Exhibit 10.33
MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT
Between
AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SINGAPORE (SALES) PTE LTD,
VSOURCE (CI) LTD,
And
VSOURCE, INC.
16 November 2001
THIS MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), effective as of the 16th
day of November, 2001 ("the Effective Date"), is by and between AGILENT
TECHNOLOGIES SINGAPORE (SALES) PTE LTD ("Agilent"), a Singapore incorporated
company and having a place of business at 000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx, #00-00 Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 000000, VSOURCE (CI) LTD ("Vsource"), a Cayman Islands
incorporated company and having a registered address at Xxxxxx House, P.O. Box
309, Xxxxxx Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies and VSOURCE,
INC. ("Guarantor"), a Delaware incorporated company and having a principal
office at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, XXX 00000.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Agilent wishes to have Vsource perform certain directed record
keeping, ministerial outsourcing, payroll administration, Employee
communication, enrollment and certain human resource services pursuant to the
terms and conditions stated herein; and
WHEREAS, Vsource is in the business of providing certain payroll
processing, payroll-related human resources, timekeeping, tax-filing and other
related administrative services which Agilent desires to engage it to perform on
its behalf; and
WHEREAS, Vsource is willing to perform such services, subject to and in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the
mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, Vsource and Agilent agree as
follows:
1. Definition
"Contractors" means the list of Agilent approved contractors, the names of which
are contained in Schedule C, or which may be added to Schedule C from time with
the approval of Agilent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or
delayed), which where used in this Agreement shall include all directors,
officers, employees, servants and agents of such Contractors.
"Direction Documents" means all the agreements, schedules, work plans, roles,
responsibilities, actions, duties and obligations set forth in Schedule C to be
performed in accordance with the terms on this Agreement and, without limitation
to the generality of the foregoing, shall include the Technical Service Level
Agreement, Implementation Schedule, Benefit and Compensation Program
Descriptions and Pay Elements documents attached to and made part of Schedule C
and from time to time varied and mutually agreed to in writing between the
parties.
"Employee" has the meaning set forth in Schedule B.
"Fee Adjustments" means the adjustment to fees in accordance with Section 14.2.
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"Implementation Plans" means the actions, milestones, and sequence of events set
forth in Schedule C (Implementation Schedule by Country) and as from time to
time varied and mutually agreed to in writing between the parties.
"Intellectual Property Rights" includes but is not limited to, any patent, trade
secret, copyright, trademark, trade dress, utility model, industrial design,
mask work or moral rights, process design and documentation.
"Performance Standards" shall mean the performance standards set forth in
Schedule F.
"Personal Information" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1 of this
Agreement.
"Schedules" means all exhibits mutually agreed to between the parties to be
added and made part of this Agreement and from time to time varied and mutually
agreed to in writing between the parties.
"Services" means the services set forth in Schedule A and shall include, without
limitation, all services to be provided and actions to be performed in order to
fulfill all the requirements contained in the Direction Documents.
"Term" has the meaning set forth in Section 18.1 of this Agreement.
"Vsource" shall when used in this Agreement, and if the context so requires,
also refer to all or each of the Vsource subsidiaries, associated or affiliated
companies set forth in Schedule C or which may be added to Schedule C from time
with the approval of Agilent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or
delayed).
"Vsource Personnel" means all employees, directors, officers, servants and
agents of Vsource and any of Vsource's subsidiaries, associated or affiliated
companies set forth in Schedule C (as amended from time to time).
"Work" means all the deliverables provided by Vsource to Agilent under and in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement and, without limitation to the
generality of the foregoing, shall include the deliverables resulting from
provision of the Services and compliance with the Direction Documents and
Intellectual Property Rights arising under this Agreement.
2. Vsource Obligations
2.1 Provision of Services
2.1.1 Vsource will perform the Services and provide the deliverables
specifically described in the Schedules in accordance with the terms
and conditions of this Agreement. In particular, Vsource shall have the
responsibility to perform on Agilent's behalf those Services set forth
in Schedule A and in accordance with the Directions
Documents listed in Schedule C which are each made a part hereof, as
amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement.
2.1.2 The Services will be completed within the applicable time
period(s) specified in the Schedules and Direction Documents. Time will
be of the essence in this Agreement unless agreed otherwise in writing.
Vsource will perform the Services and meet the milestones or stages of
work on the dates specified in the Schedules and Direction Documents and
will comply with the inspection requirements specified in Section 5 of
this Agreement. If any stage is delayed for any reason, other than as a
result of Agilent's actions or omissions, Vsource will use its best
efforts to recover lost time.
2.1.3 Progress reports during implementation will be submitted by
Vsource to Agilent on a weekly basis for review and approval or such
other time as agreed between the parties. Where necessary Agilent may
require a meeting at a mutually agreeable time with Vsource to discuss
the progress reports and to provide directions and instructions on
matters arising in respect thereof.
2.1.4 Agilent may refuse Vsource, Vsource Personnel and Contractors
entry to Agilent's premises for security or other reasons in its
absolute discretion without giving reasons. Where Vsource, Vsource
Personnel or Contractors has notified Agilent in advance that they would
be coming to Agilent's premises, and entry has been refused in
accordance with this Section 2.1.4 and for reasons other than breach or
threatened breach of this Agreement, then Vsource shall not be liable
for any delays or non-performance of its obligations under this
Agreement resulting from such refusal.
2.1.5 Vsource, Vsource Personnel and Contractors when present on the
premises of Agilent or Agilent's customer, will comply with all rules,
regulations and requirements (including those relating to security
arrangements) in force for the conduct of personnel on those premises.
2.1.6 Vsource, Vsource Personnel and Contractors will not, without
Agilent's prior permission, enter any part of Agilent premises other
than as strictly necessary in connection with the performance of the
Services.
2.1.7 If in the opinion of Agilent, Vsource, Vsource Personnel or
Contractors misconducts itself or becomes incapable of efficiently
performing its duties, Vsource, Vsource Personnel or Contractors will
leave Agilent's premises immediately upon request. In such event,
Vsource and its management team and officers shall ensure that they
co-operate to the fullest extent possible with Agilent's instructions in
this matter and Vsource shall bear all responsibility and liability
where any loss, damage, cost or expense is incurred by Agilent as a
result of such misconduct or incapacity.
2.1.8 The decision of Agilent upon any matters arising under this
Sub-section 2.1 will be final and conclusive.
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2.2 Other Duties
2.2.1 Record Retention and Requests for Records.
Vsource shall retain all Agilent information, data, records and all
other material information and documentation provided to, generated,
managed or kept by Vsource relating to the Services and in accordance
with, and to the extent provided by, the most current version of
Agilent's General Retention Schedule, a copy of which is provided in
Schedule M. In addition, Vsource shall comply with all applicable
country and state record retention laws relating to the Services.
Vsource shall promptly deliver to Agilent all such information, data,
records and any other material information and documentation upon
Agilent's written request and shall assist Agilent in all reasonable
ways to provide the same pursuant to any legal, judicial or
administrative proceedings.
2.2.2 Tax Records and Reporting Documents.
Vsource shall provide to Agilent upon reasonable written request and at
no additional charge a copy of all payroll tax returns, records, filing
documentation and correspondence submitted by Vsource to any country,
state and local authorities on Agilent's behalf. Vsource shall also
retain a copy of such returns and correspondence for the period required
by law, notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement.
2.2.3 Resource Availability and Allocation
Vsource shall ensure the availability of resources, time and manpower to
provide the Services in accordance with terms of this Agreement,
including Schedule C (Implementation Schedule by Country). If
re-allocation of resources and/or manpower in the Implementation Plan is
requested by Agilent, the parties shall mutually agree on such
re-allocation of resources and manpower.
2.2.4 Implementation Plan.
Vsource shall provide the Services and comply with all Direction
Documents in accordance with the Implementation Plans agreed upon
between the parties and reflected in Schedule C.
2.2.5 Security Facility
To secure the warranties, obligations and all Termination Fees entered
into and provided under this Agreement, Vsource shall furnish to Agilent
by May 1, 2002, in a form approved by Agilent, a security facility,
which may take the form of a performance bond, standby letter of credit,
escrow facility or similar type of arrangement ("Security Facility"),
upon which Agilent would be entitled to draw down in the event that it
terminates this Agreement under Section 18.2, 18.4 or 18.5. The amount
of the Security Facility will be United States Two Hundred Fifty
Thousand Dollars (US$250,000) until
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October 1, 2002, at which time Vsource shall increase the amount of the
Security Facility to United States Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
(US$500,000). Once put in place, the Security Facility shall be renewed
and remain valid throughout the remaining Term of this Agreement.
3. Agilent Obligations
3.1 General Obligations.
Agilent will comply with its obligations as stated in Schedule A and in
the Directions Documents and, subject to the terms of this Agreement,
will provide Vsource, Vsource Personnel and approved Contractors with
access to, and use of, all information, data, documentation, computer
time, facilities, working space and office services reasonably required
to permit Vsource to perform its obligations hereunder, and access to
key personnel of Agilent as reasonably required by Vsource from time to
time. Agilent acknowledges that the reasonable support and co-operation
of Agilent and the Agilent Entities set forth in Schedule J is required
in order for Vsource to perform the Services in accordance with the
terms and conditions of this Agreement.
3.2 Professional Liaison.
Agilent will provide professional liaison with Vsource and will meet
with Vsource at regular intervals to be agreed upon to review progress
and resolve any issues relating to the performance of this Agreement. In
performing its obligations under this Agreement, Vsource, Vsource
Personnel and Contractors will be entitled to rely upon any
instructions, authorisations, approvals or other information provided to
them by any Agilent personnel identified in Schedule D.
3.3 Funds Administration.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, Agilent acknowledges and
agrees that at all times, Agilent shall remain solely responsible for
the administration of funds and actual payment of all monies due and
payable to Employees, government and related agencies and all other
third parties contemplated within this Agreement. Vsource shall remain
solely responsible for providing all Services in accordance with the
Direction Documents.
3.4 Personal Information.
3.4.1 Agilent represents and warrants that the initial transfer and
ongoing transfer of Personal Information to Vsource under this Agreement
is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and Agilent
has obtained all licenses, consents, permits and authorisations
necessary to permit such transfer of the Personal Information and the
use thereof by Vsource in accordance with the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, including the transfer referred to in Section 3.4.2.
Agilent will indemnify Vsource in respect of any liability, loss, or
expense
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incurred by Vsource to the extent that such liability, loss, or
expense was caused by a breach of the obligations of Agilent under this
Section 3.4.
3.4.2 Subject to the obligations contained in Section 7, Agilent
acknowledges and agrees that the Personal Information may be transferred
by Vsource or its Contractors from the jurisdiction in which an
individual, as to which the Personal Information relates, is located to
a different jurisdiction; provided, that Vsource and its Contractors
will only effect such transfer, and will use the Personal Information in
such jurisdiction, only as required to perform the Services in
accordance with this Agreement.
4. Representations and Warranties
4.1 Vsource represents and warrants that:
4.1.1 All Services will be performed by Vsource in a professional
manner, consistent with the standard of skill and care exercised by
competent professional consultants on projects of comparable scope and
complexity and in conformance with the requirements of this Agreement;
4.1.2 Vsource is sufficiently experienced, properly qualified,
registered, licensed, equipped, organized, and financed to perform the
Services and to comply with the terms of this Agreement;
4.1.3 Vsource will devote all necessary time, personnel and resources
for the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement;
4.1.4 Vsource has, and will continue to have for the duration of this
Agreement, full capacity, all licences, permits and approvals, and the
power and authority to execute, deliver and perform all Services and to
comply with all Direction Documents and Vsource's obligations under this
Agreement, and that the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by Vsource has been duly authorized by all necessary actions
of its respective directors and officers;
4.1.5 Vsource shall comply with all applicable laws, bye-laws,
enactments, orders, ordinances, rules and regulations directly related
to its obligations and activities under this Agreement. Vsource agrees
to promptly notify Agilent if it becomes aware that performance of the
Services or any of its activities under this Agreement violates or is
likely to violate any applicable laws or regulations, including laws or
regulations relating to Agilent's legal obligations which fall within
the scope of the Services;
4.1.6 The provision by Vsource of the Services and the performance of
its obligation under this Agreement do not violate or infringe any third
party Intellectual Property Rights, including without limitation,
patent, trade secret, copyright,
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trademark, trade dress, utility model, industrial design, mask work or
moral rights, and that Vsource is not aware of any facts upon which such
a claim could be made. Vsource shall give written notice to Agilent as
soon as it becomes aware of any breach, claim or threat of legal
proceedings which arises or is likely to arise in respect of any third
party's Intellectual Property Rights.
4.1.7 Vsource is either the rightful owner of all rights, title and
interest in or the rightful licensee of all Intellectual Property Rights
supplied or used in the provision of the Services.
4.1.8 Vsource is under no obligation or restriction nor will it assume
any such obligation or restriction which would in any way interfere with
or present a conflict of interest concerning the provision of the
Services or performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
4.2 Breach of Warranty.
In the event of any breach of any of the warranties set out above,
Vsource shall immediately provide notice of such breach to Agilent and
Agilent shall give Vsource the opportunity to re-perform the Services or
to take all appropriate action to remedy the breach within seven (7)
days, in which case Vsource shall immediately undertake all necessary
action to cure such breach to Agilent's satisfaction and at no
additional costs or expense to Agilent. If such breach is not remedied
within the seven (7) day period, Agilent may terminate this Agreement in
accordance with Section 18.2.
4.3 THE ABOVE WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY
LAW, NO OTHER WARRANTY, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, IS EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED. THE PARTIES HERETO EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTIBILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
5. Audit and Inspection.
5.1 Right to Audit.
Vsource will permit Agilent or any third party engaged by Agilent or
where required by a government agency, upon being given reasonable
notice, to audit and inspect all information, data, records, security
and information technology systems, processes and procedures, internal
controls, financial records and other documents and records of Vsource
to the extent that they relate to the provision of the Services as may
be necessary to verify: (a) that Vsource has satisfactory internal
controls in place; (b) that the amounts charged under this Agreement are
correct and in compliance with the terms of this Agreement; (c) that the
procedures and actions taken or to be taken by Vsource comply with all
terms of this Agreement and with all applicable laws and regulations;
and (d) any other matter that Agilent or its auditors may be reasonably
require to verify for the
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purposes of applicable law or accounting standards. Agilent will bear
all expenses for any audit and inspection initiated by Agilent.
5.2 Limitation on Audits.
Except for any audit pursuant to Section 5.1 that Agilent is required to
conduct or comply with by law or to verify Vsource's compliance with
applicable laws and regulations, in respect of which there shall be no
limit on the number of audits and inspections, the audits and
inspections may be undertaken no more than three (3) times in each
calendar year. Agilent shall consult with Vsource to minimize the
disruption to Vsource and its employees that may be caused by any audit
and inspection. All audits and inspections shall take place during
normal business hours in the country in which such audit or inspection
is taking place.
5.3 Duty to Assist Agilent in Audits.
Vsource shall provide all reasonably necessary assistance (including but
not limited to the provision of all information, data, records, access
to premises, facilities and reasonable use of workspace) in any audit
exercise where Agilent requires Vsource's support or participation
whether such audit is conducted by Agilent, Agilent appointed auditors
or any other third party auditors (including but not limited to
government or government-appointed auditors) to enable Agilent to
satisfy all audit requirements.
6. Compensation.
6.1 Fees and Payment
In consideration of the Services and satisfactory compliance with the
Direction Documents under this Agreement, Vsource shall be compensated
in the manner and in accordance with the fees, pricing rates and payment
terms as set forth in Schedule B.
6.2 Pricing Rate to be Fixed
The pricing rate set forth in Schedule B shall remain fixed for the Term
of this Agreement, provided always however that if the Performance
Standards are not met, Agilent shall be entitled to a reduction in the
fees in accordance with Schedule F.
6.3 Increase of Pricing Rate
Upon the renewal or extension of this Agreement, the parties may discuss
and shall mutually agree upon the pricing rate to apply for the period
of extension and Vsource may adjust the pricing rate for the continued
provision of the Services provided always that if any increase to the
pricing rate is proposed and is mutually agreed to by Agilent, such
increase shall not exceed five (5) per cent of the then prevailing
pricing rate under
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this Agreement. Parties agree that any discussions on price shall be
initiated by Vsource at least six (6) months prior to the expiry of this
Agreement.
7. Confidentiality.
7.1 Confidential Information.
During the Term, a party (the "Recipient") may receive or have access to
certain information of the other party (the "Discloser') that is marked
as "Confidential Information," or communicated, whether orally or in
writing, under circumstances imputing confidentiality including, but not
limited to, inventions, intellectual property, know-how, trade secrets,
user names and passwords, organizational information, business model
information, business strategies, compensation and benefits and other
human resource related plans, finances, fee structure, data and reports,
employee particulars and information, third party information and any
other proprietary information. The Recipient will protect the
confidentiality of Confidential Information with the same degree of care
as the Recipient uses for its own similar information, but no less than
a reasonable degree of care, under the terms of the Confidential
Disclosure Agreement ("CDA") attached as Schedule L. To the extent any
term of this Agreement conflicts with any term in the CDA, the terms of
this Agreement will control and take precedence. Confidential
Information may only be used by those directors, officers, employees,
agents and Contractors of the Recipient who have a need to know such
information for the purposes related to this Agreement. In this regard,
Vsource will ensure that all Vsource Personnel and Contractors who are
involved in the provision of the Services or who have received
Confidential Information are subject to and will sign up to the CDA set
forth in Schedule L. In addition, Vsource will enter into a Personal
Data Confidentiality Agreement ("PDCA") in the form contained in
Schedule I. The parties acknowledge that all information relating to
Agilent Employees' particulars and personal records and Agilent's
salary, compensation and benefits plans and programs and related
information are deemed Confidential Information, which will be protected
for a term of five years from the date of termination of this Agreement.
Other Confidential Information will be protected for the term designated
by the disclosing party in a CDA.
7.2 Exclusions.
The foregoing confidentiality obligations will not apply to any
information that is (a) already known by the Recipient prior to
disclosure, (b) independently developed by the Recipient prior to or
independent of the disclosure, (c) publicly available through no fault
of the Recipient, (d) rightfully received from a third party with no
duty of confidentiality to the Discloser, (e) disclosed by the Recipient
with the Discloser's prior written approval, or (f) disclosed under
operation of law.
7.3 Access to Agilent Information Assets/Systems.
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Access, if any, to Agilent information assets and/or systems is granted
solely to facilitate the business relationship described in this
Agreement, and is limited to those specific information assets/systems,
time periods, and personnel designated as mutually agreed to by the
parties from time to time. Access is subject to Agilent's then-current
business control and information protection policies, standards and
guidelines. Use of any other assets/systems other than that authorised
by Agilent for the purposes of fulfiling the terms of this Agreement is
expressly prohibited. This prohibition applies even when an asset/system
in which Vsource is authorized to access serves as a gateway to other
assets/systems outside the scope of the authorization. Use of other
assets/systems during other time periods or by individuals not
authorized by Agilent is expressly prohibited.Without limiting the
foregoing, Vsource warrants that it has adequate security measures in
place to comply with the above obligations and to insure that access
granted hereunder will not impair the integrity and availability of
Agilent's information assets/systems. Where required by Agilent, Vsource
and its employees and personnel shall enter into the Information Assets
and Access Agreement in the form contained in Schedule K
8. Insurance Coverage.
8.1 General Liability.
Vsource shall maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance (including
but not limited to contractual liability, personal injury liability and
property damage) with a minimum limit of US$1,000,000 combined single
limit per occurrence. Each policy obtained by Vsource shall name Agilent
as an additional insured.
8.2 Workers Compensation/Employers Liability.
Vsource shall maintain Workers' Compensation coverage, as required by
applicable laws or regulations where the Services are performed; where
permitted by law such coverage shall contain a waiver of the insurer's
subrogation rights against Agilent. Vsource shall maintain Employer's
Liability coverage, with limits of no less than US$500,000 each
accident, bodily injury by accident; US$500,000 policy limit, bodily
injury by disease; US$500,000 each employee, bodily injury by disease.
All insurance shall apply as primary insurance and no other insurance
shall be called upon to contribute to a loss covered thereunder, as
respects Vsource's liabilities under this Agreement.
8.3 Professional Liability.
Contractor shall carry Professional Liability Insurance covering acts,
errors or omissions arising out of the rendering of, or failure to
render, professional services related to the work performed or services
provided under this Agreement. Such Insurance shall include
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limits of coverage of not less than US$1,000,000 per occurrence, with a
provision for no more than a deductible of US$100,000.
8.4 Fidelity Bond.
Vsource shall be covered by Vsource Insurance or Commercial Blanket Bond
with blanket limits of at least US$1,000,000. This policy shall name
Agilent as a beneficiary with respect to losses of Agilent's money,
securities or other property caused by the dishonest acts of Vsource's
Personnel and any Contractors performing Services under this Agreement.
8.5 Fiduciary Liability.
Vsource shall maintain Fiduciary Liability insurance with limits no less
than US$1,000,000 for each claim. Such insurance shall include coverage
for errors in providing Services under this Agreement.
8.6 Claims Made Coverage.
If any policies have "claims made" coverage, Vsource shall maintain such
coverages for a minimum of three years after termination of all Services
under this Agreement. Any such coverage must have a retroactive date no
later than the date upon which the Services commenced under this
Agreement.
8.7 Certificates of Insurance.
All insurance required hereunder shall apply as primary insurance and no
other insurance shall be called upon to contribute to a loss covered
thereunder, as respects Vsource's liabilities under this Agreement. Such
insurance policies shall be written with appropriately licensed and
financially responsible insurers, and shall provide for a minimum of 30
days written notice to Agilent of any cancellation or reduction in
coverage. Certificates of insurance evidencing the required coverage and
limits shall be furnished to Agilent before any Services are provided
hereunder, and Vsource shall deliver copies of the certificates to
Agilent.
8.8 Additional Requirements.
All deductibles on policies providing coverage shall be paid by Vsource.
In the event Vsource is self insured for matters described in
Sub-section 8.1, above, Vsource agrees to respond to any claims or
losses made against or incurred by Agilent in the same fashion as if
insurance had been purchased with the same or broader coverage terms
than what is generally available to similar suppliers. In no event shall
the coverages or limits of any insurance required under this Section, or
the lack or unavailability of any other insurance, be deemed to limit or
diminish Vsource's obligations or liability to Agilent under this
Agreement.
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9. Indemnity.
9.1 Vsource and Guarantor shall, jointly and severally, defend, indemnify,
protect and hold harmless Agilent, its officers, directors, and
employees from and against any and all claims, losses, liens, demands,
attorneys' and expert witness fees, damages, liabilities, costs,
expenses, obligations, fees, charges, penalties, causes of action, or
suits, (collectively "Claims") to the extent that such Claims are
caused by, arise out of, or are connected in any way with:
9.1.1 any negligent act or omission, whether active or passive and
whether actual or alleged, or willful misconduct of Vsource, Vsource
Personnel or Contractors to the maximum extent permitted by law;
9.1.2 the breach of this Agreement by Vsource, Vsource Personnel or
Contractors of any of its contractual obligations, covenants,
undertakings or promises under this Agreement;
9.1.3 property loss, damage, personal injury or death, sustained by
Vsource, Vsource Personnel or Contractors, except any loss, damage,
personal injury or death occurring on Agilent's premises caused by the
gross negligence or willful misconduct of Agilent or any of its
servants, employees, agents or subcontractors;
9.1.4 a breach by Vsource, Vsource Personnel or Contractors of any law,
bye-law, enactments, orders, ordinances, rules or regulations
promulgated by any country, state, government agency, legislative,
statutory or regulatory body; or
9.1.5 A breach by Vsource, Vsource Personnel or Contractors of the
terms of Section 7, the CDA or the PDCA.
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10. Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT WILL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR ANY SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO LOSS OF PROFITS) ARISING OUT OF ANY PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT OR
IN FURTHERANCE OF THE PROVISIONS OR OBJECTIVES OF THIS AGREEMENT,
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES ARE BASED ON TORT, WARRANTY, CONTRACT
OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES EXCEPT THAT THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL NOT APPLY IN THE
CASE OF BODILY INJURY OR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS CLAIMS.
11. Intellectual Property Rights and Indemnity
11.1 All Intellectual Property Rights existing prior to the date of this
Agreement will belong to the party that owned such rights immediately
prior to that date.
11.2 Neither party shall gain by virtue of this Agreement any rights of
ownership of copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks, or any
other Intellectual Property Rights owned by the other unless otherwise
stated in writing herein.
11.3 Agilent shall own all copyright, patents, trade secrets, trade marks
and other Intellectual Property Rights, title and interest in or
pertaining to all information, reports, records, data, formats, designs
and any other documents and materials generated in the provision of the
Services to Agilent pursuant to this Agreement.
11.4 Duty to Defend and Indemnify
Vsource and Guarantor will, jointly and severally, defend, indemnify and
hold harmless Agilent from all claims, losses, liabilities, damages,
costs and expenses (including attorney and expert witness fees) suffered
by reason of any third party claim, including any claim made or any suit
or proceeding brought against Agilent, that the provision of Services by
Vsource or the Work or use by Agilent thereof under this Agreement
infringes or violates any patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret,
utility model, industrial design, mask work, moral right or other
Intellectual Property Right; provided, that Agilent promptly provides
Vsource and Guarantor with written notice of such claim, grants to
Vsource sole control of the defense and settlement negotiations relating
to such claim, and provides all reasonable assistance in defending or
settling such claim. If use of the Services or Work, or any part
thereof, is enjoined, Vsource and Guarantor will, at their sole expense
and option: (i) procure for Agilent the right to continue using the
Services or Work; (ii) replace the Services or Work with a
non-infringing version of equivalent function and performance; or (iii)
modify the Services or Work to be non-
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infringing without detracting from the function or performance required
under the terms of this Agreement.
12. Trademark License.
Where requested by Vsource in writing, and subject to formal approval
according to Agilent's policy and process guidelines, Agilent may grant to
Vsource a non-exclusive, non-transferable license (the "License"), to use
Agilent's corporate signature (the "Trademark") in delivering the Services
to Agilent Employees. All goodwill arising from use of the Trademark by
Vsource pursuant to this Agreement inures exclusively to the benefit of
Agilent. Vsource agrees to comply with trademark use specifications provided
by Agilent from time to time (the "Trademark Specifications"). Vsource will
submit samples of all materially different printed and electronic materials
bearing the Trademark to Agilent for approval prior to use, and shall not
proceed with use until it has received Agilent's direct written approval
from an individual authorized by Agilent to provide such approval. After
samples have been approved pursuant to this paragraph, Vsource shall not
depart therefrom in any material respect without Agilent's prior written
consent.
Agilent may modify or add to the Trademark Specifications and may change or
replace the Trademark, upon written notice to Vsource. Agilent may terminate
this License upon written notice to Vsource if Vsource defaults in the
performance of any of its material obligations under this Sub-section,
subject to a 90-day opportunity to cure any default that has not been
previously raised in a written notice.
13. Steering Committee
13.1 Vsource and Agilent shall establish a Steering Committee which will be
responsible for meeting periodically (but no less than 3 meetings per
year) to review and align Vsources' performance under this Agreement to
Agilent requirements; review the Implementation Plans and status and
timing of all material aspects of the Work; resolve any areas of
dispute and or potential dispute, and such other related activities as
the parties shall mutually agree upon from time to time in furtherance
of the relationship contemplated hereby. The Steering Committee shall
comprise at least one member from each party as follows:
Agilent Vsource
Agilent HR Services Manager Vice President of Financial Services
HR IT Solutions Manager Vsource Project Director
The Meeting Coordinator will finalize a meeting agenda two (2) weeks
before the meeting and ensure attendance by all appropriate
participants. All actions and decisions taken by the Steering Committee
shall be minuted, verified and signed by the authorised representatives
of both parties.
14
14. Performance Standards
14.1 Initial Performance Standards. Agilent and Vsource have identified
certain categories of Services in Schedule F, which categories may be
amended from time to time by mutual agreement, as critical functions
related to the Services to be measured on a quarterly basis. Agilent and
Vsource have and shall continue to mutually develop measurements for
each of the Performance Standards in Schedule F, which measurements
shall also be included in the Directions Documents. With respect to each
Service that has an associated Performance Standard, Vsource shall
provide such Service in a manner which meets or exceeds the associated
Performance Standard.
14.2 Review of Performance Standards. Agilent and Vsource shall jointly
review the Performance Standards as set forth in Schedule F, and where
Vsource fails to meet the Performance Standards in Schedule F, the
Parties shall make adjustments to the fees ("Fee Adjustments") payable
under this Agreement in accordance with Schedule F.
14.3 Failure to Meet Performance Standards. In the event that Vsource fails
to meet the Performance Standards identified in Schedule F, except for
reasons other than those specified in this Agreement, Vsource shall
immediately prepare and develop a detailed action plan in collaboration
with Agilent that outlines the issues that precluded Vsource from
meeting the performance of these standards in Schedule F and addresses
how the issues will be resolved. Depending on the nature of the issues
identified in such reviews, corrective action may entail addition of
employee service representatives and/or Agilent and/or Vsource systems
and operations resources to meet the Performance Standards.
14.4 TQRDCE Program. Vsource acknowledges that it has been provided with
Schedule H, the TQRDCE Program ("Program") specifications by Agilent.
Vsource shall use commercially reasonable efforts, which are consistent
with the Agreement, to participate in the Program. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the terms and conditions of the Agreement shall control to
the extent, if ever, the Program and any other terms of this Agreement
are in conflict. Both parties agree and acknowledge that any information
obtained during participation or as a result of participation in the
Program by either party is Confidential Information and subject to
Section 7 of this Agreement. Nothing in this Sub-Section, however, shall
be construed to diminish nor reduce any other rights or remedies which
Agilent may have under the terms of this Agreement
15. Electronic Services.
15.1 Vsource may provide communications and Services via electronic medium,
including, but not limited to, the site on the World Wide Web
established and maintained by Vsource on behalf of Agilent through which
Agilent and its authorized employees may access or obtain one or more
Services, client intranet, client e-mail, interactive software products
or any other information provided in an electronic format (collectively,
the "Electronic Services"). Vsource hereby grants permission to Agilent
and its authorized
15
employees and participants to utilize the Electronic Services for the
purposes of obtaining Services under this Agreement.
16. Notice.
16.1 Except as otherwise permitted under this Agreement, all notices,
demands, or other legal communications with material, financial or legal
impact shall be given in writing by hand, courier, certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or
telefacsimile (followed by certified or registered mail). Notice shall
be deemed given upon actual delivery or, if sent by hand, on the date of
delivery, if sent by courier and properly addressed, one (1) day after
being mailed, if by certified or registered mail and properly addressed,
three (3) days after being mailed, and if by telefacsimile upon
confirmation of receipt. Notice shall be delivered, mailed or faxed to
the other parties at the addresses set forth below or at such other
place as the party shall designate in writing.
If to Vsource or Vsource, Inc.:
c/o Vsource (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Level 12, Wisma Kia Peng
Xx. 0, Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx
00000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
Fax: 0 (00) 0000-0000
Attn: Vice President, Financial Services
If to Agilent:
c/o Agilent Technologies Taiwan Limited
0X, Xx.0, Xxx.0, Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
Xxxxxx 000, Xxxxxx
Fax: (000) 0 0 000 0000
Tel: (000) 0 0000 0000
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxx
With a copy to:
c/o Agilent Technologies, Inc.
000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx
Xxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
XXX
Fax: (000) 000 0000
Attn: Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx
and
x/x Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx (Sales) Pte Ltd
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000, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx
#00-00 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx 000000
Fax: (00) 000 0000
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx/Low Xxxx Xxx
17. Dispute Resolution.
In the event of any dispute between Vsource and Agilent relating to a material
section of this Agreement, the parties shall hold a meeting promptly, attended
by persons with senior decision making authority regarding the dispute, to
attempt in good faith to negotiate a resolution of the dispute; provided,
however, that no such meeting shall be deemed to vitiate or reduce the
obligations or liabilities of the Parties hereunder or be deemed a waiver by a
Party hereto of any remedies to which such Party would otherwise be entitled
hereunder. Failing a resolution of the dispute by senior employees of the
Parties, either Party may pursue all available legal remedies.
18. Term and Termination.
18.1 Term. Unless terminated under the terms of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall expire on 31st October 2005 (the "Term") and will
thereafter be automatically renewed for terms of one (1) year each.
Where parties have commenced a discussion on price changes under Section
6.3, the price change shall take effect from the date mutually agreed
to. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement under Section 6.3,
then this Agreement may be terminated with six (6) months' written
notice from either party.
18.2 Termination for Breach. Subject to Section 18.5, if either party commits
a breach of any of the terms of this Agreement, the other party shall
give the breaching party written notice to cure such breach. Upon such
notice, if the breach is material and is not cured within sixty (60)
days after such notice (or such additional time to cure as may be
granted by the non-breaching party), the non-breaching party may elect
in writing to terminate this Agreement immediately. In the case where
the breach is immaterial, the party in default shall cure such breach
within sixty (60) days after being notified of such breach (or such
additional time to cure as may be granted by the non breaching party),
failing which the non-breaching may in writing terminate this Agreement
immediately.
18.3 Termination for Convenience. Following the first anniversary of the
Effective Date, Agilent may terminate this Agreement at any time upon
giving two hundred and seventy (270) days' written notice to Vsource
unless a shorter notice period is agree upon by Vsource. Vsource may
after the first anniversary of the Effective Date terminate this
Agreement at any time upon giving three hundred and sixty five (365)
days' prior notice in writing to Agilent, unless a shorter period of
notice is agreed upon by Agilent .
18.4 Events entitling Termination. Either party may immediately terminate
this Agreement in the event the other party (i) ceases to do business as
a going concern (a corporate consolidation, merger, reorganization or
acquisition through which a party may be
17
succeeded in its business by another entity shall not be deemed to be
ceasing to do business); or (ii) makes a general assignment for the
benefit of creditors; or (iii) is insolvent, files for bankruptcy or is
the subject of receivership, unless otherwise prohibited by law;
18.5 Breach of Performance Standards. Failure by Vsource to meet a
Performance Standard shall constitute a breach of this Agreement and
Agilent shall give Vsource sixty (60) days written notice (or such
additional time to cure as Agilent may choose) to cure such breach. If
Vsource fails to remedy the breach within the said notice period,
Agilent may terminate this Agreement at the expiry of the notice period.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, where the breach of a Performance
Standard is immaterial or insubstantial, Vsource and Agilent shall
discuss the effects of such breach and remedial actions that are
required to be taken by Vsource to remedy such breach. Upon a failure by
the Parties to (i) reach an agreement within sixty (60) days from the
commencement of such discussions on the required remedial action and
(ii) if the breach should (a) have continued for a consecutive period of
two (2) months or (b) continue to occur intermittently to an extent that
it is unsatisfactory to Agilent, then Agilent may terminate this
Agreement at the end of the sixty (60) day period.
19. Transition Assistance.
19.1 In the event of expiry or termination of this Agreement, Vsource shall
provide such assistance for the period necessary to ensure orderly
transition in accordance with the terms of Schedule G including the
provision of all necessary assistance and access to all systems, data,
records, and premises relating to the Services by Agilent or
Agilent-appointed third parties to effectively conduct transition
activities. In the event of termination of this Agreement (except where
Vsource has terminated for Agilent's non-payment of undisputed fees in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement) Vsource shall assist
Agilent in developing a plan for the orderly transition of the Services
provided by Vsource hereunder to Agilent.
19.2 As part of the transition services, Vsource shall ensure that copies of
all data, information, records, work-in-progress, work-flowcharts and
documented payroll processes, and all material aspects and items of the
Work including any Intellectual Property Rights and Confidential
Information shall be provided to Agilent in a form or media that is
readily accessible.
19.3 Where training is required for Agilent to be able to fully utilise the
items provided by Vsource in Section 19.2 above, or to be able to set up
systems and processes within Agilent or an Agilent appointed third-party
so that Agilent may smoothly carry on the Services either by itself or
through a third party, Vsource shall also provide such training as part
of the transition services (except where Vsource has terminated for
Agilent's non-payment of undisputed fees in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement).
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19.4 In the event of termination of this Agreement and where requested by
Agilent, Vsource shall provide all reasonable assistance required to
have such software applications and customizations transferred over to
Agilent in order for Agilent's continued use. This shall be subject to
and contingent upon an agreement to be entered into between Agilent and
the relevant Vsource Contractor for the license and use of such
applicable software applications and customizations thereof.
20. Amendment and Change Procedures
20.1 The parties may change or amend any aspect of this Agreement and any
Schedule hereto by mutual written agreement at any time signed by the
authorized representatives of the parties, including but not limited to,
changes or amendments related to (i) the deletion of Services, (ii) the
addition of Services, (iii) the modification of Services, or (iv) any
other changes or amendments that alter the scope of this Agreement. Any
such change or amendment shall be made in accordance this Section.
Either party hereto may request a change or amendment in accordance with
this Section. The party requesting the change or amendment shall
prepare, at its expense, a notice setting forth, in reasonable detail,
the nature of the change or amendment requested in accordance with the
guidelines contained in Schedule E (a "Change Control Request"). As soon
as practical after receipt by the other party of the Change Control
Request, the parties shall discuss the change or amendment to ascertain
the effect of such proposed change or amendment on the Services, and the
fees payable hereunder, and whether the work may be performed under
authorization of a Letter of Direction, as set forth below, or whether a
contract change or amendment is necessary. The obligations of both
parties under this Agreement shall continue during discussion of the
Change Control Request.
20.2 Any work that modifies the obligations of the parties on an ongoing
basis requires a contract change or amendment. Vsource shall prepare a
draft contract change or amendment setting forth the effect of the
change or amendment on the Services, and the fees agreed by the parties
to be payable hereunder. Execution of an amendment by authorized
representatives of both parties shall constitute a modification hereof
20.3 If the work is non-recurring in nature and does not impact the Services
or the fees on an ongoing basis, such work as mutually agreed between
the parties may be performed under authorization of a letter describing
the scope of the work to be performed and signed by the individuals
approved to sign as designated in Schedule D (a "Letter of Direction").
The Letter of Direction may be used only for discrete project work that
falls outside the scope of the contract but does not alter the
obligations of the parties once such project is complete. Any work
contemplated under a Letter of Direction must be reasonably capable of
completion in less than one (1) year. Work authorized under a Letter of
Direction shall commence only after the Letter is signed by the
individuals approved to sign, as designated in Schedule D.
20.4 Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, Agilent may at any time,
upon reasonable notice, and without any adjustment in the amount of the
fees payable, make changes to
19
the Implementation Plans where such changes relate to the timing and
sequence of the implementation of the Services. Agilent acknowledges
that the payment of Implementation Fees (as defined in Schedule B) to
Vsource is dependent upon the achievement by Vsource of specified
milestones, and therefore if Agilent pursuant to this Section 20.4
materially delays the implementation schedule set forth in Schedule C,
it agrees to discuss with Vsource the impact of the change and to come
to mutually agree upon any changes to the payment schedule that may be
required as a result thereof.
21. General
21.1 Transfer, Assignment and Delegation.
Neither party may directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, either by
operation of law or otherwise, assign or transfer this Agreement or in any way
delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement without the other party's
prior written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. Any
attempted assignment, transfer or delegation without such written consent shall
be void.
21.2 Independent Contractors.
Vsource and Agilent are independent contractors. Nothing contained in this
agreement will be construed as creating a joint venture, partnership, or
employment relationship between the parties hereto, nor will either party have
the right, power or authority to create any obligation or duty, express or
implied, on behalf of the other. Agilent will not be responsible for the payment
or deduction of any amount whatsoever required by law to be made by an employer
(other than itself) in relation to its employees. Neither Vsource, Vsource
Personnel nor Contractors will be covered by any Agilent employee benefit plans
or insurance policies.
21.3 Publicity
Each party agrees not to publicize or disclose (whether in the form of a press
release or otherwise) to any third party without prior written consent of the
other party, either the terms of this Agreement or the fact of it existence and
execution except as may be necessary to comply with other obligations stated in
this Agreement or required by applicable law or regulation. Notwithstanding the
foregoing and subject to formal approval according to Agilent's policy and usage
guideline, Agilent agrees that Vsource and its parent company, Vsource, Inc.,
may publicly refer to "Agilent" or "Agilent Technologies", orally and in
writing, as a customer (without disclosing any details of the nature of the
relationship or the services being provided thereto) and may list the name
"Agilent" or "Agilent Technologies" and the Agilent logo in any non-descriptive
list of customers of Vsource, including in Vsource's website, its sales
materials and the "About Vsource" section of Vsource's press releases.
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21.4 Force Majeure
Neither party shall be liable nor deemed to be in default of its obligations
hereunder or any delay or failure in performance under the Agreement or other
interruption of service resulting, directly or indirectly, from Acts of God,
civil or military authority, act of public enemy, war, natural disasters or
catastrophes, interruption of utilities or other necessary services or supplies
or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the party affected thereby.
However, each party shall utilize its best good faith efforts to perform such
obligations to the extent of its ability to do so in the event of any such
occurrence or circumstances. If a party is unable to cure such occurrence or
circumstance (a "Force Majeure event") within 30 days, the other party may
terminate this agreement for cause as provided in Section 18.2.
21.5 Schedules and Order of Precedence
All Schedules referenced in, attached to, or hereby incorporated in this
Agreement will form part and parcel of this Agreement. In the event of any
conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this Agreement and any
Schedule, the provisions of the latter will to the extent of such conflict take
precedence unless expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement.
21.6 Final Agreement.
This Agreement, including all Schedules attached hereto and made a part hereof,
supersedes all written and oral agreements, communications or negotiations among
the parties, and constitutes the complete and full understanding and agreement
of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof. Furthermore, such
Schedules, Directions documents and any other documents referenced herein shall
legally bind both parties and be subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement. No changes or amendments shall have any effect unless made in writing
and properly executed by the parties' authorized representatives in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement.
21.7 Severability.
If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any
person or circumstances will, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the
remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to
persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or
unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term and provision of
this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by
law.
21.8 Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
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21.9 Survival.
Vsource's and Client's respective obligations under this Agreement which by
their nature would continue beyond the termination of this Agreement, including
but not limited to these contained in Sections 3.4.1, 7, 9, 10, 11.4, 16, 19,
21.2, 21.3, 21.5, 21.6, 21.7, 21.10, 21.11, and 21.12 shall survive any
termination thereof.
21.10 No Waiver.
A party's failure, at any time, to enforce any of the provisions of this
Agreement, or any right with respect thereto, shall not be construed as a waiver
of such provision or right, nor shall it affect the validity of this Agreement.
21.11 Headings.
The headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only, and will not
affect the construction or interpretation of any provision in this Agreement.
21.12 Governing Law.
The validity, interpretation, and performance of this Agreement and any dispute
in relation to any matter arising from this Agreement shall be governed by the
laws of Singapore and the Singapore Courts shall have jurisdiction.
21.13 Third-Party Beneficiaries.
The Parties hereby expressly agree and consent to this Agreement being entered
into for the benefit of Vsource, Agilent and the Agilent Entities listed in
Schedule J. Vsource further agrees that any duty or obligation to Agilent stated
herein shall to the fullest extent permitted by law inure to the benefit of and
be deemed to be a duty and obligation to each of the Agilent Entities which
shall be fully enforceable by each of those entities.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized officers or representatives. This Agreement
may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an
original instrument.
AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SINGAPORE (SALES) PTE LTD
-------------------------- ---------------------------
Name: DATO' TAN BIAN EE Name: XXXXXX XXXXXX
Title: President Title: AP Human Resources Senior Director
Date: Date:
VSOURCE (CI) LTD
-------------------------- ---------------------------
Name: XXXX XXXXXXXXX Name: XXXXXX XXXXX
Title: Chief Operating Officer Title: Chief Financial Officer
Date: Date:
VSOURCE, INC.
-------------------------- ---------------------------
Name: XXXX XXXXXXXXX Name: XXXXXX XXXXX
Title: Chief Operating Officer Title: Chief Financial Officer
Date: Date:
23
