INTERNATIONAL MASTER SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
This Agreement is between NWEA, an Oregon non-profit corporation, and Subscriber and is effective as of the Effective Date.
The parties agree as follows:
1. Definitions.
1.1 Anonymized Data: means any Student Education Record rendered anonymous in such a manner that the student is no longer identifiable. For example, this includes non-identifiable student assessment data and results, and other metadata, testing response times, scores (e.g. goals, RIT), NCES codes, responses, item parameters, and item sequences that result from the Services.
1.2 Assessment System: means, to the extent included in an applicable Schedule, the following assessment, reporting, and administration systems: (i) MAP® Growth; or (ii) MAP® Reading Fluency, each a product (“Product”). Assessment System excludes Subscriber’s operating environment and any other systems not within NWEA’s control.
1.3 Content: means test items, including images, text, graphs, charts, and pictures.
1.4 Deidentified Data (Pseudonymized Data): means a Student Education Record processed in a manner in which the Student Education Record can no longer be attributed to a specific student without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately using technical and organizational measures.
1.5 Documentation: means Product documentation made available to Subscriber by NWEA, which includes technical manuals, but excludes any marketing materials or brochures.
1.6 Effective Date: means the earlier of: i) the date Subscriber clicks “accept” via NWEA's Online Account Renewal Process; or ii) the date Subscriber signs a Schedule A.
1.7 GRD: means the Growth Research Database used to generate longitudinal studies, alignment studies, linking studies, norming studies, and other research reports that Subscriber and other subscribers may receive.
1.8 NWEA Confidential Information: means all NWEA non-public, proprietary or confidential information, in oral, visual, written, electronic or other tangible or intangible form, whether or not marked or designated as confidential, including without limitation all NWEA Content, test scripts, underlying ideas, algorithms, item calibrations, concepts, procedures, processes, principles, know-how, and methods of operation that comprise the Services, including updates, enhancements, modifications, and improvements.
1.9 Reporting: means Product reports, learning statements, research studies, and scoring.
1.10 Schedule: means one or more applicable order schedules or other order documents, including, upon renewal, any confirmation page generated by NWEA’s online account renewal portal, which are considered incorporated into this Agreement.
1.11 Security Breach: has the meaning ascribed to that term by the applicable law, or, if not defined by applicable law, means actual evidence of a confirmed unauthorized acquisition of, access to, or unauthorized use of any Student Education Record(s).
1.12 Services: means the Assessment System, Content, Documentation, Product training, professional learning, Reporting, Software, GRD, and other services as described in this Agreement and set forth in an applicable Schedule.
1.13 Software: means (i) any web-based or client-server software made available to Subscriber by NWEA; (ii) a lockdown browser sublicensed through NWEA from a third party that facilitates access to the Services; (iii) NWEA software that supports client server assessments; and (iv) any other software set forth in the Supplemental Terms.
1.14 Student Education Record: means personally identifiable information of Subscriber’s students as defined by applicable law, which may include first and last name of student, student identification number, date of birth, racial or ethnic origin, gender, name of school attended, disability, and socioeconomic information that alone or in combination can personally identify a student.
1.18 Supplemental Terms: means the Services-specific terms available at http://legal.nwea.org/msa_supplemental_terms.pdf, which are incorporated herein by reference.
1.19 Systems Administrator: means the Subscriber-designated individual who, within the Assessment System, is authorized to: (i) modify assessment preferences for Subscriber; (ii) create and modify user profiles for roles including lead roles (i.e. data administrator, assessment coordinator); and (iii) declare testing complete for Subscriber.
2. Grant of License. NWEA grants to Subscriber a nonexclusive, nontransferable, limited license to access, use, display, and install or download a copy, as needed, of the Services solely for Subscriber’s internal use. The license is effective for a period of one (1) year commencing on the date NWEA makes the Software available to Subscriber, unless otherwise specified in an applicable Schedule. The Services extend only to the quantity indicated on an applicable Schedule. Subscriber acknowledges Product limitations on the number of test events per academic year (see Supplemental Terms).
3. Protection from Unauthorized Use or Access. Subscriber shall not: (i) copy, distribute, reproduce, resell, publish, license, create derivative works, transfer, rent, lease, or sublicense any or all of the Services; (ii) exploit for any commercial purposes any portion of the Services or permit use of the Services by anyone not employed by or under the control of Subscriber; (iii) remove any proprietary notices or labels from the Services; (iv) use the Services in an attempt to, or in conjunction with, any device, program, or service designed to circumvent technological measures employed to control access to, distribution of, or rights in, the Services; (v) use the Services in any manner that could damage, disable, overburden or impair the Services or interfere with NWEA's or its customers' use and enjoyment of them; (vi) access, use, obtain or attempt to obtain any of the Services through any means not intentionally made available or provided to Subscriber by NWEA for such purpose. Subscriber shall promptly report any violations of this Agreement to NWEA. NWEA reserves the right to suspend or terminate the use of, or otherwise restrict access to, the Services if NWEA determines, in its sole discretion, that there has been a violation of this Agreement that is unlawful or that conditions exist which are likely to cause loss or damage to NWEA or its subscribers. Subscriber shall use reasonably secure measures to prevent unauthorized use (e.g., copying test items) by its end users. Further, Subscriber shall reproduce all copyright, trademark, and other proprietary notices and legends on each copy, or partial copy, of the Services. Subscriber will deactivate and remove from any equipment under its control any prior versions of the Services.
4. Ownership. The Services are owned and copyrighted by NWEA and are licensed through this Agreement to Subscriber, except certain Software is sublicensed from an NWEA supplier. All right, title, and interest in the Services and all copies, updates, enhancements, modifications, and improvements, along with all associated intellectual property rights, remain with NWEA, regardless of either: (i) the source giving rise to the intellectual property; or (ii) any modifications or adaptations made for the benefit of Subscriber. The Services, and all updates, enhancements, modifications, and improvements, are protected by United States and international intellectual property laws and treaties. Subscriber is not granted any license to use NWEA’s or its suppliers’ trade or service marks. Additionally, NWEA retains all right, title, and interest in its trade and service marks. Subscriber shall allow NWEA to use, without restriction or royalty obligation, any comments, suggestions, or contributions provided by Subscriber with respect to the Services. Subscriber grants and assigns to NWEA any intellectual property rights that Subscriber may incidentally obtain or have with respect to any such comments, suggestions, or contributions.
5. NWEA Confidential Information. Subscriber shall not use, disclose, or distribute any NWEA Confidential Information, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of NWEA, except that NWEA authorizes Subscriber to disclose NWEA Confidential Information: (i) to Subscriber’s employees or agents who have signed written confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements before such disclosure; and (ii) as required by applicable law, regulation, or a Legal Order. Before making any disclosure under Section 5(ii), Subscriber shall provide NWEA: (a) prompt written notice of such requirement so that NWEA may seek, at its sole cost and expense, a protective order or other remedy; and (b) reasonable assistance, at NWEA’s cost and expense, in opposing such disclosure or seeking a protective order or other limitations on disclosure. If, after providing such notice and assistance as required in this Section, the Subscriber remains subject to a Legal Order to disclose any NWEA Confidential Information, the Subscriber (or its representatives or other persons to whom such Legal Order is directed) may disclose no more than that portion of the NWEA Confidential Information which, on the advice of Subscriber’s legal counsel, specifically requires the Subscriber to disclose. For any such disclosure, Subscriber shall use best efforts to obtain written assurances from the applicable court or agency that such NWEA Confidential Information will be afforded confidential treatment.
6. Student Education Records
6.1 Privacy - Student Education Records. Subscriber shall comply with all applicable laws regarding use, access, and disclosure of Student Education Records. NWEA and Subscriber acknowledge that NWEA will collect, use and disclose Student Education Records consistent with the NWEA Privacy Policy – Assessment System.
6.2 Subscriber’s Ownership of Student Education Records. Subscriber owns the Student Education Records.
7. Data Processing. NWEA may maintain and use Student Education Records to perform the Services and may disclose Anonymized Data to third parties for legitimate educational research. Except as set forth in Section 9.7, NWEA shall not disclose Student Education Records to any third party without the prior written consent of Subscriber.
8. GRD. Subscriber authorizes NWEA to use Student Education Records in the GRD, commencing on the Effective Date or upon the date that Subscriber used or ordered Services, whichever is earlier. NWEA and Subscriber acknowledge that the permissions and obligations expressed in this Agreement survive the termination of this Agreement and any renewals. As described in Section 15, NWEA will maintain Student Education Records after termination of this Agreement for Services which may include, but are not limited to, Subscriber’s access to Reporting and research-related Services and to validate the authenticity of data in such Reporting. If NWEA receives Subscriber’s written request to opt out of participation in the GRD, NWEA will Deidentify and Anonymize Student Education Records in the GRD. As a result of opting out of the GRD, certain research reports are unavailable to Subscriber due to the inability to accurately link student data with research data. Subscriber’s written request must be sent via email to legalservices@nwea.org and include the following: (i) requestor’s name, title and contact information; (ii) the name of requesting school or entity with NCES #; (iii) a request to Deidentify or Anonymize Student Education Records in the GRD; and (iv) an attestation that requestor is duly authorized and has legal capacity to execute the request.
9. Data Privacy and Security.
9.1 Purpose, Legal Basis for Processing & Explicit Data Subject Consent. In order to render Services to provide, improve and maintain the quality of educational instruction, Subscriber shall transfer Student Education Records to NWEA in the United States of America for processing. If required by applicable law, Subscriber shall obtain explicit and informed consent for the collection, processing and transfer of Student Education Records to NWEA. The explicit consent to process data form can be found here: https://legal.nwea.org/explicit-consent-to-process-data.html. Subscribers shall submit this completed form to legalservices@nwea.org. NWEA’s MAP Growth GDPR Overview can be found here: https://legal.nwea.org/nwea-map-growth-gdpr-overview.html.
9.2 Data Portability. Subscribers may download Student Education Records and Reporting data in a commonly used and machine-readable format (.CSV) in the Assessment System, which Subscriber can then provide to students or parents for data portability purposes. In the event a student or parent directly contacts NWEA for Student Education Records or Reporting data, NWEA will direct the student or parent to Subscriber for fulfillment of the request.
9.3 Right to Erasure. If Subscriber: (i) receives a request to erase Student Education Records in the Assessment System; (ii) receives a student or parent withdrawal of consent under Section 9.1; or (iii) determines that Student Education Records are no longer needed, Subscriber shall send a written request to NWEA via email to legalservices@nwea.org and include the following: (i) requestor's name, title and contact information; (ii) the name of requesting school or entity with NCES # (if applicable); (iii) a request to erase the Student Education Record; (iv) the student’s first and last name (for a single Student Education Record request); and (iv) an attestation that requestor is duly authorized and has legal capacity to execute the request.
9.4 Right to Rectification & Access. In the event a student or parent requests to rectify an inaccurate Student Education Record, NWEA will work with Subscriber to correct such information. In the event that a student or parent contacts NWEA directly, NWEA will direct the student or parent to Subscriber. Subscriber may then contact NWEA to correct the information.
9.5 Data Security & Governance. NWEA maintains privacy and information security measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of Student Education Records. NWEA processes Student Education Records in a manner that ensures the appropriate security of the Student Education Records, including protection against unauthorized or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage, using appropriate technical or organizational measures. Further information on NWEA’s data security measures can be found here: https://legal.nwea.org/map-growth-information-security-whitepaper.html.
9.6 Incident Response. In the event of a Security Breach. In the event a Security Breach, NWEA will notify Subscriber without undue delay and, where feasible, not later than 72 hours after becoming aware of the confirmed incident. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under applicable law notification may not be required in certain circumstances, including, when: (i) the breach is unlikely to result in a high risk for the rights and freedoms of the data subject; (ii) appropriate technical and organizational protections were in place at the time of the confirmed incident (e.g. encrypted data); or (iii) notification would trigger disproportionate efforts (instead a public information campaign or similar measures should be relied on so that affected data subjects can be effectively informed).
9.7 Sub-processors. NWEA utilizes certain contractors to maintain and support the Assessment System. Contractors that have access to Student Education Records are required to: (i) execute non-disclosure agreements to prohibit further re-disclosure or processing of Student Education Records; (ii) complete NWEA’s security screening process; and (iii) agree to certain applicable legal terms and conditions in their agreements with NWEA. A list of sub-processors that have access to Student Education Records can be obtained by sending a request to legalservices@nwea.org.
9.8 Subscriber Responsibilities. Subscriber is solely responsible for configuring role-based access for its employees and authorized third parties to Student Education Records within the Assessment System and for ensuring the security and availability of Subscriber’s own passwords, computers, computer networks, and internet connections, including security patches, choice of browser, and browser configuration settings to be used with the Assessment System, email, and other transmissions. Subscriber acknowledges that its Systems Administrator controls the access and security points of the Assessment Systems. Annually, Subscriber shall remove any inactive Systems Administrators and confirm to NWEA the names of its active Systems Administrators. The Assessment System may contain mechanical or electronic methods to prevent unauthorized use or distribution of the Services. Subscriber shall not disable or circumvent such control devices. Subscriber acknowledges that the validity and accuracy of the Reporting depends upon the accuracy and completeness of the class roster file Subscriber submits.
9.9 NWEA Responsibilities. Subject to the limitations of warranty set forth in Section 18 of the Agreement, NWEA shall implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect Student Education Records from unauthorized access, acquisition, or disclosure, destruction, alteration, accidental loss, misuse, or damage that are no less rigorous than accepted industry practices to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Student Education Records. NWEA has an incident response program that specifies the actions to be taken in the event of a Security Breach.
10. Fees and Taxes.Subscriber shall pay the fees set forth on the applicable Schedule. Subscriber is solely responsible for any personal property taxes, value added taxes, local licensing fees, or local taxes related to or resulting from NWEA’s delivery of Services under this Agreement. If Subscriber is a tax-exempt entity, Subscriber shall send NWEA written evidence of such tax exemption and any other documentation as NWEA may reasonably request related to assessing taxes applicable to Subscriber. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws governing the activities of Subscriber pursuant to this Agreement, the Subscriber shall collect, withhold, or otherwise pay all taxes, charges and financial assessments charged by and due and payable to any local, regional, or national government in the country where the Subscriber is located.
11. Billing; Payment; and Orders. Subscriber shall use its best efforts to determine the number of students to be tested by Subscriber. NWEA shall send an invoice based on the applicable Schedule to Subscriber, and Subscriber shall pay the amount due within 30 days of the invoice date by mailing a check or depositing the amount due via a wire transfer. Subscriber must contact NWEA at accountsreceivable@nwea.org for wire transfer instructions. If Subscriber overestimates the number of students tested, NWEA is not obligated to refund any fees. If, however, Subscriber underestimates the number of students tested, NWEA may submit an amended invoice to capture the additional students tested, and Subscriber shall pay the variance within 30 days of the amended invoice date. Any purchase order, credit card order, or other order document with sufficient information for NWEA to process the order that is accepted by NWEA will be governed by this Agreement, provided however, the terms and conditions in any purchase order accepted by NWEA shall not be binding upon NWEA and shall not modify the terms of this Agreement. All orders, including Schedules, license renewals, and/or other order documents will be governed by the terms of this Agreement. NWEA reserves the right to increase its then-current list prices and introduce new list prices upon notice to Subscriber. Any such increases will only become effective upon renewal of a Subscription term.
12. Amendments and Renewals. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, terms of any purchase orders or written authorizations issued by Subscriber or any other communications which are additional to or inconsistent with this Agreement are not binding unless NWEA expressly assents to such terms in writing. Such renewals and expansions are governed by this Agreement (including all NWEA order forms). The conditions of payment described in Sections 10 and 11 apply to all renewals and expansions. Subscriber shall make all payments under this Agreement to NWEA.
13. Product Training. If Subscriber is new to the Services, Subscriber’s teachers and staff administering the Services must, at Subscriber’s cost, participate in NWEA introductory product training before testing begins (e.g. MAP Admin Workshop if Subscriber subscribes to MAP Growth or Client Server MAP). Before testing commences, Subscriber shall assign a member of its staff to coordinate the logistics of setting up the training. If Subscriber experiences staff change that affects the administration of the Services, Subscriber shall promptly notify NWEA in writing. NWEA may require Subscriber to send any new staff to introductory NWEA product training.
14. Publicity. Subscriber consents to NWEA’s use of and references to Subscriber’s name, directly or indirectly, in NWEA’s marketing and training materials.
15. Termination and Remedies. This Agreement remains in effect until terminated in accordance with this section. Either party may terminate by providing the other party thirty (30) days written notice of its intent to terminate for convenience. NWEA may terminate immediately and/or suspend Services without prior notice to Subscriber upon Subscriber’s breach of this Agreement. Upon termination for any reason, NWEA is under no obligation to refund any fees paid by Subscriber for the Services. All payment obligations are non-cancelable and all sums paid are non-refundable. NWEA may seek any legal or equitable remedy available against Subscriber for breach of the terms of this Agreement, including without limitation, injunctive relief and specific performance. After termination of the Agreement, NWEA shall continue to maintain Student Education Records until: (i) NWEA receives Subscriber’s written request to destroy Student Education Records via email to legalservices@nwea.org that includes requestor's name, title, contact information, name of requesting school or entity with NCES #, and attestation that Subscriber is duly authorized and has legal capacity to execute the request; and (ii) NWEA confirms the information in Subscriber’s written request. Thereafter, NWEA shall destroy the Student Education Records without undue delay or as otherwise required under applicable law. Subscriber understands and agrees that if NWEA destroys Subscriber’s Student Education Records, NWEA will not be able to provide such data to Subscriber after its destruction.
16. Support. NWEA will provide to Subscriber limited support, updates, enhancements, modifications, improvements, and maintenance services.
17. Scheduled Maintenance. NWEA has system maintenance periods throughout the year that affect Subscriber’s use of the Services, including Subscriber’s ability to (i) upload or download student and test data; (ii) access Reporting; or (iii) interact with any of NWEA’s websites. NWEA provides notice of regularly scheduled maintenance at NWEA.org (https://www.nwea.org). NWEA may perform emergency maintenance at any time without notice.
18. Limited Warranty.
18.1 Performance Warranty. NWEA warrants, during the subscription period, that the Product(s), as delivered by NWEA and when used in accordance with the Documentation and the terms of this Agreement, will substantially perform in accordance with the Documentation. If any Product does not operate as warranted and Subscriber has provided written notice of the non-conformity to NWEA within thirty (30) days of discovery of such non-conformity, NWEA shall at its option (i) repair the applicable Product; (ii) replace the applicable Product with a system of substantially the same functionality; or (iii) terminate the license to the non-conforming Product and provide Subscriber a pro-rata refund representing the portion of any fees previously paid for the unused portion of the terminated license for such Product measured from the effective date of termination. The foregoing warranty specifically excludes defects in or non-conformance of the Assessment System resulting from (a) use of the Assessment System in a manner not in accordance with the Documentation except as otherwise authorized in writing by NWEA; (b) modifications or enhancements to the Assessment System made by or on behalf of Subscriber except as otherwise authorized in writing by NWEA; (c) combining the Assessment System with products, software or devices not provided by NWEA; (d) improper or inadequate maintenance of Subscriber’s own computers, computer networks, operating environment, security programs, and internet connections; or (e) computer hardware malfunctions, unauthorized repair, accident, or abuse.
18.2 Disclaimer. EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY PROVIDED IN SECTION 18, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS-IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF (i) MERCHANTABILITY; (ii) FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE; (iii) QUALITY; (iv) PRODUCTIVENESS; OR (v) CAPACITY, OR THAT THE OPERATION OF THE SERVICES IS ERROR-FREE. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HERE, THE ENTIRE RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF USE OF THE SERVICES REMAINS WITH SUBSCRIBER. THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR DATA SECURITY OR PERFORMANCE ISSUES (a) CAUSED BY FACTORS OUTSIDE OF NWEA’S REASONABLE CONTROL; OR (b) RESULTING FROM ANY ACTION OR INACTION OF SUBSCRIBER OR ANY THIRD PARTIES; OR (c) RESULTING FROM SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PERIODS.NWEA CANNOT CONTROL PERFORMANCE OF THE SERVICES BASED ON THE FLOW OF DATA TO OR FROM NWEA’S NETWORK OR OVER THE INTERNET, WHICH DEPEND IN LARGE PART ON THE PERFORMANCE OF INTERNET SERVICES PROVIDED OR CONTROLLED BY THIRD PARTIES. AT TIMES, ACTIONS OR INACTIONS OF SUCH THIRD PARTIES CAN IMPAIR OR DISRUPT SUBSCRIBER’S CONNECTIONS TO THE INTERNET. ALTHOUGH NWEA USESCOMMERCIALLY REASONABLE EFFORTS TO REMEDY AND AVOID SUCH EVENTS, NWEA DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT SUCH EVENTS WILL NOT OCCUR. ACCORDINGLY, NWEA DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY RESULTING FROM OR RELATED TO SUCH EVENTS. THE REMEDIES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION 18 ARE SUBSCRIBER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AND NWEA'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY REGARDING THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FAILURE TO PERFORM AS WARRANTED IN THIS SECTION 18.
19. Limitation of Liability. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT IS NWEA LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR EXPENSES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST OPPORTUNITY, LOST SAVINGS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, LOST BUSINESS, LOSS OF ANTICIPATED BENEFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO DATA, COMPUTER FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION, OR ANY OTHER INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR PECUNIARY LOSS, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SERVICES, EVEN IF NWEA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. NWEA’S ENTIRE LIABILITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID BY SUBSCRIBER FOR THE RIGHT TO USE THE PRODUCT IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE INCIDENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM. THIS LIMITATION ALSO APPLIES TO NWEA’S DEVELOPERS AND SUPPLIERS OF THE SERVICES AND IS THE MAXIMUM FOR WHICH THEY AND NWEA ARE COLLECTIVELY RESPONSIBLE. THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF THE ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY.
20. Indemnification.
20.1 By Subscriber. Except to the extent limited by applicable law, Subscriber shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NWEA and NWEA’s officers, directors, employees, agents, and representatives, from and against any third party claims, damages, expenses, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any proceeding arising from (i) any breach of this Agreement by Subscriber or any of its employees or agents; or (ii) any use of the Services.
20.2 By NWEA. If all the conditions in this section are met, NWEA shall (i) defend Subscriber against claims made by an unaffiliated third party that the Assessment System infringes its US patent, copyright, or trademark; and (ii) pay the amount of any resulting adverse final judgment against Subscriber (after any appeals) or settlement to which NWEA consents. Subscriber must notify NWEA promptly in writing of the claim. Subscriber must also give NWEA sole control over its defense and settlement. Subscriber shall provide NWEA with reasonable assistance in defending the claim. NWEA’s obligations under this Section will not apply to the extent the claim (or adverse final judgment) is based on: (a) Subscriber using the Assessment System after NWEA has informed Subscriber to discontinue use due to such a claim; (b) the combination or use of the Assessment System with non-NWEA information, data, or materials except as otherwise authorized in writing by NWEA; (c) modification of the Assessment System except as otherwise authorized in writing by NWEA; (d) use of NWEA’s trademark(s) without express written permission; or (e) Subscriber’s acts or omissions which result in a claim under this Section. If NWEA receives information about a claim under this Section related to the Assessment System in whole or in part, NWEA may do any of the following, at its discretion and expense: (i) procure the right to continue its use; (ii) replace the infringing portion of the Assessment System with a functional equivalent; (iii) modify the infringing portion of the Assessment System to make it non-infringing (if NWEA does this, Subscriber will stop using the allegedly infringing portion of the Assessment System immediately); or (iv) terminate this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, NWEA’s commitment under this Section is Subscriber’s exclusive remedy for third-party infringement and trade secret misappropriation claims. Nothing in this section obligates NWEA to indemnify Subscriber from and against any claims, suits, actions, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses attributable to the acts or omissions of Subscriber, its officers, employees, or agents.
21. Evaluation License. This Section 21 applies if NWEA has provided the Services (including but not limited to Assessment System, Reporting, and/or Software) to Subscriber for evaluation purposes. NWEA grants Subscriber a thirty (30) day (or as otherwise indicated by NWEA in writing) limited license to use such Services solely for the purposes of evaluation. NWEA is not obligated to provide support for the evaluation Services. SUBSCRIBER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE SERVICES PROVIDED FOR EVALUATION MAY FUNCTION FOR A LIMITED PERIOD OF TIME, HAVE LIMITED FEATURES, AND HAVE OTHER LIMITATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN A COMMERCIAL VERSION OF THE SERVICES. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS AGREEMENT, NWEA IS PROVIDING THE SERVICES “AS IS”, AND NWEA DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY, AND STATUTORY WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, LIABILITES, AND INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS OF ANY KIND. IN THE EVENT OF A CONFLICT BETWEEN THIS SECTION 21 AND OTHER TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THIS SECTION 21 WILL SUPERSEDE SUCH TERMS WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES LICENSED TO SUBSCRIBER FOR EVALUATION PURPOSES.
22. Miscellaneous.
22.1 Force Majeure. Neither party is liable for any delay or failure to perform any obligation hereunder due to causes beyond its control, including without limitation, war, riot, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorist activity, fire, industrial dispute, act of nature, computer-related crimes (including, but not limited to, denial of service attacks), epidemic, act or omission of a third-party vendor or supplier, equipment failure, public enemy of government, failure of telecommunications, system malfunction, or other casualty.
22.2 Waiver and Severability. Waiver of any default or breach under this Agreement by NWEA does not constitute a waiver of any subsequent default or a modification of any other provisions of this Agreement. If any part of this Agreement is held illegal or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the parties intend that the remainder of this Agreement nevertheless remains in full force and effect. Upon a determination that any term or provision is illegal or unenforceable, the court may modify this Agreement to affect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible.
22.3 No Third-party Beneficiaries. The parties do not intend to confer any right or remedy on any third party.
22.4 Survival. The following sections survive any termination of this agreement or the termination of any license granted under this agreement: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.1, 9.2, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4, 22.5, 22.9, 22.10, 22.11, and 22.12.
22.5 Entire Agreement; Order of Precedence. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties regarding the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous negotiations and agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. The terms of this Agreement apply to all order documents, including but not limited to purchase orders and credit card orders, accepted by NWEA, and this Agreement will supersede any inconsistent or different pre-printed terms of any such order document. If there is a conflict among any of the terms of this Agreement, the parties intend that it be resolved by giving precedence to Agreement documents in the following order (i.e. the earlier listing governing the later): (i) any Supplemental Terms to the extent related to Services described in an applicable Schedule; (ii) this Agreement without any Schedules or Supplemental Terms; (iii) the most recent Schedule; followed by (iv) any other Schedules in reverse chronological order.
22.6 Assignment. Subscriber may not assign this Agreement to any third party without the prior written consent of NWEA, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
22.7 Binding. This Agreement binds and inures to the benefit of each party and its respective successors and approved assigns, if any.
22.8 Merger or Sale of NWEA. If either (i) NWEA and a third-party merge; or (ii) NWEA is sold to a third party, then the surviving or resulting entity shall maintain the Student Education Records in accordance with this Agreement, if the entity is subject to this Agreement.
22.9 Representation of Signatories. Each person signing this Agreement represents and warrants that such person is duly authorized and has legal capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement for its respective party.
22.10 Notices. Any notice required under this Agreement shall be in writing and effective when (i) delivered personally against receipt, (ii) deposited in the mail and registered or certified with return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) shipped by a recognized courier service and addressed to either party as designated in this Agreement, (iv) delivered by email to an email address designated by the recipient, or (v) when delivered via any of the foregoing at such other address as may be provided by the recipient in accordance with this section.
Address for Notices to NWEA:
NWEA
121 NW Everett Street
Portland, OR 97209
Email: legalservices@nwea.org
Address for Notices to Subscriber shall be sent to the address on file with NWEA.
22.11 Controlling Law and Venue. The parties intend that this Agreement be construed and controlled by the laws of the State of Oregon, U.S.A., without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is specifically disclaimed and does not apply to this Agreement. In the event any dispute between the parties arising under or in connection with this Agreement cannot be resolved amicably, it shall be finally resolved by binding arbitration conducted in Multnomah County, Oregon, in written and verbal English language, in accordance with the commercial rules of arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce by a single arbitrator. The arbitrator shall be authorized by the parties to award reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees to the prevailing party from the losing party. Any arbitration award shall be enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction, which enforcement and jurisdiction shall not be opposed by the losing party in the arbitration. The parties' recourse to arbitration shall not prevent either party from availing itself of any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of obtaining emergency equitable relief.
22.12 Attorney Fees. If any lawsuit is instituted to interpret, enforce, or rescind this Agreement, the prevailing party on a claim may recover, in addition to any other relief awarded, its reasonable attorney fees and other fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with the lawsuit, the collection of any award, or the enforcement of any order as determined by a judge.
22.13 Counterparts. The parties may execute this Agreement in counterparts, each of which is an original, and the counterparts constitute one and the same Agreement. The parties may also deliver and accept facsimile or electronically scanned signatures, which bind a party as if the signature were an original.
22.14 Vendor Status and Independent Contractor. NWEA provides Services within its normal business operations and operates in a competitive environment. The Services constitute a vendor relationship, as defined by OMB Circular A-133 and, therefore, any monies to pay for this Agreement are not subject to the federal audit requirements of OMB Circular A-133. NWEA is an independent contractor, and neither NWEA nor its employees are Subscriber’s employees. Nothing contained in this Agreement creates or implies an agency relationship, joint venture, or partnership between the parties.
22.15 UK Bribery Act. Each party agrees to comply with the UK Bribery Act. Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that Subscriber has not received, requested, been offered, agreed, paid or promised, any offer, promise or gift of any financial or other advantage from and to any person that would constitute a violation under the UK Bribery Act, or which would have influenced or secured any business or other advantage to NWEA.
Last Updated: August 1, 2022