UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Electrification Administration

BULLETIN 1755E-217

SUBJECT: Postloan Engineering Services Contract -

 Telecommunications Systems (RUS Form 217)

TO: All Telecommunications Borrowers

 RUS Telecommunications Staff

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 20, 1997

EXPIRATION DATE: Date of change of 7 CFR part 1755.217, by

rulemaking

OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST: Telecommunications Engineering

Committee

FILING INSTRUCTIONS: This bulletin replaces REA Form 217,

Postloan Engineering Services Contract - Telephone Systems, dated

7-81. File with 7 CFR 1755. This bulletin is available to the

RUS staff on RUSNET and http://www.usda.gov/rus/home/home.htm.

PURPOSE: This bulletin provides a user-friendly reformatting of

RUS Form 217, Postloan Engineering Services Contract -

Telecommunications Systems, codified at 7 CFR §1755.217, as

published on February 18, 1997, at 62 FR 7135. This bulletin

presents the codified RUS Form 217 in a detachable, usable

format.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this

document. However, in case of discrepancies, the regulation at

7 CFR §1755.217 is the authorized source.

_______________________________ _____________________________

Administrator Date
RUS Bulletin 1755E-217

Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 General

2. Instructions for Use

Postloan Engineering Services Contract - Telecommunications

Systems

INDEX:

Contract, Postloan Engineering Services, RUS Form 217

ABBREVIATIONS and ACRONYMS

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

RUS Rural Utilities Service

1. General

The Postloan Engineering Services Contract, RUS Form 217,

contained in this bulletin is a detachable, usable reformatting

of the Postloan Engineering Services Contract codified at

7 CFR §1755.217.

This contract provides the terms and conditions of the agreement

to be executed between RUS telecommunications borrowers and

consulting engineering firms hired to design and oversee

construction of telecommunications facilities financed with RUS

financing assistance. Several years have passed since this

contract was last amended and changes in common contract language

have occurred. These amendments allow contracts to be more

consistent with common practice.

2. Instructions for Use

Remove the attached RUS Form 217 and use it in any situation

where an engineering services contract is required for the

construction of telecommunications facilities.
OMB Control #0572-0059

RUS Form 217 Rev. 3-97

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 7 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. Send comments regqarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for

reducing this burden to Department of Agriculture, Clearance Officer, OIRM, OMB Control # 0572-0059, AG Box 7630, Washington, DC 20250.

You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless this form displays the currently valid OMB control number.

POSTLOAN ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

RUS Contract Form 217

U.S. Department Of Agriculture

Rural Utilities Service

Any company or organization choosing to generate or otherwise obtain and use electronic

media reproductions of RUS Bulletin 1755E-217 (Form 217) should complete the

following statement:

REPRODUCTION STATEMENT

__________________________________________________ certifies that the attached

electronically reproduced form is a true reproduction of RUS Bulletin 1755E-217 (Form

217), dated March 1997, from which it was derived and understands that in case of

discrepancies the regulation at 7 CFR 1755 section 1755.217 is the authorized source.
RUS Form 217 Page 2

Rev. 3-97

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

POSTLOAN ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

AGREEMENT made _____________________, ________, between

_______________________________________________ (hereinafter called the "Owner") and

________________________________________________ (hereinafter called the "Engineer").

In consideration of the mutual undertakings herein contained, the parties hereto agree as

follows:

Section 1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement the following definitions shall be

used:

Administrator. The Administrator of RUS or personnel delegated authority to act for the

Administrator.

Borrower's Environmental Report. An environmental study as described in 7 CFR 1794.

For the purposes of this contract, this is the level of environmental review as described in 7 CFR

1794 required for the Project by RUS. In most cases of telecommunications construction, this

will be a Borrower's Environmental Report.

Contractor. A provider of goods or services for the Project, other than the Engineer.

Construction Administration. The coordination of construction activities.

Construction Drawings. The drawings developed through the staking used to guide the

construction of outside plant facilities.

Cut Sheets. The complete and sequential plans for Cutover.

Cutover. The orderly integration of new facilities with existing facilities.

Description of Project. The work and facilities listed by principal subdivisions in Table 1.

Inspect. To monitor and examine the work of the Contractor, compare the work to the

contract, and note the details and quantities of construction on records and progress reports.

Inspector. A competent representative of the Engineer who inspects construction and

reports compliance or noncompliance to the Resident.
Page 3 RUS Form 217

Rev. 3-97

Loan Design. Supplemental information which supports a loan application, as described

in 7 CFR 1737.32.

Marker. A physical indicator at the construction site to guide the Contractor in

construction of facilities.

Project. The telecommunications construction and procurements financed by a particular

RUS loan.

Resident. The competent representative of the Engineer who is delegated full time "on

site" Construction Administration responsibilities of the Engineer.

Staking. The determination of the approximate location of the facilities to be placed and

creation of schematic drawings which show the facilities located with respect to the physical

terrain.

Work Sector. A localized portion of the Project.

Section 2. General.

2.01 Financing of the Project. All or part of the financing of the Project, including costs

of materials, construction, installation, and engineering, shall be by a loan administrated by RUS.

If the Project is financed in part by the Rural Telephone Bank, an agency of the United

States of America, the references in this Agreement to "The United States of America" and the

"Government" shall mean the "Rural Telephone Bank" as well, and the references to the

"Administrator" shall mean the "Governor" of the Rural Telephone Bank as well. If the Project is

financed wholly by the Rural Telephone Bank, the references to "The United States of America"

and the "Government" shall mean the "Rural Telephone Bank" and the references to the

"Administrator" shall mean the "Governor" of the Rural Telephone Bank.

2.02. Compliance with Regulations. The objective of this Agreement is for the Owner

to obtain engineering assistance in completing a Project, while complying with RUS postloan

construction regulations. The Engineer shall, therefore, perform all engineering services

requested by the Owner hereunder, and render engineering advice and assistance, so as to enable

the Owner to comply with 7 CFR Part 1753 and other applicable RUS regulations.

2.03 General Obligation. The Engineer shall, consistent with sound professional

practices, diligently and competently render the engineering services required in this Agreement.

These engineering services shall be reasonably necessary or advisable for the expeditious,

economical, and sound design and construction of the Project listed in Table 1 by means of the

services described in this agreement and its attachments. The Engineer shall also render other

preparatory work as is necessary to place such portion of the Project in service, except where

such duties are excluded from the terms of this Agreement. The enumeration of specific duties
RUS Form 217 Page 4

Rev. 3-97

and obligations to be performed by the Engineer and included herewith, shall not be construed to

limit the foregoing general undertaking of the Engineer, with reference to such portion of the

Project.

2.04 Description of Project. The Project shall consist of the subdivisions of the work

and facilities listed by exchanges in Table 1 attached hereto.

Section 3. Miscellaneous.

3.01 Insurance. The Engineer shall take out and maintain throughout the contract period

the minimum insurance as required in Subpart C of 7 CFR part 1788 in effect at the date of this

Agreement.

3.02 Project Schedule. The Engineer shall prepare in collaboration with the Owner, a

work and progress report schedule to facilitate coordination of activities for Cutover of the

Owner's Project. The Engineer shall report construction progress to the Owner monthly during

all times when one or more contracts are open.

3.03 Plans and Specifications. Complete and detailed plans and specifications,

drawings, maps and other engineering documents as required for the construction of the Project

(all of the foregoing being herein sometimes collectively called the "plans and specifications"),

shall be prepared by the Engineer, pursuant to the various attachments to this Agreement, and

made a part hereof.

3.04 Scope of Services. The Engineer shall not be obligated to perform any services for

the Project or any part thereof except to the extent that the Project as defined in Table 1, (or the

parts thereof and the services related thereto) are delineated in (1) the attachments to this

Agreement and (2) the plans and specifications approved by the Owner and the Administrator, as

they may be amended from time to time, prepared pursuant to this Agreement.

3.05 Standards. All maps, drawings, plans, specifications, estimates, studies and other

engineering documents required to be prepared or submitted by the Engineer under this

Agreement shall conform to the applicable standard specifications and other forms prescribed by

the Administrator and in effect at the date of this Agreement.

3.06 Termination by Owner. The Owner may at any time terminate this Agreement by

giving notice to the Engineer, in writing, to that effect not less than thirty (30) days prior to the

effective date of termination specified in this notice. Such notice shall be deemed given if

delivered or mailed to the last known address of the Engineer. From and after the effective date

specified in such notice this Agreement shall be terminated.

When termination is initiated by the owner, compensation for services hereunder shall be

computed as far as possible in accordance with the provisions of the applicable attachment to this

Agreement. To the extent that the provisions of any such attachment cannot be applied because

construction is incomplete at the effective date of such termination, then the Engineer shall be
Page 5 RUS Form 217

Rev. 3-97

paid for engineering services in respect to such incomplete construction, a sum which shall bear

the same ratio to the compensation which would have been payable under the provisions of any

such attachment to this Agreement, if such construction had been completed. If requested by the

Owner, the Engineer shall submit to the Owner in duplicate a certified statement of the Engineer's

actual expenses in respect of such incomplete construction. All compensation invoiced by the

Engineer and payable under this paragraph shall be due and payable thirty (30) days after the

approval by the Owner and the Administrator of the amount due. In any case, compensation shall

be due 30 days after the date Project documentation is delivered to the Owner under paragraph

3.08 of this Agreement.

3.07 Termination by the Engineer. The Engineer shall have the right, by giving to the

Owner not less than thirty (30) days notice in writing, to terminate this Agreement if the Engineer

shall have been prevented by conditions beyond the control and without the fault of the Engineer:

(i) from commencing performance of this Agreement for a period of twelve (12) months from the

date of this Agreement; or (ii) from proceeding with the completion of full performance of any

remaining services, required of the Engineer pursuant to this Agreement, for a period of six (6)

months from the date of last performance by the Engineer of other services required pursuant to

this Agreement. From and after the effective date specified in such notice this Agreement shall be

terminated, except that the Engineer shall be entitled to receive compensation for services

performed hereunder, computed and payable in the same manner as set forth in paragraph 3.06.

3.08 Project Documents. Upon final payment by the Owner to the Engineer in

accordance with the Statement of Engineering Fees, RUS Form 506, the following documents in

final form become the property of the Owner and may be used by the Owner for Project operation

and future development:

1. "Final record" system maps, in master form (electronic or original hard copy)

2. Cable schematics

3. Construction sheets

4. Cable assignment sheets

5. All contract documents including attached plans and specifications and final

inventories.

All other documents and engineering records, including preliminary forms of the above

documents, remain the property of the Engineer.

Upon termination of this Agreement the Engineer shall deliver to the Owner at a mutually

agreeable place within 5 working days after the date of termination all Project documents

(electronic or original hard copy) including records, map tracings, plans and specifications, test

data, and field notes.

If requested by the Owner upon completion of the Project, the Engineer shall deliver to

the Owner those documents which are the Owner's property, at a mutually agreed upon place and

time.
RUS Form 217 Page 6

Rev. 3-97

3.09 Employee's Qualifications. The obligations and duties to be performed by the

Engineer under this Agreement shall be performed by persons qualified to perform such duties

efficiently. The Engineer, if the Owner shall so direct, shall promptly replace any Resident or

other person employed by the Engineer in connection with the Project.

For information of the Owner and the Administrator, the Engineer shall file with the

Owner statements signed by the Engineer of the qualifications, including resumes of specific

experience, and the duties to be assigned to each Resident, Inspector and such other personnel

assigned to the Project as may be requested by the Owner and Administrator.

The term Resident and Inspector, as used in this Agreement, shall mean a person properly

trained and experienced to perform the services required under the terms of this Agreement, and

does not mean that the person performing those duties must be a licensed or a registered

professional engineer.

3.10 License. The Engineer shall comply with all applicable statutes pertaining to

engineering and warrants that ________________________________ (Fill in name of individual)

who shall be in responsible charge of the Project possesses license number _______________

issued by the State of _____________________ on the _____ day of ____________ _______.

3.11 Payments of Engineer's Employees. For each invoice the Engineer, if requested

by the Owner, shall furnish to the Owner as a prior condition to payment, a certificate to the

effect that all salaries or wages earned by the employees of the Engineer in connection with the

Project have been fully paid by the Engineer up to and including a date not more than thirty (30)

days prior to the date of such invoice. Before final payment under this Agreement the Engineer

shall furnish to the Owner a certificate that all of the employees of the Engineer have been paid

for services rendered by them in connection with the Project, and that all other obligations which

might become a lien upon the Project have been paid.

3.12 Engineer's Records. The Owner and the Administrator shall have the right to

Inspect and audit all payrolls, records, and accounts of the Engineer relevant to the work

performed for the purposes of this Agreement and the Engineer agrees to provide all reasonable

facilities necessary for such inspection and audit.

3.13 Compensation. For the purpose of this Agreement, compensation for each type of

work covered by the attachments and thereby made a part of this Agreement shall be as outlined

in said attachments except where compensation is listed as being a "time and expense" basis, in

which case the rates in Table 2 attached hereto (or as subsequently modified by approved

amendments to this Agreement) shall apply.

3.14 Taxes. Any taxes or levies (excluding Federal, State, and local income taxes) which

may be assessed against the Engineer for services performed or payments for services performed

by the Engineer per this Agreement shall be in addition to the compensation set forth in the

attachments to this Agreement. Such taxes or levies when paid by the Engineer shall be stated

separately on all invoices and paid by the Owner.
Page 7 RUS Form 217

Rev. 3-97

3.15 Interest. Interest at the rate of _____ percent (_____%) per annum shall be paid by

the Owner to the Engineer on any unpaid balance due the Engineer, commencing thirty (30) days

after the receipt of the Engineer's invoice, provided that the delay in payment beyond such time

shall not have been caused by any conditions within the control of the Engineer. Such interest

shall be paid ten (10) days after the amount of interest has been determined by the Engineer and

the Owner. The start date of interest accrual is irrespective of the date of the Owner's approval of

the invoice, but the interest computation shall be based on the invoice approved by the Owner.

3.16 Non-Assignment. The obligations of the Engineer under this Agreement shall not

be assigned without the approval in writing of the Owner and the Administrator.

3.17 Attachments. The following listed attachments, when checked in appropriate

boxes, are attached to and made a part of this contract, by this reference:

 RUS Form 217a-Project Design, Assistance and Coordination;

 RUS Form 217b-Central Office Equipment Engineering Services;

 RUS Form 217c-Transmission Facilities Engineering Services;

 RUS Form 217d-Building Engineering Services;

 RUS Form 217e-Outside Plant Staking Services;

 RUS Form 217f-Outside Plant Contract Document Phase Engineering Services; and

 RUS Form 217g-Outside Plant Construction Phase Engineering Services.

3.18 Service Addition. When a service listed in paragraph 3.17 above is added to this

contract after execution, an amendment to the Contract is required.

3.19 Engineering Fee. The Engineer shall provide an initial estimate, monthly updates

and a final statement of engineering fees using RUS Form 506, Statement of Engineering Fees, or

a facsimile thereof. Where a fixed amount or percentage is used in the attachments checked in

section 3.17 above, the same fixed amount or percentage shall be used in the statement of

engineering fees.

3.20 Contract Amendment. When the total engineering fee exceeds the initial contract

estimate by 20% or more, an amendment to the contract shall be required as set forth in

7 CFR Part 1753.

3.21 Compensation for Corrections. No compensation shall be due or payable to the

Engineer, pursuant to this Agreement, for any engineering services performed by the Engineer in

connection with effecting of corrections to the design or construction of the Project, when such

corrections are required as a direct result of failure by the Engineer to properly fulfill one or more

of the Engineer's obligations as set forth in this Agreement.

3.22 Force Majeure. The Engineer shall not be held responsible for Project delays which

are a result of Owner delays, Contractor delays or acts of God. The Engineer shall not be entitled

to additional compensation unless the delays are the result of the Owner's negligence.
RUS Form 217 Page 8

Rev. 3-97

3.23 Contract Beneficiaries. Nothing under this Agreement shall be construed to give

any rights or benefits in this Agreement to anyone other than the Owner, the Engineer and the

Administrator, and all duties and responsibilities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement shall be

for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Owner, Engineer and Administrator and not for the

benefit of any other party. This paragraph does not relieve the Engineer of any obligation or

responsibilities conferred upon licensed engineers under State law.

3.24 Addenda. Any addenda required for this contract should be placed before Table 1.

3.25 Contract Completion and Closeout. Upon completion of all services covered by

this Contract, the Engineer shall execute the Statement of Engineering Fees, RUS Form 506, and

submit copies to the Owner as prescribed under 7 CFR 1753 Subpart B.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly

executed.

______________________________

Owner

By ______________________________

President

ATTEST:

___________________________________________

Secretary

______________________________

Engineer

By ______________________________

President, Partner

(Strike out inapplicable designation

If partnership, all partners shall sign)

ATTEST:

___________________________________________

Secretary
Page 9 RUS Form 217

Rev. 3-97

TABLE 1

Description of Project

(Attach supplemental sheets, as required)

______________________________ EXCHANGE

MILEAGE OF OUTSIDE PLANT _____________________

EQUIPMENT BUILDING1_____________________

CENTRAL OFFICE EQUIPMENT1_____________________

ASSOCIATED FACILITIES2_____________________

OTHER3

EXCLUDED SERVICES2_____________________

1

Insert "new" or "additional" or "none" as appropriate.

2

Insert "none" or list as appropriate.

3 Describe
RUS Form 217 Page 10

Rev. 3-97

TABLE 2

Schedule of Time, Expense and Equipment Usage Rates, Dated _____

1. Time Rates. Includes all costs associated with the employees except for those itemized in

Paragraph 2, below.

Job Classification and Employee Name, if Known Hourly Billing Rate

_________________________________________________ ________________________

_________________________________________________ ________________________

_________________________________________________ ________________________

_________________________________________________ ________________________

 (Attached supplemental sheet, as required)

2. Expense Rates. These shall include subsistence expense, if any, paid to (or on behalf of)

employees; plus reasonable employee transportation costs; plus the cost of printing (including

mailing and transportation expenses), telephone, facsimile, and other materials and equipment

related to the Project.

3. Test Equipment and Computer Usage Rates.

Description of Equipment Hourly Billing Rate

_________________________________________________ ________________________

_________________________________________________ ________________________

_________________________________________________ ________________________

_________________________________________________ ________________________

 (Attached supplemental sheet, as required)

4. Review of Rates. To the extent that the completion date of the Agreement, to which this

Table 2 applies, shall extend 12 months beyond the date when this Agreement is originally

executed; and on each subsequent anniversary of such Agreement this schedule of rates shall be

verified or modified in writing by the Parties, to new rates mutually agreeable to the Parties to

such Agreement, until Completion or Termination of such Agreement as provided therein.

5. Information for Owner. With each invoice for payment, the Engineer shall furnish the Owner

information of the type outlined in a jointly approved format similar to that shown in Exhibit A.

6. Compensation Payment. Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, compensation payable

pursuant to Table 2 shall be due and payable ten (10) days after approval of the Owner of the

service performed and the invoice of the Engineer, including the detail breakdown of the cost by

the portion of the Project and section of the contract for which the service was performed. The

Engineer shall be notified, within ten (10) days of receipt of invoices, of any discrepancies which

require correction or addition as precedent for payment of such invoices by the Owner.
Page 11 RUS Form 217

Rev. 3-97

EXHIBIT A

Suggested Information and Format for Time & Expense Billing

Invoice period ending: _______________

Certificate of Time, Expense & Equipment Usage Charges

Project Designation: __________________ Postloan Engineering Contract,

RUS Form 217 Dated: _______________

Name: ____________________________

Classification: ______________________

Date

Service Performed*

Hourly Rate

Number of Hours

Extended Costs

Miles Driven

Cost Per Mile

Extended Costs

Other Transportation

Air Travel

Other (Explain)

Extended Costs

Lodging

Subsistence

 

*

Service performed to be included by description of activity and by reference to paragraph number in RUS Form 217 Attachment.

Example: Pre-Bid Conference: 217c 3 refers to conducting Pre-Bid Conference.
RUS Form 217 Page 12

Rev. 3-97

EXHIBIT A - (Cont’d.)

Date

Computer

Rate

Hours

Extended Costs

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

COE Test Equipment

Hourly Rate

Number of Hours

Extended Costs

O. P. Test Equipment

Hourly Rate

Number of Hours

Extended Costs

Transmission Testing

Hourly Rate

Number of Hours

Extended Costs

OTHER EXPENSES

Telephone Charges

Facsimile Charges

Printing

Construction Sheets

Maps

SUBMITTED (by Engineer): ___________________________ APPROVED (by Owner):___________________________

_____________________________ ___________ _____________________________ ___________

Title Date Title Date
Page 13 RUS Form 217

Rev. 3-97

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes 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. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any

other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Department of Agriculture, Clearance Officer, OIRM (OMB #0572-0059),

AG Box 7630, Washington, DC 20250; Washington, DC 20503. OMB DOCKET NO. 0572-0056, Expires 09/30/97.

No further benefits may be paid out under this program unless this report is completed and filed as required by existing law and regulations (7 U.S.C. et seq.)

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Rural Utilities Service PROJECT DESIGNATION

STATEMENT OF ENGINEERING FEES

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT NO. DATE

INSTRUCTIONS - See 7 CFR Part 1753.17(f)

CONTRACT SECTION ESTIMATED INVOICED

AND

APPROVED

FINAL

Form 217a - Project Design, Assistance and Coordination

A. Section 1. Project Design..........................................................................................................

B. Section 2. Assistance to Owner................................................................................................

C. Section 3. Coordination............................................................................................................

D. Section 4. Plant Records...........................................................................................................

Form 217a Subtotal.........................................................................................................................

Form 217b - Central Office Equipment Engineering Services

A. Section 1. Review of Requirements..........................................................................................

B. Section 2C. Rebidding..............................................................................................................

C. Additions, Modifications, Relocations, or Removals................................................................

D. Sections 2F, 2H and 2I and Section 3.......................................................................................

E. For each new Central Office Equipment contract or Force Account Proposal an amount equal to:

____________ percent (_____%) of first $100,000 ...................................................................................................

Plus _______ percent (_____%) of next $300,000 ..................................................................................................

Plus _______ percent (_____%) of the balance ........................................................................................................

F. For each Installation Only contract: _______ percent (_____%)................................................................

Form 217b Subtotal.........................................................................................................................

Form 217c - Transmission Facilities Engineering Services

A. Section 1. Review of Requirements..........................................................................................

B. Additions, Modifications, Relocations, or Removals................................................................

C. Section 3A. Rebidding..............................................................................................................

D. Sections 3E, 3F and 3G.............................................................................................................

E. Section 4. Tests.........................................................................................................................

F. For each new Transmission Facilities contract or Force Account Proposal an amount equal to:

____________ percent (_____%) of first $50,000 ......................................................................................................

Plus _______ percent (_____%) of next $150,000 ..................................................................................................

Plus _______ percent (_____%) of the balance ........................................................................................................

G. For each Installation Only contract: _______ percent (_____%)................................................................

Form 217c Subtotal.........................................................................................................................

Form 217d - Building Engineering Services

A. Section 1. Review of Requirements..........................................................................................

B. Section 3B. Rebidding..............................................................................................................

C. Additions, Modifications, Relocations, or Removals................................................................

D. Sections 3F and 3G....................................................................................................................

E. For each new Building contract or Force Account Proposal an amount equal to:

____________ percent (_____%) of first $50,000 ......................................................................................................

Plus _______ percent (_____%) of the balance ........................................................................................................

Form 217d Subtotal.........................................................................................................................

Form 217e - Outside Plant Staking Services

A. Section 1. Review of Requirements..........................................................................................

B. Section 2C. Changes.................................................................................................................

C. Section 2I. Joint Use or Joint Occupancy.................................................................................

D. Replacement of Markers............................................................................................................

E. For Staking:

1. ________ miles at $ ________ per mile of existing buried plant to be modified......

2. Plus ____ miles at $ ________ per mile of new buried plant.....................................

3. Plus ____ miles at $ ________ per mile of underground cable installed in ducts.....

4. Plus ____ miles at $ ________ per mile of new aerial plant......................................

5. Plus ____ miles at $ ________ per mile of existing aerial plant to be modified........

6. Plus ____ miles at $ ________ per mile of new joint use lines..................................

7. Plus ____ miles at $ ________ per mile of existing lines to be removed where no

construction or modification work is to be performed.................................................

8. Plus ____ service entrances at $________ per service entrance for each new or

modified service entrance.............................................................................................

9. Plus ____ subscribers at $________ per subscriber shown on construction sheets...

F. Section 2J. Time and Expense Staking....................................................................................

Form 217e Subtotal.........................................................................................................................

RUS Form 506 (Rev 12-96)
RUS Form 217 Page 14

Rev. 3-97

“You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless this form displays the currently valid OMB control number.”

CONTRACT SECTION ESTIMATED INVOICED

AND

APPROVED

FINAL

Form 217f - Outside Plant Contract Document Phase Engineering Services

A. Sum of $ __________ or _________ Sections at $ __________ per section........................

Plus ______ Amendments at $ __________ per amendment.................................................

Plus ______ miles at $ __________ per mile of Project Line.................................................

B. The Sum of $ __________ for each approved Force Account Proposal................................

C. Section 2. Map Tracings and Other Data.................................................................................

D. Section 3. Schematics, Assignments, and Cut Sheets...............................................................

E. Section 4B6. Underground Conduit.........................................................................................

F. Section 4C3. Pre-Bid Conference and Rebidding....................................................................

G. Section 4D3. Changes to Force Account Proposals.................................................................

Form 217f Subtotal.........................................................................................................................

Form 217g - Outside Plant Construction Phase Engineering Services

A. Section 1. Construction Phase

1. Section 1B. Residents and Inspectors..................................................................................

2. Section 1C. Pre-Construction Conference...........................................................................

3. Section 1F. Joint Use or Joint Occupancy...........................................................................

4. Section 1G. Tests.................................................................................................................

5. Section 1H. Connecting Companies....................................................................................

6. Section 1I. Reporting..........................................................................................................

7. Section 1J. Final Inspection.................................................................................................

B. Section 2. Final Documents: the sum of $ __________ or _________ Sections

at $ __________ per section.....................................................................................................

Plus ______ miles at $ __________ per mile of line included................................................

Plus ______ service entrances at $ __________ for each service entrance

installed, replaced or modified ..................................................................................................

C. Section 3. Plant Records...........................................................................................................

D. Section 4. Inventory and Appraisal..........................................................................................

Form 217g Subtotal.........................................................................................................................

 Form 217 Contract SUBTOTAL......................

 TAXES.......................

 GRAND TOTAL......................

CERTIFICATE OF ENGINEER

(Complete for Final Statement Only)

I, _____________________________________________, certify that (1) I am the ___________________________ of

 (Title)

_____________________________________, the Engineer in a contract entered into between the Engineer and the Owner,

 (Name of Engineer)

_____________________________________, for engineering services in a rural telecommunications Project, which Project

 (Name of Owner)

bears the Rural Utilities Service Project designation _____________________________________________________; and that (2)

this is a true and correct statement of the fees due under the terms of the engineering service contract; and that (3) all persons

employed by the Engineer in connection with the engineering on the Project have been paid in full.

 ________________________________________________________

 (Signature)

THIS STATEMENT AND CERTIFICATE IS HEREBY APPROVED

 _________________________________________________________

 (Owner)

 __________________ By: _______________________________________________

 (Date)

RECOMMENDED BY:

 __________________ _____________________________________________

 (Date) (RUS General Field Representative)

APPROVED BY:

 __________________ _____________________________________________

 (Date) (Chief, _________________ Area, Engineering Branch)

RUS Form 506 (Rev 12-96)
Page 15 RUS Form 217

Rev. 3-97

(Page left intentionally blank)

RUS Form 217a Page 1

Rev. 3-97

ATTACHMENT-RUS FORM 217a

Project Design, Assistance and Coordination

Section 1. Project Design.

A. Design. The Project shall be constructed in accordance with the current Loan Design,

Project Schedule (if developed), and Borrower's Environmental Report. Such Loan Design shall

be based on the latest applicable criteria as specified by the Owner and the Administrator.

When necessary for the preparation of plans and specifications, the Engineer shall, upon

request of the Owner and with the approval of the Administrator: (1) revise as necessary the Loan

Design and Borrower's Environmental Report; (2) prepare or revise as necessary the outside plant

design; (3) make measurements and analyses of existing traffic; (4) make tests of existing cable,

including the determination of field locations for treatment of existing facilities associated with

installation of carrier equipment; and (5) submit the resulting Loan Design and Borrower's

Environmental Report to the Owner in a format suitable for approval by the Administrator.

B. Change in Design. If, after the approval of the Loan Design and Borrower's

Environmental Report, or plans and specifications by the Owner and the Administrator, it shall be

determined by the Owner that any change is required, the Engineer shall prepare such revisions in

the Loan Design, Borrower's Environmental Report, and plans and specifications, or any part

thereof, as is necessitated by the changes in requirements for service, design criteria, or other

reasons arising during the performance of services for the Project.

Section 2. Assistance To Owner. The Engineer, to the extent requested by the Owner,

shall assist in the Owner’s obtaining agreements and authorizations required for the Project,

including without limitation the furnishing of engineering information and drawings and

participating in the Owner’s obtaining:

A. Toll, EAS, operator assistance, special services and other connecting company

commitments;

B. Joint use or joint occupancy agreements with other utilities;

C. Permits for crossing public roads, railroads, navigable streams or bodies of water;

D. Right-of-way authorizations, easements, and other permits necessary for encroachment

on public or private lands;

E. Authorizations from regulatory bodies and franchises from public bodies; and

F. Environmental studies and clearances.
Page 2 RUS Form 217a

Rev. 3-97

Section 3. Coordination. The Engineer, to the extent requested by the Owner, shall

coordinate the work of others engaged in the Project, including work performed or supervised by

the Owner, architect, and other engineers, to facilitate expeditious and economical completion of

the Project. Services pursuant to this section shall be in addition to, and shall not include, services

required by other provisions of this Agreement.

Section 4. Plant Records. The Owner shall furnish to the Engineer current and accurate

plant records. If such records are not available the Owner may direct the Engineer to update

existing records to current status. This may include conversion of existing records to a new

medium.

Section 5. Compensation. The Owner shall pay the Engineer for services performed

pursuant to this RUS Form 217a the "time and expense" compensation as defined in Table 2 of

this Agreement.

Section 6. Section Reference. Unless otherwise specified or indicated, any reference to

"section" shall mean within this attachment (RUS Form 217a - Project Design, Assistance and

Coordination).
RUS Form 217b Page 1

Rev. 3-97

ATTACHMENT-FORM 217b

Central Office Equipment Engineering Services

Section 1. Review of Requirements. Prior to the preparation of plans and

specifications, the Engineer shall review with the Owner the current and future requirements of

the Project, in respect to central office equipment additions, replacements, modifications or

complete new offices. The Engineer, to the extent requested by the Owner, shall prepare such

studies as the Owner may require to support the selection by the Owner of the final design plan.

Section 2. Plans and Specifications and Contracts.

A. Preparation of Plans and Specifications. Plans and specifications shall be prepared by

the Engineer in accordance with standard RUS specifications and requirements for central office

equipment, and shall be submitted to the Owner in a format suitable for approval by the

Administrator.

B. Bidders Qualifications. The Engineer shall review with the Owner all Bidder

qualifications and shall prepare and furnish to the qualified bidders the plans and specifications

upon the conditions provided in the applicable standard RUS contract forms and in accordance

with 7 CFR Part 1753.

C. Bid or Proposal. The Engineer shall be available to each prospective bidder for

consultation with respect to the details of the plans and specifications and all other matters

pertaining to the preparation of the proposals for the supply of equipment or services therefore.

All changes to or clarifications of the plans and specifications provided to one prospective bidder

shall be provided by the Engineer in writing to all other prospective bidders and to the Owner.

The Engineer shall attend and supervise all technical prebid review meetings and openings

of quotes for the furnishing of equipment or services therefor. Where additions to existing

equipment are proposed, a quote may be solicited from the original supplier or separate materials

and installation contracts may be requested from several suppliers. The Engineer shall carefully

check all quotes received and shall render to the Owner assistance in connection with the Owner's

consideration of the quotes received so that contracts may be prudently and properly awarded.

The Engineer shall submit in writing to the Owner recommendations of first and second

choice of bidders stating the reasons therefor, or, if the analysis of quotes indicates that no quote

is satisfactory because of prices or other conditions, the Engineer shall recommend to the Owner

that all quotes be rejected, giving reasons therefor. Unless otherwise directed by the Owner, the

Engineer shall proceed in respect to rebidding in the manner provided for herein for the initial

bidding.

D. Award of Contract. The Engineer shall prepare and furnish to the Owner three (3)

copies of a detailed tabulation of all the bids or quotes and a tabulation showing the bidders'

names and totals. The Owner shall submit to the Administrator the bidding information required
Page 2 RUS Form 217b

Rev. 3-97

for approval of the award of the contract by the Administrator. Upon receipt of notice from the

Owner of the Administrator's approval of the award of the contract, the Engineer shall prepare

contracts in accordance with 7 CFR Part 1753.

E. Contract Amendments. If, after the equipment contract and the installation contract

have been approved by the Owner and the Administrator, it shall be determined by the Owner that

any change or changes in the plans and specifications are advisable, the Engineer shall prepare and

submit a contract amendment in accordance with 7 CFR Part 1753.

F. Customer Information and Engineering Meeting. If necessary, the Engineer shall

arrange, at a mutually agreeable time, a Customer Information and Engineering Meeting with the

Owner, Contractor and Engineer to review the Contractor's proposal, equipment lists, software,

data requirements, translation requirements, etc. prior to beginning of manufacture.

G. Compliance. The Engineer shall review all equipment lists, manufacturer's drawings,

and other data submitted by the Contractor, to determine apparent compliance of such lists,

drawings and other data with the approved contract. This shall not relieve the Contractor of its

obligation to meet the performance specifications of the contract.

H. Pre-Installation Meeting. The Engineer shall arrange at a mutually agreeable time, a

pre-installation meeting between the Contractor, Owner and Engineer, after the Contractor’s

installer has arrived at the contract site, to clarify areas of responsibility, check scheduling and to

determine the Contractor's proposed compliance with the plans and specifications.

I. Progress Reports. A competent representative of the Engineer shall make periodic

visits to the equipment installation site to Inspect the progress and quality of the executed work

and to determine, in general, if the work is proceeding in accordance with the contract. The

Engineer shall report at least monthly to the Owner in writing stating the results of Inspections.

When the Engineer observes any failure of the executed work or work in progress to comply with

the requirements of the contract, this shall be reported to the Owner immediately. These reports

shall include suitable recommendations. If the engineer observes an unsafe practice, his only

responsibility shall be to consult immediately with the Contractor and if his concerns are not

satisfied, to notify the Owner immediately.

Section 3. Tests. The Engineer shall conduct, or cause to be conducted by the installer,

such tests of all such equipment as required by the Owner and the Administrator to determine that

the equipment meets the performance requirements of the plans and specifications. The Engineer

shall make recommendations for the correction of performance or operational difficulties. All

cases of performance or operational difficulties due to faulty installation or defective equipment

shall be reported to the Contractor, for correction. When the corrections have been made, the

Engineer shall retest the equipment. The Engineer shall furnish test equipment, when required,

for all required tests or measurements performed by the Engineer.
RUS Form 217b Page 3

Rev. 3-97

The Owner and a representative of the Administrator will normally conduct a final

inspection of completed construction. When requested by the Owner, a qualified representative

of the Engineer shall be present.

Section 4. Final Documents. The Engineer shall prepare or cause to be prepared, and

shall submit to the Owner for approval, in a format suitable for approval by the Administrator,

complete and detailed final documents as specified in 7 CFR 1753 and a statement showing the

total amounts due the Contractor, pursuant to the terms of the contract, including any

amendments thereto. The final documents shall be submitted for the Owner's approval within

forty (40) calendar days after the completion of construction based on the date on the certificate

of completion covered by each central office equipment contract and each installation contract.

Section 5. Compensation.

A. Time and Expense. The Owner shall pay the Engineer "time and expense"

compensation as outlined in the current Table 2 of this Agreement for: (1) all services performed

pursuant to section 1; (2) "rebidding" pursuant to paragraph C of section 2; (3) all services in

connection with additions to, replacement of components in, modifications of, or removal of,

existing central office equipment; (4) all services pursuant to paragraphs F, H, and I of section 2;

and (5) all services pursuant to section 3.

B. Percent of Cost. The Owner shall pay the Engineer for all other services performed

pursuant to this RUS Form 217b, including final documents, for each central office equipment

contract an amount equal to: _____ percent (_____ %) of the first one hundred thousand dollars

($100,000); plus _____ percent (_____ %) of the next three hundred thousand dollars

($300,000); plus _____ percent (_____ %) of the balance of the installed cost of such equipment

for each complete new central office equipment contract, and for each installation contract an

amount equal to _____% of such installation contract. Ninety percent (90%) of such sums shall

be due and payable ten (10) days after approval by the Administrator of each contract (or force

account proposal) and the balance of the compensation shall be due and payable ten (10) days

after approval by the Owner and the Administrator of a certificate of completion of installation for

each such equipment.

"Installed cost" shall mean the total cost of labor and materials of the central office

equipment as shown on the final inventory documents prepared by the Engineer and approved by

the Owner and the Administrator. For a materials only contract, "installed cost" shall mean the

amount for materials shown on the final inventory documents.

Section 6. Section Reference. Unless otherwise specified or indicated, any reference to

"section" shall mean within this attachment (RUS Form 217b - Central Office Equipment

Engineering Services).
Page 4 RUS Form 217b

Rev. 3-97

(Page left intentionally blank)
RUS Form 217c Page 1

Rev. 3-97

ATTACHMENT--RUS FORM 217c

Transmission Facilities Engineering Services

Section 1. Review of Requirements. Prior to the preparation of plans and specifications

for transmission facilities the Engineer shall review with the Owner the up-to-date requirements of

the Project, as related to transmission facilities.

Section 2. Plans and Specifications. The Engineer shall prepare, and submit to the

Owner in a format suitable for approval by the Administrator, the plans and specifications for the

purchase and installation of such transmission facilities in sufficient time to allow normal

scheduled delivery and installation of such to coordinate with the schedule of completion of the

Project.

Section 3. Contracts.

A. Bid or Proposal. The Engineer shall be available to each prospective bidder for

consultation with respect to the details of the plans and specifications and all other matters

pertaining to the preparation of the proposals for the supply of equipment or services therefor.

All changes to or clarifications of the plans and specifications provided to one prospective bidder

shall be provided by the engineer in writing to all other prospective bidders and to the Owner.

The Engineer shall attend and supervise all technical prebid review meetings and openings

of quotes for the furnishing of equipment or services therefor. Where additions to existing

equipment are proposed, a quote may be solicited from the original supplier or separate materials

and installation contracts may be requested from several suppliers. The Engineer shall carefully

check all quotes received and shall render to the Owner assistance in connection with the Owner's

consideration of the quotes received so that contracts may be prudently and properly awarded.

The Engineer shall submit in writing to the Owner recommendations of first and second

choice of bidders stating the reasons therefor, or, if the analysis of quotes indicates that no quote

is satisfactory because of prices or other conditions, the Engineer shall recommend to the Owner

that all quotes be rejected, giving the reasons therefor. Unless otherwise directed by the Owner,

the Engineer shall proceed in respect to rebidding in the manner provided for herein for the initial

bidding.

B. Award of Contract. Upon receipt of notice from the Owner of the Administrator's

approval of the award of any contract, or bid proposal, the Engineer shall prepare and submit

contracts in accordance with 7 CFR Part 1753.

C. Contract Amendments. If, after any such contract has been approved by the Owner

and the Administrator, it shall be determined by the Owner that any change or changes in the

plans and specifications are advisable, the Engineer shall prepare and submit a contract

amendment in accordance with 7 CFR Part 1753.
Page 2 RUS Form 217c

Rev. 3-97

D. Compliance. The Engineer shall review all equipment lists and manufacturer's

drawings, and other data submitted by the Contractor, to determine apparent compliance of such

lists, drawings and other data with the approved contract. This shall not relieve the Contractor of

its obligation to meet the performance specifications of the contract.

E. Pre-Installation Meeting. The Engineer shall arrange, when requested by the Owner,

at a mutually agreeable time, a pre-installation meeting between the Contractor, Owner and

Engineer to clarify areas of responsibility, check delivery and completion scheduling and to assure

that the Contractor comply with the plans and specifications.

F. Customer Information and Engineering Meeting. The Engineer shall arrange, if

necessary, at a mutually agreeable time a customer information and engineering meeting with

Owner, Contractor and Engineer to review the Contractor's proposal, equipment lists, software,

data requirements, translation requirements, etc. prior to beginning of manufacture.

G. Progress Reports. A competent representative of the Engineer shall make periodic

visits to the equipment installation site to Inspect the progress and quality of the executed work

and to determine, in general, if the work is proceeding in accordance with the contract. The

Engineer shall report at least monthly to the Owner in writing stating the results of Inspections.

When the Engineer observes any failure of the executed work or work in progress to comply with

the requirements of the contract, this shall be reported to the Owner immediately. These reports

shall include suitable recommendations. If the engineer observes an unsafe practice, his only

responsibility shall be to consult immediately with the Contractor and if his concerns are not

satisfied, to notify the Owner immediately.

Section 4. Tests. The Engineer shall conduct, or cause to be conducted, such tests as

required by the Owner and the Administrator to determine that the equipment meets the

performance requirements of the plans and specifications. The Engineer shall make

recommendations for the correction of performance or operational difficulties. All cases of

performance or operational difficulties due to faulty installation or defective equipment shall be

reported to the Contractor for correction. When the corrections have been made, the Engineer

shall retest the equipment. The Engineer shall furnish test equipment, when required, for all

required tests or measurements performed by the Engineer.

The Owner and a representative of the Administrator will normally conduct a final

inspection of completed construction. When requested by the Owner, a qualified representative

of the Engineer shall be present.

Section 5. Final Documents. The Engineer shall prepare or cause to be prepared, and

shall submit to the Owner for approval, in a format suitable for approval by the Administrator,

complete and detailed final documents as specified in 7 CFR 1753 and a statement showing the

total amounts due the Contractor, pursuant to the terms of the contract, including any

amendments thereto. The final documents shall be submitted for the Owner's approval within

forty (40) calendar days after the completion of construction based on the date on the certificate

of completion covered by each transmission facilities contract and each installation contract.
RUS Form 217c Page 3

Rev. 3-97

Section 6. Compensation.

A. Time and Expense. The Owner shall pay the Engineer "time and expense"

compensation as defined in the current Table 2 of this Agreement for: (1) all services performed

pursuant to section 1; (2) all services in connection with additions to, replacement or removal of

components in, modifications of, relocation of existing systems of transmission facilities; (3)

"rebidding" pursuant to paragraph A of section 3; (4) all services pursuant to paragraphs E, F, and

G of section 3; and (5) all services pursuant to section 4.

B. Percent of Cost. The Owner shall pay the Engineer for all other services pursuant to

this RUS Form 217c, including final documents, for each contract or force account proposal for

new transmission facilities, an amount equal to: _____ percent (_____%) of the first fifty

thousand dollars ($50,000.00); plus _____ percent (_____ %) of the next one hundred fifty

thousand dollars ($150,000.00); plus _____ percent (_____%) of the balance of the installed cost

of each such document and for each installation contract an amount equal to _____% of such

document. Ninety percent (90%) of such sums shall be due and payable ten (10) days after

approval by the Owner of the document for the purchase or installation of such equipment. The

balance of the compensation shall be due and payable ten (10) days after approval by the Owner

and the Administrator of a certificate of completion of installation for such equipment.

"Installed cost" shall mean the total cost of labor and materials of the transmission

facilities as shown on the final documents prepared by the Engineer and approved by the Owner

and the Administrator. For a material's only contract, "installed cost" shall mean the amount for

materials shown on the final inventory documents.

Section 7. Section Reference. Unless otherwise specified or indicated, any reference to

"section" shall mean within this attachment (RUS Form 217c - Transmission Facilities

Engineering Services).
Page 4 RUS Form 217c

Rev. 3-97

(Page left intentionally blank)
RUS Form 217d Page 1

Rev. 3-97

ATTACHMENT--RUS FORM 217d

Building Engineering Services

Section 1. Review of Requirements. Prior to the preparation of plans and

specifications, the Engineer shall review with the Owner the current and future requirements for

buildings to be constructed as a part of the Project.

Section 2. Plans and Specifications. The plans and specifications for the construction

of buildings shall be prepared in sufficient time to allow normal completion of construction of the

buildings at least thirty (30) days prior to delivery of central office equipment as specified in the

central office equipment contract. The plans and specifications shall, unless otherwise directed by

the Owner, be prepared in accordance with standard RUS specifications and construction

drawings relating thereto. Additionally, the plans and specifications shall include such details as

the characteristics of the building site(s) may require, including, without limitation, a plot plan and

description of site development work, if any. The plans and specifications shall be submitted to

the Owner in a format suitable for approval by the Administrator.

Section 3. Contracts.

A. Bidder's Qualifications. After approval of the plans and specifications by the Owner

and Administrator, notices shall be sent to prospective bidders in accordance with

7 CFR Part 1753. The names of those so notified shall be forwarded to the Owner at the time

such notices are sent. The Engineer shall review with the Owner and the Owner shall approve the

qualifications of all prospective bidders. The Engineer shall prepare and furnish to qualified

contractors requesting them, the plans and specifications upon the conditions provided in the

applicable standard RUS contract forms.

B. Proposals. The Engineer shall be available to each prospective bidder for consultation

with respect to the details of the plans and specifications and all other matters pertaining to the

preparation of the proposals for the construction of the building(s) or the supply of materials and

equipment or services therefor. All changes to or clarifications of the plans and specifications

provided to one prospective bidder shall be provided in writing to all other prospective bidders

and to the Owner.

The Owner shall return unopened the bids received from bidders not specifically qualified

to bid the plans and specifications.

The Engineer shall attend and supervise all openings of bids for the construction of the

building(s) or for the furnishing of materials and equipment or services therefor. In the event that

less than three (3) bids are received from qualified bidders, the bids shall remain unopened and the

Engineer shall notify the Administrator thereof immediately. Unless otherwise directed by the

Owner, the Engineer shall proceed, in respect of the rebidding, in the manner provided for herein

for the initial bidding. The Engineer shall carefully check all bids received and shall render to the
Page 2 RUS Form 217d

Rev. 3-97

Owner all such assistance as shall be required in connection with consideration of the bids

received so that contracts may be prudently and properly awarded.

The Engineer shall submit in writing to the Owner recommendations of first, second and

third choice of bidders, stating the reasons therefor, or if the analysis of bids indicates that no bid

is satisfactory because of prices or other conditions, the engineer shall recommend to the Owner

that all bids be rejected, giving the reasons therefor.

C. Award of Contract. The Engineer shall prepare and furnish to the Owner three (3)

copies of a detailed tabulation of all the bids and a tabulation showing the bidders' names and

totals of all bids. The Owner shall submit to the Administrator the bidding information required

for approval of the award of the contract by the Administrator. Upon receipt of notice from the

Owner of the Administrator's approval of the award of the contract, the Engineer shall prepare

contracts in accordance with 7 CFR Part 1753.

D. Contract Amendments. If, after the contract has been approved by the Administrator

it shall be determined by the Owner that any change or changes in the plans and specifications are

advisable, the Engineer shall prepare and submit a contract amendment in accordance with

7 CFR Part 1753.

E. Compliance. The Engineer shall review all shop and manufacturer's drawings,

construction detail variations, and other data submitted by the Contractor, to determine apparent

compliance of such lists, drawings and other data with the approved contract. This shall not

relieve the Contractor of its obligation to comply with the plans and specifications.

F. Progress Reports. A competent representative of the Engineer shall make periodic

visits to the construction site to Inspect the progress and quality of the executed work and to

determine, in general, if the work is proceeding in accordance with the contract. The Engineer

shall report at least monthly to the Owner in writing stating the results of Inspections. When the

Engineer observes any failure of the executed work or work in progress to comply with the

requirements of the contract, this shall be reported to the Owner immediately. These reports shall

include suitable recommendations. If the engineer observes an unsafe practice, his only

responsibility shall be to consult immediately with the Contractor and if his concerns are not

satisfied, to notify the Owner immediately.

G. Final Inspection. The Owner and a representative of the Administrator will normally

conduct a final inspection of completed construction. When requested by the Owner, a qualified

representative of the Engineer shall be present.

Section 4. Final Documents. The Engineer shall prepare, and shall submit to the Owner

in a format suitable for approval by the Administrator, complete and detailed final documents as

specified in 7 CFR 1753 and a statement showing the total amounts due the Contractor pursuant

to the terms of the construction contract, including any approved amendments thereto. The final

documents shall be submitted for the Owner's approval within sixty (60) calendar days after the
RUS Form 217d Page 3

Rev. 3-97

completion of construction based on the date shown on the certificate of completion covered by

each contract.

Section 5. Compensation.

A. Time and Expense. The Owner shall pay the Engineer "time and expense"

compensation as defined in the current Table 2 of this Agreement for: (1) all services performed

pursuant to section 1; (2) services performed for rebidding pursuant to paragraph B of section 3;

(3) all services in connection with additions to or modifications of existing buildings; and (4)

inspection of construction pursuant to paragraphs F and G of section 3;.

B. Percent of Cost. The Owner shall pay the Engineer for all other services performed

pursuant to this RUS Form 217d, including final documents, for each new building contract

included in the Project an amount equal to: _____ percent (_____%) of the first fifty thousand

dollars ($50,000.00); plus _____ percent (_____%) of the balance of the cost of construction

thereof, of which sums ninety percent (90%) shall be due and payable ten (10) days after approval

by the Administrator of a contract (or force account proposal) for the construction of the

buildings; and the balance of the compensation shall be due and payable ten (10) days after

approval by the Owner and the Administrator of a certificate of completion of construction for all

such buildings included in the Project (or in a completed section of the Project).

"Cost of construction" shall mean the total cost of labor and materials (including Ownerfurnished materials and labor) used in the construction of such buildings as shown on the final

documents prepared by the Engineer and approved by the Owner and Administrator.

Section 6. Section Reference. Unless otherwise specified or indicated, any reference to

"section" shall mean within this attachment (RUS Form 217d - Building Plans and Specifications

and Contracts).
Page 4 RUS Form 217d

Rev. 3-97

(Page left intentionally blank)
RUS Form 217e Page 1

Rev. 3-97

Rev. 7-97

ATTACHMENT--RUS FORM 217e

Outside Plant Staking Services

Section 1. Review of Requirements. Prior to the commencement of staking, the

Engineer shall review with the Owner the current requirements of the Project with respect to

outside plant and service entrance staking. At this review, decisions shall be reached concerning

public and private rights-of-way, nominal width of construction corridors, and design status.

Section 2. Staking Requirements.

A. General.

1. Staking for aerial plant shall include locating the proposed line and marking all new

pole and other locations as necessary to construct the facilities.

2. Staking for buried plant shall include locating the proposed facilities indicating all

pertinent construction information including details of the construction corridor.

3. Staking for underground plant shall include locating conduit systems, construction

corridors, marking manhole sites and detailing all other pertinent information.

4. Staking for service entrances shall include locating protectors on the structure, the

routing of aerial or buried entrances and the placement of markers, if required, to

indicate construction information.

B. Commencement. The Engineer, with the approval of the Owner, shall determine when

staking of the Project shall begin. The Engineer shall not commence staking in any area of the

Project until the Owner has:

1. Either (a) stated in writing that right-of-way authorizations and easements reasonably

required therefor have been procured, or (b) directed the Engineer in writing to

perform right-of-way procurement under section 2, paragraph D, of RUS Form 217a

- Project Design, Assistance, and Coordination;

2. Identified to the Engineer, by map locations, which line segments shall be staked on

public right-of-way and which line segments shall be staked on privately owned rightof-way; and

3. Provided information to the Engineer pertaining to limitations on width of

construction corridors for each such line segment.

The Owner shall review with the Engineer, and shall inform the Engineer, which specific

lines are to be staked. The Owner shall furnish to the Engineer a current list of all existing and

potential subscribers by map location and grade of service for whom service is to be furnished.
Page 2 RUS Form 217e

Rev. 3-97

When requested by the Engineer, the Owner shall also furnish the telephone numbers of the

existing subscribers. In determining when to proceed with staking, farming operations and other

relevant conditions shall be taken into consideration so as to minimize the need for restaking. The

Owner, when requested by the Engineer, shall furnish a qualified person to accompany each

staking crew for the purpose of negotiating with landowners or tenants with respect to such rightof-way authorizations and easements, widths of construction corridors, and locations of proposed

facilities.

C. Changes.

1. If, during the progress of staking by the Engineer, the Owner shall change the routing

or location of a particular line segment, the Owner shall as early as practicable, notify

the Engineer in writing of such changes. Upon such notice the Engineer shall duly

note such change and instruct the staking crews accordingly. The same procedure

shall be followed for changes made in type or quantity of facilities during the staking

phase of the Project.

2. If during the process of staking, the Engineer determines that the routing of facilities

along the right-of-way designated by the Owner would result in high costs of

placement due to obstacles, inadequate construction corridors, or other

circumstances, the Engineer shall notify the Owner and recommend alternative

routing. If alternative routing is approved by the Owner and right-of-way can be

obtained, the Engineer shall arrange to stake the facilities along the alternate route.

D. Time of Staking.

1. The Engineer shall proceed diligently with staking and continue therewith in such a

manner that, prior to the release of plans and specifications to bidders, the staking of

all outside plant facilities except service entrances shall be complete in order that the

plans and specifications shall be complete and accurate.

2. If service entrances are included in the construction contract, staking of the service

entrances shall be completed prior to beginning of construction in a Work Sector. If

such staking is being performed by the Owner, the Engineer shall keep the Owner

advised of the status of construction and the Owner shall do the staking in a timely

manner.

3. The Engineer shall perform all restaking made necessary by changes discussed under

paragraph C of section 2, above, as necessary to minimize delays in construction.

E. Manner of Staking. The staking shall be done in a thorough and workmanlike manner

such that construction can be completed in accordance with the latest revision of the National

Electrical Safety Code, National Electric Code, local and State laws, rules, regulations and

orders of regulatory bodies having jurisdiction; and the Loan Design, Borrower's Environmental

Report, and specifications approved by the Owner and the Administrator. The Engineer shall in
RUS Form 217e Page 3

Rev. 3-97

Rev. 7-97

no case stake lines other than those shown in the approved Loan Design except for minor rerouting and minor changes dictated by field conditions, unless such change shall have been

previously approved by the Owner and the Administrator. The Engineer shall replace all markers

lost or removed prior to or during construction of the Project. All costs, including costs of

markers, equipment, and other materials used in connection with the staking, shall be borne by the

Engineer. All markers and existing poles shall be properly identified with corresponding listing on

the construction sheets. Where it is probable that the Contractor or the Owner will have difficulty

in locating markers, the Engineer shall provide some other suitable means to identify the location.

When staking service entrances, the Engineer shall give due consideration to the location of the

station protector (or network interface device if it incorporates a station protector) in relation to

the availability of adequate grounding and the length of the service drop and station wiring.

F. Construction Sheets. The Engineer shall prepare or maintain construction sheets in

such standard form as the Owner shall require (and as hereinafter described) to: serve as the

means by which directions are given for the construction of the Project; serve as the permanent

plant record by the Owner's facilities as built; and identify adequately the geographical location of

the facilities, including non-standard construction corridors and cable placement locations. The

Engineer shall enter thereon all pertinent and useful design, specifications and data governing the

construction of the Project, including, without limitations:

1. Detailed instructions on the point of attachment of the Owner's facilities on existing

pole lines employed in joint use with others;

2. Non-standard depths for installing buried and underground facilities;

3. The presence, but not location of, buried facilities of other utilities when known;

4. The presence of rock when known;

5. Vegetation clearing requirements; and

6. Surface type and surface features of terrain if appropriate.

Copies of construction sheets shall be made available for sale to all prospective bidders in

advance of the pre-bid conference. For contract construction five counterparts of the

construction sheets shall be supplied by the Engineer to the Contractor for construction use and

two copies shall be supplied to the Owner. For force account construction three copies of the

construction sheets shall be supplied to the Owner. When revisions in staking are necessary, the

Engineer shall issue copies of the revised construction sheets.

G. Resident. A Resident, with full authority to act for the Engineer per this attachment,

shall be maintained by the Engineer at the site of the Project at all times when staking or other

services required under this attachment are being performed at the site of this Project. The

Resident may also be engaged in staking as well as in supervising the staking activities of other

staking crews of the Engineer. The Engineer shall establish and maintain, in the proximity of the
Page 4 RUS Form 217e

Rev. 3-97

Project, a field office with telephone service at all times when staking or other services required

under this RUS Form 217e are in progress.

H. Reporting. The Engineer shall prepare, execute, and submit to the Owner _____

(insert frequency of reporting - minimal monthly) all estimates, certificates, reports and other

documents required to be executed by the Engineer pursuant to the loan contract.

I. Joint Use or Joint Occupancy. In connection with staking of joint use or joint

occupancy facilities the Engineer shall:

1. Prepare and submit to the Owner for approval, detailed information on pole changes,

additional poles, and other changes or additions required in existing facilities of other

parties to joint use or joint occupancy agreements to accommodate the Owner's

facilities; and

2. Coordinate engineering activities under direction of the Owner with other parties to

joint use or joint occupancy agreements.

J. The Engineer with the approval of the Owner shall have the option of performing

staking on the project under the circumstances described below on a time and expense basis

consistent with Table 2 of this Agreement.

1. Less than 10 miles of buried or aerial plant,

2. Emergency restoral of service, or

3. Natural disasters.

Section 3. Compensation. The Owner shall pay the Engineer for services performed

pursuant to this RUS Form 217e as follows:

A. Staking Fee. For all services in connection with the staking of the Project lines

provided for in the approved Project design, including lines which, pursuant to the direction of the

Owner, with the approval of the Administrator, shall not be constructed, and for all other services

outlined in this RUS Form 217e (except as provided in paragraph C of section 3):

1. The sum of ____________________ dollars ($________) per mile of existing buried

plant Project lines to be modified; plus

2. The sum of ____________________ dollars ($________) per mile of new buried

plant Project lines; plus

3. The sum of ____________________ dollars ($________) per mile of underground

cable to be installed in ducts; plus
RUS Form 217e Page 5

Rev. 3-97

Rev. 7-97

4. The sum of ____________________ dollars ($________) per mile of new aerial

Project lines; plus

5. The sum of ____________________ dollars ($________) per mile of existing aerial

Project lines to be modified; plus

6. The sum of ____________________ dollars ($________) per mile of new joint use

or joint occupancy Project lines; plus

7. The sum of ____________________ dollars ($________) per mile of existing Project

lines to be removed where no construction or modification work is to be performed;

plus

8. The sum of ____________________ dollars ($________) for each new service

entrance staked and for which a construction sheet is prepared and each existing

service drop to be modified as part of the Project; plus

9. The sum of _____ dollars ($_____) for each subscriber shown on the construction

sheets.

For purposes of this section "modified" means rearrangements, additions, change of pair

assignments, etc., which require preparation of construction sheets to implement.

The length of the Project lines shall be determined by taking the sum of all distances

between terminal points for underground cable and buried cable or conductor, and new service

entrances added as part of the Project and all distances between pole markers or from center to

center of poles carrying aerial conductor or cable, including joint use or joint occupancy poles,

plus the vertical distances parallel to vertical cable runs for aerial cable installations.

B. Time and Expenses. The Owner shall pay the Engineer "time and expense"

compensation as defined in the current Table 2 of this Agreement for all services performed in this

RUS Form 217e in connection with: section 1; paragraph C of section 2; paragraph I of section

2; paragraph J of section 2; and for the replacement of markers made necessary by causes beyond

the control of the Engineer.

C. Payments. Compensation under paragraph A of this section 3 shall be due and payable

ten (10) days after delivery to the Owner, on a monthly basis, a copy of the construction sheets

representing the staking completed during that month and a recapitulation of the mileage of the

various types of line covered by such construction sheets and by previous construction sheets for

which compensation has been requested.

The staking shall be subject to review and inspection by the Owner and the Administrator.

The Engineer, when notified to do so by the Owner or the Administrator, shall correct such

staking as the review and inspection may indicate to be necessary. Such review and payments

shall not constitute unqualified approval of the staking. Where restaking is required for reasons

within the control of the Engineer, no additional compensation shall be payable.
Page 6 RUS Form 217e

Rev. 3-97

The compensation payable for lines actually constructed, shall be adjusted to the number

of units actually constructed or actually completed as part of the construction of the Project, as

reflected in the final documents. Compensation payable for lines which have been staked, but

which shall not be constructed, shall be determined from the construction sheets as covered by

line abandonment order.

D. Plant Retained in Place. Compensation under this section, for staking existing Project

lines on which modification work is to be performed, shall include compensation for the

designation of assembly units of existing plant to be retained in place, and shown on the

construction sheets.

Section 4. Section Reference. Unless otherwise specified or indicated, any reference to

"section" shall mean within this attachment (RUS Form 217e - Outside Plant Staking Services).
RUS Form 217f Page 1

Rev. 3-97

ATTACHMENT--RUS FORM 217f

Outside Plant Contract Document Phase Engineering Services

Section 1. Review of Requirements. The Engineer shall use the Loan Design and other

information furnished by the Owner under this Agreement as the basis for the preparation of the

plans and specifications. Prior to the beginning of the preparation of the plans and specifications,

the Engineer shall review with the Owner all data furnished to determine the most recent

requirements for facilities to be included in the plans and specifications.

Section 2. Map Tracings and Other Data. Prior to and during the preparation of the

plans and specifications by the Engineer, the Owner, if it has not previously done so by other

provisions of this Agreement, shall furnish any of the following items needed by the Engineer:

A. Up-to-date tracings of the detail and town maps of the area of the proposed system on

which the Loan Design was based and which show the existing system, and a tracing of the key

map when a key map is required by the Owner;

B. Up-to-date cable schematics (cable plant layout), and construction sheets showing the

existing system construction;

C. Up-to-date line and station data on existing subscribers;

D. The Loan Design and Borrower's Environmental Report on which the loan was based;

E. Current information as to the location and extent of electric and other lines available

for joint use, together with conformed copies of all existing joint use or joint occupancy

agreements covering such lines;

F. Current listing of existing, signed, and potential subscribers by map location and grade

of service to be considered in the preparation of the plans and specifications. The list of existing

subscribers shall be properly referenced to the line and station data;

G. Detailed lists of materials on hand, or on order, which are to be furnished by the

Owner in the construction of the Project, together with the quantity and value of each item of

such materials; and

H. A written statement setting forth the scope of plans and specifications and the

sequence in which the construction shall be performed and whether service entrances are to be

included in the plans and specifications.

The map tracings, schematics, and construction sheets are to be of suitable material

capable of allowing corrections to be made of the information shown thereon and capable of being

reproduced.
Page 2 RUS Form 217f

Rev. 3-97

Section 3. Schematics, Assignments, and Cut Sheets.

A. Cable Schematics. The Engineer shall prepare cable schematics in such form as the

Owner shall require to: (a) serve as a means by which directions are given for connecting feeder

cable and distribution cable pairs, cross-connection terminals, connecting load coils, and such

other directions as may be necessary for properly splicing the feeder cables, distribution cables

and other facilities being installed; (b) serve as the permanent circuit assignment record of the

Owner's cable and wire facilities; and (c) adequately identify the physical location of all

equipment, devices and connections other than services, associated with the pairs of such feeder

cable and distribution cable facilities.

B. Circuit and Number Assignments. If requested by the Owner, the Engineer shall

prepare telephone number assignments and shall identify the circuit to which the service is to be

connected for station installations, including without limitation such information with respect to

central office equipment connections as may be required.

C. Cut Sheets. Where modification of existing lines is to be performed, the Engineer shall

furnish in such form as the Owner shall require complete and detailed information, collectively

known as "Cut Sheets" for: (a) making such changes in circuit connections in the existing outside

plant as may be required, including without limitation all associated devices such as load coils,

terminals, and temporary connections; (b) making such changes in telephone number assignments

and service connections as may be required, including without limitations, the corresponding

connection changes required at the central office end; and (c) designating the sequence to be

followed in making such changes.

Section 4. Outside Plant Plans and Specifications and Contracts.

A. Plans and Specifications. The Engineer shall, to the extent not previously prepared

under other provisions of this Agreement, prepare and review with the Owner complete and

detailed plans and specifications, drawings, maps and other documents required for the

construction of the outside plant facilities to be included as a part of the Project. During the

preparation of the plans and specifications, the Engineer shall make such changes in the plans and

specifications as may be reasonably required by the Owner as a condition of approval by the

Owner and Administrator.

B. Content of Plans and Specifications. The plans and specifications for outside plant

shall be prepared in sufficient time to allow normal completion of construction of the outside plant

to coincide with the established service dates and shall include the following:

1. One copy of the key map of the system, when a tracing is furnished by the Owner.

2. One copy (or more if necessary for clarity) of the central office area detail maps

(sometimes referred to as exchange detail maps) and town maps of the system, on

which there shall be indicated the following:
RUS Form 217f Page 3

Rev. 3-97

a. Location of lines to be constructed, indicating joint use or joint occupancy

lines;

b. Location of switching centers and pair-gain devices;

c. Location of existing lines included as part of the proposed system and

modification of such lines;

d. Location of existing lines to be retired;

e. Locations other than service entrances, where right-of-way has not been

obtained;

f. Work Sectors indicating sequence of construction;

3. Complete drawings of each type of non-standard RUS unit covering the construction

and the materials to be used.

4. An estimate of quantities of the various units of construction.

5. A complete cable plant layout and cable schematics, when applicable, for each central

office area as prepared pursuant to paragraph A of section 3.

6. If the Project contains requirements for installation of underground conduit, manholes

and associated appurtenances, the Engineer, during the preparation of the plans and

specifications, shall secure field data necessary for the proper design of such facilities

(including plan and profile data, if required, and detail construction drawings,

including cable to be installed), and shall proceed with the preparation of detailed

plans and specifications for the construction of such facilities. Such drawings and

specifications, when completed, shall be added to, and made a part of, the

construction plans and specifications.

7. An itemized list of materials on hand or on order to be furnished by the Owner,

showing the locations of delivery points and delivery schedules of such materials, the

quantity, unit price and extended price.

8. The form of the contract to be entered into between a Contractor and the Owner for

the construction of the outside plant, including forms of notice and instructions to

bidders, Contractor's proposal, materials and construction specifications, Contractor's

bond, description of assembly units and construction drawings.

Note: Plans and specifications for outside plant facilities to be constructed under a force

account proposal do not require Items 7 and 8, above.
Page 4 RUS Form 217f

Rev. 3-97

C. Contracts.

1. Upon receipt of notice by the Engineer from the Owner of the Administrator's

approval of the plans and specifications, the Engineer shall, unless otherwise

instructed by the Owner, with the approval of the Administrator, proceed to take all

usual and customary actions, including compliance with the procedures set forth

herein and in 7 CFR Part 1753, to facilitate full, free, and competitive bidding for the

award of contracts.

2. Notices to Bidders shall be sent in accordance with Subpart F of 7 CFR Part 1753.

The Engineer shall then review with the Owner and the Owner shall approve the

qualifications of bidders who replied to the notice, as a condition of release of bid

documents to any such bidder. The Engineer shall prepare and furnish to such

qualified bidders the appropriate bid documents including construction sheets, and the

plans and specifications upon the conditions provided in the applicable standard RUS

contract forms. The construction sheets shall be furnished upon payment of

reasonable charges. The Engineer shall also prepare and furnish, upon payment of

reasonable charges, to material suppliers requesting them, copies of the Contractor's

proposal sheets for outside plant together with any special drawings or material

specifications pertaining thereto and a list of materials to be furnished by the Owner.

3. The Engineer shall conduct a Pre-Bid Conference in accordance with Subpart F of

7 CFR Part 1753 and shall be available to each prospective bidder for consultation

with respect to the details of the plans and specifications and all other matters

pertaining to the preparation of the proposals for the construction, or the supply of

materials and equipment or services therefor. All changes to or clarifications of the

plans and specifications provided to one prospective bidder shall be provided in

writing to all other prospective bidders and to the Owner.

4. The Engineer shall attend and supervise all openings of bids for the construction, or

for the furnishing of materials and equipment or services therefor. The Owner shall

return unopened bids received from Bidders not previously qualified under paragraph

C2 of this section. In the event that bids are received from less than three (3)

qualified bidders, the bids shall remain unopened and the Owner shall notify the

Administrator thereof immediately. If directed by the Owner, the Engineer shall

proceed in respect of the rebidding, in the manner provided for herein for the initial

bidding. The Engineer shall check the assembly unit prices and summarize of all bids

received. The Engineer shall render to the Owner assistance in connection with the

Owner's consideration of the bids received so that contracts may be prudently and

properly awarded. The Engineer shall submit to the Owner a written

recommendation for award of the contract or rejection of all bids stating the reasons

therefor.

5. The Engineer shall prepare and furnish to the Owner three (3) copies of the detailed

proposal sheets or a detailed tabulation of the low bid, and a tabulation showing the
RUS Form 217f Page 5

Rev. 3-97

names and totals of all bids. The Owner shall submit to the Administrator the bidding

information for approval by the Administrator of the award of the contract. Upon

receipt of notice from the Owner of the Administrator's approval of the award of the

contract, the Engineer shall prepare three (3) counterparts of the construction

contract to be executed by the Owner and the successful bidder and the Owner shall

forward such executed counterparts to the Administrator for approval.

6. If, after the construction contract has been approved by the Owner and the

Administrator, it shall be determined by the Owner that any changes in the plans and

specifications are advisable, the Engineer shall prepare and submit a contract

amendment in accordance with 7 CFR Part 1753.

D. Force Account.

1. If all or a portion of the Project, shall be constructed by force account, the Engineer

shall prepare a force account proposal in accordance with Subpart G of

7 CFR Part 1753.

a. When requested by the Owner, the Engineer shall prepare an itemized list of

the total quantities of all items of materials required for the construction

showing in addition the quantity of each item of materials the Owner has on

hand based on the list furnished by the Owner pursuant to paragraph G of

section 2.

b. The force account proposal shall include an estimate, prepared in

collaboration with the Owner, of the unit construction costs in substantially

the same form as the Contractor's proposal in the standard contract form, and

a summary of the total estimated cost of construction, setting forth the

following:

(1) The total Cost of labor and other;

(2) The total Cost of materials; and

(3) The number of calendar days required for the construction.

2. After receipt of notice by the Engineer from the Owner of approval by the

Administrator of the force account proposal, the Engineer, in collaboration with the

Owner, shall fix a date for the commencement of construction. In the determination

of this date, consideration shall be given to the status of material deliveries, staking,

easements, and the availability of competent construction personnel and adequate

equipment to facilitate continuous construction in an efficient and expeditious manner.

Such date as agreed upon shall be submitted to the Administrator by the Owner and

the date thus established shall be the "Commencement Date" for the construction.

The Engineer shall be available to the Owner for consultation with respect to the
Page 6 RUS Form 217f

Rev. 3-97

details of the plans and specifications and all other matters pertaining to the

construction of the Project.

3. If, after the force account proposal has been approved by the Owner and the

Administrator, it shall be determined by the Owner that any change or changes in the

force account proposal are advisable, the Engineer shall prepare and submit to the

Owner all necessary details in connection with the change or changes, and upon

approval thereof by the Owner, the proposed change or changes shall be submitted by

the Owner to the Administrator. To the extent that the Administrator approves such

proposed change or changes they shall be included as part of the force account

proposal, and the Engineer shall immediately proceed in respect of any additional

staking, construction, and material contracts or amendments required thereby in like

manner as though such staking, construction, and material contracts or amendments

were originally included as part of the force account proposal.

Section 5. Compensation.

A. The Owner shall pay the Engineer for services performed pursuant to this RUS Form

217f (except as provided in paragraph B of this section) as follows:

1. The sum of _______________ dollars ($________) or when the outside plant is

divided into sections for construction purposes requiring separate plans and

specifications for each section; a sum of _______________ dollars ($________) for

each such section for which complete plans and specifications are prepared; plus,

2. The sum of _______________ dollars ($________) for each approved amendment to

the contract; plus

3. The sum of _______________ dollars ($________) per mile for each mile of Project

line facilities (1) included in the plans and specifications, and (2) added or deleted by

approved amendments to the plans and specifications; plus

4. The sum of _______________ dollars ($________) for each approved force account

proposal.

The compensation payable under paragraph A of this section shall be due and payable ten

(10) days after the approval of the plans and specifications or approved amendments by the

Owner and the Administrator.

B. The Owner shall pay the Engineer "time and expense" compensation as defined in the

current Table 2 of this Agreement for services: (1) as requested by the Owner, in connection with

corrections to, or the furnishing of, items required to be furnished by the Owner per section 2; (2)

required under section 3; (3) in connection with underground conduits, paragraph B6 of section 4;
RUS Form 217f Page 7

Rev. 3-97

(4) for changes in force account plans and specifications, paragraph D3 of section 4; and (5) in

connection with the conducting of the Pre-Bid Conference, paragraph C3 of section 4, and for

rebidding, paragraph C4 of section 4.

Section 6. Section Reference. Unless otherwise specified or indicated, any reference to

"section" shall mean within this attachment (RUS Form 217f - Outside Plant Plans and

Specifications and Contracts).
Page 8 RUS Form 217f

Rev. 3-97

(Page left intentionally blank)
RUS Form 217g Page 1

Rev. 3-97

ATTACHMENT--RUS FORM 217g

Outside Plant Construction Phase Engineering Services

Section 1. Construction Phase.

A. General. As engineering representative of the Owner, and in accordance with sound

and accepted engineering practices, the Engineer: (1) shall provide Construction Administration

and Inspection services; (2) shall assist the Owner in obtaining the expeditious and economical

construction of the Project in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, the terms of

the construction contract or force account proposal, and 7 CFR Part 1753; and (3) shall have and

exercise sole responsibility for the issuance of supplemental directives to the Contractor regarding

the Contractor's performance in accordance with the terms of the construction contract as

approved by the Owner and the Administrator. The Engineer's undertaking hereunder shall not

relieve the Contractor of the Contractor's obligation to perform the work in conformity with the

plans and specifications and in a workmanlike manner and shall not impose upon the Engineer any

obligation to see that the work is performed in a safe manner. The Engineer shall not be

responsible for the failure of the Contractor to perform the work in accordance with the contract

or to perform the work in a safe workmanlike manner. In fulfilling the above responsibility, the

Engineer shall as necessary:

1. Interpret the plans and specifications and convey such interpretation to the

Contractor;

2. Inspect the progress of and quality of construction, in sufficient detail to provide

reasonable assurance to the Owner of the adequacy of such progress and quality of

construction, pursuant to the requirements of the plans and specifications and

contract;

3. Confirm the acceptability of materials and equipment proposed by the Contractor to

be utilized in the construction prior to the use of such materials or equipment on the

Project and promptly reject materials and equipment not in compliance with the plans

and specifications; and

4. Inspect the manner of incorporation of the materials and equipment into the Project,

and the workmanship with which such materials and equipment are incorporated and

reject materials, equipment and workmanship which the Engineer determines will not

be in compliance with the plans and specifications. Such Inspection shall be deemed

to be adequate if a reasonable percentage of all routine construction units (other than

units requiring detailed inspection) are observed at the time of installation and found

free of error.

The above enumeration of specific requirements shall not limit the general undertakings of

the Engineer to perform services set forth in the first sentence of paragraph A of this section. The

obligations of the Engineer hereunder are for the benefit of only the Owner and the Administrator,
Page 2 RUS Form 217g

Rev. 3-97

and shall not relieve the Contractor of any of its own responsibilities under its contract with the

Owner.

B. Residents and Inspectors.

1. A Resident with full authority to act for the Engineer shall be maintained by the

Engineer at the site of the Project at all times during the entire period of scheduled

construction (including times when the Resident is available and through no fault of

the Engineer scheduled construction is not performed, and including times when

corrective work is being performed) unless specifically directed otherwise by the

Owner with the approval of the Administrator. A Resident shall be necessary for each

outside plant construction contract.

2. If, at any time during construction, a Resident, or Inspector, is not required at the

Project site, or such personnel are not available because of other responsibilities on

the Project, the Engineer shall assign a Resident and/or Inspector on an intermittent

basis, to effect necessary observations of construction during any critical phase of

such construction.

3. If the Engineer determines that particular components of the work or particular

circumstances during construction require the presence of a specialized representative

of the Engineer, such as an architect, structural engineer, design engineer or other

specialist for the purpose of interpreting contract requirements, or performing special

inspections or tests to facilitate compliance by the Contractor with the plans and

specifications and terms of the construction contract, the Engineer with prior

approval of the Owner shall assign such personnel to the Project site.

4. The Engineer shall maintain at the site of the Project and under the direct supervision

of the Resident a sufficient number of qualified Inspectors, to fully discharge the

responsibility of the Engineer pursuant to paragraph A of this section (including times

when such assigned Inspectors are available and through no fault of the Engineer

scheduled construction is not performed). The number of Inspectors so required will

vary with the size of the Project, the number of construction crews, and the speed of

construction.

5. The number of Residents and Inspectors required by the Engineer for a routine

construction schedule for this Project to effect completion within the allowed number

of scheduled "working days" is as follows:

a. _____ (_____) Residents(s);

b. _____ (_____) Inspectors(s);

6. In the event conditions should arise, through no fault of and beyond control of the

Engineer, which would require the placement by the Engineer of additional Inspectors
RUS Form 217g Page 3

Rev. 3-97

(or Residents) on the Project, to accommodate special needs of the Owner (or

Contractor, with approval of the Owner), then, with the approval of the Owner prior

to their assignment to the Project, the Engineer shall assign such additional qualified

personnel to the Project for the limited time of such requirements.

C. Pre-Construction Conference. A competent representative from the office of the

Engineer, and the Resident (or Residents) to be assigned to the Project, shall conduct the outside

plant pre-construction conference. The detailed notes taken by the Engineer on items discussed

shall be furnished to all parties. Such notes shall be used by the Resident, as applicable, in

interpreting the plans and specifications pursuant to paragraph A1 of this section.

D. Project Office. The Engineer shall establish and maintain a field office, with telephone

service, in the proximity of the Project when construction is in progress and shall notify the

Owner of the address and telephone number of such field office. Any notices, instructions or

communications delivered to such field office shall be deemed to have been delivered to the

Engineer.

E. Defective Construction. If the construction is by contract, the Engineer shall notify the

Contractor in writing of all observed or otherwise determined defects in workmanship or materials

in accordance with the terms of the construction contract. If the construction is by force account,

the Engineer shall advise the Owner relative to the correction of such defects.

F. Joint Use or Joint Occupancy. In connection with all joint use or joint occupancy

construction, the Engineer shall:

1. Coordinate construction activities for the Owner with the designated representative of

other parties to joint use or joint occupancy agreements;

2. Review for the Owner all changes proposed by other parties to joint use or joint

occupancy agreements for changes in and additions to their existing pole lines under

such agreements and submit to the Owner recommendations thereon.

G. Tests. The Engineer shall conduct, or cause to be conducted, such tests of circuits and

equipment as required by the Owner and the Administrator to determine compliance with the

performance requirements of the plans and specifications. The Engineer shall make

recommendations in writing for the correction of defective materials, workmanship, or equipment.

All cases of transmission or operational difficulties due to faulty construction or defective

materials or equipment in the Project shall be reported in writing to the Contractor for correction

if the construction is by contract or to the Owner if construction is by force account. When the

corrections have been made, the circuits and equipment shall again be tested. The Engineer shall

furnish test equipment as required for performing all required tests or measurements.
Page 4 RUS Form 217g

Rev. 3-97

The outside plant tests to be made on this Project are noted in the table below:

Description of Test or Measurements Test or Measurements

Will perform or participate

in performing tests

Subscriber

Loop Plant Trunk Plant Owner Engineer

C.O. Ground Measurement X

Copper Shield or Shield/Armor Continuity X X X

Conductor Continuity X X X

Shield or Armor Ground Resistance X X X

Conductor Insulation Resistance X X X

DC Loop Resistance

DC Loop Resistance Unbalance

VF Insertion Loss

Loop Measurements (Loop Checking)

Two-Person Structural Return Loss

One-Person Open Circuit Measurements

Cable Insertion Loss at Carrier Frequency

Fiber Armor Continuity X X X

Fiber Optic Splice Loss - Field X X X

Fiber Optic Splice Loss - C. O. X X X

End-to End Attenuation X X X

End-to End Fiber Signature X X

As appropriate, complete the table using these symbols:

X - These are standard tests and measurements required on facilities as desired by the

owner or required by the Administrator.

* - These tests will not be required if the distribution pairs are not cross-connected to

feeder pairs at the time of acceptance testing.

N/A - Not Applicable

H. Connecting Companies. The Engineer shall coordinate all engineering and

construction activities with connecting companies and shall notify the Owner when the Project, or

a section thereof, shall be ready to be placed in service. After giving such notice, the Engineer

shall, when directed to do so by the Owner, cause the Project, or such section thereof as may be

ready, to be placed in service.

I. Reporting. The Engineer shall prepare, execute and submit to the Owner _____ (insert

frequency of reporting - minimal monthly) all estimates, certificates, reports, and other documents

required to be executed by the Engineer pursuant to a construction contract, a force account

proposal, or the 7 CFR Part 1753. The Engineer shall review and, if satisfactory, recommend for

approval each periodic estimate submitted by contractors prior to approval and payment by the
RUS Form 217g Page 5

Rev. 3-97

Owner. Such recommendations shall include a statement by the Engineer based on the Engineer's

Inspection of executed work and the progress of the work and subject to evaluation and testing of

the work as a completed Project, that all construction for which payment is requested has been

completed and cleaned up in accordance with the terms of the construction contract and that all

defective construction of which the Contractor shall have received fifteen (15) or more days

written notice, has been corrected.

The Engineer shall maintain a cumulative inventory of all units of construction

incorporated in the Project, showing unit prices and extended totals, for all such units of

construction. When it appears that the previously approved contract total is likely to be

exceeded, the Engineer shall immediately notify the Owner in a format suitable for notifying the

Administrator. When requested by the Owner or when the "Overrun" results in 20% above the

contract total, the Engineer shall prepare a contract amendment in accordance with

7 CFR Part 1753 for execution by the Parties to the construction contract, to cover the additions

or changes in construction units that are resulting in such "Overrun".

J. Final Inspection. The Owner and a representative of the Administrator will normally

conduct a final inspection of completed construction. When requested by the Owner, a qualified

representative of the Engineer shall be present.

Section 2. Final Documents.

A. Contract Construction. If the Project or any portion thereof shall be constructed

pursuant to a construction contract, the Engineer shall prepare and submit to the Owner complete

and detailed final documents as specified in 7 CFR 1753 and a statement of all amounts payable

by the Owner under the construction contract. The final documents shall be in a format suitable

for approval by the Owner and subsequent submission to the Administrator for approval. These

final documents shall be submitted to the Owner within forty-five (45) calendar days after the

completion of construction based on the date shown on the certificate of completion covered by

each contract.

B. Force Account Construction. If the Project or any portion thereof shall be constructed

by force account:

1. Within thirty (30) calendar days after completion of construction of the Project, the

Owner shall furnish to the Engineer the following data:

a. The cost of all materials used in construction of the Project;

b. Cost of right-of-way clearing (direct labor costs);

c. All direct labor costs chargeable to construction exclusive of the right-of-way

clearing; and
Page 6 RUS Form 217g

Rev. 3-97

d. A list of all items of overhead cost applicable to the construction of the

Project, but excluding the cost of engineering, legal, accounting and other

professional services, interest during construction and preliminary survey

charges.

2. Within forty-five (45) calendar days after the completion of construction of the

Project, the engineer shall prepare and submit to the Owner for approval complete

and detailed final documents in such form as the Administrator may prescribe,

including without limitation, a final inventory of construction and a final inventory of

retirements. The final documents shall contain the labor and material unit costs based

on data supplied by the Owner.

C. Number of Copies. Copies of final documents shall be furnished in accordance with

7 CFR Part 1753.

Section 3. Plant Records.

A. Prior to Cutover. If the Owner shall have notified the Engineer not later than ten (10)

days prior to of the start of construction in a central office area that the Owner elects to assign to

the Engineer the preparation of any of the following plant records, the Engineer shall prepare and

deliver these records to the Owner, not later than fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the start of

Cutover of each central office area included as a part of the Project. These records cover the

Cutover work on facilities completed as of the date of delivery of such records for each such area.

The following records shall be in such form as the Owner, with the approval of the Administrator,

may prescribe:

1. Cable schematics, corrected to show "as constructed" conditions of that portion of

the Project as of such date;

2. Cable records data, for completed line segments as of such date;

3. Line and station data for completed line segments as of such date; and

4. Terminal assignment records.

B. After Cutover. The Engineer shall deliver to the Owner, within thirty (30) calendar

days after Cutover of facilities in any completed exchange area or completed section of the

Project, the record drawings of the following plant records covering such Project area (excluding

any of such records that the Owner has previously elected to prepare with its own forces):

1. Cable schematics, corrected to show "as constructed" conditions of such Project area;

2. Cable record data, for all construction completed in such Project area;
RUS Form 217g Page 7

Rev. 3-97

3. Line and station records for all lines completed in such Project area as a part of the

Project;

4. Final maps, showing record drawings facilities completed in such Project area; and

5. Final complete and detailed construction sheets, showing facilities completed in such

Project area, including the designation of assembly units of existing plant retained in

place along existing plant lines segments on which modification work was performed

as a part of the Project.

Section 4. Inventory and Appraisal. When requested by the Owner, the Engineer shall

prepare within thirty (30) calendar days after completion of construction of the Project and submit

to the Owner an inventory and appraisal of all existing telephone plant retained as part of the

Owner's system. The inventory and appraisal shall be in such form and provide such data as the

Owner, with the approval of the Administrator, may prescribe.

Section 5. Compensation.

A. For Services Under sections 1, 3 and 4. The Owner shall pay the Engineer "time and

expense" compensation, as defined and detailed in current Table 2 of this Agreement for all

services performed under sections 1, 3 and 4. Compensation under this section shall not exceed

__________________ dollars ($________) unless said amount has been increased by a contract

amendment approved by the Owner and the Administrator. Appropriate documentation justifying

the increase shall accompany the contract amendment.

Compensation under paragraph A of this section shall be due and payable as follows:

1. Ninety-five Percent (95%) thereof shall be due and payable ten (10) days after

delivery each month of the invoice of the Engineer;

2. The balance of such compensation shall be due and payable ten (10) days after

delivery of a statement by the Engineer to the Owner certifying that all final

documents prepared by the Engineer, for execution by the Contractor, have been

mailed or delivered to the Contractor for execution.

B. For Services Under section 2. The Owner shall pay the Engineer for all services

performed under section 2 as follows:

1. The sum of _________________ dollars ($________) for each service entrance to be

installed, replaced or modified during the construction of the Project; plus

2. The sum of _________________ dollars ($________); or when the Project is divided

into sections for which separate outside plant plans and specifications are prepared,

the sum of _________________ dollars ($________) for each section requiring final

documents; plus the sum of _________________ dollars ($________) for each mile
Page 8 RUS Form 217g

Rev. 3-97

of Project line facilities included in the final documents. Ninety-five (95%) percent of

the compensation under this paragraph shall be due and payable ten (10) days after

approval by the Owner and the Administrator of the respective final documents and

the balance of the compensation under this paragraph shall be due and payable ten

(10) days after completion of the Project as defined in the Table 1.

C. Bi-weekly Statement. For compensation covered by paragraph A this section, the

Engineer shall submit to the Owner a biweekly statement showing the names of the Residents and

Inspectors, and the actual time spent on the Project by each Resident and each Inspector during

the preceding period. The statement should be prepared and submitted to the Owner in a format

similar to that shown in RUS Form 217, Exhibit A.

Section 6. Section Reference. Unless otherwise specified or indicated, any reference to

"section" shall mean within this attachment RUS Form 217g - Outside Plant Construction-Project

Direction, Inspection, Testing and Contract Closeout.