SERVICE AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.18
This
Service Agreement (hereinafter the “Agreement”) is entered into this 15th day of
October 2007 between Lodemo y Asociados S.C.P., a Mexican Corporation with its
primary place of business located at Xxxxx 00, # 000-X x 00 x 00, Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx Gineres, X.X. 00000, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx (hereinafter “Lodemo”); and
Medical Discoveries, Inc., a Utah Corporation dba Global Clean Energy Holdings,
with its primary place of business located at 0000 X. Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 0000,
Xxx Xxxxxxx, XX 00000, XXX (hereinafter “Global”). The terms of this
Agreement shall be binding upon the parties.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Global intends to
secure land and establish and operate farming operations within the Republic of
Mexico (hereinafter “Mexico”) for the purpose of growing Jatropha Curcas (hereinafter
“Jatropha”), a non-edible agricultural product; and
WHEREAS, Global intends to
harvest Jatropha seeds from its farming operations in Mexico and extract oil
from the seeds for the purpose of selling the oil inside and outside Mexico as
an energy source and biodiesel feedstock; and
WHEREAS, Global intends to
construct and operate seed oil extraction facilities, and, in connection
therewith, desires to set up logistics and transportation systems to transport
production feedstocks, supplies, seed oil, biodiesel, and other end products;
and
WHEREAS, Global intends to
acquire professional services from Lodemo to support its activities and
objectives as described in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to
set forth their specific understanding of their respective responsibilities and
obligations associated with delivery of the services to be provided by Lodemo
hereunder.
NOW, THEREFORE, in
consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, Global and Lodemo agree as follows:
1.
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DEFINITIONS
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For
purposes of this Agreement, the following terms and phrases have the following
definitions:
“Facilities” means all
physical assets purchased or intended for purchase by Global necessary to
deliver the products and services defined in this Agreement; including
structures, seeds, plants, fertilizer, planting materials and supplies, tools,
machinery, equipment, and vehicles. For purposes of this Agreement, the
Facilities shall not include any land.
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“Project Operations & Capital
Expenditure Budget” means a detailed and itemized estimate of projected
yearly expenditures necessary for construction and operation of the Project
based on anticipated progress and activity by the parties, as revised and
amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
“Facility Manager” means
Lodemo’s management representative with day-to-day operating responsibility for
the Project.
“Farm” means the land owned or
leased by Global in Mexico and all equipment necessary for the propagation,
cultivation, and harvesting of Jatropha on such land.
“Logistics” means those assets
and services that are necessary for the transportation of labor, materials,
products, by-product or waste to or from the operations of the Project, Farms
and Facilities.
“Oil Extraction Facility”
means the assets and services required for the removal of oil from the Jatropha
seeds produced from the Farms and for the storage of the seeds or
oil. Global shall acquire or construct, and thereafter own, the Oil
Extraction Facility. The construction or acquisition of the Oil
Extraction Facility is not covered by this Agreement. The operation
of the Oil Extraction Facility, however, is included in this Agreement as part
of the Project, and the operation of the Oil Extraction Facility shall be
included as part of the Services.
“Product” means the amount of
Jatropha seed oil and the amount of biomass byproduct produced as part of the
Project.
“Project” means establishment,
development, and operation of Global’s business to grow Jatropha in Mexico, to
extract the oil from the Jatropha seeds, and the deliver of such oil to a buyer,
including the purchase or lease of land in the name of Global, the establishment
and operation of one or more Jatropha nurseries, the clearing, planting and
cultivation of the Jatropha fields, the harvesting of the Jatropha seeds, the
operation of Global’s oil extraction facilities, and the logistics associated
with the foregoing. The Project does not include the Joint Venture or
the Biodiesel Refinery, which activities will be subject to one or more separate
agreements between the parties hereto or their respective
affiliates.
“Prudent Operating Practice”
means any of the practices, methods and acts which, in the exercise of
reasonable judgment in the light of the facts known at the time that a decision
was made, could reasonably have been expected to accomplish the desired result
at the lower reasonable cost, consistent with licensing and regulatory
considerations, environmental considerations, reliability, safety and
expedition.
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“Construction & Operating
Plan” means a forecast established by the parties for each year
describing on a calendar month basis the requested level of production of
Product from the Project for the following calendar year.
“Scheduled Output” means the
designed capacity of the Project on a month to month basis as set forth in the
Construction & Operating Plan.
“Services” means
the services to be provided by Lodemo under this Agreement required to
accomplish the goals of the Project.
“Service Standards” has the
meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).
“Utilities” means,
collectively, those utilities which are utilized or required in connection with
the Project, including electricity, fuel, water, wastewater, and temporary
portable lavatories, applied or consumed in the operation of the Project and the
supply or performance of Services.
“Joint Venture” means business
arrangement the parties intend to establish for the purpose of designing,
constructing, and operating a biodiesel manufacturing facility to be located in
Yucatan, Mexico (hereinafter the “Biodiesel
Refinery”). The parties currently anticipate that any Joint
Venture established by them shall be equally owned by them and will be financed,
constructed, and operated on terms to be negotiated by
them.
2.
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SCOPE OF
SERVICES
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2.1.
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General Scope of
Services
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Subject
to Global’s payment obligations as more fully set forth in Section 6, Lodemo’s
Services will include the following:
2.1.1.
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Project
Management. Lodemo will provide Project Management
services, which services, subject to the rights of the Global Project
Manager to the extent granted herein, shall consist of implementing the
Construction & Operating Plan, including the overall management and
supervision of all aspects of the Project and the responsibility for
ensuring the proper and timely performance of all Services to
Global. Project Management provided by Lodemo will be provided
by senior Lodemo staff and include participation in meetings with Global,
planning, reporting, scheduling, budgeting, and day-to-day direction of
all staff and activities.
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2.1.2.
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Acquisition of Land
Parcels. In cooperation with and on Global’s behalf,
Lodemo will identify potential land parcels suitable for nursery and
Jatropha farming operations. Lodemo will negotiate with land
owners the terms for the long-term use of the land, either by sale or by
lease, for the purpose of Jatropha farming. Lodemo will assist
Global by all necessary means to negotiate and consummate land sales
and/or lease agreements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lodemo
shall not have the right to enter into any land agreements (lease or
purchase) on behalf of Global, and Lodemo shall not have the right to bind
or obligate Global in any such land agreements. Nothing set
forth in this Agreement obligates Global to enter into any land sales or
lease Agreement, and Global shall have the sole right to determine whether
to acquire land and the terms of such acquisition. The land
contracts shall be entered into by an affiliate of Global, organized in
Mexico.
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2.1.3.
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Clearing of
Land. Lodemo will prepare all nursery and farming land
parcels as required to allow for efficient planting, irrigation, drainage,
and propagation of Jatropha. Lodemo will clear trees, shrubs,
structures, large rocks, and other foreign objects from the land as
required.
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2.1.4.
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Nursery Construction
and Operation. Lodemo will set up and construct a
Jatropha plant nursery at a site location approved by
Global. The nursery will be for the staging operations and
storage and care of Jatropha seeds, seedlings, stem cuttings, and other
materials and supplies necessary for nursery operations. Global
will be responsible for providing all Jatropha seeds, seedlings, stem
cuttings, and other materials and supplies necessary for nursery
operations. Lodemo will provide staff for ongoing daily
operations of the nursery.
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2.1.5.
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Planting and
Cultivation of Jatropha. Lodemo will plant and cultivate
Jatropha on the land owned or leased by Global. Planting will
include transfer of seeds, seedlings, and/or established stem cuttings
supplied by and through the nursery. Lodemo will provide high quality
long-term care of the Jatropha to include irrigation, removal of weeds,
and seasonal pruning.
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2.1.6.
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Jatropha Seed
Harvesting and Transportation. Upon proper plant
maturity, Lodemo will harvest and clean all mature Jatropha seeds from all
of Global’s planted land parcels described above in this Agreement on a
periodic basis as required. All Global Jatropha seeds harvested
by Lodemo will be cleaned (removal of seed casings, stems, and leaves) and
transferred by Lodemo to the Oil Extraction Facility or to another Yucatan
oil extraction facility designated by
Global.
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2.1.7.
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Operation of Oil
Extraction Facilities. Lodemo will assist Global in
identifying suitable locations for one or more Oil Extraction
Facilities. Lodemo will provide all operations and logistics
services for the management and operations of a Global Oil Extraction
Facility. The Oil Extraction Facility will be designed,
constructed, and owned by Global. Lodemo will be responsible
for all operations and site logistics, including transfer and disposal of
seed meal and transfer of seed oil to buyers and local Global biodiesel
manufacturing facilities.
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2.2.
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Other
Services
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The
parties understand that in the process of executing its Services, Global and
Lodemo may from time to time hire or cause to be hired contractors and
subcontractors to complete certain tasks. If during the process of
reviewing contractor and subcontractor proposals, Lodemo determines it can and
desires to provide the same services for an equal or lower price and at an equal
or better quality; Global will provide Lodemo the opportunity to enter into
agreement and perform said services for its proposed price and under similar
terms.
2.3.
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Construction of
Facilities
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2.3.1.
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Global
Responsibilities. Global will fund the Project’s costs
and the fees and expenses set forth in this Agreement in the manner as
specified in the Project Operations & Capital Expenditure
Budget. Global shall also provide the necessary technology,
including plant and soil science expertise, for the setup and construction
of one or more nurseries and for Farm operations as necessary for the bulk
production of Jatropha seeds. Global will provide all necessary
funds, technology, engineering, procurement, and construction for the Oil
Extraction Facilities.
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2.4.
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Operation of
Facilities
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2.4.1.
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Services on Behalf of
Global. Subject to (a) Global’s right to exercise
managerial control in accordance with default provisions as outlined in
this Agreement, (b) Global’s other rights hereunder, and (c) the other
provisions of this Agreement, Lodemo will provide its Services on behalf
of and for the account of Global, will have full authority and
responsibility for executing its Services, and will perform its Services
according to expectations and at such times as directed by
Global.
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2.5.
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Service
Standards
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2.5.1.
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Standard of
Quality. Lodemo shall adhere to commercially reasonable
standards in performing the Services in accordance with Global’s direction
and expectations as communicated in writing and through Project meetings
with Global from time to time and shall perform or cause to be performed
the Services in all material respects in accordance with (i) Prudent
Operating Practice, (ii) Lodemo’s standard practices for such services
consistent with the scope and quality of similar services provided by
Lodemo for itself in its other business activities, and (iii)
all reasonable instructions of Global (collectively, the “Service
Standard”).
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2.5.2.
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Compliance/No
Violations. Lodemo shall perform its Services in accordance with
applicable laws, rules, regulations, permits and licenses and orders of
governmental authorities as in effect from time to time (collectively
referred to as “Applicable Law”). Lodemo, in rendering its
Services, shall have no obligation to take any action or otherwise to
perform to the extent it reasonably believes such action or performance is
or may be in violation of any Applicable Law or may involve any material
risk to the Project, Facilities or Farm, or any part thereof, or any
persons or property.
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2.6.
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Personnel
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2.6.1.
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Formation of Labor
Management Company. The parties understand and agree
that Lodemo may create a new Mexican corporation (herein referred to as
“NEW Co.”) to perform the functions of hiring in its name and managing
personnel required for executing its Services under this agreement. In its
function, NEW Co. will be responsible for all labor-related management
functions, including all payroll operations and payment of social security
and health and welfare contribution obligations. Lodemo agrees
that, notwithstanding the formation of New Co, Lodemo will be responsible
for the supervising and managing NEW Co. and that Lodemo shall be
responsible to Global under the terms of this Agreement for the actions or
omissions of NEW Co. Even though personnel required for
execution of the Services may be employees of NEW Co., such personnel will
remain under the sole and exclusive supervision and control
of Lodemo. All Lodemo and NEW Co. employees will be
properly classified, qualified, trained and supervised by Lodemo for the
execution of the Services.
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2.6.2.
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Use of Employment
Agencies. In order to hire appropriate personnel and
fulfill the staffing obligations under this Agreement, Lodemo is
authorized to hire personnel through an employment agency or labor
outsourcing company. Additional fees required to hire personnel
through an employment agency are considered Allowable Costs under the
terms of this Agreement. All employees acquired through any
employment agency will remain under the sole and exclusive responsibility,
supervision, and control of Lodemo.
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2.6.3.
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Right to Remove
Personnel. If Global determines in good faith that the
continued assignment of any person, subcontractor, or employment agency
performing or providing Services is not in accordance with the
requirements and standards set forth in this Agreement, Global may deliver
a notice to Lodemo stating its complaint and requesting removal and/or
replacement of such person(s), subcontractor, or employment
agency. Promptly after its receipt of such complaint and
request by Global, Lodemo will investigate the matters stated in the
complaint and request and discuss its own findings with
Global. If Global still, in good faith, requests removal and/or
replacement of such person(s), subcontractor, or employment agency, Lodemo
will promptly remove and/or replace that person(s), subcontractor, or
employment agency with one of suitable ability and qualifications
reasonably acceptable to Global. In such cases, all costs
incurred for the removal and replacement of such person(s), subcontractor,
or employment agency, as well as any damages or repairs caused, will be
considered as Non-Allowable Costs.
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2.7.
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Utilities
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Lodemo
will arrange for all necessary temporary and permanent Utilities to be provided
to the nursery, any Farm, and any Oil Extraction Facility. In
providing such Utilities, Lodemo will use such Utilities prudently and provide
such services as economically as possible for such operation in connection with
the Services.
2.8.
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Raw Materials,
Supplies and Packaging
Material.
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Lodemo
may acquire on behalf of Global all minor raw materials and supplies reasonably
necessary for the Project, including maintenance, repair and operating supplies,
spare parts, packaging materials, and utilities services and facilities required
by Global and for execution of the Services. Such reasonably
necessary minor raw materials and supplies are subject to periodic review by
Global, but shall be considered as Allowable Costs.
2.9.
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Maintenance and
Repairs
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In the
course of conducting operations and performing its Services, Lodemo may provide
maintenance and repairs which may or may not involve capital expenditures, in
accordance with Global’s quality standards and standard Lodemo
practice. If, in the reasonable opinion of Lodemo, capital
expenditures are required with respect to proper operation and maintenance of
the Project, Lodemo may make such capital expenditures directly and consider
them as Allowable Costs provided that such capital expenditures are planned and
included in the Project Operations & Capital Expenditure
Budget. If such capital expenditures are not planned and
included in the Project Operations & Capital Expenditure Budget or exceed
the amounts included in the Project Operations & Capital Expenditure Budget,
Lodemo may make such capital expenditures directly and consider them as
Allowable Costs provided that Lodemo will not proceed without Global’s written
consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, prior to approving any
capital project in excess of $5,000 for any one expenditure or collectively for
all related expenditures.
2.10.
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Global’s Presence at
Site
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During
all of Lodemo’s activities and for the purpose of reviewing Lodemo’s progress
and performance, Global will have total unrestricted access to all Project
locations, including the nursery, farms, Oil Extraction Facility, and any other
sites where Global’s materials are stored or work under this Agreement is being
conducted.
2.11.
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Permits and
Licenses
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Lodemo
shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining in Global’s name any and all
permits or licenses required by Applicable Law relating to the construction,
operation, and ownership of the Project, Farm, Facilities or Logistics (but not
relating to employees or other labor hired by Lodemo or New Co.). In
the event that under Applicable Law Lodemo is required to be a party to such
permits or licenses, Lodemo shall hold those permits and licenses on behalf of
Global and for Global’s account. Lodemo or New Co. shall obtain and
maintain all permits and licenses required by Applicable Law to hire the
employees and laborers used in the Project, including persons working on the
Farms, in the nursery, and in the Oil Extraction Facility. All direct
costs associated with obtaining and maintaining permits are considered Allowable
Costs. Lodemo shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining such
permits and licenses.
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3.
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BUDGETING
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3.1.
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The Budgeting
Process
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Lodemo
shall, for each calendar year, provide Global with Lodemo’s proposed annual (i)
Construction & Operating Plan and (ii) Project Operations & Capital
Expenditure Budget (hereinafter the “Budget”). The draft Construction
& Operating Plan and Budget is attached hereto as Exhibits D and E, which
Construction & Operating Plan and Budget will be updated and submitted for
approval by Global; all subsequent annual Construction & Operating Plans and
Budget’s will be delivered to Global at least 90 days prior to the beginning of
each subsequent calendar year. Global shall provide prompt review and
comments to Lodemo as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than forty
five (45) days after receipt of the proposed Construction & Operating Plan
and Budget. Global’s comments may include questions, comments,
objections or suggested modifications which Global may have with respect to such
proposed plan and budget, and the parties shall cooperate with each other in
developing a mutually acceptable Construction & Operating Plan and Budget.
Global must approve the Construction & Operating Plan and Budget in writing
before they may be considered valid and before costs associated with the
Construction & Operating Plan and Budget may be considered as Allowable
Costs. If Global does not approve the annual Construction &
Operating Plan and Budget by December 15 of the applicable calendar year, Lodemo
will continue to perform the Services and continue operations in accordance with
the previous year’s Construction & Operating Plan and Budget, until such
time as a new Construction & Operating Plan and Budget may be established
through negotiation or according to dispute resolution methodology described in
Section 15. Lodemo will provide Global with a monthly reconciliation
of actual expenditures compared to the Budget, and Global and Lodemo will review
annual Construction & Operating Plans and Budgets jointly on a monthly
basis. The annual Construction & Operating Plan and Budget may be
revised with the written consent of both parties during monthly reviews to
reflect revisions necessitated by changed circumstances, including changes in
law, scope, emergencies, and force majeure events.
3.2.
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Budget Detail and
Format
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Information
included in the annual Construction & Operating Plan and Budget, as well as
all supporting data, formulas, calculations, and back-up information will be
available for review at any time by either party and will be shared upon request
by the parties. Annual Construction & Operating Plans and Budgets
will be provided by Lodemo in significant detail consistent with common
professional practice and in a form that Global may request in order for it to
adequately provide review and make prudent business decisions.
4.
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MANAGEMENT AND
CONTROL
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4.1.
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Responsibility of
Personnel
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Except as
otherwise provided in this Agreement, Lodemo shall have exclusive managerial
control over and responsibility for its personnel (and any personnel hired by
New Co.), any subcontractors, and suppliers in the execution of its
Services. Such control shall include decision making authority over
coordination and scheduling of labor, logistics, and operations; provided, however,
that such control shall be effected in a manner which does not adversely affect
the quality of service, result in delays, or violate or contradict any labor
laws, rules, or moral obligations applicable to employees under the
responsibility, supervision and control of either Lodemo, its
subcontractors or suppliers, NEW Co., or any employment agency performing
services hereunder, and such employees shall not be required to report to any
person who is not ultimately reporting up through Lodemo.
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4.2.
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Global Right to
Review
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Global
reserves the right to review the management practices of Lodemo, its
subcontractors and suppliers, NEW Co., and any employment agency performing
services hereunder to determine and ensure that the Services are managed using
methods that are not detrimental to safety and health of any employed person, or
are not in violation of applicable standards or laws.
4.3.
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Global Project
Manager
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Global
shall have the right at any time to appoint a Global representative as the
person responsible for overall strategic planning and management of the Project
and who may be located at any given time at any of the Facilities (the “Global
Project Manager”). The Global Project Manager may also be assisted in
his work by other Global staff. The Global Project Manager’s function
shall be to provide overall direction regarding the Project, including (i) the
purchasing/leasing land, (ii) approving changes to the Budget, (iii)
establishing overall practices and procedures for planting and harvesting
Jatropha plants and seeds, and (iv) monitoring Lodemo’s progress in carrying out
the Construction & Operating Plan. The Global Project Manager and
his staff, if any, will not provide supervision of Lodemo construction,
operations, or logistics personnel and will not otherwise be responsible for, or
involved in, the day-to-day operations of the Project. Global shall
bear all costs and expense associate with its Global Project Manager and related
staff. The Global Project Manager and staff will be provided access
to all Facilities and financial and operating records of the Project, and at the
Global Project Manager’s request, will have the right to participate in Lodemo’s
planning, scheduling, and budgeting activities and meetings convened concerning
operations or the execution of its Services (“Management
Meetings”).
4.4.
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Project Management
Meetings
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Lodemo
will plan and arrange for monthly project management meetings to occur on or
about the 20th day of
every calendar month during the term of the Agreement (Management
Meetings”). Through the Management Meetings, the parties shall
perform progress and budget reviews and coordinate any shutdowns, curtailments,
service outages, and changes to operations.
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5.
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ENVIRONMENTAL
POLICIES
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5.1.
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Environmental
Plan
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As a part
of its Services, Lodemo shall provide Global with a project environmental plan,
which will include a description of its waste collection and disposal strategy,
land clearing and biomass disposal strategy, site drainage plans, and its plan
for providing any other services in accordance with local and national
environmental laws and Global’s corporate polices and practices.
5.2.
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Environmental
Permits
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On behalf
of Global, Lodemo will apply for and bear responsibility for acquiring any
required environmental permits and/or licenses, and will maintain and administer
said permits and/or licenses for the Project and Facilities.
6.
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COMPENSATION FOR
SERVICES
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As
compensation for Lodemo providing the Services herein, Global shall make
payments to Lodemo as follows:
6.1.
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Allowable and
Non-Allowable Costs
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Allowable
and Non-Allowable Costs for the Project shall be determined as
follows.
6.1.1.
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Allowable
Costs
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"Allowable
Costs" shall mean the actual costs described in this Subsection that are paid or
payable by Lodemo and necessarily incurred during performance of the
Services. Allowable Costs are subject to additions or deductions
which may be made in accordance with this Agreement. Allowable Costs
shall only include the following items:
6.1.1.1.
Direct costs of salaries and wages actually paid to Lodemo's full-time employees
listed in Exhibit "B". Other personnel who are specifically named in
Exhibit "B" may also be charged to the Project to the extent that use of such
personnel is included in the Budget or otherwise approved by
Global. Any changes to such chargeable personnel during the course of
the Project must be approved in writing by Global.
6.1.1.2.
A factor of fifteen percent (15%) (Lodemo's "Labor Burden Rate") of the actual
salaries and wages described in Subsection 6.1.1 above to compensate Lodemo for
the cost of all statutory payroll taxes levied or assessed by any governmental
body during the performance of the Services, including but not limited to
retirement, unemployment taxes and unemployment insurance, and worker's
compensation costs; and for the cost of any and all company paid employee
benefits, including but not limited to holiday pay, vacation pay, sick leave,
retirement plans, group medical and life insurance benefits. The
Labor Burden Rate shall be applied to all hours at the salaries or wages listed
in Exhibit “B”.
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6.1.1.3.
Actual direct cost to Lodemo of non-employee agency personnel in accordance with
the amounts paid pursuant to the applicable agency hire agreements plus an
allowance of five percent (5%) to compensate Lodemo for its overhead costs
pertaining to such personnel.
6.1.1.4.
Actual cost of amounts paid or payable by Lodemo to its subcontractors and
vendors for services performed pursuant to subcontracts and purchase orders
which have been reviewed and approved by Global.
6.1.1.5.
Actual direct cost to Lodemo of all materials and equipment incorporated into
the Services by Lodemo including the direct costs of transportation
thereof. Said costs shall be invoiced at actual trade and quantity
discount prices, when applicable. Any salvage value actually realized
by Lodemo at the end of the Project for any excess items paid for by Global
shall be a credit for Global's account.
6.1.1.6.
Actual direct costs to Lodemo of rental charges for all necessary construction
machinery and equipment utilized in the Services, exclusive of small tools,
including the direct costs of installation, dismantling, removal, maintenance,
oil and grease; insurance; transportation and delivery. Such rental
charges shall not exceed the prevailing rates in the area of the
Project.
6.1.1.7.
Actual and reasonable travel and subsistence expenses of Lodemo’s Site Personnel
listed in Exhibit "B" hereto while traveling in the discharge of duties in
connection with the Services. Lodemo shall use its best efforts to
obtain the lowest cost for such travel and expenses.
6.1.1.8.
Actual direct costs of sales and use taxes directly relating to the Services
that are imposed by governmental authorities and paid by Lodemo on behalf of
Global.
6.1.1.9.
Costs of clean-up and removal of debris.
6.1.1.10.
Costs incurred due to an emergency affecting the safety of persons and
property.
6.1.1.11.
Costs of site security services for protection of the Services and Project
unless provided by Global.
6.1.1.12.
Project-related license fees required by statute.
6.1.1.13.
Construction, building, or environmental permit fees paid by Lodemo when
approved in advance and in writing by Global.
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6.1.1.14.
Other actual direct costs incurred in the performance of the Services if and to
the extent such costs are incurred in the course of Lodemo’s execution of the
Plan and are contemplated in the Budget as approved in accordance with this
Agreement.
6.1.1.15.
Costs of claims, remedial actions, fines and damages resulting from Global’s
refusal or failure to implement plans and courses of actions specified in the
annual Plan and Budget, including any labor termination and subcontractor
termination cost.
6.1.2.
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Non-Allowable
Costs
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"Non-Allowable
Costs" shall mean the direct and/or indirect costs described in this Subsection
6.1.2. All such Non-Allowable Costs are included in Lodemo's
Management Fee set forth in Section 6.4 and/or as provided by mutual written
agreements, including Change Orders, as provided for in this
Agreement. Lodemo shall not be entitled to receive any additional
reimbursement for any of the items described as follows:
6.1.2.1.
All direct and indirect operating, maintenance and overhead costs of any kind
relating to Lodemo's principal and branch offices which is not dedicated to or
reserved for use on the Project, including but not limited to office space,
furniture and equipment; rent; maintenance; local telephone; utilities;
depreciation; security; furniture; office equipment; office supplies; property
taxes; the development of construction manuals, standards or computer programs;
personnel training other than for safety training; and janitorial
services. The parties agree that Global shall only pay or reimburse
Lodemo for any expenses related to its offices that are dedicated to or reserved
for the use of the Project is Global has approved such offices in
writing.
6.1.2.2.
Any expenses relating to Lodemo's operating capital, including interest on
Lodemo's capital employed in support of the Services.
6.1.2.3.
All costs arising out of grossly negligent acts or omissions by Lodemo, any
subcontractor, vendor or anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them,
or for whose acts any of them may be liable, for: (a) all costs including
defense costs, losses and damages arising out of Lodemo's indemnity obligations
to the extent defined in Article 8 hereof; and (b) the cost of all deductibles
and losses not covered by any of the insurance policies required to be provided
pursuant to Article 8 hereof.
6.1.2.4.
All costs incurred, at any time during the course of executing the Services by
Lodemo, any subcontractor, vendor or anyone directly or indirectly employed by
any of them, or for whose acts any of them may be liable, for correction,
removal, replacement and disposal of any non-conforming work, materials or
equipment to the extent defined in this Agreement.
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6.1.2.5.
All costs incurred by Lodemo for bonuses, stocks options, profits sharing
arrangements and similar incentive programs.
6.2.
|
Reimbursement for
Allowable Direct Costs
|
Lodemo
will maintain complete and detailed records of all of its direct and actual
out-of-pocket costs and expenses related to the Project or otherwise subject to
this Agreement. On or about the 20th day of
each month during the term of this Agreement, Lodemo will submit its monthly
application for payment (“Monthly Invoice”). Lodemo’s Monthly Invoice
will include a detailed record of the previous month’s direct and actual costs
including employee man-hours and costs, agency personnel man-hours and costs,
subcontractor costs, material costs, and equipment costs. All direct
costs must be supported as Allowable Costs by verifiable documentation including
timesheets and receipts. Undocumented or Non-Allowable Costs costs
will not be reimbursed.
6.3.
|
Operating
Account
|
6.3.1.
|
Establishment of
Operating Account
|
Lodemo
and Global shall establish a local depository account at a bank or other
institution approved in writing by Global (the "Operating
Account"). If requested by Global, all funds in the Operating Account
shall be invested in a cash management program approved by Global ("Cash
Management Account"). Lodemo will be authorized to make deposits and
withdrawals from the Operating Account and Cash Management Account in accordance
with this Agreement and within the guidelines of the then current
Budget. Project funds shall not be commingled with Lodemo's other
funds and only Project funds shall be deposited in the Operating Account and in
no other account. Lodemo shall pay all of its direct costs authorized
to be paid under this Agreement out of the Operating Account or Cash Management
Account.
6.3.2.
|
Funding of Operating
Account
|
On or
before the 1st day of each month, Global agrees to deposit into the Operating
Account or Cash Management Account funds in an amount sufficient to maintain the
Minimum Balance. The term “Minimum Balance” when used herein shall
mean an amount equal to the projected operating and capital expenses of the
Project projected for the following two months, as forecasted in the Budget,
less any existing balances in the Operating Account. If, upon review
of Lodemo’s Monthly Invoice it is determined that Lodemo has expended funds from
the Operating Account or Cash Management Account determined by Global to be
Non-Allowable Costs, either Lodemo will replace these funds directly or credit
Global by the same amount in the following month’s Monthly
Invoice. If the Non-Allowable costs are not replaced or credited, the
Minimum Balance will be reduced by the same amount invoiced as a Non-Allowable
Cost.
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6.4.
|
Management
Fees
|
6.4.1.
|
Basic
Fee
|
On a
monthly basis, Global shall pay to Lodemo for the duration of this Agreement, a
Management Fee equal to the greater of (i) $60 per hectare per year ($5 per
hectare per month) for every full hectare planted and under cultivation in
Jatropha, and (ii) the monthly fee shown by schedule in Exhibit A (hereinafter
the “Minimum Fee”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at the time the
Management Fee is determined the number of hectares planted and under
cultivation is less than the amount set forth on Exhibit A solely as a result of
Lodemo’s failure to comply with its obligations under this Agreement, including
its obligations to provide land aggregation, nursery and planting Services in a
timely manner, the Minimum Fee shall be readjusted to reflect the number of
hectares not planted as a result of Lodemo’s failure to comply.
6.4.2.
|
Performance
Payment
|
Global
will pay to Lodemo an incentive to reduce costs of operation of the Project,
Farm and Facilities. Lodemo will be paid 20% of the reduction in
actual direct costs (Allowable Costs) below the approved annual Budget for each
year it reduces said costs. This cost reduction applies to all costs
including land leases and other direct costs. This reduction may not
in any way adversely impact quality of Product, worker treatment, safety or long
term viability of the Farm or Project or violate any law or environmental rule
or policy.
6.4.3.
|
Provision for Transfer
of Oil to Mexico Joint
Venture
|
As
additional compensation for Lodemo’s Services under this Agreement and its
agreement to enter into the Joint Venture, Global agrees to sell 10% of the net
Jatropha seed oil produced by the Project to the Joint Venture for exclusive use
as feedstock for the Biodiesel Refinery. The price at which such
Jatropha seed oil will be sold to the Joint Venture shall equal Global’s actual
cost of production, including the allocated portion of the payments made by
Global to Lodemo under this Agreement (excluding this Subsection
6.4.3).
6.4.4.
|
Improved Production
Bonus
|
Global
will provide to Lodemo an incentive for increased oil production from the
Project. Twenty percent (20%) of all oil produced by Global as part
of the Project in excess of the projected baseline production shown in Exhibit C
(as amended with the mutual consent of the parties from time to time) will be
sold to the Joint Venture at the same average cost as other oil sold by Global
during any given month for exclusive use as feedstock to the Joint
Venture.
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6.4.5.
|
Biomass Sales
Incentive
|
Global
will pay to Lodemo an incentive for all sales of the biomass byproduct produced
from the seed oil extracted at the Oil Extraction Facility (hereinafter the
“Biomass Incentive”). The Biomass Incentive will be 50% of the net
price of the sale, which will be calculated by subtracting from the actual price
received the amount of the actual handling costs of the biomass, including
shipping, from the gross sales price. The Biomass Incentive will be
paid within 30 days of receipt by Global of funds from the buyer.
All
potential sales of biomass are subject to review by Global, and Global reserves
the right to either accept or reject any potential sale. However, if
Global chooses to sell the biomass to a buyer for a lower price than an
alternate buyer, Global will pay to Lodemo its Biomass Incentive based on the
documented price of the alternate buyer.
6.4.6.
|
Payment of Redundancy
Costs in the Event of Suspension or
Termination
|
At any
time during the term of this Agreement, upon suspension or termination of this
Agreement or the supply or performance of Services hereunder, in whole or in
part, or upon cessation of production at the Project, or upon any major
reduction by Global in the quantity of Products to be produced at the Project
hereunder, in each case for any reason other than a breach by Lodemo of this
Agreement, Global shall reimburse Lodemo for all direct costs incurred in
separation and outplacement associated with any of Lodemo’s or it’s
subcontractor’s personnel or employees to the extent made redundant as a result
of any such suspension, termination, cessation, or permanent reduction or
shutdown, or major reduction. Any direct costs incurred and approved according
to terms described in this Section will be debited from any remaining balance of
funds previously advanced by Global to Lodemo through the Operating Account or
Cash Management Account.
7.
|
INSURANCE
|
Each
party shall purchase and maintain its own insurance in such amounts and covering
such risks as are usually carried by companies engaged in the same or similar
business and similarly situated, including insurance against public liability
and property damage. Both parties will work together to minimize the
existence of non-required or redundant insurance coverages. Notwithstanding, the
parties agree to purchase appropriate insurance coverage for the risks related
to this Project. These risks and insurance coverage may include heavy
rainfall, hurricanes, floods, fire and explosion damage. Cost of
insurance is generally an Allowable Cost, but must be approved in advance in
writing by Global.
8.
|
THIRD PARTY
INDEMNIFICATION
|
Page 15
of 23
To the
extent not covered by insurance, Lodemo agrees, to the fullest extent permitted
by law, to indemnify, defend, and hold Global and its officers, agents, and
employees of Global harmless from and against any and all third party claims,
demands, causes of action, damages, losses, and expenses of whatsoever nature,
character, or description, regardless of merit thereof, which are or may be
asserted against Global by any person or entity, and which arise out of or
result from, in whole or in part, (i) the negligent acts or omissions of Lodemo
in the performance of the Services under this Agreement, or (ii) the breach by
Lodemo of any terms of this Agreement. The acceptance of the Services by Global
shall not operate as a waiver of such right of indemnification.
To the
extent not covered by insurance, Global agrees, to the fullest extent permitted
by law, to indemnify, defend, and hold Lodemo, its officers, directors,
employees, and subcontractors harmless from and against all third party claims,
demands, causes of action, damages, losses, and expenses of whatsoever nature,
character, or description, regardless of the merit thereof, which are or may be
asserted against Lodemo by any person or entity, and which arise out of or
result from, in whole or in part, (i) the negligent acts or omissions of Global
in the performance of Lodemo’s obligations under this Agreement, or (ii) the
breach by Global of any terms of this Agreement.
9.
|
LIMITATION OF
LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMER
|
Each
party to this Agreement shall only be liable to the other party and its agents
and employees for losses sustained by the other party and its agents and
employees directly as a result of the first party’s lack of performance under
this Agreement and losses resulting from intentional misconduct or gross
negligence by the first party, its employees, it’s subcontractors (including the
employees of NEW Co.). Neither party shall be liable for special,
incidental, indirect, punitive or consequential damages under this Agreement;
provided that this limitation shall not apply in the case of a party’s willful
acts. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding,
Global acknowledges that Lodemo makes no representation or warranty of any kind
with respect to having past experience in the provision of the Services, the
financial viability of the Project, or the fitness of Jatropha oil for its
intended use as a feedstock.
10.
|
TAXES
|
Global
shall reimburse Lodemo on a current basis for all taxes, excises or other
charges which Lodemo may be required to pay to any government (federal, state,
or local) relating to the Project, whether current in nature or as the result of
any tax audit, by reason of any of its activities hereunder and not otherwise
provided for herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Global shall not
be required to reimburse Lodemo for taxes on or measured by Lodemo’s fees, net
income or profit,
11.
|
OWNERSHIP
|
Under the
terms of this Agreement, Lodemo shall not receive or acquire legal or equitable
ownership or possession rights in any part of the Project or to any of Global’s
assets. Any ownership or equity interest Lodemo may ultimately
receive will be covered under a separate agreement.
Page 16
of 23
Except
for the rights of access and operation granted in this Agreement, Lodemo shall
not receive or acquire any legal or equitable ownership or possession rights to
any part of the Project or any of Global’s personal or real property contained
or stored at the Project or the Facility. This exclusion to access
and ownership includes seed oils and/or chemicals stored in tanks, trucks,
railcars, tanks or barges.
The
following documents shall be collectively referred to in this Agreement as the
“Project Documents”: all information, intellectual property, work
product, and all documents (each in whatever medium or format, including
computerized reports and information on disk) related to arising out of the
Project, and the performance of the Services, including, without limitation, all
land plans, maps, engineering studies, soil studies, geological studies, and
other engineering information, all documentation prepared or obtained by Lodemo
or Global in preparation for filings with or filed with a governmental or
quasi-governmental agency plans and specifications and environmental
reports, and all other studies, tests, work product, analyses, development
plans, studies, drawings, designs, and sketches, memoranda, construction
documents, marketing plans, financial analyses, books, records, data, and
reports prepared or obtained by Lodemo or Global, their its employees, agents,
consultants or subcontractors relating in any manner to the
Project. The Project Documents shall be and remain the sole and
exclusive property of Global, and Global shall have the right to use such for
any purpose without any additional compensation to Lodemo. Lodemo
shall acquire no ownership rights in the Project Documents, but shall have the
right to use such Project Documents in performance of the Services
hereunder. Lodemo acknowledges that it is acting as an agent of
Global, and all of the work product and Project Documents, and other
intellectual property created, produced, or procured by Lodemo or any consultant
or subcontractor, regardless of form of medium, are the sole property of Global,
and constitute a “Work Made for Hire”. If any services or processes
or products are patentable, Global may, at its option, apply for a patent and
the patent, if issued, shall be in Global’s name and be the sole property of
Global. All trademarks, trade names, logos, and other copyrightable
materials shall be owned by Globable and may be registered by
Global.
12.
|
CONFIDENTIALITY
|
Neither
party shall, directly or indirectly, disclose, communicate, divulge, furnish or
make accessible or available, in whole or in part, to any person, firm, company,
corporation or other entity, other than to its employees and other
representatives to the extent necessary to discharge and perform its obligations
under this Agreement or as required by any law or regulation, any data,
know—how, drawings, plans, written instructions, or other writings, processes,
techniques, methods, designs, inventions, materials, formula, equipment,
machinery, devices and the like (whether or not patentable) of a secret and
confidential nature, and any other confidential information, material or matter,
or trade secrets, relating or pertaining to the business of the other party that
it learns of pursuant to this Agreement including, any such information relating
to the processes and equipment for the production of products by the process
used in the Project or by a similar process.
Page 17
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13.
|
TERM
|
Unless
terminated pursuant to Section 14, the term of this Agreement shall commence on
the date hereof and continue for 20 years from the date hereof. At
the expiration of the term, or upon termination pursuant to Section 14, Global
shall continue to own all rights to the contracts, land, agricultural output,
Facilities, Products, intellectual rights, and all other Project
assets. Sections 8, 9, 11 and 12 shall survive the termination of
this Agreement.
14.
|
TERMINATION FOR
DEFAULT; FORCE MAJEURE
|
14.1 In
the event Lodemo is in default in the performance of any obligation under this
Agreement and shall fail to diligently proceed to correct such default within
thirty (30) calendar days following written notice from Global (or such longer
time period to the extent the cure of the default is of a nature so as to
require more time, provided that Lodemo commences the cure and continues the
prosecution of the cure until completed) , or if Lodemo dissolves, files a
petition in bankruptcy, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its
creditors, or if a petition in bankruptcy is filed against Lodemo or a receiver
is appointed for reasons of insolvency; Global may, without prejudice to any
other rights or remedies Global may have, terminate this Agreement by written
notice. In the event of termination for default, Global may take
possession of and finish the Services by whatever method Global deems expedient.
In such event, Lodemo shall be liable for all damages sustained by Global by
reason of such termination, whether at law or in equity. Global's
right to require strict performance of any and all obligations in this Agreement
shall not be affected by any previous waiver, forbearance or course of dealing
prior to such termination. Global shall be entitled to recover its
reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements in any action successfully
brought to enforce its rights under this Agreement.
14.2
Global shall have the option, exercisable in good faith at its reasonable
judgment, to terminate this Agreement, upon 90 days’ prior written notice to
Lodemo, if both (i) an event of Infeasibility has occurred, and (ii) Global
thereafter ceases to independently pursue the Project. For purposes
of this Agreement, “Infeasibility” shall mean the inability of the parties to
proceed with the Project or impracticality of the Project for reasons beyond
their reasonable control, including, without limitation:
1.
Political actions of a governmental agency that makes the Project more costly or
time consuming or financially burdensome to undertake, including, without
limitation, restrictions on land ownership or use, restrictions on the processes
involved in the Project, nationalization of the Project, or enactment of laws
that significantly and adversely affect the Project.
2.
Determination that the oil extraction process does not result in commercially
significant quantities of usable oil, or that the price for such oil makes the
Project commercially unsustainable.
3.
Natural disaster that affects a material portion of the Project (including the
Jatropha plants, the distribution system, or the Oil Extraction Facility), and
is not able to be corrected within twelve months.
Page 18
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4.
Unexpectedly high costs of operations, provided that high costs shall not be
grounds for claiming Infeasibility unless the overall operating costs exceed
200% of the Budget.
15.
|
CLAIMS AND DISPUTE
RESOLUTION
|
All
claims and disputes and other matters in question arising out of or relating to
this Agreement or the breach thereof, shall be submitted first to voluntary
Mediation, and if Mediation is not successful, then to binding Arbitration, in
accordance with the then-current Model Procedure for Mediation of Business
Disputes of the Center for Public Resources. Arbitrators and
Mediators shall be jointly selected by the parties, and have experience in
international dispute resolution involving business between Mexico and the
United States. Judgment on any arbitration award may be entered in a
court of any competent jurisdiction.
The
prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees,
costs and disbursements in any action brought to enforce or its rights under
this Agreement or to interpret the provisions of this Agreement. The
existence of any claim, dispute or legal proceeding shall not relieve Lodemo
from its obligation to properly perform its Services during such Mediation or
Arbitration proceedings as set forth herein.
Notwithstanding
the above, before either party pursues Mediation or Arbitration, the parties
agree to attempt to resolve any dispute amicably at a meeting to be attended by
persons with decision-making authority. If, within thirty (30)
calendar days after such meeting, the parties have not succeeded in negotiating
a resolution of the dispute, they agree to resolve the dispute according to the
Mediation and Arbitration dispute resolution process described in this
Section.
16.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
16.1.
|
Successors and
Assigns
|
Except as
expressly provided below, neither this Agreement nor any right, interest or
obligation hereunder may be assigned by either party without the prior written
consent of the other, except that (i) either party may assign this Agreement to
an Affiliate of such party; provided that the
party assigning this Agreement shall remain liable notwithstanding such
assignment, (ii) Lodemo may assign this Agreement in whole to any purchaser of
its business and assets, but as a condition of any such assignment, shall
procure the written assumption of this Agreement, and (iii) Global may assign
this Agreement to any purchaser of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Project, provided that Global
shall, as a condition of any such assignment, procure the written assumption of
this Agreement by such assignee. The terms, covenants and conditions
contained in this Agreement, including the obligations of indemnity contained
herein, are binding upon and inure to the benefit of Lodemo and Global and their
respective successors and permitted assigns and shall survive any transfer of
the ownership or control of Lodemo or Global.
(The
remainder of this page is intentionally left blank)
Page 19
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17.
|
ENTIRETY OF
AGREEMENT
|
This
Agreement contains the full and complete understanding of the parties pertaining
to the Project and the Services and supersedes any and all prior
representations, negotiations, agreements or understandings between the parties,
whether written or oral. This Agreement may not be modified except by
a subsequent writing executed by both parties.
The
parties hereby execute this Agreement by their respective duly authorized
representatives as of the Effective Date stated in the preamble of this
Agreement.
Medical
Discoveries, Inc.
|
Lodemo
y Asociados S.C.P. (Lodemo)
|
|
dba
Global Clean Energy Holdings (Global)
|
Page 20
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EXHIBIT
A
MINIMUM
FEE SCHEDULE
Page 21
of 23
EXHIBIT
B
LODEMO
PERSONNEL
Page 22
of 23
EXHIBIT
C
BASELINE
PRODUCTION
Page 23
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