Document:

exv10w13

 

EXHIBIT 10.13

PHASE I AND PHASE II

ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

E-ENERGY ADAMS, LLC

AND

FAGEN ENGINEERING, LLC

January 18, 2006

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Page	 
	Article 1 Definitions; Rules of Interpretation
	 	 	1	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	1.1 Rules of Construction
	 	 	1	 
	1.2 Defined Terms
	 	 	2	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 2 Retention of Agent
	 	 	4	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	2.1 Retention of Services
	 	 	4	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 3 Engineer Responsibilities
	 	 	4	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	3.1 Services
	 	 	4	 
	3.2 Phase I Design Package
	 	 	4	 
	3.3 Delivery of Phase I Design Package 
	 	 	4	 
	3.4 The Phase II Design Package 
	 	 	4	 
	3.5 Delivery of Phase II Design Package 
	 	 	5	 
	3.6 Delays
	 	 	5	 
	3.7 Utility Routing and Design Services Limited 
	 	 	5	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 4 Client Responsibilities 
	 	 	5	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	4.1 Client’s Representative 
	 	 	5	 
	4.2 Client’s Requirements 
	 	 	6	 
	4.3 Other Information 
	 	 	6	 
	4.4 Access to Property 
	 	 	6	 
	4.5 Review of Documents 
	 	 	6	 
	4.6 Consents, Approvals, Licenses, and Permits 
	 	 	6	 
	4.7 Bids
	 	 	6	 
	4.8 Other Services 
	 	 	6	 
	4.9 Services Outside Scope of Engineer’s Services 
	 	 	6	 
	4.10 Deviation from Design 
	 	 	6	 
	4.11 Developments Affecting Scope or Timing of Services 
	 	 	7	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 5 Compensation and Payment 
	 	 	7	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	5.1 Compensation 
	 	 	7	 
	5.2 Reimbursement of Engineer Expenses 
	 	 	7	 
	5.2 Reimbursement of Subcontractor Expenses 
	 	 	7	 
	5.4 Fees for Work Outside Scope of Services 
	 	 	7	 
	5.5 Collection of Unpaid Amounts 
	 	 	8	 
	5.6 Fee Schedule and Reimbursable Rate Schedule Subject to Change 
	 	 	8	 
	5.7 Invoices 
	 	 	8	 
	5.8 Payment 
	 	 	8	 
	5.9 Late Payment and Interest 
	 	 	8	 
	5.10 Suspension for Failure to Pay 
	 	 	8	 

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Table of contents

(continued)

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Page	 
	5.11 Payment 
	 	 	8	 
	5.12 Withholding Payments 
	 	 	8	 
	5.13 Purchase Orders 
	 	 	8	 
	5.14 Changes in Project
	 	 	8	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 6 Construction Cost And Cost Estimates 
	 	 	8	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	6.1 Cost Estimates 
	 	 	8	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 7 Termination 
	 	 	9	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	7.1 Termination Upon Default
	 	 	9	 
	7.2 Termination Upon Abandonment of Plant
	 	 	9	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 8 Ownership of Work Product 
	 	 	9	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	8.1 Work Product
	 	 	9	 
	8.2 Copies Provided to Client
	 	 	9	 
	8.3 Prohibited Use of Work Product
	 	 	9	 
	8.4 Derogation of Engineer’s Rights to Work Product
	 	 	9	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 9 Successors and Assigns
	 	 	10	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	9.1 Successors
	 	 	10	 
	9.2 Written Consent Required
	 	 	10	 
	9.3 No Third-Party Beneficiaries
	 	 	10	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 10 Warranty 
	 	 	10	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	10.1 No Warranty Extended
	 	 	10	 
	10.2 No Responsibility for Construction
	 	 	10	 
	 
	Article 11 Indemnification 
	 	 	10	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	11.1 Engineer’s Indemnification
	 	 	10	 
	11.2 Client’s Indemnification
	 	 	11	 
	11.3 Hazardous Materials Indemnification
	 	 	11	 
	 
	Article 12 Dispute Resolution 
	 	 	11	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	12.1 Arbitration
	 	 	11	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 13 Confidentiality 
	 	 	12	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	13.1 Non-Disclosure Obligation
	 	 	12	 
	13.2 Publicity and Advertising
	 	 	12	 
	13.3 Term of Obligation
	 	 	12	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Article 14 Miscellaneous
	 	 	12	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	14.1 Governing Law
	 	 	12	 
	14.2 Severability
	 	 	12	 
	14.3 No Waiver
	 	 	12	 

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Table of Contents

(continued)

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Page	 
	14.4 Captions and Headings 
	 	 	13	 
	14.5 Engineer’s Accounting Records 
	 	 	13	 
	14.6 Counterparts 
	 	 	13	 
	14.7 Survival 
	 	 	13	 
	14.8 No Privity with Client’s Contractors 
	 	 	13	 
	14.9 Amendments 
	 	 	13	 
	14.10 Entire Agreement
	 	 	13	 
	14.11 Notice 
	 	 	13	 
	14.12 Extent of Agreement 
	 	 	14	 
	14.13 Subrogation Waiver 
	 	 	14	 

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PHASE I AND PHASE II

ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT

     THIS PHASE I AND PHASE II ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made as
of January 18, 2006, (the “Effective Date”) by and between E-Energy Adams, LLC, a Nebraska
Limited Liability Company (the “Client”) and Fagen Engineering, Inc. a Minnesota
Limited Liability Company (the “Engineer”). Each of the Client and Engineer are
referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the
“Parties.”

RECITALS

     WHEREAS, Client is developing a 50 million gallons per year dry grind ethanol production
facility to be located in Adams, NE (the “Plant”) to be owned and operated by Client; and

     WHEREAS, Client and Fagen, Inc. (“Design-Builder”) intend to enter into that certain Lump-Sum
Design-Build Agreement (“Design-Build Agreement”) under which the Fagen, Inc.,
an affiliate of Engineer, will serve as the design-builder for the Plant and provide design,
engineering, procurement and construction services for the development and construction of the
Plant; and

     WHEREAS, Client wishes to retain an entity in advance of entering into the Design-Build
Agreement to perform certain engineering and design work that will be required under the
Design-Build Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and Engineer
desires to act as such entity on such terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending
to be legally bound by this Agreement, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

Article 1

Definitions; Rules of Interpretation

     1.1 Rules of Construction.

     The capitalized terms listed in this Article 1 shall have the meanings set forth herein
whenever the terms appear in this Agreement, whether in the singular or the plural or in the
present or past tense. Other terms used in this Agreement but not listed in this Article shall have
meanings as commonly used in the English language and, where applicable, in generally accepted
construction and design-build industry standards. Words not otherwise defined herein that have well
known and generally accepted technical or trade meanings are used herein in accordance with such
recognized meanings. In addition, the following rules of interpretation shall apply:

	 	(a)	 	The masculine shall include the feminine and neuter.

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	 	(b)	 	References to “Articles,” “Sections,” “Schedules,” or “Exhibits” shall be to
Articles, Sections, Schedules or Exhibits of this Agreement.
	 
	 	(c)	 	This Agreement was negotiated and prepared by each of the Parties with the
advice and participation of counsel. The Parties have agreed to the wording of this
Agreement and none of the provisions hereof shall be construed against one Party on the
ground that such Party is the author of this Agreement or any part hereof. The
following definitions will apply in this Agreement:

     1.2 Defined Terms.

     In addition to definitions appearing elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms have
the following meanings:

Agreement will have the meaning given to such term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Applicable Law means

	 	(a)	 	any and all laws, legislation, statutes, codes, acts, rules, regulations,
ordinances, treaties or other similar legal requirements enacted, issued or
promulgated by a Governmental Authority;
	 
	 	(b)	 	any and all orders, judgments, writs, decrees, injunctions, Governmental
Approvals or other decisions of a Governmental Authority, and
	 
	 	(c)	 	any and all legally binding announcements, directives or published practices
or interpretations, regarding any of the foregoing in (a) or (b) of this definition,
enacted, issued or promulgated by a Governmental Authority,

to the extent, for each of the foregoing in (a), (b) and (c) of this definition, applicable to or
binding upon (i) a Party, its affiliates, its shareholders, its members, it partners or their
respective representatives, to the extent any such person is engaged in activities related to the
Services; or (ii) the property of a Party, its affiliates, its shareholders, its members, its
partners or their respective representatives, to the extent such property is used in connection
with the Services or an activity related to the Services.

Client will have the meaning given to such term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Client’s Representative will have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.1

Design-Build Agreement will have the meaning given to such term in the Recitals to this Agreement.

Effective Date will have the meaning given to such term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Engineer will have the meaning given to such term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Engineer Responsible Parties will have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.10.

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Governmental Approvals will mean any material authorizations or permissions issued or granted by
any Governmental Authority to the project, the Client, the Engineer, subcontractors and their
affiliates in connection with any activity related to the Services.

Governmental Authority will mean any federal, state, local or municipal governmental body; any
governmental, quasi-governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, body or other
authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative,
policy, regulatory or taxing authority or power; or any court or governmental tribunal; in each
case having jurisdiction over the Client, the Engineer, the Plant, or the Site.

Monthly Invoice will have the meaning given to such term in Section 5.7.

Party or Parties will have the meaning given to such term in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Phase I Deliverables will mean the Client’s Deliverable obligations pursuant to Exhibit C attached
to this Agreement..

Phase I Design Package will have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.2.

Phase II Deliverables will mean the Client’s deliverable obligations pursuant to Exhibit C

Phase II Design Package will have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.4 attached to this
Agreement.

Plant will have the meaning given to such term in the Recitals to this Agreement.

Project will mean the plant, together with all equipment, labor, services and materials furnished
under the Design-Build Agreement.

Services will have the meaning given to such term in Section 3.1.

Site will mean the land or premises on which the Plant is located.

Subcontractor will mean any person or entity, including but not limited to independent engineers,
associates, and consultants, retained by Engineer, or by any person or entity retained directly or
indirectly by Engineer, in each case as an independent contractor, to perform a portion of the
Services.

Work Product will have the meaning given to such term in Section 8.1.

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Article 2

Retention of the Agent

     2.1 Retention of Services. On the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth,
Client hereby retains Engineer to perform, and Engineer hereby agrees to perform, the Services.
Engineer will provide such Services solely pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein
including any indemnifications and limitations on liability.

Article 3

Engineer Responsibilities

     3.1 Services. Engineer shall perform the Phase I Design Package and Phase II Design Package
engineering services necessary to facilitate Client’s completion of the Phase I and Phase II Site
work required of Client prior to the issuance of a Notice to Proceed pursuant to the Design-Build
Agreement (collectively, the “Services”).

     3.2 Phase I Design Package. (Grading and Drainage). The Phase I Design Package to be provided
by Engineer shall consist of the Engineering and design of the Plant site and shall include the
following drawings

	 	a)	 	Cover Sheet
	 
	 	b)	 	Property Layout Drawing
	 
	 	c)	 	Grading, Drainage and Erosion Control Plan Drawing (Multiple Drawings
if Required)

	 	i.
ii. 	 	Used for Land Disturbance Permitting

Site grading is held 6-inches low for topsoil and seeding

	 	d)	 	Roadway Alignment Drawing
	 
	 	e)	 	Culvert Cross Sections and Details (Multiple Drawings)
	 
	 	f)	 	Seeding and Landscaping (If Required)

Plan sets along with a Bid Tabulation Sheet will be supplied to the Client so all contractors bid
the same quantities. A telephone conference call for a Phase I pre-bid meeting will be provided
upon Client’s request.

     3.3 Delivery of Phase I Design Package. Engineer shall deliver the completed Phase I Design
Package no later than 60 days after the receipt of all Phase I Deliverables, however, this will be
no sooner than March 26, 2006.

     3.4 Phase II Design Package. The Phase II Design Package to be provided by engineer shall
provide the Engineering and design of site work and utilities for the Plant, all within the
property line of Plant, and shall consist of the following:

	 	a)	 	Cover Sheet
	 
	 	b)	 	Property Layout Drawing

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	 	c)

d)

e)

f)

g)

h)

i)

j)	 	Site Grading and Drainage Drawing (Final Interior Plant
Grading)

 Roadway Alignment

Utility Layout (Fire Loop)

Utility Layout (Potable Water)

Utility Layout (Well Water) if using on-site wells

Utility Layout (Sanitary Sewer)

Utility Layout (Utility Water Blowdown)

Utility Layout (Natural Gas)

	 	i.	 	Fagen Engineering provides a preferred routing through the
Site, line size and pipe specifications are typically provided by the gas supplier.

	 	k)	 	Geometric Layout (For Project Control Verification)
	 
	 	l)	 	Site Utility Piping Tables Drawing

	 
	 	m)	 	Tank Farm Layout Drawing
	 
	 	n)	 	Tank Farm Details Drawing
	 
	 	o)	 	Sections and Details Drawing (If required)
	 
	 	p)	 	Miscellaneous Details Drawing (If required)

A telephone conference call for a Phase 2 pre-bid meeting will be provided upon Client’s request.

     3.5 Delivery of Phase II Design Package. Engineer shall deliver the completed Phase II Design
Package no later than 60 days after the receipt of all Phase II Deliverables.

     3.6 Delays. The Parties agree that Engineer shall not be responsible for delays in providing
the Services under this Agreement due to factors beyond Engineer’s control.

     3.7 Utility Routing and Design Services Limited. The Parties agree that Engineer shall provide
the routing and design for the utilities necessary for the Plant only within the Plant property
line and up to the Plant property line, and that, for purposes of this Agreement, Engineer assumes
a tie-in point to a city utility. The Parties agree that, if there is no city tie-in point,
Engineer will route the utilities to the Plant property line and stop. Any special tie-in
requirements necessary to connect the utilities at the Plant property line are not included in the
compensation or the scope of this Agreement and shall only be designed and engineered by Engineer
as change in the Project which affects the Services hereunder.

Article 4

Client Responsibilities

     4.1 Client’s Representative. Client shall, prior to the commencement of Services by Engineer,
name a representative (“Client’s Representative”) with authority to receive
information and transmit instructions for Client. Client’s Representative shall be vested with
authority to act on behalf of Client and Engineer shall be entitled to rely on Client’s
Representative’s communications with regard to the Services.

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     4.2 Client’s Requirements. Client shall, prior to the commencement of Services by Engineer,
provide Engineer with Client’s requirements for the Project, including objectives and constraints,
design and construction standards, bonding and insurance requirements, and contract forms.

     4.3 Other Information. Prior to the commencement of Services by Engineer, Client shall
provide Engineer with all other information available to Client and pertinent to the project and
the Services including, but not limited to, all items required pursuant to Exhibit C. The items
required by Client pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall be furnished at Client’s expense, and
Engineer shall be entitled to rely upon the accuracy and completeness thereof.

     4.4 Access to Property. Prior to the commencement of Services and as necessary during the
performance of Services, Client shall arrange for access by Engineer upon public and private
property, as required for the performance of the Services under this Agreement

     4.5 Review of Documents. As related to the performance of Services hereunder, Client shall
examine documents presented by Engineer, obtain legal and other advice as Client deems
appropriate, and render written decisions within reasonable time. The items required by Client
pursuant to this Section 4.5 shall be furnished at Client’s expense, and Engineer shall be
entitled to rely upon the accuracy and completeness thereof.

     4.6 Consents, Approvals, Licenses and Permits. Prior to the commencement of Services and as
necessary during the performance of the Services, Client shall obtain all consents, approvals,
licenses, permits, and other Governmental Approvals necessary for the Project and for the
performance of the Services. The items required by Client pursuant to this Section 4.6 shall be
furnished at Client’s expense, and Engineer shall be entitled to rely upon the accuracy and
completeness thereof.

     4.7 Bids. Client shall advertise for and open bids when scheduled.

     4.8 Other Services. Client shall furnish all legal, accounting and insurance counseling
services as may be necessary at any time for the Services, including auditing services the Client
may require to verify the monthly invoices or to ascertain how or for what purposes the Engineer
and/or Subcontractors have used the money paid by or on behalf of the Client.

     4.9 Service Outside Scope of Engineer’s Services. Client shall, at its own expense, as
necessary for the performance and completions of the Services, provide any additional services
necessary for the Project that are outside scope of the Services provided by Engineer under this
Agreement. Engineer shall be entitled to rely upon, as applicable, the completeness and accuracy
of such additional services.

     4.10 Deviation from Design. Client shall indemnify and hold harmless Engineer, its
employees, its agents, its affiliates, and any other persons or entities within its control or for
whom Engineer would otherwise be responsible (“Engineer Responsible Parties”) against
claims arising out of Engineer’s design, if there has been, in the completion of the Phase I and
the Phase II Site work required of Client prior to the issuance of a Notice to Proceed pursuant to
the

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Design-Build Agreement, a failure to follow Engineer’s recommendation and such deviation or
failure caused the claims.

     4.11 Developments Affecting Scope or Timing of Services. Client shall promptly notify
Engineer, in writing, when Client learns of contractor error or any development that affects scope
or timing of Engineer’s Services.

Article 5

Compensation and Payment

     5.1 Compensation. In consideration of its performance of the Services, Client shall pay
Engineer for Engineer’s time in the performance of the Services at a fixed fee of $92,500 (“fixed
fee”) as compensation. Engineer’s compensation under this Section 5.1 shall be pursuant to the
Fee schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A, as such schedule may be modified form time to time.
The full amount of compensation paid by Client under this Section 5.1 shall be included in and
credited to the Design-Build Agreement’s contract price if entered into upon payment in full by
Client.

     5.2 Reimbursement of Engineer Expenses. In addition to the fixed fee in 5.1, Client shall
reimburse Engineer for its expenses related to the performance of the Services in accordance with
Engineer’s current reimbursable expense schedule attached hereto Exhibit B.

     5.3 Reimbursement of Subcontractor Expenses.

          5.3.1 Subcontractor charges related to time spent in the performance of the Services shall
not be marked-up by Engineer. Client shall reimburse Engineer for costs related to Subcontractors’
time in accordance with the Subcontractors’ invoices for the work.

          5.3.2 Subcontractor reimbursable expenses will be marked up in accordance with the current
reimbursable schedule attached hereto as Exhibit B.

     5.4 Fees for Work Outside Scope of Services. Fees for all work outside the scope of
Engineer’s responsibilities described in Article 3, including change order work, shall be computed
in accordance with Engineer’s current fee schedules, attached hereto as Exhibits A and B, as such
schedules may be revised form time to time, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

     5.5 Collection of Unpaid Amounts. If any amount due is not paid in accordance with this
Agreement and Engineer must collect that amount, Engineer shall be entitled to recover, in
addition to the amount due, the cost of collection, including reasonable attorney’s fees in
connection with those collection efforts.

     5.6 Reimbursement Schedule Subject to Change. Engineer’s reimbursement schedule and
reimbursable expense schedule attached hereto as Exhibits A and B are subject to change on
January 1 of each year.

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     5.7 Invoices. Engineer shall submit a monthly invoice (“Monthly Invoice”) for
Services provided and for reimbursable expenses incurred by Engineer and any Subcontractors.

     5.8 Payment. Within thirty (30) days after Client’s receipt of each Monthly Invoice,
Client shall pay Engineer all amounts due.

     5.9 Late Payment and Interest. If Client fails to make payment within thirty (30) days
after receipt of Monthly Invoice, interest at maximum legal rate or at an annual rate of 18%,
whichever is less, shall accrue

     5.10 Suspension for Failure to Pay. If Client fails to make payment within thirty (30) days
after receipt of Monthly Invoice, Engineer may, at its option, after giving seven (7) days’ written
notice, suspend services until it all amounts due to Engineer by Client have been paid in full.

     5.11 Payments from Lawful Sources. Client shall provide for payment from one or more lawful
source of all sums to be paid Engineer.

     5.12 Withholding Payments. Engineer’s compensation shall not be reduced on account of any
amounts withheld from payment to Subcontractors.

     5.13 Purchase Orders. If Client issues a purchase order or other document to initiate the
commencement of Services hereunder, it is expressly agreed that any terms and conditions appearing
thereon shall have no application and only the provisions of this Agreement shall apply.

     5.14 Changes in Project. If Client requests changes in the project which affect the Services,
compensation for and time of performance of Engineer’s services shall be adjusted appropriately.

Article 6

Construction Cost and Cost Estimates

     6.1 Cost Estimates. Client and Engineer acknowledge that Engineer has no control over cost of
labor, materials, equipment of services furnished by others, over contractors’ methods of
determining prices, or other competitive bidding or market conditions and that Engineer’s estimates
of Project construction cost will be made on the basis of its employees‘ experience and
qualifications and will represent Engineer’s employees‘ best judgment as experienced and
qualified professionals, familiar with the construction industry. Engineer does not guarantee that
proposal, bids, or actual construction cost will not vary from its estimates of Project cost and
Client acknowledges the same.

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Article 7

Termination

     7.1 Termination Upon Default. Either party may terminate this Agreement upon twenty (20)
days’ written notice if the non-terminating party has defaulted through no fault of the
terminating party.

     7.2 Termination Upon Abandonment of Project. Client may terminate Engineer’s obligation to
provide further services upon twenty (20) days’ written notice if Client abandons development of
the Plant. In such event, all past due amounts for services rendered (including Subcontractor’s
fees, if any) and any unpaid reimbursable expenses shall be immediately due and payable by Client.

Article 8

Ownership of Work Product

     8.1 Work Product. All tangible items prepared by Engineer, including but not limited to all
drawings, specifications, calculations, data, notes and other materials and documents, including
electronic data furnished by Engineer to Client and to Subcontractors under this Agreement
(“Work Product”) shall be instruments of service, and Engineer shall retain the ownership
and property interests therein, including the copyrights thereto.

     8.2 Copies Provided to Client. Client may retain copies of Work Product for reference;
provided, however, that Client may not make copies of the Work Product available without
Engineer’s written permission, and, granted such permission, may only do so to the extent the use
of such copies of the Work Product directly pertains to the Services, the Plant, or the
construction thereof. Pursuant to Section 8.1 of this Agreement, Engineer retains ownership of and
property interests in any Work Product made available and/or copied.

     8.3 Prohibited Use of Work Product. Reuse of the Work Product on any another Project without
Engineer’s written consent is prohibited. Client shall indemnify and hold harmless Engineer
Responsible Parties against claims resulting from such prohibited reuse. Said items are not
intended to be suitable for completion of this Project by others.

     8.4 Derogation of Engineer’s Rights to Work Product. Submittal or distribution of Work
Product in connection with the performance and completion of the Services and the construction
of the project does not constitute publication in derogation of Engineer’s rights and does not
in any way diminish Engineer’s Work Product rights established herein.

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Article 9

Successors and Assigns

     9.1 Successors. The parties intend that the provisions of this Agreement are binding upon
the Parties, their employees, agents, heirs, successors and assigns.

     9.2 Written Consent Required. Neither party shall assign, sublet, or transfer any interest in
this Agreement without written consent of the other; provided, however, that Engineer may employ
such Subcontractors as it may deem appropriate and may transfer or assign any interest in this
Agreement or the Work Product to Design-Builder without consent of Client.

     9.3 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. None of the provisions of this Agreement will be for the
benefit of or enforceable by any person other than the Parties hereto, their successors and
permitted assigns and legal representatives.

Article 10

Warranty

     10.1 No Warranty Extended. Engineer shall use reasonable care to reflect requirements of
all Applicable Laws, rules, or regulations of which Engineer has knowledge or about which Client
specifically advises in writing, which are in effect on the date of this Agreement. ENGINEER
INTENDS TO RENDER SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, BUT NO
OTHER WARRANTY IS EXTENDED, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH SERVICES. Client’s
rights and remedies in this Agreement are exclusive.

     10.2 No Responsibility for Construction. Engineer shall not be responsible for construction
of the Plant, contractors’ construction means, methods, techniques, sequences, or procedures, or
for contractors’ safety precautions and programs, or for contractors’ failure according to
contract documents.

Article 11

Indemnification

     11.1 Engineer’s Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Engineer shall
indemnify and hold harmless Client, Client’s officers, directors, partners, employees, and agents
from and against any and all claims for bodily injury and for damage to tangible property caused
solely by the negligent acts or omissions of Engineer or Engineer Responsible Parties and
Engineer’s Engineers in the performance and furnishing of Engineer’s services under this
Agreement. Any indemnification shall be limited to the terms and amounts of coverage of the
Engineer’s insurance policies.

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     11.2 Client’s Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Client shall
indemnify and hold harmless Engineer, Engineer’s officers, directors, partners, employees, and
agents and Engineer’s Engineers from and against any and all claims for bodily injury and for
damage to tangible property caused solely by the negligent acts of omission of Client or
Client’s officers, directors, partners, employees, agents, and Client’s Engineers with respect
to this Agreement on the Project.

     11.3 Hazardous Materials Indemnification. In addition to the indemnity provided under this
section, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, Client shall indemnify and hold harmless
Engineer and its officers, directors, partners, employees, and agents and Engineer’s Engineers
from and against all claims, costs, losses, and damages (including but not limited to all fees and
charges of engineers, architects, attorneys, and other professionals and all court of arbitration
or other dispute resolution costs) caused by, arising out of, or relating to the presence,
discharge, release, or escape of asbestos, PCBs, petroleum, hazardous waste, or radioactive
materials at, on, under, or from the Site.

Article 12

Dispute Resolution

     12.1 Arbitration. In an effort to resolve any conflicts that arise out of or relate to this
Agreement, the Client and the Engineer agree that all disputes shall be submitted first to
nonbinding mediation. If mediation does not resolve the conflicts, the controversy shall be
decided by final and binding arbitration conducted in Minneapolis, Minnesota in accordance with
the Construction Industry Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in
effect, unless the Parties mutually agree otherwise.

The award of the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding upon the parties without the right of
appeal to the courts. Judgment may be entered upon it in accordance with Applicable Law by any
court having jurisdiction thereof.

Engineer and Client expressly agree that any arbitration pursuant to this Section 12.1 may be
joined or consolidated with any arbitration involving any other person or entity (i) necessary to
resolve the claim, dispute or controversy, or (ii) substantially involved in or affected by such
claim, dispute or controversy. Both Engineer and Client will include appropriate provisions in all
contracts they execute with other parties in connection with the Services to require such joinder
or consolidation.

The prevailing party in any arbitration, or any other final, binding dispute proceeding upon which
the parties may agree, shall be entitled to recover from the other party reasonable attorneys’
fees and expenses incurred by the prevailing party.

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Article 13

Confidentiality

     13.1 Non-Disclosure Obligation. Except as required by court order, subpoena, or Applicable
Law, neither Party shall disclose to third parties any confidential or proprietary information
regarding the other Party’s business affairs, finances, technology, processes, plans or
installations, product information, know-how, or other information that is received from the other
Party pursuant to this Agreement or the Parties’ relationship prior thereto or is developed
pursuant to this Agreement, without the express written consent of the other Party, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Parties shall at all times use their respective reasonable
efforts to keep all information regarding the terms and conditions of this Agreement confidential
and shall disclose such information to third Persons only as reasonably required for the
permitting of the Project; financing the development, construction, ownership, operation and
maintenance of the Plant; or as reasonably required by either Party for performing its obligations
hereunder and if prior to such disclosure, the disclosing Party informs such third Persons of the
existence of this confidentiality obligation and only if such third Persons agree to maintain the
confidentiality of any information received. This Article 13 shall not apply to information that
was already in the possession of one Party prior to receipt from the other, that is now or
hereafter becomes a part of the public domain through no fault of the Party wishing to disclose,
or that corresponds in substance to information heretofore or hereafter furnished by third parties
without restriction on disclosure.

     13.2 Publicity and Advertising. Neither Client nor Engineer shall make or permit any of their
subcontractors, agents, or vendors to make any external announcement or publication, release any
photographs or information concerning the Project or any part thereof, or make any other type of
communication to any member of the public, press, business entity, or any official body which
names the other Party unless prior written consent is obtained from the other Party, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld.

     13.3 Term of Obligation. The confidentiality obligations of the Parties pursuant to this
Article 13 shall survive the expiration or other termination of this Agreement.

Article 14

Miscellaneous

     14.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with, the substantive laws of the state of Minnesota, without regard to the conflict of
laws provisions thereof.

     14.2 Severability. If any provision or any part of a provision of the Agreement shall be
finally determined to be superseded, invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable pursuant to any
applicable Legal Requirements, such determination shall not impair or otherwise affect the

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validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provision or parts of the provision of
the Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect as if the unenforceable provision or
part were deleted.

     14.3 No Waiver. The failure of either Engineer or Client to insist, in any one or more
instances, on the performance of any of the obligations required by the other under this Agreement
shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of such obligation or right with respect to
future performance.

     14.4 Captions and Headings. The table of contents and the headings used in this Agreement
are for ease of reference only and shall not in any way be construed to limit, define, extend,
describe, alter, or otherwise affect the scope or the meaning of any provision of this Agreement.

     14.5 Engineer’s Accounting Records. Records of Engineer’s personnel time, reimbursable
expenses, and accounts between parties shall be maintained on a generally recognized accounting
basis.

     14.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall be deemed one and the same Agreement,
and may be executed and delivered by facsimile signature, which shall be considered an original.

     14.7 Survival. Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, the Work Product
provisions set forth in Article 8 and the indemnity obligations set forth herein shall survive (in
full force) the expiration or termination of this Agreement, and shall continue to apply to the
Parties to this Agreement even after termination of this Agreement or the transfer of such Party’s
interest in this Agreement.

     14.8 No Privity with Client’s Contractors. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or deemed to
create any legal or contractual relationship between Engineer and any Client contractor or
subcontractor retained to perform the Phase I and Phase II Site work required of Client prior to
the issuance of a Notice to Proceed pursuant to the Design-Build Agreement.

     14.9 Amendments. This Agreement may not be changed, altered, or amended in any way except in
writing signed by a duly authorized representative of each Party.

     14.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement consists of the terms and conditions set forth
herein, as well as the Exhibits hereto, which are incorporated by reference herein and made a part
hereof. This Agreement sets forth the full and complete understanding of the Parties as of the
Effective Date with respect to the subject matter hereof.

     14.11 Notice. Whenever the Agreement requires that notice be provided to a Party, notice
shall be delivered in writing to such party at the address listed below. Notice will be deemed to
have been validly given if delivered (i) in person to the individual intended to receive such
notice, (ii) by registered or by certified mail, postage prepaid to the address indicated in the

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Agreement within four (4) days after being sent, or (iii) by facsimile, by the time stated in
a machine-generated confirmation that notice was received at the facsimile number of the intended
recipient.

If to Engineer, to:

Fagen Engineering LLC 501

W. Highway 212

P. O. Box 159

Granite Falls, MN 56241

Attention: John Austgen

Fax: (320) 564-4861

with a copy to:

Fagen, Inc.

501 W. Highway 212

P. O. Box 159

Granite Falls, MN 56241

Attention: Bruce Langseth

Fax: (320) 564-3278

If to Client, to:

E-Energy Adams, LLC

Mr. Jack L. Alderman

510 Main Street

Adams, NE 68301

     14.12 Extent of Agreement. This Agreement and the Exhibits incorporated therein represent the
entire agreement between the Parties and may be amended only by written instrument signed by both
Parties.

     14.13 Subrogation Waiver. The Parties waive all rights against each other, and against
contractors, Engineers, agents, and employees of the other for damages covered by any property
insurance during construction, and each shall require similar waivers from their contractors,
Engineers, and agents.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused their names to be hereunto subscribed by their
officers thereunto duly authorized, intending thereby that this Agreement shall be effective as of
this January 18, 2006.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	E-ENERGY ADAMS	 	 	 	FAGEN ENGINEERING LLC	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	/s/ Jack Alderman
	 	 	 	By:
	 	/s/ John R. Austgen	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title: 

	President
	 	 	 	Title:
	 	Sr. Vice President	 	 
	 
	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 
	Address for giving notices:	 	 	 	Address for giving notices:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	510 Main Street	 	 	 	501 West Highway 212	 	 
	Adams, NE 68301	 	 	 	PO Box 159	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	Granite Falls, MN 56241	 	 

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EXHIBIT 10.15

SECOND AMENDED and RESTATED

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FEE AGREEMENT

     THIS SECOND AMENDED PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FEE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of
this 10 day of  April , 2006 (“Effective Date”), by and between Jack L. Alderman,
an individual (“Alderman”), and E Energy Adams, LLC (“Company”), a Nebraska limited liability
Company.

     WHEREAS, the parties previously entered into a Project Development Agreement dated March 2,
2006, (the “Development Agreement”);

     WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend and restate the Development Agreement to reflect certain
changes relating to the timing of payment of the development fee;

     WHEREAS, Alderman organized the Company for the purpose of developing, owning and operating a
50 million gallon dry mill ethanol plant near Adams, Nebraska (the “Project” or “Ethanol Plant”);

     WHEREAS, Alderman has provided project development services to the Company in the past and
intends to provide such services in the future;

     WHEREAS, as disclosed in the seed capital prospectus and seed capital subscription agreement
used by the Company in its seed offering commenced on April 27, 2005, the Company has agreed to
pay a development fee to Alderman in exchange for his efforts to organize the Company and assist
in development of the Ethanol Plant; and

     WHEREAS, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) desires to memorialize that agreement
and set forth the manner in which the development fee shall be distributed.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and
for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereby agree as follows:

1. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. Company hereby retains Alderman for the purpose of providing
organizational and developmental services with respect to the Project (“Development Services”).
Development Services shall include all services performed on behalf of the Company by Alderman to
date and all services performed on behalf of and at the reasonable request of the Company through
the termination of this Agreement. Alderman’s duties shall include, but not be limited to,
assumption of responsibility for public relations, on-site development issues, and timely
completion of the Project. Alderman shall apprise the Board of the status of the Project and of
any material events, shall assist the Company’s Board in developing policies regarding
construction of the Project, and shall perform his duties at the direction of the Board.
Development Services shall not include effecting or attempting to effect purchases or sales of the
Company’s securities.

2. DEVELOPMENT FEE AND PAYMENT TERMS. In consideration for the Development Services to be
provided to Company, Company shall pay Alderman a development fee equal to $250,000 (“Development
Fee”). The Development Fee shall be payable to Alderman on the
date

1

 

upon which the Company first generates net income. For purposes of this section, net income shall
be net income as reported in the reviewed financial statements of the Company.

3. EXPENSES. Company shall reimburse Alderman for all reasonable, ordinary and necessary
expenses incurred by Alderman in performance of his duties hereunder, including without
limitation, reimbursement for hotel expenses, business meals, travel expenses, educational
expenses, and automobile mileage at a rate per mile as periodically set by the Internal Revenue
Service.

4. SUPPORT SERVICES. Company will provide the following support services for the benefit
of Alderman, as approved by Company: office space, secretarial support, telephone service, and
office supplies.

5. TERM AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the
Effective Date and shall terminate upon the earlier of any of the events enumerated below
(“Termination Event”).

(a) Payment in full of the Development Fee;

(b) Dissolution, bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company, or the inability or failure of the
Company generally to pay debts as they become due, or an assignment by the Company for the
benefit of creditors, or the commencement of any case or proceeding in respect of the
Company under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws;

(c) Alderman’s voluntary resignation as a member of the Board; and

(d) Mutual written agreement of the parties.

For purposes of this Agreement, death or disability shall not terminate this Agreement.

6. INDEMNIFICATION. Company shall indemnify, defend against and advance to Alderman all
expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense of any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative,
arbitrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”), in which Alderman is made a party by reason of
performing services for Company or acting in any manner pursuant to this Agreement, except that
Company shall have no obligation to indemnify and defend Alderman or his agents for their act or
omission that involves gross negligence, intentional misconduct or a known violation of the law.
Alderman shall indemnify and defend Company and its employees, members, directors, officers and
agents against expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense of any
Proceeding in which Company and/or its employees, members, directors, officers or agents are made
a party by reason of Alderman committing an act or omission that involves gross negligence,
intentional misconduct or a known violation of the law.

7. DEFAULT. In the event of the failure of either of the parties to comply with any of the
terms and provisions of this Agreement, or in the event either party has violated any of the
warranties and representations made herein by that party, then such party shall be deemed to be in
default hereunder and the other party shall be given written notice of such noncompliance and
shall

2

 

give the defaulting party thirty (30) days from the date of such notice within which to correct
such noncompliance. If such default has not been corrected, or an arrangement satisfactory to the
complaining party has not been made by the end of the notice period, then the complaining party
may take whatever action is necessary, and exercise all remedies available in order to protect the
complaining party’s rights under the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The parties agree
that the remedies set forth in this Section 7 shall not be exclusive, but they shall be cumulative
with all other rights and remedies available, at law or in equity, to the parties. In the event of
any dispute between the parties resulting from this Agreement or any provisions hereunder, the
prevailing party in any such dispute shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and
related costs and such other costs incurred therewith.

8. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS BOUND. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company,
Alderman, their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors in interest or permitted
assigns, including without limitation, any partnership, corporation or other entity into which the
Company may be merged or by which it may be acquired (whether directly, indirectly or by operation
of law), or to which it may assign its rights under this Agreement.

9. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES. The parties understand that Alderman is an independent
contractor with respect to Company, and not an employee of the Company. Company will not provide
fringe benefits, including health insurance benefits, paid vacation, or any other employee
benefits for the benefit of Alderman. Notwithstanding the above, should the Company’s Board
establish a board of directors’ compensation policy, Alderman, as a director of the Company, may
receive reasonable compensation for his services as a director and may be reimbursed for his
expenses in attending Board meetings. However, in no event shall Alderman receive compensation
for services he performs as a member on any committee established by the Board.

10. AUTHORITY. Each of the signatories hereto certifies that such party has all necessary
authority to execute this Agreement.

11. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties and
supersedes any prior agreements, oral or written, as to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement
may be amended or modified by, and only by, a written instrument executed by the parties hereto.

12. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall not be assigned by any party hereto except as
permitted by its express terms or upon the written consent of the other party. Nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, its intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies
under or by reason of this Agreement.

13. SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of
such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms
and provisions of this Agreement, or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms
or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.

14. WAIVER. The failure of any party hereto to insist in any one of more instances upon
performance of any term or condition of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of
future performance of any such term, covenant or condition, but the obligation of such party with
respect thereto shall continue in full force and effect.

3

 

15. CAPTIONS. The captions herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall
be ignored in the construction or interpretation hereof.

16. NOTICES. Any notice required to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to be sufficiently served by either party on the other party if such notice is delivered
personally or is sent by certified or first class mail addressed as follows:

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	To Alderman:
	 	Jack L. Alderman
	 

	 	 	 	105 East Veterans Street
	 

	 	 	 	Tomah, Wisconsin 54660
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	To Company:
	 	E Energy Adams, LLC
	 

	 	 	 	Attention: Everett Larsen
	 

	 	 	 	649 Main Street
	 

	 	 	 	Adams, Nebraska 68301
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Copy to:
	 	Brown, Winick, et al.
	 

	 	 	 	Attention: Valerie D. Bandstra
	 

	 	 	 	666 Grand Avenue, Ste. 2000 Des
	 

	 	 	 	Moines, Iowa 50309

17. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the
law of the State of Nebraska, without reference to its conflict of law rules. Each of the parties
hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in the State
of Nebraska in any action or proceeding brought to enforce or otherwise arising out of or relating
to this Agreement.

18. INTERPRETATION. The parties agree that each has had an opportunity to negotiate fully
the terms of this Agreement and that this Agreement shall not be interpreted in favor of or against
the party drafting the Agreement.

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

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	E Energy Adams, LLC
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	/s/ Jack L. Alderman

	 	 	 	By:
	 	/s/ Everett W. Larson
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Jack L. Alderman
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Its:
	 	Vice-Chariman
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

4

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