer and with the approval 
    of the Administrator,\1\ may from time to time during the progress 
    of the construction of the Project make such changes in, additions 
    to or subtractions from the Plans, Specifications, Construction 
    Drawings, List of Materials and sequence of construction provided 
    for in the previous paragraph which are part of the Contractor's 
    Proposal as conditions may warrant: Provided, however, that if any 
    change in the construction to be done shall require an extension of 
    time, a reasonable extension will be granted if the Bidder shall 
    make a written request therefor to the Owner within ten (10) days 
    after any such change is made. And provided further, that if the 
    cost to the Bidder of construction of the Project shall be 
    materially increased by any such change or addition, the Owner shall 
    pay the Bidder for the reasonable cost thereof in accordance with a 
    Construction Contract Amendment signed by the Owner and the Bidder 
    and approved by the Administrator,\2\ but no claim for additional 
    compensation for any such change or addition will be considered 
    unless the Bidder shall have made a written request therefor to the 
    Owner prior to the commencement of work in connection with such 
    change or addition.
    
        \1\As long as the total price of this contract including all 
    amendments is less than 120 percent of the original contract price 
    as stated in the acceptance hereto, amendments executed on RUS Form 
    238 are not subject to the approval of the Administrator. Whenever 
    an amendment to this contract causes the total amended contract to 
    exceed 120 percent of the original contract price, that amendment 
    and all subsequent amendments to this contract shall be made subject 
    to the approval of the Administrator.
        \2\See Footnote 1.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        e. The Bidder will not perform any work hereunder on Sundays 
    unless there is urgent need for such Sunday work and the Owner 
    consents thereto in writing. The time for completion specified in 
    subsection a of this Section 1 shall not be affected in any way by 
    inclusion of this subsection nor by the Owner's consent or lack of 
    consent to Sunday work hereunder.
        Section 2. Environmental Protection. The Bidder shall perform 
    work in such a manner as to maximize preservation of beauty, 
    conservation of natural resources and minimize marring and scarring 
    of the landscape and silting of streams. The Bidder shall not 
    deposit trash in streams or waterways, and shall not deposit 
    herbicides or other chemicals or their containers in or near 
    streams, waterways or pastures. The Bidder shall follow, under the 
    general direction of the Engineer, the criteria relating to 
    environmental protection as specified herein by the Engineer.
        Section 3. The Bidder agrees that in the event this Proposal is 
    accepted it will make available for use in connection with the 
    proposed construction all necessary tools and equipment and 
    qualified superintendents and foremen.
        Section 4. Changes in Construction. The Bidder agrees to make 
    such changes in construction previously installed in the Project by 
    the Bidder as required by the Owner for prices arrived at as 
    follows:
        a. For substations and other units where only a portion of the 
    complete unit is affected by the change, the compensation for such 
    change shall be as agreed upon in writing by the Bidder and the 
    Owner and approved by the Administrator\3\ prior to the commencement 
    of work in connection with such change.
    
        \3\See Footnote 1.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        b. For all other units, the compensation for such change shall 
    be the reasonable cost thereof as agreed upon in writing by the 
    Bidder and the Owner prior to the commencement of work in connection 
    with such change, but in no event shall it exceed two (2) times the 
    labor price quoted in the Proposal for the installation of the unit 
    to be changed. Such compensation shall be in lieu of any other 
    payment for the installation and removal of the original unit. (If a 
    new or replacing unit is installed, payment for such new or 
    replacing unit shall be made as shown in the final inventory.)
        No payment shall be made to the Bidder for materials or labor 
    involved in correcting errors or omissions on the part of the Bidder 
    which result in construction not in accordance with the Plans and 
    Specifications.
        Section 5. Construction Not in Proposal. The Bidder also agrees 
    that when it is necessary to construct units not shown in the 
    Proposal it will construct such units for a price arrived at as 
    follows:
        a. The cost of materials shall be determined by the invoices.
        b. The cost of labor shall be the reasonable cost thereof, but 
    in no event shall it exceed an amount determined by calculating the 
    ratio of the total labor costs to the total material costs in the 
    section of the Proposal involved, and multiplying the cost of 
    materials for the unit in question by this ratio.
        Section 6. Supervision and Inspection.
        a. The Bidder shall cause the construction work on the Project 
    to receive constant supervision by a competent superintendent 
    (hereinafter called the ``Superintendent'') who shall be present at 
    all times during working hours where construction is being carried 
    on. The Bidder shall also employ, in connection with the 
    construction of the Project, capable, experienced and reliable 
    foremen and such skilled workmen as may be required for the various 
    classes of work to be performed. Directions and instructions given 
    to the Superintendent shall be binding upon the Bidder.
        b. The Owner reserves the right to require the removal from the 
    Project of any employee of the Bidder if in the judgment of the 
    Owner such removal shall be necessary in order to protect the 
    interest of the Owner. The Owner or the Supervisor, if any, shall 
    have the right to require the Bidder to increase the number of its 
    employees and to increase or change the amount or kind of tools and 
    equipment if at any time the progress of the work shall be 
    unsatisfactory to the Owner or Supervisor; but the failure of the 
    Owner or Supervisor to give any such directions shall not relieve 
    the Bidder of its obligations to complete the work within the time 
    and in the manner specified in this Proposal.
        c. The manner of construction of the Project, and all materials 
    and equipment used therein, shall be subject to the inspection, 
    tests and approval of the Owner and the Administrator, and the 
    Bidder shall furnish all information required by the Owner or by the 
    Administrator concerning the nature or source of any materials 
    incorporated or to be incorporated in the Project. The Owner and the 
    Administrator shall have the right to inspect all payrolls, invoices 
    of materials, and other data and records of the Bidder and of any 
    subcontractor, relevant to the construction of the Project. The 
    Bidder shall provide all reasonable facilities necessary for such 
    inspection and tests and shall maintain an office at the site of the 
    Project, with telephone service where obtainable and at least one 
    office employee to whom directions and instructions of the Owner may 
    be delivered. Delivery of such directions or instructions in writing 
    to the employee of the Bidder at such office shall constitute 
    delivery to the Bidder. The Bidder shall have an authorized agent 
    accompany the Engineer when final inspection is made and, if 
    requested by the Owner, when any other inspection is made.
        d. In the event that the Owner, or the Administrator, shall 
    determine that the construction contains or may contain numerous 
    defects, it shall be the duty of the Bidder and the Bidder's Surety 
    or Sureties, if any, to have an inspection made by an engineer 
    approved by the Owner and the Administrator for the purpose of 
    determining the exact nature, extent and location of such defects.
        e. The Engineer may recommend to the Owner that the Bidder 
    suspend the work wholly or in part for such period or periods as the 
    Engineer may deem necessary due to unsuitable weather or such other 
    conditions as are considered unfavorable for the satisfactory 
    prosecution of the work or because of the failure of the Bidder to 
    comply with any of the provisions of the Contract: Provided, 
    however, that the Bidder shall not suspend work pursuant to this 
    provision without written authority from the Owner so to do. The 
    time of completion hereinabove set forth shall be increased by the 
    number of days of any such suspension, except when such suspension 
    is due to the failure of the Bidder to comply with any of the 
    provisions of this Contract. In the event that work is suspended by 
    the Bidder with the consent of the Owner, the Bidder before resuming 
    work shall give the Owner at least twenty-four (24) hours notice 
    thereof in writing.
        Section 7. Defective Materials and Workmanship.
        a. The acceptance of any materials, equipment (except owner 
    furnished materials) or any workmanship by the Owner or the Engineer 
    shall not preclude the subsequent rejection thereof if such 
    materials, equipment, or workmanship shall be found to be defective 
    after delivery or installation, and any such materials, equipment or 
    workmanship found defective before final acceptance of the 
    construction [[Page 10252]] shall be replaced or remedied, as the 
    case may be, by and at the expense of the Bidder. Any such condemned 
    material or equipment shall be immediately removed from the site of 
    the Project by the Bidder at the Bidder's expense. The Bidder shall 
    not be entitled to any payment hereunder so long as any defective 
    materials, equipment or workmanship in respect to the Project, of 
    which the Bidder shall have had notice, shall not have been replaced 
    or remedied, as the case may be.
        b. Notwithstanding any certificate which may have been given by 
    the Owner or the Engineer, if any materials, equipment (except 
    owner-furnished materials) or any workmanship which does not comply 
    with the requirements of this Contract shall be discovered within 
    one (1) year after Completion of Construction of the Project, the 
    Bidder shall replace such defective materials or equipment or remedy 
    any such defective workmanship within thirty (30) days after notice 
    in writing of the existence thereof shall have been given by the 
    Owner. If the Bidder shall be called upon to replace any defective 
    materials or equipment or to remedy defective workmanship as herein 
    provided, the Owner, if so requested by the Bidder shall deenergize 
    that section of the Project involved in such work. In the event of 
    failure by the Bidder so to do, the Owner may replace such defective 
    materials or equipment or remedy such defective workmanship, as the 
    case may be, and in such event the Bidder shall pay to the Owner the 
    cost and expense thereof.
    
    Article III--Payments and Release of Liens
    
        Section 1. Payments to Bidder.
        a. Within the first fifteen (15) days of each calendar month, 
    the Owner shall make partial payment to the Bidder for construction 
    accomplished during the preceding calendar month on the basis of 
    completed Assembly Units furnished and certified to by the Bidder, 
    recommended by the Engineer and approved by the Owner solely for the 
    purposes of payment: Provided, however, that such approval shall not 
    be deemed approval of the workmanship or materials. Only ninety 
    percent (90%) of each such estimate approved during the construction 
    of the Project shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder prior to 
    Completion of the Project: Provided, however, that at any time after 
    work, which, in the sole determination of the Engineer, amounts to 
    fifty percent (50%) of the Maximum Contract Price has been 
    completed, the Owner may elect, in lieu of paying ninety percent 
    (90%) of each such subsequent estimate, to pay each such subsequent 
    estimate in full. Upon completion by the Bidder of the construction 
    of the Project, the Engineer will prepare a Final Inventory of the 
    Project showing the total number and character of Assembly Units 
    and, after checking such Inventory with the Bidder, will certify it 
    to the Owner, together with a certificate of the total cost of the 
    construction performed. Upon the approval of such certificates by 
    the Owner and the Administrator, the Owner shall make payment to the 
    Bidder of all amounts to which the Bidder shall be entitled 
    thereunder which shall not have been paid: Provided, however, that 
    such final payment shall be made not later than ninety (90) days 
    after the date of Completion of Construction of the Project, as 
    specified in the Certificate of Completion, unless withheld because 
    of the fault of the Bidder.
        b. The Bidder shall be paid on the basis of the number of 
    Construction Units actually installed at the direction of the Owner 
    shown by the inventory based on the staking sheets or structure 
    lists; Provided, however, that the total cost shall not exceed the 
    maximum Contract price for the construction of the Project as set 
    forth in the Acceptance, unless such excess shall have been approved 
    in writing by the Administrator\4\.
    
        \4\See Footnote 1.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        c. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1a above, the 
    Bidder may, by giving written notice thereof to the Owner, elect to 
    receive payment in full for any Section of the Project upon:
        (1) completion of construction of such Section as certified by 
    the Engineer and approved by the Owner and the Administrator;
        (2) submission to the Owner and the Administrator of the 
    releases of lien and the certificate referred to in Section 2 
    hereof;
        (3) approval by the Owner and the Administrator of the inventory 
    in respect of such Section; and
        (4) submission to the Owner and the Administrator of the consent 
    in writing by the Surety or Sureties, if any, on the Contractor's 
    Bond to payment in full for such Section prior to Completion of the 
    Project.
        If no Sections are designated in Article II, Section lc, the 
    term ``Section'' shall mean for purposes of this subsection c and 
    Article IV, Section 3b only, a part of the Project as designated by 
    the Owner which represents at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the 
    maximum Contract price as stated in Article III, Section 1, and 
    which is capable of being energized and operated by the Owner.
        d. Interest at the rate of ____ percent\5\ (____%) per annum 
    shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder on all unpaid balances due 
    on monthly estimates, commencing fifteen (15) days after the due 
    date; provided the delay in payment beyond the due date is not 
    caused by any condition within the control of the Bidder. The due 
    date for purposes of such monthly payment shall be the fifteenth day 
    of each calendar month provided (1) the Bidder on or before the 
    fifth day of such month shall have submitted its certification of 
    Construction Units completed during the preceding month and (2) the 
    Owner on or before the fifteenth day of such month shall have 
    approved such certification. If, for reasons not due to the Bidder's 
    fault, such approval shall not have been given on or before the 
    fifteenth day of such month, the due date for purposes of this 
    subsection d shall be the fifteenth day of such month 
    notwithstanding the absence of the approval of the certification.
    
        \5\The Owner shall insert a rate equal to the lowest ``Prime 
    Rate'' listed in the ``Money Rates'' section of the Wall Street 
    Journal on the date such invitation to bid is issued.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        e. Interest at the rate of ____ percent\6\ (____%) per annum 
    shall be paid by the Owner to the Bidder on the final payment for 
    the Project or any completed Section thereof, commencing fifteen 
    (15) days after the due date. The due date for purposes of such 
    final payment shall be the date of approval by the Administrator of 
    all of the documents requiring such approval, as a condition 
    precedent to the making of final payment, or ninety (90) days after 
    the date of Completion of Construction of the Project, as specified 
    in the Certificate of Completion, whichever date is earlier.
    
        \6\See Footnote 5.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        f. No payment shall be due while the Bidder is in default in 
    respect of any of the provisions of this Contract and the Owner may 
    withhold from the Bidder the amount of any claim by a third party 
    against either the Bidder or the Owner based upon an alleged failure 
    of the Bidder to perform the work hereunder in accordance with the 
    provisions of this Contract.
        Section 2. Release of Liens and Certificate of Contractor. (See 
    sample RUS Form 224, Waiver and Release of Lien and sample RUS Form 
    231, Certificate of Contractor.) Upon the completion by the Bidder 
    of the Project (or any Section thereof if the Bidder shall elect to 
    receive payment in full for any Section when completed as provided 
    above) but prior to final payment to the Bidder, the Bidder shall 
    deliver to the Owner, in duplicate, releases of all liens and of 
    rights to claim any lien, in the form attached hereto from all 
    manufacturers, materialmen, and subcontractors furnishing services 
    or materials for the Project or such Section and a certificate in 
    the form attached hereto to the effect that all labor used on or for 
    the Project or such Section has been paid and that all such releases 
    have been submitted to the Owner for approval.
        Section 3. Payments to Materialmen and Subcontractors. The 
    Bidder shall pay each materialman, and each subcontractor, if any, 
    within five (5) days after receipt of any payment from the Owner, 
    the amount thereof allowed the Bidder for and on account of 
    materials furnished or construction performed by each materialman or 
    each subcontractor.
    
    Article IV--Particular Undertakings of the Bidder
    
        Section 1. Protection to Persons and Property. The Bidder shall 
    at all times take all reasonable precautions for the safety of 
    employees on the work and of the public, and shall comply with all 
    applicable provisions of Federal, State, and Municipal safety laws 
    and building and construction codes, as well as the safety rules and 
    regulations of the Owner. All machinery and equipment and other 
    physical hazards shall be guarded in accordance with the ``Manual of 
    Accident Prevention in Construction'' of the Associated General 
    Contractors of America unless such instructions are incompatible 
    with Federal, State, or Municipal laws or regulations.
        The following provisions shall not limit the generality of the 
    above requirements.
        a. The Bidder shall at no time and under no circumstances cause 
    or permit any employee of the Bidder to perform any work upon 
    energized lines, or upon poles carrying energized lines, unless 
    otherwise specified in the Notice and Instructions to Bidders. 
    [[Page 10253]] 
        b. The Bidder shall so conduct the construction of the Project 
    as to cause the least possible obstruction of public highways.
        c. The Bidder shall provide and maintain all such guard lights 
    and other protection for the public as may be required by applicable 
    statutes, ordinances and regulations or by local conditions.
        d. The Bidder shall do all things necessary or expedient to 
    properly protect any and all parallel, converging and intersecting 
    lines, joint line poles, highways and any and all property of others 
    from damage, and in the event that any such parallel, converging and 
    intersecting lines, joint line poles, highways or other property are 
    damaged in the course of the construction of the Project the Bidder 
    shall at its own expense restore any or all of such damaged property 
    immediately to as good a state as before such damage occurred.
        e. Where the right-of-way of the Project traverses cultivated 
    lands, the Bidder shall limit the movement of its crews and 
    equipment so as to cause as little damage as possible to crops, 
    orchards or property and shall endeavor to avoid marring the lands. 
    All fences which are necessarily opened or moved during the 
    construction of the Project shall be replaced in as good condition 
    as they were found and precautions shall be taken to prevent the 
    escape of livestock. The Bidder shall not be responsible for loss of 
    or damage to crops, orchards or property (other than livestock) on 
    the right-of-way necessarily incident to the construction of the 
    Project and not caused by negligence or inefficient operation of the 
    Bidder. The Bidder shall be responsible for all other loss of or 
    damage to crops, orchards, or property, whether on or off the right-
    of-way, and for all loss of or damage to livestock caused by the 
    construction of the Project. The right-of-way for purposes of this 
    said section shall consist of an area extending ____ feet on both 
    sides of the center line of the poles along the route of the Project 
    lines, plus such area reasonably required by the Bidder for access 
    to the route of the Project lines from Public roads to carry on 
    construction activities.
        f. The Project, from the commencement of work to completion, or 
    to such earlier date or dates when the Owner may take possession and 
    control in whole or in part as hereinafter provided shall be under 
    the charge and control of the Bidder and during such period of 
    control by the Bidder all risks in connection with the construction 
    of the Project and the materials to be used therein shall be borne 
    by the Bidder. The Bidder shall make good and fully repair all 
    injuries and damages to the Project or any portion thereof under the 
    control of the Bidder by reason of any Act of God or other casualty 
    or cause whether or not the same shall have occurred by reason of 
    the Bidder's negligence.
        (i) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall defend, 
    indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, officers, 
    and employees from all claims, causes of action, losses, 
    liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) for 
    personal loss, injury, or death to persons (including but not 
    limited to Bidder's employees) and loss, damage to or destruction of 
    Owner's property or the property of any other person or entity 
    (including but not limited to Bidder's property) in any manner 
    arising out of or connected with the Contract, or the materials or 
    equipment supplied or services performed by Bidder, its 
    subcontractors and suppliers of any tier. But nothing herein shall 
    be construed as making Bidder liable for any injury, death, loss, 
    damage, or destruction caused by the sole negligence of Owner.
        (ii) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bidder shall 
    defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner and Owner's directors, 
    officers, and employees from all liens and claims filed or asserted 
    against Owner, its directors, officers, and employees, or Owner's 
    property or facilities, for services performed or materials or 
    equipment furnished by Bidder, its subcontractors and suppliers of 
    any tier, and from all losses, demands, and causes of action arising 
    out of any such lien or claim. Bidder shall promptly discharge or 
    remove any such lien or claim by bonding, payment, or otherwise and 
    shall notify Owner promptly when it has done so. If Bidder does not 
    cause such lien or claim to be discharged or released by payment, 
    bonding, or otherwise, Owner shall have the right (but shall not be 
    obligated) to pay all sums necessary to obtain any such discharge or 
    release and to deduct all amounts so paid from the amount due 
    Bidder.
        (iii) Bidder shall provide to Owner's satisfaction evidence of 
    Bidder's ability to comply with the indemnification provisions of 
    subparagraphs i and ii above, which evidence may include but may not 
    be limited to a bond or liability insurance policy obtained for this 
    purpose through a licensed surety or insurance company.
        g. Any and all excess earth, rock, debris, underbrush and other 
    useless material shall be removed by the Bidder from the site of the 
    Project as rapidly as practicable as the work progresses.
        h. Upon violation by the Bidder of any of the provisions of this 
    Section, after written notice of such violation given to the Bidder 
    by the Engineer or the Owner, the Bidder shall immediately correct 
    such violation. Upon failure of the Bidder so to do the Owner may 
    correct such violation at the Bidder's expense: Provided, however, 
    that the Owner may, if it deems it necessary or advisable, correct 
    such violation at the Bidder's expense without such prior notice to 
    the Bidder.
        i. The Bidder shall submit to the Owner monthly reports in 
    duplicate of all accidents, giving such data as may be prescribed by 
    the Owner.
        j. The Bidder shall not proceed with the cutting of trees or 
    clearing of right-of-way without written notification from the owner 
    that proper authorization has been received from the owner of the 
    property, and the Bidder shall promptly notify the Owner whenever 
    any landowner objects to the trimming or felling of any trees or the 
    performance of any other work on its land in connection with the 
    Project and shall obtain the consent in writing of the Owner before 
    proceeding in any such case.
        Section 2. Insurance. The Bidder shall take out and maintain 
    throughout the period of this Agreement the following types and 
    minimum amounts of insurance:
        a. Workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance as 
    required by law, covering all their employees who perform any of the 
    obligations of the contractor, engineer, and architect under the 
    contract. If any employer or employee is not subject to the workers' 
    compensation laws of the governing state, then insurance shall be 
    obtained voluntarily to extend to the employer and employee coverage 
    to the same extent as though the employer or employee were subject 
    to the workers' compensation laws.
        b. Public liability insurance covering all operations under the 
    contract shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less 
    than $1 million each occurrence, limits for property damage of not 
    less than $1 million for each occurrence, and $1 million aggregate 
    for accidents during the policy period. A single limit of $1 million 
    of bodily injury and property damage is acceptable. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or polices of insurance, primary and 
    excess including umbrella or catastrophe form.
        c. Automobile liability insurance on all motor vehicles used in 
    connection with the contract, whether owned, nonowned, or hired, 
    shall have limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1 
    million per person and $1 million for each occurrence, and property 
    damage limits of $1 million for each occurrence. This required 
    insurance may be in a policy or policies of insurance, primary and 
    excess including the umbrella or catastrophe form.
        The Owner shall have the right at any time to require public 
    liability insurance and property damage liability insurance greater 
    than those required in subsection ``b'' and ``c'' of this Section. 
    In any such event, the additional premium or premiums payable solely 
    as the result of such additional insurance shall be added to the 
    Contract price.
        The Owner shall be named as Additional Insured on all policies 
    of insurance required in subsections ``b'' and ``c'' of this 
    Section.
        The policies of insurance shall be in such form and issued by 
    such insurer as shall be satisfactory to the Owner. The Bidder shall 
    furnish the Owner a certificate evidencing compliance with the 
    foregoing requirements which shall provide not less than (30) days 
    prior written notice to the Owner of any cancellation or material 
    change in the insurance.
        Section 3. Delivery of Possession and Control to Owner.
        a. Upon written request of the Owner the Bidder shall deliver to 
    the Owner full possession and control of any portion of the Project 
    provided the Bidder shall have been paid at least ninety percent 
    (90%) of the cost of construction of such portion. Upon such 
    delivery of the possession and control of any portion of the Project 
    to the Owner, the risk and obligations of the Bidder as set forth in 
    Article IV, Section 1f hereof with respect to such portion of the 
    Project so delivered to the Owner shall be terminated: Provided, 
    however, that nothing herein contained shall relieve the Bidder of 
    any liability with respect to defective materials and workmanship as 
    contained in Article II, Section 6 hereof. [[Page 10254]] 
        b. Where the construction of a Section as hereinbefore defined 
    in Article II, Section 1c and Article III, Section 1c shall have 
    been completed by the Bidder, the Owner agrees, after receipt of a 
    written request from the Bidder, to accept delivery of possession 
    and control of such Section upon the issuance by the Engineer of a 
    written statement that the Section has been inspected and found 
    acceptable by the Engineer. Upon such delivery of the possession and 
    control of any such Section to the Owner, the risk and obligations 
    of the Bidder as set forth in Article IV, Section 1f hereof with 
    respect to such Section so delivered to the Owner shall be 
    terminated: Provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall 
    relieve the Bidder of any liability with respect to defective 
    materials or workmanship as contained in Article II, Section 6 
    hereof.
        Section 4. Energizing the Project.
        a. Prior to Completion of the Project the Owner, upon written 
    notice to the Bidder, may test the construction thereof by 
    temporarily energizing any portion or portions thereof. During the 
    period of such test the portion or portions of the Project so 
    energized shall be considered as within the possession and control 
    of the Owner and governed by the provisions of Section 3 of this 
    Article. Upon written notice to the Bidder by the Owner of the 
    completion of such test and upon deenergizing the lines involved 
    therein said portion, or portions of the Project shall be considered 
    as returned to the possession and control of the Bidder unless the 
    Owner shall elect to continue possession and control in the manner 
    provided in Section 3 of this Article.
        b. The Owner shall have the right to energize permanently any 
    portion or portions of the Project delivered to its possession and 
    control pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of this Article.
        Section 5. Assignment of Guarantees. All guarantees of materials 
    and workmanship running in favor of the Bidder shall be transferred 
    and assigned to the Owner prior to the time the Bidder receives 
    final payment.
    
    Article V--Remedies
    
        Section 1. Completion on Bidder's Default. If default shall be 
    made by the Bidder or by any subcontractor in the performance of any 
    of the terms of this Proposal, the Owner, without in any manner 
    limiting its legal and equitable remedies in the circumstances, may 
    serve upon the Bidder and the Surety or Sureties, if any, upon the 
    Contractor's Bond or Bonds a written notice requiring the Bidder to 
    cause such default to be corrected forthwith. Unless within twenty 
    (20) days after the service of such notice upon the Bidder such 
    default shall be corrected or arrangements for the correction 
    thereof satisfactory to both the Owner and the Administrator shall 
    be made by the Bidder or its Surety or Sureties, if any, the Owner 
    may take over the construction of the Project and prosecute the same 
    to completion by Contract or otherwise for the account and at the 
    expense of the Bidder, and the Bidder and its Surety or Sureties, if 
    any, shall be liable to the Owner for any cost or expense in excess 
    of the Contract price occasioned thereby. In such event the Owner 
    may take possession of and utilize, in completing the construction 
    of the Project, any materials, tools, supplies, equipment, 
    appliances, and plant belonging to the Bidder or any of its 
    subcontractors, which may be situated at the site of the Project. 
    The Owner in such contingency may exercise any rights, claims or 
    demands which the Bidder may have against third persons in 
    connection with this Contract and for such purpose the Bidder does 
    hereby assign, transfer and set over unto the Owner all such rights, 
    claims and demands.
        Section 2. Liquidated Damages. The time of the Completion of 
    Construction of the Project is of the essence of the Contract. 
    Should the Bidder neglect, refuse or fail to complete the 
    construction within the time herein agreed upon, after giving effect 
    to extensions of time, if any, herein provided, then, in that event 
    and in view of the difficulty of estimating with exactness damages 
    caused by such delay, the Owner shall have the right to deduct from 
    and retain out of such moneys which may be then due, or which may 
    become due and payable to the Bidder the sum of ____ dollars (____) 
    per day for each and every day that such construction is delayed in 
    its completion beyond the specified time, as liquidated damages and 
    not as a penalty; if the amount due and to become due from the Owner 
    to the Bidder is insufficient to pay in full any such liquidated 
    damages, the Bidder shall pay to the Owner the amount necessary to 
    effect such payment in full; Provided, however, that the Owner shall 
    promptly notify the Bidder in writing of the manner in which the 
    amount retained, deducted or claimed as liquidated damages was 
    computed.
        Section 3. Cumulative Remedies. Every right or remedy herein 
    conferred upon or reserved to the Owner or the Government or the 
    Administrator shall be cumulative, shall be in addition to every 
    right and remedy now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by 
    statute and the pursuit of any right or remedy shall not be 
    construed as an election: Provided, however, that the provisions of 
    Section 2 of this Article shall be the exclusive measure of damages 
    for failure by the Bidder to complete the construction of the 
    Project within the time herein agreed upon.
    
    Article VI--Miscellaneous
    
        Section 1. Definitions.
        a. The term ``Administrator'' shall mean the Administrator of 
    the Rural Utilities Service of the United States of America and his 
    duly authorized representatives or any other person in whom or 
    authority in which may be vested the duties and functions which the 
    Administrator is now authorized by law to perform.
        b. The term ``Engineer'' shall mean the engineer employed by the 
    Owner, with the approval of the Administrator, to provide 
    engineering services for the Project and said Engineer's duly 
    authorized assistants and representatives.
        c. The term ``Supervisor'' shall mean the person, if any, 
    appointed by the Administrator as the representative of the 
    Government under the provisions of the Loan Contract providing for 
    such appointment in special cases. The term is limited to such 
    special representative of the Government, if any, who is responsible 
    exclusively to the Administrator and does not refer to the Manager 
    or any other person employed by the Owner and responsible to it.
        d. The term ``Project'' shall mean the rural electric system, or 
    portion thereof, described in the Plans and Specifications, 
    Construction Drawings and maps attached hereto.
        e. The term ``Completion of Construction'' shall mean full 
    performance by the Bidder of the Bidder's obligations under the 
    Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof except the 
    Bidder's obligations in respect of (1) Releases of Liens and 
    Certificate of Contractor under Article III, Section 2 hereof, (2) 
    the inventory referred to in Article III, Section 1 hereof, and (3) 
    other final documents. The term ``Completion of the Project'' shall 
    mean full performance by the Bidder of the Bidder's obligations 
    under the Contract and all amendments and revisions thereof. The 
    Certificate of Completion, signed by the Engineer and approved in 
    writing by the Owner and the Administrator, shall be the sole and 
    conclusive evidence as to the date of Completion of Construction and 
    as to the fact of Completion of the Project.
        Section 2. Materials and Supplies. In the performance of this 
    contract there shall be furnished only such unmanufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been mined or produced in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada, and only such manufactured articles, 
    materials, and supplies as have been manufactured in the United 
    States substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies 
    mined, produced or manufactured, as the case may be, in the United 
    States, Mexico, or Canada; provided that other articles, materials, 
    or supplies may be used in the event and to the extent that the 
    Administrator shall expressly in writing authorize such use pursuant 
    to the provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1938, being 
    Title IV of Public Resolution No. 122, 75th Congress, approved June 
    21, 1938. The Seller agrees to submit to the Purchaser such 
    certificates with respect to compliance with the foregoing provision 
    as the Administrator from time to time may require.
        Section 3. Patent Infringement. The Bidder shall save harmless 
    and indemnify the Owner from any and all claims, suits and 
    proceedings for the infringement of any patent or patents covering 
    any materials or equipment used in construction of the Project.
        Section 4. Permits for Explosives. All permits necessary for the 
    handling or use of dynamite or other explosives in connection with 
    the construction of the Project shall be obtained by and at the 
    expense of the Bidder.
        Section 5. Compliance with Statutes and Regulations. The Bidder 
    shall comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules and 
    regulations pertaining to the work. The Bidder acknowledges that it 
    is familiar with the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, 
    the so-called ``Kick-Back'' Statute thereto, and 18 U.S.C. 
    Secs. 287, 1001, as amended. The Bidder understands that the 
    obligations of the parties hereunder are subject to the applicable 
    regulations and orders of Governmental Agencies having jurisdiction 
    in the premises.
        Section 6. Equal Opportunity Provisions.
        a. Bidder's Representations. [[Page 10255]] 
        The Bidder represents that:
        It has ____, does not have ____, 100 or more employees, and if 
    it has, that it has ____, has not ____, furnished the Equal 
    Employment Opportunity-Employers Information Report EEO-1, Standard 
    Form 100, required of employers with 100 or more employees pursuant 
    to Executive Order 11246 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 
    1964.
        The Bidder agrees that it will obtain, prior to the award of any 
    subcontract for more than $10,000 hereunder to a subcontractor with 
    100 or more employees, a statement, signed by the proposed 
    subcontractor, that the proposed subcontractor has filed a current 
    report on Standard Form 100.
        The Bidder agrees that if it has 100 or more employees and has 
    not submitted a report on Standard Form 100 for the current 
    reporting year and that if this Contract will amount to more than 
    $10,000, the Bidder will file such report, as required by law, and 
    notify the owner in writing of such filing prior to the Owner's 
    acceptance of this Proposal.
        b. Equal Opportunity Clause. During the performance of this 
    Contract, the Bidder agrees as follows:
        (1) The Bidder will not discriminate against any employee or 
    applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex or 
    national origin. The Bidder will take affirmative action to ensure 
    that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during 
    employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex or 
    national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, 
    the following: Employment, upgrading, demotions or transfer; 
    recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates 
    of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection of training, 
    including apprenticeship. The Bidder agrees to post in conspicuous 
    places, available to employees and applicants for employment, 
    notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this Equal 
    Opportunity Clause.
        (2) The Bidder will, in all solicitations or advertisements for 
    employees placed by or on behalf of the Bidder, state that all 
    qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
    without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
        (3) The Bidder will send to each labor union or representative 
    of workers, with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or 
    other contract or understanding, a notice to be provided advising 
    the said labor union or workers' representative of the Bidder's 
    commitments under this section, and shall post copies of the notice 
    in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for 
    employment.
        (4) The Bidder will comply with all provisions of Executive 
    Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and the rules, regulations and 
    relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
        (5) The Bidder will furnish all information and reports required 
    by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by rules, 
    regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant 
    thereto, and will permit access to its books, records, and accounts 
    by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes 
    of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, 
    regulations, and orders.
        (6) In the event of the Bidder's noncompliance with the Equal 
    Opportunity Clause of this Contract or with any of the said rules, 
    regulations, or orders, this Contract may be canceled, terminated, 
    or suspended in whole or in part, and the Bidder may be declared 
    ineligible for further Government contracts or federally assisted 
    construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other 
    sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in 
    Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation, 
    or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as provided by law.
        (7) The Bidder will include this Equal Opportunity Clause in 
    every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by the rules, 
    regulations, or order of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to 
    Section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, so that 
    such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. 
    The Bidder will take such action with respect to any subcontract or 
    purchase order as the administering agency may direct as a means of 
    enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance; 
    Provided, however, that in the event Bidder becomes involved in, or 
    is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as a 
    result of such direction by the administering agency, the Bidder may 
    request the United States to enter into such litigation to protect 
    the interests of the United States.
        c. Certificate of Nonsegregated Facilities. The Bidder certifies 
    that it does not maintain or provide for its employees any 
    segregated facilities at any of its establishments, and that it does 
    not permit its employees to perform their services at any location, 
    under its control, where segregated facilities are maintained. The 
    Bidder certifies further that it will not maintain or provide for 
    its employees any segregated facilities at any of its 
    establishments, and that it will not permit its employees to perform 
    their services at any location, under its control, where segregated 
    facilities are maintained. The Bidder agrees that a breach of this 
    certification is a violation of the Equal Opportunity Clause in this 
    Contract. As used in this certification, the term ``segregated 
    facilities'' means any waiting rooms, work areas, restrooms and 
    washrooms, restaurants and other eating areas, timeclocks, locker 
    rooms and other storage or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking 
    fountains, recreation or entertainment areas, transportation, and 
    housing facilities provided for employees which are segregated by 
    explicit directive or are in fact segregated on the basis of race, 
    color, religion, or national origin, because of habit, local custom, 
    or otherwise. The Bidder agrees that (except where it has obtained 
    identical certifications from proposed subcontractors for specific 
    time periods) it will obtain identical certifications from proposed 
    subcontractors prior to the award of subcontracts exceeding $10,000 
    which are not exempt from the provisions of the Equal Opportunity 
    Clause, and that it will retain such certifications in its files.
        Section 7. Franchises and Rights-of-Way. The Bidder shall be 
    under no obligation to obtain or assist in obtaining: Any 
    franchises, authorizations, permits or approvals required to be 
    obtained by the Owner from Federal, State, County, Municipal or 
    other authorities; any rights-of-way over private lands; or any 
    agreements between the Owner and third parties with respect to the 
    joint use of poles, crossings, or other matter incident to the 
    construction and operation of the Project.
        Section 8. Nonassignment of Contract. The Bidder shall perform 
    directly and without subcontracting not less than twenty-five per 
    centum (25%) of the construction of the Project, to be calculated on 
    the basis of the total Contract price. The Bidder shall not assign 
    the Contract effected by an acceptance of this Proposal or any 
    interest in any funds that may be due or become due hereunder or 
    enter into any contract with any person, firm or corporation for the 
    performance of the Bidder's obligations hereunder or any part 
    thereof, without the approval in writing of the Owner and of the 
    Surety or Sureties, if any, on any bond furnished by the Bidder for 
    the faithful performance of the Bidder's obligations hereunder. If 
    the Bidder, with the consent of the Owner and any Surety or Sureties 
    on the Contractor's Bond or Bonds, shall enter into a subcontract 
    with any subcontractor for the performance of any part of this 
    Contract, the Bidder shall be as fully responsible to the Owner and 
    the Government for the acts and omissions of such subcontractor and 
    of persons employed by such subcontractor as the Bidder would be for 
    its own acts and omissions and those of persons directly employed by 
    it.
        Section 9. Extension to Successors and Assigns. Each and all of 
    the covenants and agreements herein contained shall extend to and be 
    binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
        Section 10. Contractor. Upon acceptance of this Proposal, the 
    successful Bidder shall be the Contractor and all references in the 
    Proposal to the Bidder shall apply to the Contractor.
        Section 11. Approval by the Administrator. No acceptance of this 
    Proposal shall become effective until approval in writing of the 
    Administrator: Provided, however, that no obligations shall arise 
    hereunder unless such approval is given within forty-five (45) days 
    from the date of acceptance by the Owner.
    
    ________ (Bidder)
    By ________ (President)
    ________ (Address)
    Attest: ________ (Secretary)
    Date ________
    
        The Proposal must be signed with the full name of the Bidder. If 
    the Bidder is a partnership, the Proposal must be signed in the 
    partnership name by a partner. If the Bidder is a corporation, the 
    Proposal must be signed in the corporate name by a duly authorized 
    officer and the corporate seal affixed and attested by the Secretary 
    of the Corporation.
    
    Transmission Construction Units
    
    Section 1--Pole Units
    
        A pole unit consists of one pole in place. It does not include 
    pole-top assembly unit or other parts attached to the pole. The 
    first two digits indicate the length of the pole; the third digit 
    shows the classification per A.S.A. [[Page 10256]] (Example: 45-3 
    means a pole 45 feet long, class 3.)
    
    Species of Timber: ________
    Kind of Preservative: (Check one)
    1. Creosote ____; 2. Pentachlorophenol ____; 3. Copper Naphthenate 
    ____; 4. Waterborne preservative--CCA ____ ACZA ____
    Method of Treatment: (Check one)
    1. Pressure ____; 2. Thermal process: ____
    Pole Plan Under Which the Poles are to be Furnished: (Check one)
    1. Insured Warranted ____; 2. Independently Inspected ____; 3. 
    Quality Assured ____; 4. Either Insured Warranted, Independently 
    Inspected, or Quality Assured ____
    
    (Engineer to complete above)
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Unit Price                           Extended price-- 
      Unit No.       No. of units    ------------------------------------------------------------  labor & materials
                                             Labor             Materials       Labor & materials                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section 1-- ________
    
    Section 2--Pole-Top Assembly Units
    
        A pole-top assembly unit consists of the hardware, crossarms and 
    their appurtenances, insulators, etc., except tie wire, required to 
    support the power conductors and overhead ground wire. It does not 
    include the pole, the downlead, and butt coil, which are separate 
    units.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Unit Price                           Extended price-- 
      Unit No.       No. of units    ------------------------------------------------------------  labor & materials
                                             Labor             Materials       Labor & materials                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TH                                                                                                              
    TP                                                                                                              
    TS                                                                                                              
    TSS                                                                                                             
    TSZ                                                                                                             
    TUS-1                                                                                                           
    TUS-2                                                                                                           
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section 2-- ________
    
    Section 3--Conductor Assembly Units
    
        A conductor assembly unit consists of 1,000 feet of a single 
    conductor or overhead ground wire, and includes tie wire, sleeves 
    for splicing, and armor rods with clips or armor wire where 
    necessary. The length of conductor or overhead ground wire shall be 
    determined by taking the sum of all straight horizontal span 
    distances between pole stakes or from center to center of the poles 
    carrying the conductors. The conductor sizes and types listed are 
    the manufacturer's designation.
    
    ____ Tension Stringing (Engineer check when required.)
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Unit Price                           Extended price-- 
      Unit No.       No. of units    ------------------------------------------------------------  labor & materials
                                             Labor             Materials       Labor & materials                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section 3-- ______
        As provided for in the specifications, prior to beginning of 
    work the Bidder will furnish the Engineer the following data on 
    tension equipment:
    
    Diameter Bull Wheel ________ in.
    Diameter Groove ________ in.
    Conductor Bending Radius ________ in.
    Thickness of Neoprene at Bottom of Groove ________ in.
    Stringing Sheave Diameter; Tangent ______ in., Large Angle ______ 
    in.
    
    Section 4--Guy Assembly Units
    
        A guy assembly unit consists of the hardware and wire. Guy 
    guards are designated separately.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Unit Price                           Extended price-- 
      Unit No.       No. of units    ------------------------------------------------------------  labor & materials
                                             Labor             Materials       Labor & materials                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TG-1                                                                                                            
    TG-2                                                                                                            
    TG-3                                                                                                            
    TG-4                                                                                                            
    TG-5                                                                                                            
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section 4-- ________
    
    Section 5--Anchor Assembly Units
    
        An anchor assembly unit consists of the anchor with rod or rods, 
    complete, ready for attaching the guy wire.
    
                                                                                                                    
    [[Page 10257]]                                                                                                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Unit Price                           Extended price-- 
      Unit No.       No. of units    ------------------------------------------------------------  labor & materials
                                             Labor             Materials       Labor & materials                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TA-1-5                                                                                                          
    TA-1-8                                                                                                          
    TA-3                                                                                                            
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section 5-- ________
    
    Section 6--Miscellaneous Assembly Units
    
        A miscellaneous assembly unit consists of an additional unit 
    needed in the Project for line construction but not otherwise listed 
    in the Proposal.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Unit Price                           Extended price-- 
      Unit No.       No. of units    ------------------------------------------------------------  labor & materials
                                             Labor             Materials       Labor & materials                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TM                                                                                                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total, Section 6-- ________
    
    Section 7--Right-of-Way Clearing Units
    
        TM-12. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ________ (________) 
    feet in width (to be measured ________ (________) feet on one side 
    of pole line or centerline of structures) of actual clearing of 
    right-of-way. This includes clearing of underbrush, tree removal, 
    and such tree trimming as is required so that the right-of-way, 
    except for tree stumps which shall not exceed ________ in height, 
    shall be clear from the ground up on one side of the line of poles 
    carrying conductors (See Detail A, Drawing TM-12-2A.) The length of 
    actual clearing shall be measured in a straight line, parallel to 
    the horizontal line between poles or centerline of structures and 
    across the maximum dimension of foliage cleared projected to the 
    ground line (See Detail B, Drawing TM-12-2A.) All trees and 
    underbrush across the width of the right-of-way shall be considered 
    to be grouped together as a single length in measuring the total 
    length of clearing (See Detail C, Drawing TM-12-2A.) Spaces along 
    the right-of-way in which no trees are to be removed or trimmed or 
    underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the total measurement. All 
    lengths thus arrived at, added together and divided by 1,000 shall 
    give the number of TM-12 units of clearing. The Bidder shall not 
    remove or trim shade, fruit, or ornamental trees unless so directed 
    by the Engineer in writing.
        TM-12 (1). This unit is identical with TM-12, except the full 
    width of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ________ (________) 
    feet wide (to be measured ________ (________) feet on each side of 
    the pole line or centerline of structures) (See Detail D, Drawing 
    TM-12-2A.)
        TM-13. The unit, for purpose of quoting, is 1,000 feet in length 
    of clearing off the right-of-way. The Engineer will select those 
    trees off the right-of-way that he deems to be a hazard to the line 
    and will designate them to the Bidder in writing as danger trees. 
    When so designated, the Bidder shall remove or top such trees at his 
    option except that the Bidder shall trim and not remove shade, fruit 
    or ornamental trees unless otherwise directed by the Engineer in 
    writing (See Drawings TM-12-2A and TM-13 for examples of danger 
    trees.)
        The measurement of length of right-of-way to be cleared shall be 
    considered as a straight line parallel to the horizontal line 
    between poles or centerline of structures, such measurement of 
    length to be based on maximum dimension of foliage (not trunk) 
    projected to the ground line (See Details E, F, G and H, Drawing TM-
    12-2A.) Dead trees having no foliage shall be measured across the 
    maximum dimension and multiplied by two. (See Detail F, Drawing TM-
    12-2A.) Each tree so removed shall be added together to determine 
    the total length of clearing. All lengths thus arrived at, added 
    together and divided by 1,000 shall give the number of TM-13 units 
    (Example: Details E, F, G and H, Drawing TM-12-2A, total 0.10 of a 
    TM-13 unit.)
        TMC-12, TMC-12 (1). These units are identical to the respective 
    TM units except that chemical treatment of stumps is required in 
    addition to the clearing of underbrush, tree removal and tree 
    trimming. TM-14. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ________ 
    (________) feet in width (to be measured feet on one side of right-
    of-way center line) of actual clearing of right-of-way. Trees and 
    underbrush should be cleared from the ground up within 10 feet of 
    any structure location. The Engineer will mark the trees and brush 
    to be cleared to provide ``undulating'' boundaries. Low growing 
    trees and brush are to be left in the right-of-way to the extent it 
    will not be hazardous to the line or will not interfere with the 
    service road. The length of actual clearing shall be measured in a 
    straight line parallel to the horizontal line between poles or 
    center line of structures and across the maximum dimension of 
    foliage cleared projected to the ground line (See Detail B, Drawing 
    TM-12-2A.) All trees and underbrush cleared across the right-of-way 
    shall be considered to be grouped together as a single length in 
    measuring the total length of clearing (See Detail C, Drawing TM-12-
    2A.) Spaces along the right-of-way in which no trees are to be 
    removed or trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the 
    total measurement.
        TM-14 (1). This unit is identical with TM-14 except the full 
    width of the right-of-way to be cleared shall be ________ (________) 
    feet wide (See Detail D, Drawing TM-12-2A.)
        TM-15. The unit is 1,000 feet in length and ________ feet in 
    width (to be measured ________ (________) feet on one side of the 
    right-of-way center line) of actual clearing of the right-of-way. 
    Trees and underbrush should be cleared from ground up within 10 feet 
    of any structure location. The Engineer will mark the trees and 
    brush to be cleared to provide a ``feathered'' appearance in the 
    right-of-way. Low growing trees and brush are to be left in the 
    right-of-way to the extent it will not be hazardous to the line or 
    will not interfere with the service road.
        The length of actual clearing shall be measured in a straight 
    line parallel to the horizontal line between poles or center line of 
    structures and across the maximum dimension of foliage cleared 
    projected to ground line (See Detail B, Drawing TM-12-2A). All trees 
    and underbrush cleared across the right-of-way shall be considered 
    to be grouped together as a single length in measuring the total 
    length of clearing (See Detail C, Drawing TM-12-2A). Spaces along 
    the right-of-way in which no trees are to be removed or trimmed or 
    underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the total measurement.
        TM-15 (1). This unit is identical to TM-15 except the full width 
    of the right-of-way, to be cleared shall be ________ (________) feet 
    wide (See Detail D, Drawing TM-12-2A).
        Additional Requirements. (When specifying TM units denote type 
    of disposal A or B).
    A. Trees, brush, branches and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as the Engineer will 
    direct Engineer to strike out methods not to be used)
        1. Burned
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (Describe)________
    B. Trees that are felled shall be cut to commercial wood lengths, 
    stacked neatly, and left on the right-of-way for the landowner. 
    Commercial wood length means the length designated by the Engineer 
    but in no case shall it be required to be less than ________ 
    (________) feet. Brush, branches and refuse shall, without delay, be 
    disposed of by such of the following methods as the Engineer will 
    direct (Engineer to strike out methods not to be used). 
    [[Page 10258]] 
        1. Burned
        2. Piled on one side of right-of-way
        3. Roller chopped and left on right-of-way in such a manner as 
    not to obstruct roads, ditches, drains, etc.
        4. Other (Describe)________
    
    Transmission Right-of-Way Unit
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Unit Price                           Extended price-- 
      Unit No.       No. of units    ------------------------------------------------------------  labor & materials
                                             Labor             Materials       Labor & materials                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Total Section 7--________
    
    Section 8--Substation Assembly Units
    
        Description of Construction Units. Each Construction Unit 
    consists of a complete installation of the designated portion of a 
    substation as specified on the drawings, together with connections 
    to associated equipment. Each Construction Unit represents all labor 
    and material including necessary accessories completely installed 
    and tested in satisfactory operation. Full identification of each 
    Construction Unit and all necessary specifications of the 
    installation is shown on the drawings.
        Items of material in each Construction Unit shall be of the 
    designated size, rating, type, voltage, or other specification in 
    accordance with the drawings. The bill of material drawing for each 
    substation shows the identification of the Construction Units under 
    which the material is to be installed and shows which items of 
    material may be partly or entirely found in the lists of owner-
    furnished materials. All items of equipment, unless otherwise 
    specified, are mounted on a structure which shall be a Construction 
    Unit of Group A.
        Each Construction Unit is designated by the letter of the Group 
    to which it belongs and an identifying number. The same item of 
    equipment carries the same Construction Unit designation in all the 
    substations. Items of equipment designated by the same Construction 
    Unit in one substation are of only one kind as to voltage, type and 
    other specifications. The tabulation of construction units for each 
    substation is separate and contains all units necessary for 
    construction of that substation.
        Group A. Structures. A Construction Unit consists of a 
    structure, or structures, with bus supports including insulators and 
    fittings, buses, conductors and overhead ground wires to adjacent 
    structures within the substation, grounding material to connect 
    equipment with the ground bus, and associated material including 
    mounting brackets, supports for equipment, clamps and connectors, 
    all as specified in the drawings.
        Group B. Three-Pole Group Operated Air Break Switches. A 
    Construction Unit consists of one 3-pole group operated air break 
    switch with all accessories and operating mechanisms as specified in 
    the drawings.
        Group C. Lightning Arresters. A Construction Unit consists of 
    one single-phase lightning arrester.
        Group D. Single Pole Disconnecting Switches. A Construction Unit 
    consists of one single pole disconnecting or by-pass switch as 
    specified in the drawings. If a fuse disconnect switch is specified, 
    the fuse is included with the switch.
        Group E. Oil Circuit Breakers. A Construction Unit consists of 
    one complete three-phase power circuit breaker complete with 
    supporting frame and control cabinet, unless shown otherwise in the 
    drawings, mounted as specified in the drawings.
        Group F. Oil Circuit Reclosers. A Construction Unit consists of 
    a complete single-phase or three-phase oil circuit recloser as 
    specified in the drawings.
        Group G. Meters, Relays and Instrument Transformers. A 
    Construction Unit consists of one meter, relay, potential 
    transformer or current transformer.
        Group H. Transformers. A Construction Unit consists of one power 
    transformer or one station service transformer either single-phase 
    or three-phase as specified in the drawings.
        Group I. Voltage Regulators. A Construction Unit consists of one 
    single-phase or three-phase voltage regulator as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group J. Communications and Supervisory Control Equipment. A 
    Construction Unit consists of carrier current equipment, microwave, 
    or other types of communications and supervisory control equipment 
    as specified in the drawings.
        Group K. Conduit and Cable. A Construction Unit consists of the 
    wire, cable, conduit and accessories necessary to complete the 
    installation of equipment in accordance with the specifications and 
    drawings, where such installation has not been included in other 
    Groups.
        Group L. Foundations. A Construction Unit consists of concrete 
    footings and foundations except for the fence, as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group M. Site Preparation. A Construction Unit consists of 
    clearing, grading, drainage work, and surfacing, as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group N. Fence. A Construction Unit consists of the complete 
    installation of the fence, gates, etc., as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group O. Station Grounding. A Construction Unit consists of the 
    complete ground bus including ground rods, grounding mats or 
    platforms, except as otherwise provided in other Groups, with 
    connections to structures, equipment, and fence as specified in the 
    drawings.
        Group P. Building. A Construction Unit consists of a control 
    building or cabinet, on a foundation of Group L and the facilities 
    and equipment installed therein as specified in the drawings, except 
    as otherwise provided in other Groups.
        Other Groups. The Engineer shall specify such additional Groups 
    as may be necessary for the completion of the Project. Description 
    of these Groups shall be provided by an addition to this Section of 
    the Specifications for Construction.
    
    ________ Station Construction Units
    Unit No. ________
    Name and Description of Construction Unit ________
    No. of Units ________
    Unit Prices ________
    Labor ________
    Materials ________
    Labor and Materials ________
    Extended Price--Labor and Materials ________
    Total Price ________
    
    Proposal Summary
    
        Recapitulation of Sections:
    
    Section--1 ________ $ ________
    Section--2 ________ $ ________
    Section--3 ________ $ ________
    Section--4 ________ $ ________
    Section--5 ________ $ ________
    Section--6 ________ $ ________
    Section--7 ________ $ ________
    Section--8 ________ $ ________
    Total ________ $ ________
    
    Acceptance
    
        Subject to the approval of the Administrator, the Owner hereby 
    accepts the foregoing Proposal of the Bidder, ________ for the 
    construction of the following:
    
    Transmission Construction Units: Sections: ________
    The total contract price is $ ________
    ________ Owner
    By ________ President
    ________ Secretary
    ________ Date of Contract
    
    [End of clause]
    
    
    Secs. 1726.353-1726.399  [Reserved]
    
    Subpart J--Contract Closeout
    
    
    Sec. 1726.400  Final contract amendment.
    
        As needed, a final contract amendment will be prepared and 
    processed in accordance with Sec. 1726.24(b) prior to or in conjunction 
    with the closeout of the contract.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.401  Material contract closeout.
    
        This section is applicable to contracts executed on RUS Form 173.
        (a) Delivery inspection. The borrower (acting through its engineer, 
    if applicable) will verify that all materials are delivered in proper 
    quantities, in good condition, and in compliance with applicable 
    specifications.
        (b) Closeout documents. The borrower (acting through its engineer, 
    if [[Page 10259]] applicable) will obtain from the supplier a ``Buy 
    American'' certificate, RUS Form 213, any manufacturer's guarantee(s) 
    and, if applicable, a copy of RUS Form 224, Waiver and Release of Lien. 
    Closeout documents for materials contracts need not be submitted to RUS 
    unless specifically requested by RUS on a case by case basis.
        (c) Final payment. Upon completion of the actions required under 
    paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the borrower shall make final 
    payment to the supplier in accordance with the provisions of the 
    material contract or written purchase order.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.402  Equipment contract closeout.
    
        This section is applicable to contracts executed on RUS Form 198.
        (a) Final inspection and testing of equipment. The borrower (acting 
    through its engineer, if applicable) will perform the final inspection 
    and testing of equipment as appropriate for the specific equipment. The 
    borrower (acting through its engineer, if applicable) will schedule 
    such inspection and testing at a time mutually agreeable to the 
    borrower, engineer, and the supplier or manufacturer. Within thirty 
    (30) days after completion of the inspection and testing, the borrower 
    (acting through its engineer, if applicable) will prepare a report of 
    the inspection and testing, obtain a copy of the report from the 
    engineer, and submit a copy to the supplier or manufacturer. This 
    report must include a detailed description of the methods of conducting 
    the test(s), observed data, comparison of guaranteed and actual 
    performance, and recommendations concerning acceptance. The borrower 
    will obtain from the engineer a written certification stating that the 
    equipment has been installed, placed in satisfactory operation and 
    tested, and meets the contract requirements. Where more than one-
    hundred and eighty (180) days have elapsed since the delivery of the 
    equipment and the equipment has not been installed or tested, the 
    contract may be closed out upon certification by the engineer that the 
    equipment has been inspected and appears to be in accordance with the 
    contract requirements.
        (b) Closeout documents. (1) The borrower (acting through its 
    engineer, if applicable) will obtain the following executed documents:
        (i) Certification by the project engineer in accordance with 
    paragraph (a) of this section.
        (ii) All guarantees or warranties.
        (iii) A ``Buy American'' certificate, RUS Form 213, from the 
    supplier or manufacturer.
        (2) Closeout documents for materials contracts need not be 
    submitted to RUS unless specifically requested by RUS.
        (c) Final payment. Upon completion of the actions required under 
    paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the borrower will make final 
    payment to the supplier or manufacturer in accordance with the 
    provisions of the equipment contract.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.403  Project construction contract closeout.
    
        This section is applicable to contracts executed on RUS Forms 200, 
    203, 257, 764, 786, 830, and 831.
        (a) Final test of equipment supplied under a construction contract. 
    If equipment is supplied under a construction contract, the borrower 
    (acting through its architect or engineer, if applicable) will perform 
    the final inspection and testing of equipment as appropriate for the 
    specific equipment. The borrower (acting through its architect or 
    engineer, if applicable) will schedule such inspection and testing at a 
    time mutually agreeable to the borrower, architect or engineer, and the 
    contractor. Within thirty (30) days after completion of the inspection 
    and testing, the borrower (acting through its architect or engineer, if 
    applicable) will prepare a report of the inspection and testing, obtain 
    a copy of the report from its architect or engineer, and submit a copy 
    to the contractor. This report must include a detailed description of 
    the methods of conducting the test(s), observed data, comparison of 
    guaranteed and actual performance, and recommendations concerning 
    acceptance. The borrower will obtain from its architect or engineer a 
    written certification stating that the equipment has been installed, 
    placed in satisfactory operation and tested, and meets the contract 
    requirements. Where more than one-hundred and eighty (180) days have 
    elapsed since the delivery of the equipment and the equipment has not 
    been installed or tested, the contract may be closed out upon 
    certification by its architect or engineer that the equipment has been 
    inspected and appears to be in accordance with the contract 
    requirements.
        (b) Final inspection of construction. The borrower will require the 
    contractor to notify the architect or engineer when construction is 
    complete. The borrower (acting through the architect or engineer, if 
    applicable) will schedule such final inspection at a time mutually 
    agreeable to the borrower, architect or engineer, contractor, and the 
    respective RUS General Field Representative (GFR), if the GFR has 
    notified the borrower or its architect or engineer of a desire to 
    observe the final inspection. The borrower (acting through its 
    architect or engineer, if applicable) will perform a final inspection 
    of the construction and notify the contractor of any required changes 
    or corrections.
        (c) Closeout documents. (1) Upon satisfactory completion of 
    construction (including all changes and corrections by the contractor), 
    the borrower (acting through its architect or engineer, if applicable) 
    will obtain executed copies of the following documents:
        (i) RUS Form 181, Certificate of Completion, Contract Construction 
    for Buildings (for contracts executed on RUS Form 257), or RUS Form 
    187, Certificate of Completion, Contract Construction (for contracts 
    executed on all other forms under this section).
        (ii) RUS Form 213, ``Buy American'' certificate.
        (iii) RUS Form 224, Waiver and Release of Lien, from each 
    manufacturer, supplier, and contractor which has furnished material or 
    services or both in connection with the construction.
        (iv) RUS Form 231, Certificate of Contractor.
        (v) RUS Form 254, Construction Inventory, including all supporting 
    documents, such as RUS Forms 254a-c, construction change orders, and 
    amendments for contracts executed on RUS Forms 203, 764, 830 or 831.
        (vi) Certification by the project architect or engineer in 
    accordance with Sec. 1726.403(a), if applicable.
        (vii) Final design documents, as outlined in part 1724 of this 
    chapter.
        (2) Distribution of closeout documents. (i) The borrower will 
    retain one copy of each of the documents identified in paragraph (c)(1) 
    of this section in accordance with applicable RUS requirements 
    regarding retention of records.
        (ii) For contracts subject to RUS approval, the borrower will 
    submit the following closeout documents for RUS approval (through the 
    GFR except for generation projects):
        (A) RUS Form 181, Certificate of Completion, Contract Construction 
    for Buildings (for contracts executed on RUS Form 257), or RUS Form 
    187, Certificate of Completion, Contract Construction (for contracts 
    executed on all other forms under this section).
        (B) RUS Form 231, Certificate of Contractor.
        (C) RUS Form 254, Construction Inventory, including all supporting 
    documents, such as RUS Forms 254a-c and construction change orders, for 
    [[Page 10260]] contracts executed on RUS Forms 203, 764, or 831.
        (iii) For contracts not subject to RUS approval, the closeout is 
    not subject to RUS approval. The borrower will send one copy of RUS 
    Form 181 or RUS Form 187 (as applicable) to RUS for information prior 
    to or in conjunction with the applicable RUS Form 219, Inventory of 
    Work Orders. The remaining closeout documents need not be sent to RUS 
    unless specifically requested by RUS.
        (d) Final payment. (1) The borrower will make final payment to the 
    contractor upon completion of approval of all closeout documents by the 
    parties to the contract, in accordance with the terms of the 
    construction contract.
        (2)(i) Upon receipt of final payment by the contractor, the 
    borrower will obtain from the contractor a certification of receipt of 
    final payment in the following form:
    
        ``The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the final contract 
    payment of $____ as satisfaction in full of all claims of the 
    undersigned under the construction contract between the undersigned 
    and ____ (borrower), dated as amended, and as complete performance 
    by the latter of all obligations to be performed by it pursuant 
    thereto. The total amount received under this contract is shown 
    above.''
    
        (ii) The certification in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section is to 
    be executed for the contractor by: the sole owner, a partner, or an 
    officer of the corporation. Where this certification is executed for 
    the corporation by a person other than the president, a certified copy 
    of the authorization from the corporate board must be included with the 
    certification. This certification is not a replacement for itemized 
    invoices.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.404  Non-site specific construction contract closeout.
    
        This section is applicable to contracts executed on RUS Forms 201, 
    790, and 792.
        (a) Final test of equipment supplied under a construction contract. 
    If equipment is supplied under a construction contract, the borrower 
    (acting through its engineer, if applicable) will perform the final 
    inspection and testing of equipment as appropriate for the specific 
    equipment. The borrower (acting through its engineer, if applicable) 
    will schedule such inspection and testing at a time mutually agreeable 
    to the borrower, its engineer, and the contractor. Within thirty (30) 
    days after completion of the inspection and testing, the borrower 
    (acting through its engineer, if applicable) will prepare a report of 
    the inspection and testing, obtain a copy of the report from its 
    engineer, and submit a copy to the contractor. This report must include 
    a detailed description of the methods of conducting the test(s), 
    observed data, comparison of guaranteed and actual performance, and 
    recommendations concerning acceptance. The borrower will obtain from 
    the engineer a written certification stating that the equipment has 
    been installed, placed in satisfactory operation and tested, and meets 
    the contract requirements. Where more than one-hundred and eighty (180) 
    days have elapsed since the delivery of the equipment and the equipment 
    has not been installed or tested, the contract may be closed out upon 
    certification by the engineer that the equipment has been inspected and 
    appears to be in accordance with the contract requirements.
        (b) Final inspection of construction. The borrower will require the 
    contractor to notify its engineer when construction of a section of the 
    project is complete. The borrower (acting through its engineer, if 
    applicable) will schedule such final inspection at a time mutually 
    agreeable to the borrower, its engineer, contractor, and the respective 
    GFR, if the GFR has notified the borrower or its engineer of a desire 
    to observe the final inspection. The borrower (acting through its 
    engineer, if applicable) will perform a final inspection of the 
    construction of that section of the project and notify the contractor 
    of any required changes or corrections.
        (c) Closeout documents. (1) Upon satisfactory completion of 
    construction of a section of the project (including all changes and 
    corrections by the contractor), the borrower (acting through its 
    engineer, if applicable) will obtain executed copies of the following 
    documents:
        (i) RUS Form 792b, Certificate of Contractor and Indemnity 
    Agreement
        (ii) RUS Form 213, ``Buy American'' certificate.
        (iii) Certification by the project engineer in accordance with 
    paragraph (a) of this section, if applicable.
        (iv) Final design documents, as outlined in part 1724 of this 
    chapter.
        (2) Distribution of closeout documents. (i) The borrower will 
    retain one copy of each of the documents identified in paragraph (c)(1) 
    of this section in accordance with applicable RUS requirements 
    regarding retention of records.
        (ii) For contracts not subject to RUS approval, the closeout is not 
    subject to RUS approval and the closeout documents need not be sent to 
    RUS unless specifically requested by RUS.
    
    
    Sec. 1726.405  Inventory of work orders (RUS Form 219).
    
        Upon completion of the contract closeout, the borrower shall 
    complete RUS Form 219, Inventory of Work Orders, in accordance with 
    part 1717, Post-Loan Policies and Procedures Common to Insured and 
    Guaranteed Electric Loans, of this chapter.
    
        Dated: February 1, 1995.
    Bob J. Nash,
    Under Secretary, Rural Economic and Community Development.
    [FR Doc. 95-2843 Filed 2-22-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
3/27/1995
Published:
02/23/1995
Department:
Rural Utilities Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
95-2843
Dates:
This rule is effective March 27, 1995.
Pages:
10152-10260 (109 pages)
RINs:
0572-AA47
PDF File:
95-2843.pdf
CFR: (167)
7 CFR 1726.17.)
7 CFR 1726.300.)
7 CFR 1726.15)
7 CFR 1726.201)
7 CFR 1726.202)
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