The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
  (1) Chief administrative officer--The executive director, or other executive officer responsible for the day to day operations of the department.
  (2) Claim--A demand for damages by the contractor based upon the department's alleged breach of the contract.
  (3) Contract--A written contract between the department and a contractor by the terms of which the contractor agrees either:
    (A) to provide goods or services, by sale or lease, to or for the department; or
    (B) to perform a Project.
  (4) Contractor--Independent contractor who has entered into a contract directly with the department. The term does not include:
    (A) The contractor's subcontractor, officer, employee, agent or other person furnishing goods or services to a contractor;
    (B) An employee of the department; or
    (C) A student at an institution of higher education.
  (5) Counterclaim--A demand by the department based upon the contractor's claim.
  (6) Day--A calendar day. If an act is required to occur on a day falling on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the first working day which is not one of these days should be counted as the required day for purpose of this act.
  (7) Department--Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
  (8) Event--An act or omission or a series of acts or omissions giving rise to a claim.
  (9) Goods--Supplies, materials or equipment.
  (10) Parties--The contractor and the department when they have entered into a contract in connection with which a claim of breach of contract has been filed under this chapter.
  (11) Project--A building construction project that is financed wholly or partly by a specific appropriation, bond issue or federal money, including the construction of:
    (A) a building, structure, or appurtenant facility or utility, including the acquisition and installation of original equipment and original furnishing; and
    (B) an addition to, or alteration, modification, rehabilitation or repair of an existing building, structure, or appurtenant facility or utility.
  (12) Services--The furnishing of skilled or unskilled labor or consulting or professional work, or a combination thereof, excluding the labor of an employee of the department.

Source Note: The provisions of this §51.201 adopted to be effective January 30, 2001, 26 TexReg 979; amended to be effective January 2, 2013, 37 TexReg 10221