Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

                       INVESTMENT AND PARTNERING AGREEMENT

This Investment and Partnering Agreement ("Investment") is entered into
effective as of the 21st day of December, 1999 between Essential Technologies,
Inc. ("Essential"), a Maryland corporation, and Roy F. Weston, Inc. ("Weston"),
a Pennsylvania corporation.

                                    RECITALS

Weston has offered to transfer to Essential certain assets of Weston, as
described in Sections 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 below (the "Assets"), purchase certain
Stock Purchase Warrants from Essential, as described in Section 1.4 below, and
enter into a strategic alliance partner relationship with Essential, as
described in Section 1.5 below, all on the terms and conditions set forth in
this Agreement. Essential has agreed to accept such offer.

NOW THEREFORE, with intent to be legally bound, and in consideration of the
mutual agreements and covenants set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I
                                 ASSET TRANSFERS

1.1  Transfer and Sale of GlobeNet Assets.

(a) Weston hereby transfers, sells and assigns to Essential, and Essential
purchases and accepts, all of Weston's right, title and interest in the
following assets ("the GlobeNet Assets"):

      (i) the domain name, software, source code, databases, and the content
existing as of the date of this Agreement and used by Weston in the operation of
its GlobeNet World Wide Website located at http://www.iso14000.net ("GlobeNet")

      (ii) all of Weston's GlobeNet subscriber lists;

      (iii) the servers, routers and other hardware described in Exhibit "A" to
this Agreement;

      (iv) the registered trademark described in Exhibit "B" to this Agreement;
and

      (v) the other assets described in Exhibit "C" to this Agreement.

Page 1 of 11
<PAGE>   2
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

(b) Weston hereby assigns to Essential, and Essential hereby assumes and accepts
all of Weston's rights and liabilities under the contracts attached to this
Agreement as Exhibit "D" (the "Contracts"), except for liabilities for, and
arising from, those obligations that were required to be performed by Weston
under the Contracts before the date of this Agreement. Attached as Exhibit "E"
to this Agreement are the consents, obtained from all necessary parties ("Third
Parties"), approving the assignment and assumption described in the preceding
sentence, and releasing Weston from all such assigned and assumed liabilities.
Weston shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Essential from and against all
loss, cost, damage and expense arising out of (i) Weston's ownership or
operation of the GlobeNet assets before the date of this Agreement, or (ii) any
obligations which were required to be performed by Weston under the Contracts
before the date of this Agreement. Essential shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless Weston from and against all loss, cost, damage and expense arising out
of (i) Essential's ownership or operation of the GlobeNet assets from and after
the date of this Agreement and (ii) any obligations which are required to be
performed by Essential (as assignee of Weston's rights and obligations) under
the Contracts on and after the date of this Agreement.

(c) Weston warrants only that it has title to the GlobeNet assets and that title
to those assets is hereby transferred to Essential free and clear of any lien or
encumbrance. Essential acknowledges that the GlobeNet assets are sold by Weston
"AS IS". WESTON MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, CONCERNING THE GLOBENET ASSETS.

1.2 KS2 Business Plan. Weston agrees that Essential may use, develop and pursue
the Weston KS2 Business Plan attached to this Agreement as Exhibit F, in any
manner that Essential chooses; provided, however, that, (a) except as set forth
in the paragraph below, Essential shall not be entitled to use any Weston name
or trademark in any manner or respect, without the express written consent of
Weston, which consent may be withheld in Weston's sole discretion, and (b)
Essential may not use or disclose to any person any confidential financial
information concerning Weston that is set forth in the KS2 Business Plan.

Weston may continue to use, develop and pursue the attached KS2 business plan in
any manner that Weston chooses, provided, however, that Weston shall have no
right to use the domain names described in Section I below, without the express
written consent of Essential, which consent may be withheld in Essential's sole
discretion. The KS2 Business Plan shall be provided to Essential "AS IS".
Nothing herein shall grant, or be construed to grant to Essential, any rights in
or to the name "KS2" or "Knowledge Solutions Systems" or any use thereof without
the prior written consent of Weston. WESTON MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A

Page 2 of 11
<PAGE>   3
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

PARTICULAR PURPOSE, CONCERNING THE KS2 BUSINESS PLAN OR THE DOMAIN NAMES
DESCRIBED IN SECTION I below. Essential shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless Weston from and against all loss, cost, damage and expense arising out
of (i) Essential's use, development and pursuit of the KS2 Business Plan.

1.3 TeamLink Builder Software. Weston shall furnish Essential with one copy of
Weston's TeamLink builder software and hereby provides the following
non-exclusive license to Essential with respect to that copy of the TeamLink
builder software ("TeamLink"):

1.3.1 WESTON grants to Essential a non-exclusive license to use TeamLink,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

1.3.2 The term of the license shall continue until terminated by either party;
provided however, WESTON shall have the right to terminate the license in the
event Essential enters into liquidation, if a receiver is appointed of all or
any part of its assets, or if it becomes insolvent, or if it becomes unable to
pay its debts as they become due. WESTON further shall have the right to
terminate the license immediately upon written notice in the event Essential is
in material breach of any of its obligations under this license or this
Agreement. If this license is terminated, Essential shall, on the effective date
of such termination cease using TeamLink and shall promptly deliver to WESTON
all copies of the software and all related documentation in its possession, or
shall provide evidence satisfactory to WESTON that all such copies have been
destroyed.

1.3.3 This license and the rights granted hereunder shall not be assigned,
sublicensed, encumbered by security interest or otherwise transferred by
Essential without the prior written consent of WESTON, which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld.

1.3.4 The parties acknowledge that monetary damages may not be an adequate
remedy if Essential breaches its obligations under this license, since such
breach may result in irreparable harm. The parties therefore agree that in the
event of any such breach, WESTON shall be entitled to appropriate injunctive
relief, in addition to any and all other remedies at law.

1.3.5 Essential shall maintain complete and accurate records containing all data
reasonably necessary for verification of its compliance with the terms of this
license. WESTON or its authorized representatives shall have the right, during
regular business hours, and upon three days' advance notice, to inspect
Essential's books, records and computers to audit and verify compliance with the
terms of this license.

1.3.6 The copy of the TeamLink builder software licensed to Essential under this
Agreement is provided "AS IS". WESTON MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR

Page 3 of 11
<PAGE>   4
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, CONCERNING THE TEAMLINK BUILDER
SOFTWARE. Weston shall not be required to provide Essential with any support,
upgrades or other services concerning the TeamLink builder software. Essential
shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Weston from and against all loss,
cost, damage and expense arising out of Essential's use of the TeamLink builder
software.

1.4 Stock Purchase Warrant. From the effective date of this agreement and during
each calendar quarter of 2000, Weston may purchase from Essential a Stock
Purchase Warrant for 25,000 shares of Essential common stock, subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in the form of Stock Purchase Warrant attached to
this Agreement as Exhibit G (the "Warrant form"). The purchase price for each
such quarterly purchase shall be $50,000. Weston may exercise its right to make
such quarterly purchase by providing Essential with written notice, not later
than ten days before the end of the calendar quarter, of Weston's election to
make such quarterly purchase, accompanied by Weston's check payable to Essential
in the amount of $50,000. Within ten days after receipt of Weston's notice and
check, Essential shall provide Weston with a fully executed Stock Purchase
Warrant, in the form of the Warrant form; provided, however, that if any of the
capital events specified in Section 4 of the Warrant shall occur after the date
hereof and before the issuance of the Warrant, the number of shares of stock or
other securities, or the exercise price of the Warrant, shall be adjusted as
needed to ensure that Weston is affected by such capital event in the same
manner as it would have been affected if the Warrant had been issued before the
occurrence of such capital event.

If Weston fails to notify Essential of Weston's election to purchase any
quarterly Stock Purchase Warrant permitted under this Section 1.4, Weston shall
have no further right to purchase the Stock Purchase Warrant for that quarter,
but Weston shall retain the right to purchase the remaining Stock Purchase
Warrants for the remaining quarters during 2000. In no event shall Weston have
the right to purchase more than 4 such warrants, covering an aggregate of
100,000 shares of Essential common stock (as adjusted in accordance with the
last sentence of the immediately preceding paragraph).

1.5 Strategic Alliance Partner Relationship. Within 30 days after the date of
this Agreement, Weston and Essential will enter into a strategic partner
relationship in accordance with the documents attached to this Agreement as
Exhibit K.

1.6 Essential Note. On the date of this Agreement, Essential shall provide
Weston with Essential's executed Promissory Note, for the principal amount of
$30,000, in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit H, in return for the
equipment described in Exhibit A attached to this Agreement.

Page 4 of 11
<PAGE>   5
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

1.7 Domain Names.Weston hereby transfers to Essential all of Weston's right,
title and interest, if any, in the domain names listed on Exhibit I to this
Agreement. Weston agrees to execute such documents as necessary to effect the
transfer of such Domain Names to Essential as may be required. Weston makes no
warranty that it has good and marketable title to such domain names or that it
has any interest in those names. Weston's interest in those names, if any, is
conveyed to Essential "AS IS". WESTON MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR WARRANTY OF
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, CONCERNING THE DOMAIN NAMES LISTED IN EXHIBIT
I.

                                   ARTICLE II

              REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF WESTON TO ESSENTIAL

2.1 Authorization. Weston has by proper corporate proceedings duly authorized
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and all instruments
and agreements required to be given pursuant to this Agreement.

2.2 Good Standing. Weston is a corporation organized and legally existing in
good standing under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania with full power and
authority to transfer the Assets and conduct its activities as now being
conducted.

2.3 Liabilities of Weston. Weston has filed or will file all required Federal,
state and local tax returns pertaining to the Assets, if any, and has paid or
will pay all taxes shown to be due by such returns, up to and through the date
of this Agreement.

2.4 Title. Except as set forth in subparagraph 2.4.1 hereinafter, Weston has
good and marketable title to the Assets, free and clear of any mortgage, pledge,
lien, encumbrance, charge, title retention, security arrangement or any other
restriction on the use, possession or transfer thereof; provided, however, that
this representation does not apply to the domain names described in paragraph
1.7 above, as to which Weston makes no warranty of any kind.

2.4.1 Certain Liens. The Equipment (as set forth in Exhibit A), GlobeNet
Trademark (as set forth in Exhibit B) and Domain Names (as set forth in Exhibit
I) are subject to a certain security interest granted by Weston to its primary
lender. Weston will proceed diligently to cause such security interest to be
terminated and released as promptly as practicable following the effective date
of this Agreement.

2.5 Legal Proceedings. Weston knows of no claims, suits, proceedings or
investigations pending or threatened against Weston which could result in any
claim against the Assets or which could invalidate this Agreement or any action
contemplated hereunder.

Page 5 of 11
<PAGE>   6
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

2.6 Legal Compliance. The execution and performance of this Agreement by Weston
will not result in a breach or constitute a default under:

(a) any charter, by-law, agreement or other document to or by which Weston is a
party or is bound; or

(b) any decree, order or rule of any court or governmental authority, known to
Weston, which is binding on Weston or on any of the Assets.

2.7 Brokers and Finders. No agent or broker or other person acting pursuant to
authority of Weston is entitled to any commission or finder's fees in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

2.8 Weston's Clients, Vendors and Licensors. Weston has no knowledge, nor has it
been notified, by any client, vendor or licensor, of the termination of any
contract, license or right, which termination could affect the Assets in any
material adverse respect.

2.9 Compliance with Law. To the best of Weston's knowledge, Weston has not
violated the laws or regulations of any Federal, state or local governmental
authority, in any manner that could have a material adverse effect on the
Assets.

                                   ARTICLE III
                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ESSENTIAL

Essential represents and warrants to Weston that:

3.1 Authorization. Essential has by proper corporate proceedings duly authorized
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and all instruments
and agreements required to be given pursuant to this Agreement.

3.2 Good Standing. Essential is a corporation organized and legally existing in
good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland with full power and
authority to receive the Assets and conduct its activities as now being
conducted.

3.3 Liabilities of Essential. Essential has filed or will file all required
Federal, state and local tax returns and has paid or will pay all taxes shown to
be due by such returns, up to and through the date of this Agreement.

3.4 Legal Proceedings. Essential knows of no claims, suits, proceedings or
investigations pending or threatened against Essential which could result in any
claim that could invalidate this Agreement or any action contemplated hereunder.

Page 6 of 11
<PAGE>   7
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

3.5 Legal Compliance. The execution and performance of this Agreement by
Essential will not result in a breach or constitute a default under:

(a) any charter, by-law, agreement or other document to or by which Essential is
a party or is bound; or

(b) any decree, order or rule of any court or governmental authority, known to
Essential, which is binding on Essential or on any of its assets.

3.6 Brokers and Finders. No agent or broker or other person acting pursuant to
authority of Essential is entitled to any commission or finder's fees in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.7 Essential's Clients, Vendors and Licensors. Essential has no knowledge, nor
has it been notified, by any person or entity of the termination of any
contract, license or right, which termination could affect the Assets in any
material adverse respect.

3.8 Compliance with Law. To the best of Essential's knowledge, Essential has not
violated the laws or regulations of any Federal, state or local governmental
authority, in any manner that could have a material adverse effect on its
business or assets.

3.9 Condition of Essential's Business. Since the date of its last balance sheet,
a copy of which is attached as Exhibit J, and with respect to the information
set forth therein, there has not been:

(a) any material adverse change in the financial condition, revenues, business,
organization or personnel of Essential or in the relationship of Essential with
suppliers, clients or others, other than changes occurring in the ordinary
course of business; or

(b) any sale or other disposition of any property, equipment or other assets
previously owned by Essential that would materially restrict it from continuing
to operate its business; or

(c) any material damage, destruction or loss (whether or not insured) affecting
the property or the business of Essential.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                  ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS OF WESTON AND ESSENTIAL

4.1 Expenses of Negotiation. Each party to this Agreement shall pay all expenses
incurred on its behalf in connection with the negotiation, execution and
performance of

Page 7 of 11
<PAGE>   8
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

this Agreement, including the fees and expenses of its respective counsel.

4.2 Indemnity By Weston. Weston agrees that, except as specifically set forth in
this Agreement, Essential is not assuming any liability or other obligation of
any kind or nature of Weston whatsoever, including, but not limited to,
liabilities for wages, salaries, pension plans, vacation and sick pay, taxes,
and contractual liability. Weston agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Essential, its successors and assigns, against, and to save each of them
harmless from all claims and liabilities which may be asserted against them by
reason of any such unassumed liabilities or other obligations of Weston or which
may be attributable to any breach of the representations and warranties of
Weston set forth in Article II above.

4.3 Indemnity By Essential. Essential agrees that Weston is not assuming any
liability or other obligation of any kind or nature of Essential whatsoever,
including, but not limited to, liabilities for wages, salaries, pension plans,
vacation and sick pay, taxes, and contractual liability. Essential agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold harmless Weston, its successors and assigns, against,
and to save each of them harmless from all claims and liabilities which may be
asserted against them by reason of any such unassumed liabilities or other
obligations of Essential or which may be attributable to any breach of the
representations and warranties of Essential set forth in Article III above.

                                    ARTICLE V
                              ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

5.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Indemnities. All of the
representations, warranties of the parties and all obligations to indemnify the
other shall survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

5.2 Notices. Any notice to a party hereto pursuant to this Agreement shall be
given by registered or certified mail addressed, if to Weston to:

            Chief Executive Officer
            Roy F. Weston, Inc.
            1400 Weston Way
            West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380

            with a copy to:

            General Counsel
            Roy F. Weston, Inc.
            1400 Weston Way
            West Chester, Pennsylvania  19380

Page 8 of 11
<PAGE>   9
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

      If to Essential to:
            Chief Executive Officer
            Essential Technologies, Inc.
            1401 Rockville Pike  Suite 500
            Rockville, Maryland  20852

5.3 Successors. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding on
and enforceable against, the successors and assigns of Weston and Essential,
respectively. The benefits, but not the burdens, of this Agreement may be freely
assigned by either party.

5.4 Waiver of Performance. Weston or Essential may extend the time for or waive
the performance of any obligations of the other party, or waive compliance by
the other party with any covenants or conditions in this Agreement; provided,
however, that any such extension or waiver shall be effective only if made in a
writing signed by an authorized officer of each party hereto.

5.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Schedules and exhibits
hereto, represents the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
transactions contemplated herein and all understandings and agreements, oral or
written, heretofore made by the parties are merged in this Agreement, and
neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be amended or modified
except by a written agreement signed by an authorized officer of each party
hereto.

5.6 Headings. The section headings and captions in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part of
the provisions hereof, nor affect the meaning or construction of any provision,
condition or covenant hereof.

5.7 Counterparts. For the convenience of the parties hereto, this Agreement may
be executed in any number of counterparts, each such counterpart being deemed to
be an original instrument, and all such counterparts shall together constitute
the same agreement.

5.8 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made in, and in all
respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with
the laws of the State of Maryland.

Page 9 of 11
<PAGE>   10
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

5.9 Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained
herein shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect, such provision or provisions shall be ineffective only to the
extent of such invalidity or unenforceability, without invalidating the
remainder of such provision or provisions or the remaining provisions of this
Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provision or provisions had never been contained herein, unless
such a construction would be unreasonable.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date
first above written.

      Roy F. Weston, Inc.
      ("WESTON")

      By: s/William L. Robertson                Attest:_________________
          __________________________
            Chief Executive Officer

      Essential Technologies, Inc. ("Essential")

      By:s/Thomas Lewis
         ________________________
      Attest:______________________
           Chief Executive Officer

Page 10 of 11
<PAGE>   11
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

                                    Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>        <C>  <C>
Exhibit A   -   Equipment List
Exhibit B   -   GlobeNet Trademark
Exhibit C   -   Other GlobeNet Assets
Exhibit D   -   GlobeNet Contracts:
            -   CEEM, Inc.
            -   Five Winds International
            -   McCully Technical Services

Exhibit E   -   Required Consents
Exhibit F   -   KS2 Business Plan
Exhibit G   -   Stock Purchase Warrant
Exhibit H   -   Essential Promissory Note
Exhibit I   -   Domain Names

                    www.benchmarker.net
                    www.eco-efficiency.com
                    www.eco-efficiency.net
                    www.eco-efficiency.org
                    www.ecoenterprise.com
                    www.eco-enterprise.com
                    www.eco-enterprise.net
                    www.eco-enterprise.org
                    www.expertnet.net

Exhibit J   -   Essential Financial Information
Exhibit K   -   Essential Alliance Partner Application
</TABLE>

Page 11 of 11<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

          MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES

                     (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS AGREEMENT)

                                     BETWEEN

                               ROY F. WESTON, INC.
                       (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS WESTON)

                                1400 WESTON WAY
                             WEST CHESTER, PA 19380

                                       AND

                    INFRASTRUCTURE REVITALIZATION INSTITUTE
                     (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS CONSULTANT)

                        1499 CHAIN BRIDGE ROAD, SUITE 201
                             MCLEAN, VIRGINIA 22101

ARTICLE I - INTRODUCTION

         WHEREAS, WESTON, a Pennsylvania Corporation, may from time to time have
work for which it may require the services and expertise of CONSULTANT.

         WHEREAS, CONSULTANT has represented to WESTON that it possesses the
appropriate qualifications, expertise and resources to perform such services.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree that the terms and conditions set
forth below shall govern the services to be provided by CONSULTANT to WESTON.
<PAGE>   2
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

 ARTICLE 2 - SCOPE OF WORK

          (a)      WESTON hereby engages CONSULTANT to perform the services
                   (hereinafter referred to as Services) as may be requested in
                   Purchase Order Releases issued by WESTON hereunder and agreed
                   to by CONSULTANT. This agreement authorizes, but shall not
                   obligate WESTON, to issue Purchase Order Releases in
                   accordance with Article 4 hereunder. The extent of WESTON's
                   financial obligation under this agreement shall be the
                   cumulative total value of all Purchase Order Releases issued
                   hereunder.

          (b)      WESTON may propose Work to CONSULTANT as WESTON believes to
                   be within CONSULTANT's professional competence. CONSULTANT,
                   in his sole discretion, may accept or reject any Work
                   proposed by WESTON. CONSULTANT agrees to devote his/her best
                   professional effort to the accomplishment of each Purchase
                   Order Release accepted by him/her and to perform with
                   diligence and expedition, consistent with the highest
                   recognized professional standards and in compliance with all
                   applicable laws and regulations.

          (c)     CONSULTANT will provide professional contracting and
                  consulting expertise for specific tasks, relating to program
                  facilitation and development, as well as other projects to be
                  assigned. The specific duties will be planned in accordance
                  with definite time requirements to accomplish the various
                  tasks. As such, each assignment will be specifically defined
                  by task orders, issued against this Master Agreement.

         (d)      CONSULTANT shall perform work at locations to be identified in
                  Purchase Order Releases to be issued hereunder.

ARTICLE 3 - ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

In the event of an inconsistency or ambiguity between the documents comprising
this Agreement and the Purchase Order Releases issued hereunder (including Scope
of Work and all changes and modifications thereto), the following order of
precedence shall govern:

         A.       Purchase Order Releases including all changes or modifications
                  thereto;

         B.       Scope of Work; and

         C.       Agreement.
<PAGE>   3
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

ARTICLE 4 - PURCHASE ORDER RELEASES

The CONSULTANT shall perform such work as WESTON may, from time to time,
authorize on Purchase Order Releases issued hereunder. A sample Purchase Order
Release is attached hereto as Exhibit A. Only the WESTON authorized
representative identified in Article 6 or alternate individual as may be
designated in writing may execute a Purchase Order Release. Each Purchase Order
Release issued and accepted by the CONSULTANT shall become a part of this
Agreement. Such Purchase Order Releases will describe the effort to be
accomplished, the completion schedule, the compensation schedule, the applicable
contractual provisions, performance benchmarks and all other relevant
information.

Prior to issuance of any Purchase Order Release, WESTON shall provide a detailed
scope of work to the CONSULTANT and obtain from CONSULTANT, a price estimate and
schedule to accomplish such work. The parties hereto will reach mutual agreement
regarding the compensation and schedule for such work prior to final issuance
and authorization to proceed under any Purchase Order Release.

ARTICLE 5 - CONFIDENTIALITY

         (a)      CONSULTANT shall receive and retain Proprietary Information in
                  confidence and shall not disclose such information to any
                  person without the express written authorization of WESTON.
                  CONSULTANT shall use Proprietary Information solely for the
                  purpose of performing its obligations hereunder and for no
                  other purpose. Upon termination of this Agreement, CONSULTANT
                  shall promptly return all Proprietary Information to WESTON,
                  and will, if requested by WESTON, execute a certificate
                  warranting that all Proprietary Information has been returned
                  to WESTON in accordance with this Agreement.

         (b)      WESTON shall receive and retain all Proprietary Information in
                  confidence and shall not disclose such information to any
                  person without the express written authorization of
                  CONSULTANT. WESTON shall use Proprietary Information solely
                  for the purpose of performing its obligations hereunder and
                  for no other purpose. Upon termination of this Agreement,
                  WESTON shall promptly return all Proprietary Information to
                  CONSULTANT, and will, if requested by CONSULTANT, execute a
                  certificate warranting that all Proprietary Information has
                  been returned to CONSULTANT in accordance with this Agreement.
<PAGE>   4
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

ARTICLE 6 - AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

The following individuals are the authorized representatives of the respective
parties to execute this Agreement and any subsequent Notices To Proceed issued
hereunder:

         CONSULTANT:       Jennifer Hosking, Executive Vice President

          WESTON:          Ed Pettiss, Vice President

Any subsequent changes to the authorized representatives cited above must be
mutually agreed to via written modification to this Agreement.

ARTICLE 7 - WORK PRODUCT

         (a)      All information, including, but not limited to, all designs,
                  drawings, specifications, standards, processes, manuals,
                  reports, computer software and related information, first
                  produced by CONSULTANT for WESTON during the performance of
                  the Services hereunder, shall be considered Proprietary
                  Information and shall be retained and used solely in
                  accordance with the provision of Article 5 hereof. To the
                  extent any such information comprises work susceptible to
                  protection under the Copyright laws, CONSULTANT agrees that
                  such work shall be deemed "work made for hire" hereunder. In
                  the event that such work is determined not to be "work made
                  for hire" under the copyright laws, this Agreement shall
                  operate as an irrevocable assignment by CONSULTANT to WESTON
                  of the copyright in the work, including all right, title and
                  interest therein, in perpetuity.

         (b)      All inventions, improvements and discoveries, whether
                  patentable or not, first conceived, developed or reduced to
                  practice by CONSULTANT, either alone or with others, in the
                  course of the performance of CONSULTANT's Services hereunder,
                  shall be the sole property of WESTON. All such inventions,
                  improvements and discoveries shall be promptly disclosed to
                  WESTON in writing. At WESTON's request and expense, CONSULTANT
                  agrees to (i) assist WESTON in making application for patents
                  on such inventions, improvements and discoveries in the United
                  States and any foreign countries (ii) assign all such
                  applications to WESTON or its designee without further
                  charges, (iii) assist WESTON in the prosecution of any patent
                  application and the enforcement of any resulting patents and
                  (iv) execute any and all documents necessary for the
                  accomplishment of the foregoing.
<PAGE>   5
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

 ARTICLE 8 - CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

          (a)     CONSULTANT warrants that, to the best of his knowledge and
                  belief, there are no relevant facts or circumstances which
                  could give rise to a conflict of interest under this
                  Agreement, or that CONSULTANT has disclosed all such relevant
                  information.

          (b)     The CONSULTANT agrees that if an actual or potential conflict
                  of interest is discovered after award, the CONSULTANT will
                  make a full disclosure in writing to WESTON. This disclosure
                  shall include a description of actions which the CONSULTANT
                  has taken or proposes to take, after consultation with WESTON
                  to avoid, mitigate or neutralize the actual or potential
                  conflict.

          (c)     In performing these Services, CONSULTANT shall not communicate
                  with any officer, representative, employee, elected official
                  or agency of the U.S. Government or any state or local
                  government on behalf of WESTON.

          (d)     If CONSULTANT is a former United States government employee,
                  CONSULTANT agrees to furnish WESTON all necessary information
                  regarding any potential conflict of interest.

ARTICLE 9 - SCHEDULE AND TERM OF AGREEMENT

The effective date of this agreement shall be July 1, 1999 and shall continue in
full force and effect for a period of two years thereafter unless earlier
terminated as provided herein.

ARTICLE 10 - COMPENSATION, INVOICING AND PAYMENT

          (a)     WESTON will pay CONSULTANT for work performed for WESTON as
                  specifically assigned and defined by WESTON at the rates
                  presented in Purchase Order Releases and will reimburse
                  CONSULTANT at cost its reasonable travel, associated food and
                  lodging and auto rental expenses approved by WESTON and
                  incurred in the performance of Services up to the maximum
                  amount specified in Purchase Order Releases. In consideration
                  of the remuneration set forth herein and for other good and
                  valuable consideration acknowledged as having been received
                  but not specifically set forth in this Agreement, CONSULTANT
                  hereby agrees to release WESTON from any and prior claims
                  which CONSULTANT may have against
<PAGE>   6
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

                  WESTON. No entertainment is authorized under this Agreement
                  and no entertainment expenses will be reimbursed under this
                  Agreement, except as defined as part of any specific Purchase
                  Order Release authorized hereunder. Entertainment includes the
                  purchase of meals or refreshments for any individual other
                  than CONSULTANT.

         (b)      For tasks performed on a time and materials basis, CONSULTANT
                  shall use the labor categories and corresponding fully loaded
                  rates as provided in Attachment A. Such rates shall be
                  renegotiated at the end of the first year of this agreement
                  and annually thereafter. CONSULTANT may amend this labor
                  category and rate schedule to provide for additional labor
                  categories as needed.

         (c)      CONSULTANT shall submit invoices for completed Services (in a
                  form acceptable to WESTON) within 30 days of the date of
                  performance of the Work. Invoices shall include, but not be
                  limited to the following:

                  1.       The Agreement number, Work Order number, Purchase
                           Order Release number, dates of service, name of
                           authorized WESTON representative.

                  2.       Names of personnel and title, net unit price or
                           hourly rate for Services rendered, extended totals,
                           expenses by category and total amounts due.

                  3.       Invoices shall be submitted as an original and one
                           copy to:

                           Roy F. Weston, Inc.
                           One Weston Way
                           West Chester, PA 19380-1499
                           Attn: Accounts Payable

                  One (1) copy shall also be forwarded to the authorized WESTON
                  representative under separate cover.

         (d)      Payments shall be issued to CONSULTANT net 30 days after
                  receipt and approval of CONSULTANT's invoices by the
                  authorized WESTON representative. WESTON shall be under no
                  obligation to reimburse CONSULTANT for any expenses incurred
                  in violation of any law or to compensate CONSULTANT for any
                  Services, the performance of which violated any law.
<PAGE>   7
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

 ARTICLE 11 - TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice.
Further, WESTON may terminate this Agreement at any time if CONSULTANT breaches
this Agreement or is unable to perform. Termination of this Agreement will not
affect the provisions of Article 5 and 7 which shall remain in effect for a
period of five (5) years from the date of termination.

 ARTICLE 12 - SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS

WESTON may, under certain Purchase Order Releases issued under this Agreement
flow down certain clauses from its Client contracts. CONSULTANT agrees to comply
with all supplemental provisions made a part of any specific Purchase Order
Release authorized hereunder.

ARTICLE 13 - RECORDS RETENTION

CONSULTANT shall retain all billing records related to this Agreement in legible
form for a period of five (5) years from date of final payment hereunder, or as
specified in WESTON's Client Contract, whichever period is greater. CONSULTANT
authorizes WESTON to inspect and audit these records during business hours with
prior notice to CONSULTANT.

ARTICLE 14 - TAXES

CONSULTANT shall have sole responsibility for payment of all Federal, State
(unless provided with a Non-taxable Transaction Certificate), Local and other
income taxes and for all employment and other taxes applicable to the
consideration paid to CONSULTANT hereunder. CONSULTANT further agrees to
indemnify and hold WESTON harmless from and against any and all claims related
to such taxes.

ARTICLE 15 - INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

In performance of all Services, CONSULTANT shall be deemed to be an "independent
contractor" and as such, shall not be entitled to any benefits applicable to the
employees of WESTON. The CONSULTANT declares that he is engaged in an
independent business and that similar services are provided for other clients
and WESTON is not the CONSULTANT's sole and only client. CONSULTANT shall in no
way be deemed to be an agent or representative of WESTON. CONSULTANT shall have
no authority to bind or speak for WESTON except as may be specifically given to
CONSULTANT in writing from time to time.
<PAGE>   8
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

 ARTICLE 16 - INSURANCE

CONSULTANT shall maintain insurance at its own expense for Services performed
hereunder. Such insurance shall include, but not be limited to, Comprehensive
General Liability ($300,000 Minimum). Certificates of insurance shall be
provided to WESTON immediately upon request.

 ARTICLE 17 - WARRANTY

CONSULTANT warrants: (a) that it possesses the expertise, capability, equipment
and personnel to properly and professionally perform its Services hereunder,
that it is properly and legally licensed (if applicable) to perform such
Services, and that it shall at all times in the performance of such Services
comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations and shall perform
all Services in a good, workmanlike, professional, efficient and non-negligent
manner; and (b) it does not and during the period of performance of this
Agreement will not represent any competitor of WESTON without first providing
WESTON notice describing the scope of work and the competitor.

ARTICLE 18 - INDEMNIFICATION

The CONSULTANT agrees to indemnify and hold harmless WESTON, its officers,
directors, agents and employees for any loss, including reasonable and actual
attorney's fees, costs or damages that WESTON may incur as a result of the
negligent acts or omissions of the CONSULTANT or the CONSULTANT's employees or
agents.

WESTON agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the CONSULTANT, its officers,
directors, agents and employees for any loss, including reasonable and actual
attorney's fees, costs or damages that WESTON may incur as a result of negligent
acts or omissions of WESTON or WESTON's employees or agents.

Neither party shall be liable to the other for incidental, indirect or
consequential damages, except where same arises out of the gross negligence or
willful misconduct of the other party.

ARTICLE 19 - CHANGES

WESTON may, at any time by written notice to CONSULTANT, make changes to any of
the documents constituting this Agreement. Claims for additional compensation or
extension of time (adjustments) under this Article must be made in writing
within ten (10)
<PAGE>   9
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

days of issuance of a change notice from WESTON. Failure to provide such written
claim shall constitute a waiver of such claim for adjustment. No claims for
adjustment will be accepted by WESTON after final payment hereunder. Failure to
reach mutual agreement regarding such adjustments hereunder shall constitute a
dispute to be resolved under Article 22 of this Agreement.

 ARTICLE 20 - ASSIGNMENT

This Agreement may not be assigned by CONSULTANT, either in whole or in part,
without the prior written consent of WESTON and any attempted assignment shall
be null and void and without force and effect.

 ARTICLE 21- YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE WARRANTY

In addition to all other representations and warranties made hereunder, the
CONSULTANT represents and warrants to WESTON that all Services furnished
hereunder including any and all deliverables developed or required to be
provided hereunder, including without limitation, all designs, drawings,
specifications, standards, processes, manuals, reports, computer software and
related information are fully compliant in all respects with the Year 2000, and
those Services will operate and perform without errors, malfunctions or defects
(including specifically errors, malfunctions or defects relating to date data
representing or referencing different centuries or more than one century) at all
times prior to, during and after the calendar year 2000 A.D. In the event any
such errors, malfunctions or defects are detected in the Services furnished by
the CONSULTANT hereunder, CONSULTANT shall, at its sole cost and expense,
promptly repair or replace the defective Services with Services of like quality,
form, fit and function in all respects as they relate to Year 2000 compliance.
The warranties of CONSULTANT shall survive expiration or earlier termination of
this Agreement, and shall extend to WESTON and all users of the Services.

ARTICLE 22 - DISPUTES

Any dispute arising under this Agreement, including disputes under termination,
not settled by agreement of the parties, shall be decided by litigation in a
court of competent jurisdiction. Pending any decision, appeal, suit, or claim
pursuant to this Article, CONSULTANT shall proceed diligently with the
performance of the work authorized under this Agreement. The rights of WESTON
and the obligations of CONSULTANT shall survive completion of performance in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Purchase Order Releases
issued thereunder and final payment hereunder.
<PAGE>   10
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

ARTICLE 23 - SEVERABILITY

Any provision or part thereof of this Agreement held to be void or unenforceable
under any law or by any court shall be deemed stricken, and all remaining
provisions shall continue to be valid and binding upon the parties. The parties
may reform or replace such stricken provision or part thereof with a valid and
enforceable provision which expresses the intent of the stricken provision.

ARTICLE 24 - GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, exclusive of the choice of law rules
thereof, as if therein wholly to be performed.

ARTICLE 25 - NON-EXCLUSIVITY

This Agreement is non-exclusive.
<PAGE>   11
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

 ARTICLE 26 - ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement, including all Purchase Order Releases issued hereunder,
constitutes the sole and only agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes any
prior understandings or written or oral agreements between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended only by a
writing signed by the duly authorized representative of each party.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by
their duly authorized representatives.

CONSULTANT:

BY:

NAME:                        Jennifer T. Hosking
                                    (Print/Type)
TITLE:                     Executive Vice President

DATE:                      11/11/99

ROY F. WESTON, INC. (WESTON):

BY:

NAME:                    Edmund B. Pettiss,Jr.
                                  (Print/Type)
TITLE:                   VP, Marketing

DATE:                      11/11/99

Page 11 of 11
<PAGE>   12
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19

                                  Attachment A
                                IRI Rate Schedule
                              (Effective 11/11/99)

<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
Senior Consultant                       $85.00

Consultant/Project Manager              $65.00

Web Developer                           $60.00

Writer/Communications Expert            $55.00

Jr. Writer/Researcher                   $35.00

Administrative Support                  $25.00
</TABLE>

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