ex10_7.htm



EXHIBIT 10.7


 




	
 



TECHNO-COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT


 


 


 


BETWEEN


 


 


 


 


TECH-START AUTOMATION CONSULTING (INDIA) PVT.LTD


Sri Sampada HiTech, Plot No. 2 & 4 


Flat No. 302, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur 


HYDERABAD - 500 081 (India)












 


AND


 


 


 


CHEMICAL CONSTRUCTION INTERNATIONAL (P) LTD.


205 Kusal Bazar, 32-33, Nehru Place 


New Delhi-110 019 (India)


 


 


for


 


 


BIOFUEL ADVANCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 


 


4000 TPD SOYBEAN EXTRACTION PLANT










































 


14 August 2007




 







 





  






  





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Table of Contents







 




	PARTIES	 
	RECITALS	 
	 1.	Definitions	5
	 	1.1.	Site	5
	 	1.2. 	Plant	5
	 	1.3.	Contract coming in to Force	5
	 	1.4. 	Site Project Manager	5
	 	1.5. 	Machinery and Equipment	5
	 	1.6.	Consignee	5
	 	 	 	 
	 2.	 	Scope of Supply and Service	6
	 3.	 	Payments	7
	 4.	 	Inspection	7
	 5.	 	CCI's Responsibilities 	8
	 6.	 	Performance Guarantees	9
	 7.	 	BUYER's Responsibilities	10
	 8.	 	Warranty 	10
	 9.	 	Maintenance Contract	11
	 10.	 	Transferability of the Contract 	11
	 11.	 	Penalty for Delay 	11
	 12.	 	Force Majeure 	11
	 13.	 	Arbitration  	11
	 14.	 	General Provisions 	12
	 	 
	ANNEXURE-A	15
	 	 
	 	EQUIPMENT LIST  	15
	 	SECTION-I   	16
	 	 	PREPARATORY SECTION. 	16
	 	SECTION-II 	22
	 	 	EXTRA CTION SECTION   	22
	 	SECTION-III 	24
	 	 	MEAL DESOL VENTIS1NG AND TOASTING SECTION 	24
	 	SECTION-IV  .  	26
	 	 	DISTILLA TION SECTION	26
	 	SECTION-V 	29
	 	 	ABSORBER SECTION   	29
	 	SECTION-VI   	31
	 	 	PUMPS   	31
	 	SECTION-VII   	34
	 	 	PIPING AND INSTRUMENTA TION 	34
	 	SECTION-VIII 	36
	 	 	PLC A UTOMA TIC CONTROL SYSTEM  	36
	 	 	FIELD INSTRUMENTS   	36
	 	SECTION-IX   	38
	 	 	ELECTRIFICATION & LIGHTING  	38
	 	 	BA TTERY LIMITS FOR THE EXTRACTION PLANT 	39





 


 


Techno-Commercial Agreement BARD 4000 TPD Extraction Plant Status: Confidential


 




  





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	ANNEXURE-B  	40
	 	 
	 	ENGINEERING SERVICES   	40
	 	 	 
	ANNEXURE-C  	43
	 	 
	 	TECFTNICAL PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE	43
	 	 	 
	ANNEXURE - D  	49
	 	 
	 	BUYER SCOPE OF SUPPLY 	49
	 	 	 
	ANNEXURE-E   	51
	 	 
	 	SUPERVISORY SERVICES 	51







 



Techno-Commercial Agreement BARD 4000 TPD Extraction Plant Status: Confidential




 




  





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AGREEMENT







 


PARTIES







This AGREEMENT is made and signed on this day 14 August, 2007 between:







M/s. CHEMICAL CONSTRUCTION INTERNATIONAL (P) LIMITED, a


company incorporated under the companies act of 1956, having its registered office at 205, Kusal Bazar, 32-33, Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110 019, India, represented by Mr. O.P. Nambiar, Executive Director of M/s. CHEMICAL CONSTRUCTION INTERNATIONAL (P) LIMITED, which expression shall unless repugnant to the context, mean and include its successors and permitted assignees, herein after called as the CCI.







and







M/s. TECH-START AUTOMATION CONSULTING (INDIA) PVT.LTD a


company incorporated under the companies act of 1956, having its Registered Office at Sri Sampada HiTech, Plot No. 2 & 4, Flat No. 302, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad - 500 081, Andhra Pradesh, India represented by Mr. Kapil Bhargava, Director of M/s. TECH-START AUTOMATION CONSULTING (INDIA) PVT.LTD, which expression shall unless repugnant to the context, mean and include its successors and permitted assignees, here in after called as the BUYER.







Date                      :           14 August 2007







RECITALS


 



	
  

	
A.

	
CCI is an engineering firm with technical collaboration, experience and expertise in the design and construction of -







 



	
  

	
 

	
(i)      A 4000 TPD Soybean Extraction Plant as per Annexure "A" enclosed herewith.







 















	
  

	
B.

	
The BUYER desires to construct such plants for BIOFUEL







 



	
  

	
ADVANCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT to be located at







 








Keystone Industrial Port Complex 


One Ben Fairless Drive 


Fairless Hills, PA 19030 


USA


 


 


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THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE AS FOLLOWS:


 


1. Definitions


 


The following terms shall have the meaning indicated below unless contrary to the context.


 


1.1.           Site


 


"Site" shall mean the proposed location of the Soybean Extraction Plants to be designed and supplied by CCI for the BUYER pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.


 


1.2.           Plant


 


"Plant" shall mean certain plant and machinery specified herein in Annexure "A" and manufactured and supplied by CCI for the BUYER for the production of Soybean Oil.


 


1.3.           Contract coming in to Force


 


Date of "Contract coming into Force" will mean the date of receipt of first advance payment, as per Clause 3.3 (a) of this Agreement, to CCI by the BUYER.


 


1.4.           Site Project Manager


 


Shall mean the person nominated by CCI from time to time for matters regarding various project site related activities under this contract.


 


1.5.           Machinery and Equipment


 


"Machinery and Equipment" shall mean those items listed on Annexure "A" meeting the technical specifications set forth herein.


 


1.6.           Consignee


 


The name of the Firm or Person or Representative to whom the BUYER requires the shipments to be consigned.


 


 


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2. Scope of Supply and Service


 



	
2.1   

	
CCI shall design and supply the Plant as per Annexure "A" and shall provide those additional engineering services set forth in Annexure "B" under the heading "Engineering Services" with the intent and purpose of providing the BUYER with the Plant which shall be capable of meeting the Performance Guarantees specified in Annexure "C".







 



	
2.2   

	
CCI shall also manufacture and/or procure and supply to the BUYER the Machinery and Equipment in accordance with the specification set forth on Annexure "A" and shall hand over to the shipping company in India, who will arrange to ship them to the BUYER'S site.







 



	
2.3   

	
CCI also undertakes to also supply those additional equipments not mentioned in Annexure "A", but within Battery Limits, but found necessary to ensure performance of the plants, via Annexure "C"







 



	
2.4   

	
CCI also reserves the right to supply modified designs of items in Annexure "A" to ensure efficient plant performance as per Annexure "C".







 



	
2.5   

	
CCI shall also perform, on request of the BUYER, the following additional services:







 



	
(a)  

	
On-site supervision of the assembly and construction of the plant.







 



	
(b)  

	
Consultation regarding the plant by telephone, mail or facsimile transmission







 



	
(c)  

	
Pre-commissioning and testing of the plant







 



	
(d)  

	Commissioning of the plant





 



	
(e)  

	
Training of the BUYER'S personnel in the operation and maintenance of the plant during commissioning and startup of the plant and for a period of Thirty (30) days thereafter.







 



	
(f)  

	Any other services required by this agreement.





 


Such additional service shall be at the BUYER'S expense, billed at the "per diem" rates, plus expenses, as set forth in Annexure "E".


 


 


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2.6   

	
The BUYER shall perform the actual erection and assembly of the plant through contractors and workmen hired by the BUYER at site. Such construction and assembly shall be in accordance with the instructions, drawings, and specifications of CCI and supervised by the CCI engineer stationed at the site.







 



	
2.7   

	
The Plant shall be designed to process 4000 TPD of Soybeans and will perform as per the figures in Annexure "C".







 


3.      Payments


 



	
3.1   

	
The Contract Price for the services and the Machinery and Equipment set forth in Annexure "A" is Rs. 33,68,10,000 (Rupees Thirty three Crores, Sixty Eight Lacs, Ten Thousand only) or equivalent of Euros €6,014,465 (Euros Six Million, Fourteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty Five only) excluding all taxes, transportation, freight and insurance.







 



	
3.2   

	
The Contract Price excludes any and all taxes and duties.







 



	
3.3   

	
The Contract Price shall be paid directly to CCI by the BUYER as follows:







 




	
(a)  

	
Thirty Five percent (35%) shall be paid as advance to bring this agreement in to force.







 




	
(b)  

	
Sixty Five percent (65%) shall be paid under a confirmed, irrevocable and divisible Letter of Credit opened in favor of CCI by the BUYER from a First Class Bank, allowing for partial shipments and confirmed for payment at CCFs Bankers in New Delhi, against the delivery documents consisting of B/L, invoices, certificate of origin, packing list of the equipment. The Letter of Credit will be valid for Thirteen (13) months







 




	
(c)  

	
Ten percent (10%) shall be provided as Bank Guarantee to the BUYER for the performance of the Plant for successful commissioning of the Plant as per Annexure "C". This Bank Guarantee shall be part of the documents of the last shipment forpayment under the Letter of Credit.







 








4.      Inspection


 



	
4.1   

	
When any item of Machinery and Equipment is shipped to the BUYER'S site, CCI shall notify the BUYER who shall arrange to inspect the item within Seven (7) days for compliance with the specifications listed on Annexure "A".    In case the inspection is not taken up by the BUYER within this period, the inspection of such items shall be deemed to have been waived.







 


 


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4.2   

	
Certain special items being very large may be shipped in a disassembled condition for assembly at the site by the BUYER'S contractors in accordance with instructions to be furnished by CCI.







 


5. CCPs Responsibilities


 



	
5.1   

	
Subject to the BUYER fulfilling each and every one of its obligations hereunder on a timely basis, CCI agrees that it shall hand over the Plant after successful trials and successful commissioning within Twelve (12) months from the date of this agreement coming in to force.







 



	
5.2   

	
CCI shall commence deliveries to the BUYER, not later than Sixty (60) days after the date of this contract coming into force, Items 1 through 4 listed under "Engineering Services" in Annexure "B". The plans and drawings for the construction of the plant shall be complete, adequate, legible and in English. All clarifications, if any, shall be available forthwith from the Site Project Manager for the understanding of the BUYER'S contractors/ engineers.







 



	
5.3   

	
CCI shall station its Project Manager at the site to supervise the entire Plant commissioning work including receiving, handling, unloading, and proper storage of the Machinery and Equipment until its installation and successful commissioning.







 



	
5.4   

	
CCI shall provide a detailed packing list of the machinery and Equipment contained in each shipment for the purpose of allowing the BUYER to check each shipment upon arrival.







 



	
5.5   

	
The BUYER'S Representatives shall have the right to visit the shops constructing and assembling the Machinery and Equipment, and to inspect the same from time to time. The BUYER shall be entitled to bring to the attention of CCI any deviation observed from the prescribed specifications, flow charts, layout drawings, and other provisions of this Agreement and CCI shall rectify any such deviations or other defects at its own cost, within the schedule and terms of this Agreement.







 


 


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5.6   

	
CCI shall station an adequate number of competent engineers and supervisors at the plant for up to One (1) month after successful commercial commissioning in order to train the BUYER'S staff for the takeover, working, and maintenance of the Plant. The supervisory services will be provided as per Annexure "E".







 



	
5.7   

	
CCI shall notify the BUYER in writing at least Sixty (60) days in advance, specifying the date and time when CCI intends to carryout a trial run of the plant so as to enable the BUYER to arrange for the continuous supply of all feed stocks, operational staff, workmen, other facilities and input materials. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the trial shall begin at the time and date notified and the BUYER shall attend at such time.







 



	
5.8   

	
If such trials are completed to the satisfaction of CCI and BUYER, the BUYER shall issue a certificate to such effect to CCI forthwith.







 



	
5.9   

	
CCI shall, if required, assist the BUYER in recruiting competent staff and to train them for the Plant Operations.







 


6. Performance Guarantees:


 



	
6.1   

	
CCI guarantees :







 




	
(a)  

	
That all of the Machinery and Equipment shall be properly designed and constructed and shall meet the specifications set forth in Annexure "A".







 



	
(b)  

	
That all of the Machinery and Equipment will be brand new, of first class material and workmanship designed to be operational under normal use.







 


Any part found to be defective within Twelve (12) months from the date of start up, or Eighteen (18) months from the date of supply, whichever is earlier, shall be replaced or satisfactorily repaired by CCI at free of charge.


 



	
(c)  

	
That the Plant, when fully completed in accordance with the plans and drawings of CCI, shall be able to process 4000 TPD of Soybean to produce extracted Soy meal and Soya Oil as set forth in the Performance Guarantees set forth in Annexure "C" attached hereto subject to operation and maintenance as per CCTs Operation Manuals.







 



	
6.2   

	

In the event the Plant does not meet the Performance Guarantees set forth in Annexure "C", CCI shall, at its own expense, promptly make whatever modifications, improvements, or adjustments that are necessary in order to bring the plant up to the required Performance Guarantee levels.









 


 



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6.3   

	
6.3 CCI assures the BUYER that the unit will work on full capacity of 4000 tons Soybeans per day. In case of any problem during the warrantee period, CCI shall attend within Seventy Two (72) hours and shall try to solve the same at the earliest.







 











7. BUYER'S Responsibilities:


 



	
7.1   

	
The BUYER shall arrange the payments set forth in Clause 3.3 of this agreement.







 



	
7.2   

	
The BUYER shall complete foundations, buildings, structural and site preparation as per instructions of CCI to enable the installation and commissioning of the Plant.







 



	
7.3   

	
The BUYER shall provide 400 M3 of Raw water per day of zero commercial hardness to the points nominated by CCI at the Plant.







 



	
7.4   

	
The BUYER shall make available all inputs as per Annexure "C" and personnel for start-up, trials and commissioning of the fully assembled plant on the pre-commissioning test dates specified by CCI.







 



	
7.5   

	
The BUYER shall obtain permission and comply with all requirements of all governmental or regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over the Plant.







 


    CCI will assist with all technical advisement and assistance to the BUYER to apply for all necessary clearances from the related regulatory authorities.


 



	
7.6   

	
The BUYER shall be responsible for properly storing and securing all machinery and equipment at the site, in accordance with instructions provided by CCI.







 



	
7.7   

	
The BUYER shall procure all feedstock materials of the required quality in the plant strictly in accordance with the requirements of CCI. The technical specifications for the feedstock are attached hereto as Annexure "C".













 








8. Warranty


 



	
8.1   

	
CCI shall assign and deliver to the BUYER the originals of all warranties and guarantees of other manufacturers or subcontractors of material, machinery and equipment purchased from or constructed by third parties for delivery to the BUYER, but no such assignment shall release CCI from its duties hereunder.







 



	
8.2   

	
For a period of Twelve (12) months from the date of start up or Eighteen (18) months from the date of supply, whichever is earlier, CCI shall remain responsible for the repair and replacement of the plant and any portions thereof as may be found to be defective or as may fail under proper use, as per the instructions provided by CCI in the Operations Manual, whether arising from faulty design, materials, or workmanship. This excludes failure or defects due to improper use of the plant or any portions thereof.








 


 


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9. Maintenance Contract


 



	
9.1   

	
After the guarantee period, CCI agrees to undertake a Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) or Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for a yearly period on terms to be agreed upon if the BUYER so desires.












10. Transferability of the Contract


 



	
10.1   

	
CCI shall not transfer or assign its rights and obligation arising out of or in relation to this agreement except with the written consent of the BUYER.












11.      Penalty for Delay


 



	
11.1   

	
Subject to the BUYER fulfilling each and every obligation under this Agreement, CCI will compensate the BUYER for delay in commercial startup of the Plant in the amount of one-half of one percent (0.5%) per week of the price of the plants so delayed up to a maximum of 5% of the price.







 



	
11.2   

	
This compensation shall only apply if commissioning is late by a grace period of more than Thirty (30) calendar days from the date specified in clause 5.1. This provision is subject to adjustment on account of Force Majeure.







 


12.      Force Majeure


 


In the event of any delay by either party hereunder caused by acts of government, the public enemy, floods, epidemics, war, acts of God, fires, civil commotion, strikes, lockouts, explosion, earthquakes, public disorders, sabotage and serious accidents and other acts beyond the control of, and not reasonably foreseeable by, or to be reasonably anticipated and prepared for by the parties, the time for completion of such party's duties shall be extended to the extent of the delay was caused by such incidents of force majeure. No change in the costs of materials or labour shall constitute a force majeure.


 


In the event of a force majeure occurrence, the party intending to claim the benefit thereof shall immediately notify the other of such occurrence and shall keep the other fully and currently informed of the status of such force majeure and of the termination thereof.


 


13. Arbitration


 


All disputes, differences, and disagreements arising out of the performance by either party of this Agreement shall be resolved, if possible, by an amicable agreement of the parties. In the event, however, the said parties cannot agree, such matters shall be referred to arbitration by Arbitrators, one by each of the signatories and an umpire chosen by them.


 


This agreement shall be in accordance with the Rules of Conciliation and Arbitration of the CURRENT Indian Arbitration Act, and governed by the laws of UNION OF INDIA.


 


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14. General Provisions


 


Whenever any certificate, consent or concurrence is by the terms of this Agreement required to be given by any party, the same shall be given within Seven (7) days from the date so requested.


 


Any alterations, amendments, or changes to this Agreement or its schedules shall be valid only if agreed to by the parties in writing. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all previous representations, communications and agreements, whether oral or in writing, are incorporated herein.


 


Time is of the essence of this Agreement and each and every provision herein. Any extension of time granted for the performance of any duty under this Agreement shall not be considered an extension of time for the performance of any other duty under this Agreement.


 


The language of the contract for all matters shall be English.


 


This contract consists of Fifty Two (52) pages inclusive of Annexure ''A" to "E"


 


 


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set :helr hands as of the date set forth above.


 




	 	TECH-START AUTOMATION CONSULTING (INDIA) PVT.LTD	 
	 	 	 	 
	
 

	

Signature:



	/s/ KAPIL BHARGAV	 
	 	 	

(AUTHORISED SIGNATORY)


 

	 
	 	Name: 	
KAPIL BHARGAV

	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	Date: 	14. 08 . 2007	 







 


 



	 	CHEMICAL CONSTRUCTION INTERNATIONAL (P) LTD.	 
	 	 	 	 
	
 

	

Signature:



	/s/ O.P NANDBIAR	 
	 	 	

(AUTHORISED SIGNATORY)


 

	 
	 	Name: 	O.P NANDBIAR	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	Date: 	14 . 08 . 2007	 





 


 



	 	
BIOFUEL ADVANCED RESEARCH & DEVELOPM1

	 
	 	 	 	 
	
 

	

Signature:



	/s/  SURAJIET KHANNA	 
	 	 	

(AUTHORISED SIGNATORY)


 

	 
	 	Name: 	SURAJIET KHANNA	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	Date: 	14 . 08 . 2007	 





 


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Assignment of Contract












FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Biofuel Advance Research & Development, LLC (BARD). (“Assignor”) hereby assigns and otherwise transfers (“assigns”) to Bard Holding, INC. (“Assignee”) all rights, title and interest held by Assignor in and to the contract described as follows:


 


Contract dated August 14th, 2007, between Chemical Constructions International (P) Limited (CCI) & Tech Start Automation Consulting PVT. LTD and Biofuel Advance Research & Development, LLC (BARD) and concerning for design, supply of equipment and construction of 4000 TPD Soybean Extraction Plant.







Assignor warrants and represents that said contract is in full force and effect and is fully assignable.  Assignor further warrants that it has the full right and authority to transfer said contract and that contract rights herein transferred are free of lien, encumbrance or adverse claim.  Said contract has not been modified and remains on the terms contained therein.







Assignee hereby assumes and agrees to perform all remaining and obligations of Assignor under the contract and agrees to indemnify and hold Assignor harmless from any claim or demand resulting from non-performance by Assignee.  Assignee shall be entitled to all monies remaining to be paid under the contract, which rights are also assigned hereunder.







This Assignment shall become effective as of the date last executed and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors and assigns.


 


 




	 	 	 	 
	

Dated: ___12/01/2009______



	
 

	/s/Surajit Khanna	 
	 	 	Surajit Khanna, Managing Member	 
	 	 	Biofuel Advance Research & Development (BARD), LLC Assignor	 
	 	 	
 

	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	/s/Howard L. Bobb	 
	
Dated: ___12/01/2009______

	 	Howard L. Bobb, President	 
	 	 	 Bard Holding, Inc.Assignee