FS-1500-14 Joint Venture Agreement

USDA, Forest Service

OMB 0596-0217 FS-1500-14

FS Agreement No.

     -     -     -     

Cooperator Agreement No.

     

JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT

Between

     

And The

USDA, FOREST SERVICE

     

This JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT is hereby made and entered into by and between     , hereinafter referred to as “     ,” and the USDA, Forest Service      , hereinafter referred to as the “U.S. Forest Service,” under the provisions of the National Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 {7 U.S.C. 3318(b), Pub. L. 95-113}, as amended by the Food Security Act of 1985 (Title XIV, Pub. L. 99-198).

Background:      

Title:      

1. PURPOSE: The purpose of this agreement is to document the cooperation between the parties to      

2. STATEMENT OF MUTUAL BENEFIT AND INTERESTS:

     

In consideration of the above premises, the parties agree as follow:

3.       SHALL:

1. LEGAL AUTHORITY:       shall have the legal authority to enter into this agreement, and the institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure proper planning, management, and completion of the project, which includes funds sufficient to pay the nonfederal share of project costs, when applicable.

2. PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTS: shall monitor the performance of the agreement activities to ensure that performance goals are being achieved.

Performance reports shall contain information on the following:

- A comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the period. Where the output of the project can be readily expressed in numbers, a computation of the cost per unit of output may be required if that information is useful.

- Reason(s) for delay if established goals were not met.

- Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.

shall submit performance reports to the U.S. Forest Service Program Manager. These reports are due days after the reporting period. The final performance report must be submitted either with      ’s final payment request, or separately, but not later than 90 days from the expiration date of the agreement.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS. shall comply with environmental standards pursuant to the notification of violating facilities in E.O. 11738.

4. USE OF GOVERNMENT OWNED VEHICLES. U.S. Forest Service vehicles may be used for official U.S. Forest Service business only accordance with FSH 7109.19, chapter 60, the requirements established by the region in which performance of this agreement takes place, and the terms of this agreement.

5. BUILDING AND COMPUTER ACCESS BY NON-U.S. FOREST SERVICE PERSONNEL. may be granted access to U.S. Forest Service facilities and/or computer systems to accomplish work described in the Operating Plan or Statement of Work. All non-Government employees with unescorted access to U.S. Forest Service facilities and computer systems shall have background checks following the procedures established by USDA Directives 3800 series. Those granted computer access must fulfill all U.S. Forest Service requirements for mandatory security awareness and role-base advanced security training, and sign all applicable U.S. Forest Service statements of responsibilities.

6.      

4. THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE SHALL:

1. PAYMENT/REIMBURSEMENT. The U.S. Forest Service shall reimburse for the U.S. Forest Service's share of actual expenses incurred, not to exceed $     , as shown in the Financial Plan. In order to approve a Request for Reimbursement, the U.S. Forest Service shall review such requests to ensure payments for reimbursement are in compliance and otherwise consistent with the terms of the agreement. The U.S. Forest Service shall make payment upon receipt of ’s       invoice. Each invoice from must display the total project costs for the billing period, separated by U.S. Forest Service and ’s share. In-kind contributions must be displayed as a separate line item and shall not be included in the total project costs available for reimbursement. The final invoice must display ’s full match towards the project, as shown in the financial plan, and be submitted no later than 90 days from the expiration date.

Each invoice must include, at a minimum:

1. ’s name, address, and telephone number

2. U.S. Forest Service agreement number

3. Invoice date

4. Performance dates of the work completed (start & end)

5. Total invoice amount for the billing period, separated by U.S. Forest Service and share with in-kind contributions displayed as a separate line item.

6. Display all costs, both cumulative and for the billing period, by separate cost element as shown on the financial plan.

7. Cumulative amount of U.S. Forest Service payments to date.

8. Statement that the invoice is a request for payment by ‘reimbursement’

9. If using SF-270, a signature is required.

10. Invoice Number, if applicable

The invoice shall be forwarded to:

EMAIL: [email protected]

FAX: 877-687-4894

POSTAL: USDA Forest Service

Albuquerque Service Center

Payments – Grants & Agreements

101B Sun Ave NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109

Send a copy to:      

2. ADVANCE PAYMENT. The U.S. Forest Service shall make advance payment upon receipt of an invoice from . The invoice must be submitted no more than monthly and the total must not exceed the U.S. Forest Service’s share of anticipated expenses as identified on the financial plan. The first invoice may request an advance based on an estimated cost not to exceed 30 days expenditures. Each subsequent invoice must display any additional advance funding for a 30 day period, if needed, as well as the total project costs to date of the invoice, separated by U.S. Forest Service and ’s share. In-kind contributions must be displayed as a separate line item and must not be included in the total project costs. If the recipient receives an advance payment and subsequently requests an advance or reimbursement payment, then the request must clearly demonstrate that the previously advanced funds have been fully expended before the U.S. Forest Service can approve the request for payment. Any funds advanced, but not spent, must be returned to the U.S. Forest Service upon expiration of this agreement. The final invoice from must be submitted no later than 90 days from the expiration date.

Each invoice must include, at a minimum:

1. ’s name, address, and telephone number

2. U.S. Forest Service agreement number

3. Invoice date

4. Performance dates of the work completed (start & end)

5. Total invoice amount for the billing period

6. Statement that the invoice is a request for payment by ‘advance’

7. If using SF-270, a signature is required.

8. Invoice Number, if applicable

The invoice must be forwarded to:

EMAIL: [email protected]

FAX: 877-687-4894

POSTAL: USDA Forest Service

Albuquerque Service Center

Payments – Grants & Agreements

101B Sun Ave NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109

Send a copy to:      

3.      

5. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AND UNDERSTOOD BY AND BETWEEN THE PARTIES THAT:

1. PRINCIPAL CONTACTS. Individuals listed below are authorized to act in their respective areas for matters related to this agreement.

Principal Cooperator Contacts:

Cooperator Program Contact	Cooperator Administrative Contact
Name:       Address:       City, State, Zip:       Telephone:       FAX:       Email:      	Name:       Address:       City, State, Zip:       Telephone:       FAX:       Email:      

Principal U.S. Forest Service Contacts:

U.S. Forest Service Program Manager Contact	U.S. Forest Service Administrative Contact
Name:       Address:       City, State, Zip:       Telephone:       FAX:       Email:      	Name:       Address:       City, State, Zip:       Telephone:       FAX:       Email:      

2. ASSURANCE REGARDING FELONY CONVICTION OR TAX DELINQUENT STATUS FOR CORPORATE ENTITIES. This agreement is subject to the provisions contained in the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012, P.L. No. 112-74, Division E, Section 433 and 434 as continued by Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, P.L. No. 113-6, Division F, Title I, Section 1101(a)(3) regarding corporate felony convictions and corporate federal tax delinquencies. Accordingly, by entering into this agreement acknowledges that it: 1) does not have a tax delinquency, meaning that it is not subject to any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, and (2) has not been convicted (or had an officer or agent acting on its behalf convicted) of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within 24 months preceding the agreement, unless a suspending and debarring official of the United States Department of Agriculture has considered suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government. If fails to comply with these provisions, the U.S. Forest Service will annul this agreement and may recover any funds has expended in violation of sections 433 and 434.

3. NOTICES. Any communications affecting the operations covered by this agreement given by the U.S. Forest Service or is/are sufficient only if in writing and delivered in person, mailed, or transmitted electronically by e-mail or fax, as follows:

To the U.S. Forest Service Program Manager, at the address specified in the agreement.

To , at ’s address shown in the agreement or such other address designated within the agreement.

Notices are effective when delivered in accordance with this provision, or on the effective date of the notice, whichever is later.

4. PARTICIPATION IN SIMILAR ACTIVITIES. This agreement in no way restricts the U.S. Forest Service or from participating in similar activities with other public or private agencies, organizations, and individuals.

5. ENDORSEMENT. Any of ’s contributions made under this agreement do not by direct reference or implication convey U.S. Forest Service endorsement of 's products or activities.

6. USE OF U.S. FOREST SERVICE INSIGNIA. In order for to use the U.S. Forest Service insignia on any published media, such as a Web page, printed publication, or audiovisual production, permission must be granted from the U.S. Forest Service’s Office of Communications (Washington Office). A written request must be submitted by to the Office of Communications Assistant Director, Visual Information and Publishing Services prior to use of the insignia. The U.S. Forest Service will notify the when permission is granted.

7. MEMBERS OF U.S. CONGRESS. Pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 22, no United States member of, or United States delegate to, Congress shall be admitted to any share or part of this agreement, or benefits that may arise therefrom, either directly or indirectly.

8. NONDISCRIMINATION. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, and so forth.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

9. ELIGIBLE WORKERS. shall ensure that all employees complete the I-9 form to certify that they are eligible for lawful employment under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 USC 1324a). shall comply with regulations regarding certification and retention of the completed forms. These requirements also apply to any contract awarded under this agreement.

10. SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT (SAM). shall maintain current information in the System for Award Management (SAM) until receipt of final payment. This requires review and update to the information at least annually after the initial registration, and more frequently if required by changes in information or agreement term(s). For purposes of this agreement, System for Award Management (SAM) means the Federal repository into which an entity must provide information required for the conduct of business as a Cooperative. Additional information about registration procedures may be found at the SAM Internet site at www.sam.gov.

11. STANDARDS FOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT.

1. Financial Reporting

shall provide complete, accurate, and current financial disclosures of the project or program in accordance with any financial reporting requirements, as set forth in the financial provisions.

2. Accounting Records

shall continuously maintain and update records identifying the source and use of funds. The records shall contain information pertaining to the agreement, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, outlays, and income.

3. Internal Control

shall maintain effective control over and accountability for all U.S. Forest Service funds, real property, and personal property assets. shall keep effective internal controls to ensure that all United States Federal funds received are separately and properly allocated to the activities described in the agreement. shall adequately safeguard all such property and shall ensure that it is used solely for authorized purposes.

4. Source Documentation

shall support all accounting records with source documentation. These documentations include, but are not limited to, cancelled checks, paid bills, payrolls, contract and subgrant/contract documents. These documents must be made available to the U.S. Forest Service upon request.

5. Advance Payments

When applicable, shall establish and maintain specific procedures to minimize the time elapsing between the advance of federal funds and their subsequent disbursement. Any advance requested by must be expended within 30 days of receipt.

12. LIMITATION OF FUNDS. U.S. Forest Service funds in the amount of $       are currently available for performance of this agreement through      . The U.S. Forest Service's obligation for performance of this agreement beyond this date is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment can be made. There is no legal liability on the part of the U.S. Forest Service for any payment above this amount until receives notice of availability confirmed in a written modification by the U.S. Forest Service.

13. INDIRECT COSTS AND TUITION REMISSION. In accordance with 7 U.S.C. 3319, indirect costs and tuition remission are not reimbursable to a State Cooperative Institution, as defined in 7 U.S.C. 3103 (18), under this agreement. Indirect costs and tuition remission, however, may be used by a State cooperative institution to satisfy matching or cost-sharing requirements.

14. PROGRAM INCOME – PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS.

1. shall apply the standards set forth in this Provision to account for program income earned under the agreement.

2. If any program income is generated as a result of this agreement, the income must be applied using the deduction alternative. The deduction alternative means that program income must be deducted from total allowable costs to determine the net allowable costs, unless otherwise approved by the signatory official. Program income must be used for current costs unless the Federal agency authorizes otherwise. Program income which did not anticipate at the time of the award must be used to reduce the Federal agency and contributions rather than to increase the funds committed to the project.

3. Unless the terms and conditions of the agreement provide otherwise, shall have no obligation to the U.S. Government regarding program income earned after the end of the project period.

4. Costs incident to the generation of program income may be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided these costs have not been charged to the agreement and they comply with the Cost Principles, if applicable.

5. Unless the terms and conditions of the agreement provide otherwise, shall have no obligation to the U.S. Government with respect to program income earned from license fees and royalties for copyrighted material, patents, patent applications, trademarks, and inventions produced under an agreement. However, Patent and Trademark Amendments (35 U.S.C. 18) apply to inventions made under an experimental, developmental, or research awards.

15. HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES PAYMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (HHS PMS). identified for use of this payment system shall designate a financial institution or an authorized payment agent through which a direct deposit may be made in accordance with current HHS PMS system requirements. The Albuquerque Service Center is responsible for soliciting initial enrollment in the HHS PMS. Any questions concerning payments should be addressed to the Albuquerque Service Center at (877) 372-7248. Please ask for the Grants and Agreements Payments section. Any subsequent changes to banking information are made by through the HHS PMS. The HHS sub-account number(s) for this Agreement is/are:

PROGRAM	HHS SUB-ACCOUNT	AMOUNT
	G	$
	G	$

16. OVERPAYMENT. Any funds paid to in excess of the amount entitled under the terms and conditions of this agreement constitute a debt to the Federal Government. The following must also be considered as a debt or debts owed by to the U.S. Forest Service:

- Any interest or other investment income earned on advances of agreement funds; or

- Any royalties or other special classes of program income which, under the provisions of the agreement, are required to be returned;

If this debt is not paid according to the terms of the bill for collection issued for the overpayment, the U.S. Forest Service may reduce the debt by:

1. Making an administrative offset against other requests for reimbursement.

2. Withholding advance payments otherwise due to .

3. Taking other action permitted by statute (31 U.S.C. 3716 and 7 CFR, Part 3, Subpart B).

Except as otherwise provided by law, the U.S. Forest Service may charge interest on an overdue debt.

17. AGREEMENT CLOSEOUT. shall close out the agreement within 90 days after expiration or notice of termination.

Any unobligated balance of cash advanced to must be immediately refunded to the U.S. Forest Service, including any interest earned in accordance with 7 CFR 3016.21, 7 CFR 3019.22.

Within a maximum of 90 days following the date of expiration or termination of this agreement, all financial performance and related reports required by the terms of the agreement must be submitted to the U.S. Forest Service by .

If this agreement is closed out without audit, the U.S. Forest Service reserves the right to disallow and recover an appropriate amount after fully considering any recommended disallowances resulting from an audit which may be conducted later.

18. RETENTION AND ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS. shall retain all records pertinent to this agreement for a period of no less than 3 years from the expiration or termination date. As used in this provision, “records” includes books, documents, accounting procedures and practice, and other data, regardless of the type or format. shall provide access and the right to examine all records related to this agreement to the U.S. Forest Service Inspector General, or Comptroller General or their authorized representative. The rights of access in this section must not be limited to the required retention period but must last as long as the records are kept.

If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before the end of the 3-year period, the records must be kept until all issues are resolved, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later.

Records for nonexpendable property acquired in whole or in part, with Federal funds must be retained for 3 years after its final disposition.

shall provide access to any project site(s) to the U.S. Forest Service or any of their authorized representatives. The rights of access in this section shall not be limited to the required retention period but shall last as long as the records are kept.

19. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA). Public access to agreement records must not be limited, except when such records must be kept confidential and would have been exempted from disclosure pursuant to Freedom of Information regulations (5 U.S.C. 552). Requests for research data are subject to 2 CFR 215.36.

Public access to culturally sensitive data and information of Federally-recognized tribes may also be explicitly limited by P.L. 110-234, Title VIII Subtitles B §8106 (2008 Farm Bill).

20. TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING. In accordance with Executive Order (EO) 13513, “Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging While Driving,” any and all text messaging by Federal employees is banned: a) while driving a Government owned vehicle (GOV) or driving a privately owned vehicle (POV) while on official Government business; or b) using any electronic equipment supplied by the Government when driving any vehicle at any time. All Cooperatives, their Employees, Volunteers, and Contractors are encouraged to adopt and enforce policies that ban text messaging when driving company owned, leased or rented vehicles, POVs or GOVs when driving while on official Government business or when performing any work for or on behalf of the Government.

21. PUBLIC NOTICES. It is the U.S. Forest Service's policy to inform the public as fully as possible of its programs and activities. is/are encouraged to give public notice of the receipt of this agreement and, from time to time, to announce progress and accomplishments. Press releases or other public notices should include a statement substantially as follows:

"      of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture”

may call on the U.S. Forest Service's Office of Communication for advice regarding public notices. is/are requested to provide copies of notices or announcements to the U.S. Forest Service Program Manager and to the U.S. Forest Service's Office of Communications as far in advance of release as possible.

22. PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT. U.S. Forest Service funds may be used by to purchase equipment necessary to accomplish activities described in this agreement. The available funding is displayed in the financial plan. Title to the equipment rests with the U.S. Forest Service, but may be transferred to on completion of the project, if appropriate.

23. FUNDING      . Federal funding under this agreement is not available for reimbursement of ’s purchase of      . Equipment is defined as having a fair market value of $5,000 or more per unit and a useful life of over one year.

24. PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS. Improvements placed on National Forest System land at the direction or with the approval of the U.S. Forest Service becomes property of the United States. These improvements are subject to the same regulations and administration of the U.S. Forest Service as would other National Forest improvements. No part of this agreement entitles to any interest in the improvements, other than the right to use them under applicable U.S. Forest Service regulations.

25. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS. Any contract under this agreement must be awarded following ’s established procurement procedures, to ensure free and open competition, and avoid any conflict of interest (or appearance of a conflict). must maintain cost and price analysis documentation for potential U.S. Forest Service review. is/are encouraged to utilize small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women’s business enterprises.

26. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY. may only use U.S. Forest Service property furnished under this agreement for performing tasks assigned in this agreement. shall not modify, cannibalize, or make alterations to U.S. Forest Service property. A separate document, Form AD-107, must be completed to document the loan of U.S. Forest Service property. The U.S. Forest Service shall retain title to all U.S. Forest Service-furnished property. Title to U.S. Forest Service property must not be affected by its incorporation into or attachment to any property not owned by the U.S. Forest Service, nor must the property become a fixture or lose its identity as personal property by being attached to any real property.

Cooperator Liability for Government Property.

1. Unless otherwise provided for in the agreement, shall not be liable for loss, damage, destruction, or theft to the Government property furnished or acquired under this contract, except when any one of the following applies:

1. The risk is covered by insurance or is/are otherwise reimbursed (to the extent of such insurance or reimbursement).

2. The loss, damage, destruction, or theft is the result of willful misconduct or lack of good faith on the part of ’s managerial personnel. ’s managerial personnel, in this clause, means ’s directors, officers, managers, superintendents, or equivalent representatives who have supervision or direction of all or substantially all of ’s business; all or substantially all of ’s operation at any one plant or separate location; or a separate and complete major industrial operation.

2. shall take all reasonable actions necessary to protect the Government property from further loss, damage, destruction, or theft. shall separate the damaged and undamaged Government property, place all the affected Government property in the best possible order, and take such other action as the Property Administrator directs.

3. shall do nothing to prejudice the Government's rights to recover against third parties for any loss, damage, destruction, or theft of Government property.

4. Upon the request of the Grants & Agreements Specialist, shall, at the Government's expense, furnish to the Government all reasonable assistance and cooperation, including the prosecution of suit and the execution of agreements of assignment in favor of the Government in obtaining recovery.

27. U.S. FOREST SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGED IN PUBLICATIONS, AUDIOVISUALS, AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA. shall acknowledge U.S. Forest Service support in any publications, audiovisuals, and electronic media developed as a result of this agreement.

28. NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT – PRINTED, ELECTRONIC, OR AUDIOVISUAL MATERIAL. shall include the following statement, in full, in any printed, audiovisual material, or electronic media for public distribution developed or printed with any Federal funding.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free voice (866) 632-9992, TDD (800)877-8339, or voice relay (866) 377-8642. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If the material is too small to permit the full statement to be included, the material must, at minimum, include the following statement, in print size no smaller than the text:

"This institution is an equal opportunity provider."

29. REMEDIES FOR COMPLIANCE RELATED ISSUES. If materially fail(s) to comply with any term of the agreement, whether stated in a Federal statute or regulation, an assurance, or the agreement, the U.S. Forest Service may take one or more of the following actions:

1. Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by or more severe enforcement action by the U.S. Forest Service;

2. Disallow (that is, deny both use of funds and matching credit for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance;

3. Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the current agreement for ’s program;

4. Withhold further awards for the program, or

5. Take other remedies that may be legally available, including debarment procedures under 7 CFR part 417.

30. TERMINATION BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT. This agreement may be terminated, in whole or part, as follows:

1. When the U.S. Forest Service and agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.

2. By 30 days written notification by to the U.S. Forest Service setting forth the reasons for termination, effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. If, in the case of a partial termination, the U.S. Forest Service determines that the remaining portion of the agreement will not accomplish the purposes for which the agreement was made, the U.S. Forest Service may terminate the agreement in its entirety.

Upon termination of an agreement, shall not incur any new obligations for the terminated portion of the agreement after the effective date, and shall cancel as many outstanding obligations as possible. The U.S. Forest Service shall allow full credit to for the United States Federal share of the non-cancelable obligations properly incurred by up to the effective date of the termination. Excess funds shall be refunded within 60 days after the effective date of termination.

31. ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION – PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. In the event of any issue of controversy under this agreement, the parties may pursue Alternate Dispute Resolution procedures to voluntarily resolve those issues. These procedures may include, but are not limited to conciliation, facilitation, mediation, and fact finding.

32. DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION. shall immediately inform the U.S. Forest Service if they or any of their principals are presently excluded, debarred, or suspended from entering into covered transactions with the federal government according to the terms of 2 CFR Part 180. Additionally, should or any of their principals receive a transmittal letter or other official Federal notice of debarment or suspension, then they shall notify the U.S. Forest Service without undue delay. This applies whether the exclusion, debarment, or suspension is voluntary or involuntary.

33. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL. When U.S. Forest Service funds are used, and no Federal, statutory exceptions apply, shall ensure that any air transportation of passengers and property is provided by a carrier holding a United States Government issued certificate in compliance with the International Air Transportation Fair Competitive Practices Act of 1974, 49 U.S.C. 40118 (Fly American Act).

34. COPYRIGHTING. is/are granted sole and exclusive right to copyright any publications developed as a result of this agreement. This includes the right to publish and vend throughout the world in any language and in all media and forms, in whole or in part, for the full term of copyright and all renewals thereof in accordance with this agreement.

No original text or graphics produced and submitted by the U.S. Forest Service shall be copyrighted. The U.S. Forest Service reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use the work for Federal Government purposes. This right must be transferred to any sub-agreements or subcontracts.

This provision includes:

1. The copyright in any work developed by under this agreement.

2. Any right of copyright to which purchase(s) ownership with any Federal contributions.

35. U.S. FOREST SERVICE CODE OF SCIENTIFIC ETHICS. All persons performing under this agreement shall be aware of and perform according to the U.S. Forest Service Code of Scientific Ethics found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/research/publications/fs_code_of%20_scientific_ethics.pdf

36. USDA GUIDELINES FOR QUALITY OF INFORMATION. This agreement is subject to the “Guidelines for Ensuring and Maximizing the Quality, Objectivity, Utility, and Integrity of Information Disseminated by Federal Agencies; Republication” and the “USDA Guidelines for Quality of Information” which can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/qoi/.

37. MODIFICATIONS. Modifications within the scope of this agreement must be made by mutual consent of the parties, by the issuance of a written modification signed and dated by all properly authorized, signatory officials, prior to any changes being performed. Requests for modification should be made, in writing, at least       days prior to implementation of the requested change. The U.S. Forest Service is not obligated to fund any changes not properly approved in advance.

COMMENCEMENT/EXPIRATION DATE. This agreement is executed as of the date of the last signature and is effective through       at which time it will expire. The expiration date is the final date for completion of all work activities under this agreement.

38. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES. By signature below, each party certifies that the individuals listed in this document as representatives of the individual parties are authorized to act in their respective areas for matters related to this agreement. In witness whereof, the parties hereto have executed this agreement as of the last date written below.

	     
     ,            	Date
	     
     ,       U.S. Forest Service,      	Date

The authority and format of this agreement have been reviewed and approved for signature.
     
      U.S. Forest Service Grants Management Specialist	Date

Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0596-0217. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 4 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice). TDD users can contact USDA through local relay or the Federal relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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