EX-10.14 10 dex1014.htm COMMON AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009

Exhibit 10.14

*** Information has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment which has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

COMMON AGREEMENT

dated as of September 2, 2009

among

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC, as Borrower

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, as Credit Party,

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, as Loan Servicer,

and

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Collateral Agent

Thin-Film Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing Facility

Fremont, California


Table of Contents

 

ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS; RULES OF INTERPRETATION    2

1.1.

    

Definitions

   2

1.2.

    

Rules of Interpretation

   2

1.3.

    

Conflict with DOE Credit Facility Documents

   2
ARTICLE 2 FUNDING    2

2.1.

    

Financial Plan; Advance Schedule

   2

2.2.

    

Availability of Advances

   2

2.3.

    

Mechanics for Requesting Advances

   3

2.4.

    

Mechanics for Funding Advances

   4

2.5.

    

Advance Requirements under the DOE Credit Facility

   6

2.6.

    

No Approval of Work

   6
ARTICLE 3 PAYMENTS; PREPAYMENTS    6

3.1.

    

Place and Manner of Payments

   6

3.2.

    

Interest Provisions Relating to All Advances

   8

3.3.

    

Change of Circumstances

   9

3.4.

    

Prepayments

   9

3.5.

    

Alternate Office; Minimization of Costs

   11

3.6.

    

Payment of DOE Credit Facility Fees

   11

3.7.

    

Evidence of Debt

   11

ARTICLE 4 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADVANCES

   12

4.1.

    

Initial Conditions Precedent to Advance

   12

4.2.

    

Periodic Conditions Precedent to Advances

   23

4.3.

    

Advance Conditions Precedent

   27

ARTICLE 5 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

   28

5.1.

    

Organization

   28

5.2.

    

Authorization; No Conflict

   29

5.3.

    

Legality, Validity and Enforceability

   29

5.4.

    

Capitalization

   29

5.5.

    

Investments; Subsidiaries

   29

5.6.

    

Title

   30

5.7.

    

Leases

   30

5.8.

    

Security Interests

   30

5.9.

    

Liens

   30

5.10.

    

Permits; Other Required Consents

   30

5.11.

    

Litigation, Labor Disputes

   31

5.12.

    

Tax

   31

5.13.

    

Business, Indebtedness, Contracts, Etc.

   32

5.14.

    

Transactions with Affiliates

   32

5.15.

    

Compliance with Governmental Rules

   32

5.16.

    

Environmental Laws

   32

 

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5.17.

    

Investment Company Act

   33

5.18.

    

Regulation of Parties

   33

5.19.

    

Corrupt Practices Laws

   33

5.20.

    

ERISA

   33

5.21.

    

Insurance

   35

5.22.

    

Intellectual Property

   35

5.23.

    

No Defaults

   35

5.24.

    

No Judgment Liens

   35

5.25.

    

Sufficiency of Project Documents

   35

5.26.

    

Financial Statements

   36

5.27.

    

Project Milestone Schedule and Construction Budget; Operating Forecasts and Base Case Projections

   36

5.28.

    

Sufficient Funds

   37

5.29.

    

Fees and Enforcement

   37

5.30.

    

Immunity

   37

5.31.

    

No Other Powers-of-Attorney, Etc.

   37

5.32.

    

No Additional Fees

   38

5.33.

    

Foreign Assets Control Regulations, Etc.

   38

5.34.

    

U.S. Government Requirements

   38

5.35.

    

Insolvency Proceedings

   38

5.36.

    

Use of Proceeds

   38

5.37.

    

No Material Adverse Effect

   38

5.38.

    

Certain Program Requirements

   39

5.39.

    

Davis-Bacon Act

   39

5.40.

    

Buy American

   39

5.41.

    

Full Disclosure

   39

ARTICLE 6 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

   40

6.1.

    

Information Covenants

   40

6.2.

    

Books, Records and Inspections; Accounting and Auditing Matters

   47

6.3.

    

Maintenance of Property and Insurance

   48

6.4.

    

Maintenance of Existence; Conduct of Business

   49

6.5.

    

Compliance with Governmental Rules; Environmental Laws; Governmental Approvals

   49

6.6.

    

Compliance with Debarment Regulations

   49

6.7.

    

Tax, Duties, Proper Legal Form

   49

6.8.

    

Construction and Approved Construction Changes

   50

6.9.

    

Operating Forecasts

   50

6.10.

    

Diligent Construction of Project and Operations

   50

6.11.

    

Ineligible and Overrun Project Costs

   50

6.12.

    

Cost Overruns and Contingencies

   51

6.13.

    

Use of Proceeds; Repayment of Indebtedness

   51

6.14.

    

Performance of Obligations

   51

6.15.

    

Project Documents

   51

6.16.

    

Cash Deposits

   51

6.17.

    

Debt Service Reserve

   52

 

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6.18.

    

Safety Audit

   52

6.19.

    

Replacement of Certain Project Participants

   52

6.20.

    

Security Interest in Newly Acquired Property; Additional Project Documents

   52

6.21.

    

Title; Rights to Land

   52

6.22.

    

Independent Consultants

   53

6.23.

    

Additional Documents; Filings and Recordings

   53

6.24.

    

(Intentionally Omitted)

   54

6.25.

    

Event of Loss

   54

6.26.

    

Application of Loss Proceeds

   54

6.27.

    

Acceptance and Startup Testing

   55

6.28.

    

Technology

   55

6.29.

    

Compliance With Certain U.S. Government Requirements

   55

6.30.

    

Davis-Bacon Act

   56

6.31.

    

ERISA Covenants

   57

ARTICLE 7 NEGATIVE COVENANTS

   58

7.1.

    

Indebtedness

   58

7.2.

    

Liens

   58

7.3.

    

Leases

   58

7.4.

    

Loans, Advances and Investments

   59

7.5.

    

Capital Expenditures

   59

7.6.

    

Subsidiaries; Partnerships

   59

7.7.

    

Ordinary Course of Conduct; No Other Business

   59

7.8.

    

Merger, Bankruptcy, Dissolution or Transfer of Assets

   59

7.9.

    

Organizational Documents; Fiscal Year; Legal Form; Capital Structure

   60

7.10.

    

Restricted Payments

   60

7.11.

    

Redemption or Issuance of Stock

   61

7.12.

    

Other Transactions

   61

7.13.

    

Accounts

   61

7.14.

    

Debt Service Coverage Ratio

   61

7.15.

    

Commissions

   61

7.16.

    

Amendment of and Notices Under Transaction Documents

   62

7.17.

    

Other Agreements

   62

7.18.

    

Hedging Agreements

   62

7.19.

    

Compromise or Settlement of Disputes

   63

7.20.

    

Abandonment of Project

   63

7.21.

    

Improper Use

   63

7.22.

    

Assignment

   63

7.23.

    

Margin Regulations

   63

7.24.

    

Environmental Laws

   63

7.25.

    

ERISA

   64

7.26.

    

Investment Company Act

   64

7.27.

    

Public Utility Holding Company Act

   64

7.28.

    

Powers of Attorney

   64

7.29.

    

Debarment Regulations

   64

 

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ARTICLE 8 EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

   64

8.1.

    

Events of Default

   64

8.2.

    

Remedies for Events of Default

   69

8.3.

    

Automatic Acceleration

   70

ARTICLE 9 AGENTS AND ADVISORS

   70

9.1.

    

Appointment of Agents

   70

9.2.

    

Duties and Responsibilities

   71

9.3.

    

Rights and Obligations

   72

9.4.

    

No Responsibility for Certain Conduct

   73

9.5.

    

Defaults

   74

9.6.

    

No Liability

   75

9.7.

    

Fees and Expenses of Agents

   75

9.8.

    

Resignation and Removal

   76

9.9.

    

Successor Agents

   76

9.10.

    

Authorization

   77

9.11.

    

Agent as Lender

   77

9.12.

    

Appointment of Independent Consultants

   77

ARTICLE 10 REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT

   78

10.1.

    

Reimbursement Obligation

   78

10.2.

    

Payments and Computations

   78

10.3.

    

Obligations Absolute

   79

10.4.

    

Security

   80

10.5.

    

DOE Rights

   81

10.6.

    

Further Assurances

   81

ARTICLE 11 MISCELLANEOUS

   81

11.1.

    

Addresses

   81

11.2.

    

Further Assurances

   82

11.3.

    

Delay and Waiver

   82

11.4.

    

Right of Set-Off

   82

11.5.

    

Amendment or Waiver

   83

11.6.

    

Entire Agreement

   83

11.7.

    

Governing Law

   83

11.8.

    

Severability

   83

11.9.

    

Calculations

   83

11.10.

    

Limitation on Liability

   83

11.11.

    

Waiver of Jury Trial

   84

11.12.

    

Consent to Jurisdiction

   84

11.13.

    

Successors and Assigns

   85

11.14.

    

Participations

   85

11.15.

    

Reinstatement

   85

11.16.

    

No Partnership; Etc.

   85

11.17.

    

Payment of Costs and Expenses

   86

11.18.

    

Counterparts

   88

 

iv


[Execution Counterpart]

COMMON AGREEMENT

This COMMON AGREEMENT (the “Common Agreement”), dated as of September 2, 2009, is by and among (i) SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, acting by and through the Secretary of Energy, for itself as a Credit Party and as guarantor of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans (in such capacity, “DOE”), (iii) the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, acting by and through the Secretary of Energy, as the Loan Servicer (in such capacity, the “Loan Servicer”), and (iv) U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as the Collateral Agent.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Borrower intends to develop, construct, own and operate a thin-film solar photovoltaic manufacturing facility, together with certain associated facilities, in connection with the Project (as defined below).

WHEREAS, the Equity Interests of the Borrower are held directly by the Sponsor as the sole Equity Owner, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Equity Funding Agreement, the Sponsor has agreed to make, or procure the making of, Equity Contributions to the Borrower.

WHEREAS, the Borrower, in furtherance of its obligations with respect to the Project has requested that:

(i) FFB make the DOE-Guaranteed Loan pursuant to the FFB Funding Documents in the aggregate principal amount not exceeding $535,000,000, and

(ii) DOE guarantee the repayment of the DOE-Guaranteed Loan pursuant to the DOE Guarantee.

WHEREAS, the execution of this Common Agreement, which provides for, inter alia (i) certain common representations, warranties and covenants of the Borrower, (ii) certain uniform conditions of disbursement for the DOE-Guaranteed Loans, and (iii) certain common events of default, is a condition precedent to the obligations of the Credit Parties under the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

 

1


AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the Credit Parties entering into the DOE Credit Facility Documents, and other good and valid consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS; RULES OF INTERPRETATION

 

1.1. Definitions.

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, capitalized terms used in this Common Agreement and its exhibits and schedules shall have the meanings given in Exhibit A hereto.

 

1.2. Rules of Interpretation.

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the rules of interpretation set forth in Exhibit B hereto shall apply to this Common Agreement.

 

1.3. Conflict with DOE Credit Facility Documents.

In the case of any conflict between the terms of this Common Agreement and the terms of any DOE Credit Facility Document, the terms of such DOE Credit Facility Document, as between the Borrower and the Credit Parties party thereto, shall control.

ARTICLE 2 FUNDING

 

2.1. Financial Plan; Advance Schedule.

(a) The proposed sources and uses of financing with respect to the Project are set forth on the Financial Plan. This Article 2 does not represent any undertaking of any of the Credit Parties to make any DOE-Guaranteed Loans available to the Borrower.

(b) Attached hereto as Schedule 2.1(b) is an initial Advance Schedule, which represents the Borrower’s best estimate in all material respects as of the Common Agreement Date, based on all facts and circumstances existing and known to the Borrower, of the timing and amount of proposed Advances and Equity Contributions for the Project set forth on a monthly basis. The Advance Schedule shall be amended from time to time as set forth in Section 4.2.

 

2.2. Availability of Advances.

 

2.2.1.  Availability.

Subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Relevant Credit Party in writing) of each applicable condition precedent set forth in Article 4 and in the DOE Credit Facility, Advances under the DOE Credit Facility shall be made during the applicable Availability Period.

 

2.2.2.  Loan Commitment Reductions and Cancellations.

The Borrower may, on not less than 15 days prior written notice to the Loan Servicer and upon the satisfaction of any consent requirement or other applicable provisions of each DOE Credit Facility Document, permanently reduce the unutilized portions of the DOE Credit Facility Commitment, in whole or in part, but only if:

(a) each partial reduction is in an amount permitted under the DOE Credit Facility Documents;

 

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(b) the Loan Servicer, in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, is satisfied that such cancellation or reduction shall not impair construction or development of the Project; and

(c) upon such cancellation or reduction, the Borrower pays all fees, Periodic Expenses, and other amounts then due with respect to such cancellation or reduction under the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

Once reduced or canceled, the DOE Credit Facility Commitment may not be reinstated.

 

2.3. Mechanics for Requesting Advances.

 

2.3.1. Master Advance Notice.

(a) The Borrower may request Advances under the DOE Credit Facility by delivering to the Credit Parties and the Lenders’ Engineer, at any time after the Periodic Approval Date but not less than ten Business Days prior to the Requested Advance Date, an appropriately completed Master Advance Notice with respect to such Advances. The Borrower may request Advances no more frequently than twice per calendar month.

(b) Each Master Advance Notice shall specify:

(i) the amount of the Advance requested under the DOE Credit Facility, which shall be in the minimum amount and increments required by the DOE Credit Facility Documents;

(ii) the Requested Advance Date, which shall be any Business Day;

(iii) pursuant to Section 2.4.2, (A) the portion of the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit to be allocated as Base Equity with respect to the requested Advances (not to exceed the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit Balance), and (B) the amount of Base Equity and Overrun Equity to be transferred from the Equity Funding Account prior to or concurrently with such Advances;

(iv) the aggregate amount, on a prospective basis after giving effect to the requested Advances, of (A) all Advances outstanding under the DOE Credit Facility, (B) all Equity Contributions allocated from the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit as Base Equity with respect to outstanding Advances, (C) Base Equity and Overrun Equity (if any) contributed from the Equity Funding Account or in cash with respect to outstanding Advances, and (D) the revised Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit Balance, if greater than zero;

(v) the Project Costs being financed using the proceeds of the requested Advances, which shall be only Eligible Base Project Costs;

(vi) the “Prepayment Election” (as defined in the FFB Promissory Note) for such Advance as set forth in the FFB Advance Request;

 

3


(vii) that (A) the representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in the Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party are true, correct and complete on and as of the Requested Advance Date, (B) no Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing, and (C) such other matters as are required to be certified by the Borrower pursuant to Section 4.3; and

(viii) Such other information as may be required in the form of Master Advance Notice.

(c) The Borrower shall include as attachments to each Master Advance Notice, and shall deliver the same to DOE and the Loan Servicer:

(i) a draft of the FFB Advance Request with respect to the requested Advance, together with any information necessary for FFB and DOE to process such request; and

(ii) all other certificates and documentation required in respect of such Advance under the DOE Credit Facility Documents and the related Loan Documents.

 

2.4. Mechanics for Funding Advances.

 

2.4.1. DOE-Guaranteed Loan Funding.

(a) Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent.

(i) Promptly after receipt of a Master Advance Notice, the Loan Servicer shall review such Master Advance Notice and the attachments thereto to determine whether all certificates and documentation required under Section 2.3 have been delivered to it. At such time as the Loan Servicer has determined that it has received all such required certificates and documentation, it shall promptly so notify the other Credit Parties and the Borrower;

(ii) No later than six Business Days prior to the Requested Advance Date, the Borrower shall deliver to the Loan Servicer a completed FFB Advance Request with respect to the requested Advance, including all wire transfer information for the designated payees of the proceeds of such Advance, together with any other information required on such FFB Advance Request; and

(iii) As soon as the Loan Servicer determines that (A) all conditions precedent set forth in Article 4 in respect of the requested Advance have been satisfied (or waived), (B) the required Equity Contributions have been made in accordance with Section 2.4.2, and (C) the FFB Advance Request and all other certificates and documentation required under the DOE Credit Facility in respect of the requested Advance have been provided and are satisfactory (or that such requirement has been waived), then DOE shall sign the FFB Advance Request Approval Notice attached to the FFB Advance Request and forward both to the FFB, with a copy to the Borrower, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders’ Engineer, it being agreed that if the Loan Servicer makes such determination no later than six Business Days prior to the Requested Advance Date, then DOE shall use all reasonable efforts to sign and forward such FFB Advance Request Approval Notice no later than five Business Days prior to the Requested Advance Date.

 

4


(b) FFB Funding. For any requested Advance for which a FFB Advance Request Approval Notice has been issued pursuant to this Section 2.4.1 and for which no Drawstop Notice has been issued pursuant to Section 2.4.3, in accordance with the terms of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement FFB has agreed to fund such Advance on the Requested Advance Date in accordance with the DOE Credit Facility Documents. Such funds shall be applied as specified in the Collateral Agency Agreement; provided, however, that if any Drawstop Notice has been issued and is in effect on the Requested Advance Date with respect to any funds received by the Collateral Agent, such funds shall be applied pursuant to Section 2.4.3(c).

 

2.4.2. Equity Contributions.

(a) Determinations. On or prior to the date nine Business Days prior to the Requested Advance Date, the Borrower shall cause Equity Contributions to be allocated from the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit, disbursed from the Equity Funding Account or contributed in cash in an aggregate amount such that, after giving effect to all Advances to be made on such Requested Advance Date, the Debt-to-Equity Contribution Ratio is not more than 73:27. If the Equity Contribution for an Advance will include amounts from the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit, the Borrower shall allocate in the Master Advance Notice of such Advance that portion of the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit (not to exceed the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit Balance) to be deemed contributed as Base Equity on the related Requested Advance Date. After the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit Balance has been fully utilized, the Borrower shall indicate on each Master Advance Notice the amount of Base Equity or Overrun Equity, as the case may be, to be deposited into the Disbursement Account from the Equity Funding Account or contributed in cash with respect to the Advances requested pursuant to such Master Advance Notice.

(b) Confirmation. As of the date eight Business Days prior to the Requested Advance Date, (i) if at such time as the Collateral Agent has determined that the Equity Contributions contributed or deemed contributed are sufficient to satisfy the requirements of Section 2.4.2(a), the Collateral Agent shall so notify the Borrower, the Equity Contributors, and the Credit Parties, and (ii) to the extent that the Collateral Agent has determined that the Equity Contributions contributed or deemed contributed are not sufficient to satisfy the requirements of Section 2.4.2(a), the Collateral Agent shall so notify the Borrower, the Equity Contributors, and the Credit Parties. If as of the date six Business Days prior to the Requested Advance Date there continues to be a shortfall in the Base Equity or Overrun Equity required to be contributed or deemed contributed, the Collateral Agent shall send a Drawstop Notice to the Borrower and the other Credit Parties.

2.4.3. Drawstop Notices.

(a) Issuance. At any time after the issuance of a Master Advance Notice up to the date that is one Business Day prior to the Requested Advance Date, whether or not DOE has issued an FFB Advance Request Approval Notice, any Relevant Credit Party may, from time to time, issue a notice substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit N (a “Drawstop Notice”) to the Borrower and the other Credit Parties, if such Relevant Credit Party determines that:

(i) the conditions in Article 4 with respect to such Advance are not met, or having been met, are no longer met; or

 

5


(ii) the conditions precedent to such Advance contained in the DOE Credit Facility are not met, or having been met, are no longer met.

(b) Consequences. If a Drawstop Notice is issued, FFB shall not be obligated to make the requested Advance.

(c) Funds Advanced. If any Drawstop Notice has been issued, funds delivered to the Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 2.4.1(b) shall not be applied and shall be returned promptly to the respective Credit Parties.

(d) Costs. The Borrower shall pay all costs in respect of any Advance failed to be made under this Section 2.4.3.

 

2.4.4. No Liability.

Without limiting the generality of Section 9.6, no Credit Party shall have any liability to the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof or to any other Credit Party solely arising from the issuance of or failure to issue any FFB Advance Request Approval Notice, Drawstop Notice, or any other notice contemplated by this Section 2.4.

 

2.5. Advance Requirements under the DOE Credit Facility.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article 2, the Borrower also shall comply with all separate disbursement requirements set forth in the DOE Credit Facility Documents. Unless otherwise specified in the DOE Credit Facility Documents, all determinations to be made with respect to the DOE Credit Facility shall be made by DOE.

 

2.6. No Approval of Work.

The making of any Advance or Advance under the Loan Documents shall not be deemed an approval or acceptance by any Credit Party of any work, labor, supplies, materials or equipment furnished or supplied with respect to the Project.

ARTICLE 3

PAYMENTS; PREPAYMENTS

 

3.1. Place and Manner of Payments.

 

3.1.1. Collateral Agency Agreement.

All payments due under the DOE Credit Facility shall be made by the Borrower pursuant to the terms of the DOE Credit Facility Documents and the Collateral Agency Agreement. The Collateral Agent shall apply each payment received by it in accordance with the Collateral Agency Agreement; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any instructions to the contrary in the FFB Note, for purposes of administering payments to FFB, the Borrower shall remit such payments directly to an account designated by the Loan Servicer for payment to FFB.

 

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3.1.2. Net of Tax, Etc.

(a) Tax. Any and all payments to any Secured Party by the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of, and without deduction for, any and all taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any central bank or other Governmental Authority, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding (i) taxes imposed on or measured by the net income (however denominated) of such Secured Party by any jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein solely as a result of a present or former connection between such Secured Party and such jurisdiction or political subdivision (other than any connection arising as a result of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents), and (ii) any withholding taxes or other tax based on gross income imposed by the United States of America that are not attributable to any Change of Law or the interpretation or administration of any Governmental Rule by any Governmental Authority (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “Covered Taxes”). If the Borrower shall be required by law to withhold or deduct any Covered Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Secured Party, (A) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all such required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.1.2), such Secured Party receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (B) the Borrower shall make such deductions and (C) Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with all Governmental Rules. If the Borrower shall make any payment with respect to Covered Taxes under this Section 3.1.2(a) to or for the benefit of any Secured Party and if such Secured Party shall claim any credit or deduction for such Covered Taxes against any other taxes payable by such Secured Party then such Secured Party shall pay to the Borrower an amount equal to the amount by which such other taxes are actually reduced; provided that the aggregate amount payable by such Secured Party pursuant to this sentence shall not exceed the aggregate amount previously paid by the Borrower with respect to such Covered Taxes.

(b) Indemnity. The Borrower shall indemnify each Secured Party for the full amount of Covered Taxes (including any Covered Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 3.1.2 paid by any Secured Party, whether or not such Covered Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. Each Secured Party shall give notice to the Borrower of the assertion of any claim against such Secured Party relating to such Secured Party’s Covered Taxes as promptly as is practicable after being notified of such assertion; provided that any failure to notify the Borrower promptly of such assertion shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation under this Section 3.1.2, except to the extent the Borrower is actually prejudiced by such failure with respect to any such notice given by a Secured Party more than 90 days after such Secured Party has notice or knowledge of such claim. Payments by the Borrower pursuant to this indemnification shall be made within ten days after the date such Secured Party makes written demand therefor (submitted through the Loan Servicer), which demand shall be accompanied by a certificate describing in reasonable detail the basis thereof. Each Secured Party agrees to repay to the Borrower any refund (including that portion of any interest that was included as part of

 

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such refund with respect to Covered Taxes paid by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 3.1.2(b)) received by such Secured Party for Covered Taxes that were paid by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 3.1.2(b), and to provide reasonable assistance to the Borrower (and at the expense of the Borrower) to contest any such Covered Taxes that such Secured Party or the Borrower reasonably believes not to have been properly assessed.

(c) Notice. Within ten days after the date of any payment of Covered Taxes by the Borrower, the Borrower shall furnish to the Loan Servicer and each affected Secured Party the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing such payment, or if the relevant tax authority has not provided the Borrower with such a receipt, shall furnish such other evidence of such payment as may be available to the Borrower (in which case the Borrower shall promptly request a receipt from the relevant tax authority, and so furnish the original or a certified copy thereof promptly on receipt thereof). The Borrower shall compensate each Secured Party for all reasonable losses and expenses sustained by such Secured Party as a result of any failure by the Borrower to so furnish such copy of such receipt.

(d) Survival of Obligations. The obligations of the Borrower under this Section 3.1.2 shall survive the termination of this Common Agreement and the repayment of the Secured Obligations.

(e) Documentation. Any Foreign Secured Party that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower, at the time or times prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Secured Party, if requested by the Borrower, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower as will enable the Borrower to determine whether or not such Secured Party is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Each Secured Party shall promptly (i) notify the Borrower of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any such claimed exemption or reduction and (ii) take such steps as shall not be disadvantageous to it, in the sole judgment of such Secured Party, and as may be reasonably necessary (including the re-designation of its lending office) to avoid any requirement of applicable laws of any such jurisdiction that the Borrower make any deduction or withholding for taxes from amounts payable to such Secured Party.

 

3.2. Interest Provisions Relating to All Advances.

 

3.2.1. Interest Account and Interest Computations.

In accordance with Section 609.10(e)(1) of the Applicable Regulations, interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal amount of each DOE-Guaranteed Loan from the date such DOE-Guaranteed Loan is disbursed to the Collateral Agent or otherwise disbursed or deemed disbursed pursuant to the DOE Credit Facility Documents, to the date such DOE-Guaranteed Loan is paid in full, at a rate per annum relating thereto as specified in the DOE Credit Facility Documents. The Borrower hereby authorizes each Credit Party to record in an account or accounts maintained by

 

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such Credit Party on its books (A) the interest rates applicable to all DOE-Guaranteed Loans, (B) the interest periods for each DOE-Guaranteed Loan outstanding, (C) the date and amount of each principal and interest payment on each DOE-Guaranteed Loan outstanding, and (D) such other information as such Credit Party may determine is necessary for the computation of interest payable by the Borrower hereunder. The Borrower agrees that all computations of interest by a Credit Party pursuant to this Section 3.2.1 shall, in the absence of manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the amount thereof. All computations of interest shall be made as set forth in the relevant DOE Credit Facility Documents.

 

3.2.2. Interest Payment Dates.

Subject to the terms of the DOE Credit Facility, the Borrower shall pay accrued interest on the outstanding principal amount of each DOE-Guaranteed Loan on each Quarterly Payment Date, on prepayment (to the extent thereof), and at maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise).

 

3.3. Change of Circumstances.

 

3.3.1. Illegality.

Upon any FFB Loan Transfer or receipt by the Borrower or any Credit Party of notice of FFB’s intention to make any FFB Loan Transfer in accordance with the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, the Borrower and DOE shall cooperate with the transferee of the FFB Loan to amend this Common Agreement and any other Loan Documents to incorporate customary provisions for a commercial loan transaction of this type reasonably satisfactory to such transferee with respect to any Change of Law that makes it unlawful or impossible for any lender to make or maintain any FFB Loans.

 

3.3.2. Increased Costs.

Upon any FFB Loan Transfer or receipt by the Borrower or any Credit Party of notice of FFB’s intention to make any FFB Loan Transfer in accordance with the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, the Borrower and DOE shall cooperate with the transferee of the FFB Loans to amend this Common Agreement and any other Loan Documents to incorporate customary provisions reasonably satisfactory to such transferee with respect to any Change of Law that subjects such transferee lender to any tax, duty or other charge with respect to any FFB Loans.

 

3.4. Prepayments.

 

3.4.1. Terms of all Prepayments.

(a) With respect to any prepayment of any Advance of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans, whether such prepayment is voluntary or mandatory, including a prepayment upon acceleration, the Borrower shall comply with all applicable terms and provisions of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.

(b) All prepayments of the DOE Credit Facility shall be applied in accordance with the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

 

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(c) The Borrower may not reborrow the principal amount of any DOE-Guaranteed Loan that is prepaid.

 

3.4.2. Voluntary Prepayments.

(a) Without the consent of the Loan Servicer, the Borrower may not prepay the DOE-Guaranteed Loans in part prior to the end of the Availability Period. Any prepayment in whole or in part with the consent of the Loan Servicer prior to the end of the Availability Period shall be subject to any applicable prepayment premiums, charges or other amounts as may be required by the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

(b) After the end of the Availability Period, the Borrower may prepay all of the principal amount of any Advance of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans upon prior written notice submitted by the Borrower to the Credit Parties not later than the fifth Business Day prior to the Intended Prepayment Date, and satisfaction of the following conditions:

(i) compliance with any restrictions contained in the DOE Credit Facility Documents, including (A) with respect to the DOE Credit Facility, any “No-Call Period” specified in the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, and (B) satisfaction of any minimum amount requirement of the DOE Credit Facility Documents; and

(ii) payment of all accrued and unpaid interest on such principal amount, and any other fees and Periodic Expenses then payable, including any prepayment premiums, or other amounts as may be required under the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

3.4.3. Mandatory Prepayments.

(a) The Borrower shall be required to make mandatory prepayments of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans upon the occurrence of any of the following and in amounts set forth in this Section 3.4.3:

(i) the receipt by the Borrower of delay damages in excess of the amounts needed, as determined by the Loan Servicer in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer (as appropriate) to pay financing and operating costs payable during the period of the delay and costs of lost production;

(ii) the receipt by the Borrower of Loss Proceeds in an amount that exceeds the amount of such Loss Proceeds used or to be used to repair or restore the Project Facilities;

(iii) the payment of any amounts to the Borrower in respect of the termination or repudiation of any Project Document or in respect of any damages paid to the Borrower as a result of a breach of any such Project Document (in the case of damages in excess of the amount applied in remedying the relevant breach); and

(iv) sales of any assets no longer used or useful in the operation of the Project Facilities in excess of $1,000,000 in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, in an amount equal to the proceeds of such sales unless applied or to be applied to the acquisition of replacement assets.

 

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(b) Any mandatory prepayments of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans shall be made no later than on the next Payment Date in accordance with the Collateral Agency Agreement, shall be applied, and shall be subject to the terms and conditions, as set forth in the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

 

3.5. Alternate Office; Minimization of Costs.

Upon any FFB Loan Transfer or receipt by the Borrower or any Credit Party of notice of FFB’s intention to make any FFB Loan Transfer in accordance with the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, the Borrower and DOE shall cooperate with the transferee of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans to amend this Common Agreement and any other Loan Documents to incorporate customary provisions for a commercial loan transaction of this type reasonably satisfactory to such transferee lender with respect to such transferee lender designating an alternative lending office with respect to its DOE-Guaranteed Loan to mitigate costs or to avoid any circumstances that might make it unlawful or impossible for such transferee lender to maintain a DOE-Guaranteed Loan.

 

3.6. Payment of DOE Credit Facility Fees.

(a) Borrower shall pay (i) to DOE on the Financial Closing Date, a Loan Facility Fee in the amount of $3,440,000, and (ii) to FFB, the fees payable to FFB from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

(b) Borrower shall pay to DOE, for its own account, the DOE Maintenance Fee each year in advance, commencing on September 15, 2009.

(c) Borrower shall pay a DOE Modification Fee, if any, in the amount and at the time reasonably determined by DOE.

(d) All DOE Credit Facility Fees shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds in Dollars, to DOE. Once paid, the DOE Credit Facility Fees shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

 

3.7. Evidence of Debt.

(a) Each of the Credit Parties shall maintain or cause to be maintained, in accordance with its usual practice, internal records evidencing the amounts from time to time lent by and owing to it under the DOE Credit Facility Documents and each of the payments from time to time made in respect thereof.

(b) The Loan Servicer shall maintain, in accordance with its usual practice, internal records evidencing the amounts from time to time (i) advanced by FFB under the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, and (ii) paid by DOE with respect to the DOE Guarantee and, in each case, each of the payments made from time to time in respect thereof.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in any Loan Document, the entries made in the internal records maintained by or on behalf of each of the Credit Parties, respectively, pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), above shall, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence of the existence and amount of Secured Obligations of the Borrower as therein recorded, and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

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ARTICLE 4

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ADVANCES

 

4.1. Initial Conditions Precedent to Advance.

The obligation of FFB to make, and DOE to guarantee, the initial Advance is subject to the prior satisfaction (or waiver in writing), as determined by (x) in all cases, DOE, (y) with respect to any documents or instruments addressed to FFB or to which FFB is party, FFB, and (z) with respect to any other Credit Party, only as specifically set forth in this Article 4 (each a “Relevant Credit Party”) in its sole discretion, of each of the following conditions precedent (the “Initial Conditions Precedent”) as of the Financial Closing Date (but in no event later than December 31, 2009) and to their continued satisfaction on the Requested Advance Date for such initial Advance.

 

4.1.1. Loan Documents.

The Loan Servicer shall have received fully executed originals in sufficient counterparts for each Credit Party of each of the following documents, each of which shall be in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party:

(a) Common Agreement. This Common Agreement;

(b) DOE Credit Facility Documents. Each of the following documents and all other contracts and documents required in connection with the DOE Credit Facility (the “DOE Credit Facility Documents”):

(i) the FFB Program Financing Agreement;

(ii) the FFB Note Purchase Agreement;

(iii) the FFB Promissory Note;

(iv) the DOE Guarantee; and

(v) the Collateral Agency Agreement;

(c) Sponsor Loan Documents. Each of the following documents and all other contracts and documents required in connection with the Equity (the “Sponsor Loan Documents”):

(i) the Equity Funding Agreement; and

(ii) the Sponsor Support Agreement;

 

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(d) Security Documents. Each of the following documents and all other contracts and documents entered into prior to, on, or after the Initial Advance Date that provide any Lien, charge or security interest to the Secured Parties (or any of them) to secure the Secured Obligations (the “Security Documents”):

(i) Asset Pledge Documents. Each of the following documents and all other contracts and documents that provide any Lien, charge or security interest to the Secured Parties (or any of them) on the assets of the Borrower to secure the Secured Obligations (the “Asset Pledge Documents”):

(A) the Deed of Trust;

(B) the Security Agreement;

(C) the Account Control Agreements; and

(D) agreements pledging all other real property interests of the Borrower, including all leasehold or other property interests relating to the Project Facilities, and all related fixtures, easements, rights-of-way and licenses.

(ii) Equity Pledge Documents. The Equity Pledge Agreement and each of the other documents, pledge agreements and related documents, pursuant to which the owners thereof will pledge to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties all of their respective right, title and interest in the Pledged Equity Interests (the “Equity Pledge Documents”); and

(iii) Direct Agreements. Each of the following agreements and any other agreement consenting to the assignment to the Secured Parties of the Borrower’s interest in any Project Documents (the “Direct Agreements”):

(A) the Consent and Direct Agreement among the Sponsor, the Borrower and the Collateral Agent;

(B) the Consent and Direct Agreement among the Design Contractor, the Borrower and the Collateral Agent;

(C) the Consent and Direct Agreement among the Front-End Construction Contractor, the Borrower and the Collateral Agent;

(D) the Consent and Direct Agreement among the Operator, the Borrower and the Collateral Agent; and

(E) any other Consent and Direct Agreement entered into from time to time after the Financial Closing Date among a Project Participant, the Borrower and the Collateral Agent.

(e) Environmental Indemnity Agreement. The unsecured Environmental Indemnity Agreement made by the Borrower in favor of the Collateral Agent and the Indemnified Parties (as defined therein).

 

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4.1.2. Project Documents.

The Loan Servicer shall have received a copy of a fully executed original of each of the following documents, each of which shall be in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, and certified by the Borrower that (x) such copy is a true, correct and complete copy of such document (including all schedules, exhibits, attachments, supplements and amendments thereto and any related protocols or side letters), (y) such document has been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto and is in full force and effect, and (z) to the Borrower’s Knowledge, no party to such document is, or but for the passage of time or giving of notice or both will be, in breach of any obligation thereunder:

(a) Land Documents. Each of the following documents and all other contracts and documents required for the acquisition of land and rights to land for the Project, all easements, licenses, and covenants, conditions and restrictions in connection with the Sites, and any and all other documents affecting an interest in or right to use the Sites (the “Land Documents”):

(i) The Land Purchase Agreement; and

(ii) the title deed or deeds for the Front-End Site.

(b) Construction Documents. Each of the following documents and all other contracts required for construction, procurement, installation, and improvement of land, buildings, equipment, and manufacturing facilities for the Project, including related material subcontracts entered into after the Financial Closing Date, as in effect from time to time (the “Construction Documents”):

(i) the Engineering and Architectural Services Agreement;

(ii) an assignment of the Engineering and Architectural Services Agreement from the Sponsor to the Borrower;

(iii) the Front-End Construction Contract;

(iv) the Project Equipment Supply Agreement;

(v) when executed and delivered after the Financial Closing Date, the Back-End Construction Contract; and

(vi) the Construction Management Agreement;

(c) Operating Documents. Each of the following documents and all other contracts required for operation and maintenance of the Project (the “Operating Documents”):

(i) the Project Sales Agreement;

(ii) the Project Materials Supply Agreement;

(iii) the Project IP License Agreement;

 

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(iv) any Third-Party IP License Agreements, as may be in effect from time to time;

(v) the O&M Agreement; and

(vi) the O&M Guarantee.

 

4.1.3. Advance Schedule.

At least 15 days prior to the Financial Closing Date (or such shorter period as may be satisfactory to the Loan Servicer), the Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, a copy of the Advance Schedule, certified by the Borrower, the Sponsor and the Lenders’ Engineer, which shall be the Borrower’s best estimate in all material respects, based on all facts and circumstances then existing and known to the Borrower and the Sponsor, of the timing and amount of proposed Advances and Equity Contributions for the Project (showing the total Advances expected in each calendar month).

 

4.1.4. Financial Plan; Base Case Projections; Project Milestone Schedule and Construction Budget.

The Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer shall have received at least 10 days prior to the Financial Closing Date (or such shorter period as may be satisfactory to the Loan Servicer) the following items, each in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, and certified by the Borrower, the Sponsor and the Lenders’ Engineer, which shall be the Borrower’s reasonable estimate of the information contained therein:

(i) the Financial Plan, together with evidence that the DOE Credit Facility Commitment, when combined with other funds committed to the Project, including the Base Equity, will be available and sufficient to carry out the Project;

(ii) the Base Case Projections, including a computer file containing the Base Case Projections and the underlying models and assumptions and explanations thereto;

(iii) the Project Milestone Schedule;

(iv) the Construction Budget; and

(v) a detailed description, with supporting documents as reasonably requested, of Development Costs incurred to date and a Development Costs Statement summarizing those costs which the Borrower seeks credit as Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit to be applied toward Base Equity and which are to be reviewed by the Lenders’ Engineer.

4.1.5. Financial Statements.

At least 15 days prior to the Financial Closing Date (or such shorter period as may be satisfactory to the Loan Servicer), the Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, the most recent audited (except in the case of the Borrower and the Operator) and unaudited Financial Statements, together with a Financial Officer Certificate, from each of the Borrower, the Sponsor and the Operator.

 

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4.1.6. Update of Conditional Commitment.

Either (i) the Loan Servicer shall have determined that there are not any material changes to the terms and conditions of the term sheet, or (ii) at least 30 days prior to the Financial Closing Date, the Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to DOE, a written summary of such changes.

 

4.1.7. Update of Credit Rating.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, a credit rating of the Borrower from the Rating Agency dated no later than 30 days prior to the Financial Closing Date, based on the updated commitment of DOE reflected in the DOE Credit Facility Documents and assuming that the Project does not benefit from the DOE Guarantee.

 

4.1.8. Coverage Ratios.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, evidence that the Base Case Projections delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.4 indicate throughout the term of the DOE Credit Facility a minimum annual Debt Service Coverage Ratio of 1.20 to 1 for the period after the Project Completion Date is expected to be achieved.

 

4.1.9. Pre-Closing Equity; No Unapproved Charges for Budgeted Overrun Contingencies.

The Loan Servicer shall have received the following items, each in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lender’s Engineer:

(i) the Development Costs Statement, certified by the Lenders’ Engineer;

(ii) certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer that the amounts reflected in the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit (A) are in an amount less than 10% of Eligible Base Project Costs, and (B) have been or are to be applied in accordance with the Construction Budget only for Eligible Base Project Costs, together with a description of amounts in the Construction Budget that have been applied to Ineligible Base Project Costs; and

(iii) certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer that no charges have been made to the line item for Overrun Contingencies in the Construction Budget, except for Approved Construction Changes.

 

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4.1.10. Consents and Approvals.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, (i) certification from the Borrower, together with such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may request, that all Governmental Approvals and other Required Consents listed on Schedule 5.10 (except those identified on Schedule 5.10 as to be obtained at a later stage in the development of the Project), each in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, have been duly obtained, and (ii) a copy of each such Governmental Approval or other Required Consent, certified by the Borrower as being true and complete.

 

4.1.11. Lenders’ Engineer Report.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, the Lenders’ Engineer Report addressing such matters as any Relevant Credit Party may reasonably request.

 

4.1.12. Consultants’ and Advisors’ Certificates.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, the following certificates, each dated the Financial Closing Date:

(i) Lenders’ Engineer Certificate. A Lenders’ Engineer Certificate regarding the matters required to be certified by it as set forth in this Section 4.1 and such other matters specified in the form attached as Exhibit D1;

(ii) Insurance Advisor Certificate. An Insurance Advisor Certificate regarding the scope of coverage proposed of the Required Insurance that has been obtained by the Borrower; and

(iii) Plans and Budgets; Accountant Letter. Each of (i) a certification from the Lenders’ Engineer as to the Financial Plan and the Construction Budget (ii) a certification from the Borrower’s Accountant relating to the tax assumptions in the Base Case Projections, and (iii) a certification from the Lenders’ Engineer as to its independent review of the results of the Base Case Projections.

 

4.1.13. Fee Arrangements for Independent Consultants.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, evidence that the Periodic Expenses of any Independent Consultants incurred and invoiced prior to the Financial Closing Date (x) have been paid in full, (y) are to be paid with the proceeds of the requested Advance, or (z) are to be paid by other satisfactory arrangements.

 

4.1.14. Construction Contract Price.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer that the price set forth in each Construction Document has not been amended, changed or modified from the price as of the Common Agreement Date, except for Approved Construction Changes.

 

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4.1.15. Notice to Proceed; Conditions Precedent to Construction Contracts.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer that (i) all conditions precedent to effectiveness of, or the issuance of the Construction Notice to Proceed or performance of obligations under, the Front-End Construction Contract, have been satisfied or waived, or will be concurrently with the initial Advance, and (ii) a Construction Notice to Proceed under the Front-End Construction Contract has been issued, or will be concurrently with the initial Advance.

 

4.1.16. Performance Targets.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, a copy of the Fab I Facility Performance Targets, together with a certification from the Sponsor and the Lenders’ Engineer that such Fab I Facility Performance Targets are reasonable.

 

4.1.17. Market Studies.

The Loan Servicer shall have received a report from DOE’s marketing advisors in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party.

 

4.1.18. Security Interests.

(a) Security Interests. The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, evidence that all security interests in the Collateral Security intended to be created by the Security Documents have been or will be created and, where appropriate, registered or otherwise perfected to create a first priority perfected security interest and Lien, subject only to Permitted Liens, over the Collateral Security in favor of the Collateral Agent, as applicable. Each such Lien (i) to the extent it arises or attaches under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction in the United States, shall be valid and enforceable and shall constitute a first priority perfected security interest, and (ii) in all other cases, shall be enforceable against the Borrower, any subsequent lienor (including a judgment lienor), any junior lienor, or any transferee for or not for value, in bulk, by operation of law, for the benefit of creditors, or otherwise.

(b) Filings. The Collateral Agent shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, evidence satisfactory to it that (i) each of the Security Documents has been or will be duly filed and registered or recorded in every jurisdiction in which such filing and registration or recording is necessary to make valid and effective the Liens intended to be created thereby and the rights of the Secured Parties thereunder, (ii) all fees and duties in connection with such registration (x) have been paid in full, (y) are to be paid with the proceeds of the requested Advance, or (z) are to be paid by other satisfactory arrangements.

(c) Collateral Agent Certificate. The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, a Collateral Agent Certificate as to all matters as are required to be certified by the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Section 4.1.

 

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4.1.19. Authority and Incumbency of Major Project Participants.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, all in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, standard corporate, limited liability company, partnership, or trust formation documents for each of the Major Project Participants (other than the Front-End Construction Contractor), including copies of organizational documents, good standing certificates, incumbency certificates and resolutions, and any other such documents as any Relevant Credit Party may have reasonably requested, with respect to approval of (i) such Major Project Participant’s participation in the Project, (ii) to the extent applicable, the financing therefor and the granting of Liens, and (iii) the execution, delivery and performance by such Major Project Participant of the Transaction Documents (including a Direct Agreement) to which it is party.

 

4.1.20. Borrower Certificate; Sponsor Certificate.

The Loan Servicer shall have received (i) a Borrower Certificate regarding the matters required to be certified by it as set forth in this Section 4.1 and such other certifications as may be required to be made to the Credit Parties by the Borrower as of the Financial Closing Date under the DOE Credit Facility Documents, and (ii) a Sponsor Certificate regarding the matters required to be certified by it as set forth in this Section 4.1 and such other certifications as may be required to made to the Credit Parties by the Sponsor as of the Financial Closing Date under the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

 

4.1.21. Major Project Participant Certificates.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, a Major Project Participant Certificate from each Major Project Participant regarding familiarity with and enforceability of documents, absence of defaults, validity of representations and warranties and other customary provisions.

 

4.1.22. Legal Opinions.

The Loan Servicer and the Collateral Agent shall have received legal opinions from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., dated the Financial Closing Date and in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, with respect to the laws of the jurisdictions governing the Transaction Documents to which each of the Borrower, the Sponsor and the Operator is a party and the laws of the jurisdictions of organization of the Borrower, the Sponsor and the Operator.

 

4.1.23. Taxes; Costs and Expenses.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, certification from the Borrower, and such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may request, that all required Taxes, all Periodic Expenses, and all recordation and other costs, fees and Periodic Expenses due in connection with the execution, delivery, filing, registration, or performance of the Transaction Documents or the perfection of the security interests in the Collateral Security (x) have been paid in full, (y) are to be paid with the proceeds of the requested Advance, or (z) are to be paid by other satisfactory arrangements.

 

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4.1.24. Evidence of Insurance.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, certification from the Borrower and the Insurance Advisor, certificates from insurers, and such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may request (i) that insurance coverage for the Project satisfies the requirements for Required Insurance as set forth on Schedule 6.3(b), and (ii) that the applicable insurance policies are in full force and effect without default.

 

4.1.25. Third-Party Sales Agreements; Third-Party Materials Supply Agreements.

The Loan Servicer shall have received copies of each of the Third-Party Sales Agreements and Third-Party Materials Supply Agreements in effect on the Financial Closing Date, certified by the Sponsor as being true, correct and complete as of the Financial Closing Date.

 

4.1.26. Project Accounts.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, certification from the Collateral Agent that each of the Project Accounts has been established in accordance with the Collateral Agency Agreement.

 

4.1.27. Accounting Systems.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, a report certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower describing the Borrower’s accounting systems, controls, and management information systems and reasonably demonstrating that they are satisfactory for purposes of providing information necessary for financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.

 

4.1.28. Lobbying Certification.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, evidence that the Borrower has provided a Standard Form-LLL “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying” as required.

 

4.1.29. Land Acquisition; Title to Sites.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, (i) evidence of the Borrower’s ownership of unencumbered fee title (subject only to Permitted Liens), under the relevant laws of the State of California of the Front-End Site as are necessary for the development of the Project, (ii) the ALTA Survey with respect to the Front-End Site, and (iii) an ALTA Deed of Trust Loan Policy (or similar policy form) issued by the Title Company, with such coinsurers or reinsurers as may be reasonably acceptable to DOE, in the aggregate amount of not less than $535,000,000 insuring as of the Financial Closing Date that the Deed of Trust creates a first and prior Lien on the Front-End Site subject only to (x) Permitted Liens, and (y) an exception for mechanic’s liens.

 

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4.1.30. Appraisals.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, an appraisal for the Front-End Site performed by a licensed or certified appraiser satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party and prepared in a fashion consistent with the “Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice,” promulgated by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation.

 

4.1.31. Environmental.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, (i) Phase I Environmental Assessments for the Front-End Site, (ii) a Finding of No Significant Impact with respect to the Front-End Site, and (iii) evidence of satisfaction of any additional environmental requirements (including required mitigations) in accordance with Environmental Laws.

 

4.1.32. Earthquake Risk Report.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, (i) an earthquake risk report prepared by an independent geologist satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party setting forth an acceptable assessment of the earthquake risk for the Sites and any other property where the Front-End Project Facility will be located and recommendations for mitigation of earthquake risk, and (ii) certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer, together with such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may request, that such recommendations for mitigation of earthquake risk have been adequately addressed in the Construction Documents.

 

4.1.33. Materials Supply.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, certification from the Borrower, the Sponsor and the Lenders’ Engineer, together with such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may request, that the implementation programs and infrastructure development plans are sufficient to provide consumables and materials supplies to the Project in accordance with the terms of the Project Materials Supply Agreement and are continuing in effect without major interruption.

 

4.1.34. Utility Services.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer, together with such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may request, that (i) arrangements reflected in the Project Milestone Schedule and the Construction Budget have been made under the Construction Documents or are otherwise available to the extent required in Section 5.25 for the provision of all services, materials and utilities necessary for the construction, startup, commissioning and shakedown of the Project, and (ii) arrangements reflected in the Base Case Projections have been made or can be made under the Operating Documents to the extent then appropriate in the determination of each Relevant Credit Party or are otherwise available to the extent required in Section 5.25 for the provision of all services, materials and utilities necessary for the operation and maintenance of the Project as contemplated by the Project Documents.

 

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4.1.35. Conditions Precedent in DOE Credit Facility Documents.

Each condition precedent to the initial Advance under the FFB Funding Documents shall have been satisfied in the sole determination of each Relevant Credit Party thereto.

 

4.1.36. Conditions Precedent in Transaction Documents.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, certification from the Borrower, together with such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may request, that the Borrower has determined that all conditions precedent to the obligations of any party under any Project Document to be performed as of the Financial Closing Date have been satisfied.

 

4.1.37. DOE Requirements.

All DOE Requirements required to have been satisfied as of the Financial Closing Date shall have been satisfied.

 

4.1.38. Confirmation of Non-Disclosure and Assignment of Inventions Agreements.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, certification from the Borrower and the Sponsor, together with such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may request, of the existence of valid and binding non-disclosure and assignment of invention agreements with all employees of the Borrower.

 

4.1.39. Evidence of Sponsor Foreign Exchange Risk Strategy.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, a description in reasonable detail from the Sponsor, together with such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may request, of the Sponsor’s strategy with respect to foreign exchange risk in Third-Party Sales Agreements and, as applicable, Third-Party Materials Supply Agreements.

 

4.1.40. Funding of Base Equity Amount; Equity Commitments.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, evidence in form and substance satisfactory to it that an amount equal to (x) the Base Equity Commitment, less (y) the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit has been deposited in the Equity Funding Account and that all Equity Commitments are in full force and effect.

 

4.1.41. Due Diligence Review.

The Loan Servicer shall have received from each Relevant Credit Party confirmation that it has completed its due diligence review of the Project and all other matters related thereto and that the results thereof are satisfactory to such Relevant Credit Party.

 

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4.1.42. Review and Payment of Credit Subsidy.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, confirmation that (i) OMB has reviewed and approved DOE’s calculation of the Credit Subsidy Cost for the DOE Guarantee as of the Financial Closing Date, and (ii) DOE has received payment in full of the Credit Subsidy Cost in accordance with the Program Requirements.

 

4.1.43. No Judgment Liens.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, confirmation that that the Borrower does not have a judgment lien against any of its property for a debt owed to the United States of America.

 

4.2. Periodic Conditions Precedent to Advances.

The obligation of FFB to make, and DOE to guarantee, each Advance (including the initial Advance) is subject to the prior satisfaction (or waiver in writing) as determined by each Relevant Credit Party in its sole discretion of each of the following conditions precedent (the “Periodic Conditions Precedent”) as of a date (the “Periodic Approval Date”) not more than three months prior to the Requested Advance Date (which Periodic Approval Date shall ordinarily be the 5th of each February, May, August and November) and to their continued satisfaction on the Requested Advance Date for such Advance:

 

4.2.1. Approval of Updated Advance Schedule.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer:

(i) certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer that the updated Advance Schedule provided by the Borrower, including the estimates set forth therein, of the timing and amount of Advances required in connection with the construction and financing of the Project is consistent with the Construction Budget and the Project Milestone Schedule;

(ii) certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer that the proceeds of all Advances made since the Common Agreement Date (for the first Periodic Approval Date) or the previous Periodic Approval Date (for all other Periodic Approval Dates) have been applied as set forth in the corresponding Periodic Approved Advance Schedule or as otherwise approved by each Relevant Credit Party, and

(iii) certification from the Borrower that the proceeds of all Advances to be made with respect to the updated Advance Schedule for the upcoming three-month period will be needed for Eligible Project Costs that have been incurred or by the Requested Advance Date will be incurred, together with a description in reasonable detail of such Eligible Project Costs.

 

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4.2.2. (Intentionally Omitted)

 

4.2.3. Construction Progress Report.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer:

(a) the most recent Construction Progress Report, certified by the Borrower as being accurate and complete in all material respects based upon the Borrower’s good faith reasonable estimates of the information contained therein with respect to the following:

(i) Construction of the Project is proceeding in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule and the Construction Budget, or if construction is not proceeding in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule and the Construction Budget, then the Construction Progress Report shall describe any variances and state that the variances could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(ii) Total Funding Available is sufficient to pay all remaining Total Project Costs (including Interest During Construction, DOE Credit Facility Fees, Periodic Expenses, and identified Cost Overruns); and

(iii) evidence that as of the date of such Construction Progress Report (A) each Construction Contractor, any sub-contractor, and the Operator shall have irrevocably waived and released all Liens, statutory or otherwise, that any of them may have or acquire on the Collateral Security with respect to work completed prior to the last submission for payment, except for Liens in favor of any Person in an aggregate amount for such Person not greater than $50,000; and (B) all unpaid balances that are due or unsettled claims with any Construction Contractor or any sub-contractor, if any, have been adequately paid and that those being contested or negotiated in good faith are provisioned to the reasonable satisfaction of each Relevant Credit Party; and

(b) certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer that as of the Periodic Approval Date:

(i) there is no reason to believe that anything is incorrect or misleading in any material respect in the most recent Construction Progress Report; and

(ii) nothing has occurred since the date of the most recent Construction Progress Report or the date of the Lender’s Engineer’s most recent site visit, whichever is later, that could reasonably be expected to prevent construction of the Project in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule and the Construction Budget.

4.2.4. Fees and Expenses.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, confirmation that all DOE Credit Facility Fees and Periodic Expenses then due (x) have been paid in full, (y) are to be paid with the proceeds of the requested Advance, or (z) are to be paid by other satisfactory arrangements.

 

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4.2.5. Consents and Approvals.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, (i) certification from the Borrower, together with such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may reasonably request or as may be required under the Transaction Documents, that all consents and approvals of third Persons as may be required in connection with the proposed Advances and all Governmental Approvals required as of the Periodic Approval Date have been duly obtained and are in full force and effect and are not under appeal or subject to other proceedings or unsatisfied conditions that could reasonably be expected to result in a material modification or cancellation thereof, and (ii) copies of all material Governmental Approvals not previously delivered, certified by the Borrower as being true and complete.

 

4.2.6. Insurance.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, (i) certification from the Borrower and the Insurance Advisor that all Required Insurance is in place, in good standing and in full force and all premiums due thereon (x) have been paid in full, (y) are to be paid with the proceeds of the requested Advance, or (z) are to be paid by other satisfactory arrangements, and (ii) certificates or policies with respect to any additional renewal or substitute insurance obtained by the Borrower since the previous Periodic Approval Date, designating the Collateral Agent as loss payee, as appropriate, certified by the Borrower and the Insurance Advisor as being true and complete.

 

4.2.7. Proceedings and Other Documents; Back-End Project Facilities.

(a) Generally. The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, (i) certification from the Borrower that all corporate and similar proceedings concluded since the last Periodic Approval Date are in proper form and substance, (ii) original counterparts or copies certified by the Borrower of all Additional Project Documents entered into since the last Periodic Approval Date, and (iii) such other evidence as any Credit Party may reasonably request in order to evidence the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and compliance with the Periodic Conditions Precedent.

(b) Back-End Project Facilities. Without limiting the generality of Section 4.2.7(a), the Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, (i) certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer that the preparation of the Back-End Project Facilities, including with respect to selection of the Back-End Site and negotiation of the terms of the Back-End Site Lease, the Back-End Construction Contract and a Direct Agreement with the Back-End Site Lessor and the Back-End Construction Contractor, is proceeding in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule, (ii) when executed, original counterparts or copies certified by the Borrower of the Back-End Site Lease, the Back-End Construction Contract, a Direct Agreement with the Back-End Site Lessor, and all other instruments and documents entered into since the last Periodic Approval Date with respect to the Back-End Project Facilities, and (iii) such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may reasonably request in order to evidence the timely consummation of the transactions with respect to the Back-End Project Facilities.

 

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4.2.8. Representations and Warranties; No Default.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, certification from the Borrower, and such other evidence that it may request, that the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents (other than those that speak only as to an earlier date) are true and correct in all material respects and no Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

4.2.9. No Change in Circumstances.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer that no changes to the technical requirements of the existing Governmental Approvals has occurred, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

4.2.10. Performance Metrics.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, a certification from the Sponsor and the Lenders’ Engineer that the Sponsor has achieved the Fab I Facility Performance Targets applicable to such Periodic Approval Date.

 

4.2.11. Closing Certificates.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party:

(i) Borrower Certificate. A Borrower Certificate regarding the matters required to be certified by it as set forth in this Section 4.2;

(ii) Sponsor Certificate. A Sponsor Certificate regarding the matters required to be certified by it as set forth in this Section 4.2;

(iii) Lenders’ Engineer Certificate. A Lenders’ Engineer Certificate regarding the matters required to be certified by it as set forth in this Section 4.2;

(iv) Insurance Advisor Certificate. An Insurance Advisor Certificate regarding the matters required to be certified by it as set forth in this Section 4.2; and

(v) Collateral Agent Certificate. A Collateral Agent Certificate regarding the matters required to be certified by it as set forth in this Section 4.2.

 

4.2.12. Construction Budget.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, certification from the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer that (i) there have been no changes to the Construction Budget since the previous Periodic Approval Date, except for Approved Construction Changes, and (ii) the aggregate amounts expended for each type of Project Cost does not exceed the aggregate amounts budgeted for such cost in the Construction Budget, except for Approved Construction Changes.

 

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4.2.13. Equity Contributions.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, certification from the Sponsor and the Collateral Agent and such other evidence as such Relevant Credit Party may request that the amount of Base Equity required with respect to Advances made as of the date of the updated Advance Schedule has been funded through allocations of the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit or amounts transferred from the Equity Funding Account to the Disbursement Account as required under the Equity Funding Agreement.

 

4.3. Advance Conditions Precedent.

The obligation of FFB to make, and DOE to guarantee, each Advance (including the initial Advance) is subject to the prior satisfaction (or waiver in writing) as determined by each Relevant Credit Party in its sole discretion of each of the following conditions precedent (the “Advance Conditions Precedent”) as of the date of the relevant Master Advance Notice and as of the Advance Date:

 

4.3.1. Advance Request; Periodic Approved Advance Schedule.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, (i) a Master Advance Notice, together with all certificates and documentation required under Section 2.3, and (ii) certification from the Borrower that the requested Advance conforms with the Periodic Approved Advance Schedule.

 

4.3.2. Issuance of FFB Advance Request Approval Notice.

FFB shall have received, in accordance with the DOE Credit Facility Documents, the FFB Advance Request signed by the Borrower, together with the FFB Advance Request Approval Notice signed by DOE.

 

4.3.3. Fees and Expenses.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, confirmation that all DOE Credit Facility Fees and Periodic Expenses then due (x) have been paid in full, (y) are to be paid with the proceeds of the requested Advance, or (z) are to be paid by other satisfactory arrangements.

 

4.3.4. Absence of Drawstop Notice.

The Loan Servicer shall not have received a Drawstop Notice with respect to such Advance.

 

4.3.5. Base Equity.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, certification from the Collateral Agent, together with such other evidence as any Relevant Credit Party may request, of the aggregate amount of Base Equity that has been funded with respect to such Advance.

 

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4.3.6. Additional Recovery Act Requirements.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, written certification from an Authorized Official of the Borrower stating, to such Authorized Official’s Knowledge after due inquiry as of a date not earlier than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the relevant Advance Date, that (i) the Borrower has timely complied in all material respects with (A) its reporting obligations under Section 6.29(a) with respect to the Recovery Act, and (B) the requirements set forth in Section 6.30 and Schedule 6.30 with respect to the Davis-Bacon Act and (ii) that Commencement of Construction has occurred on or before September 30, 2011.

 

4.3.7. Updated Title Policy.

The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party, an ALTA Deed of Trust Loan Policy (or similar policy form) issued by the Title Company in the aggregate amount of not less than $535,000,000 insuring as of the relevant Advance Date that the Deed of Trust creates a first and prior Lien on the Front-End Site subject only to (x) Permitted Liens, and (y) such other exceptions as DOE may approve in its sole discretion.

ARTICLE 5

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The Borrower makes all of the following representations and warranties to and in favor of each Credit Party as of (i) the Common Agreement Date, (ii) the Financial Closing Date, (iii) each Periodic Approval Date, (iv) each Advance Date, and (v) the Project Completion Date, except as such representations and warranties relate to an earlier date, and all of these representations and warranties shall survive the Financial Closing Date.

 

5.1. Organization.

The Borrower (a) is a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, (b) is duly qualified to do business in California and in each other jurisdiction where the failure to so qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (c) has all requisite corporate power and authority to (i) own or hold under lease and operate the property it purports to own or hold under lease, (ii) carry on its business as now being conducted and as now proposed to be conducted in respect of the Project, (iii) incur Indebtedness and create Liens on its properties, and (iv) execute, deliver, perform and observe the terms and conditions of each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party.

 

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5.2. Authorization; No Conflict.

The Borrower has duly authorized, executed and delivered the Loan Documents and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and neither its execution and delivery thereof nor its consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby nor its compliance with the terms thereof (a) does or will contravene its Organizational Documents or any other Governmental Rules, (b) does or will contravene or result in any breach or constitute any default under any Governmental Judgment, (c) does or will contravene or result in any breach or constitute any default under, or result in or require the creation of any Lien upon any of its revenues, properties or assets under any agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its revenues, properties or assets may be bound, except for Permitted Liens, or (d) does or will require the consent or approval of any Person other than the Required Consents and any other consents or approvals that have been obtained, and are in full force and effect.

 

5.3. Legality, Validity and Enforceability.

(a) Each Transaction Document to which the Borrower is a party is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms, subject to Bankruptcy Laws and general principles of equity regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.

(b) To Borrower’s knowledge, each Transaction Document is the legal, valid and binding obligation of any other party thereto (other than the Sponsor and the Operator), enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, subject to Bankruptcy Laws and general principles of equity regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.

(c) Each Transaction Document is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Sponsor and the Operator, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, subject to Bankruptcy Laws and general principles of equity regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.

 

5.4. Capitalization.

All of the Equity Interests of the Borrower are owned by Sponsor. There are no outstanding options or rights for conversion into or acquisition, purchase or transfer of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any agreements or arrangements for the issuance by the Borrower of additional Equity Interests. The Borrower does not have outstanding (a) any securities convertible into or exchangeable for its Equity Interests or (b) any rights to subscribe for or to purchase, or any option for the purchase of, or any agreement, arrangement or understanding providing for the issuance (contingent or otherwise) of, or any call, loan commitment or claims of any character relating to, its Equity Interests.

 

5.5. Investments; Subsidiaries.

The Borrower has not made any Investments other than Permitted Investments. The Borrower has no Subsidiaries and does not beneficially own the whole or any part of the Equity Interests of any other Person.

 

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5.6. Title.

The Borrower owns and has, or will have, valid legal and beneficial title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, the Sites, the personal property and other assets and revenues of the Borrower on which it purports to grant Liens pursuant to the Security Documents, in each case free and clear of any Lien of any kind except for the lien created by the Security Documents and Permitted Liens.

 

5.7. Leases.

Any Leases material to the Project in existence on the date of this representation and under which the Borrower is lessee are valid and subsisting, the Borrower is not in default in any material respect under any of such Leases, and the Borrower enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession of the property subject to such Leases and the right to continue to enjoy such possession during the time when such property is necessary for the Project.

 

5.8. Security Interests.

Pursuant to the Security Documents, as of the date of each Advance the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Credit Parties) has a perfected first priority Lien in the Collateral Security, subject only to the Permitted Liens. Such security interest in the Collateral Security will, as of the Financial Closing Date and with respect to any subsequently acquired property (absent a Change of Law), when so subsequently acquired, be superior and prior to the rights of all third Persons now existing or hereafter arising whether by way of deed of trust, mortgage, lien, security interests, encumbrance, assignment or otherwise, except for any such rights of third Persons permitted pursuant to this Common Agreement or the Security Documents. As of the Financial Closing Date, all documents and instruments, including the Deeds of Trust and Financing Statements, have been recorded or filed for record in such manner and in such places as are required, and all other action as is necessary shall have been taken to establish and perfect the Collateral Agent’s Lien in and to the Collateral Security (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) to the extent contemplated by the Security Documents. All Taxes and filing fees and Periodic Expenses that are due and payable in connection with the execution, delivery or recordation of the Deeds of Trust and the Financing Statements, or the execution, issuance and delivery of the FFB Promissory Note, or the mortgaging of the mortgaged property under the Deed of Trust, have been paid or satisfactory arrangements have been made with the relevant Credit Parties to satisfy such obligations.

 

5.9. Liens.

Except for Permitted Liens, the Borrower has not created, and is not under any obligation to create, any Lien upon any of its revenues, properties or assets. There are no Liens on the Pledged Equity Interests, except for Permitted Liens.

 

5.10.  Permits; Other Required Consents.

Except as disclosed in writing by the Borrower from time to time, Schedule 5.10 to the Disclosure Letter sets forth all consents and approvals, including all Governmental Approvals, that are required to have been obtained or to be obtained by the Borrower in connection with the Transaction Documents and the Project either (x) as of the Common Agreement Date, or (y) to the Borrower’s Knowledge, at a later stage in the development of the Project (the “Required

 

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Consents”). The Borrower has filed applications for or obtained such Required Consents required as of the date of representation (including any Required Consents disclosed in writing by the Borrower and required on that date) and such Required Consents then required to have been obtained are in full force and effect and are not then under appeal or subject to other proceedings or unsatisfied conditions that could reasonably be expected to result in a material modification or cancellation as of such date, and Borrower has provided the Loan Servicer with copies of all such Required Consents. The Borrower is in compliance with all such Required Consents, the non-compliance with which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, including all Federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.

 

5.11. Litigation, Labor Disputes.

(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.11 to the Disclosure Letter, there is no pending or threatened (in writing) action, suit, or proceeding, or investigation by a Governmental Authority, of any kind, including no action or proceeding of or before any Governmental Authority, that (i) relates to any transactions contemplated by any of the Transaction Documents or (ii) to which the Borrower, to the Borrower’s Knowledge, any Major Project Participant or the Project is a party, in either case, that has, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The Borrower has not failed to observe in any material respect any order of any court, arbitrator, administrative agency or other Governmental Authority that has, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect. There is no injunction, writ, or preliminary restraining order of any nature issued by an arbitrator, court or other Governmental Authority directing that any of the transactions provided for in any of the Transaction Documents not be consummated as herein or therein provided.

(c) There are no strikes, slowdowns or work stoppages by the employees of any of the Borrower or, to the Borrower’s Knowledge, any Major Project Participant on-going, or, to the Knowledge of the Borrower, currently threatened in writing, that causes or could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.12. Tax.

(a) The Borrower has filed all material tax returns required by Governmental Rules to be filed by it and has paid (i) all income Taxes payable by it that have become due pursuant to such tax returns and (ii) all other material Taxes and assessments payable by it that have become due (other than those Taxes that it is contesting in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, for which reserves have been established to the extent required by GAAP). The Borrower has paid or has provided cash or cash-equivalent reserves adequate in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower’s management and consistent with GAAP for the payment of all income or other material Taxes imposed on it by the applicable governmental authority for all prior Fiscal Years and accrued for the current Fiscal Year to the date hereof, which reserves shall be in an amount at least equal to the full assessed amount of such Tax. The Borrower shall not be liable for, absent a Change of Law, any material Tax liability in connection with the Project or the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents that is not specifically reflected in the Base Case Projections as in effect on the Financial Closing Date and in the Construction Budget or as reflected in the assumptions in the then applicable Operating Forecast, as the case may be.

 

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(b) Except for those items set forth on Schedule 5.12 to the Disclosure Letter as at the Financial Closing Date, no withholding Tax are payable by the Borrower to any government authority in connection with any amounts payable by the Borrower under or in respect of the Loan Documents.

(c) Neither the Borrower, in accordance with Section 609.10(d)(21) of the Applicable Regulations, nor, to the Borrower’s Knowledge, any Major Project Participant (other than the Front-End Construction Contractor), has owed any delinquent Indebtedness to any Governmental Authority of the United States, including Tax liabilities, unless the delinquency has been resolved with the appropriate Governmental Authority in accordance with the standards of the Debt Collection Improvement Act.

 

5.13. Business, Indebtedness, Contracts, Etc.

The Borrower has not conducted any business other than the business contemplated by the Transaction Documents and such other business as may be related to the Project, has no outstanding Indebtedness other than Permitted Indebtedness and has no other liabilities other than those permitted under the Loan Documents, and is not a party to or bound by any contract other than those contracts permitted under the Loan Documents.

 

5.14. Transactions with Affiliates.

Except as set forth on Schedule 5.14 to the Disclosure Letter or as permitted by Section 7.12, the Borrower is not a party to any contracts or agreements with, and does not have any other loan commitments to, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, any Affiliate. The Borrower is not a party to any agreement requiring the payment of development fees.

 

5.15. Compliance with Governmental Rules.

In accordance with Section 609.10(d)(20) of the Applicable Regulations, the Borrower is in compliance with, and has conducted its business, operations, assets, equipment, property, leaseholds, and other facilities in compliance with all Environmental Laws and in compliance with all other Governmental Rules the noncompliance with which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and no notices of violation of any Governmental Rule have been issued, entered or received by the Borrower that have not been cured with no remaining liability to the Borrower, other than those that have been disclosed to the extent required by the terms of the Loan Documents. Neither the Borrower, nor, to the Knowledge of Borrower, the Sponsor is in default with respect to any Governmental Judgment which default would be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.16. Environmental Laws.

(a) The Borrower (x) has been issued all permits, licenses, certificates and approvals relating to, and (y) has received no complaint, order, directive, claim, citation or notice by any Governmental Authority (that has not been disclosed to the extent required by the Loan Documents) relating to its then-existing obligations with respect to: (A) air emissions, (B) discharges to surface water or ground water, (C) noise emissions, (D) solid or liquid waste disposal, (E) the use, generation, storage, transportation or disposal of toxic or Hazardous Substances or wastes, or (F) other environmental, health or safety matters.

 

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(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.16 to the Disclosure Letter, neither the Borrower nor, to the Borrower’s Knowledge, any third party, has used, released, discharged, generated, manufactured, produced, stored, or disposed of in, on, under or about the Sites or the Improvements or transported thereto or therefrom, any Hazardous Substances that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or material harm to environmental, health or safety matters as reasonably determined by DOE.

(c) There is not and has not been any condition, circumstance, action, activity or event with respect to the Project, the Borrower or the Sites that could reasonably form the basis of any violation of any Environmental Law or that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or material harm to environmental, health or safety matters as reasonably determined by DOE.

(d) The Borrower is not aware of any substantive requirements from the Alameda County Water District in connection with Borrower’s submission to the Alameda County Water District of its Focused Phase II Subsurface Investigation Report dated October 20, 2008.

(e) The Borrower has satisfied all conditions of approval in connection with issuance of the Zoning Administrator Permit approved by the City of Fremont, California on May 29, 2009 that are required to have been satisfied by the Common Agreement Date.

 

5.17. Investment Company Act.

The Borrower is not required to register as an “investment company” and it is not “controlled” by a company required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act.

 

5.18. Regulation of Parties.

The Borrower is not subject to the Public Utility Holding Company Act. None of the Credit Parties shall by reason if its ownership or operation of the Project upon the exercise of remedies under the Security Documents be subject to the Public Utility Holding Company Act.

 

5.19. Corrupt Practices Laws.

(a) The Borrower, the Sponsor, and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents have complied with all applicable Corrupt Practices Laws in obtaining any consents, licenses, approvals, authorizations, rights, or privileges with respect to the Project; (b) the Borrower, its officers directors, employees and agents are otherwise conducting the Project and the Borrower’s business in compliance with all applicable Corrupt Practices Laws; and (c) the internal management and accounting practices and controls of the Borrower, the Sponsor are adequate to ensure compliance with all Corrupt Practices Laws.

 

5.20. ERISA.

(a) The Borrower and its ERISA Affiliates have operated the Pension Plans in compliance with their terms and with all applicable provisions and requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, and other applicable Federal or state laws and have performed all their respective obligations under each Pension Plan.

 

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(b) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur.

(c) Except to the extent required under Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code or comparable state law, no Pension Plan provides health or welfare benefits (through the purchase of insurance or otherwise) for any retired or former employee of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates.

(d) As of the most recent valuation date for any Pension Plan, the amount of outstanding benefit liabilities (as defined in Section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA), individually or in the aggregate for all Pension Plans (excluding for purposes of such computation any Pension Plans with respect to which assets exceed benefit liabilities), does not exceed $1,000,000.

(e) The execution and delivery of this Common Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder will not involve any transaction that is subject to the prohibitions of Section 406 of ERISA or in connection with which taxes could be imposed pursuant to Section 4975(c)(1)(A)-(D) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(f) All liabilities under each Pension Plan are (i) funded to at least the minimum level required by applicable law or, if higher, to the level required by the terms governing the Pension Plans (ii) insured with a reputable insurance company, (iii) provided for or recognized in the Financial Statements most recently delivered to the Loan Servicer pursuant to Section 6.1 or (iv) estimated in the formal notes to the Financial Statements most recently delivered to the Loan Servicer pursuant to Section 6.1.

(g) There are no circumstances which may give rise to a liability in relation to any Pension Plan which is not funded, insured, provided for, recognized or estimated in the manner described in subsection (f) above.

(h) (i) The Borrower is not and will not be a “plan” within the meaning of Section 4975(e) of the Internal Revenue Code; (ii) the assets of the Borrower do not and will not constitute “plan assets” within the meaning of the United States Department of Labor Regulations set forth in 29 C.F.R. § 2510.3-101; (iii) the Borrower is not and will not be a “governmental plan” within the meaning of Section 3(32) of ERISA; (iv) transactions by or with the Borrower are not and will not be subject to state statutes applicable to the Borrower regulating investments of fiduciaries with respect to governmental plans; and (v) the Borrower shall not engage in any transaction which would cause any obligation, or action taken or to be taken, hereunder (or the exercise by the Credit Parties of any of their respective rights under this Common Agreement) to be a non-exempt (under a statutory or administrative class exemption) prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Borrower further agrees to deliver to Credit Parties such certifications or other evidence of compliance with the provisions of this Section 5.20(h) as the Credit Parties may from time to time request.

 

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5.21. Insurance.

All Required Insurance to be obtained and maintained for the Project pursuant to Section 6.3 (at the time the representation is being made) is in full force and effect.

 

5.22. Intellectual Property.

(a) The Borrower owns or holds a valid and enforceable license or right to use the Technology and Intellectual Property Rights necessary to do the following in a commercially reasonable manner and as contemplated in connection with the Project: (i) construct, operate, use and maintain the Front-End Manufacturing Facility; (ii) produce, manufacture, process, finish, package, label, ship, sell and support the products specified in the Project Sales Agreement, including process formulation development, validation, qualify assurance and quality control, using equipment and materials supplied under the Project Equipment Supply Agreement and the Project Material Supply Agreement; and (iii) exercise its rights and perform its obligations under the Operating Documents and the Project Equipment Supply Agreement in connection with the Project, except, in each case, where the failure to own or hold a valid and enforceable license or right to use such Technology and Intellectual Property Rights could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) To the Borrower’s knowledge, the Technology and Intellectual Property Rights licensed to Borrower under the Project IP License Agreement and the use thereof by Borrower does not infringe upon or misappropriate the Intellectual Property Rights or other rights of any other Person and no actions by the Borrower or any product, process, method, substance, part or other material presently contemplated to be sold or employed by the Borrower infringe upon or misappropriate the Intellectual Property Rights of any other Person, except, in each case, where such infringement or misappropriation of such Intellectual Property Rights or such other rights could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.23. No Defaults.

No Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing. There is no breach by the Borrower of any material obligation under any Loan Document and no notices of breach of any Loan Document have been issued, entered or received by the Borrower.

 

5.24. No Judgment Liens.

The Borrower does not have a judgment lien against any of its property for a debt owed to the United States of America and does not have an outstanding debt (other than a debt under the Internal Revenue Code) owed to the United States of America or any agency thereof that is in delinquent status, as the term “delinquent status” is defined in 31 C.F.R.§ 285.13(d).

 

5.25. Sufficiency of Project Documents.

(a) All easements, leasehold and other property interests, and all utility and other services, means of transportation, facilities, other materials and other rights that can reasonably be expected to be necessary for the construction, completion and operation of the Project in accordance with Governmental Rules and the Transaction Documents (including without limitation gas, electrical, water and sewage services and facilities) have been procured under the

 

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Project Documents or are commercially available to the Project at the Sites on terms consistent with the Construction Budget and the Base Case Projections, and, to the extent appropriate, arrangements have been made on terms consistent with the Construction Budget and the Base Case Projections for such easements, interests, services, means of transportation, facilities, materials and rights.

(b) Each Credit Party has received a true, complete and correct copy of each of the Project Documents (including all exhibits, schedules, protocols and side letters referred to therein or delivered pursuant thereto, if any, and all amendments, modifications, additions, waivers thereto or thereof). None of the Project Documents has been amended or modified, except in accordance with this Common Agreement. Prior to the execution of each such Project Document entered into on or prior to the date this representation is made, Borrower believed, after having made a reasonable investigation with respect thereto, that each party to each such Project Document would be able to carry out its obligations in accordance therewith and nothing has come to the attention of Borrower to cause it to believe that any such party will not be able to carry out its obligations in accordance therewith except as has been disclosed to the extent required under the Loan Documents.

(c) Each Principal Project Document is in full force and effect and all conditions precedent to the obligations of the respective parties under the Principal Project Documents have been satisfied or where required, with the written consent of the Loan Servicer, waived.

(d) Borrower believes that it is technically feasible for the Project to be operated so as to fulfill in all material respects the design specifications and requirements contained in the DOE Guarantee Application.

 

5.26. Financial Statements.

Each of the Financial Statements of the Borrower and the Sponsor delivered to the Credit Parties has been prepared in accordance with GAAP and presents fairly in all material respects the financial condition of Borrower or the Sponsor as of the respective dates of the balance sheets included therein and the results of operations of Borrower or Sponsor for the respective periods covered by the statements of income included therein. In the case of the Borrower, except as reflected in such Financial Statements, there are no liabilities or obligations of any nature whatsoever for the period to which such Financial Statements relate (other than under the Transaction Documents) that are required to be disclosed in accordance with GAAP.

 

5.27. Project Milestone Schedule and Construction Budget; Operating Forecasts and Base Case Projections.

(a) The Project Milestone Schedule, the Construction Budget, the Operating Forecast and the Base Case Projections, as amended or supplemented by Approved Construction Changes, (i) are complete and based on reasonable assumptions, (ii) are consistent with the provisions of the Project Documents, (iii) have been prepared in good faith and with due care, and (iv) fairly represent the Borrower’s expectation as to the matters covered thereby as of the date of the representation.

 

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(b) The Project Milestone Schedule, as amended or supplemented by Approved Construction Changes, accurately specifies in summary form the work that the Front-End Construction Contractor and the Equipment Supplier propose to complete and that the Borrower intends to cause the Back-End Construction Contractor to complete on or before the deadlines specified therein.

(c) The Construction Budget, as amended or supplemented by Approved Construction Changes, represents the Borrower’s best estimate of all costs and expenses anticipated by the Borrower to be incurred to construct the Project in the manner contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

(d) Borrower’s good faith estimate and belief as of the Common Agreement Date is that (i) Physical Completion and Operational Completion will occur no later than the Anticipated Completion Date, (ii) Total Project Costs will not exceed Base Project Costs except to the extent that the Loan Servicer has been notified to the contrary in accordance with the Loan Documents, and (iii) each of Total Project Costs, Base Project Costs, Eligible Base Project Costs and Ineligible Base Project Costs will not exceed the respective amounts therefor set forth in the Financial Plan. Nothing has occurred to cause Borrower to believe that the Project Milestone Schedule and Base Case Projections, as amended or supplemented by Approved Construction Changes, are unreasonable in any material respect.

 

5.28. Sufficient Funds.

In accordance with Section 609.10(d)(8) of the Applicable Regulations, the Total Funding Available to the Borrower will be sufficient to carry out the Project, including adequate contingency funds for identified cost overruns.

 

5.29. Fees and Enforcement.

Other than amounts that have been paid in full or with respect to which arrangements satisfactory to each Relevant Credit Party have been made, no fees or Taxes including documentary, stamp, transaction, registration, or similar Taxes are required to be paid to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability, priority or admissibility in evidence in applicable jurisdictions of any Transaction Documents.

 

5.30. Immunity.

In any proceedings in connection with any Transaction Document to which the Borrower is a party, the Borrower has not been and will not be entitled to claim for itself or any of its assets immunity from suit, execution, attachment or other legal processes.

 

5.31. No Other Powers-of-Attorney, Etc.

The Borrower has not executed and delivered any powers of attorney or similar documents, except (i) to its directors and employees in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) in connection with Permitted Liens.

 

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5.32. No Additional Fees.

Other than as contemplated in the Base Case Projections and the Construction Budget, the Borrower has not paid nor become obligated to pay any fee or commission to any broker, finder or intermediary for or on account of arranging the financing of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

5.33. Foreign Assets Control Regulations, Etc.

Neither the making of any Advances nor the use of the proceeds thereof will violate any Foreign Asset Control Regulations.

 

5.34. U.S. Government Requirements.

(a) Suspension and Debarment. No event has occurred and no condition exists that is likely to result in the debarment or suspension of the Borrower from contracting with the United States Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof, and the Borrower is not now and has not been subject to any such debarment or suspension. As of the Common Agreement Date neither the Borrower nor its Principal Persons are (a) debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment with a final determination still pending, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded (as such terms are defined in any of the Debarment Regulations) from participating in procurement or nonprocurement transactions with any United States federal government department or agency pursuant to any of the Debarment Regulations, or (b) indicted, convicted or had a Governmental Judgment rendered against the Borrower or any of its Principal Persons for any of the offenses listed in any of the Debarment Regulations and no event has occurred and no condition exists that is likely to result in the debarment or suspension of the Borrower from contracting with the United States Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof.

(b) Lobbying. In accordance with 31 U.S.C. §1352, no proceeds of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans have been or will be expended by the Borrower or the Sponsor to pay any Person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress.

 

5.35. Insolvency Proceedings.

The Borrower is not the subject of any pending, or to the Borrower’s Knowledge, threatened, Insolvency Proceedings.

 

5.36. Use of Proceeds.

The Borrower has used and shall continue to use the proceeds of all Advances in accordance with the terms and conditions of all applicable Loan Documents.

 

5.37. No Material Adverse Effect.

No Material Adverse Effect has occurred and is continuing nor is there any fact or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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5.38. Certain Program Requirements.

(a) Eligibility. In accordance with Section 609.10(d)(1) of the Applicable Regulations, the Project qualifies as an “Eligible Project” under Title XVII and is not a research, development, or demonstration project or a project that employs Commercial Technologies (as defined in the Applicable Regulations) in service in the United States.

(b) U.S. Nexus. In accordance with Section 609.10(d)(2) of the Applicable Regulations, the Project will be constructed and operated in the United States, the employment of the new or significantly improved technology in the Project has the potential to be replicated in other commercial projects in the United States, and this technology is or is likely to be available in the United States for further commercial application.

(c) Useful Life. In accordance with Section 609.10(d)(6) of the Applicable Regulations, the Maturity Date occurs prior to the end of 90 percent of the projected useful life of the Project’s major physical assets, as calculated in accordance with GAAP.

(d) No Tax-Exempt Indebtedness. In accordance with Section 609.10(d)(7) of the Applicable Regulations, the DOE Credit Facility does not finance, either directly or indirectly, tax-exempt indebtedness obligations, consistent with the requirements of Section 149(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

5.39. Davis-Bacon Act.

The Borrower has taken all steps necessary to comply with, and in all material respects is in compliance with, Section 6.30 and Schedule 6.30 relating to the Davis-Bacon Act.

 

5.40. Buy American.

The Project does not involve the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a “public building” or “public work” within the meaning of Section 1605 of the Recovery Act, 2 CFR §§176.140 and 176.160, the Office of Management and Budget’s Initial Implementing Guidance for the Recovery Act, M-09-10 (February 18, 2009) and Updated Implementing Guidance for the Recovery Act, M-09-15 (April 3, 2009).

 

5.41. Full Disclosure.

(a) The statements and information contained in any Borrower Certificate or DOE Credit Facility Document, taken together with all documents, reports or other written information pertaining to the Project, together with all updates of such information from time to time, that have been furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to any Credit Party or any Independent Consultant, are true and correct in all material respects and do not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit to state a material fact or any fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances in which they were made.

(b) There is no fact known to the Borrower that has not been disclosed to the Credit Parties in writing the existence of which would be material to the DOE’s decision to enter into this Common Agreement or to any Credit Party’s decision to authorize any Advance or could otherwise reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(c) There are in existence no documents or agreements that have not been described to the Credit Parties that are material in the context of the Transaction Documents or that have the effect of varying any of the Transaction Documents or the Project.

(d) Each of the Project Milestone Schedule, the Construction Budget, the Operating Forecast, Operating Plan and the Base Case Projections, as amended and supplemented by Approved Construction Changes, has been prepared in good faith based on assumptions believed to be reasonable by the Borrower at the time of their preparation or update.

ARTICLE 6

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

The Borrower covenants and agrees that until the date all Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) are paid in full and the DOE Credit Facility Commitment has terminated, unless the Loan Servicer waives compliance in writing:

 

6.1. Information Covenants.

At its own expense the Borrower shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Loan Servicer, in each case (x) in unalterable electronic format with a reproduction of the signatures where required, (y) upon request by the Loan Servicer, in soft electronic format, and (z) upon request by the Loan Servicer, in hard copy with sufficient copies for each Credit Party, the following items:

(a) Monthly Construction Progress Reports.

(i) Within five days after the end of each month prior to the Project Completion Date, the Borrower shall deliver to the Lenders’ Engineer a Construction Progress Report; and

(ii) The Borrower acknowledges that within 30 days after the end of each month prior to the Project Completion Date, the Lenders’ Engineer will deliver to the Loan Servicer a separate report on construction progress;

(b) Quarterly Financial Statements and Reports. As part of the Quarterly Reporting Package, within 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter (including the fourth fiscal quarter) of each Fiscal Year:

(i) unaudited Financial Statements of the Borrower as at the end of such quarterly period;

(ii) a discussion and analysis by a Financial Officer of the Borrower of the business and operations of the Borrower with respect to such quarter, including (A) a statement of all material financial transactions (other than any transactions contemplated under the Transaction Documents), and a report of all transactions involving the Borrower, on the one

 

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hand, and on the other hand the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor (other than any such transaction under the Intercompany Project Documents); (B) for each such quarter that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period, calculations showing the Debt-to-Equity Contribution Ratio of the Borrower; and (C) for each such quarter that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period, calculations showing compliance with the requirements of Section 7.14 (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) and certification of such compliance, or if such certification cannot be made, an explanation therefor and what corrective action the Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(c) Annual Financial Statements and Reports. As soon as available, but in any event within 180 days after the end of each Fiscal Year:

(i) Financial Statements of the Borrower as at the end of such Fiscal Year, certified by the Borrower’s Accountant and accompanied by any management letter delivered by the Borrower’s Accountant;

(ii) a discussion and analysis by the management of the Borrower of the Borrower’s business and operations at the end of such Fiscal Year with respect to the matters set forth in clause (b)(ii) above; and

(iii) during the Construction Period, a report certified by the Borrower and the Sponsor addressing the extent to which the Fab 1 Facility Performance Targets have been achieved; and

(iv) a report from the Borrower’s Accountant, including (A) for each such Fiscal Year, certifying that it has no knowledge that an Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing or if, any Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature and period of existence thereof; (B) for each such Fiscal Year that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period, a comparison between the actual Debt-to-Equity Contribution Ratio and the Debt-to-Equity Contribution Ratio required by the Loan Documents; and (C) for each such Fiscal Year that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period, a comparison between such annual Financial Statements and the projections for such Fiscal Year contained in the Operating Forecast, and a certification that it has no knowledge that the Borrower was not, and is not, in compliance with Section 7.14 (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) or, if such non-compliance has occurred a statement as to the nature thereof;

(d) Certification by Financial Officer. Each time Financial Statements of the Borrower are delivered pursuant to Sections 6.1(b)(i) (as part of the Quarterly Reporting Package), or 6.1(c)(i) such Financial Statements shall be certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP on a consistent basis and as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower as of the date thereof and the results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower for the periods presented. Such certification shall also include a certification that the Person has made or caused to be made a review of the transactions and financial condition of the Borrower during the relevant fiscal period and (i) that other than as set out in such Financial Statements, there are no liabilities or obligations of the Borrower that are required to be presented in such Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP, and (ii) that no Event of Default or Potential Default exists, or if such

 

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certification cannot be made, the nature and period of existence of such Event of Default or Potential Default and what corrective action the Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(e) Quarterly Reporting Package. Within 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter (including the fourth fiscal quarter) of each Fiscal Year (as part of the Quarterly Reporting Package), each certified by an Authorized Official of the Borrower:

(i) for each such quarter that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period, a summary construction report, which shall include a detailed assessment of the Project’s performance in comparison with the Construction Budget and Project Milestone Schedule then in effect for such period, including basic data relating to construction of the Project, and a description and explanation of any material casualty losses, material disputes between the Borrower and any Person, and material non-compliance with any Governmental Approvals;

(ii) for each such quarter that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period, a summary operating report, which shall include a detailed assessment of the Project’s performance in comparison with the Operating Forecast and Operating Plan then in effect for such period, including basic data relating to the operation of the Project, pricing information, unusual maintenance activity, material casualty losses, material disputes between the Borrower and any Person, and material non-compliance with any Governmental Approvals; and

(iii) all other items indicated in this Section 6.1 as being part of the Quarterly Reporting Package, together with a completed Quarterly Reporting Certificate;

(f) Financial Statements of Sponsor. Promptly after the same become available, including in the case of a third-party assignee of the Sponsor acting as a subsequent Output Purchaser or subsequent Materials Supplier based on the Sponsor’s commercially reasonable efforts to obtain them, and with respect to the Sponsor in accordance with the time periods applicable to the Borrower set forth in Sections 6.1(b) (as part of the Quarterly Reporting Package) and 6.1(c), unaudited quarterly and audited annual Financial Statements of the Sponsor prepared in accordance with GAAP certified by a Financial Officer of the Sponsor as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP on a consistent basis and as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition of the Sponsor as of the date thereof and the results of operations and cash flows of the Sponsor for the periods presented, and, if the same are audited annual Financial Statements, certified by the Sponsor’s Accountant, together with calculations showing, (A) for each such period that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period, the Debt to Tangible Net Worth Ratio of the Sponsor as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter, and (B) for each such period that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period, the Tangible Net Worth of the Sponsor as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter.

(g) Management Letters. Promptly after the Borrower’s receipt thereof, a copy of any management letter and all other material communications received by the Borrower from the Borrower’s Accountant in relation to its financial, accounting and other systems, management or accounts or the Project;

 

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(h) Reporting Obligations. Promptly, but in any event within five Business Days, after any Authorized Official of the Borrower or the Operator obtains Knowledge thereof or information pertaining thereto, notice of:

(i) any event that constitutes an Event of Default or Potential Default, specifying the nature thereof, together with a Borrower Certificate indicating any steps the Borrower has taken or proposes to take to remedy the same;

(ii) any action, litigation, claim, arbitration, dispute or governmental proceeding pending or threatened in writing (A) against the Borrower or any of its property, (B) with respect to the Project or any Transaction Document, or (C) against any other Project Participant that, in each case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and of any developments with respect to any of the foregoing;

(iii) any proceeding or legislation by any Governmental Authority specifically affecting (A) the Project, the Borrower, any of its property or its equity capital or (B) a Project Participant that, in each case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, including any developments with respect to any of the foregoing;

(iv) any change in the Authorized Officials of the Borrower, including certified specimen signatures of any new Person so appointed and satisfactory evidence of the authority of such Person, or any change in the Borrower’s Accountant and the reason therefor;

(v) any actual or proposed termination, rescission, discharge (otherwise than by performance), amendment, supplement, modification, waiver or indulgence or breach in any material respect of any Transaction Document, Governmental Approval or other Required Consent that is not otherwise approved, consented to or accepted pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Documents;

(vi) any material notice or correspondence received or initiated by the Borrower relating to the Project or any Transaction Document or any notice or correspondence received or initiated by the Borrower relating to any Governmental Approval, but excluding notices or correspondence received or initiated in the ordinary course of business or otherwise previously delivered pursuant to any Transaction Document;

(vii) any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) being granted or established or becoming enforceable over any of the Borrower’s assets;

(viii) any proposed material change in the nature or scope of the Project or the business or operations of the Borrower;

(ix) any casualty damage or loss to the Project in excess of $1,000,000;

(x) any notice of a delinquent payment owed by the Borrower to, or to the Borrower by (A) any Major Project Participant (other than the Front-End Construction Contractor) if such payment is more than 30 days delinquent, or (B) any other party under the Project Documents if such payment is more than 90 days delinquent, in either case, if the amount of any such delinquent payment is in excess of $1,000,000, in each case together with a copy of all correspondence received or sent by the Borrower with respect to such delinquent payment;

 

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(xi) any material correspondence from any Construction Contractor, the Materials Supplier, or the Operator relating to, (A) any material delay in the completion of the Project, or (B) any event that could reasonably be expected to interrupt the operation of the Project for more than fifteen days;

(xii) any notice of interruption of the ability of the Output Purchaser to receive deliveries under the Project Sales Agreement or any event that could reasonably be expected to interrupt the ability of the Output Purchaser to receive deliveries under the Project Sales Agreement for more than fifteen days;

(xiii) any notice from the Output Purchaser regarding the payment of an invoice submitted to the Output Purchaser by the Borrower other than in the ordinary course of business;

(xiv) (Intentionally omitted)

(xv) any one or more events, conditions or circumstances (including government action) that exist or have occurred or in the judgment of the Borrower are expected as imminent that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(xvi) any non-compliance of a Reserve Letter of Credit with the criteria established with respect thereto and any event, condition or circumstance that represents or could reasonably be expected to lead to non-compliance by a bank providing a Reserve Letter of Credit with the required criteria with respect thereto or the renewal thereof;

(xvii) any Event of Force Majeure affecting, or that either the Borrower or any other Major Project Participant claims would affect, the performance by such Person of any obligation under any Transaction Document, together with copies of all notices, calculations, data and other correspondence between such Major Project Participant and the Borrower in respect of any such event, circumstance or condition;

(xviii) any material dispute between (a) the Borrower and any Major Project Participant, or (b) between the Borrower, any Major Project Participant and any Governmental Authority, in each case relating to the Project;

(xix) upon request by any Credit Party, copies of any data relating to the performance of tests under any Project Document;

(xx) any event that could reasonably be expected to cause a reduction in the Operating Revenues of the Borrower for any Fiscal Year by more than 10% of the amount estimated therefor in the Operating Forecast;

(xxi) any proposed cancellation or change in any Required Insurance maintained by the Borrower or by any other Person for the benefit of the Borrower with respect to the Project, and after Borrower obtains knowledge of any occurrence that has or could reasonably be expected to result in any premium increase in excess of 10% over the cost then in effect for any

 

44


insurance contract, or any cancellation or non-renewal of, any policy of Required Insurance or any Required Insurance coverage required to be maintained hereby or by any other Transaction Document, notice (including a summary description) of such event, and within 30 days after an Authorized Official obtains knowledge of such event, a report describing such event and the potential insurance-related impact thereof;

(xxii) notice and a copy of any periodic reports submitted by the Borrower to the Output Purchaser pursuant to the Project Sales Agreement.

(xxiii) notice and a copy of any other material report filed or required to be filed by any Major Project Participant with any Governmental Authority relating to the Project; and

(xxiv) (a) an ERISA Event, (b) the adoption of any new Pension Plan by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, (iii) the adoption of any amendment to a Pension Plan, if such amendment will result in a material increase in benefits or unfunded benefit liabilities (as defined in Section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA) (c) the commencement of contributions by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to any Plan that is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code, or (d) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of a notice from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor concerning an ERISA Event.

(i) Governmental and Environmental Indemnity Claims and Reports. As soon as available, but in any event:

(i) within ten days after any such report is submitted, a copy of any report required to be filed by the Borrower (or on behalf of the Borrower) with any Governmental Authority other than in the ordinary course of business;

(ii) within 24 hours after the Borrower obtains knowledge, or reasonably should have obtained knowledge, of any accident related to the Project having a material and adverse impact on the environment or on human health (including any accident resulting in the loss of life), notice thereof, and within ten days thereafter a report describing such accident, the impact of such accident and the remedial efforts required and (as and when taken) implemented with respect thereto;

(iii) within 30 days after the close of each Fiscal Year, a report, satisfactory to the Loan Servicer in its reasonable discretion, summarizing any violations of Environmental Laws in connection with the Project over the preceding year, with sufficient information (as determined by the Loan Servicer acting in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer) to allow the Credit Parties (including DOE) to monitor the Project’s performance with respect to the environment and its compliance with Environmental Laws and including a narrative summary of (A) the results of environmental monitoring or sampling activity, (B) any violations of Environmental Laws identified by any environmental Governmental Authority and any remedial action taken with respect thereto, and

(iv) within ten days after an Authorized Official of the Borrower obtains knowledge thereof, any Environmental Claim by any Governmental Authority or any assertion of an Environmental Claim or claims involving an amount in excess of $250,000 individually or

 

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$1,000,000 in the aggregate by any other Person or Persons together with a copy of any correspondence relating thereto and a description of any steps the Borrower is taking and proposes to take with respect thereto;

(j) Updates to Project Milestone Schedule, Construction Budget, Operating Plan, Operating Forecast, and Base Case Projections. As part of the Quarterly Reporting Package, in each case certified by an Authorized Official of the Borrower:

(i) for each fiscal quarter that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period, an updated Project Milestone Schedule and Construction Budget, reflecting any Approved Construction Changes;

(ii) for each fiscal quarter that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period, an updated Operating Plan for the next four fiscal quarters, an updated Operating Forecast for the next four fiscal quarters; and, if requested by the Loan Servicer, updated Base Case Projections; and

(iii) Upon the request of any Credit Party, an Authorized Official of the Borrower shall schedule a date to discuss any updated Operating Plan, updated Operating Forecast, updated Base Case Projections, and such other matters relating to the Project as any Credit Party may reasonably request;

(k) Annual Safety Audit. Within 30 days after its completion, a copy of the report regarding the required annual safety audit pursuant to Section 6.18;

(l) Additional Project Documents and Governmental Approvals. As soon as available, but in no event later than ten Business Days after the receipt thereof by the Borrower, copies of all Additional Project Documents, (i) any Third-Party Sales Agreement or Third-Party Materials Supply Agreement entered into by the Sponsor after the Financial Closing Date, if such Third-Party Sales Agreement or Third-Party Materials Supply Agreement has a term longer than two years and a committed purchase price greater than $100,000,000, and (ii) any Governmental Approvals and other Required Consents obtained or entered into by the Borrower after the Financial Closing Date;

(m) Additional Audit Reports. As soon as available, but in any event within ten Business Days after the receipt thereof by the Borrower, copies of all other material annual or interim reports submitted to the Borrower by the Borrower’s Accountant;

(n) Other Reports and Filings. Promptly upon transmission thereof, copies of all financial information, statutory audits, proxy materials and other information and reports, if any, which the Borrower has delivered to the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor regulatory authority;

(o) Insurance Certificate. Certificates with respect to Required Insurance conforming to the insurance requirements of Schedule 6.3(b) at the times required by such Schedule;

 

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(p) Information Pertaining to Banks Providing Reserve Letters of Credit. As soon as available, but in any event, no later than 30 days after any change in the credit rating of any bank providing a Reserve Letter of Credit;

(q) Other Information. Promptly upon request, such other information or documents as any Credit Party or any Independent Consultant may reasonably request; and

(r) Information Made Available.

(i) In accordance with Section 609.10(d)(19) of the Applicable Regulations, (A) the information that will be made available to DOE is as set forth in the Loan Documents, and (B) any information will be made publicly available as required by applicable federal law.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of clause (i) of this subsection, all correspondence, books, documents, papers and records relating to the structuring, negotiation and execution of this Common Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein, including this Common Agreement, the Loan Documents, the pre-application, the Application, the term sheet and all supporting documentation, financial statements, audit reports of independent accounting firms, permits and regulatory approvals furnished or otherwise made available to DOE, will be handled in accordance with all applicable federal laws, rules, or regulations, including the Trade Secrets Act, 18 U.S.C. §1905, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. §552, and DOE’s implementing regulations at 10 CFR 1004.

 

6.2. Books, Records and Inspections; Accounting and Auditing Matters.

(a) The Borrower shall keep proper records and books of account, maintain adequate management information and cost control systems, and make arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Credit Parties for overseeing the financial operations of the Borrower, including its cash management, accounting and financial reporting, for overseeing the Borrower’s relationship with the Credit Parties and the Borrower’s Accountant and, in accordance with Section 609.10(f)(1) of the Applicable Regulations, for facilitating the effective and accurate audit and performance evaluation of the Project pursuant to the Applicable Regulations and Program Requirements;

(b) Each set of Financial Statements the Borrower delivers shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied except to the extent that there have been any changes to such accounting principles or the application thereof noted in such Financial Statements and all financial records of the Borrower shall be maintained at the principal executive office of the Borrower;

(c) The Borrower (i) shall consult and cooperate with the Credit Parties regarding the Project upon their request, (ii) in accordance with Section 609.10(d)(18) of the Applicable Regulations, shall permit officers and designated representatives of the Credit Parties, the Comptroller General and the Independent Consultants to visit and inspect the Project and any other facilities and properties of the Borrower, (iii) in accordance with Section 609.10(f)(2) of the Applicable Regulations, shall provide to officers and designated representatives of the Credit Parties, the Comptroller General and the Independent Consultants access to any pertinent books, documents, papers and records of the Borrower for the purpose of audit, examination, inspection

 

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and monitoring upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times during normal business hours, to examine and discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower with the representatives of the Borrower, (iv) shall afford proper facilities for such inspection, shall make copies (at Borrower’s expense) of any records that are subject to such inspection, shall make available all information related to the Project, including all patents, technology and proprietary rights owned or controlled by the Borrower and utilized in the construction, startup or operation of the Project, as may be reasonably necessary in order to determine the technical progress, soundness of financial condition, management stability, compliance with environmental requirements, adequacy of health and safety conditions, and all other matters with respect to the Project, and (v) shall require each Major Project Participant to make available to the Credit Parties, the Comptroller General and the Independent Consultants the same rights of inspection and access to its books and records that such Major Project Participant makes available to Borrower or to the Operator.

(d) The Borrower shall upon the request of any Credit Party authorize the Borrower’s Accountant to communicate directly with the Credit Parties, the Comptroller General and the Independent Consultants and their representatives at any time regarding the Borrower’s accounts and operations;

(e) In the event that the Borrower’s Accountant should cease to be the accountants of the Borrower for any reason, the Borrower shall appoint and maintain as the Borrower’s Accountant another firm of independent public accountants, which firm shall be nationally recognized, and shall be approved by the Loan Servicer; and

(f) The Borrower shall retain all records relating to expenditures with respect to which Advances were made for five years after the Advance was made with respect to such expenditure.

 

6.3. Maintenance of Property and Insurance.

(a) The Borrower shall (i) keep all its property and assets in good working order and condition to the extent necessary to ensure that its business can be conducted properly at all times, (ii) operate, maintain and repair the Project or cause the Project to be operated, maintained and repaired in accordance with the standards set forth in the O&M Agreement, manufacturer’s recommendations and insurance requirements, (iii) possess all equipment necessary for the operation of the Project and maintain such spare parts and inventory or renew and replace such equipment, in each case as consistent with the Transaction Documents and the “reasonable and prudent operator” standard, and (iv) maintain at the Front-End Site a complete set of plans and specifications for the Project.

(b) The Borrower shall keep its present and future properties and business insured as required by and in accordance with the terms and provisions described on Schedule 6.3(b). The Borrower shall obtain and maintain and shall pursue any contractual remedies to cause other Persons required to provide Required Insurance, including, but not limited to any Construction Contractor and the Operator to obtain and maintain such Required Insurance or alternate coverage provided for on Schedule 6.3(b) or in their respective Project Documents, as the case may be.

 

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6.4. Maintenance of Existence; Conduct of Business.

The Borrower shall (i) maintain and preserve its existence as a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and acquire, maintain, and renew all rights, licenses, contracts, powers, privileges, Leases, lands, sanctions, and franchises necessary in the normal conduct of its business and in the performance of its obligations hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents, (ii) observe all corporate formalities and (iii) engage only in the business contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

6.5. Compliance with Governmental Rules; Environmental Laws; Governmental Approvals.

The Borrower shall, and, with respect to work relating to the Project shall vigorously pursue all contractual remedies available to it to cause each Construction Contractor and the Operator to (i) comply with, and shall conduct its business, operations, assets, equipment, property, leaseholds, and other facilities in compliance with all Environmental Laws and in compliance with all other Governmental Rules the noncompliance with which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) procure, maintain and comply with all Governmental Approvals required for the ownership, construction, financing, maintenance or operation of the Project or any part thereof as contemplated by the Transaction Documents at or prior to such time as such Governmental Approval is required or necessary, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.6. Compliance with Debarment Regulations.

The Borrower shall provide immediate written notice (including a brief description) to the Loan Servicer if at any time it learns that the representations made with respect to Debarment Regulations were erroneous when made or have become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

 

6.7. Tax, Duties, Proper Legal Form.

The Borrower shall pay or arrange for the payment before they become overdue of all present and future (i) material Taxes (including stamp taxes), duties, fees, Periodic Expenses, or other charges payable on or in connection with the execution, issue, delivery, registration, or notarization, or for the legality, validity, or enforceability, of this Common Agreement, any other Transaction Documents and any other documents related to this Common Agreement (other than those Tax that it is contesting in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which reserves have been established to the extent required by GAAP) and (ii) claims, levies, or liabilities (including claims for labor, services, materials and supplies), for sums that have become due and payable and that have or, if unpaid, might become a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) upon the property of the Borrower (or any part thereof). The Borrower shall take all action to ensure that each of the Transaction Documents is in proper legal form under the respective governing laws selected in such Transaction Document, without any further action required with respect to such legal form for the enforcement of such Transaction Documents.

 

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6.8. Construction and Approved Construction Changes.

(a) The Borrower shall apply the proceeds of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans exclusively to Eligible Base Project Costs and shall use its best efforts to cause Physical Completion and Operational Completion to be achieved on or prior to the Anticipated Completion Date and within the Construction Budget.

(b) The Borrower shall not change, reallocate, amend, modify, or supplement or permit or consent to any changes, reallocations, amendments, modifications, or supplements (each a “Construction Change”) of any of the provisions of the Project Milestone Schedule or the Construction Budget, except for (“Approved Construction Changes”):

(i) any Construction Change that (x) has been submitted in writing by the Borrower to the Loan Servicer (including an explanation in reasonable detail of the reasons for such Construction Change) and (y) has received a written approval from the Loan Servicer in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer;

(ii) any increase of any of the line items in the Construction Budget if such increase (x) is not individually in excess of $6,000,000, and (y) when aggregated with all other changes to the Construction Budget in accordance with this Section 6.8(b)(ii) since the Common Agreement Date, would not result in a cumulative net decrease, since the date of this Common Agreement, of Overrun Contingencies of more than $16,000,000 (excluding any Approved Construction Change pursuant to Section 6.8(b)(iii)); or

(iii) any preapproved contingency set forth in the Construction Budget.

(c) All Approved Construction Changes shall be reflected in a revised Project Milestone Schedule or Construction Budget, as the case may be, delivered as part of the next Quarterly Reporting Package.

 

6.9. Operating Forecasts.

From and after the Project Completion Date, the Borrower shall or shall cause the Project to operate in all material respects pursuant to the Operating Plan then in effect.

 

6.10. Diligent Construction of Project and Operations.

The Borrower shall construct the Project diligently in accordance with the Construction Contracts and the other Transaction Documents, Governmental Approvals, and the Project Milestone Schedule and the Construction Budget. The Borrower shall conduct, and shall cause the Operator to conduct, the operations of the Project on the basis of customary commercial practice and arm’s-length arrangements, or as otherwise set forth in the Project Documents, with due diligence and efficiency and under the supervision of qualified and experienced management.

 

6.11. Ineligible and Overrun Project Costs.

The Equity Funding Agreement will provide that the Overrun Equity Commitment shall fund 100% of (i) Ineligible Project Costs and (ii) Overrun Project Costs. Pursuant to the Equity Funding Agreement, the Sponsor will fund $30,000,000 into the Equity Funding Account in six

 

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consecutive monthly payments of $5,000,000 each, beginning on the first day of the 15th month after the Financial Closing Date. Upon Project Completion, any remaining balance in the Equity Funding Account not otherwise used to fund Overrun Project Costs will be released to the Sponsor. In lieu of maintaining the amounts shown above in the Equity Funding Account, the Sponsor may substitute a Reserve Letter of Credit.

 

6.12. Cost Overruns and Contingencies.

The aggregate amount of Overrun Contingencies available under the Construction Contracts is $65,417,000. To the extent that the Construction Contracts allow for a Cost Overrun to be funded from Overrun Contingencies, such Cost Overrun shall be funded as a Project Cost and charged against the available Overrun Contingency amount. Any Cost Overrun that cannot be funded from Overrun Contingencies shall be funded from Overrun Equity in accordance with Section 2.4.2.

 

6.13. Use of Proceeds; Repayment of Indebtedness.

(a) Proceeds. The Borrower shall use the proceeds of all Equity Contributions and all Advances in accordance with the terms and conditions of all applicable Loan Documents.

(b) Repayment of Indebtedness. The Borrower shall repay in accordance with its terms all Indebtedness due under the Loan Documents.

 

6.14. Performance of Obligations.

The Borrower shall maintain in full force and effect each of the DOE Credit Facility Documents and each of the other Loan Documents to which it is a party in accordance with the respective terms thereof, except for those Loan Documents that shall by their terms terminate after the indefeasible payment in full of all Secured Obligations owed thereunder. The Borrower shall comply with the provisions of and perform all of its obligations under each Loan Document in accordance with the terms thereof. The Borrower shall maintain in full force and effect each of the Accounts in accordance with the Collateral Agency Agreement.

 

6.15. Project Documents.

The Borrower shall (i) maintain all the Project Documents to which it is a party in full force and effect, (ii) comply with the material provisions of and perform all of its material obligations under such Project Documents, and (iii) diligently pursue all of its rights and remedies under such Project Documents.

 

6.16. Cash Deposits.

The Borrower shall instruct each Person remitting cash to or for the account of the Borrower to deposit such cash in accordance with the terms of the Collateral Agency Agreement, and shall otherwise comply with the Collateral Agency Agreement. The Borrower shall remit any amounts received by it or received by third parties on its behalf to the Collateral Agent for deposit in accordance with the Collateral Agency Agreement.

 

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6.17. Debt Service Reserve.

The Borrower shall provide in accordance with the Collateral Agency Agreement a reserve for Debt Service (the “Debt Service Reserve”). The Debt Service Reserve shall consist of any combination of cash and Reserve Letters of Credit.

 

6.18. Safety Audit.

Not less frequently than once each calendar year, the Borrower shall conduct, or cause the Operator to conduct, a safety audit of the Project in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Loan Servicer (in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer), each in its sole discretion, including an analysis of whether the Project is in compliance with all Governmental Rules and Environmental Laws and each such safety audit shall result in the prompt preparation of a written report with respect thereto which shall be delivered to the Loan Servicer, DOE and the Lenders’ Engineer for review and approval by the Loan Servicer, in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer. The Borrower shall provide for the prompt correction of any deficiencies identified in such safety audit and for the operation and maintenance of the Project in accordance with any recommendations set forth therein.

 

6.19. Replacement of Certain Project Participants.

The Borrower shall, at the request of the Loan Servicer (after consultation with the Borrower) exercise its right (if any) to terminate (a) the Operator in accordance with and as permitted by the O&M Agreement if the Operator is not operating the Project in accordance with the O&M Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which it is a party, (b) each Construction Contractor in accordance with and as permitted by the Construction Contracts, if such Construction Contractor is not in compliance with the Construction Contracts or other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or (c) any Person party to a Project Document in accordance with and as permitted by such Project Document if such Person is not in compliance with such Project Document. Promptly after any termination, the Borrower shall enter into a replacement agreement with a new operator, Construction Contractor or other Person, as the case may be, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Loan Servicer.

 

6.20. Security Interest in Newly Acquired Property; Additional Project Documents.

If the Borrower shall at any time acquire any interest in property not covered by the Security Documents or enter into any Additional Project Document, the Borrower shall promptly (i) execute, deliver and record a supplement to the Security Documents, satisfactory in form and substance to the Loan Servicer, (ii) ensure that the security interest shall be valid and effective and (iii) deliver to the Collateral Agent, a consent to assignment for each such Additional Project Document in an agreed form.

 

6.21. Title; Rights to Land.

The Borrower shall preserve and maintain good and valid title to the Project and such rights to use the Sites as are necessary to construct, operate and maintain the Project in accordance with the requirements of the Transaction Documents.

 

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6.22. Independent Consultants.

The Borrower (i) shall cooperate in all respects with each Independent Consultant and (ii) shall ensure that each Independent Consultant is provided with all information reasonably requested by such Independent Consultant in fulfilling its duties to the Credit Parties and ensure that any information that it may supply to such Independent Consultant is accurate and not, by omission of information or otherwise, misleading in any material respect at the time such information is provided.

 

6.23. Additional Documents; Filings and Recordings.

(a) The Borrower shall execute and deliver, from time to time as reasonably requested by the Loan Servicer, DOE or the Collateral Agent at the Borrower’s expense, such other documents as shall be necessary or advisable or that the Loan Servicer, DOE and the Collateral Agent may reasonably request in connection with the rights and remedies of the Credit Parties and the Collateral Agent granted or provided for by the Transaction Documents, and to consummate the transactions contemplated therein.

(b) (i) The Borrower shall, at its own expense, take all actions that have been or shall be requested by the Loan Servicer, DOE, the Collateral Agent or that the Borrower knows are necessary to establish, maintain, protect, perfect and continue the perfection of the first priority (subject to Permitted Liens) security interests of the Secured Parties created by the Security Documents and shall furnish timely notice of the necessity of any such action, together with such instruments, in execution form, and such other information as may be required or reasonably requested to enable any appropriate Secured Party to effect any such action. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower shall, at its own expense, (A) execute or cause to be executed and shall file or cause to be filed or register or cause to be registered such financing statements, continuation statements, fixture filings and mortgages or deeds of trust in all places necessary or advisable (in the opinion of counsel for the Loan Servicer, DOE or the Collateral Agent) to establish, maintain and perfect such security interests and in all other places that the Loan Servicer, DOE or the Collateral Agent shall reasonably request, (B) discharge all other Liens (other than Permitted Liens) or other claims adversely affecting the rights of the Secured Parties in the Collateral Security and (C) deliver or publish all notices to third parties that may be required to establish or maintain the validity, perfection or priority of any Lien created pursuant to the Security Documents.

(ii) The Borrower shall do everything necessary in the judgment of the Loan Servicer, DOE or the Collateral Agent (including filing, registering and recording all necessary documents and paying all fees, taxes, levies, imposts and Periodic Expenses in connection therewith) to (A) create security arrangements, including, if applicable, the establishment of a pledge or the perfection of any Lien or, as applicable, the enforceability of a Lien as against the Borrower and any subsequent lienor (including a judgment lienor), holder of a charge, or transferee for or not for value, in bulk, by operation of law, or otherwise, in each case granted, with respect to future assets in accordance with the requirements of all Governmental Rules, or the law of any other jurisdiction, as applicable, (B) maintain the security and pledges created by the Security Documents in full force and effect at all times (including, as applicable, the priority thereof) and (C) preserve and protect the Collateral Security and protect and enforce its rights and title, and the rights and title of the Credit Parties, to the security created by the Security

 

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Documents. Furthermore, the Borrower shall cause to be delivered to the Loan Servicer such opinions of counsel and other related documents as may be reasonably requested by the Loan Servicer, DOE or the Collateral Agent to assure compliance with this Section 6.23. Additionally, when requested by the Loan Servicer, the Loan Servicer, the Borrower shall cause any Person party to a Project Document (other than a Third Party Sales Agreement or a Third Party Materials Supply Agreement) executed subsequent to the Financial Closing Date to enter into a Direct Agreement with the Collateral Agent in form and substance satisfactory to the Loan Servicer and the Collateral Agent.

 

6.24. (Intentionally Omitted).

 

6.25. Event of Loss.

If any material Event of Loss shall occur with respect to the Project or any part thereof, the Borrower shall (i) diligently pursue all its rights to compensation against all relevant insurers, reinsurers and Governmental Instrumentalities, as applicable, in respect of such event, (ii) not, without the written consent of the Loan Servicer compromise or settle any claim (A) with respect to any Event of Loss involving an amount in excess of $5,000,000 per claim; and (iv) pay or apply all Loss Proceeds stemming from such event in accordance with Section 3.4.3(a)(ii) and Section 6.26.

 

6.26. Application of Loss Proceeds.

(a) All Loss Proceeds shall be applied as provided in this Section 6.26. All Loss Proceeds shall be paid by the relevant insurers, reinsurers and Governmental Instrumentalities, as applicable, directly to the Collateral Agent as loss payee and, if paid to the Borrower, such Loss Proceeds shall be received in trust and for the benefit of the Collateral Agent segregated from other funds of the Borrower, and shall be forthwith paid over to the Collateral Agent in the same form as received (with any necessary endorsement). The Collateral Agent as directed by the Loan Servicer shall apply all such Loss Proceeds in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.26.

(b) Upon the occurrence of a Event of Loss with respect to which Loss Proceeds are payable in respect of a single loss in an amount not in excess of $20,000,000, the Borrower shall apply such Loss Proceeds to the payment of the costs of repair or restoration of the portion of the Project lost or damaged, and disbursement of such funds by the Collateral Agent shall be made in accordance with the Collateral Agency Agreement.

(c) Upon the occurrence of any Event of Loss with respect to which Loss Proceeds are payable in respect of a single loss in an amount in excess of $20,000,000, disbursement of funds by the Collateral Agent to the Borrower shall be permitted if, and only if, the Loan Servicer after consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer shall have determined that:

(i) repair or replacement of the relevant portion of the Project is technically and economically feasible; and

(ii) the Borrower is in compliance with such other conditions and requirements as the Loan Servicer shall consider appropriate in the circumstances.

 

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(d) All Loss Proceeds not otherwise applied in accordance with clauses (b) or (c) of this Section 6.26 shall be applied by the Collateral Agent to the prepayment of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans in accordance with Section 3.4.3(a)(ii).

 

6.27. Acceptance and Startup Testing.

The Borrower shall consult with and provide reasonable notice to the Loan Servicer and Lenders’ Engineer regarding provisions related to startup and testing of facility and equipment pursuant to the Construction Contracts and the O&M Agreement.

 

6.28. Technology.

(a) The Borrower shall not take any action that would in any way prevent it from exercising the rights granted to the Borrower under the Project IP License Agreement, or that would otherwise materially conflict with or adversely affect the rights granted to the Borrower under the Project IP License Agreement.

(b) The Borrower shall take all commercially reasonable actions necessary to maintain and protect the Technology and Intellectual Property Rights licensed under the Project IP License Agreement, including (i) protecting the secrecy and confidentiality of all confidential information and trade secrets having material value by having and enforcing a policy requiring all current and former employees, consultants, licensees, vendors and contractors to execute appropriate confidentiality and invention assignment agreements; and (ii) taking all commercially reasonable actions necessary to ensure that none of the Technology that is a trade secret having a material value falls or has fallen into the public domain.

(c) If the Borrower becomes aware of any breach or violation of any of the terms or conditions of the Project IP License Agreement, the Borrower shall take such actions under the Project IP License Agreement to protect the rights granted to the Borrower, including suing for an injunction against such violation or breach.

 

6.29. Compliance With Certain U.S. Government Requirements.

(a) Recovery Act. The Borrower shall timely comply with the reporting requirements set out in Section 1512(c) of Title XV of Division A of the Recovery Act. Such reporting shall be made in accordance with the procedures set out or otherwise referenced in 2 C.F.R. Section 176.50, the Office of Management and Budget’s Initial Implementing Guidance for the Recovery Act, M-09-10 (February 18, 2009), Updated Implementing Guidance for the Recovery Act, M-09-15 (April 3, 2009), Updated Implementing Guidance for the Recovery Act, M-09-21 (June 22, 2009) and, in each case, any amendment, supplement or successor thereto.

(b) Lobbying Requirements. The Borrower shall comply with all requirements of 31 U.S.C. §1352, including if any funds have been paid or will be paid to any Person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the DOE-Guaranteed Loan, the Borrower shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instructions.

 

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(c) Use of United States Government Funds. The Borrower shall comply with Section 609.10(c) of the Applicable Regulations regarding the prohibition on the use of funds obtained from the United States Government, or from a loan or other instrument guaranteed by the United States Government, for the payment of Credit Subsidy Costs, administrative fees, or other fees charged by or paid to DOE relating to the Applicable Regulations, except to the extent explicitly authorized by an act of the United States Congress.

 

6.30. Davis-Bacon Act.

(a) In accordance with Section 1705(c) of Title XVII, beginning on the date hereof, all laborers and mechanics employed in the performance of the Project, including those employed by contractors and subcontractors, shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar work in the relevant locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. In furtherance of this requirement, the contract clauses set out in 29 CFR 5.5(a)(1) through (10) are attached hereto as Schedule 6.30 (as modified therein) and are hereby incorporated herein as though set out in their entirety in this Section 6.30 and as provided therein shall be incorporated into all other Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contracts (as defined in Schedule 6.30), in each case.

(b) Retention of Payrolls. The Borrower, on DOE’s behalf, shall systematically review the certified payroll records that it maintains for its own laborers and mechanics pursuant to subparagraph (b)(3)(i) of Schedule 6.30 and those that it receives for the laborers and mechanics of any Contract Party (as defined in Schedule 6.30) pursuant to subparagraph (b)(3)(ii)(A) of Schedule 6.30. The Borrower shall promptly notify the DOE contracting officer in writing when it receives any complaint related to non-compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act, or discovers in the course of its systematic review of the certified payroll records an incident that the Borrower reasonably believes to be a case of such non-compliance and which, in each case, the Borrower cannot resolve on its own and shall forward to the DOE contracting officer (1) the complaint or a written summary of the non-compliant incident, (2) a summary of the Borrower’s investigation into such complaint or such incident, and (3) the relevant certified payroll records. Certified payroll records maintained by the Borrower shall be preserved for 3 years after completion of work. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in subparagraph (b)(3)(ii)(A) of Schedule 6.30, the Borrower shall maintain such certified payroll records at a site designated by the Borrower and shall make such records available to DOE and the U.S. Department of Labor when necessary, and upon request, for purposes of an investigation or audit of compliance with prevailing wage requirements. Certified payroll records maintained by the Borrower shall be considered federal government records for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act, 42 U.S.C. 552. The Borrower shall provide such records to DOE within 5 days of receipt of any request for such records from DOE.

(c) Termination of Commitment. If the DOE Credit Facility Commitment terminates as a consequence of the Borrower’s failure to deliver on or before September 30, 2011, a written certification to DOE that Commencement of Construction has occurred, such termination shall not be deemed to release the Borrower or any other Contract Party (as defined in Schedule 6.30) from their respective obligations under this Section 6.30 and Schedule 6.30, nor from any liability for any breach by any such party of the terms and provisions of this Section 6.30 and Schedule 6.30, in each case, as required to be performed during the period prior to such termination.

 

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6.31. ERISA Covenants.

(a) The Borrower shall do, and shall cause each of its ERISA Affiliates to do, each of the following: (i) maintain each Plan in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or other Federal or state law; (ii) cause each Qualified Plan to maintain its qualified status under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code; (iii) timely make all required contributions to any Plan; (iv) not become a party to any Multiemployer Plan; (v) ensure that all liabilities under each Plan are either (A) funded to at least the minimum level required by law or, if higher, to the level required by the terms governing such Plan; (B) insured with a reputable insurance company; or (C) provided for or recognized in the Financial Statements most recently delivered to the Loan Servicer under Section 6.1 hereof); and (vi) ensure that the contributions or premium payments to or in respect of each Pension Plan is and continues to be promptly paid at no less than the rates required under the rules of such Pension Plan and in accordance with the most recent actuarial advice received in relation to such Pension Plan and applicable law.

(b) The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of ERISA Affiliate to, (i) terminate any Pension Plan so as to result in any material (in the opinion of the Loan Servicer) liability to the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, (ii) permit to exist any ERISA Event, or any other event or condition, which presents the risk of a material (in the opinion of the Loan Servicer) liability to any ERISA Affiliate, (iii) make a complete or partial withdrawal (within the meaning of Section 4201 of ERISA) from any Multiemployer Plan so as to result in any material (in the opinion of the Loan Servicer) liability to the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, (iv) enter into any new Plan or modify any existing Plan so as to increase its obligations thereunder which could result in any material (in the opinion of the Loan Servicer) liability to the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, or (v) permit the present value of all nonforfeitable accrued benefits under any Pension Plan (using the actuarial assumptions utilized by the PBGC upon termination of an employee pension benefit plan subject to Title IV of ERISA) materially (in the opinion of the Loan Servicer) to exceed the fair market value of the Pension Plan’s assets allocable to such benefits, all determined as of the most recent valuation date for each such Pension Plan.

 

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ARTICLE 7

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

The Borrower covenants and agrees that until the date all Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) are paid in full and the DOE Credit Facility Commitment has terminated, unless the Loan Servicer waives compliance in writing:

 

7.1. Indebtedness.

The Borrower shall not, and shall not agree to, incur, create, guarantee, assume, permit to exist or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness, except for:

(a) Indebtedness incurred under the Loan Documents;

(b) Contingent Obligations under the Project Documents all of which are subordinated to the Secured Obligations, but excluding any amounts payable by the Borrower to any Affiliate other than (i) payments in the ordinary course of business under the O&M Agreement, and the Construction Management Agreement, and (ii) payments in the ordinary course of business under the Project Materials Supply Agreement and the Project Equipment Supply Agreement.

(c) Permitted Subordinated Loans;

(d) Indebtedness in respect of amounts due to trade creditors and accrued expenses, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business, to the extent such amounts and expenses are not unpaid more than 90 days past the due date therefor;

(e) Indebtedness for the acquisition of equipment or property incurred in connection with the construction or operation of the Project as explicitly contemplated under a Principal Project Document; and

(f) Indebtedness consisting of reimbursement obligations to the Sponsor with respect to any amounts drawn under the letter of credit referred to in Section 7.10(b)(ii) or any net costs of providing such letter of credit.

 

7.2. Liens.

The Borrower shall not, and shall not agree to, create, assume or otherwise permit to exist any Lien upon any of the Collateral Security or any of its other property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or in any proceeds or income therefrom, other than Permitted Liens.

 

7.3. Leases.

The Borrower shall not enter into any agreement or arrangement to acquire by Lease the use of any property or equipment of any kind, except for Permitted Leases in an amount not in excess of the amount budgeted therefor in the Construction Budget or forecast therefor in the Operating Forecast, as applicable.

 

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7.4. Loans, Advances and Investments.

The Borrower shall not make or permit to remain outstanding any loans, extensions of credit or advances by the Borrower to or investments by the Borrower in (whether by acquisition of any stocks, notes or other securities or obligations) any Person, except for Permitted Investments or as expressly provided in the Transaction Documents as in effect on the Financial Closing Date.

 

7.5. Capital Expenditures.

The Borrower shall not make any Capital Expenditure in any year except for (a) expenditures contemplated by the Construction Budget, (b) expenditures made from the proceeds of insurance to the extent permitted by the Loan Documents, and (c) in amounts that are available and could have been paid as Restricted Payments to the Sponsor under Section 7.10, and (d) other Capital Expenditures in an aggregate in any Fiscal Year not in excess of $10,000,000.

 

7.6. Subsidiaries; Partnerships.

The Borrower shall not: (a) form or have any Subsidiaries; (b) enter into any partnership or a joint venture; (c) acquire any ownership interest in or make any capital contribution to any other Person; (d) enter into any partnership, profit-sharing or royalty agreement or other similar arrangement whereby the Borrower’s income or profits are, or might be, shared with any other Person; or (e) enter into any management contract or similar arrangement whereby its business or operations are managed by any other Person, other than the O&M Agreement and the Construction Management Agreement.

 

7.7. Ordinary Course of Conduct; No Other Business.

The Borrower shall not: (a) engage in any business other than the acquisition, ownership, design, development, construction, financing, implementation, completion, operation and maintenance of the Project in accordance with and as contemplated by the Transaction Documents; (b) undertake any action that could reasonably be expected to lead to a material alteration of the nature of its business or the nature or scope of the Project; (c) change its name or take any other action that might adversely affect the Liens created by the Security Documents; or (d) fail to maintain its corporate existence and its right to carry on its business.

 

7.8. Merger, Bankruptcy, Dissolution or Transfer of Assets.

The Borrower shall not, and shall not agree to: (a) enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation or convey, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any of its property or assets, except (i) transactions permitted under the Transaction Documents, (ii) sales in the ordinary course of business, (iii) sales to the Output Purchaser under the terms of the Project Sales Agreement, and (iv) sales of equipment or other assets that are (x) obsolete, (y) no longer used or useful in the operation of the Project, or (z) are replaced by other equipment of equal value and utility, and in all cases for which the Borrower shall have received consideration reflecting value that would have been obtained in a transaction on an arm’s length basis with an unaffiliated third party (unless such assets only have scrap value), each of which, with respect to clause (iv), shall be verified by the Lenders’ Engineer if requested by the Loan Servicer; (b) wind up, liquidate, or dissolve itself, commence an Insolvency Proceeding or file any petition or pass a resolution seeking the same; or (c) acquire property or assets of any other Person (other than purchases or other acquisitions of inventory or materials or spare parts or Capital Expenditures, each in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the applicable budget).

 

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7.9. Organizational Documents; Fiscal Year; Legal Form; Capital Structure.

The Borrower shall not (a) amend or modify its Organizational Documents, or (b) amend or modify its legal form, its Fiscal Year or its capital structure.

 

7.10. Restricted Payments.

(a) Except as set forth in Section 7.10(b), the Borrower shall not reduce its capital or declare or make or authorize any dividend or any other payment or distribution of cash or property to its Equity Owners on account of any equity interest or make any payment with respect to principal or interest on or purchase, redeem or defease any Permitted Subordinated Loans (each of the foregoing a “Restricted Payment”) unless the Borrower satisfies each of the following conditions:

(i) Physical Completion and Operational Completion have occurred;

(ii) no Potential Default or Event of Default then exists or would exist after giving effect to any such Restricted Payment;

(iii) the cash balance in (and the Reserve Letters of Credit available to be drawn into) the Debt Service Reserve Account shall equal or exceed the then required Debt Service Reserve Requirement, both before and after the Restricted Payment is made;

(iv) the Distribution Preconditions have been satisfied;

(v) no other Restricted Payment has been made during the current Fiscal quarter; and

(vi) such Restricted Payment is permitted by Governmental Rules.

(b) Notwithstanding any other restriction in this Common Agreement, the Borrower may make payments or Restricted Payments to the Sponsor, in accordance with the Collateral Agency Agreement, either (x) as payment of Operating Costs, or (y) from amounts held in the Distribution Suspense Account, in the following amounts:

(i) all amounts necessary for the Sponsor to pay any taxes arising from the Sponsor’s equity interest in the Borrower; and

(ii) all amounts necessary (A) to reimburse the Sponsor for its net cost of providing a letter of credit to be issued to the seller of the real property being purchased by the Borrower for the Front-End Site, or (B) necessary to reimburse the Sponsor with respect to any amounts drawn under such letter of credit.

 

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7.11. Redemption or Issuance of Stock.

The Borrower shall not redeem, retire, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its Equity Interests now or hereafter outstanding (or any options or warrants issued by the Borrower with respect to its Equity Interests) or set aside any funds for any of the foregoing or issue any Equity Interests to any other Person.

 

7.12. Other Transactions.

Except for the Transaction Documents as in effect on the Financial Closing Date or as set out on Schedule 5.14 to the Disclosure Letter, the Borrower shall not, directly or indirectly: (a) enter into any transaction or series of related transactions with any Person (including any Affiliate) other than in the ordinary course of business and on an arm’s-length basis, or (b) establish any sole and exclusive purchasing or sales agency, or enter into any transaction whereby the Borrower might pay more than the fair market value for products of others.

 

7.13. Accounts.

The Borrower shall not establish any bank accounts other than the Project Accounts and the Distribution Suspense Account.

 

7.14. Debt Service Coverage Ratio.

As of the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower occurring after the Project Completion Date, the Borrower shall not permit its Debt Service Coverage Ratio for the preceding four-fiscal-quarter period (measured as of the end of such period or, in the event of a period occurring prior to the end of the first four-fiscal-quarter period after the Project Completion Date, such shorter period from the Project Completion Date to the end of such period) to be less than 1.20 to 1.

 

7.15. Commissions.

The Borrower shall not pay:

(a) any commission or fee to the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor for furnishing guarantees, counter-guarantees or similar credit support for any obligations undertaken in connection with the Project (other than as set forth in paragraph (b) below), or

(b) any fee to the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor with respect to or in connection with the development, construction, financing or operation of the Project, including salaries, bonuses, commissions, management fees, consulting fees, and technical assistance fees, other than fees and bonuses provided for in the Construction Contracts, the Project Materials Supply Agreement, the Project Equipment Supply Agreement, the Construction Management Agreement and in the O&M Agreement.

 

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7.16. Amendment of and Notices Under Transaction Documents.

The Borrower shall not (other than to correct minor or technical errors that do not change any Person’s rights or obligations), except with the prior written consent of the Loan Servicer acting in consultation with the Lender’s Engineer:

(a) directly or indirectly agree to any amendment, modification, termination, supplement or waiver or waive any right to consent to any amendment, modification, termination, supplement or waiver of any right with respect to, or assign any of the respective duties or obligations under:

(i) any Project Document, except for Change Orders under any Construction Contract that (A) do not change the Construction Budget or the Project Milestone Schedule, except for Approved Construction Changes, (B) could not reasonably be expected to delay the occurrence of Physical Completion by more than 30 days, and (C) could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, that the Borrower shall give the Loan Servicer and the Lenders’ Engineer prompt written notice of such Change Orders;

(ii) any Governmental Approval or other Required Consent, the effect of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(iii) any Loan Document;

(iv) any Organizational Document; or

(v) any agreement replacing the Operator;

(b) certify, consent to or otherwise permit through a Change Order or otherwise “Final Completion” to occur under the Front-End Construction Contract or “Final Project Completion” under the Project Equipment Supply Agreement; or

(c) enter into any agreement other than any Loan Document restricting its ability to amend or otherwise modify any of the Transaction Documents.

 

7.17. Other Agreements.

The Borrower shall not enter into or become a party to any agreement, contract or loan commitment outside the ordinary course of business other than (a) the Transaction Documents as in effect on the Financial Closing Date, or (b) agreements, contracts or loan commitments expressly contemplated or permitted by the Transaction Documents as in effect on the Financial Closing Date, or (c) as contemplated by the Construction Budget, Project Milestone Schedule, the Operating Plan or the Operating Forecast.

 

7.18. Hedging Agreements.

The Borrower shall not enter into any Hedging Agreement.

 

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7.19. Compromise or Settlement of Disputes.

The Borrower shall not agree or otherwise consent to settle or compromise any litigation, arbitration or other dispute under any Transaction Document or with any Governmental Authority in excess of $5,000,000 without the prior written consent of the Loan Servicer.

 

7.20. Abandonment of Project.

The Borrower shall not (a) abandon, agree to abandon or make any public statements regarding its intention to abandon the development, construction or operation of the Project, or take any action that could be deemed an “abandonment”, or transfer the Project to any Person, or (b) notify any Major Project Participant of its intent to terminate any Principal Project Document or the construction or operation of the Project.

 

7.21. Improper Use.

The Borrower shall not use, operate or occupy, or allow the use, maintenance, operation or occupancy of, any portion of the Sites or Project in any manner or for any purpose: (a) that would be illegal or dangerous (unless safeguarded as required by Governmental Rules), (b) that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (c) that may make void, voidable or cancelable, or materially increase the premium of, any insurance then in force with respect to the Project or any part thereof, or (d) other than for the intended purpose thereof in the construction, operation and maintenance of the Project.

 

7.22. Assignment.

Other than the assignment of the Project Documents and Governmental Approvals to the Collateral Agent as security for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the Borrower shall not assign or otherwise transfer its rights under any of the Transaction Documents or Governmental Approvals to any Person.

 

7.23. Margin Regulations.

The Borrower shall not directly or indirectly apply any part of the proceeds of any Advance or other revenues to the purchasing or carrying of any margin stock within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve of the United States, or any regulations, interpretations or rulings thereunder.

 

7.24. Environmental Laws.

The Borrower shall not undertake any action or Release any Hazardous Substances in violation of any Environmental Law and shall ensure that the Project shall be operated in compliance with all Environmental Laws and that the Project shall not be operated in any manner that would pose a hazard to public health or safety or to the environment, in each case unless such action could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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7.25. ERISA.

Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate shall adopt, establish, participate in, or incur any obligation to contribute to, any Employee Benefit Plan or incur any liability to provide post-retirement welfare benefits in violation of any Governmental Rule.

 

7.26. Investment Company Act.

The Borrower shall not take any action that would result in the Borrower being required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act.

 

7.27. Public Utility Holding Company Act.

The Borrower shall not take, nor permit any Affiliate to take any action that could result in the Borrower being subject to regulation under the Public Utility Holding Company Act.

 

7.28. Powers of Attorney.

The Borrower shall not grant any power of attorney or similar power to any Person, except (i) to its directors and employees in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) in connection with Permitted Liens.

 

7.29. Debarment Regulations.

Unless authorized by DOE, the Borrower shall not knowingly enter into any transactions with any Person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in procurement or nonprocurement transactions with any United States federal government department or agency pursuant to any of the Debarment Regulations.

ARTICLE 8

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

 

8.1. Events of Default.

The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder:

(a) Failure to Make Payment Under Loan Documents. The Borrower shall fail to pay, in accordance with the terms of the DOE Credit Facility Documents or any other Loan Documents (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise), (i) any principal of or interest on any DOE-Guaranteed Loan on or before the date such amount is due, or (ii) any scheduled fee, charge or other amount due under any Loan Document on or before the date such amount is due.

(b) Misstatements; Omissions. Any representation or warranty confirmed or made in any Loan Document by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Sponsor or the Operator or in any certificate, financial statement or other document provided by or on behalf of any such Person to any Credit Party or Independent Consultant in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents shall be found to have been incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed to have been made.

 

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(c) Covenants and Other Agreements with Cure Period. The Borrower or any Major Project Participant (other than the Front-End Construction Contractor) shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement (other than those set forth in Sections 8.1(a), (b) and (d)) contained in any Loan Document to which it is a party, where such default has not been remedied within 30 days or such other time period as may be specified in the applicable Loan Document if such default is remediable after any Authorized Official of such party receives notice or should reasonably have known of such failure.

(d) Covenants Without Cure Period. The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any of its obligations under (i) any term, covenant or agreement set forth in Section 6.1(h)(i) (Reporting Obligations), Section 6.3(b), (Maintenance of Property and Insurance), Section 6.17 (Debt Service Reserve) or Article 7 (Negative Covenants) or (ii) any other negative covenant contained in any Loan Document to which it is a party, where such default has not been remedied within the cure period, if any, specified in such Loan Document.

(e) Environmental Matters. (i) Any administrative, regulatory or judicial action, suit or proceeding under or relating to any Environmental Law or asserting any Environmental Claim shall have been instituted that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) any Governmental Judgment is issued relating to any Environmental Claim, Environmental Law or any Governmental Approval issued under any Environmental Law that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f) Breach or Default Under Project Documents. Any Project Participant shall breach or default in any material respect under any of its material agreements, conditions, terms or covenants contained in any Project Document to which it is a party and such breach or default shall continue unremedied beyond any applicable cure period set forth therein.

(g) Equity Funding Agreement; Sponsor Support Agreement; Acceleration of Other Sponsor Indebtedness.

(i) The Sponsor or any other Equity Contributor fails to make payment when due under the Equity Funding Agreement or the Sponsor Support Agreement and such failure continues for three Business Days; or

(ii) Any breach of or default under the Equity Funding Agreement or the Sponsor Support Agreement occurs and such default or breach continues beyond the applicable grace period; or

(iii) An acceleration of the maturity of any Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Sponsor occurs in excess of $5,000,000.

(h) Unenforceability, Termination, Repudiation or Transfer of Any Transaction Document. This Common Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents or any material provision hereof or thereof at any time for any reason (i) is or becomes invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable or any party thereto shall have repudiated or disavowed or taken any action to

 

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challenge the validity or enforceability of such agreement, (ii) except as otherwise expressly permitted hereunder, ceases to be in full force and effect except at the stated termination date thereof, or shall be assigned or otherwise transferred or prematurely terminated by any party thereto prior to the repayment in full of all Secured Obligations (other than with the prior written consent of the Loan Servicer), or (iii) shall cease to give the Collateral Agent or any Credit Party in any material respect the Liens, rights, powers and privileges purported to be created thereby or hereby.

(i) Security Interests. Any of the Security Documents shall fail in any material respect to provide the Liens, security interests, rights, titles, interests, remedies, powers or privileges intended to be created thereby (including the priority intended to be created thereby) or such Lien shall fail to have the priority contemplated therefor in such Security Documents, or any such Security Document or Lien shall cease to be in full force and effect, or the validity thereof or the applicability thereof to the Advances, or any other obligations purported to be secured or guaranteed thereby or any part thereof, shall be disaffirmed by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other party thereto.

(j) Ownership of Borrower; Sponsor.

(i) The Sponsor ceases to be the sole Equity Owner of Borrower or ceases to own and Control all Equity Interests in the Borrower; or

(ii) a Change of Control occurs with respect to the Sponsor.

(k) Default under Other Indebtedness.

(i) The Borrower shall default in the payment of any principal, interest or other amount due under any agreement or instrument evidencing, or under which the Borrower has outstanding at any time, any Indebtedness for Borrowed Money (other than the DOE-Guaranteed Loans) in an amount in excess of $1,000,000 for a period beyond any applicable grace period; or

(ii) any other default occurs under any such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such default is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Indebtedness for Borrowed Money in an amount in excess of $1,000,000 (other than the DOE-Guaranteed Loans).

(l) Judgments.

(i) One or more Governmental Judgments shall be entered against the Borrower and such Governmental Judgments shall not be vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending appeal for any period of 30 consecutive days, and the aggregate amount of all such Governmental Judgments outstanding at any time (except to the extent any applicable insurer(s) shall have acknowledged liability therefor) exceeds $1,000,000.

(ii) One or more Governmental Judgments shall be entered against any of the Major Project Participants other than the Borrower or the Front-End Construction Contractor and such Governmental Judgments shall not be vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending

 

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appeal for any period of 30 consecutive days, and the aggregate amount of all such Governmental Judgments outstanding at any time against any such Major Project Participant (except to the extent any applicable insurer shall have acknowledged liability therefor) exceeds five percent of the net worth of such Major Project Participant as set forth in the most recent Financial Statements of such Major Project Participant and such Governmental Judgments can reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(iii) Notwithstanding paragraph (i) or (ii) above, (A) one or more Governmental Judgments shall be entered against the Borrower, the Sponsor or the Operator and such Governmental Judgments shall be entered in the form of an injunction or similar form of relief requiring suspension or abandonment of construction or operation of the Project (or any material portion thereof) for a period of at least 30 days and such Governmental Judgments shall not be vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending appeal for any period of 30 consecutive days, or (B) one or more Governmental Judgments shall be entered against any other Major Project Participant and such Governmental Judgments shall be entered in the form of an injunction or similar form of relief requiring suspension or abandonment of construction or operation of the Project (or any material portion thereof) for a period of at least 30 days and such Governmental Judgments (x) shall not be vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending appeal for any period of 30 consecutive days, and (y) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(m) Bankruptcy; Insolvency.

(i) Involuntary Bankruptcy, Etc. An Insolvency Proceeding shall have been commenced against any Major Project Participant, such proceeding continues undismissed for 60 days and, with respect to the Front-End Construction Contractor, such proceeding could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(ii) Voluntary Bankruptcy, Etc. (A) The institution by the Borrower, the Operator or the Sponsor of any Insolvency Proceeding; or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its Indebtedness generally as it becomes due or its general failure to pay its Indebtedness as it becomes due; or any other event shall have occurred that under any Governmental Rule would have an effect analogous to any of those events listed above in this Section 8.1(m)(ii)(A) with respect to any such Person; or any action is taken by any such Person for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or (B) the institution by the Front-End Construction Contractor of any Insolvency Proceeding; or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its Indebtedness generally as it becomes due or its general failure to pay its Indebtedness as it becomes due; or any other event shall have occurred that under any Governmental Rule would have an effect analogous to any of those events listed above in this Section 8.1(m)(ii)(B) with respect to any such Person and with respect to each such action or event listed above in this Section 8.1(m)(ii)(B), such action or event could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or any action is taken by any such Person for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.

(n) Governmental Approvals and Required Consents. The Borrower, the Operator or the Sponsor shall fail to obtain, renew, maintain or comply with any Governmental Approval or other Required Consent, or any such Governmental Approval or Required Consent shall be

 

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rescinded, terminated, suspended, modified, withdrawn or withheld or shall be determined to be invalid or shall cease to be in full force and effect; or any proceedings shall be commenced by or before any Governmental Authority for the purpose of rescinding, terminating, suspending, modifying, withdrawing or withholding any Governmental Approval, if such failure, termination, suspension, modification, withdrawal, withholding, revocation, proceeding or other event has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(r) Use of Sites. Pursuant to a final, non-appealable determination by a Governmental Authority, the Borrower shall cease to have the right to (i) possess and use the Sites and the Improvements for the purpose of owning, constructing, maintaining and operating the Project in the manner contemplated by the Transaction Documents, with respect to the Back-End Site and Back-End Project Facilities only, for a period of 30 consecutive days, or (ii) sell or otherwise dispose of any of its interest in the Sites or the Project other than as permitted by the Loan Documents.

(s) Event of Loss. All or substantially all of the Project is destroyed or becomes permanently inoperative, or the Project suffers an actual or constructive loss or damage not covered by insurance, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(t) Suspension of Construction. Prior to the Project Completion Date, construction of the Project shall be suspended, whether as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Force Majeure or otherwise for a period of 60 or more consecutive days.

(u) Suspension of Operation. From and after the Project Completion Date, the Project ceases to operate for a period of 60 or more consecutive days.

(v) Failure of Physical Completion to Occur; Insufficient Funding.

(i) Physical Completion shall not have occurred by the First Principal Payment Date; or

(ii) At any time prior to the Project Completion Date, in the reasonable opinion of the Loan Servicer, in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer as appropriate the remaining Project Costs necessary to achieve the Project Completion Date exceed the funds available to the Borrower and the Borrower fails within 60 days after receiving notice thereof from the Loan Servicer to arrange for the provision of the requisite funds (through additional equity contributions or Permitted Subordinated Loans) on terms and conditions and from parties reasonably acceptable to the Loan Servicer.

(w) Notice of Termination under Certain Project Agreements. The giving of a notice of termination under any Principal Project Document or the occurrence of any event or circumstance entitling any Major Project Participant to give such a notice.

(x) Sponsor Performance. Any breach by the Sponsor of a Third Party Sales Agreement or a Third Party Materials Supply Agreement that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(y) ERISA Events. There occurs one or more ERISA Events which individually or in the aggregate results in or otherwise is associated with liability of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates in excess of $1,000,000 during the term of this Common Agreement; or there exists, an amount of unfunded benefit liabilities (as defined in Section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA), individually or in the aggregate for all Pension Plans (excluding for purposes of such computation any Pension Plans with respect to which assets exceed benefit liabilities) which exceeds $1,000,000.

(z) Failure to Commence Construction. The Borrower shall fail to deliver on or before September 30, 2011, a written certification to DOE that Commencement of Construction has occurred.

For the avoidance of doubt, each clause of this Section 8.1 shall operate independently, and the occurrence of any such event shall constitute an Event of Default.

 

8.2. Remedies for Events of Default.

Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Credit Parties may, without further notice of default, presentment or demand for payment, protest or notice of non-payment or dishonor, or other notices or demands of any kind, all such notices and demands being waived (to the extent permitted by Governmental Rules), exercise any or all rights and remedies at law or in equity (in any combination or order that the Credit Parties, may elect), including, without limitation or prejudice to the Credit Parties’ other rights and remedies, the following:

(i) (A) refuse, and the Collateral Agent or any Credit Party shall not be obligated, to make or guarantee any further Advances or any payments from any Project Account or any Account Proceeds or other funds held by the Collateral Agent by or on behalf of the Borrower, and (B) suspend or terminate the DOE Credit Facility Commitment;

(ii) take those actions necessary to perfect and maintain the Liens of the Security Documents;

(iii) declare and make all sums of outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest remaining under this Common Agreement and the other Loan Documents together with all unpaid fees, Periodic Expenses and charges due hereunder or under any other Loan Document, payable on demand or immediately due and payable, whereupon such amounts shall immediately mature and become due and payable;

(iv) enter into possession of the Project (or any portion thereof) and perform any and all work and labor necessary to complete the Project (or any portion thereof) or to operate and maintain the Project (or any portion thereof), or otherwise foreclose upon or take possession of any Collateral Security and all sums expended by any such Person in so doing, together with interest on such amount at the Late Charge Rate, shall be repaid by the Borrower to such Person upon demand and shall be secured by the Security Documents, notwithstanding that such expenditures may, together with the aggregate amount of Advances under the DOE Credit Facility, exceed the amount of the total DOE Credit Facility Commitment;

 

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(v) set off and apply such amounts to the satisfaction of the Secured Obligations under all of the Loan Documents, including (A) all monies on deposit in any Project Account, (B) any Account Proceeds, (C) any amounts paid under the Equity Funding Agreement or the Sponsor Support Agreement including any Reserve Letters of Credit issued thereunder, or (D) any other moneys of the Borrower on deposit with the Collateral Agent or any Credit Party;

(vi) prior to the Project Completion Date, require the Sponsor to make an Accelerated Equity Contribution in an amount equal to the lesser of: (A) the balance of the undrawn Base Equity Commitment and all amounts of the Overrun Equity Commitment, and (B) the outstanding amount of the Secured Obligations at such time;

(vii) cure defaults;

(viii) proceed to protect and enforce its rights and remedies by appropriate proceedings, whether for damages or the specific performance of any provision of this Common Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Common Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or by law, or proceed to enforce the payment of any amount due and payable; and

(ix) exercise any and all rights and remedies available to it under any of the Transaction Documents with respect to the Project, the Borrower, the Sponsor, the Equity Owners and any other Project Participant and under the Collateral Security or otherwise under Governmental Rules; and

(x) in accordance with Section 609.10(e)(4) of the Applicable Regulations, take such other actions as DOE may reasonably require to provide for the care, preservation, protection, and maintenance of all Collateral so as to enable the United States to achieve maximum recovery upon default by Borrower on the DOE-Guaranteed Loans.

 

8.3. Automatic Acceleration.

Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default referred to in Section 8.1(m) (Bankruptcy; Insolvency), (a) the DOE Credit Facility Commitment shall automatically be terminated, and (b) the DOE-Guaranteed Loans, together with interest accrued thereon and all other amounts due under the DOE-Guaranteed Loans and the other Loan Documents, shall immediately mature and become due and payable, without any other presentment, demand, diligence, protest, notice of acceleration, or other notice of any kind, all of which the Borrower hereby expressly waives.

ARTICLE 9

AGENTS AND ADVISORS

 

9.1. Appointment of Agents.

In connection with the Project, each Credit Party hereby appoints, and by its signature below, each such Agent accepts such appointment:

(a) the Loan Servicer to act as Loan Servicer and authorizes it to exercise such rights, powers, authorities and discretions as are specifically delegated to the Loan Servicer by the terms of this Common Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with all such rights, powers, authorities and discretions as are reasonably incidental thereto; and

 

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(b) the Collateral Agent to act as Collateral Agent and authorizes it to exercise such rights, powers, authorities and discretions as are specifically delegated to the Collateral Agent by the terms of this Common Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with all such rights, powers, authorities and discretions as are reasonably incidental thereto.

 

9.2. Duties and Responsibilities.

(a) No Agent shall have any duties or responsibilities except those expressly set out in this Common Agreement or in the other Loan Documents. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any Loan Document, no Agent shall be required to take any action that is contrary to any Governmental Rule.

(b) DOE, and any subsequent Person acting as Loan Servicer under the Loan Documents, shall comply with all requirements of the Applicable Regulations with respect to servicing the DOE-Guaranteed Loans, including:

(i) In accordance with Section 609.10(d)(16) and Section 609.10(e)(3) of the Applicable Regulations, the Loan Servicer, with the assistance of the Collateral Agent, has taken and shall continue to take those actions necessary to perfect and maintain liens on assets which are pledged as collateral pursuant to the terms of -the Security Documents;

(ii) In accordance with Section 609.10(f)(1) of the Applicable Regulations, the Loan Servicer shall keep such records concerning the project as are necessary for facilitating the effective and accurate audit and performance evaluation of the Project pursuant to the Applicable Regulations and Program Requirements;

(iii) In accordance with Section 609.10(g)(1) of the Applicable Regulations, any assignment or transfer of the servicing, monitoring, tracking, and reporting functions performed by the Loan Servicer must be approved by DOE in writing in advance of such assignment; and

(iv) In accordance with Section 609.10(g)(2) of the Applicable Regulations, for the purpose of identifying holders with the right to receive payment under the DOE Guarantee, the Loan Servicer shall develop a procedure for tracking and identifying holders of DOE-Guaranteed Loans.

(c) In accordance with Section 609.10(e)(4) of the Applicable Regulations, the Collateral Agent shall take such other actions as DOE may reasonably require to provide for the care, preservation, protection, and maintenance of all Collateral so as to enable the United States to achieve maximum recovery upon default by Borrower on the DOE-Guaranteed Loans.

 

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9.3. Rights and Obligations.

(a) Each Agent may:

(i) assume, absent actual knowledge or written notice to the contrary, that (A) any representation made by any Project Participant in connection with any Transaction Document is true; (B) no Event of Default or Potential Default exists; (C) no Project Participant is in breach of or in default under its obligations under any Transaction Document; and (D) any right, power, authority or discretion vested herein upon any other Agent or Independent Consultant has not been exercised;

(ii) assume, absent actual knowledge or written notice to the contrary, that any notice or certificate given by any Project Participant or Independent Consultant has been validly given by a Person authorized to do so and act upon such notice or certificate unless the same is revoked or superseded by a further such notice or certificate;

(iii) assume, absent actual knowledge or written notice to the contrary, that the address, telecopy and telephone numbers for the giving of any written notice to any Person hereunder is that identified in Schedule 11.1 until it has received from such Person a written notice designating some other office of such Person to replace any such address, or telecopy or telephone number, and act upon any such notice until the same is superseded by a further such written notice;

(iv) employ at the expense of the Borrower in accordance with Section 11.17, lawyers, accountants or other experts whose advice or services such Agent may reasonably determine are necessary, expedient or desirable, may pay reasonable fees and expenses for the advice or service of any such Person and may rely upon any advice so obtained; provided, that no Agent shall be under any obligation to act upon such advice if it does not deem such action to be appropriate;

(v) rely on any matters of fact that might reasonably be expected to be within the Knowledge of any Project Participant or any Independent Consultant upon a certificate signed by or on behalf of such party;

(vi) rely upon any communication or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine;

(vii) refrain from acting or continuing to act in accordance with any instructions of the Required Credit Parties to begin any legal action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with any Transaction Document until it shall have received such indemnity or security from the Borrower or such other Person (other than DOE and FFB) as it may reasonably require (whether by payment in advance or otherwise) for all costs, claims, losses, expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) and liabilities that it will or may expend or incur in complying or continuing to comply with such instructions; and

(viii) seek instructions from the Required Credit Parties as to the exercise of any of its rights, powers, authorities or discretions hereunder, and in the event that it does so, it shall not be considered as having acted unreasonably when acting in accordance with such instructions or, in the absence of any (or any clear) instructions, when refraining from taking any action or exercising any right, power or discretion hereunder.

 

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(b) Each Agent shall:

(i) except where the Loan Servicer has supplied such notice or document to such Agent, promptly inform the Loan Servicer of the contents of any notice or document that in its capacity as Agent it received from or delivers to: (A) the Borrower; (B) any Project Participant; (C) the Collateral Agent; (D) any Independent Consultant; or (E) any Governmental Authority;

(ii) promptly notify the Loan Servicer of the occurrence of any Event of Default or Potential Default of which such Agent has written notice from any Person;

(iii) except as otherwise expressly provided in any Loan Document, perform its duties in accordance with any instructions given to it by the Required Credit Parties, which instructions shall be binding on all Credit Parties; and

(iv) if so instructed by the Required Credit Parties, refrain from exercising any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it as an Agent hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (other than rights arising under this Article 9 or Section 11.17).

 

9.4. No Responsibility for Certain Conduct.

(a) In connection with the Loan Documents, notwithstanding anything to the contrary expressed or implied herein or in the other Loan Documents, no Agent shall:

(i) be bound to inquire as to (A) whether or not any representation made by any other Person in connection with any Transaction Document is true; (B) the occurrence or otherwise of any Event of Default or Potential Default; (C) the performance by any other Person of its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents; or (D) any breach of or default by any other Person of its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents;

(ii) be bound to account to any Person for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by it for its own account except as expressly provided under the Loan Documents;

(iii) be bound to disclose to any Person any information relating to the Project or to any Person if such disclosure would, or might in its opinion, constitute a breach of any Governmental Rule or be otherwise actionable at the suit of any Person; or

(iv) be under any fiduciary duties or obligation other than those for which express provision is made in this Common Agreement or in any other Loan Document to which such Person is a party.

(b) No Agent shall have any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information supplied by any Person (other than such Person) in connection with the Project or for the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Transaction Document or any other document referred to herein or provided for herein or therein or for any recitals,

 

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statements, representations or warranties made by the Borrower or any other Person contained in this Common Agreement or any other Transaction Document or in any certificate or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by such Agent, hereunder or thereunder. No Agent shall be liable as a result of any failure by the Borrower or its Affiliates or any Person party hereto or to any other Transaction Document (except such Agent) to perform their respective obligations hereunder or under any other Transaction Document or any document referred to or provided for herein or therein or as a result of taking or omitting to take any action hereunder or in relation to any Transaction Document, except to the extent of such Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(c) Each Agent may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking or other business with any Person.

(d) It is understood and agreed by each Credit Party (for itself and any Person claiming through it) that it has itself been, and will continue to be, solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal of, and investigations into, the financial condition, creditworthiness, condition, affairs, status and nature of each Project Participant and, accordingly, each such Credit Party warrants to each Agent that it has not relied on and will not hereafter rely on such Agent:

(i) to check or inquire on its behalf into the adequacy, accuracy or completeness or any information provided by any Project Participant or Independent Consultant in connection with any of the Transaction Documents or the transactions therein contemplated (whether or not such information has been or is hereafter circulated to such Project Participant or Independent Consultant by an Agent); or

(ii) to assess or keep under review on its behalf the financial condition, creditworthiness, condition, affairs, status or nature of any Project Participant or Independent Consultant.

 

9.5. Defaults.

No Agent shall be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Event of Default or Potential Default unless such Agent has Knowledge of such Event of Default or Potential Default or has received a notice from a Project Participant, referring to this Common Agreement, describing such Event of Default or Potential Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” If any Agent has Knowledge of an Event of Default or Potential Default or receives such a notice of default, such Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Loan Servicer, and the Loan Servicer shall give prompt notice thereof to each Credit Party and each Independent Consultant. Each Agent shall take such action with respect to such Event of Default or Potential Default as is provided in Article 8 of this Common Agreement; provided, however, that unless and until such Agent shall have received such directions, it may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Event of Default or Potential Default as it shall deem advisable and in the best interest of the Credit Parties.

 

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9.6. No Liability.

No Agent, nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be liable to any Project Participant or Independent Consultant for any action taken or omitted under this Common Agreement or under the other Loan Documents, or in connection therewith, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable Governmental Judgment. The Credit Parties each (for itself and any Person claiming through it) hereby releases, waives, discharges and exculpates each Agent for any action taken or omitted by such Agent under this Common Agreement or under the other Loan Documents, or in connection therewith, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable Governmental Judgment.

 

9.7. Fees and Expenses of Agents.

(a) As is customary in transactions of this type, the Borrower shall be responsible for paying the fees and expenses of each Agent in connection with the Project under all circumstances, pursuant to a separate written agreement with each Agent, without recourse to DOE by such Agent, the Sponsor, the Borrower or any other Person.

(b) In accordance with a letter agreement to be entered into between the Borrower and each Agent, the Borrower shall (i) from time to time on demand by such Agent, indemnify such Agent against any and all costs, claims, losses, expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) and liabilities, that such Agent may incur in acting in its capacity as an Agent hereunder, other than by reason of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct; and (ii) without limitation of the foregoing, reimburse such Agent promptly upon demand for any out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) incurred by such Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, administration or enforcement of, or services provided in respect of rights or responsibilities under, the Transaction Documents.

(c) All payments or reimbursements under this Section 9.7 shall be due and payable (i) not later than ten (10) Business Days after the Borrower’s receipt of the Agent’s request therefor from time to time, and (ii) whether or not this Common Agreement is terminated or any Advance of the DOE-Guaranteed Loan is made.

(d) The Borrower and each Agent expressly acknowledge and agree that:

(i) DOE shall not be financially liable to such Agent for any services rendered or expenses incurred in connection with the Project under any circumstances whatsoever, including whether any Advance occurs or under circumstances in which the Borrower fails to pay such fees and expenses;

(ii) The Borrower shall acknowledge and pay all fees and expenses represented by periodic invoices for services rendered by such Agent to DOE with respect to the Project upon their periodic presentation thereof by such Agent, including prior to or on the Financial Closing Date;

 

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(iii) While the services provided by such Agent shall be rendered for the benefit of DOE and the other Credit Parties in connection with the Project, the invoices of such Agent shall be the sole responsibility of the Borrower, notwithstanding that such Agent is an agent of DOE and the other Credit Parties; and

(iv) The Borrower specifically disclaims any implication of confidential, fiduciary or other client relationship (including an attorney-client relationship) between the Borrower or the Sponsor and such Agent as a result of this Section 9.7 and shall not interfere with the relationship (including any attorney-client relationship and the ability to terminate the agency relationship) between such Agent and DOE and the other Credit Parties.

(e) The provisions of this Section 9.7 shall survive the termination of this Common Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

9.8. Resignation and Removal.

(a) Subject to Section 9.9, any Agent may resign its appointment hereunder at any time without providing any reason therefor by giving prior written notice to that effect to each of the other parties hereto.

(b) Subject to Section 9.9, the Required Credit Parties may remove any Agent from its appointment hereunder with or without cause by giving prior written notice to that effect to the Loan Servicer and the Borrower.

 

9.9. Successor Agents.

(a) No resignation or removal pursuant to Section 9.8 shall be effective until:

(i) a successor for such Agent is appointed in accordance with (and subject to) the provisions of this Section 9.9;

(ii) the resigning or removed Agent has transferred to its successor all of its rights and obligations in its capacity as an Agent under this Common Agreement and the other Loan Documents; and

(iii) the successor Agent has executed and delivered an agreement to be bound by the terms of this Common Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to perform all duties required of such Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents.

(b) If an Agent has given notice of its resignation pursuant to Section 9.8(a) or if the Loan Servicer gives each other Agent notice of removal of any Agent pursuant to Section 9.8(b), or if the Required Credit Parties give the Loan Servicer notice of removal of the Loan Servicer pursuant to Section 9.8(b), then a successor to such Agent may be appointed by the Required Credit Parties (and, unless an Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing, with the written consent of the Borrower, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed) during the 90 day period beginning on the date of such notice in accordance with the terms of this Common Agreement but, if no such successor is so appointed within 90 days after the above notice, the resigning or removed Agent may appoint such a successor. If a

 

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resigning or removed Loan Servicer appoints a successor, such successor shall (i) be authorized under all Governmental Rules to exercise corporate trust powers, and (ii) be acceptable to the Required Credit Parties (and, unless an Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower, approval by which shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed); provided, that if the Required Credit Parties and the Borrower, if applicable, do not confirm such acceptance in writing within 60 days following selection of such successor by the resigning or removed Loan Servicer or otherwise appoint a successor within such 60 day period, then the Required Credit Parties and the Borrower, as the case may be, shall be deemed to have given such acceptance and such successor shall be deemed appointed as the successor to such resigning or removed Loan Servicer hereunder.

(c) If a successor to an Agent is appointed under the provisions of this Section 9.9, then:

(i) the predecessor Agent shall be discharged from any further obligation hereunder (but without prejudice to any accrued liabilities);

(ii) the resignation pursuant to Section 9.8(a) or removal pursuant to Section 9.8(b) of the predecessor Agent notwithstanding, the provisions of this Common Agreement shall inure to the predecessor Agent’s benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it under this Common Agreement and the other Loan Documents while it was an Agent; and

(iii) the successor Agent and each of the other parties hereto shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if such successor Agent had been a party hereto beginning on the date of this Common Agreement.

 

9.10. Authorization.

Each Agent is hereby authorized by the Credit Parties to execute, deliver and perform each of the Loan Documents to which such Agent is or is intended to be a party.

 

9.11. Agent as Lender.

With respect to its commitment to lend or guarantee, the Advances made or guaranteed by it and any promissory notes issued to or guaranteed by it, any Person serving as an Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers under the Transaction Documents as any other lender or guarantor and may exercise the same as though it were not an Agent. The term “lender” or “lenders,” when used with respect to such Person, shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include such Person in its individual capacity. Any Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as trustee under indentures of and generally engage in any kind of business with any Person, without any duty to account therefor to the Credit Parties.

 

9.12. Appointment of Independent Consultants.

In connection with the Project, each Credit Party hereby appoints the Lenders’ Engineer to serve under the Loan Documents and authorizes such Person to exercise such rights, powers, authorities and discretions as are specifically delegated to it pursuant to the Lenders’ Engineer Advisory Agreement. By its execution of the Lenders’ Engineer Advisory Agreement, the Lenders’ Engineer accepts its appointment and delegation.

 

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ARTICLE 10

REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT

 

10.1. Reimbursement Obligation.

If the Borrower defaults in any payment due to FFB under the DOE-Guaranteed Loan or otherwise under any FFB Funding Document, and as a result of such payment default by the Borrower, DOE becomes obligated to make any payments to FFB pursuant to the DOE Guarantee (a “DOE Guarantee Payment”), the Borrower shall become immediately obligated to reimburse DOE in an amount (the “DOE Guarantee Payment Amount”) equal to the sum of (i) all DOE Guarantee Payments paid by DOE to FFB, and (ii) all costs or expenses incurred by DOE in connection therewith, whether by payment to FFB or otherwise.

 

10.2. Payments and Computations.

 

10.2.1.   Interest.

The Borrower shall pay to DOE an amount (the “Borrower Reimbursement Obligations”) equal to the sum of (i) the DOE Guarantee Payment Amount, and (ii) interest on DOE Guarantee Payment Amount from the date the DOE Guarantee Payment was paid or incurred by DOE under the DOE Guarantee until payment in full by the Borrower to DOE of the DOE Guarantee Payment Amount, at a rate of interest equal to the rate of interest in effect under the FFB Note Purchase Agreement with respect to Overdue Amounts at the time of the payment default by the Borrower.

 

10.2.2.   Method of Payment.

The Borrower shall make each payment with respect to Borrower Reimbursement Obligations hereunder (a “Borrower Reimbursement Payment”), irrespective of any right of counterclaim or set-off, in Dollars and in immediately available funds on or before the fifth Business Day following a written demand by DOE to the Borrower indicating the DOE Guarantee Payment Amount and the date it was paid or incurred by DOE, by wire transfer to the following account, or to such other account as may be specified by DOE from time to time:

U.S. Treasury Department

ABA No. 0210-3000-4 TREASNYC/CTR/BNF=D89000001

OBI=LGPO Loan No. 1013 – Guarantee Reimbursement

 

10.2.3.   Taxes.

All Borrower Reimbursement Payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made in accordance with Section 3.1.2.

 

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10.2.4.   Calculations.

All computations of interest or fees under this Common Agreement shall be made by the Loan Servicer, on the same basis as payments under the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.

 

10.2.5.   Determinations.

Each determination of an amount of interest or fees payable hereunder by the Loan Servicer shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

 

10.3. Obligations Absolute.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower Reimbursement Obligations are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Common Agreement under all circumstances whatsoever, including without limitation the following circumstances, whether or not with notice to or the consent of the Borrower:

(i) the occurrence, or the failure by DOE or any other Secured Party or any other Person to give notice to the Borrower of the occurrence, of any Event of Default or Potential Default under this Common Agreement or any default under any of the other Loan Documents;

(ii) the extension of the time for performance of any obligations, covenants or agreements of any Person under or arising out of any of the Loan Documents;

(iii) the existence of any claim set-off, counterclaim, defense or other rights of any kind or nature which (A) the Borrower, DOE or any other Person may have at any time against FFB or any transferee, or (B) the Borrower or any other Person may have at any time against DOE, whether in connection with the Loan Documents, the transactions contemplated therein or any unrelated transactions;

(iv) any failure, omission or delay on the part of (A) DOE to assert a defense to a DOE Guarantee Payment Amount under the DOE Guarantee or to otherwise contest the DOE Guarantee, or (B) DOE or any other Secured Party or the Borrower to enforce, assert or exercise any other right, power or remedy conferred by this Common Agreement or any of the Loan Documents;

(v) the taking or the omission on the part of DOE or any other Secured Party or the Borrower of any other actions referred to in any of the Loan Documents;

(vi) the compromise, settlement, release, modification, amendment (whether material or otherwise) or termination of any or all of the obligations, conditions, covenants or agreements of any Person in respect of any of the Loan Documents;

(vii) any amendment or waiver of the payment, performance or observance of any of the obligations, conditions, covenants or agreements of any Person contained in any of the Loan Documents;

 

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(viii) the exchange, surrender, substitution or modification of any security for any of the Loan Documents;

(ix) any disability, incapacity or lack of powers, authority or legal personality of or dissolution or change in the status of the Borrower or any other Person;

(x) any release, irregularity, invalidity, illegality, lack of genuineness, unenforceability or modification affecting this Common Agreement, the DOE Guarantee, the FFB Funding Documents, or the other Loan Documents, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby;

(xi) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of, the marshaling of assets and liabilities, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition with creditors or readjustment of, or other similar proceedings which affect the Borrower or any other Person party to any of the Loan Documents;

(xii) the release or discharge by operation of law of the Borrower from the performance or observance or any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in any of the Loan Documents;

(xiii) any statement or any other document presented under the DOE Guarantee proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect whatsoever;

(xiv) any determination by a court or arbitrator, or any settlement of a disputed claim by any party hereto or other Person, relating to this Common Agreement, the DOE Guarantee, the DOE Credit Facility Agreement, or the other Loan Documents, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; or

(xv) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

 

10.4. Security.

 

10.4.1.   Borrower Reimbursement Obligations Secured

The parties expressly acknowledge that the Collateral Security pledged under the Security Documents is pledged to secure payment by the Borrower of the Borrower Reimbursement Obligations.

 

10.4.2.   Actions.

The Borrower expressly acknowledges that DOE is free to litigate, settle or otherwise satisfy or discharge its obligation with respect to any DOE Guarantee Payment Amount, and take any action under the Security Documents or otherwise with respect to the Collateral Security, as it may from time to time deem appropriate, and any failure by DOE to advise, notify, or consult with the Borrower shall not be a defense to, or in any way diminish, discharge or derogate from the Borrower Reimbursement Obligations hereunder.

 

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10.5. DOE Rights.

 

10.5.1.   Rights Cumulative.

DOE’s right to reimbursement provided for in this Article 10 shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other claims, rights or remedies of subrogation, reimbursement, contribution, exoneration or indemnification or similar claims, rights or remedies, whether arising under contract, by statute, or otherwise that DOE may have from time to time.

 

10.5.2.   Subrogation.

Without limiting the generality of Section 10.5.1, in accordance with Section 609.10(e)(2) of the Applicable Regulations, upon any DOE Guarantee Payment DOE shall be subrogated to the rights of FFB or any subsequent holder of the DOE-Guaranteed Loan, including all related Liens and Collateral, and has superior rights in and to the property acquired from the recipient of the payment as provided in §609.15 of the Applicable Regulations.

 

10.6. Further Assurances.

The Borrower shall cooperate with DOE in connection with the exercise of any of its rights under this Article 10 and agrees, promptly upon request by DOE or the Loan Servicer, to execute, acknowledge and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all such further acts as DOE or the Loan Servicer may reasonably request from time to time in order to carry out the purposes of this Article 10 or to enable DOE to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder.

ARTICLE 11

MISCELLANEOUS

 

11.1. Addresses.

Any communications, including any notices, between or among the parties to the Loan Document shall be given to the addresses listed in Schedule 11.1. All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given under the Loan Documents shall be in writing and shall be considered as properly given (a) if delivered in Person, (b) if sent by overnight delivery service for inland delivery or international courier for international delivery, (c) in the event overnight delivery service or international courier service is not readily available, if mailed by first class mail (or airmail for international delivery), postage prepaid, registered or certified with return receipt requested, (d) if sent by telecopy with transmission verified or (e) if transmitted by electronic mail (with such transmission verified). Notice so given shall be effective upon delivery to the addressee, except that communication or notice so transmitted by telecopy or other direct written electronic means shall be deemed to have been validly and effectively given on the day (if a Business Day and, if not, on the next following Business Day) on which it is validly transmitted if transmitted (with such transmission verified) before 2:00 p.m., recipient’s time, and if transmitted after that time, on the next following Business Day;

 

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provided, however, that if any notice is tendered to an addressee and the delivery thereof is refused by such addressee, such notice shall be effective upon such tender. Any party shall have the right to change its address for notice under any of the Loan Documents to any other location by giving prior written notice to the other parties in the manner set forth hereinabove.

 

11.2. Further Assurances.

The Borrower shall fully cooperate with all Persons as may be necessary to ensure that each Credit Party receives any notices due to such Credit Party pursuant to the Transaction Documents. Each of the parties agrees that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Section 11.2 and Section 6.23(b) and agrees that in addition to all other remedies, any court or arbitrator may award specific performance or other equitable relief as a remedy for any such breach.

 

11.3. Delay and Waiver.

No delay or omission in exercising any right, power, privilege or remedy under this Common Agreement or any other Loan Document, including any rights and remedies in connection with the occurrence of an Event of Default or Potential Default shall impair any such right, power, privilege or remedy of the Credit Parties, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any right, power, privilege or remedy or of any breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring, nor shall any waiver of any single right, power, privilege or remedy, or of any breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other right, power, privilege or remedy or of any other breach or default therefore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any of the Credit Parties of any right, power, privilege or remedy including any rights and remedies in connection with the occurrence of an Event of Default or Potential Default or of any other breach or default under this Common Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any waiver on the part of any of the Credit Parties of any provision or condition of this Common Agreement or any other Transaction Document, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent in such writing specifically set forth. All rights, powers, privileges and remedies, either under this Common Agreement or any other Loan Document or by law or otherwise afforded to any of the Credit Parties, shall be cumulative and not alternative and not exclusive of any other rights, powers, privileges and remedies that such Credit Parties may otherwise have.

 

11.4. Right of Set-Off.

In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under Governmental Rules or otherwise, and not by way of limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Credit Party is hereby authorized at any time or from time to time, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind to the Borrower or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set off and to appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) and any other Indebtedness at any time held or owing by such Credit Party (including by any branches and agencies of such Credit Party wherever located) to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against and on account of the Secured Obligations and liabilities of the Borrower to such Credit Party under this Common Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

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11.5. Amendment or Waiver.

Except as otherwise provided herein, neither this Common Agreement nor any of the terms hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated unless such change, waiver, discharge or termination is in writing and signed by the Borrower and the Loan Servicer. Any amendment to or waiver of this Common Agreement or any of the terms hereof that constitutes a ‘modification’ within the meaning set forth in OMB Circular A-11 may be subject to the availability to DOE of funds appropriated by the United States Congress to meet an increase, if any, in the Credit Subsidy Cost.

 

11.6. Entire Agreement.

This Common Agreement, including any agreement, document or instrument attached hereto or referred to herein, integrates all the terms and conditions mentioned herein or incidental hereto and supersedes all oral negotiations and prior agreements and understandings of the parties hereto in respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

11.7. Governing Law.

This Common Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, Federal law and not the law of any state or locality. To the extent that a court looks to the laws of any state to determine or define the Federal law, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such court shall look only to the laws of the State of New York without regard to the rules of conflicts of laws.

 

11.8. Severability.

In case any one or more of the provisions contained in any Loan Document should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and the parties thereto shall enter into good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision.

 

11.9. Calculations.

All financial data submitted pursuant to this Common Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP, and all financial ratio tests applicable to the Borrower shall be based on definitions consistent with GAAP.

 

11.10. Limitation on Liability.

No claim shall be made by the Borrower or any of its Affiliates against any Credit Party or any of their Affiliates, directors, employees, attorneys or agents for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (whether or not the claim therefor is based on contract, tort or duty imposed by law), in connection with, arising out of or in any way related to the transactions contemplated by this Common Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or any act or omission or event occurring in connection therewith; and the Borrower hereby waives, releases and agrees not to sue upon any such claim for any such damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor.

 

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11.11. Waiver of Jury Trial.

EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS COMMON AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN), OR ACTIONS OF THE BORROWER. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR EACH CREDIT PARTY TO ENTER INTO THIS COMMON AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.

 

11.12. Consent to Jurisdiction.

By execution and delivery of this Common Agreement, the Borrower irrevocably and unconditionally:

(a) submits for itself and its property in any legal action or proceeding against it arising out of or in connection with this Common Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the non-exclusive general jurisdiction of (i) the courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York, (ii) the courts of the United States of America located in the District of Columbia, (iii) any other federal court of competent jurisdiction in any other jurisdiction where it or any of its property may be found, and (iv) appellate courts from any of the foregoing;

(b) consents that any such action or proceeding may be brought in or removed to such courts, and waives any objection, or right to stay or dismiss any action or proceeding, that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(c) agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to the Borrower at its address set forth in Schedule 11.1 or at such other address of which DOE shall have been notified pursuant thereto;

(d) agrees that nothing herein shall (i) affect the right of any Credit Party to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or (ii) limit the right of any Credit Party to commence proceedings against or otherwise sue the Borrower or any other Person in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the commencement of proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the commencement of proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if, and to the extent, permitted by the Governmental Rules; and

(e) agrees that judgment against it in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or without the U.S. by suit on the judgment or otherwise as provided by law, a certified or exemplified copy of which judgment shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of the Borrower’s obligation.

 

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11.13. Successors and Assigns.

(a) The provisions of this Common Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

(b) The Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Common Agreement or under any Transaction Document without the prior written consent of the Loan Servicer and DOE.

(c) FFB may assign any or all of its rights, benefits and obligations under the Loan Documents and with respect to the Collateral Security to any financial institution in accordance with the provisions of the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

(d) The Borrower or its agent shall maintain a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the principal amounts of the Advances owing to each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, any Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

11.14. Participations.

FFB may from time to time sell or otherwise grant participations in any or all of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents and with respect to the Collateral Security without the consent of the Borrower or any Agent. In such case, Borrower and any Agent shall continue to deal exclusively with FFB and the provisions of this Agreement shall apply as if no such participation had been sold or granted.

 

11.15. Reinstatement.

This Common Agreement shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Borrower’s obligations hereunder, or any part thereof, is, pursuant to Governmental Rules, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any Credit Party. In the event that any payment or any part thereof is so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, such obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

 

11.16. No Partnership; Etc.

The Credit Parties and the Borrower intend that the relationship between them shall be solely that of creditor and debtor. Nothing contained in this Common Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall be deemed or construed to create a partnership, tenancy-in-common, joint tenancy, joint venture or co-ownership by, between or among the Credit Parties and the Borrower or any other Person. The Credit Parties shall not be in any way responsible or liable for the indebtedness, losses, obligations or duties of the Borrower or any other Person with respect to the Project or otherwise. All obligations to pay real property or other taxes, assessments, insurance premiums, and all other fees and Periodic Expenses arising from the ownership, operation or occupancy of the Project and to perform all obligations under the agreements and contracts relating to the Project shall be the sole responsibility of the Borrower.

 

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11.17. Payment of Costs and Expenses.

(a) (i) The Borrower shall, whether or not the transactions herein contemplated are consummated, pay: all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of each Credit Party (including all commissions, charges, costs and expenses for the conversion of currencies and all other costs, charges and expenses, including all fees and Periodic Expenses of the legal counsel, consultants and advisors for any of the foregoing) made, paid, suffered or incurred in connection with (A) the translation, negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery and, where appropriate, authentication, registration and recordation of this Common Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and any other documents and instruments related hereto or thereto (including legal opinions), and (B) the authentication, registration, translation and recordation (where appropriate) of any of the Transaction Documents and the delivery of the evidences of Indebtedness relating to the DOE-Guaranteed Loans and the disbursements thereof.

(ii) The Borrower shall also pay all out-of-pocket costs and expenses of each Credit Party (including all commissions, charges, costs and expenses for the conversion of currencies and all other costs, charges and expenses including all fees and Periodic Expenses of the legal counsel, consultants and advisors for any of the foregoing) made, paid, suffered or incurred in connection with (A) any amendment or modification to, or the protection or preservation of any right or claim under, or consent or waiver in connection with, this Common Agreement or any other Transaction Document, any such other document or instrument related hereto or thereto or any Collateral Security, and (B) the administration, preservation in full force and effect and enforcement (including with respect to a work out) of this Common Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and any other documents and instruments referred to herein or therein (including the fees and disbursements of counsel for each Credit Party and travel costs), and (C) the fees and expenses of the Lenders’ Engineer and other Independent Consultants from time to time retained pursuant to the Loan Documents.

(b) The Borrower shall, whether or not the transactions herein contemplated are consummated, (i) indemnify each of the Credit Parties (each an “Indemnified Person” and, collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) and each of its respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, attorneys and agents from and hold each of them harmless against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements incurred by any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or in any way related to, or by reason of, any investigation, litigation or other proceeding or inquiry (whether or not such Indemnified Person is a party thereto) related to the entering into and performance of any Transaction Document or the disbursement of, or use of the proceeds of, any DOE-Guaranteed Loans or the consummation of any transactions contemplated herein or in any Transaction Document, including the fees and Periodic Expenses of counsel selected by such Indemnified Person incurred in connection with any such investigation, litigation or other proceeding or in connection with enforcing the provisions of this Section 11.17 (but excluding any such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements to the extent incurred by reason of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Person or its officers, directors, employees, representatives, attorneys or agents, as the case may be, as determined pursuant to a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction) (collectively, “Indemnity Claims”).

 

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(c) Without limitation to the provisions of Section 11.17(b) above, the Borrower agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person and each of its respective directors, officers, shareholders, agents, employees, participants, successors and assigns, from and against any and all Claims.

(d) All sums paid and costs incurred by any Indemnified Person with respect to any matter indemnified hereunder shall bear interest at the Late Charge Rate applicable to their respective DOE-Guaranteed Loans from the date the Borrower receives notice thereof from such Indemnified Person, until reimbursed by the Borrower, and all such sums and costs shall be added to the Secured Obligations and be secured by the Security Documents and shall be immediately due and payable on demand. Each such Indemnified Person shall promptly notify the Borrower in a timely manner of any such amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder, provided that any failure to provide such notice shall not affect the Borrower’s obligations under this Section 11.17.

(e) Each Indemnified Person within ten days after the receipt by it of notice of the commencement of any action for which indemnity may be sought by it, or by any Person controlling it, from the Borrower on account of the agreements contained in this Section 11.17, shall notify the Borrower in writing of the commencement thereof, but the failure of such Indemnified Person to so notify the Borrower of any such action shall not release the Borrower from any liability that it may have to such Indemnified Person.

(f) To the extent that the undertaking in the preceding clauses of this Section 11.17 may be unenforceable because it is violative of any law or public policy, the Borrower shall contribute the maximum portion that it is permitted to pay and satisfy under Governmental Rules to the payment and satisfaction of such undertakings.

(g) The provisions of this Section 11.17 shall survive foreclosure under the Security Documents and satisfaction or discharge of the Secured Obligations, and shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies of any Indemnified Person.

(h) Any amounts payable by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 11.17 shall be payable within the later to occur of (i) ten Business Days after the Borrower receives an invoice for such amounts from any applicable Indemnified Person, and (ii) five Business Days prior to the date on which such Indemnified Person expects to pay such costs on account of which the Borrower’s indemnity hereunder is payable, and if not paid by such applicable date shall bear interest at the Late Charge Rate from and after such applicable date until paid in full.

(i) The Borrower shall be entitled, at its expense, to participate in the defense thereof provided that such Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, at the Borrower’s expense, and such participation by the Borrower in the defense thereof shall not release the Borrower of any liability that it may have to such Indemnified Person. Any Indemnified Person against whom any Claim is made shall be entitled, after consultation with the Borrower and upon consultation with legal counsel wherein such Indemnified Person is advised that such Claim is meritorious, to compromise or settle any such Claim. Any such compromise or settlement shall be binding upon the Borrower for purposes of this Section 11.17.

 

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(j) Upon payment of any Claim by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 11.17, the Borrower, without any further action, shall be subrogated to any and all claims that such Indemnified Person may have relating thereto, and such Indemnified Person shall at the request and expense of the Borrower cooperate with the Borrower and give at the request and expense of the Borrower such further assurances as are necessary or advisable to enable the Borrower vigorously to pursue such claims.

(k) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 11.17, the Borrower shall not be entitled to any (i) notice, (ii) participation in the defense of, (iii) consent rights with respect to any compromise or settlement, or (iv) subrogation rights, in each case except as otherwise provided for pursuant to this Section with respect to any action, suit or proceeding against the Borrower, the Operator or the Sponsor.

 

11.18. Counterparts.

This Common Agreement may be executed in one or more duplicate counterparts and when signed by all of the parties shall constitute a single binding agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Common Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective officers or representatives hereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:   /s/ W.G. Stover, Jr.
  Its:  

Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial

Officer

 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY,

as Credit Party

By:    
Its:    

 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY,

as Loan Servicer

By:    
Its:    
 

 

U.S. Bank National Association, as

Collateral Agent

By:    
Its:    

[Signature Page to Common Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Common Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective officers or representatives hereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY,

as Credit Party

By:   /s/ David G. Frantz
Its:   Director, Loan Guarantee Program Office

 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY,

as Loan Servicer

By:   /s/ David G. Frantz
Its:   Director, Loan Guarantee Program Office
 

 

U.S. Bank National Association, as

Collateral Agent

By:    
Its:    

[Signature Page to Common Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Common Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective officers or representatives hereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY,

as Credit Party

By:    
Its:    

 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY,

as Loan Servicer

By:    
Its:    
 

 

U.S. Bank National Association, as

Collateral Agent

By:   /s/ Jean Clarke
Its:   Jean Clarke, Assistant Vice President

[Signature Page to Common Agreement]


[Execution Counterpart]

Exhibits to Common Agreement

 

A    Definitions [in separate document]
A1    Project Costs and Financial Plan [in Definitions document]
A2    Definition of Project Completion [in Definitions document]
A3    Definition of DOE Requirements [in Definitions document]
B    Rules of Interpretation [in Definitions document]
C1    Form of Borrower Certificate (Initial Closing)
C2    Form of Borrower Certificate (Periodic Closing)
D1    Form of Lenders’ Engineer Certificate (Initial Closing)
D2    Form of Lenders’ Engineer Certificate (Periodic Closing)
E1    Form of Sponsor’s Certificate (Initial Closing)
E2    Form of Sponsor’s Certificate (Periodic Closing)
F1    Form of Insurance Advisor Certificate (Initial Closing)
F2    Form of Insurance Advisor Certificate (Periodic Closing)
G1    Form of Collateral Agent Certificate (Initial Closing)
G2    Form of Collateral Agent Certificate (Periodic Closing)
G3    Form of Collateral Agent Certificate (Advance)
H    Form of Front-End Construction Contractor Certificate (Initial Closing)
I    Form of Financial Officer Certificate (Initial Closing)
J    Form of Construction Progress Report
K    Form of Operator Certificate (Initial Closing)
L    [Intentionally Omitted]
M    Form of Master Advance Notice
N    Form of Drawstop Notice
O    Form of Quarterly Reporting Certificate
P    Form of Project Completion Certificate


Schedules to Common Agreement

 

2.1(b)    Initial Advance Schedule [separate document]
5.10    Governmental Approvals and other Required Consents [in Disclosure Letter]
5.11    Litigation [in Disclosure Letter]
5.12    Taxes [in Disclosure Letter]
5.14    Transactions with Affiliates [in Disclosure Letter]
5.16    Environmental Laws [in Disclosure Letter]
6.3(b)    Insurance Requirements [separate document]
6.30    Davis-Bacon Act Requirements [separate document]
11.1    Notice Addresses [separate document]


[Execution Counterpart]

Exhibit A

to Common Agreement

DEFINITIONS

Accelerated Equity Contribution” As defined in the Equity Funding Agreement.

Account Control Agreement” Any and all agreements pursuant to which a Secured Party obtains control of a deposit account or a securities account within the meaning of Section 9-104 or Section 8-106, respectively, of the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction, to secure the Secured Obligations, including without limitation that certain Account Control Agreement by and among the Collateral Agent, as that bank at which the deposit account is maintained, the Collateral Agent, as Secured Party, and Borrower.

Account Proceeds” As defined in the Collateral Agency Agreement.

Additional Project Documents” All of the contracts necessary for or material to the construction and operation of the Project entered into by the Borrower subsequent to the Common Agreement Date.

Advance” An advance or a borrowing under the DOE Credit Facility made pursuant to the Common Agreement and the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

Advance Conditions Precedent” As defined in Section 4.3 of the Common Agreement.

Advance Date” A Business Day on which FFB makes an Advance in accordance with Article 2 of the Common Agreement.

Advance Schedule” A schedule detailing the expected dates and amounts of proposed Advances and Equity Contributions to fund Project Costs, prepared by the Borrower and certified by the Lenders’ Engineer, as amended from time to time in accordance with Section 6.8(c) of the Common Agreement.

Affiliate” As to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, or is under common control with, or is controlled by, such Person. As used in this definition, “control” (including, with its correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) as used with respect to any Person means possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies of such Person (whether through ownership of voting securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise); provided, however, that, in any event and for all purposes of the Loan Documents: (i) the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor shall be deemed an “Affiliate” of the Borrower; and (ii) any Person that owns directly or indirectly 10% or more of the securities having ordinary voting powers for the election of directors or other applicable governing body of another Person (but excluding limited partnership interests) shall be deemed to control such other Person.

Agents” Collectively, the Loan Servicer and the Collateral Agent.


ALTA Survey” The ALTA survey prepared by Kier & Wright with respect to the Front-End Site.

Anticipated Completion Date” December 31, 2012.

Applicable Margin” As defined in the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

Applicable Regulations” The final regulations with respect to Title XVII, at 10 CFR Part 609, and any other applicable regulations from time to time promulgated to implement Title XVII.

Application” The Loan Guarantee Application of the Sponsor dated May 6, 2008, for a DOE Guarantee under Title XVII.

Approved Construction Changes” As defined in Section 6.8 of the Common Agreement.

Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit” The sum of (i) the appraised value of the Front-End Site land, as indicated in the appraisal delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.30, and (ii) an amount designated in the Development Costs Statement as contributed to the Borrower and approved by the Loan Servicer for application to the Base Equity Commitment in accordance with Section 2.4.2 of the Common Agreement.

Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit Balance” As of any date, the amount of the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit less the aggregate amount of Equity Contributions allocated from the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit.

Asset Pledge Documents” As defined in Section 4.1.1 of the Common Agreement.

Authorized Official” With respect to any Person, (i) the President, the Vice President, the Assistant Vice President, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, or any other Financial Officer of such Person, and (ii) with respect to the Borrower, the Operator and the Sponsor, only those individuals holding any of the foregoing positions whose name appears on a certificate of incumbency delivered concurrently with the execution of the Common Agreement, as such certificate of incumbency may be amended from time to time to identify names of the individuals then holding such offices and the capacity in which they are acting.

Availability Period” The period from the date of the FFB Promissory Note to the “Last Day for an Advance” specified in the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.

Back-End Construction Contract” The agreement to be entered into between the Borrower, the Back-End Construction Contractor, and any other parties thereto providing for the installation of the Back-End Project Facilities.

Back-End Construction Contractor” A contractor to be selected for the construction and build-out of the Back-End Project Facility.

 

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Back-End Manufacturing Facility” A manufacturing facility or facilities, including any Shared Manufacturing Facilities, for the encapsulation, framing, and packaging of the photovoltaic electrical modules produced by the Front-End Manufacturing Facility.

Back-End Project Facility” “Phase I” of the Back-End Manufacturing Facility, including any Shared Manufacturing Facilities used for the Project.

Back-End Site” The real property that is to be leased or purchased for the Back-End Manufacturing Facility.

Back-End Site Lease” The lease agreement to be entered into by the Borrower and the Back-End Site Lessor with respect to use of the Back-End Site.

Back-End Site Lessor” The owner of the Back-End Site.

Bankruptcy Law” Any insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar law for the general relief of debtors in any relevant jurisdiction.

Base Case Projections” A projection of operating results for the Project over a period ending no sooner than twelve fiscal months after the Maturity Date, showing on a basis consistent with the Operating Plan, the Operating Forecast, and the Transaction Documents at a minimum the Borrower’s good faith projections based on assumptions that were believed by the Borrower to be reasonable as of the date made, as of the Initial Advance Date or such later date as of which such Base Case Projections have been revised, of revenues, expenses, cash flow, Debt Service Coverage Ratios and sources and uses of revenues over the forecast period, as updated from time to time in accordance with Section 6.1(j) of the Common Agreement.

Base Equity” As defined in the Equity Funding Agreement.

Base Equity Commitment” The obligation of the Equity Contributors under the Equity Funding Agreement to fund (i) 27% of all Eligible Base Project Costs, and (ii) 100% of all Ineligible Base Project Costs, in an aggregate amount of $198,000,000.

Base Project Costs” The Borrower’s estimate as of the Common Agreement Date of Total Project Costs, in the aggregate amount of $733,000,000 (which for avoidance of doubt, includes $65,417,000 of budgeted Overrun Contingencies).

Borrower” Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.

Borrower Certificate” A certificate executed by an Authorized Official of the Borrower that is (i) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Financial Closing Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C1 to the Common Agreement, (ii) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Periodic Approval Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C2 to the Common Agreement, (iii) a Master Advance Notice delivered pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Common Agreement, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit M to the Common Agreement, (iv) delivered as a condition precedent to Project Completion, or (v) with respect to any other certification to be made by the Borrower pursuant to any Loan Document, addressing such matters as are specified in such Loan Document.

 

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Borrower Reimbursement Obligations” As defined in Section 10.2.1 of the Common Agreement.

Borrower Reimbursement Payment” As defined in Section 10.2.2 of the Common Agreement.

Borrower’s Accountant” PricewaterhouseCoopers or such other firm of independent public accountants of recognized international standing as may be appointed by the Borrower as Borrower’s Accountant of the Borrower, from time to time with the approval of the Loan Servicer not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

Business Day” Any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which either FFB or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York are not open for business.

Capital Expenditures” All expenditures that should be capitalized in accordance with GAAP.

Capital Lease” Any lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) property, real or personal, which would be required, in accordance with GAAP, to be capitalized and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of the lessee.

Cash Flow Available for Debt Service” For any period, the sum determined in accordance with GAAP for such period of (i) net income, plus (ii) depreciation, amortization, deferred taxes and other non-cash expenses, to the extent deducted in determining net income, minus (iii) any increases in working capital from the previous period, plus (iv) any decreases in working capital from the previous period, plus (v) any interest and fees paid, to the extent deducted in determining net income, minus (vi) capital expenditures.

Change of Control” (x) prior to a Sponsor IPO, a change such that the Sponsor stockholder group on the Financial Closing Date fails to own stock of the Sponsor in excess of 50% of the outstanding voting power, and (y) after a Sponsor IPO, a change such that any person or group, other than pre-IPO stockholders, acquires stock of the Sponsor having in excess of 50% of the outstanding voting power.

Change of Law” Any change in any Governmental Rule or the application or requirements thereof, or compliance by any Person with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law but if not having the force of law, being of a type with which they customarily comply) of any Governmental Authority issued after the Common Agreement Date.

Change Orders” With respect to any Construction Contract, as defined in such Construction Contract.

Claims” As defined in the Environmental Indemnity Agreement.

Collateral” The Collateral Security granted to the Collateral Agent under the Security Documents.

 

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Collateral Agency Agreement” The Collateral Agency Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date, among the Borrower, the Collateral Agent, and the Loan Servicer.

Collateral Agent” U.S. Bank National Association, as appointed in the Collateral Agency Agreement.

Collateral Agent Certificate” A certificate executed by an Authorized Official of the Collateral Agent that is (i) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Financial Closing Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit G1 to the Common Agreement, (ii) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Periodic Approval Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit G2 to the Common Agreement, (iii) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Requested Advance Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit G3 to the Common Agreement, (iv) delivered as a condition precedent to Project Completion, or (v) with respect to any other certification to be made by the Collateral Agent pursuant to any Loan Document, addressing such matters as are specified in such Loan Document.

Collateral Security” All real or personal property, assets, revenues, and equity interests, whether now existing or hereinafter acquired, that are subject to or are intended to be or become subject to the security interest or lien granted by any of the Security Documents.

Commencement of Construction” The occurrence of the following: (i) the Borrower has completed all pre-construction engineering and design, has received all necessary licenses, permits and local and national environmental clearances, has engaged all contractors and ordered all essential equipment and supplies as, in each case, can reasonably be considered necessary so that physical construction of the Project may begin (or, if previously interrupted or suspended, resume) and proceed to completion without foreseeable interruption of material duration, and (ii) such physical construction (including, at a minimum, excavation for foundations or the installation or erection of improvements) at the Front-End Site has begun (or resumed).

Common Agreement” The Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 among the Borrower, DOE and the Collateral Agent, to which this Exhibit A is appended. The Common Agreement constitutes the “Loan Guarantee Agreement” referred to in the Applicable Regulations.

Common Agreement Date” The date of the Common Agreement.

Comptroller General” The Comptroller General of the United States.

Construction Budget” The Construction Budget delivered by the Borrower to each Credit Party pursuant to Section 4.1.4(iv) of the Common Agreement, as amended from time to time by Approved Construction Changes, setting forth total Project Costs and a detailed budget (each by category on an aggregate basis) to design, develop, construct, and start up the Project through the Project Completion Date (inclusive of the cost of all Punch List Items) under the Construction Contracts.

Construction Change” As defined in Section 6.8 of the Common Agreement.

 

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Construction Contractor” Each of (i) the Front-End Construction Contractor, (ii) the Equipment Supplier, (iii) the Back-End Construction Contractor, and (iv) any material subcontractor under any Construction Contract.

Construction Contracts” Each of (i) the Front-End Construction Contract, (ii) the Project Equipment Supply Agreement, (iii) the Back-End Construction Contract, and (iv) any material subcontract under any of the foregoing.

Construction Documents” As defined in Section 4.1.2 of the Common Agreement.

Construction Management Agreement” The Construction Management Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date between the Sponsor and the Borrower.

Construction Notice to Proceed” With respect to each Construction Document, as defined in such Construction Document.

Construction Period” The period prior to the Project Completion Date.

Construction Progress Report” A construction progress report prepared monthly by the Borrower, addressing the progress of construction to date and the expected progress of construction, including Overrun Contingencies incurred or reasonably expected to be incurred, any events that have occurred or are reasonably expected to occur that would materially affect the construction schedule, along with an explanation of material delays from the then existing construction schedule.

Construction Work” With respect to each Construction Document, as defined in such Construction Document.

Contingent Obligation” As to any Person, any obligation of such Person with respect to any Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including without limitation any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent, as a guarantee or otherwise; (i) for the purchase, payment or discharge of any such primary obligation; (ii) to purchase, repurchase or otherwise acquire such primary obligations or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor, including the obligation to make take-or-pay or similar payments; (iii) to advance or supply funds; (iv) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency or any balance sheet item, level of income or financial condition of the primary obligor; (v) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the holder of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation; (vi) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof, including without limitation with respect to letter of credit obligations, swap agreements, foreign exchange contracts and other similar agreements (including agreements relating to derivative instruments); provided, however, that the term “Contingent Obligation” shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such Person is required to perform thereunder) as determined by such Person in good faith.

 

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Control” The ability to direct or cause the direction (whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise) of the management and policies of a Person or to control (whether affirmatively or negatively and whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise) the decision of such Person to engage in the particular conduct at issue. A Person shall be rebuttably presumed to Control another Person if such Person owns, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, (a) sufficient shares of stock or other equity interests to allow the Person, under ordinary circumstances, to elect or direct the election of a majority of the members of the board of directors or other governing body of another Person, or (b) shares of stock or other equity interests of such other Person representing, in the aggregate, more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding economic interests of such Person. The term “Controlled” has a meaning correlative to that of Control.

Corrupt Practices Laws” (i) the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (Pub. L. No. 95-213, §§101-104), as amended, and (ii) any equivalent U.S. or foreign Governmental Rule.

Cost Overrun” Any Project Cost in excess of the Base Project Cost (excluding the Overrun Contingencies) amount budgeted therefor in the relevant line item of the Construction Budget as in effect on the Common Agreement Date (after taking into account any reallocations (other than from Overrun Contingencies) among line items permitted pursuant to Section 6.8(b) of the Common Agreement.)

Covered Taxes” As defined in Section 3.1.2 of the Common Agreement.

Credit Parties” DOE, the Collateral Agent, and the Loan Servicer.

Credit Subsidy Cost” As defined in §609.2 of the Applicable Regulations.

Davis-Bacon Act” Subchapter IV of Chapter 31 of Part A of Subtitle II of Title 40 of the United States Code, including and as implemented by the regulations set forth in Parts 1, 3 and 5 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Debarment Regulations” (i) The Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) regulations (Common Rule), 53 Fed. Reg. 19204 (May 26, 1988), (ii) Subpart 9.4 (Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility) of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 C.F.R. 9.400 - 9.409, and (iii) the revised Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) regulations (Common Rule), 60 Fed. Reg. 33037 (June 26, 1995).

Debt Collection Improvement Act” The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, as amended from time to time.

Debt Service” With respect to any computation period, the sum of (i) scheduled principal, interest expense and financing fees to be paid under the DOE Credit Facility during such period, (ii) other fees and amounts paid or scheduled to be payable to any Credit Party during such period, and (iii) all other payments with respect to other Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Borrower.

 

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Debt Service Coverage Ratio” With respect to any computation period, the ratio of (i) Cash Flow Available for Debt Service for such period, to (ii) Debt Service for such period.

Debt Service Payment Account” As defined in the Collateral Agency Agreement.

Debt Service Reserve” As defined in Section 6.17 of the Common Agreement.

Debt Service Reserve Account” As defined in the Collateral Agency Agreement.

Debt Service Reserve Requirement” An amount equal to the amount of Debt Service due on the immediately succeeding two Quarterly Payment Dates; provided, however, that if at any time a DSRR Increase Trigger is determined to have occurred, then (x) the Debt Service Reserve Requirement shall increase as of the date of such determination to the amount of Debt Service due on the immediately succeeding three Quarterly Payment Dates, and (y) any DSRA Deficiency will be funded (A) by transfer immediately upon the date of such determination to the Debt Service Reserve Account from the Distribution Suspense Account of all amounts therein, up to the amount of such DSRA Deficiency, and (B) by deposit within 30 days after the date of such determination into the Debt Service Reserve Account of additional amounts necessary to fund any remaining DSRA Deficiency.

Debt-to-Equity Contribution Ratio” The ratio of (a) amounts outstanding under the DOE Credit Facility and other Indebtedness for Borrowed Money (excluding the principal amount of Permitted Subordinated Loans outstanding) to (b) Equity Contributions.

Debt to Tangible Net Worth Ratio” With respect to Sponsor, on a consolidated basis but excluding the Borrower, the ratio of Indebtedness for Borrowed Money to Tangible Net Worth. For purposes of this definition, Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Sponsor, excludes obligations of the Sponsor with respect to the Project.

Deed of Trust” The Construction and Permanent Deed of Trust with Assignment of Rents and Fixture Filing made by the Borrower, as trustor, in favor of Chicago Title Company, as trustee, and the Collateral Agent, as beneficiary, pursuant to which the Borrower grants for the benefit of DOE a collateral security interest in its right to the Front-End Site.

Design Contractor” CH2M Hill, in its capacity as design contractor under the Engineering and Architectural Services Agreement.

Development Costs” All reasonable out-of pocket expenses related to the Project that have been incurred prior to the date specified in the Development Costs Statement by the Borrower, the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor in the development of the Project, but not including technology development costs, general administrative and overhead costs or other Ineligible Project Costs.

Development Costs Statement” The statement, in form and substance satisfactory to DOE, summarizing the amount of Development Costs incurred prior to the Initial Advance Date that, subject to the requirements of Section 4.1.4(v) of the Common Agreement, and together with the appraised value of the Front-End Site land, will comprise the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit.

 

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Direct Agreements” As defined in Section 4.1.1 of the Common Agreement.

Disbursement Account” As defined in the Collateral Agency Agreement.

Disclosure Letter” The disclosure letter dated as of the Financial Closing Date delivered by the Borrower to the Loan Servicer and containing certain schedules of information required pursuant to the Common Agreement.

Distribution Preconditions” The satisfaction of either:

(A) Each of the following conditions is satisfied:

(i) the Borrower has made at least one scheduled principal payment of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans; and

(ii) the historical fiscal 12-month Debt Service Coverage Ratio is at least 1.50 to 1 and the projected fiscal 12-month Debt Service Coverage Ratio is at least 1.50 to 1; or

(B) Each of the following conditions is satisfied:

(i) The Borrower has accumulated an amount in excess of, and immediately after payment of such Restricted Payment shall retain an amount not less than, an amount equal to the succeeding nine months of Debt Service in (x) the Debt Service Reserve Account, and (y) the Distribution Suspense Account; and

(ii) The Borrower at the same time applies the Prepayment Price in an amount equal to the amount of such Restricted Payment to the voluntary prepayment of the DOE-Guaranteed Loan, with such Prepayment Price allocated to the prepayment of principal in the maximum possible amount when taken together with any associated make-whole premiums or discounts (it being understood that (x) if there is an associated premium, the principal amount prepaid would be less than the Prepayment Price, and (y) if there is an associated discount, the principal amount prepaid would be greater than the Prepayment Price).

Distribution Suspense Account” As defined in the Collateral Agency Agreement.

DOE” The U.S. Department of Energy, an agency of the United States of America.

DOE Credit Facility” The loan facility available to the Borrower under the DOE Credit Facility Documents in the principal amount of up to the lesser of (i) $535,000,000, and (ii) 80% of Eligible Base Project Costs.

DOE Credit Facility Agent” The Loan Servicer, acting in its capacity as agent for the DOE Credit Facility Lender.

DOE Credit Facility Commitment” The commitment of FFB to make Advances to the Borrower pursuant to the terms of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the “Maximum Principal Amount” specified in the FFB Promissory Note, which must be an amount not greater than the “Loan Commitment Amount” set forth in the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, that is the aggregate principal amount of all Advances that may be made by FFB under the DOE Credit Facility.

 

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DOE Credit Facility Commitment Termination Date” In accordance with the DOE Credit Facility Documents the earliest of (i) the first date on which the aggregate amount of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans disbursed thereunder equals the amount of the DOE Credit Facility Commitment, (ii) the Final Advance Date, and (iii) the date of termination in whole of DOE Credit Facility Commitment.

DOE Credit Facility Documents” As defined in Section 4.1.1 of the Common Agreement.

DOE Credit Facility Fees” All facility fees payable to DOE, the DOE Maintenance Fee, and any DOE Modification Fee, as specified in the DOE Credit Facility Documents and related side letters.

DOE Guarantee” The guarantee provided by DOE for the benefit of FFB pursuant to the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

DOE Guarantee Payment” As defined in Section 10.1 of the Common Agreement.

DOE Guarantee Payment Amount” As defined in Section 10.1 of the Common Agreement.

DOE-Guaranteed Loans” The Advances made by FFB pursuant to the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

“DOE Maintenance Fee” A maintenance fee in the amount of $25,000 per year over the term of the DOE-Guaranteed Loan.

DOE Modification Fee” A fee payable to DOE in the event that the Project experiences technical, financial, legal or other events which require the DOE to incur time or expenses (including third-party expenses) beyond standard monitoring of the Loan Documents, reimbursing DOE in full for such amounts as DOE reasonably determines are its additional internal administrative costs, any costs associated in reviewing whether such events would alter the Credit Subsidy Cost, and related Periodic Expenses of its independent consultants and outside legal counsel, to the extent that such third parties are not paid directly by the Borrower or the Sponsor.

DOE Requirements” The requirements and conditions of the Applicable Regulations set forth on Exhibit A3 to the Common Agreement.

Dollars” or “$” The lawful currency of the United States of America.

Drawstop Notice” as defined in Section 2.4.3(a) of the Common Agreement.

DSRA Deficiency” (i) prior to the date on which the Debt Service Reserve Account is first required to be fully funded up to the amount of the Debt Service Reserve Requirement, zero, and (ii) thereafter, the excess of the then-applicable Debt Service Reserve Requirement over the amount then funded in Debt Service Reserve Account.

 

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DSRR Increase Triggers” (i) prior to the occurrence of Project Completion, the ratio of Sponsor Indebtedness to Sponsor Tangible Net Worth is greater than 0.50 to 1, or (ii) after the occurrence of Project Completion, Sponsor Tangible Net Worth is less than $175,000,000. For purposes of this definition, (x) Sponsor Indebtedness includes Indebtedness for Borrowed Money, Capital Leases and other Indebtedness, and Contingent Obligations for any of the foregoing, but excludes obligations of the Sponsor with respect to the Project, and (y) Sponsor Tangible Net Worth includes amounts classified as either common equity or preferred equity of the Sponsor.

Eligible Base Project Costs” The portion of Base Project Costs that are Eligible Project Costs, estimated as of the Common Agreement Date to be in the aggregate amount of $733,000,000 (which for avoidance of doubt, includes approximately $65,417,000 of budgeted Overrun Contingencies).

Eligible Project Costs” Those portions of Project Costs that are eligible for funding as “Project Costs” as defined in the Applicable Regulations.

Employee Benefit Plan” (i) All “employee benefit plans” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) other than any Multiemployer Plans which are or at any time have been maintained or sponsored by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has ever made, or been obligated to make, contributions or with respect to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any material liability or obligation, (ii) all Pension Plans, and (iii) all Qualified Plans.

Engineering and Architectural Services Agreement” The Standard Form of Agreement between Owner and Architect (AIA Form B141 (1997 Version)), dated as of June 27, 2008, between the Sponsor and the Design Contractor, including any subcontracts thereunder.

Environmental Claim” Any and all obligations, liabilities, losses, administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, decrees, claims, liens, judgments, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations (excluding routine inspections), proceedings, clean-up, removal or remedial actions or orders, or damages (foreseeable and unforeseeable, including consequential and punitive damages), penalties, fees, out-of-pocket costs, expenses, disbursements, attorneys’ or consultants’ fees, relating in any way to any violation of Environmental Law or any violation of any Governmental Approval issued under any such Environmental Law including (a) any and all Indemnity Claims by any Governmental Authority for enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or other actions or damages pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law, and (b) any and all Indemnity Claims by any third party seeking damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief resulting from Hazardous Substances, the violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Law or Governmental Approval issued thereunder, or arising from alleged injury or threat of injury to health, safety or the environment.

 

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Environmental Indemnity Agreement” The Environmental Indemnity Agreement to be made by the Borrower in favor of the Collateral Agent and other Indemnified Parties (as defined therein).

Environmental Laws” Any Governmental Rule in effect as of the Common Agreement Date or thereafter, and in each case as amended, regulating, relating to or imposing obligations, liability or standards of conduct concerning (A) the use of the Sites or the condition thereof; or (B) pollution, protection of human or animal health or the environment or Releases or threatened Releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, radiation or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes, including without limitation Hazardous Substances, or otherwise relating to the generation, manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, recycling, disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes, including without limitation Hazardous Substances.

Equipment Supplier” The Sponsor acting as supplier and otherwise as set forth under the Project Equipment Supply Agreement.

Equity Commitments” The Base Equity Commitment and the Overrun Equity Commitment.

Equity Contributions” The aggregate equity (or Permitted Subordinated Loans) contributed as Base Equity and Overrun Equity.

Equity Contributor” The Sponsor.

Equity Funding Account” As defined in the Collateral Agency Agreement.

Equity Funding Agreement” The Equity Funding Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date, among the Borrower, the Sponsor, the Collateral Agent, and the Loan Servicer.

Equity Interests” Any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) the common or preferred equity or equity or preference share capital of a Person, including, without limitation, partnership interests and limited liability company interests.

Equity Owner” With respect to any Person, another Person holding Equity Interests in such first Person.

Equity Pledge Agreement” The Equity Pledge Agreement to be entered into by the Sponsor and the Collateral Agent by which the Sponsor pledges all of the Equity Interests in the Borrower and the Operator.

Equity Pledge Documents” As defined in Section 4.1.1 of the Common Agreement.

ERISA” The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 of the United States, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated, and any publicly available rulings issued, thereunder.

 

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ERISA Affiliate” As applied to any person (as defined in Section 3(9) of ERISA), means (i) any corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations within the meaning of Section 414(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of which that person is a member, (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is a member of a group of trades or business under common control within the meaning of Section 414(c) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 4001(b) of ERISA of which that person is a member, (iii) any member of an affiliated service group within the meaning of Section 414(m) and (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of which that person, any corporation described in clause (i) above or any trade or business described in clause (ii) above is a member.

ERISA Event” means (a) a reportable event as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued under such Section with respect to a Pension Plan, excluding, however, such events as to which the PBGC by regulation has waived the requirement of Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified within 30 days of the occurrence of such event; (b) the applicability of the requirements of Section 4043(b) of ERISA with respect to a contributing sponsor, as defined in Section 4001(a)(13) of ERISA, to any Pension Plan where an event described in paragraph (9), (10), (11), (12) or (13) of Section 4043(c) of ERISA is reasonably expected to occur with respect to such plan within the following 30 days; (c) a withdrawal by the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan or the termination of any Pension Plan resulting in liability under Sections 4063 or 4064 of ERISA; (d) the withdrawal of the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate in a complete or partial withdrawal (within the meaning of Sections 4203 and 4205 of ERISA) from any Multiemployer Plan if there is any potential liability therefore, or the receipt by the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of notice from any Multiemployer Plan that it is in reorganization or insolvency pursuant to Sections 4241 or 4245 of ERISA, (e) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) the imposition of liability on the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate pursuant to Sections 4062(e) or 4069 of ERISA or by reason of the application of Section 4212(c) of ERISA; (g) the failure by the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate to make any required contribution to a Plan, or the failure to meet the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any Pension Plan (whether or not waived in accordance with Section 412(d) of the Internal Revenue Code) or the failure to make by its due date a required installment under Section 412(m) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any Pension Plan or the failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (h) an event or condition which might reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (i) the imposition of any material liability under Title I or Title IV of ERISA, other than PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate; (j) an application for a funding waiver under Section 303 of ERISA or an extension of any amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any Pension Plan; (k) the imposition of any lien on any of the rights, properties or assets of the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate, in either case pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or to Sections 401(a)(29) or 412 of the Internal Revenue Code; (l) the making of any amendment to any Pension Plan that could directly result in the imposition of a lien or the posting of a bond or other security; (m) the occurrence of a nonexempt prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the IRC or Section 406 of ERISA) involving the assets of a Plan; or (n) the final determination that a Qualified Plan’s qualification or tax exempt status should be revoked.

 

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Event of Default” Any of the events described in Section 8.1 of the Common Agreement.

Event of Force Majeure” Any event, circumstance or condition in the nature of force majeure that would entitle any Project Participant to any abatement, postponement, or other relief from any of its contractual obligations under any Project Document to which such Person is party, including with respect to FFB an “Uncontrollable Cause” as defined in the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.

Event of Loss” Any event that causes any portion of the Project or any other property of the Borrower to be damaged, destroyed or rendered unfit for normal use for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation through a failure of title or any loss of such property.

Fab 1 Facility Performance Targets” The specified efficiency, yield levels, and other performance metrics for the existing thin-film solar photovoltaic manufacturing facility owned by Sponsor and referred to as “Fab 1”.

FFB” The Federal Financing Bank, a body corporate and instrumentality of the United States of America.

FFB Advance Request” A request for an Advance delivered to FFB pursuant to the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.

FFB Advance Request Approval Notice” An “Advance Request Approval Notice” as defined in the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, signed by DOE.

FFB Funding Documents” The FFB Program Financing Agreement, the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, the FFB Promissory Note, the DOE Guarantee, and all other documents, certificates and instruments required to be delivered in connection with any of the foregoing documents.

FFB Loans” The loans made by FFB pursuant to the FFB Funding Documents.

FFB Loan Transfer” Any transfer pursuant to the FFB Note Purchase Agreement of all or any part of the promissory note evidencing the FFB Loans.

FFB Note Purchase Agreement” The Note Purchase Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date, among the Borrower, FFB, and DOE.

FFB Program Financing Agreement” The Program Financing Agreement to be entered into between FFB and DOE.

FFB Promissory Note” The Promissory Note to be entered into by the Borrower in favor of FFB and guaranteed by DOE.

 

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Final Advance Date” The “Last Day for an Advance” as set forth in the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

Financial Closing Date” The date on which all the conditions set forth in Section 4.1 have been satisfied or, in the sole discretion of the applicable Credit Parties, waived.

Financial Officer” With respect to any Person, General Manager, any director, the chief financial officer, the Controller, the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, any Vice President-Finance or any Assistant Vice President-Finance or any other Vice President or Assistant Vice President with significant responsibility for the financial affairs of such Person.

Financial Officer Certificate” A certificate executed by an Financial Officer of the Borrower, the Sponsor or the Operator, as the case may be, that is (i) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Financial Closing Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit I to the Common Agreement, (ii) delivered as a condition precedent to Project Completion, or (iii) with respect to any other certification to be made by a Financial Officer pursuant to any Loan Document, addressing such matters as are specified in such Loan Document.

Financial Plan” The Financial Plan attached as Exhibit A1 to the Common Agreement, as amended from time to time in accordance with Section 6.8(b) of the Common Agreement, setting forth all sources of funds needed to pay Total Project Costs, including DOE-Guaranteed Loans, Base Equity and Overrun Equity, contingent liabilities and letters of credit.

Financial Statements” With respect to any Person, such Person’s quarterly or annual balance sheet and statements of income, retained earnings, and sources and application of funds for such fiscal period, together with all notes thereto and with comparable figures for the corresponding period of its previous fiscal period, each prepared in Dollars and in accordance with GAAP (except for the absence of footnotes and normal year-end adjustments in the case of unaudited financial statements), it being agreed that for purposes of the Loan Documents (i) the Financial Statements of the Sponsor shall be prepared on a consolidated basis (including the Borrower and the Operator), (ii) separate Financial Statements of the Borrower shall be prepared and delivered, and (iii) separate Financial Statements of the Operator shall not be prepared.

First Principal Payment Date” May 15, 2012.

Fiscal Year” The accounting year of the Borrower beginning on and including the Sunday nearest December 31 and ending on and including the Saturday nearest to the following December 31.

Foreign Asset Control Regulations” The United States Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 C.F.R. Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended), or any ruling issued thereunder or any enabling legislation or Presidential Executive Order granting authority therefore.

Front-End Construction Contract” The General Contractor Agreement dated as of July 31, 2009, between the Front-End Construction Contractor and the Borrower.

 

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Front-End Construction Contractor” Rudolph and Sletten, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of California.

Front-End Manufacturing Facility” A manufacturing facility located in Fremont, California, producing photovoltaic electrical modules.

Front-End Project Facility” “Phase I” of the Front-End Manufacturing Facility, including any Shared Manufacturing Facilities used for the Project.

Front-End Site” The real property located in Fremont, California to be purchased under the Land Purchase Agreement and any other land necessary for the Front-End Manufacturing Facility.

GAAP” Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America in effect from time to time including, where appropriate, generally accepted auditing standards, including without limitation the pronouncements and interpretations of appropriate accountancy administrative bodies (including without limitation the Financial Accounting Standards Board and any predecessor and successor thereto), applied on a consistent basis both as to classification of item and amounts, it being understood that unaudited financial statements will not include footnotes and will be subject to normal year-end adjustments.

Governmental Approval” Any approval, consent, authorization, license, permit, order, certificate, qualification, waiver, exemption, or variance, or any other action of a similar nature, of or by a Governmental Authority, including without limitation any of the foregoing that are or may be deemed given or withheld by failure to act within a specified time period.

Governmental Authority” Any federal, state, county, municipal, or regional authority, or any other entity of a similar nature, exercising any executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, or administrative function of government.

Governmental Judgment” With respect to any Person, any judgment, order, decision, or decree, or any action of a similar nature, of or by a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over such Person or any of its properties.

Governmental Rule” With respect to any Person, any statute, law, rule, regulation, code, or ordinance of a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over such Person or any of its properties.

Hazardous Substance” Any hazardous or toxic substances, chemicals, materials, pollutants or wastes defined, listed, classified or regulated as such in or under any Environmental Laws, including without limitation (i) any petroleum or petroleum products (including without limitation gasoline, crude oil or any fraction thereof), flammable explosives, radioactive materials, asbestos in any form that is or could become friable, urea formaldehyde foam insulation and polychlorinated biphenyls; (ii) any chemicals, materials or substances defined as or included in the definition of “hazardous substances,” “hazardous wastes,” “extremely hazardous wastes,” “restricted hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances,” “toxic pollutants,” “contaminants” or “pollutants,” or words of similar import, under any applicable Environmental Law; and (iii) any other chemical, material or substance, import, storage, transport, use or disposal of, or exposure to or Release of which is prohibited, limited or otherwise regulated under any Environmental Law.

 

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Hedging Agreement” Any agreement or instrument (including without limitation a cap, swap, collar, option, forward purchase agreement or other similar derivative instrument) relating to the hedging of any interest under any Indebtedness.

Improvements” The buildings, fixtures and other improvements to be situated on the Sites.

Indebtedness” As to any Person, and at any date, means, without duplication, (i) all Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of such Person; (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, letters of credit, or other similar instruments; (iii) all obligations of such Person to purchase securities (or other property) that arise out of or in connection with the sale or acquisition of the same or similar securities (or property); (iv) all obligations of such Person issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services other than trade credit in the ordinary course of business; (v) all obligations of such Person under leases that are or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as Capital Leases in respect of which such Person is liable; (vi) all deferred obligations of such Person to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid or advanced under a letter of credit or other instrument; (vii) the currently available amount of all surety bonds, performance bonds, letters of credit or other similar instruments issued for the account of such Person; (viii) all liabilities secured by (or for which the holder of such liabilities has an existing right, contingent, or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in property (including without limitation accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such liabilities; (ix) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in either case with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or bank under such agreement in the event of any default are limited to repossession or sale of such property); (x) obligations pursuant to any agreement to purchase materials, supplies or other property if such agreement provides that payment shall be made regardless of whether delivery of such materials, supplies or other property is ever made or tendered; (xi) all obligations in respect of any Hedging Agreement or similar arrangement between such Person and a financial institution providing for the transfer or mitigation of interest risks either generally or under specific contingencies (but without regard to any notional principal amount relating thereto); and (xii) all Contingent Obligations of such Person with respect to Indebtedness of the types specified in clauses (i) through (xi) above.

Indebtedness for Borrowed Money” As to any Person, without duplication, (i) all indebtedness (including principal, interest, fees, and charges) of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than any deferral (x) in connection with the provision of credit in the ordinary course of business by any trade creditor or utility or (y) of any amounts payable under the Project Documents) or (ii) the aggregate amount required to be capitalized under any Capital Lease under which such Person is the lessee.

Indemnified Person” As defined in Section 11.17 of the Common Agreement.

Indemnity Claims” As defined in Section 11.17 of the Common Agreement.

 

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Independent Consultants” Collectively the Lenders’ Engineer, Morrison & Foerster LLP as legal counsel to DOE, and any other advisor or consultant retained by the Credit Parties with the consent of the Borrower, not to be unreasonably withheld; for the avoidance of doubt, “Independent Consultant” does not include the Insurance Advisor.

Ineligible Base Project Costs” The portion of Base Project Costs that are Ineligible Project Costs, estimated as of the Common Agreement Date to be zero.

Ineligible Project Costs” Those portions of Project Costs that are not Eligible Project Costs, including Ineligible Base Project Costs and Overrun Project Costs.

Initial Advance Date” The date on which the initial Advance under any of the DOE Credit Facility is made following confirmation by each applicable Credit Party that the conditions precedent to the initial Advance under the Common Agreement have been satisfied.

Initial Conditions Precedent” As defined in Section 4.1 of the Common Agreement.

Insolvency Proceedings” Any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, company reorganization, restructuring, controlled management, suspension of payments, scheme of arrangement, appointment of provisional liquidator, receiver or administrative receiver, notification, resolution, or petition for winding up or similar proceeding, under any applicable Law, in any jurisdiction and whether voluntary or involuntary.

Insurance Advisor” Hays Companies, acting as insurance broker for the Borrower and the Sponsor, or any successor insurance advisor or expert appointed by the Borrower and acceptable to DOE.

Insurance Advisor Certificate” A certificate executed by an Authorized Official of the Insurance Advisor that is (i) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Financial Closing Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit F1 to the Common Agreement, (ii) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Periodic Approval Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit F2 to the Common Agreement, or (iii) delivered as a condition precedent to Project Completion, or (iv) with respect to any other certification to be made by the Insurance Advisor pursuant to any Loan Document, addressing such matters as are specified in such Loan Document.

Intellectual Property Rights” Any and all rights in, arising out of, or associated with the following, whether now or hereafter existing, created, acquired or held: (i) all U.S., international and foreign patents and patent applications and all reissues, divisions, renewals, extensions, provisionals, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof; (ii) all trade secret rights; (iii) all copyrights or other rights associated with works of authorship, including all copyright registrations and applications for copyright registration, renewals and extensions thereof, and all other rights corresponding thereto throughout the world; (iv) all mask work rights, mask work registrations and applications therefor, and any equivalent or similar rights in semiconductor masks, layouts, architectures or topology; (v) all rights in industrial designs and any registrations and applications therefor throughout the world; (vi) all rights to trade names, logos, trademarks and service marks, including registered trademarks and service marks and all applications to

 

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register trademarks and service marks throughout the world; (vii) all rights to any databases and data collections throughout the world; (viii) all moral and economic rights of authors and inventors, however denominated, throughout the world; and (ix) any similar or equivalent rights to any of the foregoing anywhere in the world.

Intended Prepayment Date” The date specified in a Prepayment Election Notice on which the Borrower intends to prepay all or part of a DOE-Guaranteed Loan in accordance with the terms of the Common Agreement and the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

Intercompany Project Documents” Each agreement between the Borrower and the Sponsor or any Sponsor Affiliate, including without limitation the Project Sales Agreement, the Project Materials Supply Agreement, the Project IP License Agreement, the Project Equipment Supply Agreement, the O&M Agreement, and the O&M Guarantee.

Interest During Construction” Interest accruing under the DOE Credit Facility, for the period from the Initial Advance Date to the end of the final Availability Period under the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

Internal Revenue Code” The United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder. Section references to the Internal Revenue Code are to the Internal Revenue Code as in effect at the Common Agreement Date and any subsequent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, amendatory thereof, supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.

Investment” For any Person: (i) the acquisition (whether for cash, property, services or securities or otherwise) or holding of Equity Interests, bonds, notes, debentures, partnership or other ownership interests or other securities of or in any other Person; (ii) the making of any deposit with, or advance, loan or other extension of credit to, any other Person or any guarantee of, or other Contingent Obligation with respect to, any Indebtedness or other liability of any other Person and (without duplication) any amount committed to be advanced, lent or extended to any other Person; and (iii) the acquisition of any similar property, right or interest of or in any other Person.

Investment Company Act” The United States Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.

Knowledge” With respect to the Borrower, the actual knowledge of the Principal Persons or any knowledge which should have been obtained by any of the Principal Persons upon reasonable investigation and inquiry.

Land Documents” As defined in Section 4.1.2(a) of the Common Agreement.

Land Purchase Agreement” The Agreement of Purchase and Sale, dated as of July 16, 2009, between DF1, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company as seller and the Sponsor as Buyer.

Late Charge” Interest on any Overdue Amount calculated at the Late Charge Rate in accordance with the DOE Credit Facility Documents.

 

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Late Charge Rate” The interest rate applicable from time to time under the DOE Credit Facility with respect to Overdue Amounts.

Lease” Any agreement that would be characterized under GAAP as an operating lease.

Lenders’ Engineer” R.W. Beck, Inc., as engineering advisor to DOE.

Lenders’ Engineer Advisory Agreement” The letter agreement with R.W. Beck, Inc., acting as Lenders’ Engineer.

Lenders’ Engineer Certificate” A certificate executed by an Authorized Official of the Lenders’ Engineer that is (i) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Financial Closing Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D1 to the Common Agreement, (ii) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Periodic Approval Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D2 to the Common Agreement, (iii) delivered as a condition precedent to Project Completion, or (iv) with respect to any other certification to be made by the Lenders’ Engineer pursuant to any Loan Document, addressing such matters as are specified in such Loan Document.

Lenders’ Engineer Report” A report or reports of the Lenders’ Engineer delivered (i) on or before the Initial Advance Date, as to matters set forth in Section 4.1.11 of the Common Agreement, and (ii) on or before the Project Completion Date as to matters set forth in the definition of Project Completion.

Lien” Any lien (statutory or other), pledge, mortgage, charge, security interest, deed of trust, assignment, hypothecation, title retention, fiduciary transfer, deposit arrangement, easement, encumbrance or preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever in respect of an asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected or effective under applicable law, as well as the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset, (including without limitation any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any Capital Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing, or any preferential arrangement having the practical effect of constituting a security interest with respect to the payment of any obligation with, or from the proceeds of, any asset or revenue of any kind).

Loan Documents” The Common Agreement, the DOE Credit Facility Documents, the Sponsor Loan Documents, the Subordination Documents, the Security Documents, and any documents and agreements delivered in connection therewith that are agreed in writing by the Loan Servicer and the Borrower to be Loan Documents, but in all cases excluding any Project Documents.

Loan Servicer” DOE, acting through its Loan Guarantee Program Office as Loan Servicer in accordance with the terms of the Common Agreement.

Loss Proceeds” All proceeds (other than any proceeds of business interruption insurance, advance loss of profit insurance, and proceeds covering liability of the Borrower to third parties) resulting from a Event of Loss.

 

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Major Project Participant” The Borrower, the Sponsor, the Front-End Construction Contractor, the Equipment Supplier, the Materials Supplier, the Output Purchaser, the Operator and the Operator Guarantor.

Major Project Participant Certificate” A certificate executed by an Authorized Official of the applicable Major Project Participant that is (i) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Financial Closing Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit H to the Common Agreement, or (ii) delivered as a condition precedent to Project Completion, or (v) with respect to any other certification to be made by a Major Project Participant pursuant to any Loan Document, addressing such matters as are specified in such Loan Document.

Master Advance Notice” A request for an Advance delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.3.1 of the Common Agreement, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit M to the Common Agreement.

Master Revenue Account” means a deposit account into which all revenues under Third Party Sales Agreements are to be deposited.

Material Adverse Effect” As of any date of determination, in the sole discretion of DOE, a material and adverse effect on (i) the Project, (ii) the ability of the Borrower or any other Major Project Participant, to observe and perform its material obligations in a timely manner under any Transaction Documents to which it is a party; (iii) the business, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or property of the Borrower or any other Major Project Participant (other than the Front-End Construction Contractor) ; (iv) the validity or enforceability of any material provision of any Transaction Document; (v) any material right or remedy of DOE under the Transaction Documents; or (vi) the security or Lien of the Secured Parties on any of the Collateral Security under any Security Document.

Materials Supplier” The Sponsor acting as supplier and otherwise as set forth under the Project Materials Supply Agreement.

Maturity Date” August 15, 2016.

Moody’s” Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., so long as it is a rating agency.

Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA) which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contributes to or participates in, or with respect to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has any material liability or other obligation (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise).

O&M Agreement” The Operations and Maintenance Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date between the Operator and the Borrower.

O&M Guarantee” The guarantee dated as of the Common Agreement Date made by the O&M Guarantor in favor of the Borrower with respect to the payment obligations of the Operator under the O&M Agreement.

 

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O&M Guarantor” The Sponsor acting as guarantor of the obligations of the Operator and otherwise as set forth under the O&M Guarantee.

OMB” The Office of Management and Budget of the Executive Office of the President of the U.S.

Operating Costs” For any period with respect to which such Operating Costs are being calculated, all amounts paid (or projected to be paid) for the administration, management, and operation and maintenance of the Project, including without limitation: (i) amounts payable under the O&M Agreement and the Project Equipment Supply Agreement; (ii) expenses for supplies paid under the Project Material Supply Agreement; (iii) Capital Expenditures; (iv) premiums and other costs related to the maintenance of Required Insurance; and (v) taxes.

Operating Documents” As defined in Section 4.1.2(c) of the Common Agreement.

Operating Forecast” The periodic forecast prepared by the Borrower (on an aggregate and month-by-month basis) in connection with the operation of the Project, and delivered from time to time pursuant to Section 6.1(j)(ii) of the Common Agreement, which (i) shall be the Borrower’s good faith projections at such time taking into account all facts and circumstances then existing and assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable on the date made, complete, fair and accurate estimates of all Operating Revenues reasonably expected to be received and all Operating Costs (by category) reasonably expected to be incurred, (ii) shall reflect Debt Service due during each period, and pro forma Cash Flow Available for Debt Service projections for each period, (iii) shall include such other information as may be reasonably requested by the Loan Servicer or the Lenders’ Engineer, and (iv) shall be prepared on a basis consistent from period to period, and consistent with the Operating Plan, in sufficient detail to permit meaningful comparisons, and shall include a statement of the assumptions on which it is based.

Operating Period” The period from the Physical Completion Date to the date on which the Secured Obligations are repaid in full.

Operating Plan” The periodic operating plan for the Project prepared by the Borrower in connection with the operation of the Project, and delivered from time to time pursuant to Section 6.1(j)(ii) of the Common Agreement which (i) shall describe the Project’s operating plan for the relevant period, (ii) shall summarize changes in the Project’s maintenance plan in accordance with the Reference Database and the O&M Agreement, including the Project’s program for spare parts, inventory management, supply management, (iii) shall include such other information as may be reasonably requested by the Loan Servicer or the Lenders’ Engineer, and (iv) shall be prepared on a basis consistent from period to period, and consistent with the Operating Forecast, in sufficient detail to permit meaningful comparisons, and include a statement of the assumptions on which it is based.

Operating Revenues” All cash receipts (or projected receipts) of the Borrower deposited in the Project Accounts, including, without limitation, revenues from: (i) the sales under the Project Sales Agreement; (ii) proceeds from business interruption and delay in start-up insurance policies; (iii) liquidated damages payable under the Parts and Services Agreement; (iv) delay liquidated damages payable under any Construction Contract; and (v) interest and other income

 

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earned and received on the Project Accounts; provided, however, that Operating Revenues shall not include proceeds (x) from casualty and event of loss insurance; (y) that are subject to a mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section 3.4.3 of the Common Agreement; and (z) from any drawdown on the Overrun Equity Facility.

Operational Completion Satisfaction of the elements described in the clause (B) of the definition of Project Completion.

Operator” Solyndra Operator LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.

Organizational Documents” With respect to any Person, its charter, articles of incorporation and by-laws, memorandum and articles of association, statute, partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or similar instruments that are required to be registered or lodged in the place of organization of such Person and that establish the legal personality of such Person.

Overdue Amount” Any amount owing under the FFB Promissory Note that is not paid when and as due.

Overrun Contingencies” The line item for “Overrun Contingency” included in the Financial Plan.

Overrun Equity” As defined in the Equity Funding Agreement.

Overrun Equity Commitment” The obligation of the Equity Contributors under the Equity Funding Agreement to fund all Overrun Project Costs and costs of design, engineering, startup, commissioning and shakedown, until the Project Completion Date, funded as set forth in the Equity Funding Agreement.

Overrun Project Costs” All Total Project Costs in excess of Base Project Costs , whether Eligible Project Costs or Ineligible Project Costs, and including (i) costs associated with the design, engineering, financing, construction, startup, commissioning and shakedown of the Project, (ii) shortfalls from anticipated revenues, increases from anticipated costs, changes in intercompany payment amounts, and other working capital needs of the Borrower prior to Project Completion, (iii) amounts arising from timing differences in disbursement of cash to pay expenses and receipt of cash associated with revenues prior to Project Completion, and (iv) any other amounts required to achieve Project Completion or otherwise incurred prior to the Project Completion Date, to be funded (x) first, from Overrun Contingencies, and (y) thereafter, with respect to all Cost Overruns in excess of the amount of Overrun Contingencies, from Overrun Equity.

Output Purchaser” The Sponsor acting as purchaser and otherwise as set forth under the Project Sales Agreement.

Payment Date” Each Principal Payment Date and each Quarterly Payment Date.

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

 

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Pension Plan” means an employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) other than a Multiemployer Plan (i) that is or was at any time maintained or sponsored by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has ever made, or was obligated to make, contributions, and (ii) that is or was subject to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code, Section 302 of ERISA or Title IV of ERISA

Periodic Approval Date” As defined in Section 4.2 of the Common Agreement.

Periodic Approved Advance Schedule” With respect to Advances under the DOE Credit Facility, an updated Advance Schedule submitted by the Borrower from time to time and deemed approved upon satisfaction of all corresponding Periodic Conditions Precedent.

Periodic Conditions Precedent” As defined in Section 4.2 of the Common Agreement.

Periodic Expenses” All of the following amounts from time to time due under or in connection with the Loan Documents: (i) all recordation and other costs, fees and charges in connection with the execution, delivery, filing, registration, or performance of the Transaction Documents or the perfection of the security interests in the Collateral Security, (ii) all fees charges, and expenses of any Independent Consultants, legal counsel, accountants, and other advisors to the Credit Parties, and (iii) all other fees, charges, expenses and other amounts from time to time due under or in connection with the Loan Documents.

Permitted Investments” (i) Direct obligations of the United States of America (including obligations issued or held in book-entry form on the books of the Department of the Treasury of the United States of America) or obligations, the timely payment of principal and interest of which is fully guaranteed by the United States of America maturing not more than 180 days from the date of the creation thereof; (ii) obligations, debentures, notes or other evidence of Indebtedness issued or guaranteed by any agency or instrumentality of the United States maturing not more then 180 days from the date of the creation thereof; (iii) interest-bearing demand or time deposits (including certificates of deposit) that are held in banks with a general obligation rating of not less than BBB- by S&P or the equivalent rating by Moody’s, or if not so rated, secured at all times, in the manner and to the extent provided by law, by collateral security described in clauses (i) or (ii) of this definition, of a market value of no less than the amount of moneys so invested maturing not more than 180 days from the date of the creation thereof; (iv) commercial paper rated (on the date of acquisition thereof) at least A-1 or P-1 or equivalent by S&P or Moody’s, respectively (or an equivalent rating by another nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating commercial paper), maturing not more than 90 days from the date of creation thereof; (v) money market funds, so long as such funds are rated Aaa by Moody’s and AAA by S&P, (vi) any advances, loans or extensions of credit or any stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities as the Loan Servicer, acting pursuant to the Common Agreement, may from time to time approve; and (vii) amounts standing to the credit of the Distribution Suspense Account.

Permitted Leases” (a) Leases of office space, office equipment or motor vehicles with respect to which the aggregate lease payments do not exceed $5,000,000 per Fiscal Year, and (b) licenses for Intellectual Property Rights, in each case as required in connection with the construction or operation of the Project.

 

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Permitted Liens” (i) The rights and interests of the Secured Parties as provided in the Transaction Documents; (ii) Liens for any tax, assessment or other governmental charge not yet due, or being diligently contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings timely instituted, so long as (A) such proceedings shall not involve any danger of the sale, forfeiture or loss of the Project, or any easements, as the case may be, title thereto or any interest therein and shall not interfere with the use or disposition of the Project or any easements; (B) such tax, assessment or other governmental charge is not more than 60 days delinquent; and (C) a bond, adequate reserves or other security acceptable to the Loan Servicer has been posted or provided in such manner and amount as to assure DOE that any taxes, assessments or other charges determined to be due will promptly be paid in full when such contest is determined; (iii) Liens in favor of materialmen, workers or repairmen, or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the construction of the Project, either for amounts not yet due or for amounts being diligently contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings timely instituted so long as (x) such proceedings shall not involve any danger of the sale, forfeiture or loss of any part of the Project, or any easements, as the case may be, title thereto or any interest therein and shall not interfere with the use or disposition of the Project, or any easements, and (y) a bond or other security acceptable to the Loan Servicer has been posted or provided in such manner and amount as to assure DOE that any amounts determined to be due will promptly be paid in full when such contest is determined, and (iv) Liens identified in the ALTA Survey; (v) zoning, entitlement, building and other land use regulations imposed by Governmental Authorities having jurisdiction over the Sites which do not and will not materially impair the use, development or operation by Borrower of the Sites for their intended purpose; (vi) covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements and other similar matters of record as of the Financial Closing Date affecting title to the Front-End Site, or which are specifically identified in the Land Purchase Agreement to be recorded against the Front-End Site, which in either case do not and will not materially impair the use, development or operation by the Borrower of the Sites for their intended purpose; (vii) any other Lien affecting the Sites the existence of which does not and will not materially impair the use, development or operation by the Borrower of the Sites for their intended purpose; (viii) Liens (not securing Indebtedness) of depository institutions and securities intermediaries (including rights of set-off or similar rights) with respect to deposit accounts or securities accounts; (xi) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.1(l) or securing appeal or other surety bonds related to such judgments; (x) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety bonds (other than bonds related to judgments or litigation), performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, Permitted Liens shall not include any Lien on any Pledged Equity Interests.

Permitted Subordinated Loans” Any subordinated loans made by the Equity Contributors to the Borrower in lieu of purchase of Equity Interests, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Equity Funding Agreement.

Person” Any individual, firm, corporation, company, voluntary association, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority, committee, department, authority or any other body, incorporated or unincorporated, whether having distinct legal personality or not.

 

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Physical Completion” Satisfaction of the elements described in clause (A) of the definition of Project Completion.

Pledged Equity Interests” The Equity Interests of the Borrower and the Operator, all of which are subject to the security interests created by the Equity Pledge Documents.

Potential Default” An event that, with the giving of notice or passage of time or both, would become an Event of Default.

Prepayment Election Notice” Written notification delivered by the Borrower of any intended prepayment of all or part of the DOE-Guaranteed Loans, as specified in the FFB Promissory Note.

Prepayment Price” With respect to any Advance, the price paid by the Borrower to the Holder for the prepayment of such Advance as specified in the FFB Promissory Note.

Principal Payment Date” The First Principal Payment Date and each Quarterly Payment Date occurring after the First Principal Payment Date, or in each case if not a Business Day, the next Business Day.

Principal Persons” Any officer, director, owner, key employee or other Person with primary management or supervisory responsibilities with respect to the Borrower or the Operator, or any other Person (whether or not an employee), who has critical influence on or substantive control over the Project.

Principal Project Documents” The Land Documents, the Construction Documents, and the Operating Documents.

Program Requirements” (i) the provisions of Title XVII and the Applicable Regulations, and (ii) all DOE and FFB legal and financial requirements, policies, and procedures applicable to the Title XVII program from time to time.

Project” The development, design, construction, and operation of the Front-End Project Facility and the Back-End Project Facility portions of a solar photovoltaic panel fabrication complex using new and innovative technology, which complex will comprise the Front-End Manufacturing Facility and the Back-End Manufacturing Facility, each of which are expected to be constructed in two phases: (i) ”Phase I” will consist of three production lines and is expected to have a capacity of approximately 210 MW, and (ii) ”Phase II” is expected to consist of an additional three production lines and to have a capacity of an additional approximately 210 MW.

Project Accounts” As defined in the Collateral Agency Agreement.

Project Completion” As set forth on Exhibit A2 to the Common Agreement.

Project Completion Date” The date on which all the conditions for Project Completion have been met, as certified by DOE in writing.

 

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Project Costs” All costs incurred by the Borrower to acquire title or use rights to the Sites and to develop, finance and construct the Project, including without limitation, (i) amounts payable under the Construction Contracts and the other Construction Documents; (ii) interest, fees and expenses payable under the DOE Credit Facility prior to the end of the relevant Availability Period; (iii) principal payments on the DOE Credit Facility occurring prior to the Project Completion Date; (iv) costs to acquire title or use rights to the Site, necessary easements and other real property interests; (v) costs and expenses of legal, engineering, accounting, construction management and other advisors or Independent Consultants incurred in connection with the Project; (vi) fees, commissions and expenses payable to the Credit Parties at or prior to the Initial Advance Date; (vii) Development Costs to the extent permitted to be paid under the Loan Documents; (viii) construction insurance premiums for coverage obtained prior to the Project Completion Date; (ix) the Borrower’s labor costs and general and administration costs; (x) costs incurred under the Equipment Supply Agreement, O&M Agreement and mobilization costs included in the Base Case Projections; and (xi) such other costs or expenses approved by the Credit Parties after consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer and such other Independent Consultants as they may deem necessary.

Project Documents” The Principal Project Documents and the Additional Project Documents.

Project Equipment Supply Agreement” The Equipment Supply Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date between the Sponsor and the Borrower.

Project Facilities” The Front-End Project Facility and the Back-End Project Facility.

Project IP License Agreement” The Intellectual Property License Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date between the Sponsor and the Borrower.

Project Materials Supply Agreement” The Materials Supply Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date between the Sponsor and the Borrower.

Project Milestone Schedule” The schedule of significant development and construction milestones delivered in accordance with Section 4.1.4(iii), as amended from time to time by Approved Construction Changes.

Project Participant” Any party to a Principal Project Document, and any party to a Loan Document other than the Credit Parties.

Project Revenue Account” As defined in the Collateral Agency Agreement.

Project Sales Agreement” The Project Sales Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date between the Borrower and the Output Purchaser.

Projected Debt Service Coverage Ratio” As of any date of determination, the quotient of: (i) Cash Flow Available for Debt Service for such period; divided by (ii) the aggregate amount of Debt Service scheduled for such period, in each case based on amounts projected in the Base Case Projections.

Public Utility Holding Company Act” or “PUHCA” The United States Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, as amended from time to time.

 

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Punch List Items” Items listed on the construction punchlist that are approved by the Lenders’ Engineer.

Qualified Plan” means an employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) other than a Multiemployer Plan (i) that is or was at any time maintained or sponsored by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has ever made, or was ever obligated to make, contributions, and (ii) that is intended to be tax-qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Quarterly Payment Date” Each February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, or if not a Business Day, the next Business Day.

Quarterly Reporting Certificate” A certificate executed by an Authorized Official of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Common Agreement, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit O to the Common Agreement.

Quarterly Reporting Package” The items specified in Section 6.1 of the Common Agreement as being delivered quarterly under cover of a Quarterly Reporting Certificate.

Rating Agency” Fitch Ratings, Ltd.

Recovery Act” The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, P.L. No. 111-5.

Reference Database” As defined in the Project IP License Agreement.

Register” As defined in Section 11.13 of the Common Agreement.

Release” Disposing, discharging, injecting, spilling, leaking, leaching, dumping, pumping, pouring, emitting, escaping, emptying, seeping, placing and the like, into or upon any land or water or air, or otherwise entering into the environment.

Relevant Credit Party” As defined in Section 4.1 of the Common Agreement.

Requested Advance Date” As defined in the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.

Required Consents” As defined in Section 5.10 of the Common Agreement.

Required Insurance” Insurance coverage for the Project satisfying the requirements set forth in Schedule 6.3(b) of the Common Agreement.

Required Credit Parties” DOE, acting alone.

Reserve Letter of Credit” An unconditional, irrevocable, direct-pay, letter of credit that is denominated in Dollars, that is issued in favor of the Collateral Agent by a bank acceptable to DOE, and that meets each of the following requirements and is otherwise in form and substance satisfactory in its sole discretion to each Credit Party:

(i) the initial expiration date thereof shall be at least 12 months beyond the date of issuance, and shall automatically renew upon its expiration (which renewal period shall be for at least 12 months) unless, at least 45 days prior to any such expiration, the issuer shall provide the Collateral Agent with a notice of non-renewal of such letter of credit;

 

28


(ii) upon any failure to renew such Reserve Letter of Credit at least 30 days prior to such expiration date, or if the issuer of such Reserve Letter of Credit shall fail to meet the requirements with respect thereto the entire face amount thereof shall be drawable by the Collateral Agent (unless the Collateral Agent shall have received a replacement letter of credit meeting the conditions herein imposed or amounts shall have been deposited in the applicable Project Account such that the amount on deposit therein, when aggregated with the face amount available to be drawn under any applicable Reserve Letter of Credit then outstanding (other than such Reserve Letter of Credit that is not to be renewed or that no longer meets the criteria) is equal to the amount required to be on deposit in such Project Account);

(iii) such Reserve Letter of Credit shall additionally be drawable in all cases in which the Collateral Agency Agreement provides for a transfer of funds from the applicable Project Account and there shall be no conditions to any drawing thereunder other than the submission of a drawing request substantially in the form attached to such Reserve Letter of Credit; and

(iv) no agreement, instrument or document executed in connection with such Reserve Letter of Credit shall provide the issuer thereof or any other Person with any claim against the Borrower, the Collateral Agent, the Loan Servicer or any other Secured Party, or against any Collateral Security, whether for costs of maintenance, reimbursement of amounts drawn under such letter of credit or otherwise.

Restricted Payments” As defined in Section 7.10 of the Common Agreement.

Secured Obligations” All amounts owing to the Secured Parties under the Loan Documents, including (i) All loans, advances, debts, liabilities, and obligations, howsoever arising, owed by the Borrower under the DOE Credit Facility or otherwise to the Credit Parties (whether or not evidenced by any note or instrument and whether or not for the payment of money), direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, pursuant to any of the Transaction Documents, including without limitation all interest, fees and Periodic Expenses chargeable to the Borrower and payable by the Borrower hereunder or thereunder; (ii) any and all sums advanced by any Agent or any other Secured Party in order to preserve the Collateral Security or preserve the Secured Parties’ security interest in the Collateral Security; and (iii) in the event of any proceeding for the collection or enforcement of the obligations after an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the expenses of retaking, holding, preparing for sale or lease, selling or otherwise disposing of or realizing on the Collateral Security, or of any exercise by any Credit Party of its rights under the Security Documents, together with any Periodic Expenses, including attorney’s fees and court costs.

Secured Parties” DOE and the Collateral Agent, as their respective interests may appear.

Security Agreement” The Security Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date, between the Borrower and the Collateral Agent.

 

29


Security Documents” As defined in Section 4.1.1(d) of the Common Agreement.

Shared Manufacturing Facilities” All Project Facilities, the use of which is or will be shared with the Sponsor or a Sponsor Affiliate that owns the assets related to “Phase II” of the Front-End Manufacturing Facility and the Back-End Manufacturing Facility.

Sites” The Front-End Site and the Back-End Site.

Sponsor” Solyndra, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.

Sponsor Certificate” A certificate executed by an Authorized Official of the Sponsor that is (i) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Financial Closing Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit E1 to the Common Agreement, (ii) with respect to any certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Common Agreement, dated as of the Periodic Approval Date and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit E2 to the Common Agreement, (iii) delivered as a condition precedent to Project Completion, or (iv) with respect to any other certification to be made by the Sponsor pursuant to any Loan Document, addressing such matters as are specified in such Loan Document.

Sponsor IPO” The closing of the initial public offering of the common stock of the Sponsor.

Sponsor Loan Documents” As defined in Section 4.1.1(c) of the Common Agreement.

Sponsor Revenue Account” As defined in the Collateral Agency Agreement.

Sponsor Support Agreement” The Sponsor Support Agreement dated as of the Common Agreement Date among the Sponsor, the Collateral Agent, the Loan Servicer and the Borrower.

Sponsor’s Accountant” The firm of independent public accountants acting as Borrower’s Accountant, in its capacity as accountant to the Sponsor.

Standard & Poor’s” or “S&P” Standard & Poor’s Ratings’ Group, a division of McGraw-Hill Inc., a New York corporation, so long as it is a rating agency.

Subordination Agreement” One or more subordination agreements, if any, pursuant to which all Indebtedness and certain other payment obligations from the Borrower to the Sponsor are subordinated to the Secured Obligations, and in form and substance satisfactory to each Credit Party.

Subordination Documents” As defined in the Equity Funding Agreement.

Tangible Net Worth” The net worth of Sponsor on a consolidated basis, as calculated in accordance with GAAP, less intangible assets. For purposes of this definition, the assets and liabilities of the Borrower shall be excluded in determining Tangible Net Worth.

 

30


Technology” Regardless of form, any invention (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice), discovery, information, work of authorship, articles of manufacture, machines, methods, processes, models, procedures, protocols, designs, diagrams, drawings, documentation, flow charts, network configurations and architectures, schematics, specifications, concepts, data, databases and data collections, algorithms, formulas, know-how, and techniques, software code, including all source code, object code, firmware, development tools and application programming interfaces (APIs), tools, materials, marketing and development plans, and other forms of technology and all media on which any of the foregoing is recorded.

Third-Party IP License Agreements” Any agreements providing Intellectual Property Rights to the Borrower, other than the Project IP License Agreement.

Third-Party Materials Supply Agreements” The Materials Supply Agreements entered into from time to time, each between the Sponsor and various suppliers, pursuant to which such suppliers will supply to the Sponsor certain raw materials, commodities and other supplies, including all raw materials, commodities and other supplies required to operate the Project.

Third-Party Project Documents” The Third-Party Sales Agreements, the Third-Party Materials Supply Agreements, and the Third-Party IP License Agreements.

Third-Party Sales Agreements” The Sales Agreements entered into from time to time, each between the Sponsor and various purchasers, pursuant to which such purchasers will buy products from the Sponsor, including a portion of the output of the Project.

Title Company” Chicago Title Company.

Title XVII” Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. 109-58, as amended by Section 406 of Div A of Title IV of Pub. L. 111-5, as may be amended from time to time.

Total Funding Available” The aggregate of all funds that are (i) undrawn but committed, or reasonably expected to be available, under the DOE Credit Facility and the Base Equity Commitments, (ii) received or receivable delay payments and Loss Proceeds, (iii) amounts standing to the credit of the Project Revenue Account and the Disbursement Account, and (iv) all unused Overrun Equity Commitments and any other unused equity funding that is committed or reasonably expected to be available.

Total Project Costs” The total amount of Project Costs required for completion of the Project.

Transaction Documents” The Project Documents and the Loan Documents.

Uniform Commercial Code” The Uniform Commercial Code of the jurisdiction, the law of which governs the document in which such term is used.

U.S.” The United States of America.

 

31


Exhibit A1

to Common Agreement

FINANCIAL PLAN

 

SOURCES:

    

Debt

    

DOE Guaranteed Loan

   $535,000,000  
   Total Debt   $535,000,000

Equity

    

Base Equity

   $198,000,000  
   Total Equity   $198,000,000

TOTAL SOURCES

     $733,000,000

[***]

    

[***]

    

[***]

   [***]  

[***]

   [***]  

[***]

   [***]  

[***]

   [***]  
   [***]   [***]

[***]

    

[***]

   [***]  

[***]

   [***]  
   [***]   [***]

[***]

    

[***]

   [***]  

Overrun Contingencies

   $65,417,000  

[***]

   [***]  
   [***]   [***]

[***]

     [***]

[***]

*** Information has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment which has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Exhibit A2

to Common Agreement

DEFINITION OF PROJECT COMPLETION

Project Completion” The satisfaction of the following conditions, as evidenced by the written notification from DOE to the Borrower in accordance with clause (e)(iii) of this definition:

(a) Physical Completion Tests:

(i) General. The Project Facilities, including without limitation all fabrication lines constituting the Front-End Manufacturing Facility, all Shared Manufacturing Facilities, all Back-End Project Facilities, and all other buildings, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure necessary to operate the Project in accordance with the Operating Plan (A) have been completely constructed, completed, and installed, all utilizing first-class standards of workmanship and materials and in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule, the Construction Budget and the terms of the Construction Documents, (B) all essential elements thereof, including work cells as applicable, have been tested and commissioned in accordance with standards that are (x) to be developed by the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer no later than 180 days prior to the anticipated date of Physical Completion, and (y) to be incorporated as modifications to the terms of the applicable Construction Documents; (C) are operating in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications, the terms of the Project Documents, and all environmental permits and licenses, Environmental Laws, and other applicable guidelines; (D) have been accepted and paid for (except for amounts not yet due and payable), as evidenced by the Borrower having issued final acceptance certificates relating to each of the material Construction Documents; and (E) have been and are being properly operated and maintained in all respects.

(ii) Construction Work. All Construction Work under the Construction Documents shall have been completed, including without limitation all Punch List Items, except for warranty issues that do not affect performance of the Project Facilities and do not have a material impact on environmental or occupational health and safety matters.

(iii) Demobilization. The Construction Contractors and all subcontractors under the Construction Documents shall have cleared the applicable Sites (except to the extent required to deal with warranty issues).

(iv) Supplies. The supply arrangements shall have been completed in accordance with the Project Materials Supply Agreement.

(v) O&M Activities. The Operator shall have performed all obligations then required to be performed by it in accordance with Article 2 of the O&M Agreement.

(vi) Capital Spares. All capital spares shall have been procured and stored at the agreed locations in accordance with the Project Equipment Supply Agreement.


(b) Operational Completion Tests:

(i) Performance Testing. The Project Facilities shall have successfully completed all tests demonstrating satisfaction of all required performance standards under the Construction Documents, including without limitation production output tests that are (x) to be developed by the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer no later than 180 days prior to the anticipated date of Physical Completion, and (y) to be incorporated as modifications to the terms of the applicable Construction Documents.

(ii) Construction Documents. (A) Final Completion under each of the Construction Documents shall have occurred, (B) all liquidated damages, including without limitation any “Delay Damages” (as defined in the Construction Documents) payable by each applicable Construction Contractor shall have been paid, and (C) no further payments shall be due from Borrower to any Construction Contractor.

(iii) Insurance Program for Operating Period. The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to DOE, an Insurance Advisor’s Certificate (A) describing in reasonable detail the Borrower’s insurance program with respect to the Operating Period (including without limitation with respect to any new insurance since the date of the final Advance, copies of certificates or policies with respect thereto, designating the Collateral Agent as loss payee, as appropriate, all certified by the Borrower as being true and complete), and (B) certifying that it has reviewed and analyzed such insurance program and that in its opinion such insurance program satisfies all the requirements of Schedule 6.3(b).

(c) Financial Completion:

(i) First Principal Payment. The Borrower shall have paid in full the first scheduled principal payment due under the DOE Credit Facility.

(ii) Minimum Commercial Shipments. The value of Borrower’s total commercial shipments from the sales of products from the Project for the preceding twelve fiscal months was equal to or greater than [***].

(iii) Cash Flow Available For Debt Service. The Borrower generated Cash Flow Available for Debt Service for the preceding four fiscal quarters of at least [***].

(iv) Debt Service Reserve. The Debt Service Reserve Account is fully funded (or the Debt Service Reserve Letters of Credit shall have been posted in lieu thereof).

(d) Legal Conditions:

(i) Title to Assets. The Borrower shall have good freehold title or valid leasehold interests free and clear of all Liens and encumbrances (except for Permitted Liens) to the Project Facilities and all of the land and all buildings, equipment, and facilities referred to above, and to all other facilities now or then known to be required for the Project.

*** Information has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment which has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

2


(ii) Liens Under Security Documents. The Borrower shall have granted Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties with respect to all of the assets required to be subject to the Security Documents.

(iii) Transaction Documents. Each Transaction Document shall have been executed and delivered by all parties thereto and shall remain in full force and effect and no party thereto shall be in breach of any obligation thereunder.

(iv) Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct as of the Project Completion Date.

(v) Approvals, Permits and Licenses. All such Governmental Approvals required as of the Project Completion Date (including any Governmental Approvals disclosed in writing by the Borrower and required on that date) have been obtained and are in full force and effect and are not then under appeal or subject to other proceedings or unsatisfied conditions that could reasonably be expected to result in a material modification or cancellation as of such date. The Borrower is in compliance with all such Governmental Approvals, the non-compliance with which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(vi) No Event of Default or Default. No Event of Default or Potential Default shall exist.

(e) Project Completion Certificate Delivery.

(i) Delivery of Project Completion Certificate. The Borrower shall have furnished DOE with a Project Completion Certificate certifying that each of the requirements set forth in clauses (a) through (d) above has been satisfied as of the date of the Project Completion Certificate.

(ii) Lenders’ Engineer Report. DOE shall have received a Lenders’ Engineer Report addressing such matters as DOE shall reasonably request, including without limitation the satisfaction of the requirements set forth in clauses (a) through (d), as appropriate.

(iii) Notice of Project Completion. Following receipt of the Project Completion Certificate, DOE shall have determined that each of the requirements set forth in clauses (a) through (d) above has been satisfied and shall have so notified the Borrower in writing; provided, however, that:

(A) DOE may require confirmation, at the Borrower’s expense, of any provision of such Project Completion Certificate, including by requesting delivery to DOE of an independent consultant’s report or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to DOE; and

(B) DOE shall have the right to make requests for additional information or documents from the Borrower to substantiate the accuracy or completeness of the Project Completion Certificate.

(C) DOE shall use all reasonable efforts to notify the Borrower within thirty (30) days following receipt of the Project Completion Certificate either (i) that Project Completion has been achieved, in which case the Project Completion Date shall be deemed to be the date of such notice, or (ii) that DOE objects to the Project Completion Certificate or such Certificate is inaccurate or incomplete, which notice shall set forth the basis for such objection or determination, as the case may be.

 

3


Exhibit A3

to Common Agreement

DEFINITION OF DOE REQUIREMENTS

(from Applicable Regulations)

[Capitalized terms in this Exhibit A3 have the meanings

given to such terms in the Applicable Regulations]

The DOE Loan Guarantee Agreement shall include the following requirements and conditions:

(d) Pursuant to Section 6.09.10(d) of the Applicable Regulations, prior to the execution by DOE of a Loan Guarantee Agreement, DOE must ensure that the following requirements and conditions, which must be specified in the Loan Guarantee Agreement, are satisfied:

(1) The Project qualifies as an “Eligible Project” under the Act and is not a research, development, or demonstration project or a project that employs Commercial Technologies in service in the United States;

(2) The Project will be constructed and operated in the United States, the employment of the new or significantly improved technology in the Project has the potential to be replicated in other commercial projects in the United States, and this technology is or is likely to be available in the United States for further commercial application;

(3) The face value of the debt guaranteed by DOE is limited to no more than 80 percent of total Project Costs;

(4) (i) Where DOE guarantees 100 percent of the Guaranteed Obligation, the Guaranteed Loan shall be funded by FFB;

(ii) Where DOE guarantees more than 90 percent of the Guaranteed Obligation, the guaranteed portion cannot be separated from or “stripped” from the non-guaranteed portion of the Guaranteed Obligation if the loan is participated, syndicated or otherwise resold in the secondary market;

(iii) Where DOE guarantees 90 percent or less of the Guaranteed Obligation, the guaranteed portion may be separated from or “stripped” from the non-guaranteed portion of the Guaranteed Obligation, if the Guaranteed Loan is participated, syndicated or otherwise resold in the secondary debt market;

(5) The Borrower and other principals involved in the Project have made or will make a significant equity investment in the Project;

(6) The Borrower is obligated to make full repayment of the principal and interest on the Guaranteed Obligations and other Project debt over a period of up to the lesser of 30 years or 90 percent of the projected useful life of the Project’s major physical assets, as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices. The non-guaranteed portion of any Guaranteed Obligation must be repaid on a pro-rata basis, and may not be repaid on a shorter amortization schedule than the guaranteed portion;


(7 ) The loan guarantee does not finance, either directly or indirectly, tax-exempt debt obligations, consistent with the requirements of section 149(b) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(8) The amount of the DOE Guarantee, when combined with other funds committed to the Project, will be sufficient to carry out the Project, including adequate contingency funds;

(9) There is a reasonable prospect of repayment by Borrower of the principal of and interest on the Guaranteed Obligations and other Project debt;

(10) The Borrower has pledged Project assets and other collateral or surety, including non project-related assets, determined by DOE to be necessary to secure the repayment of the Guaranteed Obligations;

(11) The DOE Loan Guarantee Agreement and related documents include detailed terms and conditions necessary and appropriate to protect the interest of the United States in the case of default, including ensuring availability of all the intellectual property rights, technical data including software, and physical assets necessary for any person or entity, including DOE, to complete, operate, convey, and dispose of the defaulted project;

(12) The interest rate on any Guaranteed Obligation is determined by DOE, after consultation with the Treasury Department, to be reasonable, taking into account the range of interest rates prevailing in the private sector for similar obligations of comparable risk guaranteed by the Federal government;

(13) Any Guaranteed Obligation is not subordinate to any loan or other debt obligation and is in a first lien position on all assets of the Project and all additional collateral pledged as security for the Guaranteed Obligations and other Project debt;

(14) There is satisfactory evidence that Borrower and FFB or other Holders are willing, competent, and capable of performing the terms and conditions of the Guaranteed Obligations and other debt obligation and the DOE Loan Guarantee Agreement, and will diligently pursue the Project;

(15) The Borrower has made the initial (or total) payment of fees for the Administrative Cost of Issuing the DOE Guarantee for the construction and operational phases of the Project (Third Fee);

(16) FFB, other Holder or servicer has taken and is obligated to continue to take those actions necessary to perfect and maintain liens on assets which are pledged as collateral for the Guaranteed Obligation;

(17) If Borrower is to make payment in full for the Credit Subsidy Cost of the loan guarantee pursuant to Section 1702(b)(2) of the Act, such payment must be received by DOE prior to, or at the time of, closing;

 

2


(18) DOE or its representatives have access to the Project site at all reasonable times in order to monitor the performance of the Project;

(19) DOE, FFB, or other Holder and Borrower have reached an agreement as to the information that will be made available to DOE and the information that will be made publicly available;

(20) The prospective Borrower has filed applications for or obtained any required regulatory approvals for the Project and is in compliance, or promptly will be in compliance, where appropriate, with all Federal, state, and local regulatory requirements;

(21) Borrower has no delinquent Federal debt, including tax liabilities, unless the delinquency has been resolved with the appropriate Federal agency in accordance with the standards of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996;

(22) The DOE Loan Guarantee Agreement contains such other terms and conditions as DOE deems reasonable and necessary to protect the interest of the United States; and

(23) (i) The Lender is an “Eligible Lender”, as defined in §609.2 of the Applicable Regulations, and meets DOE’s lender eligibility and performance requirement contained in §§609.11 (a) and (b) of the Applicable Regulations; and

(ii) The servicer meets the servicing performance requirements of §609.11(c) of the Applicable Regulations.

(e) Pursuant to Section 6.09.10(e) of the Applicable Regulations, the DOE Loan Guarantee Agreement must provide that, in the event of a default by the Borrower:

(1) Interest accrues on the Guaranteed Obligations at the rate stated in the DOE Loan Guarantee Agreement or Loan Agreement, until DOE makes full payment of the defaulted Guaranteed Obligations and, except when debt is funded through the Federal Financing Bank, DOE is not required to pay any premium, default penalties, or prepayment penalties;

(2) Upon payment of the Guaranteed Obligations by DOE, DOE is subrogated to the rights of the Holders of the debt, including all related liens, security, and collateral rights and has superior rights in and to the property acquired from the recipient of the payment as provided in §609.15 of the Applicable Regulations;

(3) FFB or any other servicer acting on DOE’s behalf is obligated to take those actions necessary to perfect and maintain liens on assets which are pledged as collateral for the Guaranteed Obligations; and

(4) The holder of pledged collateral is obligated to take such actions as DOE may reasonably require to provide for the care, preservation, protection, and maintenance of such collateral so as to enable the United States to achieve maximum recovery upon default by Borrower on the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

3


(f) Pursuant to Section 6.09.10(f) of the Applicable Regulations, the DOE Loan Guarantee Agreement must contain audit provisions which provide, in substance, as follows:

(1) FFB or any other Holder or other party servicing the Guaranteed Obligations, as applicable, and the Borrower, must keep such records concerning the project as are necessary to facilitate an effective and accurate audit and performance evaluation of the project as required in §609.17 of the Applicable Regulations; and

(2) DOE and the Comptroller General, or their duly authorized representatives, must have access, for the purpose of audit and examination, to any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the Borrower, FFB or other Holder, or other party servicing the Guaranteed Obligations, as applicable. Examination of records may be made during the regular business hours of the Borrower, FFB or other Holder, or other party servicing the Guaranteed Obligations, or at any other time mutually convenient as required in §609.17 of the Applicable Regulations.

(g) Pursuant to Section 6.09.10(g) of the Applicable Regulations, the DOE Loan Guarantee Agreement must contain provisions providing that:

(1) FFB or other Holder may sell, assign or transfer a Guaranteed Obligation to another Eligible Lender that meets the requirements of §609.11 of the Applicable Regulations. Such Eligible Lender to which a Guaranteed Obligation is assigned or transferred, is required to fulfill all servicing, monitoring, and reporting requirements contained in the DOE Loan Guarantee Agreement and these regulations if the transferring Eligible Lender was performing these functions and transfer such functions to the new Eligible Lender. Any assignment or transfer, however, of the servicing, monitoring, and reporting functions must be approved by DOE in writing in advance of such assignment; and

(2) The Secretary of Energy, or the Secretary’s designee or contractual agent, for the purpose of identifying Holders with the right to receive payment under the guarantees shall include in the DOE Loan Guarantee Agreement or related documents a procedure for tracking and identifying Holders of Guarantee Obligations. These duties usually will be performed by the servicer. Any contractual agent approved by the Secretary to perform this function cannot transfer or assign this responsibility without the prior written consent of the Secretary.

 

4


Exhibit B

to Common Agreement

RULES OF INTERPRETATION

For all purposes of this Common Agreement, including Exhibits, Schedules, Annexes and Appendices hereto, unless otherwise indicated or required by the context:

 

1. Plurals and Gender. Defined terms in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include all genders.

 

2. Use of Or. The word “or” is not exclusive.

 

3. Change of Law. Each reference to a Governmental Rule or Environmental Law includes any amendment, supplement or modification of such Governmental Rule or Environmental Law, as the case may be, and all regulations, rulings and other Governmental Rules or Environmental Laws promulgated thereunder.

 

4. Successor and Assigns. A reference to a Person includes its successors and permitted assigns.

 

5. Including. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” are not limiting and mean include, includes and including “without limitation” and “without limitation by specification”.

 

6. Hereof, Herein, Hereunder. The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in any document shall refer to such document as a whole and not to any particular provision of such document.

 

7. Articles, Sections, Exhibits. A reference in a document to an Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule, Annex or Appendix is to the Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule, Annex or Appendix of such document unless otherwise indicated.

 

8. Attachments, Replacements, Amendments. References to any document, instrument or agreement (a) shall include all exhibits, schedules, annexes and appendices thereto, and all exhibits, schedules, annexes or appendices to any document shall be deemed incorporated by reference in such document, (b) shall include all documents, instruments or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof, and (c) shall mean such document, instrument or agreement, or replacement thereto, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time and in effect at any given time.

 

9. Periods and Time. References to “days”, “weeks”, “months” and “years” shall mean calendar days, weeks, months and years, respectively. References to a time of day shall mean such time in Washington, D.C.

 

10. Ambiguities. The Loan Documents are the result of negotiations among, and have been reviewed by each party to the Loan Documents and their respective counsel. Accordingly, the Loan Documents shall be deemed to be the product of all parties thereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any Person.


11. Continuing Definitions. With respect to any term that is defined by reference to any document, for purposes hereof, such term shall continue to have the original definition notwithstanding any termination, expiration or modification of such document.

 

12. Terms Defined Elsewhere. Terms that are defined in the preamble, the recitals, or the Sections of this Agreement have the meanings ascribed to them therein.

 

13. Headings. The table of contents and article and section headings and other captions have been inserted as a matter of convenience for the purpose of reference only and do not limit or affect the meaning of the terms and provisions thereof.

 

14. Accounting Terms. All accounting terms not specifically defined shall be construed in accordance with GAAP.

 

15. Forward-Looking Statements. With respect to preparation or update by any Person of budgets, projections or other forward-looking plans and forecasts, such Person shall be deemed to represent only that such budgets, projections and forward-looking plans and forecasts were prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by such Person to be reasonable at the time of their preparation or update.

 

2


Exhibit C1

to Common Agreement

FORM OF BORROWER CERTIFICATE

(For Initial Closing)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.20 of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                     , 2009

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn: William G. Miller
Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn: William G. Miller
Re: Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Borrower Certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Sections 4.1.20 of the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this Certificate shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

The Borrower HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

 

1. Pursuant to Section 4.1.2 of the Common Agreement, the following Project Documents were delivered on the Financial Closing Date, (a) each of which is (i) a true and complete copy of such document (including all schedules, exhibits, attachments, supplements and amendments thereto and any related protocols or side letters), and (ii) has been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto and is in full force and effect; and (b) to the Borrower’s Knowledge, no party to any such document is, or but for the passage of time or giving of notice or both will be, in breach of any obligation thereunder:

 

  a) The Land Purchase Agreement;

 

  b) Engineering and Architectural Services Agreement;

 

  c) an assignment of the Engineering and Architectural Services Agreement from the Sponsor to the Borrower;

 

  d) the Front-End Construction Contract;

 

  e) the Project Equipment Supply Agreement;

 

C1-1


  f) the Construction Management Agreement;

 

  g) The Project Sales Agreement;

 

  h) the Project Materials Supply Agreement;

 

  i) the Project IP License Agreement;

 

  j) the O&M Agreement; and

 

  k) the O&M Guarantee.

 

2. Pursuant to Section 4.1.3 of the Common Agreement, the Advance Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.3 was, when submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on [                 , 2009], and remains now, the Borrower’s best estimate in all material respects, based on all facts and circumstances then existing and known to the Borrower, of the timing and amount of proposed Advances and Equity Contributions for the Project (showing the total Advances expected in each calendar month);

 

3. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(i) of the Common Agreement, the Financial Plan submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on [                 , 2009], demonstrates that the DOE Credit Facility Commitment, when combined with other funds committed to the Project, including the Base Equity, will be available and sufficient to carry out the Project and based on the Borrower’s reasonable estimates of the information contained therein;

 

4. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(ii) of the Common Agreement, the Base Case Projections, including a computer file containing the Base Case Projections and the underlying models and assumptions and explanations thereto, submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on [                 , 2009], represent the Borrower’s reasonable estimates of the information contained therein;

 

5. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(iii) of the Common Agreement, the Project Milestone Schedule, submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on [                 , 2009], represent the Borrower’s reasonable estimates of the information contained therein;

 

6. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(iv) of the Common Agreement, the Construction Budget, submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on [                 , 2009], represent the Borrower’s reasonable estimates of the information contained therein;

 

7. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(v) of the Common Agreement, a detailed description, with supporting documents, as reasonably requested, of Development Costs incurred to date and a Development Costs Statement summarizing those costs which the Borrower seeks credit as Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit to be applied toward Base Equity and which are to be reviewed by the Lenders’ Engineer, was submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer prior to the date hereof, and remains now true and complete and represents the Borrower’s reasonable estimates of the information contained therein;

 

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8. Pursuant to Section 4.1.9(ii) of the Common Agreement, the amounts reflected in the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit (a) are in an amount less than 10% of Eligible Base Project Costs, and (b) have been or are to be applied in accordance with the Construction Budget only for Eligible Base Project Costs and a description of amounts in the Construction Budget that have been applied to Ineligible Base Project Costs, submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on or prior to the date hereof, is true and complete;

 

9. Pursuant to Section 4.1.9(iii) of the Common Agreement, no charges have been made to the line item for Overrun Contingencies in the Construction Budget, except for Approved Construction Changes;

 

10. Pursuant to Section 4.1.10 of the Common Agreement, (a) all Governmental Approvals and other Required Consents listed on Schedule 5.10 to the Common Agreement (except those identified on Schedule 5.10 as to be obtained at a later stage in the development of the Project) have been duly obtained, and (b) a copy of each such Governmental Approval or other Required Consent, each submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on or prior to the date hereof, and each of which is true and complete;

 

11. Pursuant to Section 4.1.13 of the Common Agreement, the Periodic Expenses of any Independent Consultants incurred and invoiced prior to the Financial Closing Date (x) have been paid in full, (y) are to be paid with the proceeds of the requested Advance, or (z) are to be paid by other satisfactory arrangements;

 

12. Pursuant to Section 4.1.14 of the Common Agreement, the price set forth in each Construction Document has not been amended, changed or modified from the price as of the Common Agreement Date, except for Approved Construction Changes;

 

13. Pursuant to Section 4.1.15 of the Common Agreement, (a) all conditions precedent to the effectiveness of, or issuance of the Construction Notice to Proceed or performance of obligations under the Front-End Construction Contract, have been satisfied or waived, or will be concurrently with the initial Advance, and (b) a Construction Notice to Proceed under the Front-End Construction Contract has been issued or will be concurrently with the initial Advance;

 

14. Pursuant to Section 4.1.19 of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.19 are true and complete copies of the Borrower’s organizational documents (as amended to date), good standing certificates and incumbency certificates;

 

15. Pursuant to Section 4.1.19 of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.19 are true and complete copies of the Borrower’s resolutions duly adopted by the sole Member of the Borrower to authorize (a) the Borrower’s participation in the Project, (b) the financing therefor and the granting of Liens, and (c) the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Transaction Documents (including a Direct Agreement) to which it is party;

 

16. Pursuant to Section 4.1.23 of the Common Agreement, all required Taxes, all Periodic Expenses, and all recordation and other costs, fees and Periodic Expenses due in connection with the execution, delivery, filing, registration, or performance of the Transaction Documents or the perfection of the security interests in the Collateral Security (x) have been paid in full, (y) are to be paid with the proceeds of the requested Advance, or (z) are to be paid by other satisfactory arrangements;

 

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17. Pursuant to Section 4.1.24 of the Common Agreement, (a) insurance coverage for the Project satisfies the requirements for Required Insurance as set forth on Schedule 6.3(b) of the Common Agreement and certificates or policies for such insurance coverage are attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.24, and (b) the applicable insurance policies are in full force and effect without default;

 

18. Pursuant to Section 4.1.32 of the Common Agreement, the recommendations for mitigation of earthquake risk have been adequately addressed in the Construction Documents;

 

19. Pursuant to Section 4.1.33 of the Common Agreement, the implementation programs and infrastructure development plans are sufficient to provide consumables and materials supplies to the Project in accordance with the terms of the Project Materials Supply Agreement and are continuing in effect without major interruption;

 

20. Pursuant to Section 4.1.34 of the Common Agreement, (i) arrangements reflected in the Project Milestone Schedule and the Construction Budget have been made under the Construction Documents or are otherwise available to the extent required in Section 5.25 of the Common Agreement for the provision of all services, materials and utilities necessary for the construction, startup, commissioning and shakedown of the Project, and (ii) arrangements reflected in the Base Case Projections have been made or can be made under the Operating Documents to the extent then appropriate in the determination of each Relevant Credit Party or are otherwise available to the extent required in Section 5.25 of the Common Agreement for the provision of all services, materials and utilities necessary for the operation and maintenance of the Project as contemplated by the Project Documents;

 

21. Pursuant to Section 4.1.36 of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has determined that all conditions precedent to the obligations of any party under any Project Document to be performed as of the Financial Closing Date have been satisfied; and

 

22. Pursuant to Section 4.1.38 of the Common Agreement, all employees of the Borrower have entered into valid and binding non-disclosure and assignment of invention agreements.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Borrower Certificate as of the date first written above.

 

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SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

C1-5


Exhibit C2

to Common Agreement

FORM OF BORROWER CERTIFICATE

(For Periodic Closing)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.2.11(i) of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                         , 20__

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn: Ove B. Westerheim
Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn: Ove B. Westerheim
Re: Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Borrower Certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Section 4.2.11(i) of the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this Borrower Certificate shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

The Borrower HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

 

1. Pursuant to Section 4.2.1(i) of the Common Agreement, the updated Advance Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit 4.2.1(i), including the estimates set forth therein of the timing and amount of Advances required in connection with the construction and financing of the Project is consistent with the Construction Budget and the Project Milestone Schedule;

 

2. Pursuant to Section 4.2.1(ii) of the Common Agreement, the proceeds of all Advances made since the [Common Agreement Date] [previous Periodic Approval Date] have been applied as set forth in the corresponding Periodic Approved Advance Schedule or as otherwise approved by each Relevant Credit Party on [insert Periodic Approval Date];

 

3. Pursuant to Section 4.2.1(iii) of the Common Agreement, (i) the proceeds of all Advances to be made with respect to the updated Advance Schedule for the upcoming three (3) month period will be needed for Eligible Project Costs that have been incurred or by the Requested Advance Date will be incurred, and (ii) attached hereto as Exhibit 4.2.1 is a description in reasonable detail of such Eligible Project Costs;

 

C2-1


4. [Pursuant to Section 4.2.3(a) of the Common Agreement, the Construction Progress Report delivered on                  , 20__, is accurate and complete in all material respects based upon Borrower’s good faith reasonable estimates of the information contained therein, including with respect to the following:

(i) [Construction of the Project is proceeding in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule] OR [The Construction Progress Report (i) reasonably adequately describes any variances from the Project Milestone Schedule and Construction Budget and (ii) the variances stated in the Construction Progress Report could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect];

(ii) Total Funding Available is sufficient to pay all remaining Total Project Costs (including Interest During Construction, DOE Credit Facility Fees, Periodic Expenses, and identified Cost Overruns); and

(iii) evidence that as of the date of such Construction Progress Report (A) each Construction Contractor, any sub-contractor, and the Operator shall have irrevocably waived and released all Liens, statutory or otherwise, that any of them may have or acquire on the Collateral Security with respect to the work completed prior to the last submission for payment, except for Liens in favor of any Person in an aggregate amount for such Person not greater than $50,000; and (B) all unpaid balances that are due or unsettled claims with any Construction Contractor or any sub-contractor, if any, have been adequately paid and that those being contested or negotiated in good faith are provisioned to the reasonable satisfaction of each Relevant Credit Party;]1

 

5. [Pursuant to Section 4.2.3(b) of the Common Agreement:

(i) there is no reason to believe that anything is incorrect or misleading in any material respect in the Construction Progress Report delivered on                  , 20__; and

(ii) nothing has occurred since the date of such Construction Progress Report or the date of the Lenders’ Engineer’s most recent site visit, whichever is later, that could reasonably be expected to prevent construction of the Project in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule and the Construction Budget;]2

 

6. Pursuant to Section 4.2.5 of the Common Agreement, (i) all consents and approvals of third Persons as may be required in connection with the proposed Advances and all Governmental Approvals required as of the Periodic Approval Date have been duly obtained and are in full force and effect and are not under appeal or subject to other proceedings or unsatisfied conditions that could reasonably be expected to result in a material modification or cancellation thereof, and (ii) attached hereto as Exhibit 4.2.5 are true and complete copies of all material Governmental Approvals not previously delivered;

 

 

1

Not applicable with respect to initial Advance.

2

Not applicable with respect to initial Advance.

 

C2-2


7. Pursuant to Section 4.2.6 of the Common Agreement, (i) all Required Insurance is in place, in good standing and in full force and all premiums due thereon (x) have been paid in full, (y) are to be paid with the proceeds of the requested Advance, or (z) are to be paid by other satisfactory arrangements and, and (ii) attached hereto as Exhibit 4.2.6 are true and complete copies of all certificates or policies with respect to any additional renewal or substitute insurance obtained by the Borrower since the [Common Agreement Date] [previous Periodic Approval Date] designating the Collateral Agent as loss payee, as appropriate;

 

8. Pursuant to Section 4.2.7(a) of the Common Agreement, (i) all corporate and similar proceedings concluded since the last Periodic Approval Date are in proper form and substance, and (ii) attached hereto as Exhibit 4.2.7(a) are true and complete original counterparts or copies of all Additional Project Documents entered into since the last Periodic Approval Date;

 

9. Pursuant to Section 4.2.7(b)(i) of the Common Agreement, the preparation of the Back-End Project Facilities, including with respect to selection of the Back-End Site and negotiation of the terms of the Back-End Site Lease, the Back-End Construction Contract and a Direct Agreement with the Back-End Site Lessor and the Back-End Construction Contractor, is proceeding in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule;

 

10. Pursuant to Section 4.2.7(b)(ii) of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 4.2.7(b)(ii) are true and complete original counterparts or copies of Back-End Site Lease, the Back-End Construction Contract, a Direct Agreement with the Back-End Site Lessor, and all other instruments and documents entered into since the last Periodic Approval Date with respect to the Back-End Project Facilities;

 

11. Pursuant to Section 4.2.8 of the Common Agreement, the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents (other than those that speak only as to an earlier date) are true and correct in all material respects and no Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

12. Pursuant to Section 4.2.9 of the Common Agreement, no changes to the technical requirements of the existing Governmental Approvals has occurred, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

13. Pursuant to Section 4.2.12 of the Common Agreement, (i) there have been no changes to the Construction Budget since the [Common Agreement Date] [previous Periodic Approval Date], except for Approved Construction Changes, and (ii) the aggregate amounts expended for each type of Project Cost does not exceed the aggregate amounts budgeted for such cost in the Construction Budget, except for Approved Construction Changes.

 

C2-3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Borrower Certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

C2-4


Exhibit D1

to Common Agreement

FORM OF LENDERS’ ENGINEER CERTIFICATE

(For Financial Closing Date)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.12(i) of the Common Agreement)

[On Letterhead of the Lenders’ Engineer]

Date of this Certificate:                 , 20__

Requested Advance Date:                 , 20__

U.S. Department of Energy

Headquarters Procurement Services

Division B, MA-642.2

1000 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington DC 20585-1615

 

Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

A. This Certificate of the Lenders’ Engineer is delivered to you by R.W. Beck, Inc. as Lenders’ Engineer pursuant to the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) US Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

 

B. All capitalized terms used in this Certificate of the Lenders’ Engineer shall have the respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

 

C. To the extent that this Certificate of the Lenders’ Engineer evidences, attests or confirms compliance with any covenants, conditions, procedures or requirements, we have made such examination or investigation as was, in our opinion, necessary to enable us to express an opinion as to whether such covenants, conditions, procedures or requirements have been complied with.

 

D. Our review and observations were performed in accordance with the Matching Order DE-MO01-09CF02001 and the Sponsor Payment Letter dated November 25, 2008 and with generally accepted engineering practice and in accordance with the standards of care practiced by independent and consulting engineers performing similar tasks on like projects.

 

D1-1


E. The opinions that support our certifications contained herein were developed with the understanding and assumption, after appropriate due diligence, that we have been provided true, correct, and complete information satisfactory in form and scope from the Borrower as to the matters covered by this Certificate of the Lenders’ Engineer.

Pursuant to Section 4.1.12 (i) of the Common Agreement, the undersigned DOES HEREBY CERTIFY that, as of the date hereof:

 

  1. Pursuant to Section 4.1.3 of the Common Agreement, the Advance Schedule provided by the Borrower on [                 , 2009] showing the timing and amount of proposed Advances and Equity Contributions for the Project (the total Advances expected in each calendar month) is consistent with the Financial Plan, Construction Budget and Project Milestone Schedule, based on all facts and circumstances then existing and known to us. The basis certification is attached in Exhibit [__];

 

  2. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(i) of the Common Agreement, the Financial Plan provided by the Borrower on [                 , 2009], shows that the anticipated sources of funds, including the DOE Credit Facility Commitment, when combined with other funds committed to the Project, including the Base Equity, are equal to the estimated uses of funds to carry out the Project;

 

  3. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(ii) of the Common Agreement, and based on our review of the information presented in the Base Case Projections, including a computer file containing the Base Case Projections and the underlying models and assumptions and explanations thereto, provided by the Borrower on [                 , 2009] and the Borrower’s identified contingency plans to mitigate the risks of scale-up and yield improvements, we are of the opinion that the performance identified in the Base Case Projections regarding yield, availability and production are achievable. The basis for the Independent Engineer’s certification is attached in Exhibit [__];

 

  4. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(iii) of the Common Agreement, the Project Milestone Schedule provided by the Borrower on [                 , 2009] is achievable for the Project. The basis for the Independent Engineer’s certification is attached in Exhibit [__];

 

  5. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(iv) of the Common Agreement, (a) the Construction Budget provided by the Borrower on [                 , 2009] is consistent with the Advance Schedule and Financial Plan for the Project and is within the range of estimated construction costs that we would expect for projects of similar size and technology. The basis for this Lenders’ Engineer certification is attached in Exhibit [__];

 

  6. Pursuant to Section 4.1.9(i) of the Common Agreement, we have reviewed the Borrower’s description, and supporting documents, of Development Costs provided by the Borrower on [                 , 2009] pursuant to Section 4.1.4(v) of the Common Agreement; the amount of Development Costs of [$            ] certified by the Borrower in such description can be included in the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit;

 

D1-2


  7. Pursuant to Section 4.1.9(ii) of the Common Agreement, (a) the amounts reflected in the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit are in an amount less than 10 percent of Eligible Base Project Costs and have been or are to be applied in accordance with the Construction Budget only for Eligible Base Project Costs, and (b) the Borrower has provided a description of amounts in the Construction Budget that have been applied to Ineligible Base Project Costs. For the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower has indicated that there are no Ineligible Base Project Costs;

 

  8. Pursuant to Section 4.1.9(iii) of the Common Agreement, and certified by the Borrower, no charges, except for Approved Construction Changes, in consultation with the Lenders’ Engineer, have been made to the line item for Overrun Contingencies in the Construction Budget;

 

  9. Pursuant to Section 4.1.12(iii) of the Common Agreement, (a) the Total Project Costs are not estimated to exceed $733,000,000, (b) the amount of each type of Project Cost does not exceed the aggregate amounts budgeted for such cost in the Construction Budget, except for Approved Construction Changes, and (c) with respect to the Financial Plan, the Base Case Projections and the Construction Budget, we have reviewed and analyzed the same and confirmed the reasonableness of the technical-related assumptions and information set forth therein;

 

  10. Pursuant to Section 4.1.14 of the Common Agreement, the price set forth in each Construction Document and certified by the Borrower, has not been amended, changed or modified from the price as of the Common Agreement Date, except for Approved Construction Changes;

 

  11. Pursuant to Section 4.1.15 of the Common Agreement, and certified by the Borrower, (a) any conditions precedent to the effectiveness of, or issuance of the Construction Notice to Proceed or performance of obligations under the Front-End Construction Contract, have been satisfied or waived or will be concurrently with the initial Advance, and (b) a Construction Notice to Proceed under the Front-End Construction Contract has been issued or will be concurrently with the initial Advance;

 

  12. Pursuant to Section 4.1.16 of the Common Agreement, the Fab I Facility Performance Targets are reasonable performance metrics;

 

  13. Pursuant to Section 4.1.32 of the Common Agreement, the recommendations for mitigation of earthquake risk have been adequately addressed in the Construction Documents;

 

D1-3


  14. Pursuant to Section 4.1.33 of the Common Agreement, and certified by the Borrower, the implementation programs and infrastructure development plans provided by the Borrower on [                 , 2009] are sufficient to provide consumables and materials supplies to the Project in accordance with the terms of the Project Materials Supply Agreement and, to our knowledge, are continuing in effect without major interruption;

 

  15. Pursuant to Section 4.1.34(i) of the Common Agreement, arrangements reflected in the Project Milestone Schedule and the Construction Budget have been made under the Construction Documents or are otherwise available to the extent required in Section 5.25 of the Common Agreement for the provision of all services, materials and utilities necessary for the construction, startup, commissioning and shakedown of the Project;

 

  16. Pursuant to Section 4.1.34(ii) of the Common Agreement, and certified by the Borrower, arrangements reflected in the Base Case Projections have been made or can be made under the Operating Documents or are otherwise available to the extent required in Section 5.25 of the Common Agreement, for the provision of all services, materials and utilities necessary for the operation and maintenance of the Project as contemplated by the Project Documents.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate of Lenders’ Engineer as of the date hereof.

 

R. W. BECK, INC., AS LENDERS’ ENGINEER
By:    
Its:    
By:    
Its: Vice President

 

D1-4


Exhibit D2

to Common Agreement

FORM OF LENDERS’ ENGINEER CERTIFICATE

(For Periodic Closing)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.2.11(iii) of the Common Agreement)

[On Letterhead of the Lenders’ Engineer]

Date of this Certificate:                         , 20__

U.S. Department of Energy

Headquarters Procurement Services

Division B, MA-642.2

1000 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington DC 20585-1615

 

Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

A. This Certificate of the Lenders’ Engineer is delivered to you by R.W. Beck, Inc. as Lenders’ Engineer pursuant to the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) US Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

 

B. All capitalized terms used in this Certificate of the Lenders’ Engineer shall have the respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

 

C. To the extent that this Certificate of the Lenders’ Engineer evidences, attests or confirms compliance with any covenants, conditions, procedures or requirements, we have made such examination or investigation as was, in our opinion, necessary to enable us to express an opinion as to whether such covenants, conditions, procedures or requirements have been complied with.

 

D. Our review and observations were performed in accordance with the Matching Order DE-MO01-09CF02001 and the Sponsor Payment Letter dated November 25, 2008 and with generally accepted engineering practice and in accordance with the standards of care practiced by independent and consulting engineers performing similar tasks on like projects.

 

E. The opinions that support our certifications contained herein were developed with the understanding and assumption, after appropriate due diligence, that we have been provided true, correct, and complete information satisfactory in form and scope from the Borrower as to the matters covered by this Certificate of the Lenders’ Engineer.

 

D2-1


Pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Common Agreement, the undersigned DO HEREBY CERTIFY that, as of the date hereof:

 

1. Pursuant to Section 4.2.1(i) of the Common Agreement, the updated Advance Schedule provided by the Borrower on [                 , 2009], including the estimates set forth therein, of the timing and amount of Advances required in connection with the construction and financing of the Project is consistent with the Construction Budget and the Project Milestone Schedule;

 

2. Pursuant to Section 4.2.1(ii) of the Common Agreement, to our knowledge, the proceeds of all Advances made since [the Common Agreement Date (for the first Periodic Approval)] or [the previous Periodic Approval Date (for all other Periodic Approval Dates)] have been applied as set forth in the corresponding Periodic Approved Advance Schedule and documented in supplemental information provided by the Borrower for our review;

 

3. [Pursuant to Section 4.2.3(b) of the Common Agreement:

(i) we have no reason to believe that anything is incorrect or misleading in any material respect in the Construction Progress Report delivered on                  , 20__; and

(ii) nothing has occurred since the date of such Construction Progress Report or the date of the Lender’s Engineer’s most recent site visit, whichever is later, that could reasonably be expected to prevent construction of the Project in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule and the Construction Budget;]3

 

4.

Pursuant to Section 4.2.7(b) of the Common Agreement, [and as presented in the Current Construction Progress Report,]4 the preparation of the Back-End Project Facilities, including with respect to selection of the Back-End Site and negotiation of the terms of the Back-End Site Lease, the Back-End Construction Contract and a Direct Agreement with the Back-End Site Lessor and the Back-End Construction Contractor, is proceeding in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule;

 

5. Pursuant to Section 4.2.9 of the Common Agreement, to our knowledge, no changes to the technical requirements of any major existing Governmental Approval listed on Schedule 5.10 to the Common Agreement has occurred, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

6. Pursuant to Section 4.2.10 of the Common Agreement, the Sponsor has achieved the Fab I Facility Performance Targets applicable to this Periodic Approval Date;

 

 

3

Not applicable with respect to initial Advance.

4

Not applicable with respect to initial Advance.

 

D2-2


7. Pursuant to Section 4.2.12(i) of the Common Agreement, to our knowledge, there have been no changes to the Construction Budget since [the date of the Common Agreement][the immediately preceding Periodic Approval Date], except for Approved Construction Changes; and

 

8. Pursuant to Section 4.2.12(ii) of the Common Agreement, the aggregate amounts expended for each type of Project Cost does not exceed the aggregate amounts budgeted for such cost in the Construction Budget, except for Approved Construction Changes.

 

Very truly yours
R. W. BECK, INC., AS LENDERS’ ENGINEER
By:    
Its:    
By:    
Its: Vice President

 

D2-3


Exhibit E1

to Common Agreement

FORM OF SPONSOR’S CERTIFICATE

(For Initial Closing)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.20 of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                     , 2009

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn: William G. Miller
Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn: William G. Miller
Re: Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Sponsor’s Certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Section 4.1.20 of the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this Certificate shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

The Sponsor HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

 

1. Pursuant to Section 4.1.3 of the Common Agreement, the Advance Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.3 was, when submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on [                 , 2009], and is the Sponsor’s best estimate in all material respects, based on all facts and circumstances then existing and known to the Sponsor, of the timing and amount of proposed Advances and Equity Contributions for the Project (showing the total Advances expected in each calendar month);

 

2. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(i) of the Common Agreement, the Financial Plan submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on [                 , 2009], demonstrates that the DOE Credit Facility Commitment, when combined with other funds committed to the Project, including the Base Equity, will be available and sufficient to carry out the Project based on the Sponsor’s reasonable estimates of the information contained therein;

 

3. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(ii) of the Common Agreement, the Base Case Projections, including a computer file containing the Base Case Projections and the underlying models and assumptions and explanations thereto, submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on [                 , 2009], represent the Sponsor’s reasonable estimates of the information contained therein;

 

E1-1


4. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(iii) of the Common Agreement, the Project Milestone Schedule, submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on [                 , 2009], represents the Sponsor’s reasonable estimates of the information contained therein;

 

5. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(iv) of the Common Agreement, the Construction Budget, submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer on [                 , 2009], represents the Sponsor’s reasonable estimates of the information contained therein;

 

6. Pursuant to Section 4.1.4(v) of the Common Agreement, a detailed description with supporting documents, as reasonably requested, of Development Costs incurred to date in respect of which the Borrower seeks credit as Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit to be applied toward Base Equity and which are to be audited under the Development Costs Audit, was submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer prior to the date hereof, and remains now true and complete and represents the Sponsor’s reasonable estimate of the information contained therein;

 

7. Pursuant to Section 4.1.16 of the Common Agreement, the Fab I Facility Performance Targets are reasonable performance metrics;

 

8. Pursuant to Section 4.1.19 of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.19 are true and complete copies of the Sponsor’s organizational documents (as amended to date), good standing certificates and incumbency certificates;

 

9. Pursuant to Section 4.1.19 of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.19 are true and complete copies of the Sponsor’s resolutions duly adopted by its board of directors to authorize (a) the Sponsor’s participation in the Project, (b) the financing therefor and the granting of Liens, and (c) the execution, delivery and performance by the Sponsor of the Transaction Documents (including a Direct Agreement) to which it is party;

 

10. Pursuant to Section 4.1.25 of the Common Agreement, true and complete copies of the Third-Party Sales Agreements and Third-Party Materials Supply Agreements in effect on the Financial Closing Date have been submitted to the Lenders’ Engineer and the Loan Servicer;

 

11. Pursuant to Section 4.1.33 of the Common Agreement, the implementation programs and infrastructure development plans are sufficient to provide consumables and materials supplies to the Project in accordance with the terms of the Project Materials Supply Agreement and are continuing in effect without major interruption; and

 

12. Pursuant to Section 4.1.38 of the Common Agreement, all employees of the Borrower have entered into valid and binding non-disclosure and assignment of invention agreements.

 

E1-2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Sponsor’s Certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA, INC.
By:    
Its:    

 

cc: Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

 

E1-3


Exhibit E2

to Common Agreement

FORM OF SPONSOR CERTIFICATE

(For Periodic Closing)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.2.11(ii) of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                     , 20__

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn: Ove B. Westerheim
Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn: Ove B. Westerheim
Re: Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Sponsor’s Certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Section 4.2.11(ii) of the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this Sponsor’s Certificate shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

The Sponsor HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

 

1. Pursuant to Section 4.2.10 of the Common Agreement, the Sponsor has achieved the Fab I Facility Performance Targets applicable to this Periodic Approval Date; and

 

2. Pursuant to Section 4.2.13 of the Common Agreement, the amount of Base Equity required with respect to Advances made as of the date of the updated Advance Schedule has been funded through allocations of the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit or amounts transferred from the Equity Funding Account to the Disbursement Account as required under the Equity Funding Agreement.

 

E2-1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Sponsor’s Certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA, INC.
By:    
Its:    

 

cc: Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

 

E2-2


Exhibit F1

to Common Agreement

[FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF THE INSURANCE ADVISOR]

(For Initial Closing)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.12(ii) of the Common Agreement)

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn: William G. Miller
Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn: William G. Miller
Re: Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Insurance Advisor’s Certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Section 4.1.12(ii) of the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this Certificate shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

This Certificate or memorandum of insurance does not affirmatively or negatively amend, extend, or alter the coverage afforded by the insurance policies.

The Insurance Advisor HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

 

1. Pursuant to Section 4.1.24 of the Common Agreement, (i) insurance coverage for the Project satisfies the requirements for Required Insurance as set forth on Schedule 6.3(b) of the Common Agreement and certificates or policies for such insurance coverage are either attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.24 or will be provided upon receipt from the insurer, and (ii) such insurance policies are in full force and effect without default.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Insurance Advisor’s Certificate as of the date first written above.

 

THE HAYS GROUP INC., DBA HAYS COMPANIES
By:    
Its:    

cc: Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

 

F1-1


Exhibit F2

to Common Agreement

[FORM OF INSURANCE ADVISOR CERTIFICATE]

(For Periodic Closing)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.2.11(iv) of the Common Agreement)

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn: Ove B. Westerheim
Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn: Ove B. Westerheim
Re: Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Insurance Advisor’s Certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Section 4.2.11(iv) of the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this Certificate shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

This Certificate or memorandum of insurance does not affirmatively or negatively amend, extend, or alter the coverage afforded by the insurance policies.

The Insurance Advisor HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

 

1. Pursuant to Section 4.2.6 of the Common Agreement, (i) all Required Insurance is in place, in good standing and in full force and all premiums due thereon have been paid in full, or are within the grace period for such payment, and (ii) either as attached hereto as Exhibit 4.2.6 or as will be provided upon receipt from the insurer are true and complete copies of all certificates or policies with respect to any additional renewal or substitute insurance obtained by the Borrower since the previous Periodic Approval Date designating the Collateral Agent as loss payee, as appropriate.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Insurance Advisor’s Certificate as of the date first written above.

 

THE HAYS GROUP INC., DBA HAYS COMPANIES
By:    
Its:    

 

cc: Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

 

F2-1


Exhibit G1

to Common Agreement

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF COLLATERAL AGENT

(For Initial Closing)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.18(c) of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                         , 2009

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn: William G. Miller
Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn: William G. Miller
Re: Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

A. This Certificate of the Collateral Agent is delivered to you pursuant to the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

 

B. All capitalized terms used in this Certificate of the Collateral Agent shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

 

C. To the extent that this Certificate of the Collateral Agent evidences, attests or confirms compliance with any covenants, conditions, procedures or requirements, we have made such examination or investigation as was, in our opinion, necessary to enable us to express an opinion as to whether such covenants, conditions, procedures or requirements have been complied with.

Pursuant to Section 4.1.18(c) of the Common Agreement, the undersigned DOES HEREBY CERTIFY that, as of the date hereof:

 

  1. Pursuant to Section 4.1.26 of the Common Agreement, each of the Project Accounts has been established in accordance with the Collateral Agency Agreement.

 

G1-1


Very truly yours,

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Collateral Agent

By:    
Its:    

 

cc: Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

 

G1-2


Exhibit G2

to Common Agreement

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF COLLATERAL AGENT

(For Periodic Closing)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.2.11(v) of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                             , 20__

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn: Ove B. Westerheim
Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn: Ove B. Westerheim
Re: Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

A. This Certificate of the Collateral Agent is delivered to you pursuant to the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

 

B. All capitalized terms used in this Certificate of the Collateral Agent shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

 

C. To the extent that this Certificate of the Collateral Agent evidences, attests or confirms compliance with any covenants, conditions, procedures or requirements, we have made such examination or investigation as was, in our opinion, necessary to enable us to express an opinion as to whether such covenants, conditions, procedures or requirements have been complied with.

Pursuant to Section 4.2.11(v) of the Common Agreement, the undersigned DOES HEREBY CERTIFY that, as of the date hereof:

 

1. Pursuant to Section 4.2.13 of the Common Agreement, the amount of Base Equity required with respect to Advances made as of the date of the updated Advance Schedule has been transferred from the Equity Funding Account to the Disbursement Account pursuant to the applicable Master Advance Notice as required under the Equity Funding Agreement.

 

G2-1


Very truly yours,

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Collateral Agent

By:    
Its:    

 

cc: Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

 

G2-2


Exhibit G3

to Common Agreement

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF COLLATERAL AGENT

(For Requested Advance Date)

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.3.5 of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                     , 20    

Requested Advance Date:                     , 20    

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn:  Ove B. Westerheim

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn:  Ove B. Westerheim

Re:     Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

A. This Certificate of the Collateral Agent is delivered to you pursuant to the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

 

B. All capitalized terms used in this Certificate of the Collateral Agent shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

 

C. To the extent that this Certificate of the Collateral Agent evidences, attests or confirms compliance with any covenants, conditions, procedures or requirements, we have made such examination or investigation as was, in our opinion, necessary to enable us to express an opinion as to whether such covenants, conditions, procedures or requirements have been complied with.

Pursuant to Section 4.3.5 of the Common Agreement, the undersigned DOES HEREBY CERTIFY that, as of the date hereof:

 

  1. Pursuant to Section 4.3.5 of the Common Agreement, the aggregate amount of Base Equity that has been funded with respect to the current Advance is $[            ].

Very truly yours,

 

G3-1


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Collateral Agent

By:    
Its:    

 

cc: Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

 

G3-2


Exhibit H

to Common Agreement

FORM OF FRONT-END CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR CLOSING CERTIFICATE

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.21 of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                     , 20    

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn:  William G. Miller

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn:  William G. Miller

Re:     Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Rudolph and Sletten, Inc., a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of California (the “Front-End Construction Contractor”), certifies that:

 

A. The above identified parties may request from Solyndra Fab 2 LLC under Section 4.1.21 of that certain Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as borrower (the “Borrower”), (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent (the “Collateral Agent”) that Front-End Construction Contractor provide a Closing Certificate in the form provided by such parties.

 

B. I have read the covenants, representations, warranties and agreements of the Front-End Construction Contractor contained in the following agreements (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”): (i) General Contractor Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2009, by and between, the Front-End Contractor and the Borrower, (ii) the Consent and Agreement, by and among, the Front-End Construction Contractor, the Borrower and the Collateral Agent, and in each case, the Front-End Construction Contractor has been represented by counsel in connection with the Transaction Documents;

 

C. I have made or caused to be made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable me to express an informed opinion as to the matters set forth below;

and pursuant to the recitals above, the undersigned DOES HEREBY CERTIFY that:

 

1. The Front-End Construction Contractor has duly authorized, executed and delivered each Transaction Document;

 

H-1


2. Each Transaction Document is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Front-End Construction Contractor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to all applicable bankruptcy laws and general principles of equity regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity;

 

3. The representations and warranties set forth in each Transaction Document are true and correct in all material respects on the date hereof as if made on the date hereof (or, if stated to have been made solely as of an earlier date, were true and correct as of such earlier date);

 

4. There is no fact known to the Front-End Construction Contractor that has not been disclosed to the other parties to the Transaction Documents in writing the existence of which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect upon (i) the Front-End Construction Contractor’s ability to observe and perform its material obligations in a timely manner under any of the Transaction Documents, (ii) the business, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or property of the Front-End Construction Contractor, (iii) the validity or enforceability of any material provision of any Transaction Document or (iv) any material right or remedy of the U.S. Department of Energy under any Transaction Document (collectively, a “Material Adverse Effect”);

 

5. (a) All government approvals and all other consents and approvals that are required as of the date hereof to have been obtained by the Front-End Construction Contractor in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents have been obtained and are in full force and effect; and (b) the Front-End Construction Contractor is in compliance with all government approvals, the non-compliance with which could have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

6. The Front-End Construction Contractor is in compliance with all applicable statutes, laws, rules and regulations, including, environmental laws, the Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) regulations (Common Rule), 53 Fed. Reg. 19204 (May 26, 1988), (ii) Subpart 9.4 (Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility) of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 C.F.R. 9.400 - 9.409, and (iii) the revised Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) regulations (Common Rule), 60 Fed. Reg. 33037 (June 26, 1995) (the “Debarment Regulations”) and the final regulations with respect to Title XVII, at 10 CFR Part 609, and any other applicable regulations from time to time promulgated to implement Title XVII, the non-compliance with which could have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

7. The Front-End Construction Contractor is not delinquent on any amounts due and owing to the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities;

 

8.

No event has occurred and no condition exists that is likely to result in the debarment or suspension of the Front-End Construction Contractor from contracting with the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof, and the Front-End Construction Contractor is not now and has not been subject to any such debarment or suspension. On the date hereof neither the Front-End Construction Contractor nor its principals are (a) debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment with a final determination still pending,

 

H-2


 

declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded (as such terms are defined in any of the Debarment Regulations) from participating in procurement or nonprocurement transactions with any U.S. Government department or agency pursuant to any of the Debarment Regulations, or (b) indicted, convicted or had a civil judgment rendered against the Front-End Construction Contractor or any of its principals for any of the offenses listed in any of the Debarment Regulations and no event has occurred and no condition exists that is likely to result in the debarment or suspension of the Front-End Construction Contractor from contracting with the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof. The Front-End Construction Contractor will provide immediate notice to the U.S. Department of Energy if at any time it learns that the representations made under this Section 8 were erroneous when made or have become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances; and

 

9. To the best of the Front-End Construction Contractor’s knowledge and belief, (a) there is no breach of any material obligation under any of the Transaction Documents and no notices of breach of any of the Transaction Documents have been issued, entered or received by the Front-End Construction Contractor and (b) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

RUDOLPH AND SLETTEN, INC.
By:    
Its:    

 

cc: Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

 

H-3


Exhibit I

to Common Agreement

FORM OF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATE

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.5 of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                     , 2009

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn:  William G. Miller

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn:  William G. Miller

Re:     Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Section 4.1.5 of the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this officer’s Certificate shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

The undersigned, a Financial Officer of the [sole member of Borrower/Sponsor/sole member of Operator] HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

 

1. [the Sponsor has delivered its audited and unaudited Financial Statements, dated                      , 20     and                      , 20    , respectively, to the Loan Servicer and each Credit Party;] [OR]

[the Borrower has delivered its [initial balance sheet] [unaudited Financial Statements] dated                      , 20     to the Loan Servicer and each Credit Party;][OR]

[the Operator has delivered its [initial balance sheet] [unaudited Financial Statements] dated                      , 20     to the Loan Servicer and each Credit Party;]

 

2. the information contained in such Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the [Borrower/Sponsor/Operator] for the periods specified therein; and

 

I-1


3. [For Financial Officer of Borrower Only] pursuant to Section 4.1.27 of the Common Agreement, the report describing the Borrower’s accounting systems, controls, and management information systems reasonably demonstrates that they are satisfactory for purposes of providing information necessary for financial reporting in accordance with GAAP, and attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.27, is true and complete;

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Financial Officer’s Certificate as of the date first written above.

 

  
[Name of Financial Officer], [Title of Financial Officer]

 

I-2


Exhibit J

to Common Agreement

FORM OF CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS REPORT

[Note: The form for this Certificate has been separately provided by the Borrower]

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.2.3 of the Common Agreement)

[Note: The Lenders’ Engineer will provide a certification on a separate form]

 

J-1


Exhibit K

to Common Agreement

Form of Operator Certificate (Initial Closing)

OPERATOR CERTIFICATE

(Delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.21 of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                     , 2009

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn:  William G. Miller

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn:  William G. Miller

Re:     Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Solyndra Operator LLC, a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Delaware (the “Operator”), certifies that:

 

A. Reference is made to the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this Certificate shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement);

 

B. I have read the covenants, representations, warranties and agreements of the Operator contained in the Transaction Documents to which the Operator is a party and the Operator has been represented by counsel in connection with the Transaction Documents;

 

C. I have made or caused to be made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable me to express an informed opinion as to the matters set forth below;

and pursuant to Section 4.1.21 of the Common Agreement the undersigned DOES HEREBY CERTIFY that:

 

1. The Operator has duly authorized, executed and delivered each Transaction Document to which it is a party;

 

2. Each Transaction Document to which the Operator is a party is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Operator enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to Bankruptcy Laws and general principles of equity regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity;

 

K-1


3. The representations and warranties set forth in each Transaction Document to which the Operator is a party are true and correct in all material respects on the date hereof as if made on the date hereof (or, if stated to have been made solely as of an earlier date, were true and correct as of such earlier date);

 

4. There is no fact known to the Operator that has not been disclosed to the Financing Parties in writing the existence of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

5. (a) All Government Approvals and all other consents and approvals that are required as of the date hereof to have been obtained by the Operator in connection with the Project have been obtained and are in full force and effect; and (b) the Operator is in compliance with all Government Approvals, the non-compliance with which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

6. The Operator is in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, Governmental Rules, Debarment Regulations and all other Applicable Regulations, the non-compliance with which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

7. The Operator is not delinquent on any amounts due and owing to the United States Government or its agencies or instrumentalities;

 

8. No event has occurred and no condition exists that is likely to result in the debarment or suspension of the Operator from contracting with the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof, and the Operator is not now and has not been subject to any such debarment or suspension. On the date hereof neither the Operator nor its principals are (a) debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment with a final determination still pending, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded (as such terms are defined in any of the Debarment Regulations) from participating in procurement or nonprocurement transactions with any United States federal government department or agency pursuant to any of the Debarment Regulations, or (b) indicted, convicted or had a civil judgment rendered against the Operator or any of its principals for any of the offenses listed in any of the Debarment Regulations and no event has occurred and no condition exists that is likely to result in the debarment or suspension of the Operator from contracting with the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof. The Operator will provide immediate notice to DOE if at any time it learns that the representations made under this Section 8 were erroneous when made or have become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances;

 

9. To best of the Operator’s knowledge and belief, (a) there is no breach of any material obligation under any Transaction Document to which the Project Participant is a party and no notices of breach of any Transaction Document have been issued, entered or received by the Operator and (b) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

K-2


10. Pursuant to Section 4.1.19 of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.19 are true and complete copies of the Operator’s organizational documents (as amended to date), good standing certificates and incumbency certificates; and

 

11. Pursuant to Section 4.1.19 of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1.19 are true and complete copies of the Operator’s resolutions duly adopted by the sole Member of the Operator to authorize (a) the Operator ‘s participation in the Project, (b) the financing therefor, and (c) the execution, delivery and performance by the Operator of the Transaction Documents to which it is party.

 

SOLYNDRA OPERATOR LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

cc: Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

 

K-3


Exhibit L

to Common Agreement

Intentionally Omitted

 

L-1


Exhibit M

to Common Agreement

FORM OF MASTER ADVANCE NOTICE

(Delivered pursuant to Sections 2.3.1(a) and 4.3.1 of the

Common Agreement and the FFB Note Purchase Agreement)

Date of this Notice:                     , 20    

Requested Advance Date:                     , 20    

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn:  William G. Miller

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn:  William G. Miller

Re:     Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent

Attn:  Thomas E. Tabor, Vice President

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

R.W. Beck, Inc.

Attn:  Solyndra Fab 2 Project Manager

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Master Advance Notice is delivered to you pursuant to the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this Master Advance Notice shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

The undersigned has read the provisions of the Common Agreement and the Loan Documents which are relevant to the furnishing of this Master Advance Notice. To the extent that this Master Advance Notice evidences, attests or confirms compliance with any covenants or conditions precedent provided for in the Common Agreement or any other Loan Documents, the Borrower has made such examination or investigation as was, in its opinion, necessary to enable it to express an opinion as to whether such covenants or conditions have been complied with.

 

M-1


The Borrower HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

1. This Master Advance Notice constitutes a request for an Advance of [US$            ], under the DOE Credit Facility.

2. The Requested Advance Date for the Advance is                     , 20    .

3. A draft of the FFB Advance Request with respect to the requested Advance is attached hereto.

4. The requested Advance conforms with the Periodic Approved Advance Schedule. All statements made by the Borrower in the Borrower Certificate delivered on the Periodic Approval Date remain true and complete in all material respects on the date hereof as if made on the date hereof, except [describe].

5. The proceeds of the Advance shall be applied only to Eligible Base Project Costs.

6. Schedule 1 attached hereto sets forth with respect to the requested Advance:

 

   

The amount of Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit to be allocated as Base Equity;

 

   

The amount of Base Equity and Overrun Equity (if any) to be contributed in cash;

 

   

The amount of Base Equity and Overrun Equity, as applicable, to be transferred from the Equity Funding Account;

 

   

Confirmation that, after giving effect to any Equity Contributions being made with respect to the Advance and the amount of the Advance requested hereby, the Debt-to-Equity Contribution Ratio will be not more than 73:27.

7. Schedule 2A attached hereto sets forth the aggregate amount, on a prospective basis after giving effect to the requested Advance, of

 

   

all Advances outstanding under the DOE Credit Facility;

 

   

all Equity Contributions allocated from the Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit as Base Equity with respect to outstanding Advances;

 

   

all Base Equity and Overrun Equity (if any) contributed from the Equity Funding Account or in cash with respect to outstanding Advances;

 

   

the revised Approved Pre-Closing Equity Credit Balance, if greater than zero, under the DOE Credit Facility.

 

M-2


8. Schedule 2B attached hereto sets forth the aggregate amount on a prospective basis after giving effect to the requested Advance, of

 

   

Eligible Base Project Costs funded to date; and

 

   

Ineligible Base Project Costs funded to date.

9. The Borrower certifies for the benefit of the Credit Parties that as of the date of this Master Advance Notice:

 

  (A) The representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in the Loan Documents to which it is party (other than those which speak only as to an earlier date) are true and complete on the date hereof as if made on the date hereof; and

 

  (B) No Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing.

10. (i) the Borrower has timely complied in all material respects with (A) its reporting obligations under Section 6.29(a) with respect to the Recovery Act, and (B) the requirements set forth in Section 6.30 and Schedule 6.30 with respect to the Davis-Bacon Act and (ii) Commencement of Construction has occurred on or before September 30, 2011.

11. All applicable conditions precedent described in Section 4.3 of the Common Agreement have been satisfied or waived by DOE in accordance with the terms of the Common Agreement.

12. The Borrower has paid (or has made arrangements to pay) all DOE Credit Facility Fees and Periodic Expenses on or before the Requested Advance Date, except to the extent that such amounts are to be paid with proceeds of the requested Advance.

13. [All proceeds of all Advances, and all Equity Contributions made prior to the date hereof which have been expended as of the date hereof, have been applied to Project Costs in accordance with the applicable Transaction Documents. Each payment of Project Costs to be made from the requested Advance has not been the subject of any previous FFB Advance Request.] 5

14. [The Borrower has delivered to the Loan Servicer, the Collateral Agent, and DOE the most recent Construction Progress Report required to be provided pursuant to Section 6.1(a) of the Common Agreement.]6

 

5

Not applicable with respect to initial Advance.

 

6

Not applicable with respect to initial Advance.

 

M-3


15. The Borrower has otherwise complied with the procedures, conditions and requirements specified in the Common Agreement and the other Loan Documents in connection with the Advance requested hereunder.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Master Advance Notice as of the date hereof.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

Attachments

Schedule 1

Schedule 2A

Schedule 2B

Draft of FFB Advance Request

 

M-4


Exhibit N

to Common Agreement

FORM OF DRAWSTOP NOTICE

(Delivered pursuant to Section 2.4.3 of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Notice:                     , 20    

Requested Advance Date:                     , 20    

Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

Attn:  General Counsel

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee

U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent

Attn:  Thomas E. Tabor, Vice President

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned refers to Section 2.4.3 of the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this Drawstop Notice shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

The undersigned hereby confirms that it will not guarantee the requested Advance on the Requested Advance Date, despite the issuance of the FFB Advance Request Approval Notice dated                     , 20     by DOE, because, as of the date hereof, for purposes of such Section 2.4.3, the following conditions to the requested Advance required by [the Credit Party or DOE, as applicable] as set forth in the Common Agreement and/or the FFB Note Purchase Agreement to which [the Credit Party or DOE, as applicable] is a party are not met, or having been met, are no longer met:

[Specify the unmet condition, the relevant provision of the Common Agreement and/or the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, as applicable, and the reasons therefor.]

Very truly yours,

 

N-1


[NAME OF CREDIT PARTY]
By:    
Its:    

 

cc: [Include Fax numbers]

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn:  Ove B. Westerheim

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn:  Ove B. Westerheim

Re:     Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent

Attn:  Thomas E. Tabor, Vice President

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

 

N-2


Exhibit O

to Common Agreement

[FORM OF QUARTERLY REPORTING CERTIFICATE]

(Delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                     , 20    

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn:  Ove B. Westerheim

Re:     DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn:  Ove B. Westerheim

Re:     Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Quarterly Reporting Certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Sections 6.1 of the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

All capitalized terms used in this Certificate shall have their respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

The undersigned, an Authorized Official of the Borrower, HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

 

1. Pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(ii) of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1(b)(ii) is a discussion and analysis by a Financial Officer of the Borrower of the business and operations of the Borrower to                      , 20    ;

 

2. Pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(i) of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1(d)(i) are unaudited Financial Statements of the Borrower as of                      , 20    , together with a certification by a Financial Officer of the Borrower regarding such Financial Statements and other issues required to be addressed;

 

3. [For each quarter that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period] Pursuant to Section 6.1(e)(i) of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1(e)(i) is a summary construction report for the period ending                      , 20    ;

 

O-1


4. [For each quarter that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period] Pursuant to Section 6.1(e)(ii) of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1(e)(ii) is a summary operating report for the period ending                  , 20__;

 

5. Pursuant to Section 6.1(f) of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1(f) is a certification by a Financial Officer of the Sponsor regarding the unaudited Financial Statements of the Sponsor and other issues required to be addressed;

 

6. [For each quarter that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period] Pursuant to Section 6.1(j)(i) of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1(j)(i) are an updated Project Milestone Schedule and Construction Budget;

 

7. [For each quarter that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period] Pursuant to Section 6.1(j)(ii) of the Common Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1(j)(ii) are an updated Operating Plan for the next four fiscal quarters, an updated Operating Forecast for the next four fiscal quarters; and updated Base Case Projections.

 

8. Attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1(x) is a summary list of all information delivered either (x) by the Borrower pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Common Agreement, or (y) by the Sponsor pursuant to Section 5.1 of the Sponsor Support Agreement, in either case since the date of the last Quarterly Reporting Certificate, including the date of delivery and the relevant provision pursuant to which such delivery was made (or an indication of “None” if no deliveries have been made pursuant to such provision).

 

9. No Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

10. No circumstance exists, and no change of law or regulation of any Governmental Authority has occurred, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Quarterly Reporting Certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

O-2


Exhibit 6.1(b)(ii)

to Quarterly Reporting Certificate

Discussion and Analysis by Financial Officer of Borrower

Date of this Certificate:                     , 20    

Pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(ii) of the Common Agreement, the undersigned, a Financial Officer of the Borrower, HEREBY REPORTS as follows:

The following is a summary of all material financial transactions (other than transactions contemplated under the Transaction Documents):

1. The following lists all transactions involving the Borrower, on the one hand, and on the other hand the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor (other than any such transaction under the Intercompany Project Documents):

[Describe transactions]

2. [For each quarter that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period] The undersigned certifies that the following calculations show compliance with the Debt-to-Equity Contribution Ratio of the Borrower as of                      , 20    :

[Show or attach calculations]

[or if such certification cannot be made, provide explanation therefor and what corrective action the Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto]

3. [For each such quarter that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period] The undersigned certifies that the following calculations show compliance with the requirements of Section 7.14 (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) of the Common Agreement as of                      , 20    .

[Show or attach calculations]

[or if such certification cannot be made, provide explanation therefor and what corrective action the Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the date first written above.

 

O-3


SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

O-4


Exhibit 6.1(d)(i)

to Quarterly Reporting Certificate

Certification by Financial Officer of Borrower Regarding

Quarterly Financial Statements

[attach Financial Statements]

Date of this Certificate:                     , 20    

Pursuant to Section 6.1(d) of the Common Agreement, the undersigned, a Financial Officer of the Borrower, HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

1. The unaudited Financial Statements of the Borrower as of                      , 20    , attached hereto have been prepared in accordance with GAAP on a consistent basis and as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower as of the date thereof and the results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower for the periods presented;

2. The undersigned has made or caused to be made a review of the transactions and financial condition of the Borrower during the relevant fiscal period and

(i) other than as set out in such Financial Statements, there are no liabilities or obligations of the Borrower that are required to be presented in such Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP and

(ii) no Event of Default or Potential Default exists.

[or if such certification cannot be made, explain the nature and period of existence of such Event of Default or Potential Default and what corrective action the Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

O-5


Exhibit 6.1(e)(i)

to Quarterly Reporting Certificate

[Summary Construction Report]

[For each quarter that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period]

Date of this Certificate:                      , 20    

The undersigned, an Authorized Official of the Borrower, HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

Pursuant to Section 6.1(e)(i) of the Common Agreement, attached is a summary construction report for the period ending                      , 20    , which includes the following:

(i) a detailed assessment of the Project’s performance in comparison with the Construction Budget and Project Milestone Schedule then in effect for such period,

(ii) basic data relating to construction of the Project,

(iii) a description and explanation of any material casualty losses,

(iv) a description and explanation of any material disputes between the Borrower and any Person, and

(v) a description and explanation of any material non-compliance with any with Governmental Approvals.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

O-6


Exhibit 6.1(e)(ii)

to Quarterly Reporting Certificate

[Summary Operating Report]

[For each quarter that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period]

Date of this Certificate:                      , 20    

The undersigned, an Authorized Official of the Borrower, HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

1. Pursuant to Section 6.1(e)(ii) of the Common Agreement, the attached is a summary operating report for the period ending                      , 20    , which includes the following;

(i) a detailed assessment of the Project’s performance in comparison with the Operating Forecast and Operating Plan then in effect for such period,

(ii) basic data relating to operation of the Project,

(iii) pricing information,

(iv) a description and explanation of any unusual maintenance activity,

(v) a description and explanation of any material casualty losses,

(vi) a description and explanation of any material disputes between the Borrower and any Person, and

(vii) a description and explanation of any material non-compliance with any with Governmental Approvals.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

O-7


Exhibit 6.1(f)

to Quarterly Reporting Certificate

Certification by Financial Officer of Sponsor Regarding

Quarterly Financial Statements

[attach Financial Statements]

Date of this Certificate:                      , 20    

Pursuant to Section 6.1(f) of the Common Agreement, the undersigned, a Financial Officer of the Sponsor, HEREBY CERTIFIES that:

1. The unaudited Financial Statements of the Sponsor as of                      , 20    , attached hereto have been prepared in accordance with GAAP on a consistent basis and as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition of the Sponsor as of the date thereof and the results of operations and cash flows of the Sponsor for the periods presented;

2. The undersigned has made or caused to be made a review of the transactions and financial condition of the Sponsor during the relevant fiscal period;

3. [for each quarter that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period] The undersigned certifies that the following calculations show the Debt to Tangible Net Worth Ratio of the Sponsor as of                      , 20     [last day of the most recent fiscal quarter]:

[show or attach calculations]

4. [for each such quarter that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period] The undersigned certifies that the following calculations show the Tangible Net Worth of the Sponsor as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter:

[show or attach calculations]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA, INC.
By:    
Its:    

 

O-8


Exhibit 6.1(j)(i)

to Quarterly Reporting Certificate

Updated Project Milestone Schedule and Construction Budget

[For each quarter that includes all or a portion of the Construction Period,

attach Project Milestone Schedule and Construction Budget]

Date of this Certificate:                      , 20    

The undersigned, an Authorized Official of the Borrower, HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

1. Pursuant to Section 6.1(j)(i) of the Common Agreement, attached hereto are an updated Project Milestone Schedule and an updated Construction Budget.

2. By its signature below, the Lenders’ Engineer confirms its approval of the attached updated Project Milestone Schedule and updated Construction Budget.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

R.W. BECK, INC.
By:    
Its:    

 

O-9


Exhibit 6.1(j)(ii)

to Quarterly Reporting Certificate

Updated Operating Plan, Operating Forecast and Base Case Projections

[For each quarter that includes all or a portion of the Operating Period, attach Operating Plan, Operating Forecast and Base Case Projections]

Date of this Certificate:                      , 20    

The undersigned, an Authorized Official of the Borrower, HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, as of the date hereof:

1. Pursuant to Section 6.1(j)(ii) of the Common Agreement, attached hereto are an updated Operating Plan for the four fiscal quarters ending on                      , 20    , an updated Operating Forecast for the four fiscal quarters ending on                      , 20    , and updated Base Case Projections.

2. By its signature below, the Lenders’ Engineer confirms its approval of the attached updated Operating Plan, updated Operating Forecast and updated Base Case Projections.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

R.W. BECK, INC.
By:    
Its:    

 

O-10


Exhibit 6.1(x)

to Quarterly Reporting Certificate

Summary of Information Delivered

Date of this Certificate:                      , 20    

 

A. Borrower Deliveries

The undersigned, an Authorized Official of the Borrower, HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, since the date of the last Quarterly Reporting Certificate, the following information has been delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Common Agreement:

1. Pursuant to Section 6.1(a) (Monthly Construction Progress Report) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

                     , 20     [List Construction Progress Reports]

2. Pursuant to Section 6.1(c) (Annual Financial Statements and Reports) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

                     , 20     [List Financial Statements]

                     , 20     [Reference discussion and analysis by management of Borrower]

                     , 20     [List report regarding Fab 1 Facility Performance Targets]

                     , 20     [List reports from Borrower’s Accountant]

[None]

3. Pursuant to Section 6.1(g) (Management Letters) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

                     , 20     [Reference management letter and other communications with Borrower’s Accountant]

[None]

4. Pursuant to Section 6.1(h) (Reporting Obligations) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered notice of the following:

                     , 20     [Reference any event that is reported]

[None]

 

O-11


5. Pursuant to Section 6.1(i) (Governmental and Environmental Indemnity Claims and Reports) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

 

                         20    

   [List any Governmental and Environmental Indemnity Claims and Reports]

[None]

6. Pursuant to Section 6.1(k) (Annual Safety Audit) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

 

                         20    

   [List report regarding required annual safety audit pursuant to Section 6.18]

[None]

7. Pursuant to Section 6.1(l) (Additional Project Documents and Governmental Approvals) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [List Additional Project Documents]

 

                         20    

   [List Third-Party Sales Agreement or Third-Party Materials Supply Agreement entered into by Sponsor]

 

                         20    

   [List Governmental Approvals and other Required Consents obtained or entered into by Borrower]

[None]

8. Pursuant to Section 6.1(m) (Additional Audit Reports) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

 

                         20    

   [List annual or interim audit reports]

[None]

9. Pursuant to Section 6.1(n) (Other Reports and Filings) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [List copies of all financial information that Borrower has delivered to SEC or any successor regulatory authority]

[None]

10. Pursuant to Section 6.1(o) (Insurance Certificate) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [List certificates with respect to Required Insurance]

[None]

 

O-12


11. Pursuant to Section 6.1(p) (Information Pertaining to Banks Providing Reserve Letters of Credit) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [List change in rating of a bank issuing a Reserve Letter of Credit]

[None]

12. Pursuant to Section 6.1(q) (Other Information) of the Common Agreement, the Borrower has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [Reference other information or documents any Credit Party or any Independent Consultant may have reasonably requested]

[None]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

O-13


B. Sponsor Deliveries

The undersigned, an Authorized Official of the Sponsor, HEREBY CERTIFIES for the benefit of each Credit Party that, since the date of the last Quarterly Reporting Certificate, the following information has been delivered pursuant to Section 5.1 of the Sponsor Support Agreement:

1. Pursuant to Section 5.1.1 (Financial Statements of Sponsor) of the Sponsor Support Agreement, the Sponsor has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [List all unaudited quarterly and audited annual Financial Statements]

[None]

2. Pursuant to Section 5.1.2 (Certification by Financial Officer) of the Sponsor Support Agreement, each time Financial Statements of the Sponsor are delivered, the Sponsor also delivered certification by a Financial Officer of the Sponsor that includes the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [Reference the Certification by Financial Officer]

[None]

3. Pursuant to Section 5.1.3 (Management Letters) of the Sponsor Support Agreement, the Sponsor has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [List the management letter and all other material communications received by Sponsor]

[None]

4. Pursuant to Section 5.1.4 (Reporting Obligations) of the Sponsor Support Agreement, the Sponsor has delivered notice of any of the following, to the extent notice thereof has not been provided by the Borrower or the Operator (it being agreed that for purposes of this Section (d), “Major Project Participant” does not include the Front-End Construction Contractor):

 

                         , 20    

   [List any event that is reported on]

[None]

5. Pursuant to Section 5.1.5 (Governmental and Environmental Indemnity Claims and Reports) of the Sponsor Support Agreement, the Sponsor has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [List any material report required to be filed by Sponsor (or on behalf of Sponsor) with any Governmental Authority]

[None]

 

O-14


6. Pursuant to Section 5.1.6 (Additional Audit Reports) of the Sponsor Support Agreement, the Sponsor has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [List any other annual or interim audit reports submitted to Sponsor by Sponsor’s Accountant]

[None]

7. Pursuant to Section 5.1.7 (Other Reporting Filings) of the Sponsor Support Agreement, the Sponsor has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [List all financial information which Sponsor has delivered to SEC, etc.]

[None]

8. Pursuant to Section 5.1.8 (Other Information) of the Sponsor Support Agreement, the Sponsor has delivered the following:

 

                         , 20    

   [Reference any other information or documents any Credit Party or any Independent Consultant has reasonably requested]

[None]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA INC.
By:    
Its:    

 

O-15


Exhibit P

to Common Agreement

FORM OF PROJECT COMPLETION CERTIFICATE

[Letterhead of the Borrower]

(Delivered pursuant to the definition of Project Completion

in Schedule A-2 to the Common Agreement)

Date of this Certificate:                     , 20__

U.S. Department of Energy

Attn: Ove B. Westerheim
Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Guarantee Program Office, as Loan Servicer

Attn: Ove B. Westerheim
Re: Solyndra Fab 2 Project, LGPO Loan #1013

U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent

Attn: Thomas E. Tabor, Vice President
Re: DOE Loan Guarantee, Solyndra Fab 2 Project

Ladies and Gentlemen:

1. This Completion Certificate is delivered to you pursuant to the Common Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Common Agreement”), by and among (i) Solyndra Fab 2 LLC, as Borrower, (ii) the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan guarantor and the Loan Servicer, and (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent.

2. All capitalized terms used in this Completion Certificate shall have the respective meanings specified in the Common Agreement.

3. To the extent that this Completion Certificate evidences, attests, or confirms compliance with any covenants, conditions, procedures, or requirements, we have made such examination or investigation as was, in our opinion, necessary to enable us to express an opinion as to whether such covenants, conditions, procedures, or requirements have been complied with.

 

P-1


4. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LOAN SERVICER THAT, each of the requirements set forth in clauses (a) through (d) below has been satisfied as of the date hereof:

(a). Physical Completion Tests:

(i) General. The Project Facilities, including without limitation all fabrication lines constituting the Front-End Manufacturing Facility, all Shared Manufacturing Facilities, all Back-End Project Facilities, and all other buildings, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure necessary to operate the Project in accordance with the Operating Plan (A) have been completely constructed, completed, and installed, all utilizing first-class standards of workmanship and materials and in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule, the Construction Budget and the terms of the Construction Documents, (B) all essential elements thereof, including work cells as applicable, have been tested and commissioned in accordance with standards that are (x) to be developed by the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer no later than 180 days prior to the anticipated date of Physical Completion, and (y) to be incorporated as modifications to the terms of the applicable Construction Documents; (C) are operating in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications, the terms of the Project Documents, and all environmental permits and licenses, Environmental Laws, and other applicable guidelines; (D) have been accepted and paid for (except for amounts not yet due and payable), as evidenced by the Borrower having issued final acceptance certificates relating to each of the material Construction Documents; and (E) have been and are being properly operated and maintained in all respects.

(ii) Construction Work. All Construction Work under the Construction Documents shall have been completed, including without limitation all Punch List Items, except for warranty issues that do not affect performance of the Project Facilities and do not have a material impact on environmental or occupational health and safety matters.

(iii) Demobilization. The Construction Contractors and all subcontractors under the Construction Documents shall have cleared the applicable Sites (except to the extent required to deal with warranty issues).

(iv) Supplies. The supply arrangements shall have been completed in accordance with the Project Materials Supply Agreement.

(v) O&M Activities. The Operator shall have performed all obligations then required to be performed by it in accordance with Article 2 of the O&M Agreement.

(vi) Capital Spares. All capital spares shall have been procured and stored at the agreed locations in accordance with the Project Equipment Supply Agreement.

(b) Operational Completion Tests:

(i) Performance Testing. The Project Facilities shall have successfully completed all tests demonstrating satisfaction of all required performance standards under the Construction Documents, including without limitation production output tests that are (x) to be developed by the Borrower and the Lenders’ Engineer no later than 180 days prior to the anticipated date of Physical Completion, and (y) to be incorporated as modifications to the terms of the applicable Construction Documents.

 

P-2


(ii) Construction Documents. (A) Final Completion under each of the Construction Documents shall have occurred, (B) all liquidated damages, including without limitation any “Delay Damages” and “Production Output Deficiency Adjustments” (each as defined in the Construction Documents) payable by each applicable Construction Contractor shall have been paid, and (C) no further payments shall be due from Borrower to any Construction Contractor.

(iii) Insurance Program for Operating Period. The Loan Servicer shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to DOE, an Insurance Advisor’s Certificate (A) describing in reasonable detail the Borrower’s insurance program with respect to the Operating Period (including without limitation with respect to any new insurance since the date of the final Advance, copies of certificates or policies with respect thereto designating the Collateral Agent as loss payee, as appropriate, all certified by the Borrower as being true and complete), and (B) certifying that it has reviewed and analyzed such insurance program and that in its opinion such insurance program satisfies all the requirements of Schedule 6.3(b).

(c) Financial Completion:

(i) First Principal Payment. The Borrower shall have paid in full the first scheduled principal payment due under the DOE Credit Facility.

(ii) Minimum Commercial Shipments. The value of Borrower’s total commercial shipments from the sales of products from the Project for the preceding twelve fiscal months was equal to or greater than [***].

(iii) Cash Flow Available For Debt Service. The Borrower generated Cash Flow Available for Debt Service for the preceding four fiscal quarters of at least [***].

(iv) Debt Service Reserve. The Debt Service Reserve Account is fully funded (or the Debt Service Reserve Letters of Credit shall have been posted in lieu thereof).

(d) Legal Conditions:

(i) Title to Assets. The Borrower shall have good freehold title or valid leasehold interests free and clear of all Liens and encumbrances (except for Permitted Liens) to the Project Facilities and all of the land and all buildings, equipment, and facilities referred to above, and to all other facilities now or then known to be required for the Project.

(ii) Liens Under Security Documents. The Borrower shall have granted Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties with respect to all of the assets required to be subject to the Security Documents.

*** Information has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment which has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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(iii) Transaction Documents. Each Transaction Document shall have been executed and delivered by all parties thereto and shall remain in full force and effect and no party thereto shall be in breach of any obligation thereunder.

(iv) Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct as of the Project Completion Date.

(v) Approvals, Permits and Licenses. All such Governmental Approvals required as of the Project Completion Date (including any Governmental Approvals disclosed in writing by the Borrower and required on that date) have been obtained and are in full force and effect and are not then under appeal or subject to other proceedings or unsatisfied conditions that could reasonably be expected to result in a material modification or cancellation as of such date. The Borrower is in compliance with all such Governmental Approvals, the non-compliance with which could have a Material Adverse Effect.

(vi) No Event of Default or Default. No Event of Default or Potential Default shall exist.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Project Completion Certificate as of the date first written above.

 

SOLYNDRA FAB 2 LLC
By:   Solyndra, Inc., its sole Member
  By:    
  Its:    

 

P-4


Schedule 2.1(b)

to Common Agreement

INITIAL ADVANCE SCHEDULE

[see attached]

 

S-1


Schedule 2.1(b)

to Common Agreement

SOLYNDRA FAB 2

Advance Schedule

 

Calendar Month1

   Federal Financing Bank    Sponsor Equity    Total
Cumulative
Advances &
Equity
Contributions
   Monthly
Advances
   Cumulative
Advances
   Cumulative
Advances as
a Percentage
of Total
Advances &
Contributions
   Monthly
Contributions
   Cumulative
Contributions
   Contributions
as a
Percentage of
Total
Advances &
Contributions
  

[***]

                    

 

1

First FFB Advance is expected at financial close which may be in August 2009 but is assumed to be September for modeling purposes.

*** Information has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment which has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Version Date: August 25, 2009

Solyndra Confidential


Schedule 5.10

to Common Agreement

GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS AND OTHER REQUIRED CONSENTS

[see Disclosure Letter]

 

S-2


Schedule 5.11

to Common Agreement

LITIGATION

[see Disclosure Letter]

 

S-3


Schedule 5.12

to Common Agreement

TAXES

[see Disclosure Letter]

 

S-4


Schedule 5.14

to Common Agreement

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

[see Disclosure Letter]

 

S-5


Schedule 5.16

to Common Agreement

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

[see Disclosure Letter]

 

S-6


Schedule 6.3(b)

to Common Agreement

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

[see attached]

 

S-7


Schedule 6.3(b)

to Common Agreement

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Borrower shall effect and maintain the following insurance covers at all times during the period of the Loans, under forms of policies and with insurers and reinsurers acceptable to Lender, in the following terms:

Under the Master Global Insurance Program of Solyndra, Inc., the Borrower as a wholly owned subsidiary of Solyndra, Inc. shall maintain insurance coverage as follows:

CONSTRUCTION WRAP UP INSURANCE

(From Ground Breaking through Completion of Construction Project)

 

1. General Liability

 

Cover:    General Liability Insurance
Sum Insured:    $[***] each occurrence
   $[***] aggregate
   $[***] Products / Completed Operations Aggregate
Insured:    Rudolph and Sletten, Inc.
   Solyndra, Inc.
   Solyndra Fab 2 LLC
   All other parties enrolled for work on the project

 

2. Excess Liability

 

Cover:    Excess Liability Insurance
Sum Insured:    $[***] each occurrence
   $[***] Annual aggregate

*** Information has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment which has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

INSURANCE REQUIRMENTS


Schedule 6.3(b)

to Common Agreement

 

Insured:    Rudolph and Sletten, Inc.
   Solyndra, Inc.
   Solyndra Fab 2 LLC
   All other parties enrolled for work on the project

 

3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Employers’ Liability Insurance

 

Cover:    Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability
Sum Insured:    Statutory Limits for Workers’ Compensation
   $[***] for Employers’ Liability
Insured:    Rudolph and Sletten, Inc.
   Solyndra, Inc.
   Solyndra Fab 2 LLC
   All other parties enrolled for work on the project

 

4. Builder’s Risk (Delay/DIC) - Fab 2 Front End

 

Cover:    Risks of direct physical loss, subject to specific policy conditions and exclusions. Subject to sub-limits on EQ and Flood.
Sum Insured:    $[***] blanket limit (including $[***] soft costs); subject to $[***] sub-limit EQ and Flood, and $[***] sub-limit delay in Start-up; 30 days testing
Deductibles:    [***] EQ and Flood, $[***] All Other Perils
Insured:    Solyndra, Inc.
   Solyndra Fab 2 LLC

*** Information has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment which has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

INSURANCE REQUIRMENTS


Schedule 6.3(b)

to Common Agreement

 

Loss Payee:    The Lender
General:    Policy Period for length of contract, approximately 21 months.

 

5. Builder’s Risk (Delay/DIC) - Fab 2 Back End

 

Cover:    Risks of direct physical loss, subject to specific policy conditions and exclusions. Subject to sub-limits on EQ and Flood.
Sum Insured:    Estimated to be $[***] blanket limit (including $[***] in building improvements, and $[***] in equipment); subject to $[***] sub-limit EQ and Flood, and $[***] sub-limit delay in Start-up; 30 days testing
Deductibles:    [***] EQ and Flood, $[***] All Other Perils
Insured:    Solyndra, Inc.
   Solyndra Fab 2 LLC
Loss Payee:    The Lender
General:    Policy Period for length of contract, approximately 12 months.

 

6. Miscellaneous

Other insurance as is customary, desirable or necessary to comply with local or other requirements, such as contractual tort liability, Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability insurance in relation to all workmen employed in the construction of the Project or any Permitted Expansion, and motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles owned, hired, leased, used or borrowed for use in the United States of America by or on behalf of the Borrower.

*** Information has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment which has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

INSURANCE REQUIRMENTS


Schedule 6.3(b)

to Common Agreement

 

Project Specific Pollution Legal Liability:

Coverage: All contracted construction operations, including preparation, staging and storage areas associated with the jobsite in connection with Solyndra Fab 2 LLC project to be located at 47422 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA 94538.

 

Sum Insured:    $[***] Each Accident, including defense costs;
   $[***] Policy Aggregate, including defense costs;
Deductible:    $[***] Each Incident/Occurrence / $[***] Aggregate SIR
Insured:    Solyndra Fab 2 LLC (blanket additional insured where required by written contract).
General:    10 years completed operations coverage is included; Blanket Waiver of Rights of Subrogation; Additional Insured where required by written contract; 3 Waste disposal sites (to be added by endorsement).

Owners Excess Professional Indemnity

 

Coverage:    Indemnification of the Insured for Damages in excess of either the total amount of the Design Professional’s Professional Liability Insurance or the Retained Amount, whichever, is greater, for Claims made by the Insured against a Design professional for a breach of Professional Duty in the performance of Professional Services for the Insured by a Design Professional for the covered project.
Sum Insured:    $[***] Each Claim / Policy Aggregate including defense costs
Deductible:    $[***] Retention
General:    Claims Made and Reported Coverage applies to claims made by the Insured and reported in writing to the company during the same policy period or extended reporting period.
   5 year Extended Reporting

*** Information has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment which has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

INSURANCE REQUIRMENTS


Schedule 6.3(b)

to Common Agreement

 

OPERATIONAL INSURANCE

(Subsequent to Issuance of Fab 2 Certificate of Occupancy)

 

1. Special Form Property Insurance

 

Cover:    All physical assets comprising the Borrower and the Project, including buildings and their contents, machinery, stock, fixtures, fittings and all other personal property, against special form causes of physical loss or damage, including fire, lightning, explosion, terrorism, &, and machinery breakdown.
Sum Insured:    An amount sufficient to reinstate the property as determined by the Total Insurable Value schedule at the time of completion of the project.
Deductibles:    Not more than US$[***] each and every loss.
Insured:    The Borrower
Loss Payee:    The Lender

 

2. Business Interruption

 

Cover:    Loss of net income as a direct covered peril under the special form property insurance described above.
Sum Insured:    Loss of net income, no less than an amount equal to the estimated debt service payments due in respect of the Loans and any Debt that the Borrower has incurred in this Agreement and extra expenses incurred during the indemnity period.
Indemnity Period:    [***].
Deductibles:    No more than [***].

*** Information has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment which has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

INSURANCE REQUIRMENTS


Schedule 6.3(b)

to Common Agreement

 

Insured:    The Borrower
Loss Payee:    The Lender

 

3. Miscellaneous

Other insurance which:

 

  (a) is customary or necessary to comply with local or other requirements, such as general liability, contractual tort liability, Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability insurances in relation to all persons employed by the Borrower or in connection with the operation of the Project; motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles owned, hired, leased, used or borrowed for use in the United States of America by or on behalf of the Borrower;

 

  (b) is considered by the Borrower to be desirable or prudent, or required by Lender.

 

  (c) is required by local legislation.

 

INSURANCE REQUIRMENTS


Schedule 6.30

to Common Agreement

DAVIS-BACON ACT REQUIREMENTS

[see attached]

 

S-8


Schedule 6.30

to Common Agreement

DAVIS BACON PROVISIONS FOR DAVIS-BACON ACT COVERED

CONTRACTS

(a) Definitions. For purposes of this Schedule 6.30, and as required by subparagraph (b)(8) below of this Schedule, the definitions set forth in Section 5.2 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) are incorporated by reference herein, some of which are set forth below, except to the extent modified below, in addition to certain newly defined terms set forth below for purposes of Davis-Bacon Act compliance under Section 1705 of Title XVII:

 

  (1) Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract” means any contract, agreement or other arrangement for the “construction, prosecution, completion or repair” (as such term is defined below) of the Project (including the Common Agreement) in connection with section 1705(c), as enacted by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

 

  (2) Contract Party” means any contractor, subcontractor (including any lower tier subcontractor) or other entity (other than the Borrower but including, if applicable, the project sponsor or affiliate) that is party to a Davis Bacon Covered Contract; it being understood that the foregoing exclusion of Borrower from the definition of Contract Party in no way affects the Borrower’s Davis Bacon Act obligations as set forth in this Schedule.

 

  (3) Construction, prosecution, completion, or repair” or “performance of the Project” means the following:

(1) All types of work done on a particular building or work at the site thereof, including work at a facility which is deemed a part of the site of the work within the meaning of (paragraph (l) of 29 CFR 5.2) by laborers and mechanics employed by a construction contractor or construction subcontractor, including without limitation—

(i) Altering, remodeling, installation (where appropriate) on the site of the work of items fabricated off-site;

(ii) Painting and decorating;

(iii) Manufacturing or furnishing of materials, articles, supplies or equipment on the site of the building or work (or, under the United States Housing Act of 1937; the Housing Act of 1949; and the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 in the construction or development of the project);

 

-1-


Schedule 6.30

to Common Agreement

 

(iv)(A) Transportation between the site of the work within the meaning of paragraph (l)(1) of 29 CFR 5.2 and a facility which is dedicated to the construction of the building or work and deemed a part of the site of the work within the meaning of paragraph (l)(2) of 29 CFR 5.2; and

(B) Transportation of portion(s) of the building or work between a site where a significant portion of such building or work is constructed, which is a part of the site of the work within the meaning of paragraph (l)(1) of 29 CFR 5.2, and the physical place or places where the building or work will remain.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (j)(1)(iv)(A) of 29 CFR 5.2, the transportation of materials or supplies to or from the site of the work by employees of the construction contractor or a construction subcontractor is not “construction, prosecution, completion, or repair”.

 

  (4) Contracting officer” means the individual, a duly appointed successor, or authorized representative who is designated and authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the Federal agency or any representative designated by DOE to the Borrower from time to time for purposes of Davis-Bacon Act compliance.

 

  (5) Laborer or mechanic” includes at least those workers whose duties are manual or physical in nature (including those workers who use tools or who are performing the work of a trade), as distinguished from mental or managerial. The term laborer or mechanic includes apprentices, trainees, and helpers. The term does not apply to workers whose duties are primarily administrative, executive, or clerical, rather than manual. Persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity as defined in part 541 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations are not deemed to be laborers or mechanics. Working foremen who devote more than 20 percent of their time during a workweek to mechanic or laborer duties, and who do not meet the criteria of part 541, are laborers and mechanics for the time so spent.

 

  (6) Site of the work” is defined as follows:

(i) The site of the work is the physical place or places where the building or work called for in the Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract will remain; and any other site where a significant portion of the building or work is constructed, provided that such site is established specifically for the performance of such contract or project;

(ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (a)(6)(iii) of this Schedule, job headquarters, tool yards, batch plants, borrow pits, etc., are part of the site of the work, provided they are dedicated exclusively, or nearly so, to performance of the Davis Bacon Act Covered Contract or project, and provided they are adjacent or virtually adjacent to the site of the work as defined in subparagraph (a)(6)(i) of this Schedule;

 

-2-


Schedule 6.30

to Common Agreement

 

(iii) Not included in the site of the work are permanent home offices, branch plant establishments, fabrication plants, tool yards, etc., of the Borrower or a Contract Party whose location and continuance in operation are determined wholly without regard to a particular Federal or federally assisted contract, such as the Common Agreement, or project. In addition, fabrication plants, batch plants, borrow pits, job headquarters, tool yards, etc., of a commercial or material supplier, which are established by a supplier of materials for the project before opening of bids and not on the site of the work as stated in subparagraph (a)(6)(i) of this Schedule, are not included in the site of the work. Such permanent, previously established facilities are not part of the site of the work, even where the operations for a period of time may be dedicated exclusively, or nearly so, to the performance of a Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract.

 

  (7) Wage determination” includes the original decision and any subsequent decisions modifying, superseding, correcting, or otherwise changing the provisions of the original decision. The application of the wage determination shall be in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 1.6 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(b)(1) Minimum wages.

(i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working on the site of the work, will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto as Schedule 1 and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the Borrower and such laborers and mechanics, or between any Contract Party and such laborers and mechanics.

Contributions made or costs reasonably anticipated for bona fide fringe benefits under section 1(b)(2) of the Davis-Bacon Act on behalf of laborers or mechanics are considered wages paid to such laborers or mechanics, subject to the provisions of subparagraph (b)(1)(iv) of this Schedule; also, regular contributions made or costs incurred for more than a weekly period (but not less often than quarterly) under plans, funds, or programs which cover the particular weekly period, are deemed to be constructively made or incurred during such weekly period. Such laborers and mechanics shall be paid the appropriate wage rate and fringe benefits on the wage determination for the classification of work actually performed, without regard to skill, except as provided in

 

-3-


Schedule 6.30

to Common Agreement

 

paragraph (b)(4) below. Laborers or mechanics performing work in more than one classification may be compensated at the rate specified for each classification for the time actually worked therein: Provided, that the employer’s payroll records accurately set forth the time spent in each classification in which work is performed. The wage determination (including any additional classification and wage rates conformed under subparagraph (b)(1)(ii) of this Schedule) as attached hereto as Attachment 1 and the Davis-Bacon poster (WH-1321) shall be posted at all times by the Borrower and each Contract Party at the site of the work in a prominent and accessible place where it can be easily seen by the workers.

(ii)(A) The contracting officer shall require that any class of laborers or mechanics, including helpers, which is not listed in the wage determination and which is to be employed under the Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract shall be classified in conformance with the wage determination. The contracting officer shall approve an additional classification and wage rate and fringe benefits therefore only when the following criteria have been met:

(1) The work to be performed by the classification requested is not performed by a classification in the wage determination; and

(2) The classification is utilized in the area by the construction industry; and

(3) The proposed wage rate, including any bona fide fringe benefits, bears a reasonable relationship to the wage rates contained in the wage determination.

(B) If the Borrower or any Contract Party, as the case may be, and the respective laborers and mechanics to be employed in the classification (if known), or their representatives, and the contracting officer agree on the classification and wage rate (including the amount designated for fringe benefits where appropriate), a report of the action taken shall be sent by the contracting officer to the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, Employment Standards Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC 20210. The Administrator, or an authorized representative, will approve, modify, or disapprove every additional classification action within 30 days of receipt and so advise the contracting officer or will notify the contracting officer within the 30-day period that additional time is necessary.

(C) In the event the Borrower or any Contract Party, as the case may be, the laborers or mechanics to be employed in the classification or their representatives, and the contracting officer do not agree on the proposed classification and wage rate (including the amount designated for fringe benefits, where appropriate), the contracting officer shall refer the questions, including the views of all interested parties and the recommendation of the contracting officer, to the Administrator for determination. The Administrator, or an authorized representative, will issue a determination within 30 days of receipt and so advise the contracting officer or will notify the contracting officer within the 30-day period that additional time is necessary.

 

-4-


Schedule 6.30

to Common Agreement

 

(D) The wage rate (including fringe benefits where appropriate) determined pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(1)(ii) (B) or (C) of this Schedule, shall be paid to all workers performing work in the classification under any Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract from the first day on which work is performed in the classification.

(iii) Whenever the minimum wage rate prescribed in any Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract for a class of laborers or mechanics includes a fringe benefit which is not expressed as an hourly rate, the Borrower or any Contract Party shall either pay the benefit as stated in the wage determination or shall pay another bona fide fringe benefit or an hourly cash equivalent thereof.

(iv) If the Borrower or any Contract Party does not make payments to a trustee or other third person, the Borrower or any Contract Party may consider as part of the wages of any laborer or mechanic the amount of any costs reasonably anticipated in providing bona fide fringe benefits under a plan or program; provided, that the Secretary of Labor has found, upon the written request of the Borrower or any Contract Party, that the applicable standards of the Davis-Bacon Act have been met. The Secretary of Labor may require the Borrower or any Contract Party to set aside in a separate account assets for the meeting of obligations under the plan or program.

(2) Withholding. The DOE contracting officer shall upon its own action or upon written request of an authorized representative of the Department of Labor withhold or cause to be withheld from the Borrower or a Contract Party, as the case may be, under this Contract or any other Federal contract with the same Borrower or Contract Party, or any other federally-assisted contract subject to Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements, which is held by the same Borrower or Contract Party, so much of the accrued payments or advances as may be considered necessary to pay laborers and mechanics, including apprentices, trainees, and helpers, employed or working on the site of the work the full amount of wages required by the Contract. In the event of failure to pay any laborer or mechanic, including any apprentice, trainee, or helper, employed or working on the site of the work, all or part of the wages required by the Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract, DOE may, after written notice to the Borrower take such action as may be necessary to cause the suspension of any further disbursement under the DOE- Guaranteed Loan until such violations have ceased, it being understood that any such suspension shall not affect the validity of the DOE Guarantee on the portions of the DOE-Guaranteed Loan that have been disbursed prior to the date of such suspension and remain outstanding as of such date.

 

-5-


Schedule 6.30

to Common Agreement

 

(3) Payrolls and basic records.

(i) Payrolls and basic records relating thereto shall be maintained by the Borrower and each Contract Party during the course of the work and preserved for a period of three years thereafter for all of their respective laborers and mechanics employed or working at the site of the work. Such records shall contain the name, address, and social security number of each such worker, his or her correct classification, hourly rates of wages paid (including rates of contributions or costs anticipated for bona fide fringe benefits or cash equivalents thereof of the types described in section 1(b)(2)(B) of the Davis-Bacon Act), daily and weekly number of hours worked, deductions made and actual wages paid. Whenever the Secretary of Labor has found under 29 CFR 5.5(a)(1)(iv) that the wages of any laborer or mechanic include the amount of any costs reasonably anticipated in providing benefits under a plan or program described in section 1(b)(2)(B) of the Davis-Bacon Act, the Borrower and each Contract Party shall maintain records which show that the commitment to provide such benefits is enforceable, that the plan or program is financially responsible, and that the plan or program has been communicated in writing to the laborers or mechanics affected, and records which show the costs anticipated or the actual cost incurred in providing such benefits. The Borrower and any Contract Party employing apprentices or trainees under approved programs shall maintain written evidence of the registration of apprenticeship programs and certification of trainee programs, the registration of the apprentices and trainees, and the ratios and wage rates prescribed in the applicable programs.

(ii)(A) The Contract Party shall submit weekly for each week in which any Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract work is performed a copy of all payrolls to the Borrower. The highest tier Contract Party is responsible for the submission of copies of payrolls by all subcontractors and lower tier subcontractors. Unless otherwise directed by DOE, the Borrower shall submit weekly for each week in which any Contract work is performed a copy of all of its payrolls, as well as all payrolls of each Contract Party, to the DOE contracting officer. The payrolls submitted shall set out accurately and completely all of the information required to be maintained under subparagraph (b)(3)(i) of this Schedule, except that full social security numbers and home addresses shall not be included on weekly transmittals. Instead the payrolls shall only need to include an individually identifying number for each employee (e.g., the last four digits of the employee’s social security number). The required weekly payroll information may be submitted in any form desired. Optional Form WH-347 is available for this purpose from the Wage and Hour Division Web site at http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/forms/wh347instr.htm or its successor site. The Borrower is responsible for the submission of copies of its own payrolls and the payrolls of each Contract Party, in each case, to the extent each employs laborers and mechanics in the performance of the Project. Each Contract Party is responsible for the submission of copies of payrolls by all subcontract or lower-tier Contract Parties. The Borrower and each Contract Party shall maintain the full social security number and current address of each of its own covered workers, and shall provide them upon request, in the case of the Contract Party, to the Borrower, for transmission to the DOE or the

 

-6-


Schedule 6.30

to Common Agreement

 

Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor for purposes of an investigation or audit of compliance with prevailing wage requirements. It is not a violation of this subparagraph (b)(3)(ii)(A) of this Schedule for a higher-tiered Contract Party to require a lower-tiered Contract Party to provide addresses and social security numbers to such Contract Party for its own records, without weekly submission to the DOE or the Borrower.

(B) Each payroll submitted shall be accompanied by a “Statement of Compliance,” signed by the Borrower or Contract Party or his or her agent who pays or supervises the payment of the laborer or mechanic employed under the Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract and shall certify the following:

(1) That the payroll for the payroll period contains the information required to be provided under subparagraph (b)(3)(ii) of this Schedule, the appropriate information is being maintained under subparagraph (b)(3)(i) of this Schedule, and that such information is correct and complete;

(2) That each laborer or mechanic (including each helper, apprentice, and trainee) employed under the Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract during the payroll period has been paid the full weekly wages earned, without rebate, either directly or indirectly, and that no deductions have been made either directly or indirectly from the full wages earned, other than permissible deductions as set forth in Regulations, 29 CFR part 3;

(3) That each laborer or mechanic has been paid not less than the applicable wage rates and fringe benefits or cash equivalents for the classification of work performed, as specified in the applicable wage determination incorporated into the Common Agreement and any other Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract.

(C) The weekly submission of a properly executed certification set forth on the reverse side of Optional Form WH-347 shall satisfy the requirement for submission of the “Statement of Compliance” required by subparagraph (b)(3)(ii)(B) of this Schedule.

(D) The falsification of any of the above certifications may subject the Borrower or any Contract Party to civil or criminal prosecution under section 1001 of title 18 and section 3729 of title 31 of the United States Code.

(iii) The Borrower and each Contract Party shall make the records required under subparagraph (b)(3)(i) of this Schedule available for inspection, copying, or transcription by authorized representatives of the DOE or the Department of Labor, and shall permit such representatives to interview employees during working hours on the job. If the Borrower or any Contract Party fails to submit the required records or to make them available, the DOE may, after written notice to the Borrower take such action as may be necessary to cause the suspension of any

 

-7-


Schedule 6.30

to Common Agreement

 

further disbursement under the DOE- Guaranteed Loan, it being understood that any such suspension shall not affect the validity of the DOE Guarantee on the portions of the DOE-Guaranteed Loan that have been disbursed prior to the date of such suspension and remain outstanding as of such date. Furthermore, failure to submit the required records upon request or to make such records available may be grounds for debarment action pursuant to 29 CFR 5.12.

(4) Apprentices and trainees

(i) Apprentices. Apprentices will be permitted to work at less than the predetermined rate for the work they performed when they are employed pursuant to and individually registered in a bona fide apprenticeship program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services, or with a State Apprenticeship Agency recognized by the Office, or if a person is employed in his or her first 90 days of probationary employment as an apprentice in such an apprenticeship program, who is not individually registered in the program, but who has been certified by the Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services or a State Apprenticeship Agency (where appropriate) to be eligible for probationary employment as an apprentice. The allowable ratio of apprentices to journeymen on the job site in any craft classification shall not be greater than the ratio permitted to the Borrower or Contract Party as to the entire work force under the registered program. Any worker listed on a payroll at an apprentice wage rate, who is not registered or otherwise employed as stated above, shall be paid not less than the applicable wage rate on the wage determination for the classification of work actually performed. In addition, any apprentice performing work on the job site in excess of the ratio permitted under the registered program shall be paid not less than the applicable wage rate on the wage determination for the work actually performed. Where a Borrower or Contract Party is performing construction on a project in a locality other than that in which its program is registered, the ratios and wage rates (expressed in percentages of the journeyman’s hourly rate) specified in the Borrower or Contract Party’s registered program shall be observed. Every apprentice must be paid at not less than the rate specified in the registered program for the apprentice’s level of progress, expressed as a percentage of the journeymen hourly rate specified in the applicable wage determination. Apprentices shall be paid fringe benefits in accordance with the provisions of the apprenticeship program. If the apprenticeship program does not specify fringe benefits, apprentices must be paid the full amount of fringe benefits listed on the wage determination for the applicable classification. If the Administrator determines that a different practice prevails for the applicable apprentice classification, fringes shall be paid in accordance with that determination. In the event the Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services, or a State Apprenticeship Agency recognized by the Office, withdraws approval of an apprenticeship program, the Borrower or the Contract Party will no longer be permitted to utilize apprentices at less than the applicable predetermined rate for the work performed until an acceptable program is approved.

 

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(ii) Trainees. Except as provided in 29 CFR 5.16, trainees will not be permitted to work at less than the predetermined rate for the work performed unless they are employed pursuant to and individually registered in a program which has received prior approval, evidenced by formal certification by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. The ratio of trainees to journeymen on the job site shall not be greater than permitted under the plan approved by the Employment and Training Administration. Every trainee must be paid at not less than the rate specified in the approved program for the trainee’s level of progress, expressed as a percentage of the journeyman hourly rate specified in the applicable wage determination. Trainees shall be paid fringe benefits in accordance with the provisions of the trainee program. If the trainee program does not mention fringe benefits, trainees shall be paid the full amount of fringe benefits listed on the wage determination unless the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division determines that there is an apprenticeship program associated with the corresponding journeyman wage rate on the wage determination which provides for less than full fringe benefits for apprentices. Any employee listed on the payroll at a trainee rate who is not registered and participating in a training plan approved by the Employment and Training Administration shall be paid not less than the applicable wage rate on the wage determination for the classification of work actually performed. In addition, any trainee performing work on the job site in excess of the ratio permitted under the registered program shall be paid not less than the applicable wage rate on the wage determination for the work actually performed. In the event the Employment and Training Administration withdraws approval of a training program, the Borrower or the Contract Party will no longer be permitted to utilize trainees at less than the applicable predetermined rate for the work performed until an acceptable program is approved.

(iii) Equal employment opportunity. The utilization of apprentices, trainees and journeymen under this part shall be in conformity with the equal employment opportunity requirements of Executive Order 11246, as amended, and 29 CFR part 30.

(5) Compliance with Copeland Act requirements. The Borrower and any Contract Party shall comply with the requirements of 29 CFR part 3, which are incorporated by reference in this Common Agreement and any other Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract.

(6) Subcontracts. The Borrower and any higher or lower tier Contract Party shall insert in any Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract the clauses contained in subparagraphs (b)(1) through (10) of this Schedule and such other clauses as the DOE may by appropriate instructions require, and also a clause requiring the higher tier Contract Party to include these clauses in any lower tier Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract. The Borrower shall be responsible for the compliance by any Contract Party with all the contract clauses in (1) through (10) of this Schedule.

 

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(7) Contract termination: debarment. A breach of any of the contract clauses in (1) through (10) of subparagraph (b) in this Schedule will constitute an Event of Default by the Borrower under Article 8 of the Common Agreement and may be grounds for termination of any Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract, and for debarment as a contractor, a subcontractor or other entity as provided in 29 CFR 5.12; provided, however, that the termination provision in this subparagraph (b)(7) shall not apply to the Common Agreement but that, in lieu of the application of such termination provision of subparagraph (b)(7), the remedies available to DOE under Section 8.2 of the Common Agreement shall apply upon such an Event of Default.

(8) Compliance with Davis-Bacon and Related Act requirements. All rulings and interpretations of the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts contained in 29 CFR parts 1, 3, and 5 (other than Section 5.5(b) of 29 CFR part 5) are herein incorporated by reference in this Common Agreement and any other Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract.

(9) Disputes concerning labor standards. Disputes arising out of the labor standards provisions of this Common Agreement or any other Davis-Bacon Act Covered Contract shall not be subject to the general disputes clause of such contract. Such disputes shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures of the Department of Labor set forth in 29 CFR parts 5, 6, and 7. Disputes within the meaning of this clause include disputes between the Borrower or any Contract Party and DOE, the U.S. Department of Labor, or the employees or their representatives.

(10) Certification of eligibility.

(i) By entering into this Common Agreement and any other Davis-Bacon Covered Contract, the Borrower and the Contract Party each certifies that neither it (nor he or she) nor any person or firm who has an interest in the Borrower or the Contract Party’s firm is a person or firm ineligible to be awarded Government contracts by virtue of section 3(a) of the Davis-Bacon Act or 29 CFR 5.12(a)(1).

(ii) No part of this Common Agreement or any other Davis-Bacon Covered Contract shall be assigned or subcontracted, as the case may be, to any person or firm ineligible for award of a Government contract by virtue of section 3(a) of the Davis- Bacon Act or 29 CFR 5.12(a)(1).

(iii) The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in the U.S. Criminal Code, 18 U.S.C. 1001.

 

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Attachment 1

Wage Determination

CA29 Modification 35

 

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