HomeMy WebLinkAboutHF&H Consultants, LLC. 2011-11-23AGREEMENT FOR
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES
This Agreement, made and entered into this ,r ? day of , 2011 ("Effective
Date"), by and between CITY OF UKIAH, CALIFORNIA, hereinafter referred to as "City" and
HF&H Consultants, a limited liability company organized and in good standing under the laws of
the state of California, hereinafter referred to as "Consultant".
RECITALS
This Agreement is predicated on the following facts:
a. City requires consulting services related to preparation of a water connection fee study.
b. Consultant represents that it has the qualifications, skills, experience and properly
licensed to provide these services, and is willing to provide them according to the terms
of this Agreement.
City and Consultant agree upon the Scope-of-Work and Work Schedule attached hereto
as Attachment "A", describing contract provisions for the project and setting forth the
completion dates for the various services to be provided pursuant to this Agreement.
TERMS OF AGREEMENT
1.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
1.1 The Project is described in detail in the attached Scope-of-Work (Attachment "A").
2.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES
2.1 As set forth in Attachment "A".
2.2. Additional Services. Additional services, if any, shall only proceed upon written
agreement between City and Consultant. The written Agreement shall be in the form of
an Amendment to this Agreement.
3.0 CONDUCT OF WORK
3.1 Time of Completion. Consultant shall commence performance of services as required
by the Scope-of-Work upon receipt of a Notice to Proceed from City and shall complete
such services within 60 days from receipt of the Notice to Proceed. Consultant shall
complete the work to the City's reasonable satisfaction; even if contract disputes arise or
Consultant contends it is entitled to further compensation.
4.0 COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES
4.1 Basis for Compensation. For the performance of the professional services of this
Agreement, Consultant shall be compensated on a time and expense basis not to
exceed a guaranteed maximum dollar amount of $15,000. Labor charges shall be
based upon hourly billing rates for the various classifications of personnel employed by
Consultant to perform the Scope of Work as set forth in the attached Attachment B,
which shall include all indirect costs and expenses of every kind or nature, except direct
Std - ProtSvcsAgreement- November 20, 2008
PAGE 1 OF 7
expenses. The direct expenses and the fees to be charged for same shall be as set
forth in Attachment B. Consultant shall complete the Scope of Work for the not-to-
exceed guaranteed maximum, even if actual time and expenses exceed that amount.
4.2 Changes. Should changes in compensation be required because of changes to the
Scope-of-Work of this Agreement, the parties shall agree in writing to any changes in
compensation. "Changes to the Scope-of-Work" means different activities than those
described in Attachment "A" and not additional time to complete those activities than the
parties anticipated on the date they entered this Agreement.
4.3 Sub-contractor Payment. The use of sub-consultants or other services to perform a
portion of the work of this Agreement shall be approved by City prior to commencement
of work. The cost of sub-consultants shall be included within guaranteed not-to-exceed
amount set forth in Section 4.1.
4.4 Terms of Payment. Payment to Consultant for services rendered in accordance with this
contract shall be based upon submission of monthly invoices for the work satisfactorily
performed prior to the date of the invoice less any amount already paid to Consultant,
which amounts shall be due and payable thirty (30) days after receipt by City. The
invoices shall provide a description of each item of work performed, the time expended
to perform each task, the fees charged for that task, and the direct expenses incurred
and billed for. Invoices shall be accompanied by documentation sufficient to enable City
to determine progress made and to support the expenses claimed.
5.0 ASSURANCES OF CONSULTANT
5.1 Independent Contractor. Consultant is an independent contractor and is solely
responsible for its acts or omissions. Consultant (including its agents, servants, and
employees) is not the City's agent, employee, or representative for any purpose.
It is the express intention of the parties hereto that Consultant is an independent
contractor and not an employee, joint venturer, or partner of City for any purpose
whatsoever. City shall have no right to, and shall not control the manner or prescribe the
method of accomplishing those services contracted to and performed by Consultant
under this Agreement, and the general public and all governmental agencies regulating
such activity shall be so informed.
Those provisions of this Agreement that reserve ultimate authority in City have been
inserted solely to achieve compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and
interpretations thereof. No such provisions and no other provisions of this Agreement
shall be interpreted or construed as creating or establishing the relationship of employer
and employee between Consultant and City.
Consultant shall pay all estimated and actual federal and state income and self-
employment taxes that are due the state and federal government and shall furnish and
pay worker's compensation insurance, unemployment insurance and any other benefits
required by law for himself and his employees, if any. Consultant agrees to indemnify
and hold City and its officers, agents and employees harmless from and against any
claims or demands by federal, state or local government agencies for any such taxes or
benefits due but not paid by Consultant, including the legal costs associated with
defending against any audit, claim, demand or law suit.
Std - ProfSvcsAgreement- November 20, 2008
PAGE 2 OF 7
Consultant warrants and represents that it is a properly licensed professional or
professional organization with a substantial investment in its business and that it
maintains its own offices and staff which it will use in performing under this Agreement.
5.2 Conflict of Interest. Consultant understands that its professional responsibility is solely
to City. Consultant has no interest and will not acquire any direct or indirect interest that
would conflict with its performance of the Agreement. Consultant shall not in the
performance of this Agreement employ a person having such an interest. If the City
Manager determines that the Consultant has a disclosure obligation under the City's
local conflict of interest code, the Consultant shall file the required disclosure form with
the City Clerk within 10 days of being notified of the City Manager's determination.
6.0 INDEMNIFICATION
6.1 Insurance Liability. Without limiting Consultant's obligations arising under Paragraph 6.2
Consultant shall not begin work under this Agreement until it procures and maintains for
the full period of time allowed by law, surviving the termination of this Agreement
insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property, which may arise
from or in connection with its performance under this Agreement.
A. Minimum Scope of Insurance
Coverage shall be at least as broad as:
Insurance Services Office ("ISO) Commercial General Liability Coverage
Form No. CG 20 10 10 01 and Commercial General Liability Coverage -
Completed Operations Form No. CG 20 37 10 01.
2. ISO Form No. CA 0001 (Ed. 1/87) covering Automobile Liability, Code 1
"any auto" or Code 8, 9 if no owned autos and endorsement CA 0025.
3. Worker's Compensation Insurance as required by the Labor Code of the
State of California and Employers Liability Insurance.
4. Errors and Omissions liability insurance appropriate to the consultant's
profession. Architects' and engineers' coverage is to be endorsed to
include contractual liability.
B. Minimum Limits of Insurance
Consultant shall maintain limits no less than:
General Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for
bodily injury, personal injury and property damage including operations,
products and completed operations. If Commercial General Liability
Insurance or other form with a general aggregate limit is used, the
general aggregate limit shall apply separately to the work performed
under this Agreement, or the aggregate limit shall be twice the prescribed
per occurrence limit.
2. Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for
bodily injury and property damage.
Std - ProtSvcsAgreement- November 20, 2008
PAGE 3 OF 7
3. Worker's Compensation and Employers Liability: Worker's compensation
limits as required by the Labor Code of the State of California and
Employers Liability limits of $1,000,000 per accident.
4. Errors and Omissions liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence.
C. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions
Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by
the City. At the option of the City, either the insurer shall reduce or eliminate
such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects to the City, its officers,
officials, employees and volunteers; or the Consultant shall procure a bond
guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration
and defense expenses.
D. Other Insurance Provisions
The policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:
General Liability and Automobile Liability Coverages
a. The City, it officers, officials, employees and volunteers are to be
covered as additional insureds as respects; liability arising out of
activities performed by or on behalf of the Consultant, products
and completed operations of the Consultant, premises owned,
occupied or used by the Consultant, or automobiles owned, hired
or borrowed by the Consultant for the full period of time allowed by
law, surviving the termination of this Agreement. The coverage
shall contain no special limitations on the scope-of-protection
afforded to the City, its officers, officials, employees or volunteers.
b. The Consultant's insurance coverage shall be primary insurance
as respects to the City, its officers, officials, employees and
volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the
City, its officers, officials, employees or volunteers shall be in
excess of the Consultant's insurance and shall not contribute with
it.
C. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall
not affect coverage provided to the City, its officers, officials,
employees or volunteers.
d. The Consultant's insurance shall apply separately to each insured
against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect
to the limits of the insurer's liability.
2. Worker's Compensation and Employers Liability Coverage
The insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against the City,
its officers, officials, employees and volunteers for losses arising from
Consultant's performance of the work, pursuant to this Agreement.
Std - ProtSvcsAgreement- November 20, 2008
PAGE 4 OF 7
3. Professional Liability Coverage
If written on a claims-made basis, the retroactivity date shall be the
effective date of this Agreement. The policy period shall extend from the
contract duration.
4. All Coverages
Each Insurance policy required by this clause shall be endorsed to state
that coverage shall not be suspended, voided, canceled by either party,
reduced in coverage or in limits except after thirty (30) days prior written
notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the
City.
E. Acceptability of Insurers
Insurance is to be placed with admitted California insurers with an A.M. Best's
rating of no less than A- for financial strength, AA for long-term credit rating and
AMB-1 for short-term credit rating.
F. Verification of Coverage
Consultant shall furnish the City with Certificates of Insurance and with original
Endorsements effecting coverage required by this Agreement. The Certificates
and Endorsements for each insurance policy are to be signed by a person
authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. The Certificates and
Endorsements are to be on forms provided or approved by the City. Where by
statute, the City's Workers' Compensation - related forms cannot be used,
equivalent forms approved by the Insurance Commissioner are to be substituted.
All Certificates and Endorsements are to be received and approved by the City
before Consultant begins the work of this Agreement. The City reserves the right
to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, at any
time. If Consultant fails to provide the coverages required herein, the City shall
have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase any or all of them. In that
event, the cost of insurance becomes part of the compensation due the
contractor after notice to Consultant that City has paid the premium.
G. Subcontractors
Consultant shall include all subcontractors or sub-consultants as insured under
its policies or shall furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each sub-
contractor or sub-consultant. All coverage for sub-contractors or sub-consultants
shall be subject to all insurance requirements set forth in this Paragraph 6.1.
6.2 Indemnification. Notwithstanding the foregoing insurance requirements, and in addition
thereto, Consultant agrees, for the full period of time allowed by law, surviving the
termination of this Agreement, to indemnify the City for any claim, cost or liability that
arises out of, or pertains to, or relates to any negligent act or omission or the willful
misconduct of Consultant in the performance of services under this contract by
Consultant, but this indemnity does not apply to liability for damages for death or bodily
injury to persons, injury to property, or other loss, arising from the sole negligence, willful
misconduct or defects in design by the City, or arising from the active negligence of the
City.
Std-ProfSvcsAgeement- November 20, 2008
PAGE 5 OF 7
"Indemnify," as used herein includes the expenses of defending against a claim and the
payment of any settlement or judgment arising out of the claim. Defense costs include
all costs associated with defending the claim, including, but not limited to, the fees of
attorneys, investigators, consultants, experts and expert witnesses, and litigation
expenses.
References in this paragraph to City or Consultant include their officers, employees,
agents, and subcontractors.
7.0 CONTRACT PROVISIONS
7.1 Ownership of Work. All documents furnished to Consultant by City and all documents or
reports and supportive data prepared by Consultant under this Agreement are owned
and become the property of the City upon their creation and shall be given to City
immediately upon demand and at the completion of Consultant's services at no
additional cost to City. Deliverables are identified in the Scope-of-Work, Attachment "A".
All documents produced by Consultant shall be furnished to City in digital format and
hardcopy. Consultant shall produce the digital format, using software and media
approved by City.
7.2 Governing Law. Consultant shall comply with the laws and regulations of the United
States, the State of California, and all local governments having jurisdiction over this
Agreement. The interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by
California law and any action arising under or in connection with this Agreement must be
filed in a Court of competent jurisdiction in Mendocino County.
7.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement plus its Attachment(s) and executed Amendments
set forth the entire understanding between the parties.
7.4 Severability. If any term of this Agreement is held invalid by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in effect.
7.5 Modification. No modification of this Agreement is valid unless made with the agreement
of both parties in writing.
7.6 Assignment. Consultant's services are considered unique and personal. Consultant
shall not assign, transfer, or sub-contract its interest or obligation under all or any portion
of this Agreement without City's prior written consent.
7.7 Waiver. No waiver of a breach of any covenant, term, or condition of this Agreement
shall be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach of the same or any other covenant,
term or condition or a waiver of the covenant, term or condition itself.
7.8 Termination. This Agreement may only be terminated by either party: 1) for breach of
the Agreement; 2) because funds are no longer available to pay Consultant for services
provided under this Agreement; or 3) City has abandoned and does not wish to complete
the project for which Consultant was retained. A party shall notify the other party of any
alleged breach of the Agreement and of the action required to cure the breach. If the
breaching party fails to cure the breach within the time specified in the notice, the
contract shall be terminated as of that time. If terminated for lack of funds or
abandonment of the project, the contract shall terminate on the date notice of
termination is given to Consultant. City shall pay the Consultant only for services
Std - ProfSvcsAgreemem- November 20, 2008
PAGE 6 OF 7
performed and expenses incurred as of the effective termination date. In such event, as
a condition to payment, Consultant shall provide to City all finished or unfinished
documents, data, studies, surveys, drawings, maps, models, photographs and reports
prepared by the Consultant under this Agreement. Consultant shall be entitled to
receive just and equitable compensation for any work satisfactorily completed
hereunder, subject to off-set for any direct or consequential damages City may incur as
a result of Consultant's breach of contract.
7.9 Duplicate Originals. This Agreement may be executed in duplicate originals, each
bearing the original signature of the parties. When so signed, each such document shall
be admissible in administrative or judicial proceedings as proof of the terms of the
Agreement between the parties.
8.0 NOTICES
Any notice given under this Agreement shall be in writing and deemed given when
personally delivered or deposited in the mail (certified or registered) addressed to the
parties as follows:
CITY OF UKIAH HF&H CONSULTANTS, LLC
DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS 201 NORTH CIVIC DRIVE
300 SEMINARY AVENUE SUITE 230
UKIAH, CALIFORNIA 95482-5400 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596
9.0 SIGNATURES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement the Effective Date:
HF&H CONSULTANTS, LLC
BY:
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PRINT NAME: J0110 ~J rarht ('0,9
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4/h/~JLJ Z01(
Date
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IRS IDN Number
CITY OF UKIAH
BY
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' 'CITY MANAGER
Date
ATTEST
TY CLERK
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Date
Std - ProtSvcsAgreement- November 20, 2008
PAGE 7 OF 7
Attachment #
Ad visorfy Services to Municipal Mainage;anent
2375 N. California Boulevard, Suite 990
Walnut Creek, California 94,596
Telephone: 925/977-6950
Fax: 925/977-6955
zoww.hfh-consultants. co; a
Pest 11, 2011
Mr. Tim Eriksen
Director of Public Works
City of Ukiah
300 Seminary Avenue
Ukiah, CA 95482
Dear Mr. Ericksene
Robert D. Hilton, CMC
John W, Faml<opf, PE
Laith B. Ezzet, CMC
Richard J. Simonson, CMC
Marva M. Sheehan, CPA
At the City's request, l have prepared this proposal to -update the City's water
conanvctsoa. fees. TE proposal describes our approach and the associated tasks,
estimate cost, schedule and staffing.
Approach
We understand that the City's current connection fee is $1,500 for the smallest water
connection. The connection fee was last updated in 2000. Since that time, the City has
upgraded its ;water treatment plant and made other capital improvements that are not
included in the current connection fee, At this time, the City would life the connection
fee to reflect the current cost of capacity in the water system to ensure that growth
reimburses rate payers for growth's fair share of the water system.
Our approach to deriving connection fees is based on years of experience working with
public agencies and the development community. We propose a simple methodology
that is easy to explain and understand, easy to administer in the future, and in full
compliance with. Government Code Section 66000 et seq.. Toward this end, we calculate
connection fees that are based on the unit cost of capacity. The cost of capacity equals
the value of existing and planned facilities.
The value of existing facilities is based on an inventory of the historic facilities that
currently provide service, including the original cost and acquisition data. With this
information, we can escalate the original costs from the date of acquisition to today. If
either original costs or acquisition dates are not available, estimates will be required.
For example, using current bid information from the City's construction projects, we
can calculate the value of facilities.
Awk
Advisory Services to Municipal Management
Mr. Tim- Eriksen
August 11, 2011
Page 2 of 4
It is our understanding that the City's records may be incomplete. Recent information
on the treatment plant upgrade is available, but other historic information may be
lacking. In addition, there is apparently no documentation available for the current
connection fee from which an inventory could be extracted. The City's fixed asset
accounting records may also be incomplete. Conditions like this are not unusual.
Working with staff, we can create a reasonable approximation of the water system's
facilities, which we will carefully document for future reference.
The value of future, planned facilities will also be included in the calculation. A typical
source of documentation for future facilities is a master plan or capital improvement
plan. In our previous work on the City's water rates, we included a schedule of
planned projects for the next five years. This schedule can also be used for purposes of
calculating connection fees.
The sum of the value of the existing and future facilities represents the value of the
water system that provides capacity for growth and for which rate payers should be
reimbursed. By dividing this value by the corresponding capacity it provides, the unit
cost of capacity is determined. This unit cost is the amount that should be paid by
growth to ensure that growth participates in the same level of capital investment that is
common to all connections.
Work Plan Tasks
Our work plan consists of the following tasks:
1. Collect and review data - This process has already begun but has not proceeded
far enough for us to understand the full extent of how much data is available.
We expect that the inventory will be incomplete and that some estimation may
be needed to make up the difference. We also expect to receive limited original
cost and acquisition date information and that, again, estimates will be required.
In the event that the City does not have sufficient bid information to estimate
costs for all facilities, we would seek engineering assistance from West Yost &
Associates, a general civil engineering firm headquartered in Sacramento (with a
Santa Rosa office) with whom we have worked on numerous projects. West Yost
will be used on a limited basis to provide unit cost data for pipelines, booster
pump stations, distribution reservoirs, wells, and other common water system
facilities. As a firm that regularly prepares water and wastewater system master
plans, West Yost has readily available unit cost data.
i
Advisory Services to Municipal Management
Mr. Tim EriRsen
August 11, 2011
Page 3 of 4
2. Calculate connection fees - A simple spreadsheet model will be prepared
consolidating the inventory, cost, and acquisition date information for the water
system's existing and future facilities. The model will also reflect any
adjustments that are warranted. For example, significant developer contributions
may be excluded because they do not constitute costs borne by rate payers for
which reimbursement is required. The nature of any adjustments will be
discussed with staff prior to including them in the model.
3, Prepare connection fee report - A brief report 1Nill be prepared ' escribing the
derivation of the connection fees. The report will contain an appendix of the
assets that are included in the calculation and any other support documents. The
report text and appendix will document the current connection fees as well as
provide a solid basis for future updates.
At this time, we are not aware of any additional tasks such as revising the connection
fee ordinance, assisting with the preparation of staff reports, or attending presentations.
If any of these services are required, we can provide an estimate of the additional cost.
Cost Estimate
By working productively with staff, we can minimize our consulting costs as well as
optimize staff's involvement. However, based on our current understanding, of the
potential lack of data, some effort may be required to fill in any missing information,
including engineering assistance from West Yost. We estimate 80 hours of HF&H
consulting time for the three proposed tasks, or $12,500, plus an allowance of $2,500 for
West Yost assistance, for a total cost of $15,000.
The City would be billed on an hourly, not-to-exceed basis only for hours worked; the
City will not be billed for budgeted hours that are not worked. If unforeseen conditions
are encountered, we will alert the City prior to proceeding.
Schedule
This work can proceed quickly once the best available data are compiled. Depending
on the level of assistance, if any, that is needed from West Yost, 30 to 45 days should be
sufficient to complete the work, allowing some time for City review.
Staffing
Sima Mostafaei will prepare the spreadsheet model under my direction and assist with
preparing the project report. She is very familiar with the City's water system from her
Mr. Tim Eriksen
August 11, 2011
Page 4 of 4
Advisory Services to Municipal Management
work on the City's water rates. Any assistance needed from West Yost will be
coordinated by us through either Steve Dalrymple or Doug Moore of West Yost. We
have considerable experience working with both these engineers and their staff.
I hope this proposal reflects an accurate understanding of the project and the City's
requirements. Please let me know if any modifications are required.
I want to thank you for requesting this proposal. We appreciate your confidence in us
and look forward to assisting you with this project.
Very truly yours,
HF&H CONSULTANTS, LLC
J W. Farnk , P.E.
Senior Vice President
Aitachmemt -it -B
HF&H CONSULTANTS, LLC
STANDARD HOURLY RATES AND BILLING ARRANGEMENTS'
(Effective January 1, 2011)
Professional Fees
Hourly rates for professional and administrative personnel are as follows:
Position Rate
President
$245
Senior Vice President & Vice President
$185-$245
Senior Manager
$185-$195
Senior Associate
$150-$190
Associate Analyst
$125-$165
Assistant Analyst
$100-$105
Administrative Staff
$80-90
Direct Expenses
Standard charges for common direct expenses are as follows:
Automobile Travel
Document Reproduction
Facsimile
Telephone
Public Conveyances
Postage
Overnight Mail and Couriers
Prevailing IRS mileage limit
15 cents per page (black & white)
75 cents per page (color)
No charge
No charge
Actual
Actual
Actual
All other direct expenses are billed at cost.
i Litigation Support and Expert Witness Services are not covered by this schedule of fees and expenses.
HF&H Consultants, LLC Page 1 of 3
HF&H CONSULTANTS, LLC
STANDARD HOURLY RATES AND BILLING ARRANGEMENTS'
(Effective January 1, 2011)
Billing Policies
Our policy is to bill for our services and direct expenses based on the standard hourly rates of
the staff member assigned, multiplied by the time required to perform the client-related tasks,
plus the subcontractor services as described above. In implementing this policy we adhere to
the following practices:
• The client would be billed on a time-and-expenses, not-to-exceed basis according to our
schedule of hourly rates. No out-of-scope work will be undertaken without prior written
approval from the client. Out-of-scope work is either (1) work on additional new tasks or
(2) extra work (i.e., hours in excess of the estimated hours above that are not due to
inefficiencies on our part) on existing tasks, which is requested for reasons beyond our
control. Such reasons could include unusual effort in gathering data or unforeseen requests
by elected officials for additional analysis. The client would not be billed for hours in our
estimate that are not required.
• We round to the nearest one-half hour (e.g., if two hours and 50 minutes are spent on a task,
it is recorded as three hours, if two hours and 10 minutes are spent on a task, it is recorded
as two hours). A minimum charge of one-half hour is charged for any client work
performed in a day.
• We attempt to schedule travel time before and after normal work hours and we do not bill
for this time. If travel occurs during normal work hours and we can use public
conveyances, we attempt to use the time productively for the benefit of the client or for
another client and this time is billed to the appropriate client. If we must travel during
business hours and cannot use the time productively or use a public conveyance, we bill the
time to the client on whose behalf we are traveling.
• Because public meetings (e.g., Board of Supervisors, City Council, and Board of Directors
meetings) generally occur after business hours and are not conducted in accordance with
strict schedules, our standard policy is to bill a minimum two-hour charge.
• We do not mark up out-of-pocket expenses, however, we may charge administrative or
professional time related to the provision of the goods and services associated with these
charges. Costs for outside consultants and subcontractors are billed at actual cost plus a 15
percent administrative fee.
• Mileage fees are based on the round-trip distance from the point of origin.
HF&H Consultants, LLC Page 2 of 3
HF&H CONSULTANTS, LLC
STANDARD HOURLY RATES AND BILLING ARRANGEMENTS'
(Effective January 1, 2011)
• If a client's change to a previously scheduled meeting results in penalties being assessed by
a third party (e.g., airline cancellation fee), then the client will bear the cost of these
penalties.
While no minimum fee for a consulting engagement has been established, it is unlikely (given
the nature of our services) that we can gain an understanding of a client's particular
requirement, identify alternatives, and recommend a solution in less than twenty-four hours.
Insurance
We maintain the following policies of insurance with carriers doing business in California:
• Comprehensive General Liability Insurance ($2,000,000)
• Workers' Compensation ($1,000,000)
• Professional Liability Insurance ($2,000,000)
• Hired and Non-Owned Auto Liability ($2,000,000)
All costs incurred in complying with special insurance, licensing, or permit requirements,
including but not limited to naming client as an additional insured and waiver of subrogation,
become the responsibility of the client and are not included in the fees for services or direct
charges but are billed in addition to the contract at cost, plus any professional or administrative
fees.
Invoices and Payment for Services
Our time reporting and billing system has certain standard formats that are designed to provide
our clients with a detailed invoice of the time and charges associated with their engagement.
(We typically discuss these with our clients at our kick-off meeting.) We are also pleased to
provide our clients with a custom invoice format but we will have to bill the client for any
additional costs associated with their unique requirements.
Billings for professional services and charges are submitted every month, in order that our
clients can more closely monitor our services.
HF&H Consultants, LLC Page 3 of 3