EMBEE TECHNOLOGIES SUBCONTRACTOR AGREEMENT

(revised as of 25 April 2011)

 

This Subcontractor Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is made by and between the following parties (hereinafter referred to collectively as “the parties”):

 

1.         Embee Computer Design Group, Inc., dba Embee Technologies (hereinafter referred to as “Embee”), a business entity; and

 

2.         The entity or individual described in the “Scope of Work” as “Subcontractor,” (hereinafter referred to as “Subcontractor”).

 

Each of the parties enters into this Agreement on behalf of themselves, their representatives, heirs, executors, administrators, trustees, predecessors, successors, affiliates, subrogors, subrogees, lessees, lessors, grantees, assignees, assignors, subsidiaries, parent corporations, agents, contractors, servants, officers, directors, members, shareholders, owners, alter egos, attorneys, general partners, limited partners, and representatives.

1.         Recitals

 

1.01     WHEREAS, the Parties hereto desire to do business with each other based on the Scope of Work, the Pricing Structure and the Construction Drawings, respectively, all of which documents are incorporated herein by reference, and;

 

1.02     WHEREAS, the Parties hereto desire to that the parameters of their business relationship be clearly defined by this Agreement;

 

1.03     THEREFORE, the parties have mutually agreed to the following terms and conditions:

 

2.         Deliverables

 

Subcontractor shall deliver to Embee and Embee’s customer the work described in the Scope of Work, the Pricing Structure and the Construction Drawings, respectively as set forth therein.

 

3.         Compensation

 

Embee shall pay Subcontractor for the deliverables as set forth in the Pricing Structure.  Subcontractor expressly waives any and all late charges or interest charges unless expressly specified in the Pricing Structure.

 

4.         Security Interest and Defaulted Terms

 

Subcontractor grants Embee a Security Interest in all property of Subcontractor to secure all work now due or due in the future under this Agreement.  Subcontractor irrevocably grants Embee the right to sign the name of Subcontractor to any documents necessary or desirable to perfect this Security Interest.  Subcontractor will reimburse Embee on demand for the cost of any filing fees related to perfecting this interest, as needed.  If the price is not paid when due, the unpaid balance thereof will bear interest at the rate of 18% per annum, or the highest amount allowed by law, whichever is less, and Embee may declare the sums owing it from Subcontractor, whether or not arising from this document, immediately due and payable.  Subcontractor agrees to pay Embee’s attorneys’ fees if Embee engages an attorney to enforce its rights under this Agreement or to any claim related to or pertaining to this Agreement.  Embee has no duty to perform under this Agreement if Subcontractor owes any overdue amount to Embee, and Embee may lock or otherwise disable equipment until all amounts are paid in full.  Equipment may contain locks for that purpose.

 

5.         Effective Date and Custody of Originals

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of the latest signature on the Scope of Work, the Pricing Structure and the Construction Drawings, respectively.  The originals shall be maintained by Embee.

 

6.         Independent Contractor Status

 

Embee and Subcontractor shall be independent contractors with respect to each other.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed so as to constitute any employment arrangement or any partnership or joint venture between the parties. Neither Subcontractor nor any of its agents, consultants, representatives, affiliates or subcontractors shall be considered as having employment status with Embee or being entitled to participate in any plans, arrangements, or distributions by Embee pertaining to or in connection with any pension, stock, bonus, profit-sharing, or similar benefits that Embee may have for its employees.  Subcontractor acknowledges that Embee has no obligations with respect to Subcontractor and its agents, representatives and subcontractors which Embee may otherwise have at law with respect to employees of Embee.

 

7.         Nondisparagement

 

            Neither party to this Agreement shall disparage the other to any third party in any manner.

 

8.         Binding on Successors and Assigns

 

            This agreement and the promises and covenants herein shall be binding on, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by any and all predecessors, heirs, beneficiaries, successors, assigns and transferees of each of the Parties hereto.

 

9.         Captions

 

            The captions used herein are for identification purposes only and are not a part of this Agreement.

 

10.       Disputes to be Arbitrated Rather Than Heard by Court or Jury

 

This section is a copy of the Agreement to Arbitrate that is printed separately and signed by Subcontractor.  This section is included here for information and completeness purposes only, and is not intended in any way to replace or supplant the separately printed and signed Agreement to Arbitrate.

 

            10.01   Agreement to Arbitrate

 

Subject to section 27, below, and in exchange for the benefits of the speedy, economical and impartial dispute resolution procedure of arbitration, Embee and Subcontractor forego their right to resolution of disputes in a court of law by a judge or jury, pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act and/or California Code of Civil Procedure §§1281 et seq.

 

            10.02   Disputes Covered by Arbitration

 

Any controversy or claim arising out of or in any way related to Subcontractor’s business relationship with Embee or its termination, and otherwise cognizable in a court of law, shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration.  This obligation includes, but is not limited to any contractual, common law, tort or statutory claims, and claims against individual officers, directors, managers, supervisors, employees and agents of Embee, in their capacity as such, as well as claims against Embee. 

 

            10.03   Disputes Not Covered by Arbitration

 

Only the following claims are excluded from this Agreement:

 

10.03.1            claims by Subcontractor which are subject to special exclusive administrative procedures;

 

10.03.2            claims based upon any other Agreement between Subcontractor and Embee, the terms of which contain its own arbitration procedures; and

 

10.03.3            claims within the exclusive primary jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board.

 

10.04   Right to Injunctive Relief

 

Either party may, without waiving arbitration rights and duties under this Agreement, seek preliminary injunctive relief (including temporary restraining orders) or other provisional relief from a Court upon the same basis and showing as would other litigants, together with a showing that any potential arbitration award would be rendered in effectual without such provisional relief.  In the case of a dispute involving the enforcement of §§3-8 of this Agreement, it is hereby stipulated and agreed by and between the parties hereto that the damages to the non-breaching party would be so severe, imminent and impossible to accurately calculate that mere monetary damages would be insufficient, and that said non-breaching party would be entitled to an immediate injunction against the breaching party without the need to post a bond, and without the need to prove anything further, said damages being stipulated hereto.

 

            10.05   Right of Access to Governmental Agencies

 

While Embee and Subcontractor agree to arbitrate the merits of all unresolved claims, Subcontractor still has the right to file complaints or charges with, or cooperate with, appropriate governmental agencies.

 

            10.06   Statutes of Limitations, Scope of Remedies, and Substantive Law

 

Statutes of limitations, scope of remedies, and substantive law (including any requirement for prior exhaustion of administrative agency relief) shall be the same as would be applicable were any action to be brought in Court.  Any claim or demand for arbitration must be served upon the responding party within ninety (90) days of the completion of the filing of all initial pleadings and responses thereto, and must fairly put the opposing parties on notice as to the factual and legal basis for the claim(s) as adjudged by California case law interpreting notice pleading requirements.

 

            10.07   Administration of Arbitration

 

The arbitration shall be held in Orange County, California, as close to Embee’s offices as possible, and administered by JAMS/Endispute in accordance with the then-existing JAMS/Endispute Arbitration Rules and Procedures for Commercial Disputes.  Copies of such rules are available online.  If for any reason JAMS/Endispute is unwilling or unable to handle the dispute, then the dispute shall be processed pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 1282-1284.2.

 

            10.08   Selection of Arbitrator

 

The arbitrator shall be selected by mutual agreement of the parties, or pursuant to the appointment procedures of JAMS/Endispute.

 

            10.09   Authority of Arbitrator

 

The arbitrator shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the arbitrability of any claim or matter, including any dispute regarding the applicability, formation or enforcement of this Agreement, to hear and rule upon pre-hearing disputes, and shall entertain and rule upon motions for summary adjudication or summary judgment and motions in limine, and in doing so shall apply the California Code of Civil Procedure applicable to such motions.

 

            10.10   Right to Discovery

 

Each party shall have the right to engage in discovery pursuant to the parameters defined in California Code of Civil Procedure section 94.

 

            10.11   Right to Representation and Confidentiality

 

Each party may, but is not required to, be represented by licensed counsel of its choice.  The hearing and all filings and other proceedings shall be treated in a private and confidential manner by the arbitrator and all parties and representatives, and shall not be disclosed except as necessary for any related judicial proceedings.

 

10.12   Arbitration Costs

 

Subject to awards of fees and costs to the prevailing party as discussed in section 19, hereinbelow, the Parties shall initially be equally responsible for all costs of the arbitration services, including the fees and costs of the arbitrator and court reporter fees.

 

11.       Narrowing of Overbroad Clauses

 

If any provision of this Agreement shall be determined, under applicable law, to be overly broad in duration, substantive scope, or otherwise, such provision shall be deemed narrowed to the broadest term permitted by applicable law and shall be enforced as so narrowed.

 

12.       Subcontractor’s Warrantees and Representations

 

In further consideration of the terms and conditions as set for the herein, the Subcontractor also agrees, represents and warrants as follows:

 

12.01   Sole Authority to Execute

 

The signatory hereto for Subcontractor expressly warrants and represents that as of the date of this Agreement, they have the sole right and authority to execute this Agreement on their own behalf and on behalf of their representatives or those they represent, and that they have not sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed, or otherwise disposed of any claim or demand relating to any rights surrendered by virtue of this Agreement.

 

12.02   Legal Competence

 

Subcontractor expressly warrants and represents that the person executing this Agreement on his, her or its behalf is legally competent to and is authorized to enter into this Agreement and to bind said party to his, her or its representations, terms, conditions and covenants as set forth herein.

 

            12.03   Transfer or Assignment

 

Subcontractor represents and warrants it they has not sold, assigned or otherwise transferred any claims or rights settled or released pursuant to this Agreement.  Subcontractor further represents and warrants that it shall not, at any time in the future, attempt to sell, assign or otherwise transfer any claims or rights settled or released pursuant to this Agreement.  Subcontractor further agrees that any such sale, assignment or other transfer constitutes a modification of this Agreement, which modification is void without the written assent of both Parties.

 

            12.04   Time is of the Essence

 

Subcontractor represents and warrants it understands that time is of the essence.  Subcontractor agrees that the Scope of Work shall be completed on time.  Subcontractor acknowledges the critical importance of achieving such milestones to avoid substantial damage to Embee, including but not limited to, storage and maintenance costs, acceleration and disruption costs, all of which costs Subcontractor would be liable for and would indemnify Embee should said costs be incurred as a result of Subcontractor’s delay.

 

            12.05   Familiarity with Project

 

Subcontractor represents and warrants that it is familiar with the project for which this Agreement and the Scope of Work are drafted, including the present improvements at the site, and that Subcontractor shall phase the Work to avoid any interruption to the other operations taking place at the Project site.

 

            12.06   Correction of Incorrect Work

 

Subcontractor represents and warrants that it shall correct at its own cost any work which does not conform, in Embee’s sole judgment, to the Scope of Work.

 

            12.07   Quality of Materials

 

Subcontractor represents and warrants that materials and equipment used to accomplish the Scope of Work will be new unless otherwise specified, and that its work will be of good quality, free from faults and defects, and in conformance with the Contract Documents.  Work not conforming to these requirements shall be corrected in accordance with section 12.06, above.

 

            12.08   Ancillary Costs and Requited Permits

 

Subcontractor represents and warrants that it shall pay all sales, consumer, use and similar taxes which were in effect at the time that this Agreement was executed, and Subcontractor shall ascertain the need for and secure for Embee building and other permits and governmental fees, licenses and inspections necessary for the proper execution and completion of the Work which are either customarily secured after execution of this Agreement or are legally required at the time the Subcontractor’s Proposal was first submitted to Embee.  Subcontractor shall pay for all permits and governmental fees, licenses and inspections.

 

            12.09   Compliance With Laws

 

Subcontractor shall give all notices and comply with all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and lawful orders of public authorities relating to the Scope of Work.  Subcontractor shall ensure that its work complies with all laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and any other federal, state or local agency with regard to the use and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes.  Subcontractor shall obtain any required permits, licenses and inspections required in connection with the installation of the Project.

 

            12.10   Removal of Waste

 

Subcontractor shall keep the premises free from accumulation of waste materials or rubbish caused by Subcontractor’s operations.  At the completion of the Work, Subcontractor shall remove from and about the Project its tools, construction equipment, machinery, surplus materials, waste materials and rubbish.

 

13.       Assumption of Risk

 

            In entering into this Agreement, each party assumes the risk of any misrepresentation, concealment, or mistake except for the representations and statements expressly made in this Agreement.  If any party should subsequently discover that any fact relied upon by him, her or it in entering into this Agreement is untrue, or that any fact or facts were concealed from him, her or it, or that his, her or its understanding of the facts or of the law was incorrect, or that the law presently in effect has changed in a manner which would otherwise affect such party's rights, such party shall not be entitled to any relief whatsoever in such connection or otherwise, including, without limitation on the intended generality of the foregoing, any alleged right or claim to set aside or rescind this Agreement.  This Agreement is intended to be and is final and binding between the parties, regardless of any claims of fraud, misrepresentation, promise made without the intention of performing, concealment of fact, mistake of fact or law, change of law, or of any other circumstance.

 

14.       Sufficiency, Mutuality and Receipt of Consideration Acknowledged

 

            The parties hereby stipulate, acknowledge and agree that the consideration had and received for this Agreement is sufficient, mutual, and has been received by the parties.

 

15.       Entire Agreement

 

            This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding concerning its subject matters between the parties, and supersedes and replaces any prior negotiations and any proposed agreement and agreements, written and oral.  Each of the parties acknowledges that no other party, nor any agent or attorney of another party, has made any promise, representation or warranty whatsoever, express or implied, not contained herein, concerning the subject matters hereof, to induce them to execute this Agreement in reliance upon any such promise, representation or warranty not contained herein.

 

16.       Jurisdiction

 

            The parties hereby stipulate and agree that jurisdiction for the resolution of any dispute arising from this Agreement, subject to the arbitration provisions set forth in §§10, et seq., above, is proper in the State of California.

 

17.       Venue

 

            The parties hereby stipulate and agree that the venue for the resolution of any dispute arising from this Agreement, subject to the arbitration provisions set forth in §§10, et seq., above, is proper in the Superior Court of State of California, County of Orange, Harbor District. 

 

18.       Choice of Law

 

            This Agreement is made and entered into in the State of California, and shall in all respects be interpreted, enforced and governed by and under the laws of the State of California.  In the event that any statute, judicial precedent or other laws of the State of California shall require or otherwise dictate that the laws of another State or jurisdiction be applied in any such action or proceeding, they shall be superseded by this paragraph and the remaining laws of the State of California shall nonetheless be applied in such action or proceeding.

 

19.       Attorneys’ Fees and Costs

 

            The parties hereby stipulate and agree that in resolving any dispute arising from this Agreement, the party adjudged to be in breach or at fault shall pay the other party’s attorneys’ fees and all costs related thereto, subject to the arbitration provisions set forth in §§10, et seq., above.  In the event that both parties are adjudged to be in breach, each party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees and any costs related thereto.

 

20.       Waiver or Modification

 

            Neither this Agreement, nor any provision thereof, can be modified or waived in any way, except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the parties affected thereby, expressly consenting to such modification or waiver.

 

21.       Notices

 

21.01   General Provisions

 

All notices must be in writing to be effective.  Notices may be personally delivered, or sent by facsimile, registered, certified or overnight mail, return receipt requested, to the address or facsimile number of the receiving party as set forth in this document or to such other address or facsimile number as the sending party shall have actually received for such purpose prior to dispatch of the notice in question.  Notices sent in conformity with this paragraph shall be considered effective three days after dispatch.  Facsimile notices will be effective on dispatch on the condition that facsimile notices are confirmed by mail.  Hand delivered notices are effective on delivery.

 

21.02   Contact Information

 

Either party may from time to time change its address by giving the other party notice of the change in accordance with this section.  Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be delivered as provided above to the following:

 

If to Embee:

 

Embee Technologies

Attention: Luke Slymen, President

16592 Millikan Avenue

Irvine, California 92606

Telephone:       (949) 266-1700

Facsimile:        (949) 435-1595

 

Copy to Counsel:

 

John A. Safyurtlu, Esq.

General Counsel, PC

620 Newport Center Drive, 11th Floor

Newport Beach, California 92660

Telephone:       (949) 892-1080

Facsimile:        (949) 892-1081

 

If to Subcontractor:

 

As set forth on the Scope of Work

 

22.       Severability

 

            The parties and signatories, and each of them, agree and acknowledge that if any portion of this Agreement is declared invalid or unenforceable by a final judgment of any Court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the balance of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect, as such invalid portion shall be deemed severable.

 

23.       Counterparts

 

            This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, which shall each constitute an original of this Agreement.  It will be deemed effective when each party to this Agreement have in their possession counterparts which together bear the dated signatures of each party.

 

24.       Due Diligence

 

            Each party to this Agreement represents and warrants to all other parties to this Agreement that he, she or it has investigated the facts pertaining to the dismissal set forth herein, and of all matters pertaining thereto, as he, she or it deems necessary.

 

25.       Cooperation in Drafting

 

            Each party has cooperated in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement.  Hence, in any construction of this Agreement, it shall not be construed against any party.

 

26.       No Waiver

 

No delay or failure on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or under any other documents or instruments given in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or privilege or be construed as a waiver of any event of default hereunder or any acquiescence therein.  No waiver shall be valid against any party hereto unless made in writing and signed by that party, and then only to the extent expressly specified therein.

 

27.       Mandatory Mediation

 

This section is a copy of the Agreement to Arbitrate that is printed separately and signed by Subcontractor.  This section is included here for information and completeness purposes only, and is not intended in any way to replace or supplant the separately printed and signed Agreement to Arbitrate.  Before invoking the dispute resolution mechanism set forth below in §§10, et seq., above, a party shall serve on the other party to the Agreement (a) written notice of the claim, specifying the exact amount claimed and the provision of the Agreement or other authority for the claim; and (b) a copy of all supporting documents. Within thirty (30) business days after service, the responding party shall serve on the serving party (a) a written response, setting out its position and specifying the contract or other provisions relied on; and (b) a copy of all supporting documents. Within fifteen business days after service of the response, the parties shall meet in Embee’s Counsel’s offices in Newport Beach, California, to discuss resolution of the claim.  The written claim notice and response and the documents produced, but not the subsequent discussion, shall be admissible in any subsequent proceeding. The parties shall, in good faith, use their best efforts to resolve any issues which gave rise to the meeting at the meeting, with the goal of successfully completing this Agreement as originally contemplated.  After the meeting, should a resolution not be achieved, either party may invoke the dispute resolution procedure set forth in §§10, et seq., above.

 

28.       Term and Termination

 

This Agreement will become effective on the date last shown on signatory page of the Scope of Work, the Pricing Structure and the Construction Drawings, collectively, and will continue in effect through the completion of the work set forth therein.  Embee, may, at its sole option terminate this Agreement (including the Scope of Work, the Pricing Structure and the Construction Drawings), or cease performance of any duty required by this Agreement (or the Scope of Work, the Pricing Structure and the Construction Drawings), at any time, without any notice or right to cure, for cause or without cause.  In the event of any termination of this Agreement, §§3-8, 10, 13, 15-19, 21, 24-27, 29-36, and 38-42 hereof shall survive and continue in effect.

 

29.       Warranties

 

29.01   All manufacturer’s warranties, if any, pass directly from Subcontractor to Embee and it’s customer, jointly, for materials listed on the Scope of Work, the Pricing Structure and the Construction Drawings, respectively.

 

29.02   Subcontractor warrants to Embee that the results of its work shall be merchantable and fit for any particular use or purpose as deemed needed by Embee. 

 

29.03   EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED ABOVE, EMBEE MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES AS TO MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR AS TO THE FITNESS OF THIS EQUIPMENT FOR ANY PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE.  EMBEE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ARISING FROM THE USE OF SUCH EQUIPMENT OR FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATED THERETO.

 

30.       Limitations

 

30.01   Any claim for of any kind by Subcontractor as to Embee will be limited to the compensation listed on the Pricing Structure.  Subcontractor releases Embee from all claims now existing or hereafter related to this agreement and/or the performance thereof, including, but not limited to, those claims arising from implied warranty, tort, strict liability, breach of statutory duty, and direct and vicarious negligence and for any other cause.

 

30.02   Embee is not liable for lost profits, punitive damages, multiplied actual damages, incidental or consequential damages, under any theory of law, including but not limited to breach of contract, breach of implied warranty, tort, strict liability, breach of statutory duty, and direct and vicarious negligence.  All such damages are hereby released and waived.  Under all circumstances, Embee’s liability to Subcontractor, either directly or by way of indemnification under any theory, shall be limited to the sum paid by Subcontractor to Embee pursuant to this Agreement.

 

30.03   Embee and its employees shall not be liable for any damage or expenses resulting from actions or omissions of Embee or its employees, undertaken in good faith, in reliance upon Subcontractor’s instructions or directions.

 

30.04   Under no circumstances shall any of Embee’s employees be personally liable for any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement, the equipment provided for herein, or the services rendered herefrom.

 

30.05   None of the limitations set forth herein apply to Subcontractor, whose liability to Embee and/or Embee’s customers is unlimited, either directly or by way of indemnity.

 

30.06   All limitations set forth in this section are expressly limited as set forth in paragraph 11, above.

 

32.       Excusable Delays

 

Embee shall not be considered to be in default hereof or liable for any delay, failure in performance, or interruption of service resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, civil or military authority, civil disturbance, declared or undeclared war, acts of terrorism, strikes, labor unrest, fires, catastrophes, delays in transportation, inability to obtain labor, materials, failures of suppliers, or any event beyond its reasonable control.

 

33.       Liability and Indemnity

 

Subcontractor agrees to indemnify and hold Embee harmless for any liability incurred by Embee as a result of any cause of action, breach of contract, negligence or other tort of Subcontractor, arising from, related or pertaining to, the performance or attempted performance by Subcontractor of the terms and provisions of this document.  Subcontractor agrees to pay for all reasonable attorneys’ fees and cost of suit incurred by Embee in defending any suits arising from, related or pertaining to, the performance by Embee of the provisions of this document.  Subcontractor hereby further affirms that it shall be fully responsible for the acts, errors and omissions of its affiliates or subcontractors and shall fully indemnify, defend and save harmless Embee, its agents, employees and assigns from any and all claims, which arise in whole or in part, on account of services rendered by Subcontractor’s affiliates or subcontractors.  This indemnity provision expressly includes, without limitation, any claim related to the prevailing wage, as more further discussed below in section 56.

 

34.       Incorporation of Other Documents

 

This Agreement is entered into in conjunction with, and is intended to incorporate, as though fully set forth herein, the following Documents, which are signed by both parties:

 

34.01   Scope of Work

 

34.02   Pricing Structure

 

34.03   Construction Drawings

 

34.04   Agreement to Arbitrate

 

34.05   Any Master Agreement referred to in the Scope of Work

 

35.       Refunds

 

If at any time, Embee demands a refund on behalf of a Customer, said refund will be given in full within five (5) days of said request.  If Subcontractor then feels that it should nevertheless be paid for any work performed pursuant to this Agreement, then Subcontractor’s sole remedy is to address that directly with Embee’s customer, and not with Embee.

 

36.       Embee’s Right to Control Liens

 

Subcontractor hereby delegates to Embee full and complete control over any liens regarding the work to be performed under this Agreement, including the placement of said liens or their removal.  Embee has full authority to sign on Subcontractor’s behalf any documents to effectuate this section, and has full authority to conduct any negotiations or reach any decisions regarding said liens without further consulting Subcontractor.

 

37.       Ownership And Use Of Documents

 

All drawings, specifications and other documents shall become and remain the property of Embee, whether or not the work set forth in this Agreement is commenced.  Subcontractor agrees that in the event of a termination of this Agreement, Subcontractor shall turn over, within forty-eight (48) hours of the receipt of written notice of such termination, all drawings and specifications to Embee, and Embee may use said drawings and specifications for the completion of or additions to the work set forth in this Agreement, or for any other purpose.

 

38.       Subcontractor’s Status, Services And Responsibilities

 

Subcontractor accepts the relationship of trust and confidence established between it and Embee by this Agreement, and Subcontractor covenants with Embee to furnish its best skill and judgment in furthering the interests of Embee.  Subcontractor agrees to furnish at all times an adequate supply of personnel and to perform its work in the best and most sound way and in the most expeditious and economical manner consistent with the interests of Embee, it being specifically understood that Subcontractor shall perform all services required to be performed hereunder in accordance with generally accepted engineering, design and construction standards and practices for projects of similar design and complexity.  Subcontractor acknowledges that Embee is retaining, and entering into this Agreement, with Subcontractor because of Subcontractor’s considerable and recognized expertise in the cable installation.

 

39.       Ancillary Items Needed to Complete Work

 

Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, Subcontractor shall provide or cause to be provided and shall pay for installation, design services, labor, materials, equipment, tools, construction equipment and machinery, water, heat, utilities, transportation, office space, and other facilities and services necessary for proper execution and completion of the Scope of Work, whether temporary or permanent and whether or not incorporated or to be incorporated in the Scope of Work.  Subcontractor shall file all documents required to obtain necessary approvals of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over this project.

 

40.       Reasonable Variations in Specifications

 

Subcontractor realizes that a reasonable number and variety of revisions to the Construction Drawings, in Embee’s sole judgment, may occur during the completion of the Scope of Work and acknowledges that provision has been made for these revisions in Subcontractor’s compensation as set forth on the Pricing Structure.

 

41.       Change Orders

 

Subcontractor shall prepare change orders for Embee’s approval and execution.  Subcontractor shall not be paid for any change orders not signed by Embee.

 

42.       Payments Withheld

 

Embee may decline to make payment and may withhold payment, in whole or in part, to the extent necessary reasonably to protect Embee from loss because of:

 

a.                   defective work not remedied;

 

b.                  third-party claims filed or reasonable evidence indicating probable filing of such claims;

 

c.                   failure of Subcontractor to make payments properly to its own subcontractors or for labor, materials or equipment;

 

d.                  reasonable evidence that the Scope of Work cannot be completed for the unpaid balance of amounts due under the Payment Structure;

 

e.                   damage to Embee or another Subcontractor;

 

f.                   reasonable evidence that the Scope of Work shall not be completed within the agreed-to time;

 

g.                  persistent failure to carry out the work in accordance with this Agreement; or

 

h.                  failure of Subcontractor to provide any documents required by this Agreement.

 

When the above grounds in are removed, payment shall be made for amounts withheld because of them.

 

43.       Final Payment

 

Neither the Final Payment as set forth in the Payment Structure nor amounts retained, if any, shall become due until Subcontractor submits to Embee (1) an affidavit that payrolls, bills for materials and equipment, and other indebtedness connected with the Scope of Work have been paid or otherwise satisfied, (2) consent of surety, if any, to Final Payment, (3) a certificate that insurance required by this Agreement is in force following completion of the Scope of Work, (4) if required by Embee, other data establishing payment or satisfaction of obligations, such as receipts, releases and waivers of liens arising out of this Agreement, to the extent and in such form as may be designated by Embee, and (5) such government approvals as may be necessary or reasonably required by Embee.  If a subcontractor refuses to furnish a release or waiver required by Embee, Subcontractor may furnish a bond satisfactory to Embee to indemnify Embee against such lien.  If such lien remains unsatisfied after payments are made, Subcontractor shall reimburse Embee for moneys the latter may be compelled to pay in discharging such lien, including all costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.  Acceptance of Final Payment shall constitute a waiver of all claims by Subcontractor.

 

44.       Retainage

 

Embee may retain ten percent (10%) from each progress payment due Subcontractor.

 

44.       Supervision and Safety

 

Subcontractor shall be responsible for initiating, maintaining and providing supervision of safety precautions and programs in connection with the Scope of Work.  Subcontractor shall take reasonable precautions for the safety and security of, and shall provide reasonable protection to prevent damage, injury or loss to:  (1) employees performing the Scope of Work and other persons who may be affected thereby; (2) the materials and equipment incorporated therein; and (3) other property at or adjacent to the site.

 

45.       Subcontractor’s Insurance

 

Subcontractor shall purchase and maintain in a company or companies authorized to do business in the state in which the Project is located, the following insurance:

 

a.         Commercial General Liability Insurance having limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence on an occurrence basis covering claims of bodily injury, personal injury and property damage arising out of Subcontractor’s operations for the Scope of Work, which insurance shall name Embee and/or any other party named by Embee, if any, as additional insureds. 

 

b.         Workers Compensation Insurance as required by the Workers Compensation laws of the state of California.

 

c.         Employer’s Liability Insurance with minimum liability limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence. 

 

d.         Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence.

 

e.         Products Liability Coverage covering the completed Project or Work or installation or products furnished by Subcontractor.

 

f.          Professional Liability Insurance with a single limit not less than $1,000,000 for all persons and all occurrences in the aggregate amount, and Subcontractor shall provide Embee with any notice of any claim against Subcontractor which may affect the professional liability coverage during the term of this Agreement and for three (3) years following the date of Substantial Completion.

 

g.         Design Professional Errors and Omissions Insurance with a single limit not less than $1,000,000.00, covering all construction activity for the Scope of Work.

 

46.       Certificates Of Insurance; Form Of Insurance

 

Certificates of Insurance acceptable to Embee shall be delivered to Embee prior to commencement of the Scope of Work.  These certificates, as well as insurance policies required by this Agreement, shall contain a provision that coverage will not be cancelled, reduced, modified or allowed to expire until at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice has been given to Embee as well as a provision that such policies shall not have a deductible amount in excess of $5,000 in the aggregate.  Such certificates shall also indicate that the foregoing insurance policies have been endorsed to name Embee and any other parties named by Embee as an additional insureds.  Subcontractor shall deliver true copies of the policies themselves promptly upon request by Embee.   All insurance maintained by Subcontractor shall provide that Subcontractor’s insurance shall be primary without right of contribution from any other insurance carried by or on behalf of Embee.  The limits of liability insurance required by this Agreement shall in no way limit the Subcontractor’s liability under this Agreement or the applicable law.  All insurance maintained by Subcontractor shall include a broad form endorsement and shall be in form and content and with companies reasonably acceptable to Embee.

 

47.       Waiver Of Subrogation.

 

Subcontractor hereby waives any and every claim for recovery from the other for any and all loss or damage to the Project or Property or to the contents thereof, whether such loss or damage is due to the negligence of Embee or Subcontractor or their respective agents or employees or as to any other third party, to the extent that the amount of such loss or damage is covered under its policies of insurance (or would have been covered had Subcontractor carried the insurance required to be carried by it); provided, however, that the foregoing waiver shall not be operative in any case where the effect thereof is to invalidate any insurance coverage of the waiving party. Subcontractor, as appropriate, shall require from its subcontractors by appropriate agreements, written where legally required for validity, similar waivers each in favor of the other parties enumerated in this Agreement.

 

48.       Regulatory Changes

 

Subcontractor shall not be compensated for changes in the Scope of Work necessitated by the enactment or revision of codes, laws or regulations subsequent to the date of this Agreement, said risk being expressly assumed by Subcontractor.

 

49.       Controlling Document

 

To the extent that Subcontractor has submitted a bid or proposal or other similar document to Embee, which Embee may have accepted or used with regard to the Scope of Work, Pricing Structure, or otherwise, said acceptance is contingent upon the terms and conditions herein controlling.  To the extent that there is any conflict between this document and any bid, proposal, or other similar document tendered by Subcontractor, this Agreement shall control.  Subcontractor’s commencement of any work under the Scope of Work expressly assents to this term.

 

50.       Confidential Information

 

            50.01   Definition

 

The parties hereto understand and agree that, during the course of this Agreement, they have received and/or will continue to receive information or material of other parties hereto, which is deemed by the originating party in its sole discretion to be confidential, including proprietary information and/or information and/or information of a “trade secret” nature.  All of such information and material will be referred to herein as the “Confidential Information.”  Such Confidential Information can exist in any form, including oral or written statements, information remembered, information stored electronically and information embodied in objects or processes.  Such Confidential Information includes any information or material which has not been made available generally to the public and was or is: (i) generated or collected by or utilized in the operations of any party hereto and which relates to the actual or anticipated business or research and development of said party; or (ii) suggested by or resulting from any task assigned or work performed by either any party hereto during the term of this Agreement or with which any party hereto becomes or became familiar during the term of this Agreement.  Further, in order to qualify as “Confidential Information,” the information at issue must be clearly marked and identified as being of a confidential or proprietary nature:

 

50.01.1                        Information about either party’s programs, plans and strategies, including their business, development, technological, capital investment, marketing, advertising, sales and financial programs, plans and strategies;

 

50.01.2                        Information about existing, planned, proposed or developing methods, programs, resources, products or services, including design, development, engineering, technology, features, suppliers, systems, combinations, applications, packaging, fees, rates, prices, charges, or internal costs as to either party;

 

50.01.3                        Customer or prospect lists, customer requirements or preferences or other customer data developed or collected by either party hereto;

 

50.01.4                        Information about contract negotiations or contractual agreements with Embee’s, investors, lenders, producers, suppliers or Customers, including bids, proposals, packages, strategies, plans, costs, prices, profit margins, financing or terms;

 

50.01.5                        Financial, account, trading or cost information and projections concerning either party hereto which they have agreed or determined to keep confidential;

 

50.01.6                        Information obtained from producers, customers, suppliers or others which either party hereto has agreed or determined to keep confidential;

 

50.01.7                        Information about either party’s transactions, including proposed transactions such as projects, purchases, mergers, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions or disposition of properties, equipment, assets or stock;

 

50.01.8                        Information about other companies, particularly where the value of the securities of other companies is likely to be influenced by actions of either party hereto;

 

50.01.9                        Information relating to personnel, management changes, human resources and payroll matters, including salary/compensation data.

 

            50.02   Non-Dissemination

 

No party to this Agreement shall, without the originating Party’s prior written permission, disclose to anyone any such Confidential Information, either during or at any time after the term of this Agreement.  All parties hereto shall also guard against inadvertent disclosures, as by discussing such matters where they may be overheard by others, or by mentioning them in casual conversations with others. 

 

            50.03   Anti-Solicitation

 

Because of the inseparability of the Confidential Information from this Agreement, Subcontractor understands and agrees that, consistent with the limitations of state law, for a period of at least one year following the termination (for any reason) of this Agreement Subcontractor shall not (whether acting alone or in concert with others) solicit Embee’s customers to direct any business or prospective business or income from Embee or to stop or alter the manner in which such customers are doing business with Embee.  After the one-year period, the parties hereto shall remain bound by the other limitations of this Agreement, including those related to disclosure and use of Confidential Information.

 

50.04   Maintenance of Trade Secrets

 

The parties hereto understand and agree that they have a duty to respect the proprietary information and trade secrets of others.  No party hereto shall disclose or cause to be disclosed to any other party hereto any trade secrets or other information which that party knows to be confidential and proprietary to others.

 

51.       Inventions and Intellectual Property

 

            51.01   Definition

 

For purposes of this Agreement, inventions and intellectual property (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Developments”), shall include any idea, invention, or design of a useful article (whether the design is ornamental or otherwise), computer program and related documentation, and other work of authorship made or conceived during the term of this Agreement solely or jointly by Subcontractor, or created wholly or in part by Subcontractor, whether or not such Developments are patentable, copyrightable or susceptible to other forms of protection, and provided the Developments are: (i) are related to the actual or anticipated business or research or development of Embee; or (ii) are suggested by or result from any task performed for or on behalf of Embee.  In the case of any “other work of authorship,” such assignment shall be limited to those works of authorship which meet both conditions (i) and (ii) above.  All Developments shall be considered a “work for hire.” 

 

            51.02   Assignment

 

Subcontractor hereby assigns and agrees to assign effective upon the making or conception to Embee Subcontractor’s entire right, title and interest in any Developments as defined hereinabove.

 

            51.03   Representation as to Pre-existing Developments

 

Subcontractor understands that Subcontractor is affirmatively representing Subcontractor has no such Developments unless Subcontractor has listed them separately and attached that list to the Scope of Work, which attachment is signed by Embee.

 

            51.04   Prompt Disclosure and Further Documents

 

In connection with any of the Developments assigned by the preceding paragraphs, (i) Subcontractor shall promptly disclose them to Embee’s management; and (ii) Subcontractor shall, on Embee’s request, promptly execute a specific assignment of title to Embee or its designee and do anything else reasonably necessary to enable Embee or its designee to secure a patent, copyright or other form of protection therefor in the United States and in other countries.

 

            51.05   Disclosure as to Pre-existing Developments

 

Subcontractor has listed separately and attached to the Scope of Work, which attachment is signed by Embee, all Developments in which Subcontractor has any right, title or interest, and which were previously made or conceived solely or jointly by Subcontractor, or written wholly or in part by Subcontractor, whether or not previously identified to Embee. Subcontractor understands that he/she/it is affirmatively representing that Subcontractor has no such Developments unless he/she/it has listed separately and attached to the Scope of Work, which attachment is signed by Embee.  Note: Subcontractor also understands that it is in Subcontractor’s interest to establish that any of the above were made, conceived or written before this Agreement.  Subcontractor also understands that he/she/it should not disclose any pre-existing Developments in detail, but should rather identify them only by the titles and dates of documents describing them.  If Subcontractor wishes to interest Embee in any of them, Subcontractor knows he/she/it should contact the President of Embee, who will provide Subcontractor with instructions for submitting the pre-existing Developments to Embee.

 

52.       Hiring of Embee’s Employees

 

Subcontractor acknowledges that Embee provides a valuable service by identifying and assigning personnel for this Agreement. Subcontractor further acknowledges that Subcontractor would receive substantial additional value, and Embee would be deprived of the benefits of its work force, if Subcontractor were to directly hire Embee’s employees.  Therefore, without the prior written consent of Embee, Subcontractor shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit or hire any employee(s) of Embee until one (1) year after the completion of the installation of the last equipment or performance of the last service listed on the Scope of Work. In the event of a breach of this section, Embee, in addition to all its other rights and remedies under this Agreement and at law and equity, shall be entitled to, and Subcontractor shall pay to Embee, without defense or counterclaim, two (2) times the annual salary of the employee(s) wrongfully hired.

 

53.       Title

 

The original and all copies of any computer program, modification, correction, or enhancement to any computer program, documentation relating thereto, and all inventions, systems, processes, improvements and patentable ideas, which were or are later conceived by Embee alone or with others in whole or in part are the sole property of Embee.  All work performed by Embee now or hereafter under this document or otherwise will not be considered a work for hire, and Embee will own all copyrights.

 

54.       Liquidated Damages and Injunctive Relief

 

54.01   Subcontractor agrees that violation of any of the terms of this Agreement will damage Embee in such a manner and to such a degree that (a) the amount of damages may be difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain and (b) monetary damages at law may be insufficient to adequately compensate Embee for the harm done by a breach.

 

54.02   In the event of a breach of this Agreement by Subcontractor, Embee is entitled to require, at its’ sole discretion and election, liquidated damages from Subcontractor in the amount of three (3) times the total agreed-to price.  This provision is not intended by either party to be punitive in nature, but is rather merely an effort by the parties to fix damages at some readily ascertainable amount.  Furthermore, the election by Embee of these liquidated damages shall not act as a bar to proceeding forward with any other claim for damages, nor shall this election (or an award resulting therefrom) be used or interpreted as a waiver or setoff of any other measure of damages which Embee, in its’ sole and exclusive discretion, may chose to pursue.

 

54.03   In the event of a breach of this Agreement by Subcontractor, Embee is further entitled to any form of injunctive relief it may seek, including, but not limited to, temporary restraining orders and/or preliminary injunctions.  In seeking such injunctive relief, Embee is not required to produce any evidence of actual or potential damage or harm, as such damages are stipulated to herein by Subcontractor.  Similarly, in seeking such injunctive relief, Embee is not required to produce any evidence of actual or potential breach beyond a claim for said breach unto itself.  Finally, in seeking such injunctive relief, Embee shall not be required to post a bond of any amount for any reason.

 

55.       Incorporation of Master Agreement

 

The work which Subcontractor is to perform and which is the subject of this Agreement is, in turn, part of a larger project.  Embee is either a contractor or subcontractor itself for this larger project.  This larger project is further defined in the Scope of Work and any Exhibits referred to therein, which Exhibits are expressly made a part of this Agreement.  This Agreement is expressly limited and conditioned upon Subcontractor accepting any and all terms contained in any such Master Agreement, as though Subcontractor were filling Embee’s role.  Any term or condition of any such Master Agreement which in any way applies to Embee shall apply to Subcontractor.

 

56.       Prevailing Wage

 

Subcontractor shall have the sole and exclusive responsibility to determine if the work governed by this Agreement falls under any prevailing wage requirements as to any of its employees, or the employees of any of its affiliates or subcontractors, and, if so, what those requirements are, including, but not limited to, the correct classification, rate of pay, apprenticeship issues and records to be kept.  If any work related to herein is determined to be subject to any prevailing wage, Subcontractor shall provide Embee with certified payroll documents within one week of the work performed, as well as any other documents requested by Embee within one week of said request.  Subcontractor hereby expressly indemnifies Embee for any and all claims in any way associated with prevailing wage issues arising from this Agreement as related to any of Subcontractor’s employees, or the employees of any of its affiliates or subcontractors.