<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 18, 1996
REGISTRATION NO. 333-06731
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
MARYLAND 3669 52-1283030
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or Classification Code Number) Identification
organization) No.)
</TABLE>
------------------------
209 PERRY PARKWAY
GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND 20877
(301) 258-9850
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
------------------------
GEORGE T. JIMENEZ
PRESIDENT
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
209 PERRY PARKWAY
GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND 20877
(301) 258-9850
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service)
------------------------
COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Ariel Vannier, Esq. Melvin Epstein, Esq.
Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP Stroock & Stroock & Lavan
1800 Mercantile Bank and Trust Building Seven Hanover Square
Two Hopkins Plaza New York, New York 10004-2696
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2978 (212) 806-5400
(410) 244-7400
</TABLE>
------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. / /
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / / __________
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier registration statement for the same
offering. / / __________
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET SHOWING LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS OF INFORMATION REQUIRED BY
ITEMS IN PART I OF FORM S-1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM S-1 ITEM AND CAPTION LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
PART I
1. Front of Registration Statement and Outside Front
Cover of Prospectus................................. Cover of Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Prospectus.......................................... Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Page of
Prospectus
3. Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of
Earnings to Fixed Charges........................... Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
4. Use of Proceeds...................................... Use of Proceeds
5. Determination of Offering Price...................... Underwriting
6. Dilution............................................. Dilution
7. Selling Security Holders............................. Principal and Selling Stockholders
8. Plan of Distribution................................. Underwriting
9. Description of Securities to be Registered........... Description of Capital Stock
10. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel................ Not Applicable
11. Information With Respect to the Registrant........... Front Cover Page; Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors;
Use of Proceeds; Dividend Policy; Capitalization;
Dilution; Selected Financial Data; Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations; Business; Management; Certain
Transactions; Principal and Selling Stockholders;
Description of Capital Stock; Certain Charter and
By-Law Provisions; Shares Eligible for Future Sale;
Financial Statements
12. Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification
for Securities Act Liabilities...................... Not Applicable
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 18, 1996
PROSPECTUS
2,500,000 SHARES
[ACE*COMM LOGO]
COMMON STOCK
------------------
Of the 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share ("Common
Stock"), of ACE*COMM Corporation ("ACE*COMM" or the "Company"), offered hereby,
2,270,000 shares are being offered by the Company and 230,000 shares are being
offered by a stockholder of the Company (the "Selling Stockholder"). See
"Principal and Selling Stockholders." The Company will not receive any of the
proceeds from the sale of shares by the Selling Stockholder.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock
of the Company. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price
will be between $9 and $11 per share. For factors to be considered in
determining the initial public offering price, see "Underwriting." The Company
has applied to have the Common Stock listed on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "ACEC."
------------------------
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE
PURCHASERS OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING AT
PAGE 8.
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO THE
DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS TO THE SELLING
PRICE TO PUBLIC COMMISSIONS(1) COMPANY(2) STOCKHOLDER
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share..................... $ $ $ $
Total (3)..................... $ $ $ $
</TABLE>
(1) The Company and the Selling Stockholder have agreed to indemnify the several
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company estimated at $750,000.
(3) The Company has granted to the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up
to 375,000 additional shares of Common Stock, on the same terms and
conditions as set forth above, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If
such option is exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting
Discounts and Commissions, Proceeds to the Company and Proceeds to the
Selling Stockholder will be $ , $ , $ and
$ , respectively. See "Underwriting."
The shares are being offered by the several Underwriters, subject to prior
sale, when, as, and if delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters, and
subject to various prior conditions, including the right to reject orders in
whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of share certificates will be
made against payment therefor at the offices of Furman Selz LLC in New York, New
York, on or about , 1996.
FURMAN SELZ
OPPENHEIMER & CO., INC.
RODMAN & RENSHAW, INC.
---------------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1996.
<PAGE>
The inside front cover page contains a map of the world indicating the
number of installations of the Company's products and the countries in which the
Company's products have been installed.
In addition, the inside front cover folds open to reveal two pages, which
contain brief descriptions of the Company's carrier network products and network
management products and depict where such products fit within an end user's
network.
------------------------
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK AT
A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET, IN THE
OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE
DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
2
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY, AND SHOULD BE READ IN
CONJUNCTION WITH, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
RELATED NOTES THERETO APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES (I) NO EXERCISE
OF THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION, (II) THE EFFECT OF A 4.5-FOR-ONE
STOCK SPLIT OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK TO BE EFFECTED IN THE FORM OF A STOCK
DIVIDEND PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, (III) THE REDEMPTION OF ALL
OUTSTANDING SHARES OF THE COMPANY'S CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK AND (IV) THE
CONVERSION OF ALL OUTSTANDING SHARES OF THE COMPANY'S CLASS C CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK (THE "CLASS C PREFERRED STOCK") INTO 1,530,950 SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK, WHICH WILL OCCUR AUTOMATICALLY UPON THE COMPLETION OF THIS OFFERING.
CERTAIN TECHNICAL TERMS AND ACRONYMS USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS ARE DEFINED IN THE
"GLOSSARY OF TERMS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 54. THE COMPANY CONSIDERS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS TO CONSIST GENERALLY OF BOTH CARRIERS
OPERATING VOICE AND DATA NETWORKS FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS AND ENTERPRISES WHICH
OPERATE VOICE AND DATA NETWORKS FOR THEIR OWN USE.
THE COMPANY
ACE*COMM Corporation ("ACE*COMM" or the "Company") develops, markets and
services operations support systems ("OSS") products for networks deployed by
telecommunications service providers, such as telephone companies, other public
carriers and large enterprises operating data and voice networks using intranets
and the Internet. The Company's products perform such functions as billing data
collection, network surveillance, alarm processing and network management for
some of the largest carriers and enterprises in the world.
Increasing worldwide demand for data, voice and video services has created a
need for increased network capacity and new network services. In addition,
telecommunications service providers face an increasingly competitive
environment due to continued deregulation and privatization of the global
telecommunications industry. In response to these developments, interexchange
and local exchange carriers and providers of Internet, personal communications
and cellular services are offering a wide range of network features and options.
As a result of the growth in network usage and new services, large enterprises
require timely, accurate information regarding network performance and system
usage to support the increasing volumes of data and voice communications to and
from employees, customers and suppliers. ACE*COMM's products are designed to
enable carriers and large enterprises to optimize the use of new and existing
communications networks.
The Company's carrier network products connect to existing network
infrastructures and enable carriers to rapidly and accurately collect call
records and performance data which are used for billing, fraud detection,
customer care, marketing research and forecasting, and other operations support
functions. These products are designed to enhance the carriers' competitive
position by allowing them to offer new features and services, minimize network
down-time, increase revenue through more accurate and timely billing and improve
network productivity. The Company believes that it is well positioned to
continue to offer its carrier network products to international customers
located, for example, in Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim, which typically
operate a wide variety of switches from different manufacturers and require a
data collection system capable of adapting to and integrating with the billing
system and other OSSs.
Leveraging its experience in developing carrier network products, the
Company has also produced network management products that meet the growing
needs of large enterprises in the United States and abroad, including government
agencies, military organizations, educational institutions and "Fortune 1000"
size organizations. As these enterprises have become increasingly dependent on
the Internet and intranets for voice and data communications, their demand for
reliable and flexible network management tools has increased. The Company's
network management products consist of standardized software-based systems that
enable network managers to manage voice and data communications by automating
service administration, tracking network connections, detecting system errors
and malfunctions, controlling network inventory assignments and configuration,
monitoring
3
<PAGE>
traffic and performing billing functions. The Company's network management
products are designed to increase the efficiency of communication operations and
incorporate recent developments in object-oriented development, real-time
response, client server architecture and graphical user interfaces.
The Company is well positioned to develop products to support the
convergence and growth of telephony and data networks within the enterprise, as
a result of its knowledge and experience in data control and network switching
technology, data capture and warehousing, and client server systems. The Company
presently is partnering with Newbridge Networks Corporation ("Newbridge") to
develop software designed to provide billing data collection capabilities for
asynchronous transfer mode ("ATM"), Frame Relay and X.25 switch users. The
Company anticipates similar opportunities to develop other network edge
technologies for equipment and service providers in the growing market for data
services.
The Company has established strategic alliances with several companies in
order to distribute its products effectively and develop products that can be
responsive to the needs of the Company's end users. The Company's principal
strategic partners are AT&T Corporation, Cincinnati Bell Information Systems,
Inc. ("CBIS"), Teleglobe Canada, Inc. ("Teleglobe"), International Computers
Limited ("ICL"), Lucent Technologies, Inc., GTE Government Systems Corporation
("GTE Government Systems") and BellSouth Communication Services, Inc.
("BellSouth"). These relationships have resulted in the sale of products to
domestic and overseas carriers, the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Department of
State and major airports, among others. The alliances have been especially
helpful in enabling the Company to further penetrate, on a cost-effective basis,
the international telecommunications carrier markets, where the Company's
alliance partners are well recognized and have well-developed business
relationships. The Company also sells directly to large customers such as
Telefonos de Mexico S.A. de C.V. ("TELMEX"), NYNEX and the University of Iowa.
The Company's carrier network products have been installed in over 500 end
user sites in 32 countries and its network management products have been
installed in over 100 end user sites in 10 countries. The Company believes that
these installations constitute one of the largest installed bases in the world
for billing mediation and network management systems in the telecommunications
service provider market. The Company's carrier network products can be tailored
to the needs of operating companies in both the wireline and wireless sectors,
as well as end users, regardless of the geographical location of the network
equipment. The Company's network management products are compatible with
virtually all standard network management platforms.
The Company was incorporated in the State of Maryland in 1983. Its principal
executive offices are located at 209 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, Maryland
20877, and its telephone number is (301) 258-9850. The Company's site on the
World Wide Web is located at http://www.acec.com.
4
<PAGE>
THE OFFERING
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Common Stock offered by:
The Company................................ 2,270,000 shares
The Selling Stockholder.................... 230,000 shares
Total.................................... 2,500,000 shares
Common Stock to be outstanding after the
offering.................................... 7,391,401 shares(1)
Use of Proceeds to the Company............... For general corporate purposes, including
working capital, the employment of additional
personnel, the repayment of bank
indebtedness, the redemption of Class B
Preferred Stock and the repayment of certain
indebtedness held by the holder of such stock
and by a related party. See "Use of
Proceeds."
Proposed Nasdaq National Market symbol....... ACEC
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Does not include 1,073,704 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise
of stock options outstanding as of June 30, 1996, with exercise prices
ranging from $0.30 to $7.93 per share, and approximately 541,215 additional
shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options expected to be granted
after fiscal 1996, each with an exercise price of $10.00 per share. See
"Management -- Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan," "Description of
Capital Stock -- Common Stock" and Note 10 to the Company's financial
statements.
RISK FACTORS
For a discussion of certain factors that should be considered by prospective
purchasers of the securities offered hereby, see "Risk Factors."
5
<PAGE>
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
-------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue -- products and services............................... $ 14,523 $ 12,415 $ 19,983
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of products and services................................ 7,675 6,579 10,294
Selling, general and administrative.......................... 5,473 6,049 7,293
Research and development..................................... 573 1,045 957
--------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations.................................. 802 (1,258) 1,439
Interest expense............................................... 156 335 379
--------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes.............................. 646 (1,593) 1,060
Income taxes................................................... -- -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss).............................................. $ 646 $ (1,593) $ 1,060
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
Pro forma net income per share (1)............................. $ 0.18
---------
---------
Shares used to compute pro forma net income per share (1)...... 5,982
---------
---------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTERS ENDED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, MAR. 31,
1994 1994 1995 1995 1995 1995 1996
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue -- products and services....... $ 2,879 $ 3,552 $ 2,807 $ 3,177 $ 3,433 $ 4,772 $ 4,906
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of products and services........ 1,485 2,027 1,246 1,821 1,736 2,736 2,200
Selling, general and
administrative...................... 1,505 1,576 1,594 1,374 1,362 1,610 1,772
Research and development............. 218 268 226 333 132 235 264
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from operations.......... (329) (319) (259) (351) 203 191 670
Interest expense....................... 53 74 102 106 104 97 84
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes...... (382) (393) (361) (457) 99 94 586
Income taxes........................... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)...................... $ (382) $ (393) $ (361) $ (457) $ 99 $ 94 $ 586
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
1996
-----------
<S> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue -- products and services....... $ 6,872
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of products and services........ 3,622
Selling, general and
administrative...................... 2,549
Research and development............. 326
-----------
Income (loss) from operations.......... 375
Interest expense....................... 94
-----------
Income (loss) before income taxes...... 281
Income taxes........................... --
-----------
Net income (loss)...................... $ 281
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) For a description of the computation of pro forma net income per share and
shares used in computing pro forma net income per share, see Note 1 to the
Company's financial statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, 1996
----------------------
AS
ACTUAL ADJUSTED(1)
--------- -----------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
<S> <C> <C>
Cash............................................................. $ 369 $ 15,186
Working capital.................................................. 1,897 18,890
Total assets..................................................... 14,298 29,063
Total liabilities................................................ 12,187 7,060
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock........................... 2,262 --
Stockholders' equity (deficit)................................... (150) 22,003
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Adjusted to give effect to (i) the conversion of all outstanding shares of
Class C Preferred Stock into 1,530,950 shares of Common Stock and (ii) the
sale of 2,270,000 shares of Common Stock offered by the Company hereby at an
initial offering price of $10 per share (the mid-point of the estimated
range of the initial public offering price) after deducting underwriting
discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the
Company, and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom,
including the repayment of certain indebtedness and the redemption of shares
of Class B Preferred Stock. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
BACKLOG
The following table sets forth, on the dates indicated, the Company's
backlog by backlog type. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Overview" and "Business -- Backlog."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
-------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
--------- --------- ---------
Order Backlog...................................................... $ 5,656 $ 3,606 $ 10,394
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Contract Backlog................................................... 2,600 1,005 37,201
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF
RISK. THE FOLLOWING FACTORS AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS SHOULD BE CAREFULLY
CONSIDERED IN EVALUATING THE COMPANY AND ITS BUSINESS.
RELIANCE ON SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS AND LARGE ORDERS; LONG SALES CYCLES;
FLUCTUATIONS IN RESULTS. A significant portion of the Company's revenue has
been, and will continue to be, derived from substantial orders placed by large
organizations. For the year ended June 30, 1996, TELMEX and Teleglobe, its
largest carrier network product customers for the period, represented
approximately 28.8% and 10.5% of total revenue, respectively, and ANSTEC, Inc.
("ANSTEC") and GTE Government Systems, its largest network management product
customers for the period, represented approximately 11.3% and 6.5% of total
revenue, respectively. The Company expects that in the future it will continue
to be dependent upon a limited number of customers in any given period for a
significant portion of its revenue. Furthermore, such customers are concentrated
in the carrier market. The Company's future success may depend upon the
continued demand by such customers for its products and services. Customer
demand can be affected by numerous variables, including changes in governmental
regulation, changes in the customers' competitive environment, pricing policies
by the Company or its competitors, personnel changes, demand for the Company's
products in this market, the number, timing and significance of new product and
product enhancement announcements by the Company and its competitors, the
ability of the Company to develop, introduce and market new and enhanced
versions of its products on a timely basis, and the mix of direct and indirect
sales and general economic factors. There can be no assurance that revenue from
customers that have accounted for significant revenues in past periods,
individually or as a group, will continue, or if continued will reach or exceed
historical levels in any future period. The Company's results of operations and
financial condition could be materially adversely affected by the failure of
anticipated orders to materialize and by deferrals or cancellation of orders.
The Company's revenue is difficult to forecast as a result of the fact that
the purchase of operations support and network management systems generally
involves a significant commitment of capital and management time. Accordingly,
the sales cycle associated with the purchase of the Company's products -- from
initial contact to contract execution and delivery of product -- typically is
lengthy, varies from customer to customer and from project to project, and is
subject to a number of additional significant risks, including customers'
budgetary constraints and internal acceptance reviews, over which the Company
has little or no control.
The Company's results also vary based on the type and quantity of products
shipped, the timing of product shipments, the relative revenue mix in a given
period and the resulting margins. The variations may be material.
As a result of these and other factors, the Company believes that revenue
and operating results, and particularly quarterly results, are likely to vary
significantly in the future and to be difficult to forecast and that
period-to-period comparisons of its results of operations are not necessarily
meaningful and should not be relied upon as indications of future performance.
In addition, the Company's expense levels are based, in part, on its
expectations as to future revenue levels. If revenue levels are below
expectations in any given period, operating results are likely to be materially
adversely affected. Further, it is likely that in some future period the
Company's revenue or operating results will be below the expectations of public
market analysts and investors. In such event, the price of the Common Stock will
be materially adversely affected. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Selected Quarterly Results" and
"Business -- Strategic Alliances and Other Customers."
RELIANCE ON CARRIER MARKET. The Company derived a majority of its revenue
from sales to carriers during the years ended June 30, 1995 and 1996. Sales to
the carrier market are expected to provide the substantial majority of the
Company's revenue in the near future. The Company's business is dependent upon
the continued growth of the telecommunications industry in the United
8
<PAGE>
States and internationally, on the continued convergence of voice and data
networks and on the evolution and widespread adoption of emerging network
technologies. Any decline in the growth of the industry, the failure of these
markets to converge or the failure of these network technologies to evolve or
achieve widespread market acceptance could have a material adverse effect on the
Company and its results of operations.
The telecommunications industry is subject to extensive regulation in the
United States and other countries and regulatory approvals generally must be
obtained by most of the Company's customers. The enactment by federal, state or
foreign governments of new laws or regulations or changes in the interpretation
of existing regulations could adversely affect the Company's customers.
Any adverse development in the carrier market, including reregulation, or
reduction in demand for the Company's products by these industry sectors, could
have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS. Sales of products to be
delivered outside of the United States accounted for approximately 62.9%, 68.6%
and 69.0% of the Company's total revenue for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995
and 1996, respectively. The Company expects that revenue from the sale of
products outside of the United States will continue to account for a significant
portion of its total revenue in future periods. The Company intends to enter
additional international markets and to continue to expand its operations
outside of the United States by expanding its direct sales force, opening
additional in-region customer support and sales offices, adding licensees and
distributors and pursuing additional strategic relationships. Market acceptance
of the Company's products for emerging markets, such as Asia and the Pacific
Rim, is important to the Company's future success, but these markets are diverse
and rapidly evolving, and it is difficult to predict their potential size,
future growth rate or the timing of their development. In addition, access to
international markets is often difficult due to the established relationships
between a government owned or controlled communications company and its
traditional indigenous suppliers of communications products. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that the Company's products will be widely accepted by the
service providers in these emerging markets or that the Company will be able to
continue to penetrate these markets effectively.
The proposed further expansion into international markets will require
significant management attention and expenditure of significant financial
resources and could adversely affect the Company's operating margins. The
Company's international operations and revenue involve a number of inherent
risks, including extensive field testing and lengthier sales cycles than with
domestic customers, longer receivables collection periods and greater collection
difficulty, difficulty in staffing and managing international operations, the
impact of possible recessionary environments in economies outside the United
States, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, including a slowdown in
the rate of privatization of carriers, reduced protection for intellectual
property rights in some countries and tariffs and other trade barriers. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to sustain or increase revenue
derived from international sales or that the foregoing factors will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's future international revenue, and,
consequently, on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
Currency exchange fluctuations in countries in which the Company sells its
products could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations and financial condition by resulting in pricing that is not
competitive with products priced in local currencies. In addition, sales in
Europe and certain other parts of the world typically are adversely affected in
the third quarter of each calendar year as many customers reduce their business
activities during the summer months. If the Company's international sales become
a greater component of total revenue, these seasonal factors may have a more
pronounced effect on the Company's operating results. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,"
"Business -- Sales and Marketing" and "-- Strategic Alliances and Other
Customers."
9
<PAGE>
DEPENDENCE ON THIRD PARTY RELATIONSHIPS. A key element of the Company's
business strategy is to develop strategic alliances with leading companies that
provide telecommunications services or that manufacture and market network
equipment, in order to expand the Company's distribution channels and enter new
markets. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue to
increase the number of, or to expand, these types of relationships, in order to
market its products effectively, particularly internationally. Many of the
Company's strategic alliances are nonexclusive and certain of the companies with
which the Company has such alliances also have agreements with, or are
themselves, competitors or potential competitors of the Company. The Company
believes that these alliances are critical to the Company's ability to expand
its penetration of international markets for its carrier network products and to
increase sales of its network management products in the United States. There
can be no assurance that the Company's strategic partners will not discontinue
one or more of their alliances with the Company or form additional competing
arrangements with competitors of the Company or themselves begin to compete with
the Company. See "Business -- Strategic Alliances and Other Customers."
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL. The Company's success depends to a significant
degree upon the continuing contributions of its key management, sales, customer
support and product development personnel. In particular, the Company would be
materially adversely affected if it were to lose the services of George Jimenez,
Joseph Dorr or Dr. Thomas Russotto, who have provided significant leadership and
direction to the Company since its inception and who have significant knowledge
of the Company's proprietary technology and products. The Company currently does
not have employment agreements with its key personnel, although the Company has
non-competition and non-disclosure agreements with each of them. The Company has
obtained key man life insurance on the life of Mr. Jimenez in the amount of $1.0
million, payable to the Company. The loss of key management or technical
personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations and financial condition.
INTENSE COMPETITION. The market for carrier network and network management
products is highly competitive. Many providers offer products that are directly
competitive with those offered by the Company in both domestic and international
markets. The Company also experiences competition from in-house systems
developed by existing and potential customers. Many of the Company's current and
potential competitors have significantly greater financial, marketing,
technical, and other competitive resources than the Company. Current and
potential competitors, including providers of software or processing services,
may establish cooperative relationships with one another or with third parties
or consolidate to compete more effectively against the Company. It is also
possible that new competitors may emerge and acquire market share. Any of these
events could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations and financial condition. See "Business -- Competition."
NEW PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY AND NEED TO RESPOND TO RAPIDLY CHANGING CUSTOMER
NEEDS. The market for the Company's products is characterized by rapid change
and is highly competitive with respect to the need for timely product innovation
and new product introductions. The Company believes that its future success
depends in part upon its ability to enhance its current offerings and develop
new products that address the increasingly complex needs of customers. In
particular, the Company believes that it must respond quickly to customers'
needs for additional functionality and new software technologies. There can be
no assurance that the Company will be able to do so. The Company continually
seeks to develop new products and individual features within a complex hardware
and software system. Development projects can be lengthy and are subject to
changing requirements, programming difficulties, and unforeseen factors which
can result in delays. In addition, new products or features, when first released
by the Company, may contain undetected errors that, despite testing by the
Company, are discovered only after a product has been installed and used by
customers. Delays or undetected errors could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
10
<PAGE>
The introduction or announcement by the Company or one or more of its
competitors of products embodying new technologies, or changes in industry
standards or customer requirements, could render the Company's existing products
obsolete or unmarketable. The introduction of new or enhanced versions of its
products also requires the Company to manage the transition from older products
in order to minimize disruption in customer operations. There can be no
assurance that the introduction or announcement by the Company or one or more of
its competitors of new products, or changes in industry standards or customer
requirements, will not cause customers to limit or defer purchases of Company
products. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations and financial condition.
MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH. The Company is expanding into new products, services
and markets. This growth has resulted in new and increased responsibilities for
management personnel and has placed and continues to place a significant strain
upon the Company's management, operating and financial systems and resources.
Although the Company believes that there are currently no existing material
weaknesses, in order to accommodate recent growth and to compete effectively and
manage future growth, if any, the Company will be required to continue to
implement and improve operating, financial and management information systems,
procedures and controls on a timely basis and in such a manner as is necessary
to accommodate the increased number of transactions and customers and the
increased size of the Company's operations. Management of future growth, if any,
will also require that the Company continuously expand, train, motivate and
manage its work force. These demands will require the addition of new management
personnel. The Company's future success will depend to a significant extent on
the ability of its current and future executive officers to operate effectively,
both independently and as a group. There can be no assurance that the Company's
personnel, systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support the
Company's existing and future operations. Any failure to implement and improve
the Company's operating, financial and management systems or to expand, train,
motivate or manage employees could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations and financial condition.
DIFFICULTY IN ATTRACTING AND RETAINING NECESSARY PERSONNEL. Certain members
of the senior management team of the Company have been in place for a relatively
short time. Jeffrey Simpson, Vice President, Finance, and James Moore, Vice
President, Marketing, began their employment in July 1996 and May 1996,
respectively. The Company believes that its future success will depend in large
part upon its ability to continue to attract and retain highly skilled
managerial, sales, professional services, customer support and product
development personnel. The Company has at times experienced and continues to
experience difficulty in recruiting qualified personnel. Competition for
qualified personnel with knowledge of the telecommunications industry is
intense, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in
attracting and retaining such personnel. The complex nature of the products
demanded by the Company's customers requires that the Company recruit and hire
personnel with expertise in and a broad understanding of the telecommunications
and other industries in which the Company's customers compete. In addition,
there are only a limited number of qualified development and customer support
engineers, and competition for such individuals is especially intense.
Competitors have in the past and may in the future attempt to recruit the
Company's employees. Failure to attract and retain key personnel could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
condition.
DEPENDENCE UPON PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY. The Company's success and ability
to compete is dependent in part upon its proprietary technology. The Company
relies on a combination of trade secret, copyright and trademark laws,
nondisclosure and other contractual agreements and technical measures to protect
its proprietary rights. The Company currently has no patents or patent
applications pending. Despite the Company's efforts to protect its proprietary
rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of the Company's
products or to obtain and use information that the Company regards as
proprietary, or to develop products with functionality or features similar to
the Company's products that are substantially equivalent or superior to the
Company's products. In addition, effective copyright, trademark and trade secret
protection may be unavailable or limited in
11
<PAGE>
certain countries. The Company believes that its products and trademarks do not
infringe upon the proprietary rights of third parties, but there can be no
assurance that third parties will not in the future assert claims of
infringement of their proprietary rights. Any such claims, with or without
merit, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, cause product
shipment delays or require the Company to develop non-infringing technology or
enter into royalty or licensing agreements which, if available, may not be on
terms acceptable to the Company. A claim of product infringement against the
Company and failure or inability of the Company to develop non-infringing
technology, or license the infringed or similar technology, could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
condition. The Company relies on certain software that it licenses from third
parties, including software that is integrated with internally developed
software and used in the Company's products to perform key functions. There can
be no assurance that these third party software licenses will continue to be
available to the Company on commercially reasonable terms. The absence of such
software, if the Company is unable to find a substitute, could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's ability to produce products. See "Business --
Proprietary Rights and Licenses."
NO PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET; DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE; POSSIBLE VOLATILITY
OF STOCK PRICE. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the
Common Stock. There can be no assurance that an active trading market will
develop for the Common Stock or that the price at which shares of Common Stock
may trade in the public market from time to time subsequent to this offering
will exceed the initial public offering price. The initial public offering price
will be determined by negotiations between the Company and the representatives
of the Underwriters and may not be indicative of future market prices. See
"Underwriting" for a discussion of factors to be considered in determining the
initial public offering price. The stock market has from time to time
experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations, particularly in the
technology sector, which often have been unrelated to the operating performance
of particular companies. Any announcement with respect to any variance in
revenue or earnings from levels generally expected by securities analysts for a
given period could have an immediate and significant effect on the trading price
of the Common Stock. In addition, factors such as announcements of technological
innovations or new products by the Company, its competitors, or third parties,
as well as changing market conditions in the industry, may have a significant
impact on the market price of the Common Stock.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE. Sales of a substantial number of shares of
Common Stock in the public market following this offering could adversely affect
prevailing market prices for the Common Stock. Upon the expiration of "lock-up"
agreements, 180 days following the date of this Prospectus, approximately
4,748,211 shares of Common Stock will be eligible for sale under Rule 701 or
Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
except to the extent owned by affiliates of the Company. On the date 90 days
following the date of this Prospectus and without consideration of the foregoing
contractual restrictions, substantially all of the Common Stock outstanding
prior to this offering would be eligible for sale in the public markets subject
to the provisions of Rule 144. After this offering, holders of 1,300,950 shares
of Common Stock are entitled to certain registration rights (taking into account
the conversion of the Class C Preferred Stock). If such holders, by exercising
their registration rights, cause a large number of shares to be registered and
sold in the public market, such sales may have an adverse effect on the market
price for the Common Stock. In addition, the Company intends to register on one
or more registration statements filed after completion of this offering, up to
2,400,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Company's stock
plans. Shares covered by these registration statements will be eligible for sale
in the public market immediately after the effective dates of such registration
statements. Sales of substantial shares of Common Stock in the public market
following this offering, or the perception that such sales could occur, could
adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock prevailing from time to
time and could impair the Company's future ability to raise capital through an
offering of its equity securities. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and
"Underwriting."
12
<PAGE>
CONTROL BY EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS; ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS. The Company's
directors and officers and their affiliates will, in the aggregate, own,
directly or indirectly, more than 53.0% of the outstanding Common Stock after
this offering, assuming no exercise of outstanding options. As a result, these
stockholders, if they act together, would be able to control most matters
requiring approval by the Company's stockholders, including the election of
directors. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders" and "Shares Eligible for
Future Sale." In addition, the Company's Charter and By-laws will contain
provisions that may discourage acquisition bids for the Company by persons
unrelated to certain existing stockholders. The effect of this stock ownership
and these provisions may be to limit the price that investors might be willing
to pay in the future for shares of the Common Stock or prevent or delay a
merger, takeover, or other change in control of the Company and thus discourage
attempts to acquire the Company. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors
has the authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock and to
determine the price, rights, preferences and privileges of those shares without
any further vote or action by the stockholders. The rights of the holders of
Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of
the holders of any Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future. The
issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing flexibility in connection with
possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of
making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of the
outstanding voting stock of the Company. The Company has no present plan to
issue any shares of Preferred Stock. The Company's Charter and By-laws contain
other provisions, such as notice requirements for stockholders, staggered terms
for its Board of Directors, and limitations on the stockholders' ability to
remove directors or to present proposals to the stockholders for a vote, all of
which may have the further effect of making it more difficult for a third party
to gain control or to acquire the Company. See "Description of Capital Stock"
and "Certain Charter and By-Law Provisions."
DILUTION. The initial public offering price will be substantially higher
than the book value per share of Common Stock. Assuming an initial public
offering price of $10.00 per share (the mid-point of the estimated range of the
initial public offering price), investors participating in this offering will
incur immediate, substantial dilution of approximately $7.02 per share. To the
extent outstanding options to purchase Common Stock are exercised, there will be
further dilution. See "Dilution."
13
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 2,270,000 shares of
Common Stock offered by the Company hereby are estimated to be approximately
$20.2 million (approximately $24.0 million if the Underwriters' over-allotment
option is exercised in full), after deducting the underwriting discounts and
commissions and estimated offering expenses and assuming a public offering price
of $10.00 per share.
The Company expects to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes
including working capital and employment of additional personnel, provided that:
(i) certain amounts will be used for repayment of bank indebtedness of which
approximately $5.0 million was outstanding at June 30, 1996, (ii) approximately
$0.4 million will be used for redemption of all outstanding shares of Class B
Preferred Stock and the repayment of certain indebtedness held by the holder of
such shares, of which approximately $52,000 was outstanding at June 30, 1996 and
(iii) approximately $0.1 million will be used for repayment of outstanding
related-party indebtedness. See Notes 5 and 6 to the Company's financial
statements and "Certain Transactions" for further information.
The principal purposes of this offering are to increase the Company's equity
and to create a public market for the Company's Common Stock. The Company
believes that success in its industry requires substantial capital in order to
maintain the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities that arise and to be
able to withstand adverse business conditions, should they occur. Portions of
net proceeds may also be used to fund acquisitions of complementary businesses,
products or technologies, although no specific acquisitions are planned or under
negotiation as of the date of this Prospectus. The Company has not allocated a
significant portion of the net proceeds of this offering to any particular use.
Accordingly, management will have significant flexibility in applying the net
proceeds of this offering. Pending application of the proceeds as described
above, the Company intends to invest the net proceeds in investment-grade,
short-term securities.
The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares of
Common Stock by the Selling Stockholder. See "Principal and Selling
Stockholders."
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on the Common Stock.
The Company currently intends to retain earnings, if any, to finance the growth
and development of its business and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in
the foreseeable future. The terms of the Company's bank credit facilities
prohibit the payment of cash dividends. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources." The future payment of cash dividends, if any, is also within
the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on the future earnings,
capital requirements, financial condition and future prospects of the Company
and such other factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant.
14
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of June
30, 1996, (i) on an actual basis giving effect to a 4.5-to-one stock split and
(ii) as adjusted to give effect to (a) the issuance of 1,530,950 shares of
Common Stock upon the conversion of all outstanding shares of Class C Preferred
Stock and (b) the sale of 2,270,000 shares of Common Stock offered by the
Company hereby (at an assumed initial public offering price of $10 per share),
and the application of the estimated net proceeds of this offering as described
in "Use of Proceeds." This table should be read in conjunction with the
Company's financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, 1996
--------------------
AS
ACTUAL ADJUSTED
--------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT
FOR SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C>
Long-term debt, net of current portion...................................................... $ 2,952 --
---------
Mandatorily redeemable Class C Preferred Stock, $5.14 par value; 340,211 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding, actual; none issued and outstanding, as adjusted................... 2,262 --
---------
Stockholders' equity (deficit) (1)(2):
Class B Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, 1,000 issued and
outstanding, actual; none issued and outstanding, as adjusted............................ 1 --
Common Stock, $.01 par value; 45,000,000 shares authorized, 3,590,451 issued and
outstanding, actual; 45,000,000 shares authorized, 7,391,401 issued and outstanding, as
adjusted................................................................................. 36 $ 74
Additional paid-in capital.................................................................. 343 22,459
Accumulated deficit......................................................................... (530) (530)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit).................................................... (150) 22,003
--------- ---------
Total capitalization.................................................................. $ 5,064 $ 22,003
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Does not include 1,073,704 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise
of stock options outstanding as of June 30, 1996, with exercise prices
ranging from $0.30 to $7.93 per share, and approximately 541,215 additional
shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options expected to be granted,
after fiscal 1996, each with an exercise price of $10.00 per share. See
"Management -- Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan," "Description of
Capital Stock -- Common Stock" and Note 10 to the Company's financial
statements.
(2) Upon the consummation of this offering, the conversion of the Class C
Preferred Stock and the redemption of the Class B Preferred Stock, the
Company will be authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of undesignated
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share, of which none will be issued and
outstanding. See "Description of the Capital Stock -- Preferred Stock."
15
<PAGE>
DILUTION
The pro forma net tangible book value of the Company as of June 30, 1996 was
$2.1 million, or $.41 per share of Common Stock. "Pro forma net tangible book
value" per share represents the amount of total tangible assets less total
liabilities, divided by the total number of shares of Common Stock then
outstanding (without giving effect to this offering but assuming the automatic
conversion of all outstanding shares of Class C Preferred Stock into 1,530,950
shares of Common Stock and the effectiveness of a 4.5-to-one stock split).
After giving effect to the sale by the Company of the 2,270,000 shares of
Common Stock offered by the Company and the application of the estimated net
proceeds of this offering as described in "Use of Proceeds" (after deduction of
underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses), the
Company's pro forma net tangible book value at June 30, 1996, would have been
$22.0 million, or $2.98 per share of Common Stock to purchasers of Common Stock
in this offering. This represents an immediate dilution of $7.02 per share to
new investors. The following table illustrates the per share dilution:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share..................... $ 10.00
Pro forma net tangible book value per share at June 30, 1996...... $ 0.41
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share
attributable to new investors.................................... 2.57
---------
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering..... 2.98
---------
Dilution per share to new investors................................. $ 7.02
---------
---------
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 1996,
the number of shares of Common Stock purchased from the Company, the total
consideration paid and the average price per share paid by the existing
stockholders (including holders of shares of Class C Preferred Stock to be
converted into Common Stock concurrently with this offering, but not including
the holder of shares of Class B Preferred Stock to be redeemed with the proceeds
of this offering) and by purchasers of Common Stock in this offering:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES PURCHASED TOTAL CONSIDERATION AVERAGE
------------------------ --------------------------- PRICE PER
NUMBER PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT SHARE
----------- ----------- -------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Existing Stockholders (1)(2)...................... 5,121,401 69.3% $ 2,566,905 10.2% $ 0.50
New Investors (1)................................. 2,270,000 30.7 22,700,000 89.8 $ 10.00
----------- ----- -------------- -----
Total......................................... 7,391,401 100.0% $ 25,266,905 100.0%
----------- ----- -------------- -----
----------- ----- -------------- -----
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The sale by the Selling Stockholder in this offering will reduce the number
of shares of Common Stock held by existing stockholders to 4,891,401, or
approximately 66.2% (or approximately 63.0% if the Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full), and will increase the number of
shares held by new investors to 2,500,000, or approximately 33.8% (2,875,000
shares, or approximately 37.0%, if the Underwriters' over-allotment option
is exercised in full), of the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding after this offering. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders."
(2) Does not include 1,073,704 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise
of stock options outstanding as of June 30, 1996, with exercise prices
ranging from $0.30 to $7.93 per share, and approximately 541,215 additional
shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options expected to be granted
after fiscal 1996, each with an exercise price of $10.00 per share. See
"Management -- Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan," "Description of
Capital Stock -- Common Stock" and Note 10 to the Company's financial
statements. To the extent outstanding stock options are exercised, there
will be further dilution to new investors.
16
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated selected financial
data for the Company. The statement of operations and balance sheet data for the
years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996 have been derived from the Company's
financial statements, which have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent accountants. The statement of operations and balance sheet data for
the years ended June 30, 1992 and 1993 have been derived from the Company's
audited financial statements which have not been included in this Prospectus.
The information set forth below is qualified by reference to, and should be read
in conjunction with, the Company's financial statements and the notes thereto
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
-----------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue -- products and services......................... $ 7,877 $ 11,137 $ 14,523 $ 12,415 $ 19,983
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of products and services.......................... 4,462 5,870 7,675 6,579 10,294
Selling, general and administrative.................... 3,098 4,065 5,473 6,049 7,293
Research and development............................... 218 780 573 1,045 957
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations............................ 99 422 802 (1,258) 1,439
Interest expense......................................... 56 53 156 335 379
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary
item.................................................... 43 369 646 (1,593) 1,060
Income taxes............................................. 21 151 -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item.................. 22 218 646 (1,593) 1,060
Extraordinary item -- tax benefit of net operating loss
carryforwards........................................... 21 151 -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss)........................................ $ 43 $ 369 $ 646 $ (1,593) $ 1,060
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Pro forma net income per share (1)....................... $ 0.18
---------
---------
Number of shares used in computing pro forma net income
per share............................................... 5,982
---------
---------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
-----------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash........................................................ $ 52 $ 62 $ 147 $ 190 $ 369
Working capital (deficit)................................... 117 519 590 (1,374) 1,897
Total assets................................................ 4,645 6,582 7,407 8,293 14,298
Total liabilities........................................... 3,195 4,763 4,943 7,414 12,187
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock...................... 1,749 1,842 1,982 2,122 2,262
Stockholders' equity (deficit).............................. (299) (23) 483 (1,242) (150)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) For a description of the computation of pro forma net income per share and
shares used in computing pro forma net income per share, see Note 1 of the
notes to the Company's financial statements included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
BACKLOG
The following table sets forth, on the dates indicated, the Company's
backlog by backlog type. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Overview" and "Business -- Backlog."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
-------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
--------- --------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Order Backlog.................................................... $ 5,656 $ 3,606 $ 10,394
Contract Backlog................................................. 2,600 1,005 37,201
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The Company sells carrier network products and network management products,
both through direct channels and through its strategic alliance partners, for
delivery in the United States and internationally. Since June 1994, the Company,
consistent with its strategic emphasis, has derived most of its revenue from the
sale of its carrier network products. The Company expects the sales of such
products to increase as a percentage of its revenue for at least the next
several years. The balance of the Company's revenue is derived from the sale of
network management products to enterprise customers, including agencies of the
U.S. Government.
The Company has generated growth in its revenue in every fiscal year since
fiscal 1986 except for fiscal 1995. In fiscal 1995, the Company experienced
simultaneous delays in three large contract awards due to internal customer
matters unrelated to the Company and beyond its control. The delays caused a
decline in the Company's revenue, without any offsetting reduction in expenses
because of the need to retain key personnel, maintain fixed overhead costs and
incur substantial sales and marketing expenses associated with trying to obtain
the delayed contracts. Two of these delayed contracts, one awarded by NYNEX and
one by ANSTEC, were finally awarded late in fiscal 1995 and early in fiscal
1996, with the Company realizing revenue from these contracts in fiscal 1996.
The Company's products typically are sold pursuant to long-term contracts
having an aggregate contract value of several hundred thousand to several
million dollars. As part of the contract, the Company agrees to provide certain
services, including postcontract customer support, assistance to customers in
the development and installation of new systems, maintenance and enhancement of
installed systems, and customer training and technical support. These contracts
may involve significant production, modification or tailoring of hardware and
software. The Company recognizes revenue principally from contracts of this
type, using the percentage-of-completion method, based on performance milestones
specified in each contract, which fairly reflect progress toward contract
completion. Revenue from maintenance and other postcontract customer support is
recognized ratably over the term of the related agreement.
The Company sells most of its products as components in the products or
systems developed and marketed by its strategic partners. The Company also sells
products directly to end users. The Company typically experiences higher margins
in connection with its direct sales contracts, offset in part by relatively
higher sales and marketing expenses.
The Company tracks two types of backlog: "order backlog," which represents
signed purchase orders, and "contract backlog," which represents signed project
contracts that become order backlog upon the signing of specific purchase
orders. Order backlog reached its highest level in the Company's history during
fiscal 1996 and was $10.4 million at June 30, 1996, compared to $3.6 million at
June 30, 1995.
The Company's revenue typically is concentrated among certain customers, the
largest of which in fiscal 1996 consisted of TELMEX, ANSTEC and Teleglobe. These
customers represented approximately 28.8%, 11.3% and 10.5%, respectively, of
total revenue for the year ended June 30, 1996. See "Risk Factors -- Reliance on
Significant Customers and Large Orders; Long Sales Cycles; Fluctuations in
Results" and "Business -- Backlog."
As a result of the size of most of its contracts, the significant length of
sales cycles and the complexities which arise from time to time in completing
any given contract, the Company typically experiences fluctuations in quarterly
and year-to-year results. Marketing in foreign countries, particularly in Asia
and other emerging markets, frequently requires extensive field testing and may
result in delays in the timing and closing of sales. The Company has experienced
significant delays in timing
18
<PAGE>
of revenue related to sales in overseas markets. See "-- Selected Quarterly
Results." See also "Risk Factors -- Reliance on Significant Customers and Large
Orders; Long Sales Cycles; Fluctuations in Results" and "-- Risks Associated
with International Operations."
The Company's cost of products and services consists of the cost of product
engineering and production, personnel cost of customer support personnel,
license fees paid to third-party software vendors, amortization of costs of
capitalized software development and the cost of hardware purchased by the
Company for incorporation into its products.
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of costs to support the
Company's sales and administrative functions. Included within these costs are
salaries, bonuses, commissions, rent, insurance, depreciation and non-product
amortization expenses. Also included are costs associated with the Company's
participation in trade shows and industry conferences, and related travel and
other promotional costs.
Research and development expenses consist of personnel costs related to the
design and development of the Company's products. These costs are expensed as
incurred. However, computer software development costs incurred after the
technological feasibility of a product is established and until the product is
available for release to customers are capitalized. Capitalized software and
purchased technology costs are amortized on a product by product basis based on
the greater of the ratio of current sales to estimated total future sales or a
straight-line basis over the remaining estimated economic life of the product
(no greater than three years) including the current year.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items on
the Company's statement of operations as a percentage of revenue:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30,
-------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue -- products and services................................................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of products and services.................................................. 52.8 53.0 51.5
Selling, general and administrative............................................ 37.7 48.7 36.5
Research and development....................................................... 3.9 8.4 4.8
----- ----- -----
Income (loss) from operations.................................................... 5.6% (10.1)% 7.2%
----- ----- -----
----- ----- -----
</TABLE>
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996
REVENUE. Revenue increased 61.3%, from $12.4 million in fiscal 1995 to
$20.0 million in fiscal 1996. The increase is attributable to increased sales
volume of the Company's carrier network products to Teleglobe and TELMEX and
delivery of NetPlus-Registered Trademark- network management systems to the U.S.
Government pursuant to the Company's contract with ANSTEC.
COST OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. Cost of products and services increased
56.1% from $6.6 million in fiscal 1995 to $10.3 million in fiscal 1996. The
increase is attributable to increased purchases of hardware related to
DCMS-Registered Trademark- units for the TELMEX contract which were subsequently
incorporated in shipped products. Gross margins were 47.0% and 48.5% for fiscal
1995 and 1996, respectively. The improvement in gross margin was caused
primarily by efficiencies resulting from increased order quantities and the sale
of products directly to end users which have higher associated profit margins.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Selling, general and administrative
expenses increased 20.5% from $6.0 million in fiscal 1995 to $7.3 million in
fiscal 1996. These expenses represented 48.7% and 36.5% of total revenue in
fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996, respectively. The increase in these expenses is
attributed to the selling cost associated with the TELMEX contract and costs
associated with the Company's continued expansion of marketing programs. The
Company expects these expenses to increase in future periods as a result of its
continued work on the TELMEX contract, its efforts to
19
<PAGE>
position itself to penetrate international markets for carrier network products,
its plans to expand sales of network management products in the United States
and the hiring of additional management personnel. See "Business -- Sales and
Marketing."
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Research and development expense decreased 8.4%
from fiscal 1995 to fiscal 1996, primarily as a result of completion of work on
software development related to the technology platform for the Teleglobe
contract. As a percentage of revenue, research and development expense decreased
from 8.4% in fiscal 1995 to 4.8% in fiscal 1996 primarily as a result of the
increase in period to period revenues. The Company plans to spend significant
resources on research and development in future periods in order to enhance its
technology and expects that expenses, as a percentage of total revenue, will
increase.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. No income tax benefit or provision was recorded
for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively, since any
benefit or provision was offset by a similar increase or decrease in the
valuation allowance.
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995
REVENUE. Revenue decreased 14.5%, from $14.5 million in fiscal 1994 to
$12.4 million in fiscal 1995. The decrease is attributable to simultaneous
delays in three large contracts due to matters beyond the Company's control. See
"-- Overview."
COST OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. Cost of products and services decreased
14.3% from $7.7 million in fiscal 1994 to $6.6 million in fiscal 1995. The
decrease is attributable to reduced hardware purchases, reflecting the reduced
delivery of network management products in fiscal 1995. Since the decrease in
these costs was offset by a corresponding decrease in period to period revenue,
cost as a percentage of revenue remained unchanged. As a result, gross margins,
as a percentage of revenue were also unchanged.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Selling, general and administrative
expenses increased 10.5% from $5.5 million in fiscal 1994 to $6.0 million in
fiscal 1995. These expenses represented 37.7% and 48.7% of revenue in fiscal
1994 and fiscal 1995, respectively. The increase in expenses resulted from
increases in the Company's direct sales force and in marketing programs,
specifically on bid and proposal efforts relating to the TELMEX and ANSTEC
contracts described under "Business -- Strategic Alliances and Other Customers."
Additional costs were incurred in fiscal 1995 as a result of the hiring of
executive accounting personnel. The increase in these expenses as a percentage
of revenue from fiscal 1994 to fiscal 1995 is primarily attributable to the
decrease in period to period revenue.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Research and development expenses increased by
82.4% from $0.6 million in fiscal 1994 to $1.0 million in fiscal 1995. These
expenses represented 4.0% and 8.4% of revenue in fiscal 1994 and 1995,
respectively. The increase in these expenses was primarily attributable to work
performed on the software development relating to the technology platform
developed in anticipation of a contract with Teleglobe. An increase in expense
was also experienced as a result of hiring additional software engineers and
support personnel in anticipation of planned research and development expansion
in fiscal 1996. The increase in these expenses as a percentage of total revenue
from fiscal 1994 to fiscal 1995 is primarily attributable to the decrease in
period to period revenue.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. No income tax benefit or provision was recorded
for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 since any benefit or provision
was offset by a similar increase or decrease in the valuation allowance.
SELECTED QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following tables present certain unaudited statement of operations data
for each quarter of fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996. These data have been derived
from the Company's unaudited financial statements and have been prepared on the
same basis as the Company's audited financial statements which appear elsewhere
in this Prospectus. In the opinion of the Company's management, these data
20
<PAGE>
include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments)
necessary for a fair presentation of such data. Such quarterly results are not
necessarily indicative of future results of operations. This information is
qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company's
financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL THREE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FISCAL 1995 FISCAL 1996
-------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, MAR. 31,
1994 1994 1995 1995 1995 1995 1996
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue -- products and
services...................... $ 2,879 $ 3,552 $ 2,807 $ 3,177 $ 3,433 $ 4,772 $ 4,906
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of products and
services.................... 1,485 2,027 1,246 1,821 1,736 2,736 2,200
Selling, general and
administrative.............. 1,505 1,576 1,594 1,374 1,362 1,610 1,772
Research and development..... 218 268 226 333 132 235 264
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from
operations.................... (329) (319) (259) (351) 203 191 670
Interest expense............... 53 74 102 106 104 97 84
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income
taxes......................... (382) (393) (361) (457) 99 94 586
Income taxes................... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss).............. $ (382) $ (393) $ (361) $ (457) $ 99 $ 94 $ 586
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
AS A PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES:
Revenue -- products and
services...................... 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of products and
services.................... 52 57 44 57 51 57 45
Selling, general and
administrative.............. 52 44 57 43 39 34 36
Research and development..... 7 8 8 11 4 5 5
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from
operations.................... (11) (9) (9) (11) 6 4 14
Interest expense............... 2 2 4 3 3 2 2
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income
taxes......................... (13) (11) (13) (14) 3 2 12
Income taxes................... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss).............. (13)% (11)% (13)% (14)% 3% 2% 12%
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
1996
-----------
<S> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue -- products and
services...................... $ 6,872
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of products and
services.................... 3,622
Selling, general and
administrative.............. 2,549
Research and development..... 326
-----------
Income (loss) from
operations.................... 375
Interest expense............... 94
-----------
Income (loss) before income
taxes......................... 281
Income taxes................... --
-----------
Net income (loss).............. $ 281
-----------
-----------
AS A PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES:
Revenue -- products and
services...................... 100%
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of products and
services.................... 53
Selling, general and
administrative.............. 37
Research and development..... 5
-----------
Income (loss) from
operations.................... 5
Interest expense............... 1
-----------
Income (loss) before income
taxes......................... 4
Income taxes................... --
-----------
Net income (loss).............. 4%
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
The Company's quarterly operating results have in the past and will in the
future vary significantly as a result of the timing of contract execution and
delivery of significant product orders. Large orders typically are preceded by
long sales cycles and, accordingly, the timing of such an order has been and
will continue to be difficult to predict. The failure to obtain one or more
large orders, for any reason, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations and financial condition.
The timing of large orders depends on a variety of factors affecting the
capital spending decisions of the Company's customers, which, in turn, can
affect the Company's quarterly operating results. These factors include changes
in governmental regulation, changes in the customers' competitive environment,
pricing policies by the Company or its competitors, personnel changes, demand
for the Company's products, the number, timing and significance of new product
and product enhancement announcements by the Company and its competitors, the
ability of the Company to develop, introduce and market new and enhanced
versions of its products on a timely basis, and the mix of direct and indirect
sales and general economic factors.
21
<PAGE>
The Company's sales cycle, from initial contact to contract execution and
delivery of product, also varies substantially from customer to customer and
from project to project. The purchase of carrier network products and network
management products generally involves a significant commitment of customer
capital and management time. The sales cycle associated with the purchase of the
Company's products is subject to a number of additional significant risks,
including customers' budgetary constraints and internal acceptance reviews, over
which the Company has little or no control.
The Company's expense levels are based, in part, on its expectations as to
future revenue levels. If revenue levels are below expectations, operating
results are likely to be materially adversely affected.
Based upon all of the foregoing, the Company believes that quarterly revenue
and operating results are likely to vary significantly in the future and that
period-to-period comparisons of its results of operations are not necessarily
meaningful and should not be relied upon as indications of future performance.
Further, it is likely that in some future quarter the Company's revenue or
operating results will be below the expectations of public market analysts and
investors. In such event, the price of the Common Stock could be materially
adversely affected.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash used in operating activities was $1,000 for 1994, reflecting $1.2
million of income before depreciation and amortization, offset by $1.2 million
of changes in operating assets and liabilities. Cash used in operating
activities was $1.2 million for 1995, reflecting a loss of $0.9 million before
depreciation and amortization, increased by $0.2 million of changes in operating
assets and liabilities. Cash provided by operating activities in 1996 was $0.7
million, reflecting $1.9 million of income before depreciation and amortization,
offset by a $1.2 million change in operating assets and liabilities.
Cash used for investing activities of $0.2 million, $1.0 million, and $1.3
million in fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, reflect purchases of
property and equipment, capitalization of software development costs and the
sale of short-term investments. Purchases of property and equipment, consisting
primarily of computers and related equipment, were $0.3 million, $0.5 million
and $0.4 million in fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Capitalized
software development costs were $0.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.9 million in
fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Sale of short-term investments was
$0.8 million in fiscal 1994.
To date, the Company has used sales of preferred equity, cash generated from
operations and revolving bank lines of credit to fund its working capital and
investing activities. Effective March 1, 1996, the Company entered into a credit
agreement with a bank to finance inventory for a large foreign contract. Under
the agreement, the Company can borrow up to $1 million at 1.25% over the bank's
prime rate. The agreement requires the Company to comply with certain financial
covenants. The U.S. Export-Import Bank guarantees 90% of the outstanding
balance, which is collateralized by the inventory and the foreign receivables
generated by the contract. This agreement expires on August 31, 1996.
The Company has a $2.5 million line of credit which expires on November 30,
1997. Borrowings under the facility bear interest, payable monthly, at 0.5% over
the bank's prime rate. The Company also has a $1 million revolving line of
credit. This facility bears interest, payable monthly, at 0.5% over the bank's
prime rate and is due on November 30, 1997. In addition, the Company has
outstanding installment notes due in varying monthly installments through June
2000, bearing interest at 1.0% over the bank's prime rate in the aggregate
principal amount as of June 30, 1996 of approximately $0.6 million. These credit
arrangements are secured by accounts receivable, equipment and inventory certain
of which are subordinated to the security interests under the credit agreement
described in the immediately preceding paragraph, and these arrangements contain
certain financial covenants. In addition, on June 21, 1996, the Company entered
into a loan agreement for $750,000, bearing interest at a rate of 0.5% over the
bank's prime rate, payable monthly. The principal is due on August 20, 1996.
This agreement also requires the Company to comply with certain financial
covenants.
22
<PAGE>
The Company believes that the net proceeds from this offering, together with
existing cash balances, cash flow from operations and available bank lines, will
be sufficient to support the Company's working capital requirement for at least
the next 12 months. Thereafter, if cash generated from operations is
insufficient to satisfy the Company's working capital requirements, the Company
may be required to raise additional funds. No assurance can be given that
additional financing will be available or that, if available, such financing
will be obtainable on terms favorable to the Company or its stockholders. To the
extent the Company raises additional capital by issuing equity or convertible
debt securities, ownership dilution to the Company's stockholders will result.
In the event that adequate funds are not available, the Company's business may
be adversely affected.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of," and SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock
Based Compensation," both effective beginning with fiscal 1997, are not expected
to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
------------------------
The Company's business is subject to significant risks that could cause the
Company's results to differ materially from those expressed in any
forward-looking statements made in this Prospectus. These risks include the
matters set forth above this caption, under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein.
23
<PAGE>
BUSINESS
GENERAL
ACE*COMM develops, markets and services OSS products for networks deployed
by telecommunications service providers, such as telephone companies, other
public carriers and large enterprises operating data and voice networks using
intranets and the Internet. The Company's products perform such functions as
billing data collection, network surveillance, alarm processing and network
management for some of the largest carriers and enterprises in the world.
CARRIER NETWORK PRODUCTS
The Company's carrier network products include billing data collection and
network surveillance systems for carriers seeking the ability to bring services
to market quickly and for many emerging carriers that lack state-of-the-art
billing data collection systems. These carriers typically focus their internal
development resources on networking and switching technology and on marketing
their services and turn to outside suppliers to obtain OSSs. Outside suppliers
provide flexible, efficient solutions that may be more costly for carriers to
develop internally.
The Company's carrier network products, which consist of software and
hardware, connect to existing network infrastructures and enable carriers to
rapidly and accurately collect call records and performance data and generate
displays, graphics and reports which are used for billing, fraud detection,
customer care, marketing research and forecasting and other operations support
functions. These products are designed to enhance the carriers' competitive
position by allowing them to offer new features and services, minimize network
down-time, increase revenue through more accurate and timely billing and improve
network productivity. The Company has expertise derived from 13 years of
developing products adapted to a variety of network hardware and software
configurations. The Company believes that it is well-positioned to continue to
offer its carrier network products to international customers located, for
example in Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim, which typically operate a wide
variety of switches from different manufacturers and require a data collection
system capable of adapting to and integrating with the billing system and other
OSSs. The Company's carrier network products have been installed in over 500 end
user sites in 32 countries in North, South and Central America, Europe, the
Middle East, and Asia, including China.
The Company expects to increase revenues from international markets, which
are experiencing increasing deregulation and privatization, and where
telecommunications infrastructures have not reached nearly the stage of
development as in the United States. The Company believes that its strategic
alliances with prominent U.S. and international carriers and equipment
manufacturers, such as AT&T, ICL and Teleglobe which are actively marketing
carrier systems abroad, will enable it to effectively increase its penetration
of international markets.
The Company also expects demand for its carrier network products to increase
in the United States as a result of the recent passage of the U.S.
Telecommunications Act of 1996, which removed certain existing barriers to entry
and is expected to result in the creation of new, alternative carriers and to
cause existing carriers to upgrade their systems to meet increasing competition.
NETWORK MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS
The Company's network management products are designed to meet the growing
needs of large enterprises in the United States and abroad, including government
agencies, military organizations, educational institutions and "Fortune 1000"
size organizations. As these enterprises have become increasingly dependent on
the Internet and intranets for voice and data communications, their demand for
reliable and flexible network management tools has increased.
The Company has packaged network management products into standardized,
flexible state-of-the-art software based systems that enable network managers to
manage voice and data communications by automating service administration,
tracking network connections, detecting system errors
24
<PAGE>
and malfunctions, controlling the network inventory assignments and
configuration, monitoring traffic and performing billing functions. The
Company's network management products have been installed in networks in over
100 end users sites in 10 countries.
The Company believes it is well positioned to develop products to support
the convergence and growth of telephony and data networks within the enterprise,
as a result of its knowledge and experience in data control and network
switching technology. The Company's network management products are designed to
increase the efficiency of communication operations and incorporate recent
developments in object-oriented development, real-time response, client server
architecture and graphical user interfaces.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
CARRIERS
Historically, the telecommunications industry has been characterized by
significant government regulation or ownership and limited competition. In this
environment, telecommunications services consisted primarily of monopoly local
and long distance telephone service over traditional landlines. The beginning of
the break-up of AT&T in 1984 began a deregulatory trend that has led to a
proliferation of competition in the long-distance carrier market. More recently,
the passage of the U.S. Telecommunications Act of 1996 is expected to create an
environment where both long distance and local exchange carriers in the United
States will increasingly compete with one another for both local and long
distance services. In addition, domestic service providers are aligning with
international telephone companies to deliver seamless services globally. Today,
both domestic and international telephony carriers face increasing competition
from cable and wireless companies for telephony and new, high bandwidth voice,
data and video services.
In response to this evolving competitive environment, carriers have sought
to reduce expenses and differentiate themselves by improving existing services
and rapidly introducing new services and new technologies. New
telecommunications services include high-speed data services, video
teleconferencing, video-on-demand, home shopping and home banking. Competition
has increased the importance of rapidly bringing these new and enhanced services
to market. The availability of new and enhanced services has fueled a dramatic
increase in usage of telecommunications services by organizations and
individuals, placing additional burdens on existing telecommunications
infrastructures.
Internationally, demand for better telecommunications services has increased
competition and resulted in privatization, investment in new infrastructures and
increased competition to provide better service. In less developed parts of the
world, carriers are implementing new systems through traditional landline
networks, new wireless technologies and other new technologies. Various factors
have further contributed to acceleration in the rate of growth in the
development of the telecommunications systems outside of the United States,
including the globalization of business, the rise in standards of living, the
increasing demand for reliable communications and the increasing deregulation in
the industry. Service providers in less developed parts of the world typically
are building systems through the purchase of equipment from a wide variety of
suppliers, which results in a heterogeneous assortment of switches and other
network hardware and software. This mix generates a need for products that
support network operations and can be flexible and adapted to these various
switches and system features. The Company's specialized knowledge and experience
with a wide variety of switch equipment is particularly suited to meeting these
requirements.
To develop, deploy and manage networks and services, carriers rely on OSSs
including network management systems ("NMS") that, among other functions,
monitor equipment performance to detect errors (fault management), report
network performance and traffic loads (traffic reporting), help in the
performance of market research and forecasting and collect and consolidate
customer usage information (billing data collection). Historically, OSSs and
NMSs were developed and deployed in an environment characterized by limited
competition and slowly changing technologies and services. These systems were
typically mainframe-based, with proprietary software written in early generation
programming languages. As a result, these "legacy" systems were not designed for
rapid
25
<PAGE>
deployment or adaptation, do not easily support heterogeneous equipment and are
not easily customized to fit specific business needs. In view of the industry
trends toward increased competition, technological complexity and rapid change,
carriers require OSSs and NMSs that:
- can be rapidly deployed and easily adapted to changing business and
network requirements;
- interface with a wide variety of existing network equipment and systems
and accommodate new equipment and systems as they are deployed;
- can be tailored through software to provide a variety of OSS and NMS
functions; and
- allow existing networks to accommodate rapid growth through scaleable
architecture.
OSSs and NMSs that provide the foregoing benefits, and the products designed to
support them, will enable carriers to rapidly and cost effectively bring new and
enhanced services to market.
ENTERPRISE NETWORKS
The proliferation of new voice and data services offered by communications
companies has increased the awareness of and demand for network management and
billing systems. As a result of the growth of network usage and competitive
pressures, enterprises in most industries have developed needs for sophisticated
NMSs, which permit network managers to manage networks carrying different types
of voice and data communications and to lower costs, manage growth, track
expenses and provide services without interruption.
The growing dependence on intranets and the Internet to support the
expanding information flow between offices, buildings and countries, both within
the enterprise and to and from customers and suppliers of the enterprise,
requires an efficient NMS to avoid the costly disruption of critical day-to-day
operations. Enterprises increasingly rely on e-mail, phone mail, facsimiles,
on-line order entry, customer service and telecommuting programs for employees
to transmit critical business information. For example, banks rely on dispersed
automated teller machines to conduct banking transactions, and doctors and
hospitals rely on networks to transmit medical records and provide on-line care.
Furthermore, as enterprises increase the employment of sophisticated network
equipment like ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 data switches, it will become
increasingly important for network managers to have the ability to charge based
on the amount of data transmitted. In cooperation with and funded by Newbridge,
the Company is developing the billing component for their advanced data
switches. The billing element gives access providers flexible options for
billing users of data network services. The Company anticipates similar
opportunities to develop other network edge technologies for equipment and
service providers in the growing market for data services.
Enterprises which require NMSs capable of handling large numbers of
subscribers efficiently, reliably and rapidly include: government agencies,
military organizations, educational institutions and "Fortune 1000" size
organizations. The NMS requirements of an organization become more sophisticated
as the number of subscribers, locations, users, countries, third parties
communicating with the organization, and types of hardware involved, increases.
Network managers therefore require NMSs that provide:
- the ability to perform high volume data collection and to produce
displays, graphics and reports with respect to usage, surveillance and
management requirements;
- the ability to manage communications over both voice circuits (e.g.,
telephone, voice-mail) and data circuits (e.g., the Internet and intranet
connections, e-mail, facsimilies, orders, inventory control)
simultaneously;
- the ability to bill for usage;
26
<PAGE>
- proprietary and standard protocol features which may include the Simple
Network Management Protocol ("SNMP");
- compatibility with standard network management platforms (e.g.,
Hewlett-Packard Open View, IBM Netview and Sun Net Manager) and the
ability to run under standard operating systems (e.g., UNIX, Windows 95
and Windows NT); and
- flexibility to accommodate expanding network management requirements.
Telecommunications service providers benefit from the availability of timely
and accurate information about their deployed networks because it allows
increased service availability without increasing network investment. The
Company believes that advanced products that support their network operations
and sophisticated network management products are important to their future
success.
ACE*COMM SOLUTIONS
The Company provides flexible, tailored solutions that operate at the edge
of the network and address a range of systems and network management needs. The
Company's products, developed with the benefit of the Company's 13 years of
experience, are designed to improve the efficiency of revenue collection for
carriers and decrease network operating expenses for enterprises. These products
provide the information required for prompt, accurate billing, real time fraud
detection, subscriber management and the ability to conduct market research and
forecasting. The products incorporate open system architectures, accommodate
growth through scaleable architecture, and can adapt to most standard
interfaces. Network management products are modular products designed to
increase the efficiency and management of data and voice networks and facilitate
communications on enterprise intranets and the Internet.
The Company develops close, long-term relationships with its customers, from
the early stage of project development through product implementation and
upgrading, to identify their needs, and design and implement solutions that can
operate on a stand-alone basis or be tailored to a customer's specific network.
The Company has developed, and continuously refines, its base of software
applications, which can be combined and tailored to meet the current and
evolving requirements of its customers. The Company works closely with customers
after initial implementation, to enable customers to include new features,
expand into additional geographic markets or operate with new network
technologies and protocols. In addition, the Company provides ongoing support,
maintenance and training related to the customer's system.
STRATEGY
The Company's objective is to be the market leader in the markets in which
it participates. The Company plans to achieve this objective by implementing the
following strategies:
FOCUS ON NEW AND EMERGING GROWTH MARKETS. The Company's principal marketing
emphasis is on two types of carriers: existing providers and emerging providers.
Existing providers are replacing their older systems, augmenting their existing
systems to support new features and services or adding new systems to enable
them to expand into new domestic and international markets. Emerging providers
worldwide are expected to offer new types of services such as personal
communications systems ("PCS") and are entering existing service markets that
have been recently opened to competition as a result of the U.S.
Telecommunications Act of 1996 and similar legislation in other countries. The
Company believes that its experience in providing solutions to markets worldwide
within the carrier market, including local exchange, long distance and wireless,
involving applications for a wide variety of switches and other heterogeneous
network system elements, provides it with a significant competitive advantage in
designing products which can effectively handle the growing needs of these
providers.
EXPAND STRATEGIC ALLIANCES. The Company is strengthening its existing
strategic alliances with marketing partners and creating new alliances as a
means of identifying new business opportunities
27
<PAGE>
and entering new markets. These strategic alliances are with
internationally-recognized telecommunications equipment and service providers.
The alliances are a critical component of the Company's strategy to increase
penetration in large international markets, by leveraging on the reputation and
marketing efforts of its partners.
POSITION COMPANY PRODUCTS IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS. Through its alliances
with internationally focused partners, the Company intends to continue to
identify new users in emerging countries. Each new installation represents an
opportunity for the Company to provide additional products and services for end
users. The Company has expanded its opportunities by providing products to one
type of carrier in a country, often a cellular carrier, and leveraging its
performance and reputation with that customer to sell products to other local
carriers. The Company's experience with TELMEX is a model for this strategy. See
" -- Strategic Alliances and Other Customers."
LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGICAL LEADERSHIP. The Company is continually pursuing
opportunities to use its technological leadership to create product enhancements
such as real-time data collection and subscriber data warehousing. Recently, the
Company led a national effort for the development of a standard protocol for use
with the Microsoft Windows operating system ("WinSNMP") which is enabling the
development of flexible, decentralized data network management systems. In
conjunction with this effort, the Company developed enabling technology that
facilitates the use of Microsoft Windows, Intel processors and the Company's
NetPlus products for managing networks. To date, over 500 such kits have been
sold to customers such as Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation, 3Com
Corporation, Lotus Development Corporation, CISCO Systems, Inc. and Symantec
Inc. To further its penetration of the data network market, the Company is also
developing the billing component for advanced data switches, which provides
access providers with flexible options for billing users of data network
services. The Company anticipates similar opportunities to develop other network
edge technologies for equipment and service providers in the growing market for
data services.
EXPAND SOFTWARE OPTIONS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ENTERPRISES. The Company
continues to package its NetPlus software features into Company-standard systems
designed to work individually or as a group and to facilitate enterprise-wide
voice and data communications. The Company is also expanding the number of
available features to support data communications networks and operations. The
Company believes it will be particularly important to provide network managers
with the flexibility to meet the increasing demands of converging voice and data
telecommunications markets and expanding enterprise network requirements.
MAINTAIN ISO 9001 PRODUCT QUALITY REGISTRATION. The Company has invested
substantial resources to obtain, and plans to continue such investments to
maintain, the registration of its processes and procedures under the
international quality standard ISO 9001. This standard assures that the Company
meets rigorous performance and quality criteria established by an
internationally recognized organization. Compliance with this standard is
particularly important in establishing credibility and acceptance in
international markets.
PRODUCTS
All of the following products reflect the Company's extensive knowledge of
switch interface technology and experience in the collection and management of
data from switches made by virtually any manufacturer. The Company has applied
the same expertise to network management products for large enterprises, whose
complex networks often involve remote locations and require similarly flexible
and innovative designs to facilitate the flow of communications.
CARRIER NETWORK PRODUCTS
The Company's carrier network products meet the requirements of the existing
telephony wireline businesses and the growing markets of cable television, the
Internet and wireless businesses. The automation of data collection from remote
switches enables carriers to operate larger, increasingly complex systems with
more customer features more reliably, more cost effectively and with fewer
personnel. The Company's carrier network products are designed to facilitate
more accurate and more
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frequent billing, thereby reducing billing lag time and accounts receivable.
They also enable carriers to track calling patterns, reduce fraud, perform fault
management, improve network performance, and verify that calls are not
needlessly routed through inefficient or expensive paths. These products enable
a carrier to increase the size of its system and provide its end users with
better service, in remote and international locations. Following are
descriptions of the Company's principal carrier network products:
DATA COLLECTION
DCMS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- -- DCMS, Distributed Call Measurement
System-TM-, is a hardware and software based microprocessor controlled
product which collects call record data from telephone switches and
electronically transmits them to a central location, where the data can be
processed for such purposes as billing, traffic analysis and fraud
detection. DCMS eliminates magnetic tape storage units and manual data
collection, reduces processing costs, and increases the accuracy of billing
data which, in turn, increases revenue. The most recent version of DCMS,
NEDS-TM-, Network Element Data Server, can provide the data on a real-time
basis. The Company also offers the DCMS*Plus-TM-, a version of DCMS which is
based on a new technology platform and is targeted at carriers in third
world and emerging countries. These products can be adapted to support
virtually all wireline and wireless telephone switches.
BILLING REPORTS AND ACCESS TO CUSTOMER DATA
UPS-32-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- -- UPS-32, Universal Polling System-32-TM-,
is a mini-computer, server or PC-based product, programmed to control the
collection and transmission of call detail records transmitted by multiple
DCMS units and similar equipment of other vendors. UPS-32 collects call data
from dispersed switch sites, processes and formats the data on a
customer-defined schedule, and distributes the data to the customer's
billing center. The most recent version of UPS-32, CANS-TM-, Central Access
Network Server, collects and distributes data in real-time.
TIBS-TM- -- TIBS, TELMARS-TM- International Billing System, a
software-based alternative carrier billing system, uses information gathered
by the DCMS or other providers' data collection products, and provides
carriers with billing information. TIBS is designed to reliably and
accurately bill for subscriber calls originating in over 30 countries, and
to support accurate currency conversions based on daily exchange rates.
TREX*COMM-TM- -- TREX*COMM is a software-based product designed for U.S.
local exchange carriers who use network switches to provide customer
premises voice and data communication services for business customers, under
a service concept called CENTREX. TREX*COMM automates the transfer of
CENTREX call usage data from remote switch sites to customers' equipment and
sorts records by customer codes, group codes, or other identifying data
fields. Using standard modem protocols, customers can dial the TREX*COMM
system to retrieve their data. Running on UNIX platforms and used in
conjunction with a data collection product, such as the DCMS, TREX*COMM
makes network information available to CENTREX subscribers to enable them to
manage and control data.
SURVEILLANCE AND ALARM (TRAFFIC REPORTING)
UTS-32-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- -- UTS-32, Universal Traffic System-32-TM-,
uses information gathered by DCMS products or other providers' data
collection products to provide reports on system traffic and usage on a
periodic basis. UTS-32 produces hourly group traffic reports, multi-day
study reports, multi-day load balancing reports, multi-day group traffic
analyses, weekly historical usage reports, yearly trunk forecasting reports,
and other engineering information used to monitor and maximize the
efficiency of the system and enable the carrier to minimize down-time.
RTMS-TM- -- RTMS, Real Time Management System, a system originally
developed for Teleglobe, monitors network data in real-time and provides,
from a single data base, information for billing, fraud detection,
subscriber management and network management. The heart of
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RTMS is a 600 gigabyte data warehouse. RTMS uses NEDS to capture call
records in real-time from remote switches. RTMS processing software presents
the data for analysis within 15 seconds of call completion.
ANMS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- -- ANMS, AMAT Network Management System-TM-,
monitors the elements of a billing network. ANMS is a mini-computer based
product that collects and reports on alarms sent by DCMSs, UPS-32s and other
network elements in the billing system to assure that no billing data is
lost. In addition, ANMS serves as a user interface and collects system logs
from the network elements. The Company presently is adding standard network
management protocols to ANMS.
NETWORK MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS
The Company's network management products meet the requirements of network
managers of large, growing and increasingly complex integrated voice and data
networks. The Company's network management products are designed to enable the
managers to operate their networks more effectively, to more accurately control
costs, to minimize network down time, and to implement other network management
features as their requirements grow and change.
NETPLUS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- VOICE AND DATA NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
-- The NetPlus family of network management products consists of five
systems designed to automate network operations and management functions.
These systems employ a client server architecture and common database that
permit them to operate either independently or as an integrated whole.
NetPlus products are scaleable, providing flexibility to accommodate a broad
range of network sizes and multiple locations. The Company typically
provides NetPlus products as fully integrated hardware and software
configurations. These products are intended to manage voice and data
networks for 1,000 to 50,000 users. The Company also licenses NetPlus
software to resellers to reach the market for small size networks. NetPlus
products are capable of providing total network management including: FAULT,
CONFIGURATION, ACCOUNTING, PERFORMANCE AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT ("FCAPS").
These products allow a network to automate tasks such as alarm processing,
connectivity tracking, automatic cable and channel assignment, creation of
subscriber and circuit records, inventory control, traffic surveillance and
management, work order and trouble ticket processing, directory assistance
and subscriber billing.
SALES AND MARKETING
Historically, the Company's sales and marketing efforts have been managed by
a small group of senior managers with substantial experience in the
telecommunications service provider market. These managers relied on the
Company's proven performance in promoting the Company's products. Sales
opportunities originated primarily from (i) referrals, (ii) involvement in trade
shows and industry conferences, (iii) responses to Requests for Proposals
received from telecommunications service providers, governments and other
organizations and (iv) leads from or contract proposals with the Company's
strategic alliance partners. See "-- Strategic Alliances and Other Customers."
The sales process for new contracts generally requires a significant
investment of time and money and takes from several months to several years.
This process involves senior executives, sales representatives and support
personnel and typically requires presentations, demonstrations, field trials,
and lengthy negotiations.
As part of its sales strategy, the Company spends a significant amount of
time consulting with strategic partners and end users to adapt its products to
meet end user requirements. Through ongoing sales, maintenance, training and
systems analysis, the Company maintains contact with its partners and end users
to determine their evolving requirements for updates and enhancements. Through
these processes, the Company gains valuable industry expertise, as well as the
ability to identify emerging industry applications and new sales opportunities.
At present, the Company plans to significantly increase its sales efforts
over the next six to 12 months through more aggressive sales and marketing
strategies. The Company is hiring more
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direct, experienced sales representatives, adding third party distribution
channels and developing additional strategic alliances with carriers and
communications equipment manufacturers to market the Company's products.
The Company's products typically are sold as part of systems sold to the
customers of strategic partners. Resellers are also used to target markets where
large numbers of customers with smaller networks are predominant. A small,
direct sales force markets the Company's products in markets where relationships
are not established. The Company is in the process of identifying and targeting
the markets most likely to need its products. To date, as a result of market
research and analysis, the Company has begun to actively market its network
management products to universities and airports. The Company also plans certain
promotional efforts targeted at identified potential enterprise customers, such
as through participation at the Association of College and University
Telecommunications Administrators conference and other national conferences on
network management and billing.
The Company is working with several manufacturers to promote the visibility
and positioning of its network management products. As a leader in the promotion
of SNMP, which is emerging as an industry standard for network management, the
Company has sold licenses to various suppliers, including Microsoft Corporation,
3Com Corporation, CISCO Systems, Inc., Lotus Development Corporation, Oracle
Corporation and Symantec Inc., enabling them to incorporate WinSNMP in their
products for use in establishing network management applications, which could
include NetPlus products.
The Company plans to increase its promotional and name recognition efforts
over the next 12 months. It will continue to exhibit in trade shows and industry
conferences, publish newsletters and hold user group meetings. The Company has
also established a home page on the Internet to communicate with customers and
prospects.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
The Company believes that a high level of engineering and development
services and customer support is critical to the Company's continuing success in
developing relationships with its strategic partners and end users. To augment
its sales efforts, the Company offers product-related engineering and
development services to its customers. The Company offers a range of other
services to customers, including requirements analysis, project management,
system design, tailoring and installation, training, ongoing support and
upgrades. Because the Company's services personnel work closely with customers,
they are able to gain valuable industry expertise, as well as identify emerging
industry applications. In addition, the Company's services personnel are able to
identify new sales opportunities. When the Company undertakes engineering and
development services for customers, the development often results in product
enhancement.
The Company offers technical customer support 24 hours per day, seven days
per week. Support is provided via telephone, remote login, e-mail and, if
necessary, on-site assistance. In addition, the Company has established a World
Wide Web site on the Internet which keeps customers informed of product
developments. International customers are supported directly by the Company or
by local representatives that have been trained by the Company. The Company also
conducts training classes for its strategic partners and other customers.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES AND OTHER CUSTOMERS
In order to distribute its products effectively, the Company has established
strategic alliances with several companies. The Company's strategic alliances
apply to both its carrier network products and its network management products.
Each alliance is designed to do one or more of the following: establish a joint
marketing relationship, create a reseller channel for products, facilitate the
development of products and facilitate the distribution of products. These
alliances have been especially helpful in enabling the Company to penetrate, on
a cost-effective basis, international markets, where the Company's alliance
partners are well known and have well developed business relationships.
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Typically, the Company enters into a formal agreement with the partner which
specifies product pricing and the responsibilities of each partner for system
integration, proposal drafting and marketing. The Company's partners generally
include ACE*COMM products in proposals to their customers in accordance with the
terms of these agreements. In some instances, the partner is the direct end user
of the Company's products.
The Company's carrier network products have been installed in over 500 end
user sites in 32 countries. The Company's three largest carrier network product
customers, including strategic alliance partners and end users, in each of 1994,
1995 and 1996 accounted for approximately 24.6%, 43.0% and 42.8%, respectively,
of the Company's revenues in each of such years.
The Company's network management products have been installed in over 100
end user sites in 10 countries. Network management products accounted for
approximately 59.4%, 37.1% and 32.1% of the Company's revenues in 1993, 1994 and
1995, respectively. Sales to ANSTEC during fiscal year 1996 represented 11.3% of
the Company's total revenues for that period.
The following is a list of the Company's most significant strategic
alliances:
CARRIER NETWORK PRODUCTS
- AT&T WORLD SERVICES, INC. ("AT&T WORLD SERVICES") -- selected the DCMS
and UPS-32 as operating components of its billing analysis systems for
international toll gateways, to be sold to customers worldwide. These
systems are used to collect data for traffic analysis and billing.
These systems have been sold to Telecom Networks and International,
Ltd. of Auckland, New Zealand; the Philippines Long Distance
Telephone; Brunei; Codetel, the Dominican Republic's long distance
carrier; Unisource, a consortium of joint venture companies providing
services in Europe; Taiwan's International Telephone Authority and
Compania Anonima Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela.
- CINCINNATI BELL INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. -- CBIS is the largest
cellular billing service provider in the world. The Company and CBIS
developed a customized version of the DCMS which contains information
management software designed to meet the needs of cellular service
providers. CBIS has installed over 50 DCMS units in the United States
for AT&T Wireless, formerly McCaw Cellular, one of CBIS's largest
customers. In addition, the Company currently is doing follow-on work
to further upgrade these systems and to deploy additional DCMS
products for other CBIS customers.
- TELEGLOBE CANADA, INC. -- Teleglobe is the government chartered
international long distance provider for Canada. Teleglobe has an
agreement with the Company for the development of a data collection
network, data warehouse and operator display system to capture and
monitor international traffic and usage data and provide information
for fraud detection and other OSS functions on a real-time basis. The
result of this cooperative development project was the Company's RTMS
product, which is being marketed to other carriers worldwide.
- LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (FORMERLY AT&T NETWORK SYSTEMS) -- developed
an OEM version of the DCMS to be used in combination with Lucent's
BILLDATS-Registered Trademark- (corresponding to the Company's
UPS-32/CANS product) collection software with the Company. Lucent has
deployed BILLDATS systems incorporating the Company's products in
various domestic and international teleprocessing projects, including
projects for Ameritech, the People's Republic of China and Korea
Mobile Telephone. As Lucent pursues other opportunities in Asia, the
Company expects its product to be included in future proposals.
- SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY, LIMITED, LG INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATIONS, LIMITED AND ILGIN CORPORATION -- formed a consortium
to provide a billing data collection system for Korea Telecom, the
national carrier for the Republic of South Korea. The consortium has
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purchased significant quantities of the Company's products for tests
and field trials and the Company expects to conclude partnering
agreements with one or more of the consortium members in the near
future.
- INTERNATIONAL COMPUTERS LIMITED -- is installing the Company's NEDS
and CANS products along with its own billing system for Vodafone
Limited in the United Kingdom and the national cellular carrier in
Indonesia.
- GTE-TSI -- ordered DCMSs for installation at NYNEX Mobile, SNET
Cellular and Puerto Rico Telephone Company Cellular for use with
GTE-TSI's telephone fraud detection product. GTE-TSI has installed the
UPS-32 product as part of its own product and the Company expects to
install additional units pursuant to this arrangement.
NETWORK MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS
- ANSTEC, INC. -- teamed with the Company and was selected, through a
competitive procurement process, to install the Company's NetPlus
products at 107 U.S. Air Force bases and 50 other U.S. government
installations throughout the world.
- AMERLND, INC. -- installed a version of the Company's NetPlus products
as a part of the U.S. Army's automated directory attendance system at
installations throughout the United States.
- BELLSOUTH COMMUNICATION SERVICES, INC. UNDER CONTRACT TO HARRIS
CORPORATION -- installed systems containing the Company's NetPlus
products to be operated by Harris Corporation at National and Dulles
Airports near Washington, D.C. The Company expects to participate in
further airport projects with BellSouth and Harris Corporation.
- GTE GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS -- provides telephone systems at military
facilities throughout the world. The Company, as a subcontractor to
GTE Government Systems for network management products, installs and
supports NetPlus products at 40 of these military facilities. The
Company expects, through its continuing relationship with GTE
Government Systems, to provide additional products and services to
military facilities.
- AT&T CORPORATION, FEDERAL SYSTEMS DIVISION -- provides telephone
systems for the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government. The Company,
as a subcontractor to AT&T, installed and supports NetPlus products in
the U.S. Department of State and the Executive Office of the
President.
The following is a list of some of the Company's other most significant
customers that have installed the Company's carrier network and network
management products within their organizations:
- TELEFONOS DE MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V. -- TELMEX, the national and local
long distance carrier of Mexico, selected the Company to upgrade data
collection throughout its switch network system. The three-year
contract has an estimated value of $12 million.
- GTE TELOPS (A DIVISION OF GTE TELEPHONE COMPANY) -- purchased DCMS
systems for installation on certain switch types through its network.
- TELCEL -- is the largest cellular carrier in Mexico and has installed
the Company's DCMS and UPS-32 products in its network.
- NYNEX -- is installing one of the Company's newest products,
TREX*COMM, to support its CENTREX customers.
- ALLTEL -- is using the Company's UPS-32 product to provide billing
services to its customers.
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA -- awarded the Company a contract to install
NetPlus to manage and monitor the University's voice and data network.
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In addition, companies such as ISI Infortext Inc., Computer Science
Corporation, Polaris Communication Services, Inc. and Telsoft International,
Inc. have agreed to promote and sell the Company's products on a non-exclusive
basis. They participate in trade shows, industry conferences and customer events
and feature ACE*COMM products in their marketing programs.
As more ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 data switches are incorporated into
carrier and enterprise networks, it will become increasingly important for
network managers to be able to bill customers based on actual usage. The Company
is developing a billing component for advanced data switches, which provides
access providers with flexible options for billing users of data network
services. The Company anticipates similar opportunities to develop other network
edge technologies for equipment and service providers in the growing market for
data services.
The Company plans to continue to develop and expand its strategic alliances
with established, well-recognized industry leaders, as it believes that these
alliances enable the Company to increase sales most cost-effectively and
successfully position it to increase market penetration of its products.
BACKLOG
The Company tracks two types of backlog: "order backlog," which represents
signed purchase orders, and "contract backlog," which represents signed project
contracts that become order backlog upon the signing of specific purchase
orders. Order backlog was approximately as follows: $5.7 million, $3.6 million
and $10.4 million, at June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Contract
backlog was approximately: $2.6 million, $1.0 million and $37.2 million at June
30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
The Company's contracts are large and technically complicated and require a
significant commitment of management and financial resources from the Company's
customers. The development of a contract typically is a lengthy process because
it must address a customer's specific technical requirements and often requires
internal approvals that require substantial lead time. Accordingly, the Company
may experience significant variations in revenue from quarter to quarter,
reflecting delays in contract signing or contract order deliveries. No assurance
can be given that current backlog will necessarily lead to revenue in any future
period.
COMPETITION
Competition in the market for the Company's products is driven by rapidly
changing technologies, evolving industry standards, frequent new product
introductions and enhancements and rapid changes in customer requirements. To
maintain and improve its competitive position, the Company must continue to
develop and introduce, on a timely and cost-effective basis, new products and
product features that keep pace with technological developments and emerging
industry standards and address the increasingly sophisticated needs of its
customers.
The Company expects the continued growth of the carrier market and of the
large enterprise network management market to encourage new competitors to enter
the markets in the future. The Company believes that the principal competitive
factors in these markets include specialized project management capabilities and
technical expertise, compliance with industry quality standards and protocols,
customer support, product features such as adaptability, scaleability and
flexibility, ability to integrate with other products, functionality and ease of
use, product reputation, responsiveness to customer needs, and timeliness of
implementation. In the future, the Company will be required to respond promptly
and effectively to the challenges of technological change and its competitors'
innovations.
In the carrier network products market, the Company's current and
prospective competitors include (i) large carriers which internally develop full
system products for themselves, tailored to their particular specifications,
(ii) companies, such as Securicor Telesciences, Inc., CGI, Inc. ("CGI"), and IDT
- - Alston that can supply individual billing data collection components and (iii)
vendors that supply product components, including Hewlett-Packard Company
("HP"), IBM Corporation ("IBM"), Moscom Corporation ("Moscom"), Objective System
Integrators, Inc. ("OSI") and CGI.
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In the network management products market, the Company's current and
prospective competitors include (i) companies that provide products for
telephony networks, such as Telco Research Corporation, Complimentary Solutions,
Inc., Stonehouse & Company, Switchview, Inc., Moscom and OSI and (ii) companies
that provide products for data networks, such as Remedy Corporation, Net Manage,
Inc., Computer Associates International, Inc., FTP Software, Inc., Castle Rock
Computing, HP, IBM and Sun Microsystems, Inc.
The Company believes that its ability to compete in both markets depends in
part on a number of competitive factors outside its control, including the
ability of others to develop technology that is competitive with the Company's
products, the price at which competitors offer comparable products and services,
the extent of competitors' responsiveness to customer needs and the ability of
the Company's competitors to hire, retain and motivate key personnel.
The Company competes with a number of companies that have substantially
greater financial, technical, sales marketing and other resources, as well as
greater name recognition than the Company. As a result, the Company's
competitors may be able to adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies
and changes in customer requirements, or to devote greater resources to the
promotion and sale of their products than can the Company. There can be no
assurance that the Company's current or potential competitors will not develop
products comparable or superior to those developed by the Company or adapt more
quickly than the Company to new technologies, evolving industry trends or
changing customer requirements.
RESEARCH AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The Company's research and development efforts are focused on developing new
products to meet the growing needs of carriers and enterprises and on improving
existing products by incorporating new features and technologies. The Company
believes that the timely development of new products and enhancements is
essential to its maintaining its competitive position in the marketplace.
In its research and development efforts the Company works closely with
customers, end users and leading technology vendors, often in cooperative
funding arrangements. For example, the Company is working with Newbridge to
develop new software for its data switch products. The Company continually
reviews opportunities to license technologies from third parties when
appropriate based on timing and cost considerations. The Company believes that
this approach facilitates and accelerates the development of new and enhanced
products.
The Company's efforts are influenced significantly by industry developments
and by customer and end user requirements. New features may be tailored
initially for delivery to a single customer and subsequently incorporated into
future versions of the product which are available to all customers.
During the fiscal years 1994, 1995 and 1996, product research and
development expenses were $0.6 million, $1.0 million and $1.0 million,
respectively.
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS AND LICENSES
The Company does not currently hold any patents and relies on a combination
of statutory and/or common law, copyright, trademark, contract and trade secret
laws to maintain its proprietary rights to its products. The Company believes
that, because of, among other things, the rapid pace of technological change in
the telecommunication and software industries, patent protection for its
products is a less significant factor in the Company's success than the
knowledge, ability and experience of the Company's employees, the frequency of
product enhancements and the timeliness and quality of support services provided
by the Company.
The Company generally enters into confidentiality agreements with its
employees, consultants, customers and potential customers and limits access to,
and distribution of, its proprietary information. Use of the Company's software
products is usually restricted to specified locations and is subject
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to terms and conditions prohibiting unauthorized reproduction or transfer of the
software products. The Company also seeks to protect its software, including the
source code, as a trade secret and as a copyrighted work.
EMPLOYEES
At June 30, 1996, the Company employed a total of 137 employees, including
34 involved in manufacturing and quality assurance, 29 in research and
development, 23 in sales and marketing, 16 in professional services and 35 in
administration and finance. None of the Company's employees is represented by a
labor union. The Company has experienced no work stoppages and believes that its
employee relations are good.
PROPERTIES
The Company leases space at its four office locations: two in Gaithersburg,
Maryland and one each in Flemington, New Jersey and Orlando, Florida. The
Gaithersburg offices are the Company's corporate headquarters and are used for
product assembly, software and engineering development and support. The
Flemington office is used for the development and project management liaison
with NYNEX, AT&T and Lucent Technologies. The Orlando office is used primarily
for sales and sales support.
The following sets forth information concerning the Company's leased
facilities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SQUARE
LOCATION FOOTAGE LEASE EXPIRATION ANNUAL RENT
- ------------------------------- --------- ----------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Perry Parkway 21,800 July 31, 1996 (1) $ 220,000
North Frederick Avenue 4,500 December 1, 1996 $ 36,000
Flemington, New Jersey 2,500 December 31, 1996 $ 39,600
Orlando, Florida 400 April 30, 1997 $ 11,040
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Following expiration of the lease, the Company will continue its lease on a
month-to-month basis pending its negotiation of a new lease.
The Company believes that its facilities are adequate for its current needs
and that suitable additional space will be available as required.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings.
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MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The executive officers and directors of the Company are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- -------------------------------------- --- ---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
George T. Jimenez..................... 60 President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board
S. Joseph Dorr........................ 49 Vice President -- Network Management Division
Dr. Thomas V. Russotto................ 51 Vice President -- Carrier Networks Division
Jeffrey S. Simpson.................... 41 Vice President -- Finance
James M. Moore........................ 54 Vice President -- Marketing
Loretta L. Rivers..................... 39 Secretary
Paul G. Casner, Jr. .................. 58 Director
Gary P. Golding....................... 39 Director
Gilbert A. Wetzel..................... 64 Director
</TABLE>
GEORGE T. JIMENEZ is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and has
served as President, Treasurer and a Director of the Company since its inception
in 1983. From 1980 to 1983, Mr. Jimenez served as the President of the Company's
predecessor.
S. JOSEPH DORR has been Vice President -- Network Management Division since
1988 and a Vice President of the Company since 1983. From 1983 to 1989, he
served as Corporate Secretary of the Company. From 1980 to 1983, he served as
Director of the Commercial Systems Division of the Company's predecessor.
DR. THOMAS V. RUSSOTTO has been Vice President -- Carrier Networks Division
since 1988 and a Vice President of the Company since 1985. From 1983 to 1985, he
served as Director of Product Development at the Company.
JEFFREY S. SIMPSON has been Vice President -- Finance of the Company since
July 1996 and a financial consultant to the Company since March 1996. From 1988
to January 1996, Mr. Simpson served in various positions with The Compucare
Company, a software development company ("Compucare"), including Controller from
March 1990 to May 1993, Chief Financial Officer from May 1993 to August 1995 and
Vice President, Finance, from September 1995 to January 1996. From 1985 to 1988,
Mr. Simpson served as Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis of U.S. Sprint.
JAMES M. MOORE has been Vice President -- Marketing of the Company since May
1996. From March 1994 to May 1996, Mr. Moore served as Vice President, Business
Market of NYNEX, a telecommunications company, and from May 1992 to March 1994
he served as Managing Director, Business Market of NYNEX. From March 1989 to May
1992, Mr. Moore served as Managing Director, Marketing of New England Telephone
Company.
LORETTA L. RIVERS has been Corporate Secretary and Administrative Supervisor
of the Company since 1989 and has served in various capacities with the Company
since its inception in 1983.
PAUL G. CASNER, JR. has been a Director of the Company since 1983. Since
April 1994, Mr. Casner has served as President of DRS Electronic Systems Group,
which is comprised of the following entities: Technology Applications & Service
Company ("TAS"), DRS Military Systems, DRS Medical Systems, Inc. and Laurel
Technologies. From March 1991 to September 1993, Mr. Casner served as Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of TAS.
GARY P. GOLDING has been a Director of the Company since 1991. Since January
1989, Mr. Golding has served as General Partner of CEO Venture Fund, a venture
capital firm, and of CEO Venture Fund II. Mr. Golding is a director of Databook,
Inc.
37
<PAGE>
GILBERT A. WETZEL has been a Director of the Company since 1992. Mr. Wetzel
has served as Regional Director of Key Executive Services for Right Associates,
an international human resources consulting firm, since 1994. He is the retired
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bell of Pennsylvania and Diamond State
Telephone and founder and retired Chief Executive Officer of Geographic Business
Publishers, Inc.
The directors are divided into three classes, denominated as Class I, Class
II, and Class III, with the terms of office of each Class expiring at the 1997,
1998 and 1999 annual meetings of stockholders, respectively. At each annual
meeting following such initial classification and election, directors elected to
succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term to expire
at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election,
provided that the stockholders electing new or replacement directors may from
time to time specify a term of less than three years in order to maintain the
number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible. The directors
have been initially divided into classes as follows: Class I -- Gilbert A.
Wetzel, Class II -- Gary P. Golding and Paul G. Casner, Jr., Class III -- George
T. Jimenez. Officers of the Company serve at the discretion of the Board of
Directors. There are no family relationships among any of the Company's
directors and executive officers.
BOARD COMMITTEES AND COMPENSATION
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee and a Compensation
Committee. The Audit Committee oversees actions taken by the Company's
independent auditors, recommends the engagement of auditors and reviews any
internal audits the Company may perform. The current members of the Audit
Committee are Messrs. Golding, Wetzel and Casner. The Compensation Committee
approves the compensation of executives of the Company, makes recommendations to
the Board of Directors with respect to standards for setting compensation levels
and administers the Company's Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan (the
"Stock Plan"). The current members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs.
Golding, Wetzel and Casner, none of whom is employed by the Company.
Directors are reimbursed for their travel expenses in attending Board and
Committee meetings. Each of the Company's current non-employee directors (other
than Mr. Golding) was granted an option to purchase 4,500 shares of the
Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.55 per share on December 9,
1995, pursuant to the Company's Amended Stock Option Plan for Directors (the
"Directors Stock Plan"). Only non-employee directors may participate in the
Directors Stock Plan. The plan authorizes the issuance of up to 200,000 shares
of Common Stock, subject to adjustment to reflect stock splits, recapitalization
and other changes in the outstanding stock. Each eligible director is entitled
under the plan to receive upon his election or reelection as a director an
option for a number of shares equal to 4,500 multiplied by the number of years
in the term for which he is then elected, exercisable at the fair market value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The option becomes exercisable in
equal installments of 4,500 shares on each anniversary of the date of grant or,
on such earlier date as the director ceases to be a director other than by
reason of his removal for cause, if such date is 15 days prior to such an
anniversary date and such director has served at least 12 months in office. Each
option expires upon the earlier of five years from the date of grant, the
expiration of six months following death, resignation or removal other than for
cause, or upon removal of a director for cause.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth all compensation awarded to, earned by, or
paid for services rendered to the Company in all capacities during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1996, by the following
38
<PAGE>
executive officers (the "Named Executive Officers"): (i) the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and (ii) the Company's other executive officers whose salary
and bonus for the fiscal year exceeded $100,000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
-------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION SECURITIES
-------------------- UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION SALARY($) BONUS($) OPTIONS(#)(1) COMPENSATION(2)
- --------------------------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
George T. Jimenez............................ $ 158,000 $ 54,079 71,384 $ 15,778
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board
S. Joseph Dorr............................... $ 120,000 $ 31,521 31,568 $ 4,562
Vice President
Dr. Thomas V. Russotto....................... $ 121,000 $ 59,441 61,115 $ 5,851
Vice President
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Options expected to be granted in fiscal year 1997 for fiscal year 1996
performance.
(2) Consists of Company contributions to the Company's 401(k) plan on behalf of
each Named Executive Officer and amounts paid in connection with a life
insurance policy for Mr. Jimenez and disability insurance policies for each
Named Executive Officer as follows: (i) Mr. Jimenez; $4,638 for the 401(k)
plan, $6,975 for life insurance and $4,165 for disability insurance; (ii)
Mr. Dorr; $3,516 for the 401(k) plan and $1,045 for disability insurance;
and (iii) Dr. Russotto; $4,638 for the 401(k) plan and $1,213 for disability
insurance.
The following table sets forth information regarding the grant of options to
purchase Common Stock to each of the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1996.
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS VALUE AT ASSUMED
----------------------------------------------------- ANNUAL RATES OF
NUMBER OF PERCENTAGE OF STOCK PRICE
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OPTION TERM(3)
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE PER EXPIRATION --------------------
NAME GRANTED FISCAL 1996(1) SHARE(2) DATE 5% 10%
- ----------------------------------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
George T. Jimenez........................ 33,413 4.7% $ .64 03/19/01 $ 5,908 $ 13,055
S. Joseph Dorr........................... -- -- -- -- -- --
Dr. Thomas V. Russotto................... 22,783 3.2% $ .64 03/19/01 4,028 8,902
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) All of the options were granted under the Stock Plan and were fully vested
and exercisable on the date of grant.
(2) The exercise price per share of the options granted represented the fair
market value of the underlying shares of Common Stock on the dates the
respective options were granted.
(3) Potential realizable value is based on the assumption that the Common Stock
of the Company appreciates at the annual rate shown (compounded annually)
from the date of grant until the expiration of the five year option term.
These numbers are calculated based on the requirements promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and do not reflect the
Company's estimate of future stock price growth.
39
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth certain information concerning option
exercises during fiscal 1996 by the Named Executive Officers and the number and
value of securities underlying options held by each of the Named Executive
Officers at the end of fiscal 1996.
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT JUNE 30, IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
SHARES 1996 AT JUNE 30, 1996(2)
ACQUIRED ON VALUE -------------------------------- --------------------------------
NAME EXERCISE(#) REALIZED(1) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- --------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------------- ------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
George T. Jimenez................ 27,842 $ 557 182,953 0 $ 1,741,855 $ 0
S. Joseph Dorr................... 17,060 341 120,556 0 1,150,750 0
Dr. Thomas V. Russotto........... 34,308 30,592 69,569 0 642,460 0
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Value realized represents the positive spread between the respective
exercise prices of the exercised options and the fair market value per share
on the respective dates of exercise.
(2) Value for "in-the-money" options represent the positive spread between the
respective exercise prices of outstanding options and an assumed initial
public offering price of $10.00 per share (the mid-point of the estimated
range of the initial public offering price).
AMENDED AND RESTATED OMNIBUS STOCK PLAN
The Company has adopted, subject to stockholder approval, the Stock Plan.
The maximum number of shares of Common Stock in respect of which stock-based
awards may be granted under the Stock Plan is 2,200,000. The shares of Common
Stock to be delivered under the plan will be made available from the authorized
but unissued shares of Common Stock.
The Stock Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors (the "Committee"), upon which no director who is an officer
of the Company may serve, and which comprises only Directors who are
"non-employee directors" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and who are "outside
directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"). All employees of the Company, including employee
directors, are eligible to participate in the Stock Plan. It is anticipated that
the Committee's determinations of which eligible individuals will be granted
awards and the terms thereof will be based on each individual's present and
potential contribution to the success of the Company.
Stock options may be granted under the Stock Plan at the discretion of the
Committee and subject to such terms and conditions determined by the Committee
and set forth in a grant agreement. Options granted under the Stock Plan may be
either nonqualified options or incentive stock options. The Committee has
discretion to fix the exercise price of such options at a price not less than
100% of the fair market value of the underlying shares of Common Stock at the
time of grant thereof. The Committee has broad discretion as to the terms and
conditions upon which options shall be exercisable, but under no circumstances
will an incentive stock option have a term exceeding 10 years from date of
grant.
The option exercise price may be satisfied in cash or, in the discretion of
the Committee, by exchanging shares of Common Stock owned by the optionee, by a
combination of cash and shares of Common Stock or by such other means as the
Committee may prescribe. The ability to pay the option exercise price in shares
of Common Stock would, if permitted by the Committee, enable an optionee to
engage in a series of successive stock-for-stock exercises of an option
(sometimes referred to as "pyramiding") and thereby fully exercise an option
with little or no cash investment. The Company also may make or guarantee loans
to optionees to assist optionees in exercising stock options.
40
<PAGE>
The terms of an option may provide for the automatic grant of a new award,
exercisable for not more than the number of shares tendered when the exercise
price of the option and/or related tax obligation is paid by tendering shares of
Common Stock (sometimes referred to as "reload options"), subject to certain
limitations set forth in the Stock Plan.
Incentive stock option awards under the Stock Plan must comply with Section
422 of the Code. Incentive stock option awards made to an optionee who owns more
than 10% of the outstanding stock of the Company must have an exercise price
that is not less than 110% of the fair market value of the underlying shares on
the date of grant, a term not exceeding five years, and the aggregate fair
market value of shares of Common Stock with respect to which all incentive stock
options first become exercisable by an optionee in any calendar year shall
either not exceed $100,000 or be treated as non-qualified options.
The Committee also may grant stock appreciation rights. Upon the exercise of
a stock appreciation right with respect to a share of Common Stock, a
participant would be entitled to receive the excess of the fair market value of
such shares over the base price of such right, which is specified by the
Committee upon grant and may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of
the underlying shares at the date of grant. The Committee has the authority to
determine whether the value of a stock appreciation right is paid in cash or
shares of Common Stock or a combination of both.
The Committee also has discretion to make contingent grants of performance
shares which will be earned to the extent performance goals established by the
Committee are achieved over a period of time specified by the Committee. The
Committee will have discretion to determine the value of each performance share,
to adjust the performance goals as it deems equitable to reflect events
affecting the Company or changes in law or accounting principles or other
factors, and to determine the number of performance shares which have been
earned based on performance relative to such performance goals. The value of
performance shares that are earned may, in the discretion of the Committee, be
paid in the form of cash, shares of Common Stock, or a combination of both.
Awards of stock under the Stock Plan will be made at the discretion of the
Committee and may be subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transfer. In
general, a participant who has been granted restricted stock will from the date
of grant have the benefits of ownership in respect of such shares, including the
right to vote such shares and to receive dividends and other distributions
thereon, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Stock Plan and in the
instrument evidencing such award. The shares of restricted stock will be held by
the Company, or by an escrow agent designated by the Company, during the
restricted period and may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, or
otherwise encumbered until the restrictions have lapsed. The Committee has
authority to determine the duration of the restricted period and the conditions
under which stock may be forfeited, as well as the other terms and conditions of
such awards.
The Stock Plan also authorizes the Committee to grant to participants awards
that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on,
the value of shares of Common Stock ("Stock Unit Awards"). The Committee has
discretion to determine the participants to whom Stock Unit Awards are to be
made, the times at which such awards are to be made, the size of such awards,
and all other conditions of such awards, including any restrictions, deferral
periods, or performance requirements. The provisions of the Stock Unit Awards
will be subject to such rules and regulations as the Committee shall determine
at the time of grant.
Any award under the Stock Plan may provide that the participant has the
right to receive currently or on a deferred basis dividends or dividend
equivalents and/or other cash payments in addition to or in lieu of such award,
all as the Committee shall determine.
If the Committee determines that any stock split, stock dividend or other
distribution (whether in the form of cash, securities, or other property),
recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off,
combination, repurchase or exchange of shares, issuance of warrants or other
rights to purchase shares at a price below fair market value, or other similar
corporate event affects
41
<PAGE>
the Common Stock such that an adjustment is required in order to preserve the
benefits intended under the Stock Plan, then the Committee has discretion to
make (i) equitable adjustments (a) in the number and kind of shares that may be
the subject of future awards under the Stock Plan or (b) the number and kind of
shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding awards and the
respective grant of exercise prices thereof and/or, (ii) if appropriate, to
provide for the payment of cash to a participant.
The Committee has broad discretion as to the specific terms and conditions
of each award and any rules applicable thereto, including but not limited to the
effect thereon of the death, retirement, or other termination of employment of
the participant and the effect, if any, of a change in control of the Company.
The terms of each award are to be evidenced by a written instrument delivered to
the participant. The awards authorized under the Stock Plan are subject to
applicable tax withholding by the Company which may be satisfied by the
withholding of shares issuable under the Stock Plan.
No award may be granted under the Stock Plan after the tenth anniversary of
the effective date of the Stock Plan.
The Stock Plan may be amended or terminated at any time by the Board of
Directors, except that no amendment may be made without stockholder approval if
such approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement,
including any approval requirement which is a prerequisite for exemptive relief
from Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
The Stock Plan is not subject to any provision of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and is not qualified under Section
401(a) of the Code.
Special rules apply to a participant who is subject to Section 16 of the
Exchange Act. Certain additional special rules apply if the exercise price for
an option is paid in shares of Common Stock previously owned by the optionee
rather than in cash.
Counsel has provided the Company with the following brief summary of the
Federal income tax consequences under the Code as currently in effect with
respect to (i) incentive stock options, (ii) non-qualified stock options and
(iii) restricted stock awards:
(i) INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. No taxable income is realized by the optionee
upon the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option. If there were no
disposition of the option shares until more than two years after the option is
granted and more than one year after the option is exercised, the gain or loss
realized by the optionee on the sale of such shares would be treated as
long-term capital gain or loss, and the Company would not be entitled to any
income tax deduction by reason of the grant or exercise of the option. If the
option shares were disposed of in a sale, exchange, gift or other "disqualifying
disposition" prior to the expiration of the
two-years-from-grant/one-year-from-exercise holding period, generally (a) the
optionee would realize taxable ordinary income in the year of such disposition
in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the fair market value of such
shares at the time of exercise of the option over the option price thereof
(except that, if the disposition is a sale or exchange of the type on which a
loss, if sustained, would be recognized to such optionee, ordinary income would
be realized by such optionee in an amount equal to only the gain realized on
such sale or exchange if such gain is less than such excess) and would realize
capital gain on the balance of the gain, and (b) the Company generally would be
entitled to a deduction for such year in the amount of the ordinary taxable
income to the optionee.
(ii) NON-QUALIFIED OPTIONS. No taxable income is realized by the optionee
upon the grant of a non-qualified option. On exercise, the excess of the fair
market value of the shares at the time of exercise over the option price of such
shares would be treated as compensation. Special rules may apply to a
participant who is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Any amounts
treated as compensation (a) would be taxable at ordinary income tax rates in the
year of exercise, (b) would be subject to withholding for Federal income tax
purposes, and (c) generally would be an allowable income tax deduction to the
Company. The optionee's tax basis for shares acquired upon exercise of a
42
<PAGE>
non-qualified option would be equal to the option price paid for the shares plus
any amounts treated as compensation. An optionee would generally be entitled to
capital gain treatment on the difference between his tax basis and the sale
price of the shares acquired upon exercise.
(iii) RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS. No income would be realized by an employee
in connection with the grant of a restricted stock award. When the restrictions
lapse, the employee would be required to include as taxable ordinary income the
fair market value of such shares at the time the restrictions lapse. The Company
would be entitled to a deduction for Federal income tax purposes equal to the
amount so included in such employee's income. An employee may, by making a
Section 83(b) election within 30 days after the transfer of stock, choose to
recognize income upon the grant of a restricted stock award. Any appreciation in
the stock value after the grant date will be eligible for capital gain treatment
upon the subsequent sale of the stock. However, if the stock is forfeited later,
the loss deduction allowable is limited to the price paid for the stock (if any)
minus any amounts received upon such forfeiture.
(iv) PAYMENT OF WITHHOLDING TAXES. The Company may withhold, or require a
participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy any
Federal, state and local withholding tax requirements. The Committee may permit
a participant to satisfy a tax withholding requirement on exercise of an option
by delivery to the Company of shares of its Common Stock owned by the
participant, including shares the participant is entitled to receive upon
exercise of the option.
(v) CODE SECTION 162(M). Section 162(m) of the Code limits the tax
deduction available for compensation paid to the Company's five most
highly-compensated individuals in excess of $1,000,000. To the extent
practicable, awards under the Stock Plan to designated executives will qualify
as "performance-based" compensation which is excluded from the Section 162(m)
cap on deductibility. Stock options and stock appreciation rights issued under
the Stock Plan are expected to be fully deductible as performance-based.
(vi) OTHER. To the extent payments which are contingent on a change in
control are determined to exceed certain Code limitations, they may be subject
to a 20% nondeductible excise tax and the Company's deduction with respect to
the associated compensation expense may be disallowed in whole or in part.
The foregoing discussion summarizes the Federal income tax consequences of
the Stock Plan based on current provisions of the Code which are subject to
change. This summary does not cover any state or local tax consequences of
participation in the Stock Plan.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
The Company currently has no employment contracts with any of the Named
Executive Officers, and the Company has no compensatory plan or arrangement with
such Named Executive Officers where the amounts to be paid exceed $100,000 and
which are activated upon resignation, termination or retirement of any such
executive officers upon a change in control of the Company.
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
The Charter provides that a director will not be personally liable for
monetary damages to the Company or its stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty
as a director, except to the extent such exemption for liability or limitation
thereof is not permitted under Maryland law, including liability (i) for any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders,
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for paying a dividend or
approving a stock repurchase in violation of Section 2-311 of the Maryland
Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit.
While the Charter provides directors with protection from having to pay
monetary damages for breaches of their duty of care, it does not eliminate such
duty. Accordingly, the Charter will have no effect on the availability of
equitable remedies such as an injunction or rescission based on a director's
43
<PAGE>
breach of his or her duty of care. The provisions of the Charter described above
apply to an officer of the Company only if he or she is a director of the
Company and is acting in his capacity as director, and do not apply to officers
of the Company who are not directors.
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Charter provides that the Company shall indemnify its currently acting
and its former officers and directors against any and all liabilities and
expenses incurred in connection with their services in such capacities to the
maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, as from time to time amended. The
Charter further provides that the right to indemnification shall also include
the right to be paid by the Company for expenses incurred in connection with any
proceeding arising out of such service in advance of its final disposition to
the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law.
The Charter further provides that the Company may, by action of its Board of
Directors, provide indemnification to such of the employees and agents of the
Company and such other persons serving at the request of the Company as a
director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise to such extent and to
such effect as is permitted by Maryland law and the Board of Directors shall
determine to be appropriate.
The Company expects to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any
person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Company, or
is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee
or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other
enterprise against any expense, liability, or loss incurred by such person in
any such capacity or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the
Company would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under
Maryland law.
The Charter provides that (i) the Board of Directors may, by by-law,
resolution or agreement, make further provision for indemnification of
directors, officers, employees and agents and (ii) no amendment, modification or
repeal of the Charter, nor the adoption of any additional provision of the
Charter or the By-laws nor, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law, any
amendment, modification or repeal of law shall eliminate or reduce the effect of
the provisions in the Charter limiting liability or indemnifying certain persons
or adversely affect any right or protection then existing thereunder in respect
of any acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment, modification,
repeal, or adoption.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
In connection with the purchase of certain assets by the Company at its
inception, Mr. Jimenez, the Company's President loaned $150,000 to the Company
to assist in financing the acquisition. The note bears interest at the federal
short-term rate established periodically by the U.S. Treasury. Principal is
payable upon demand and interest is paid quarterly. The outstanding loan balance
was $78,572 at June 30, 1996 and will be entirely repaid out of proceeds of this
offering. See "Use of Proceeds."
During fiscal years 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company purchased voice
processing systems totaling approximately $1,036,000, $62,000, and $212,000,
respectively, from Microlog Corporation ("Microlog"), a company whose Board of
Directors included Mr. Jimenez, the Company's President, and Graham Hartwell, a
former Director of the Company. Mr. Jimenez resigned from Microlog's Board of
Directors in January 1994. Mr. Hartwell retired from the Company's Board of
Directors in December 1995. The Company expects to continue to do business with
Microlog on terms no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained from
an unaffiliated third party.
The Company believes that all of the transactions set forth above were made
on terms no less favorable to the Company than could have been obtained from
unaffiliated third parties. All further transactions, including loans, between
the Company and its officers, directors, principal shareholders and their
affiliates will be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors, including a
majority of the independent and disinterested outside directors and will
continue to be, in the judgment of such a majority, on terms no less favorable
to the Company than could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
44
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock as of June 30, 1996, and as adjusted to reflect
the sale of shares offered hereby, by (i) each stockholder known by the Company
to be a beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Common Stock, (ii) the
Selling Stockholder, (iii) each of the Company's directors, (iv) each of the
Named Executive Officers and (v) all directors and executive officers of the
Company as a group. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, the
Company believes that the persons and entities named in the table have sole
voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as
beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where applicable.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
PRIOR TO OFFERING(1) AFTER OFFERING(1)
---------------------------- NUMBER OF ---------------------------
NUMBER OF SHARES BEING NUMBER OF
NAME AND ADDRESS (2) SHARES PERCENT OFFERED SHARES PERCENT
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------- ----------- ------------ -------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CEO Venture Fund II.............................. 1,530,950(3) 29.9% 230,000 1,300,950 17.6%
1950 Old Gallows Road
Vienna, Virginia 22182
George T. Jimenez................................ 2,453,562(4) 46.3% 0 2,453,562 32.4%
S. Joseph Dorr................................... 689,634(5) 13.2% 0 689,634 9.2%
Dr. Thomas V. Russotto........................... 279,396(6) 5.4% 0 279,396 3.8%
Paul G. Casner, Jr............................... 27,000(7) * 0 27,000 *
Gary P. Golding.................................. 2,628(8) * 0 2,628 *
Gilbert A. Wetzel................................ 18,000(9) * 0 18,000 *
All directors and executive officers as a group
(9 persons)..................................... 3,505,010(10) 63.1% 0 3,505,010 44.8%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Less than 1% of the outstanding Common Stock.
(1) The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to this offering
includes (i) 3,590,451 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of June 30,
1996, (ii) 1,530,950 shares issuable by the Company upon the conversion of
all outstanding shares of Class C Preferred Stock which will occur
automatically upon completion of this offering and (iii) shares issuable by
the Company pursuant to options held by the respective person or group which
may be exercised within 60 days after June 30, 1996. Beneficial ownership is
determined in accordance with the rules of the Commission and generally
includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. All of these
shares are subject to lock-up restrictions until 180 days after the date of
this Prospectus. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
(2) Unless otherwise indicated, the address is c/o ACE*COMM Corporation, 209
Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877.
(3) Includes 1,484,546 shares held by CEO Venture Fund II of which 230,000 are
being offered hereby, 21,888 shares held by William R. Newlin, 21,888 shares
held by James Colker and 2,628 shares held by Gary P. Golding. Colker and
Newlin Management Associates II ("CNMA II"), as the general partner of CEO
Venture Fund II, exercises voting and investment power with respect to the
1,484,546 shares held by CEO Venture Fund II. Messrs. Colker and Newlin, as
managing general partners of CNMA II, exercise shared voting and investment
power with respect to these shares and Mr. Golding, E.R. Yost, and G.F.
Chatfield, as general partners of CNMA II, exercise shared investment power
with respect to these shares. CNMA II and Messrs. Colker, Newlin, Golding,
Yost and Chatfield disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares held by CEO
Venture Fund II other than to the extent of its or his individual
partnership interest.
(4) Includes 182,952 shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are
exercisable within 60 days.
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<PAGE>
(5) Includes 120,555 shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are
exercisable within 60 days.
(6) Includes 69,588 shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are
exercisable within 60 days.
(7) Includes 18,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are
exercisable within 60 days.
(8) Does not include 1,484,546 shares held by CEO Venture Fund II of which Mr.
Golding is a general partner.
(9) Includes 13,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are
exercisable within 60 days.
(10) Includes 431,510 shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are
exercisable within 60 days.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
GENERAL
Upon the completion of this offering, the Company will be authorized to
issue 45,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, and 5,000,000 shares of
undesignated Preferred Stock, $.01 par value.
COMMON STOCK
As of June 30, 1996, there were 3,590,451 shares of Common Stock outstanding
held of record by 26 stockholders. As of June 30, 1996, options to purchase an
aggregate of 1,073,704 shares of Common Stock were also outstanding of which
options to purchase 938,704 shares were then exercisable. See "Management --
Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan." After giving effect to the conversion
of all outstanding shares of Class C Preferred Stock into 1,530,950 shares of
Common Stock and the sale of 2,270,000 shares of Common Stock by the Company in
this offering, there will be 7,391,401 shares of Common Stock outstanding
(7,766,401 shares if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in
full).
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters to be voted on by shareholders and have cumulative voting rights with
respect to the election of directors. Subject to the prior rights of holders of
Preferred Stock, if any, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive
such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Board of
Directors in its discretion from funds legally available therefor. Upon
liquidation or dissolution of the Company, the remainder of the assets of the
Company will be distributed ratably among the holders of Common Stock after
payment of liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any outstanding shares
of Preferred Stock. The Common Stock has no preemptive or other subscription
rights and there are no conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund
provisions with respect to such shares. All of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock are, and the shares to be sold in this offering will be, fully paid and
nonassessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
The Board of Directors has the authority to issue the Preferred Stock in one
or more series and to fix the price, rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion
rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, redemption prices, liquidation
preferences and the number of shares constituting a series or the designation of
such series, without any further vote or action by the Company's shareholders.
The issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing desirable flexibility in
connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the
Company without further action by the shareholders and may adversely affect the
market price of, and the voting and other rights of, the holders of Common
Stock. The Company has no current plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.
Upon consummation of this offering, the conversion of the Class C Preferred
Stock and the redemption of the Class B Preferred Stock, there will be no
Preferred Stock outstanding.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Maryland law prohibits certain "business combinations" (including a merger,
consolidation, share exchange, or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer
or issuance or reclassification of equity
46
<PAGE>
securities) between a Maryland corporation and an Interested Stockholder.
"Interested Stockholders" are all persons (a) who beneficially own 10% or more
of the voting power of the corporation's shares or (b) an affiliate or associate
of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date
in question, was an Interested Stockholder or an affiliate or an associate
thereof. Such business combinations are prohibited for five years after the most
recent date on which the Interested Stockholder became an Interested
Stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by
the board of directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote
of at least (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by all holders of voting
shares of the corporation, and (b) 66 2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by
all holders of voting shares of the corporation other than voting shares held by
the Interested Stockholder, or an affiliate or associate of the Interested
Stockholder, with whom the business combination is to be effected, unless, among
other things, the corporation's stockholders receive a minimum price (as defined
under Maryland law) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash
or in the same form as previously paid by the Interested Stockholder for its
shares. These provisions of Maryland law do not apply, unless the corporation's
charter or by-laws provide otherwise, to a corporation that on July 1, 1983 had
an existing Interested Stockholder, unless, at any time thereafter, the Board of
Directors elects to be subject to the law. The Company has adopted such a
resolution, which has the effect of making the law applicable to the Company,
except with respect to certain business combinations involving persons who were
Interested Stockholders as of the date of this Prospectus, or their affiliates,
which include CEO Venture Fund II and George T. Jimenez. These provisions of
Maryland law would not apply, however, to business combinations that are
approved or exempted by the Board of Directors of the corporation prior to the
time that any other Interested Stockholder becomes an Interested Stockholder. A
Maryland corporation may adopt an amendment to its charter electing not to be
subject to the special voting requirements of the foregoing legislation. Any
such amendment would have to be approved by the affirmative vote of at least 80%
of the votes entitled to be cast by all holders of outstanding shares of voting
stock and 66 2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding
shares of voting stock who are not Interested Stockholders. The Company has not
adopted such an amendment to its Charter.
CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS
Maryland law provides that "control shares" of a Maryland corporation
acquired in a "control share acquisition" have no voting rights except to the
extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the
matter, excluding shares of stock owned by the acquiror or by officers or
directors who are employees of the corporation. Control shares are voting shares
of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock previously acquired
by such a person, would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in
electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power: (a) 20%
or more but less than 33 1/3%; (b) 33 1/3% or more but less than a majority; or
(c) a majority of all voting power. Control shares do not include shares of
stock an acquiring person is entitled to vote as a result of having previously
obtained stockholder approval. A control share acquisition means, subject to
certain exceptions, the acquisition of, ownership of, or the power to direct the
exercise of voting power with respect to, control shares.
A person who has made or proposes to make a "control share acquisition,"
upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay
expenses), may compel the board of directors to call a special meeting of
stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand therefor to consider the voting
rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may
itself present the question at any stockholders' meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person
does not deliver an acquiring person statement as permitted by the statute,
then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem
any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have
previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to voting
rights, as of the date of the last control share acquisition or of any meeting
of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not
approved. If voting rights for "control shares" are approved at a stockholders'
meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares
47
<PAGE>
entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair
value of the stock as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not
be less than the highest price per share paid in the control share acquisition,
and certain limitations and restrictions otherwise applicable to the exercise of
dissenters' rights do not apply in the context of a "control share acquisition."
The control share acquisition statute does not apply to stock acquired in a
merger, consolidation or stock exchange if the corporation is a party to the
transaction, or to acquisitions previously approved or exempted by a provision
in the charter or by-laws of the corporation. The Company has adopted a
provision in its Charter exempting acquisitions by George Jimenez and his
respective associates provided any such acquisition does not cause them to
acquire more than 49.9% of the outstanding Common Stock in the aggregate.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is Chase Mellon
Shareholder Services.
CERTAIN CHARTER AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS
The Company's Charter and By-laws will be amended as of the closing of this
offering and, as a result of such amendment, will contain several provisions
that may make the acquisition of control of the Company by means of a proxy
fight, open market purchases, tender offer, or otherwise more difficult. The
following is a summary of certain of these provisions. The forms of Charter and
By-laws, as amended, are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement filed
with the Commission of which this Prospectus is a part, and the following
summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to such documents.
NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
The Charter and By-laws provide that the number of directors shall be fixed
from time to time by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of
Directors, but may not consist of fewer than three or such lesser number of
stockholders, nor more than 11 members. The size of the Board of Directors has
initially been set at five members.
CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Charter divides the Board of Directors into three classes, with one
class having a term of one year, one class having a term of two years, and one
class having a term of three years. Each class is to be as nearly equal in
number as possible. At each annual meeting of stockholders, commencing with the
annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1997, directors will be elected to
succeed those directors whose terms have expired, and each newly elected
director will serve for a three-year term.
The classification of directors and the provisions in the Charter that limit
the ability of stockholders to increase the size of the Board of Directors,
together with the provisions in the Charter described below that limit the
ability of stockholders to remove directors and that permit the remaining
directors to fill any vacancies on the Board, will have the effect of making it
more difficult for stockholders to change the composition of the Board of
Directors. As a result, at least two annual meetings of stockholders may be
required for the stockholders to change a majority of the directors, whether or
not a change in the Board of Directors would be beneficial to the Company and
its stockholders and whether or not a majority of the Company's stockholders
believes that such a change would be desirable.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS AND FILLING VACANCIES
The Charter and By-laws provide that a director may be removed by
stockholders only "for cause" and with the approval of the holders of 80% of the
total voting power of all outstanding securities of the Company then entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class
at a special meeting of stockholders called for that purpose. (Article VI of the
Charter; Section 6).
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<PAGE>
The Charter and By-laws provide that all vacancies on the Board of
Directors, including those resulting from an increase in the number of
directors, may be filled solely by a majority of the remaining directors even if
they do not constitute a quorum. If the vacancy occurs as a result of the
removal of a director, the stockholders may elect a successor at the meeting at
which such removal occurs. If the entire Board becomes vacant, any stockholder
may call a special meeting in order to elect directors. (Article II, Section 7
of the By-laws).
ADVANCE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS
The By-laws establish advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder
proposals and the nomination, other than by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors or a committee thereof, of candidates for election as directors.
(Article I, Sections 11 and 12). These procedures require that a notice of
stockholder proposals and stockholder nominations for the election of directors
at any meeting of stockholders must be in writing, containing certain specified
information and received by the Secretary of the Company not less than 20 nor
more than 30 days prior to the meeting (or if less than 30 days' notice or prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given, the notice of stockholder
proposals or nominations must be in writing and received by the Secretary of the
Company no later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day
on which notice of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure thereof was made,
whichever occurs first). The Company may reject a stockholder proposal or
nomination that is not made in accordance with such procedures.
LIMITATIONS ON CALLING STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS
The Charter and By-laws provide that special meetings of stockholders can be
called only by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, the Board
of Directors, or by the Secretary at the request of holders of at least 25% of
all votes entitled to be cast. (Article I, Section 3 of the By-laws). These
provisions may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder
proposal until the next annual meeting unless a special meeting is called by the
Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the President, or the Secretary
of the Company upon the request of holders of a sufficient number of shares.
AMENDMENT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER AND BY-LAWS
The Charter of the Company provides that the affirmative vote of the holders
of at least 80% of the aggregate combined voting power of all classes of capital
stock entitled to vote thereon, voting as one class, is required to amend
certain provisions of the Charter, including those provisions relating to the
number, election and term of directors; the removal of Directors; the amendment
of the by-laws; the provision governing applicability of the Maryland Control
Share Act (Section 3-702 of the Maryland General Corporation Law); and the
supermajority voting requirements in the Charter. (Article VII, Section 1). The
Charter further provides that Board of Directors shall have the exclusive right
to make, alter, amend or repeal the By-laws. (Article VII, Section 5). These
requirements will have the effect of making more difficult any amendment by
stockholders, even if a majority of the Company's stockholders believe that such
amendment would be in their best interests.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to this offering, there has been no market for the Common Stock of the
Company. Sales of substantial shares of Common Stock in the public market
following this offering, or the perception that such sales could occur, could
adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock prevailing from time to
time and could impair the Company's future ability to raise capital through an
offering of its equity securities. See "Risk Factors -- Shares Eligible for
Future Sale."
Upon completion of this offering, the Company will have approximately
7,391,401 shares of Common Stock outstanding (assuming no exercise of the
Underwriters' over-allotment option.) Of these shares, the 2,500,000 shares sold
in this offering will be freely transferable without restriction or registration
under the Securities Act, except for any shares purchased by an existing
"affiliate" of the Company, as that term is defined under the Securities Act (an
"Affiliate"), which shares will be subject to the resale limitations of Rule 144
adopted under the Securities Act. The remaining 4,891,401
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<PAGE>
outstanding shares of Common Stock which were issued by the Company in private
transactions not involving a public offering (and any shares issued upon the
exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Stock Plan and the Directors
Stock Plan), are "restricted securities" for purposes of Rule 144 and may not be
resold in a public distribution, except in compliance with the registration
requirements of the Securities Act, pursuant to a valid exemption from
registration or pursuant to Rule 144. Of such shares, and without consideration
of the contractual restrictions described below, 290,955 shares would be
available for immediate sale in the public market without restriction pursuant
to Rule 144(k) and 4,293,739 additional shares would be available for immediate
sale subject to compliance with the restrictions of Rule 144. Beginning 90 days
after the date of this Prospectus, and without consideration of the contractual
restrictions described below, 213,998 additional shares would be eligible for
sale without restrictions in reliance upon Rule 701 promulgated under Securities
Act and 92,709 additional shares would be eligible for sale subject to
compliance with the restrictions of Rule 144.
The holders of 4,748,211 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate, including
each officer and director of the Company and the Selling Stockholder, have
agreed not to offer, pledge, sell, offer to sell, contract to sell, grant any
option to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly,
any shares of Common Stock or any securities exercisable or exchangeable for, or
convertible into, shares of Common Stock for a period of 180 days after the date
of this Prospectus, without the prior written consent of Furman Selz LLC, on
behalf of the Underwriters. Furman Selz LLC may, in its sole discretion and at
any time without notice, waive the lock-up restrictions as to all or a portion
of the securities subject to lock-up agreements. Furman Selz LLC currently has
no plans to grant any such waivers. As a result of these contractual
restrictions and the provisions of Rules 144(k), 144 and 701, the restricted
shares will be available for sale in the public market as follows: (i) 89,189
shares will be eligible for immediate sale on the date of this Prospectus, (ii)
54,001 shares will be eligible for sale 90 days after the date of this
Prospectus and (iii) 4,748,211 shares will be eligible for sale 180 days after
the date of this Prospectus upon expiration of lock-up agreements.
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, beginning 90 days after
the date of this Prospectus, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated)
who has beneficially owned restricted securities for at least two years
(including the holding period of any prior owner except an affiliate of the
Company) would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of
shares that does not exceed the greater of: (i) one percent of the number of
shares of Common Stock then outstanding (which will equal approximately 73,914
shares immediately after this offering); or (ii) the average weekly trading
volume of the Common Stock during the four calendar weeks preceding such sale,
subject to the filing of a Form 144 with respect to such sale. Sales under Rule
144 are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice
requirements and to the availability of current public information about the
Company. Under Rule 144(k), a person who is not deemed to have been an Affiliate
at any time during the 90 days immediately preceding a sale, and who has
beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least three years
(including the holding period of any prior owner except an Affiliate), is
entitled to sell such shares without complying with the manner of sale, public
information, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. Subject to the
contractual restrictions described above, "144(k) shares" may therefore be sold
immediately upon the completion of this offering. Persons deemed to be
Affiliates must always sell pursuant to Rule 144, even after the applicable
holding periods have been satisfied.
The Commission has recently proposed amendments to Rule 144 that would
permit resales of restricted securities after a one-year, rather than a two-year
holding period, subject to compliance with the other provisions of Rule 144, and
would permit resale of restricted securities by non-Affiliates under Rule 144(k)
after a two-year, rather than a three-year holding period. If adopted, such
amendments could result in resales of restricted securities sooner than would be
the case under Rule 144 as currently in effect.
Subject to certain limitations on the aggregate offering price of a
transaction and other conditions, Rule 701 may be relied upon with respect to
the resale of securities originally purchased from
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<PAGE>
the Company by its employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisors prior
to the date the issuer becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the
Exchange Act pursuant to written compensatory benefit plans or written contracts
relating to the compensation of such persons. In addition, the Commission has
indicated that Rule 701 will apply to typical stock options granted by an issuer
before it becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act,
along with the shares acquired upon exercise of such options (including
exercises after the date of this Prospectus). Securities issued in reliance on
Rule 701 are restricted securities and, subject to the contractual restrictions
described above, beginning 90 days after the date of this Prospectus, may be
sold by persons other than Affiliates subject only to the manner of sale
provisions of Rule 144 and by Affiliates under Rule 144 without compliance with
its two-year minimum holding period requirements.
At June 30, 1996, options to purchase 1,073,704 shares of Common Stock were
outstanding, of which options to purchase approximately 938,704 shares were then
vested and exercisable. Shortly after this offering, the Company intends to file
registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering shares of
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Company's stock plans. See
"Management -- Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan." Shares of Common Stock
issued upon exercise of options under the registration statements on Form S-8
will be available for sale in the public market, subject to Rule 144 manner of
sale and volume limitations in the case of Affiliates and subject to the
contractual restrictions described above. Beginning 180 days after the date of
this Prospectus, approximately 681,373 shares issuable upon the exercise of
vested stock options will become eligible for sale in the public market, if such
options are exercised.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
After this offering, the holders of 1,300,950 shares of Common Stock (the
"Registrable Securities") will be entitled to certain rights with respect to the
registration of such shares under the Securities Act. Under the terms of the
agreement between the Company and the holders of such Registrable Securities, if
the Company proposes to register any of its securities under the Securities Act,
either for its own account or for the account of other security holders
exercising registration rights, such holders are entitled to notice of such
registration and are entitled to include shares of such Common Stock therein.
Additionally, beginning six months after the date of this offering, holders of
the Registrable Securities are also entitled to certain demand registration
rights pursuant to which they may require the Company to file a registration
statement under the Securities Act at its expense with respect to their shares
of Common Stock, and the Company is required to use its best efforts to effect
such registration. Further, the holders of the Registrable Securities may
require the Company to file additional registration statements on Form S-3. All
of these registration rights are subject to certain conditions and limitations,
among them the right of the underwriters of an offering to limit the number of
shares included in such registration.
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<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Each of the Underwriters named below (the "Underwriters"), for which Furman
Selz LLC, Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. and Rodman & Renshaw, Inc. are acting as
representatives (the "Representatives"), has severally agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, to purchase from the Company
and the Selling Stockholder, and the Company and the Selling Stockholder have
agreed to sell to each of the Underwriters, the number of shares of Common Stock
set forth opposite its name below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITERS SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
Furman Selz LLC............................................................................
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. ...................................................................
Rodman & Renshaw, Inc. ....................................................................
-----------
Total.................................................................................. 2,500,000
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters
to purchase the shares of Common Stock listed above are subject to the approval
of certain legal matters by counsel and various other conditions. The
Underwriting Agreement also provides that the Underwriters are committed to
purchase all of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby, if any are purchased
(without consideration of any shares that may be purchased through the
Underwriters' over-allotment option).
The Representatives have advised the Company and the Selling Stockholder
that the Underwriters propose to offer the shares of Common Stock to the public
initially at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this Prospectus
and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $
per share. The Underwriters may allow, and such selected dealers may reallow, a
concession not in excess of $ per share to certain other dealers. After the
initial public offering of the shares, the public offering price and other
selling terms may be changed by the Representatives.
Prior to the offering made hereby, there has been no public market for the
Common Stock. Accordingly, the initial public offering price for the Common
Stock will be determined by negotiation among the Company, the Selling
Stockholder and the Representatives. Among the factors to be considered are the
Company's results of operations and current financial condition, estimates of
the business potential and prospects of the Company, the market for the
Company's products, the experience of the Company's management, the economics of
the industry in general, the general condition of the equities market and other
relevant factors. There can be no assurance that any active trading market will
develop for the Common Stock or as to the price at which the Common Stock may
trade in the public market from time to time subsequent to the offering made
hereby.
The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable during the
30-day period after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to 375,000
additional shares of Common Stock at the public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions. To
the extent the Underwriters exercise this option, each Underwriter will have a
firm commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase such number of
additional shares of Common Stock as is proportionate to such Underwriter's
initial commitment to purchase shares from the Company. The Underwriters may
exercise such option solely to cover over-allotments, if any, incurred in
connection with the sale of shares of Common Stock offered hereby.
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<PAGE>
The Company and the Selling Stockholder have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect thereof.
The Company and the holders of 4,748,211 shares of Common Stock in the
aggregate, including each officer and director of the Company and the Selling
Stockholder, have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell,
pledge, offer to sell, contract to sell, grant any option to purchase or
otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common
Stock or securities exchangeable or exercisable for, or convertible into, shares
of Common Stock (other than, in the case of the Company, the granting of options
pursuant to the Stock Plan and the Directors Stock Plan) for a period of 180
days from the date of the Underwriting Agreement, without the prior written
consent of Furman Selz LLC, on behalf of the Underwriters.
The Representatives have informed the Company and the Selling Stockholder
that the Underwriters do not intend to confirm sales to any accounts over which
they exercise discretionary authority.
The Company has applied for listing of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol "ACEC."
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by its counsel, Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland.
Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for
the Underwriters by Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The financial statements as of June 30, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the
three years in the period ended June 30, 1996, included in the Prospectus have
been so included in reliance on the report of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A Registration Statement on Form S-1, including amendments thereto, relating
to the Common Stock offered hereby has been filed by the Company with the
Commission, Washington, D.C. This Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and
schedules thereto. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of
any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and in
each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being
qualified in all respects by such reference. For further information with
respect to the Company and the Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to
such Registration Statement, exhibits and schedules. A copy of the Registration
Statement may be inspected by anyone without charge at the Commission's
principal office located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington,
D.C. 20549, the Northeast Regional Office located at 7 World Trade Center, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10048, and the Midwest Regional Office located at
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois
60661-2511, and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the
Public Reference Branch of the Commission upon the payment of certain fees
prescribed by the Commission. In addition, the Registration Statement may be
accessed electronically at the Commission's site on the World Wide Web located
at http://www.sec.gov.
The Company currently is not a reporting company. The Company intends to
furnish to its stockholders annual reports containing audited financial
statements and quarterly reports containing unaudited interim financial
information for each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the
Company.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Architecture........................ A computer system architecture is a particular
methodology for bringing together and utilizing
selected computer hardware, systems software and
applications software to achieve an overall
objective.
Asynchronous Transfer Mode
(ATM)............................... A recently commercialized switching and transmission
technology that is one of a general class of packet
technologies that relay traffic by way of an address
contained within the first five bits of a standard
fifty-three bit-long packet or cell. ATM-based packet
transport was specifically developed to allow
switching and transmission of mixed voice, data and
video (sometimes referred to as "multi-media"
information) at varying rates. The ATM format can be
used by many different information systems, including
LANs.
Bandwidth........................... The range of frequencies or bit rates that can be
transmitted by a communications channel, a
transmission facility or a transmission medium.
Broadband........................... Broadband communications systems can transmit large
quantities of voice, data and video by way of digital
or analog signals. Examples of broadband
communication systems include DS-3 fiber optic
systems, which can transmit 672 simultaneous voice
conversations, or a broadcast television station
signal, that transmits high resolution audio and
video signals into the home. Broadband connectivity
is also an essential element for interactive
multimedia applications.
Carrier............................. In the telecommunications industry, one that
"carries" transmission capabilities over the
telecommunications network. A carrier that offers
telecommunications services to the public is subject
to regulation by federal and state regulatory
commissions.
Central Office...................... The switching centers or central switching facilities
of the local telephone companies.
CENTREX............................. CENTREX is a service that offers features similar to
those of a Private Branch Exchange (PBX), except the
equipment is located at the carrier's premises and
not at the premises of the customer. These features
include direct dialing within a given phone system,
direct dialing of incoming calls, and automatic
identification of outbound calls. This is a service
that local telephone companies can provide to a wide
range of customers who do not have the size or the
funds to support their own on-site PBX.
Client.............................. The client component of a client server system. It is
typically a personal computer with a graphical user
interface.
Client Server Architecture.......... A computer system architecture in which two
independent processes communicate via an established
protocol. The
</TABLE>
54
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
client component makes requests to the server
component, which responds with information or
actions. The client component is typically the
"front-end" of the system and is operated by the end
user.
Digital............................. A method of storing, processing and transmitting
information through the use of distinct electronic or
optical pulses that represent the binary code digits
0 and 1. Digital transmission and switching
technologies employ a sequence of these pulses to
represent information as opposed to the continuously
variable analog signal. Digital transmission and
switching technologies offer a threefold improvement
in speed and capacity over analog techniques,
allowing much more efficient and cost-effective
transmission of voice, video and data.
Fiberoptic.......................... A technology in which light is used to transport
information from one point to another. Fiber is
immune to electrical interference and environmental
factors that affect copper wiring and satellite
transmission.
Frame Relay......................... Frame relay is a high speed data packet switching
service used to transmit data between computers.
Frame relay supports data units of variable lengths
at access speeds ranging from 56 kilobits to 1.5
megabits. This service is appropriate for connecting
LANs, but is not appropriate for voice and video
applications due to the variable delays which can
occur. Frame relay was designed to operate at high
speed on modern fiber optic networks.
Graphical User Interface............ A means of communicating with a computer by
manipulating graphical icons and windows (usually by
pointing and clicking a mouse) rather than using text
commands.
Hybrid Fiber Coaxial................ A telecommunications network composed of both fiber
and coaxial cable, typically used to deliver video
and/or voice services to residences.
ISO................................. International Standards Organization. An
international standards group that is concerned with
defining standards for data communication and network
management. Committees throughout the world
contribute to the ISO standards set forth.
Internet............................ The global system of networks interconnected by
TCP/IP (and IP-related protocols), which include over
30 million users from the private sector, educational
institutions, government, nonprofits, and
individuals. Internet users gain access to e-mail,
file transfer, remote log-in, gopher, news, World
Wide Web, and other related services.
Intranet............................ An organization's private network of its local area
networks which utilizes Internet data formats and
communications protocols, and which may use the
Internet's facilities as the backbone for network
communications.
</TABLE>
55
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Local Area Networks (LANs).......... The interconnection of computers for the purpose of
sharing files, programs and various devices such as
work stations, printers and high-speed modems. LANs
may include dedicated computers or file servers that
provide a centralized source of shared files and
programs.
Local Exchange Carrier.............. A company providing local telephone services.
Local Exchange Carrier Lines........ Local Exchange Carrier or local phone company
telephone lines used to supply telephone service to a
location. These lines are needed by all organizations
to handle local telephone traffic.
Object-Oriented..................... A form of software development that models the real
world through representation of "objects" or systems
that contain data as well as instructions that work
upon that data.
Operating System.................... A master control program for a computer that manages
the computer's internal functions and provides a
means for control of the computer's operation. An
operating system provides commonly used functions and
a uniform, consistent means for all software
applications to access the same machine resources.
Operations Support System (OSS)..... A computer-based system used by telecommunications
service providers to support operations activities.
An OSS does not provide telecommunications service
directly to customers, but supports
telecommunications service provider personnel in the
performance of their duties, such as billing, testing
lines and trunks or maintaining switching systems.
Personal Communications Service
(PCS)............................... A type of wireless telephone system that uses light,
inexpensive handheld sets and communicates via low
power antennas.
Protocols........................... A formal set of standards governing the establishment
of a communications link and controlling the format
and timing of transmissions between two devices.
Request for Proposal (RFP).......... The process of compiling a set of specifications for
any procurement (telephone system, telemanagement
system, voice mail, etc.) to clearly define all of
the requirements of said procurement. The RFP is then
distributed to all prospective vendors, so they may
respond in detail to the requirements and provide a
quotation for the project as defined within the RFP.
The goal of the RFP process is to procure the item(s)
that are detailed within the RFP.
Server.............................. Software that allows a computer to offer a service to
another computer. Other computers contact the server
program by means of matching client software. In
addition, such term means the computer on which
server software runs.
</TABLE>
56
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Simple Network Management Protocol
(SNMP).............................. A standard protocol that gathers management
information from network devices and provides a means
to set and monitor configuration parameters.
Switch.............................. A computer that accepts instructions from a caller in
the form of a telephone number. Like an address on an
envelope, the numbers tell the switch where to route
the call. The switch opens or closes circuits or
selects the paths or circuits to be used for
transmission of information. Switching is a process
of interconnecting circuits to form a transmission
path between users. Switches allow local carriers to
connect calls directly to their destination, while
providing advanced features and recording connection
information for future billing.
Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP)............................ A compilation of network- and transport-level
protocols that allows computers with different
architectures and operating system software to
communicate with other computers on the Internet.
World Wide Web...................... A network of computer servers that uses a special
communications protocol to link different servers
throughout the Internet and permits communication of
graphics, video and sound.
X.25................................ A protocol that defines the connection between a
terminal and the public packet-switching network for
computer to computer communications.
</TABLE>
57
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
INDEX TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Accountants..................................................... F-2
Balance Sheets at June 30, 1995 and 1996.............................................. F-3
Statements of Operations for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996............. F-4
Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995
and 1996............................................................................. F-5
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996............. F-6
Notes to Financial Statements......................................................... F-7
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
ACE*COMM Corporation
The recapitalization described in Note 11 to the financial statements has not
been consummated as of July 17, 1996. When it is consummated, we will be in a
position to furnish the following report:
"In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements
of operations, of changes in stockholders' equity (deficit) and of cash
flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
ACE*COMM Corporation at June 30, 1995 and 1996, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended June 30, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above."
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
July 17, 1996
F-2
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
-----------------------
1995 1996
---------- -----------
PRO FORMA
STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY AT
JUNE 30,
1996
----------
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash...................................................... $ 189,903 $ 369,206
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
of $10,000............................................... 4,702,740 8,643,871
Inventories............................................... 964,501 1,836,317
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 130,392 283,813
---------- -----------
Total current assets...................................... 5,987,536 11,133,207
Property and equipment, net................................. 1,168,648 1,305,844
Capitalized software development costs, net................. 1,007,910 1,393,067
Other assets................................................ 129,243 466,268
---------- -----------
Total assets............................................ $8,293,337 $14,298,386
---------- -----------
---------- -----------
LIABILITIES, MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Current borrowings........................................ $4,301,544 $ 2,097,178
Accounts payable.......................................... 1,245,757 3,122,212
Accrued expenses.......................................... 290,905 1,036,684
Accrued compensation...................................... 430,596 1,010,922
Officer loan.............................................. 95,833 78,572
Deferred revenue.......................................... 997,077 1,890,103
---------- -----------
Total current liabilities................................. 7,361,712 9,235,671
Noncurrent borrowings....................................... 52,083 2,951,541
---------- -----------
Total liabilities....................................... 7,413,795 12,187,212
---------- -----------
Mandatorily redeemable Class C Preferred Stock, $5.14 par
value, 340,211 shares authorized, issued and outstanding... 2,121,733 2,261,627
---------- -----------
Contingencies
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Class B Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000 shares
authorized, issued and outstanding (1,000 shares
unaudited pro forma)..................................... 1,000 1,000 $ 1,000
Common stock, $.01 par value, 45,000,000 shares
authorized, 3,297,245 and 3,590,451 shares issued and
outstanding (5,121,401 shares unaudited pro forma)....... 32,972 35,905 51,214
Additional paid-in capital................................ 319,875 343,124 2,589,442
Stock subscriptions receivable............................ (5,900) -- --
Accumulated deficit....................................... (1,590,138) (530,482) (530,482)
---------- ----------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)...................... (1,242,191) (150,453) $2,111,174
---------- ----------- ----------
Total liabilities, mandatorily redeemable preferred
stock and stockholders' equity (deficit)............... $8,293,337 $14,298,386
---------- -----------
---------- -----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
-------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue -- products and
services................................................. $14,522,681 $12,415,331 $19,983,182
----------- ----------- -----------
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of products and services........................... 7,674,999 6,579,504 10,294,490
Selling, general and administrative..................... 5,472,776 6,048,700 7,292,533
Research and development................................ 572,652 1,044,968 956,950
----------- ----------- -----------
Total costs and operating expenses........................ 13,720,427 13,673,172 18,543,973
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from operations............................. 802,254 (1,257,841) 1,439,209
Interest income........................................... 3,455 -- --
Interest expense.......................................... (159,993) (334,805) (379,553)
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes......................... 645,716 (1,592,646) 1,059,656
Income taxes.............................................. -- -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)......................................... $ 645,716 $(1,592,646) 1,059,656
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma income per share (unaudited).................... $ 0.18
-----------
-----------
Shares used in computing pro forma income per share
(unaudited).............................................. 5,981,818
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED STOCK
---------------------- RETAINED
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL STOCK EARNINGS
CLASS B -------------------- PAID-IN SUBSCRIPTIONS (ACCUMULATED
SHARES PAR VALUE SHARES PAR VALUE CAPITAL RECEIVABLE DEFICIT) TOTAL
----------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Balance, June 30, 1993..... 1,000 $ 1,000 3,261,245 $ 32,612 $ 586,683 -- $(643,208) $ (22,913)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Accretion of preferred
stock dividends........... -- -- -- -- (139,894) -- -- (139,894)
Net income for the year
ended June 30, 1994....... -- -- -- -- -- -- 645,716 645,716
----- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Balance, June 30, 1994..... 1,000 1,000 3,261,245 32,612 446,789 -- 2,508 482,909
Accretion of preferred
stock dividends........... -- -- -- -- (139,894) -- -- (139,894)
Exercise of common stock
options................... -- -- 36,000 360 12,980 $ (5,900) -- 7,440
Net loss for the year ended
June 30, 1995............. -- -- -- -- -- -- (1,592,646) (1,592,646)
----- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Balance, June 30, 1995..... 1,000 1,000 3,297,245 32,972 319,875 (5,900) (1,590,138) (1,242,191)
Accretion of preferred
stock dividends........... -- -- -- -- (139,894) -- -- (139,894)
Exercise of common stock
options................... -- -- 293,206 2,933 163,143 (117,232) -- 48,844
Payment of stock
subscriptions
receivable................ -- -- -- -- -- 123,132 -- 123,132
Net income for the year
ended June 30, 1996....... -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,059,656 1,059,656
----- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Balance, June 30, 1996..... 1,000 $ 1,000 3,590,451 $ 35,905 $ 343,124 $ -- $(530,482) $(150,453)
----- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
----- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
-----------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
----------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)........................................... $ 645,716 $(1,592,646) $ 1,059,656
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used
for) provided by operating activities
Depreciation.............................................. 186,967 243,245 279,773
Amortization of capitalized software...................... 396,636 418,373 542,240
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable....................................... (720,346) (338,074) (3,941,131)
Inventories............................................... (426,502) (165,704) (871,816)
Other assets.............................................. (674) (6,108) (490,446)
Accounts payable.......................................... (429,936) (169,129) 1,876,455
Accrued expenses.......................................... 154,651 190,254 745,779
Accrued compensation...................................... (12,195) (51,324) 580,326
Deferred revenue.......................................... 204,750 311,777 893,026
----------- --------- -----------
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities........ (933) (1,159,336) 673,862
----------- --------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment......................... (280,352) (522,076) (416,969)
Additions to capitalized software development costs......... (686,033) (473,158) (927,397)
Sales of short-term investments............................. 790,623 -- --
----------- --------- -----------
Net cash used for investing activities...................... (175,762) (995,234) (1,344,366)
----------- --------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in line of credit.............................. 336,349 1,465,000 1,174,813
Other borrowings............................................ 182,129 1,144,376 185,539
Payments on debt............................................ (256,513) (419,653) (682,521)
Exercise of common stock options............................ -- 7,440 48,844
Payment of stock subscriptions receivable................... -- -- 123,132
----------- --------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities................... 261,965 2,197,163 849,807
----------- --------- -----------
Net increase in cash........................................ 85,270 42,593 179,303
Cash at beginning of year................................... 62,040 147,310 189,903
----------- --------- -----------
Cash at end of year......................................... $ 147,310 $ 189,903 $ 369,206
----------- --------- -----------
----------- --------- -----------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for interest.................... $ 160,839 $ 329,048 $ 375,052
----------- --------- -----------
----------- --------- -----------
Supplemental schedule of non cash financing activities:
Accretion of preferred stock dividends...................... $ 139,894 $ 139,894 $ 139,894
----------- --------- -----------
----------- --------- -----------
Exercise of common stock options............................ $ 90 $ 1,575
--------- -----------
--------- -----------
Notes received for exercise of common stock options......... $ 5,900 $ 117,232
--------- -----------
--------- -----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION
ACE*COMM Corporation ("ACE*COMM" or the "Company") develops, markets and
services operations support systems ("OSS") products for networks deployed by
telecommunications service providers, such as telephone companies, other public
carriers and large enterprises operating data and voice networks using intranets
and the Internet. The Company's products perform such functions as billing data
collection, network surveillance, alarm processing and network management for
some of the largest carriers and enterprises in the world.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that effect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
PRO FORMA STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
If the offering contemplated by this Prospectus is consummated under the
terms presently anticipated, all of the Mandatorily Redeemable Class C Preferred
Stock (the "Class C Preferred Stock") will convert to shares of the Company's
Common Stock (the "Common Stock"). Pro forma stockholders' equity as of June 30,
1996, is adjusted for the conversion of Class C Preferred Stock into Common
Stock.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenue principally under long-term contracts
involving significant production, modification or customization of hardware and
software using the percentage-of-completion method, based on performance
milestones specified in the contract, which fairly reflect progress toward
contract completion.
Revenue from maintenance and other postcontract customer support services is
recognized ratably over the term of the related agreements.
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
The Company extends credit to its customers in the normal course of
business. Three customers in the telecommunications industry represented
approximately 57%, 59% and 51% of revenues during 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively. International customers represented approximately 37%, 63% and 69%
of revenues during 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
CAPITALIZED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COSTS
The Company owns certain proprietary rights to computer software systems
that the Company has either developed or purchased and licensed to customers.
Purchased computer software and the related copyrights are capitalized at their
costs.
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. However, computer
software development costs incurred after technological feasibility of a product
is established and until the product is available for release to customers are
capitalized. Capitalized software and purchased technology costs are amortized
on a product by product basis based on the greater of the ratio of current sales
to estimated total future sales or a straight-line basis over the remaining
estimated economic life of the product (no greater than three years) including
the current year.
INVENTORIES
Inventories, which consists principally of purchased materials to be used in
the production of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on
the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.
F-7
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related
equipment, fixtures and vehicles of seven years. Leasehold improvements are
amortized on a straight-line method over the shorter of the improvements'
estimated useful lives or related remaining lease terms.
INCOME TAXES
Effective July 1, 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS No. 109) "Accounting for Income Taxes."
Previously, the Company used the deferred method for computing income taxes. The
adoption of SFAS No. 109 did not have a material impact on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in
the financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes
related primarily to differences between the basis of fixed and intangible
assets and revenue recognition for financial and income tax reporting. The
deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax consequences of
those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets
and liabilities are recovered or settled.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and
accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these
items.
The carrying amounts of debt issued pursuant to the Company's bank credit
agreements approximate fair value because the interest rates on these
instruments change with market interest rates.
The Company believes that it is not practical to estimate a fair market
value different from the Class C Preferred Stock carrying value of $2,261,627 as
the security has numerous unique features including voting, redemption and
conversion rights and is not traded on an open market.
PRO FORMA NET INCOME PER SHARE
Historical net (loss) income per share is not considered relevant as it
would differ materially from pro forma net income per share given the
contemplated changes in the capital structure of the Company. Except as noted
below, pro forma net income per share is computed using the weighted average
number of shares of Common Stock, assuming conversion of Class C Preferred
Stock, and dilutive Common Stock equivalent shares from Common Stock options.
Common Stock equivalent shares are calculated using the treasury stock method.
Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 83,
Common Stock and Common Stock equivalent shares issued by the Company at prices
below the public offering price during the twelve month period prior to the
proposed offering date (using the treasury stock method and an offering price of
$10 per share) have been included in the calculation as if they were outstanding
for all of 1996 regardless of whether they are dilutive.
F-8
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,000
consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
----------------------
1995 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Billed............................................. $3,685,109 $7,270,545
Unbilled........................................... 1,017,631 1,373,326
---------- ----------
$4,702,740 $8,643,871
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
Unbilled receivables include costs and estimated earnings on contracts in
progress which have been recognized as revenue but not yet billed to customers
under the provisions of specific contracts. Substantially all unbilled
receivables are expected to be billed and collected within one year.
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
----------------------
1995 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Computer equipment................................. $1,569,618 $1,931,382
Furniture and fixtures............................. 261,761 279,841
Vehicles........................................... 42,384 42,384
Leasehold improvements............................. 19,654 19,654
---------- ----------
1,893,417 2,273,261
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization..... (724,769) (967,417)
---------- ----------
$1,168,648 $1,305,844
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
4. CAPITALIZED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COSTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
------------------------
1995 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Capitalized software development costs............ $ 3,642,257 $ 4,567,817
Less accumulated amortization..................... (2,634,347) (3,174,750)
----------- -----------
$ 1,007,910 $ 1,393,067
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
Amortization expense of capitalized software amounted to $396,636, $418,373
and $542,240 in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
F-9
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
5. BORROWINGS
The Company's borrowings consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
------------------------
1995 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Bank line of credit, credit limit up to $2,500,000, due November
30, 1997, bearing interest at the bank's prime rate (8.25% at
June 30, 1996) plus 0.5%, collateralized by accounts receivable,
inventory and specific equipment. ............................... $ 2,500,000 $ 1,775,000
Bank line of credit, credit limit up to $1,000,000 ($1,350,000 at
June 30, 1995) due November 30, 1997, bearing interest at the
bank's prime rate (8.25% at June 30, 1996) plus 0.5%,
collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory and specific
equipment. ...................................................... 1,185,096 921,563
Bank line of credit, credit limit up to $1,000,000, due August 31,
1996, bearing interest at the bank's prime rate (8.25% at June
30, 1996) plus 1.25%, collateralized by inventory and accounts
receivable. ..................................................... -- 1,000,000
Bank line of credit, credit limit up to $750,000 due August 20,
1996, bearing interest at the bank's prime rate (8.25% at June
30, 1996) plus 0.5%, collateralized by accounts receivable,
inventory and specific equipment. ............................... -- 750,000
Installment notes, due in varying monthly installments through
June 2000, bearing interest at the bank's prime rate (8.25% at
June 30, 1996) plus 1%, collateralized by accounts receivable,
inventory and specific equipment. ............................... 571,999 550,073
Unsecured note payable for the purchase of technology and product
rights, principal due in quarterly installments of $10,417 plus
interest at 8% through April 1997. .............................. 93,750 52,083
Note payable to bank, due in monthly installments of $574
including interest at 13% through December 1995, collateralized
by a vehicle. ................................................... 2,782 --
----------- -----------
Total borrowings.................................................. 4,353,627 5,048,719
Less current portion.............................................. (4,301,544) (2,097,178)
----------- -----------
Noncurrent portion................................................ $ 52,083 $ 2,951,541
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
Annual maturities of noncurrent borrowings are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1998............................................... $2,826,337
1999............................................... 88,933
2000............................................... 30,368
2001............................................... 5,903
----------
Total.......................................... $2,951,541
----------
----------
</TABLE>
On June 21, 1996, the Company entered into a loan agreement with one of its
banks. The Company can borrow up to $750,000 under this line of credit at a rate
of 0.5% over the bank's prime rate, payable monthly and the principal is due on
August 20, 1996. The agreement requires the Company to comply with certain
financial covenants.
F-10
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
5. BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)
Effective May 29, 1996, the Company entered into new loan agreements with
its bank. The Company's $2,500,000 line of credit was extended to November 30,
1997. The new line bears interest payable monthly, at 0.5% over the bank's prime
rate and the principal is due November 30, 1997. In addition, a second
$1,350,000 line of credit was replaced with a revolving line of credit of
$1,000,000. This facility bears interest at 0.5% over the bank's prime rate,
payable monthly, and the principal is due on November 30, 1997. These new credit
facilities and installment notes with the same financial institution are secured
by accounts receivable and inventory certain of which are subordinated to the
security interests of the credit agreement described below, and the agreement
contains certain financial covenants.
Effective March 1, 1996, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a
bank to finance inventory for a foreign contract. The Company can borrow up to
$1,000,000 at 1.25% over the bank's prime rate. The agreement requires the
Company to comply with certain financial covenants. On behalf of the Company,
the U.S. Export-Import Bank guarantees to the bank 90% of the outstanding
balance, which is collateralized by the inventory and the foreign receivables
generated by the contract. This agreement expires on August 31, 1996.
6. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
In connection with the purchase of certain assets by the Company at its
inception, the Company's president loaned $150,000 to the Company to assist in
financing the acquisition. The note bears interest at the Federal short-term
rate established periodically by the U.S. Treasury (5.12% at June 30, 1996).
Principal and interest is paid quarterly. The outstanding loan balance totaled
$95,833 and $78,572 at June 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
During 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company purchased inventories totaling
approximately $1,036,000, $62,000 and $212,000, respectively, from a company
whose Board of Directors included the Company's president and another member of
the Company's Board of Directors. The Company's president retired from the other
company's Board of Directors in January 1994. Accounts payable at June 30, 1995
and 1996 include approximately $125,000 and $32,000, respectively, which is
payable to this company.
7. RETIREMENT PLAN
The Company has a simplified-employee pension plan (SEPP) covering
substantially all employees. Under the SEPP, the Company makes contributions to
the plan subject to Company performance and the maximum contribution allowable
by the IRS. The contribution rate is set annually at the discretion of
management. Contributions made during 1994, 1995 and 1996, were approximately
$120,300, $0 and $0, respectively.
On April 1, 1994, the Company established a 401(k) plan. To be eligible,
employees must have completed six months of service and be at least 21 years of
age and be credited with 1,000 hours of service. Contributions made during 1994,
1995 and 1996 were approximately $0, $0 and $97,000, respectively.
F-11
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
8. INCOME TAXES
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
-----------------------
1995 1996
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Tax assets:
Costs capitalized to inventory................... $ 134,572 $ 252,705
Accruals not deducted for tax.................... 55,368 88,356
Net operating loss carryforwards................. 1,203,675 939,917
Tax credit carryforwards......................... 251,283 291,738
Copyright and patents............................ 23,857 21,323
Other............................................ 3,963 4,017
---------- -----------
Gross deferred tax assets...................... 1,672,718 1,598,056
---------- -----------
Tax liabilities:
Income on contracts.............................. (333,297) (475,918)
Software costs deducted for tax.................. (393,137) (616,076)
Depreciation..................................... (163,829) (229,312)
Other............................................ (3,900) --
---------- -----------
Gross deferred tax liabilities................. (894,163) (1,321,306)
---------- -----------
Net deferred tax asset........................... 778,555 276,750
---------- -----------
Valuation allowance................................ (778,555) (276,750)
---------- -----------
Net deferred tax asset/(liability)................. $ -- $ --
---------- -----------
---------- -----------
</TABLE>
At June 30, 1995 and 1996, a valuation allowance was recorded for the full
value of net deferred tax assets as realization of these benefits cannot be
reasonably assured.
In 1994, the provision for income taxes was comprised of a Federal and state
provision of $258,000, which was offset by a reduction in the valuation
allowance of the same amount. The change during 1995 in the valuation allowance
was largely attributable to the increase in net operating losses. In 1996, the
provision for income taxes was comprised of a Federal and state provision of
$457,000, which was offset by a reduction in the valuation allowance of the same
amount. In addition, the Company recorded a foreign tax credit of $44,000, which
increased the valuation allowance.
At June 30, 1996, the Company has available research credit carryforwards of
approximately $292,000 which are available to offset future income tax and
expire in years through 2007. The Company also has net operating loss
carryforwards for income tax purposes of approximately $2,410,000 which expire
in years through 2010. Ownership changes, as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code, may limit the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that can be
utilized annually to offset future taxable income or tax liability.
F-12
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
8. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
The total income tax provision (benefit) for each year varied from the
amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rates to
income before income taxes as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
-------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income tax provision/(benefit) at statutory
rate...................................... $ 219,543 $(541,500) $ 360,283
State income taxes net of Federal
benefit................................... 32,286 (79,632) 48,956
Nondeductible expenses..................... -- 30,555 23,503
Other...................................... 5,981 12,433 24,574
Change in valuation allowance.............. (257,810) 578,144 (457,316)
--------- --------- ---------
Actual provision....................... $ -- $ -- $ --
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
9. MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
On October 31, 1991, in connection with an investment agreement, the Company
sold 340,211 shares of Class C Preferred Stock at $5.14 per share. The Class C
Preferred Stock consisted of two series. Series 1 stock (211,727 shares)
provides voting rights equal to the same number of shares of Common Stock and
Series 2 stock (128,484 shares) provides no voting rights but, if elected by a
majority of the holders of the Class C Preferred Stock, will become voting
shares on a one-to-one basis.
Each share of Class C Preferred Stock may be converted into Common Stock at
any time by the holder. Additionally, the shares will be converted automatically
upon an underwritten, public offering of the Common Stock. The number of shares
of Common Stock into which the Class C Preferred Stock can be converted is
determined by a conversion price, as defined under the agreement. Currently, the
conversion price is $1.14 per share and if converted now, the shares would be
exchanged on a 4.5 to 1 basis. No dividends are payable with respect to any
converted shares. The Company has reserved 1,530,950 shares of Common Stock for
the purpose of conversion.
Any shares not converted by designated dates will be redeemed by the Company
as follows: one-third of the shares on September 15, 1995, one-half of the
remaining shares on September 15, 1996, and all the remaining shares on
September 15, 1997. The redemption price is equal to $5.14 per share plus
accrued dividends. In the case of redemption, the holders are entitled to
receive accrued dividends, at a semi-annual rate of four percent, from November
1, 1992. The Company also has the right to force redemption, if certain
triggering events occur, at a price of $5.14 per share plus accrued dividends
from November 1, 1992, calculated at an annual rate of twelve percent. As of
June 30, 1996, the Company had no right to force redemption. The holders of the
securities postponed the September 15, 1995 redemption until September 15, 1996.
Activity with respect to Class C Preferred Stock is as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Balance, June 30, 1993............................. $1,841,945
Accretion of dividends............................. 139,894
----------
Balance, June 30, 1994............................. 1,981,839
Accretion of dividends............................. 139,894
----------
Balance, June 30, 1995............................. 2,121,733
Accretion of dividends............................. 139,894
----------
Balance, June 30, 1996............................. $2,261,627
----------
----------
</TABLE>
F-13
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
10. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
All shares of Common Stock are subject to restriction upon resale. Shares
may only be offered to the Company for sale, and upon termination, employees
holding shares of Common Stock are subject to the Company's right or obligation
to repurchase all such shares at a price based on the stock purchase agreement.
As of June 30, 1996, the Company had no obligation to repurchase any shares held
by employees.
The Class B preferred stock contains no voting rights, bears no rights to
receive dividends, is nonconvertible, and is redeemable for $308,000 at the
option of the Company, or must be redeemed upon transfer of substantially all
assets or of majority control of the Company.
STOCK OPTIONS
Prior to the establishment of the Company's formal option plan, the Company
granted options to various employees for performance and hiring incentives.
Under this plan, 909,000 options were granted and 886,500 were exercised or
expired prior to 1994 with an option price of $.17 - $.62. During 1995, the
remaining 22,400 shares were exercised at a price of $.17. The Company no longer
issues options under this plan.
The Company has reserved 2,200,000 shares of Common Stock in connection with
a Board of Directors approved plan to grant nonqualified stock options to
officers and key employees and 200,000 shares of Common Stock in connection with
a plan to grant nonqualified stock options to the Company's nonemployee
directors. The exercise price on all options granted is equivalent to the fair
market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant. Vesting of
employee options is determined by the Board of Directors and options vest either
immediately or over a one to two year period. Options expire upon the earlier of
the employee's termination or 3 to 5 years from the date of grant. Options for
directors vest 1,000 shares each year from the date of grant and expire the
earlier of 5 years from date of grant, 6 months upon resignation or immediately
upon removal for cause. The Company had exercisable options of 1,131,193,
1,187,407, and 938,704 as of June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The
stock option plan also provides for the issuance of restricted stock, stock
appreciation rights and phantom stock options. As of June 30, 1994, 1995 and
1996, no restricted stock, stock appreciation rights or phantom stock options
had been granted. As of June 30, 1996, options available for granting were
478,372.
Information relating to all the plans is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES PRICE
----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Options outstanding, June 30, 1993.................... 824,495 $ .17 - .62
Granted............................................... 320,198 .41 - .83
----------- --------------
Options outstanding, June 30, 1994.................... 1,144,693 .17 - .83
Granted............................................... 107,199 .64 - .83
Exercised............................................. (36,000) .17 - .83
Expired............................................... (14,985) .41 - .83
----------- --------------
Options outstanding, June 30, 1995.................... 1,200,907 .41 - .83
Granted............................................... 714,711 .64 - 10.00
Exercised............................................. (293,206) .30 - .83
Expired............................................... (7,493) .62 - .83
----------- --------------
Options outstanding, June 30, 1996.................... 1,614,919 $ .41 - 10.00
----------- --------------
----------- --------------
</TABLE>
F-14
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
11. RECAPITALIZATION
On July 17, 1996, the Board of Directors approved a 4.5-for-one stock split,
to be effected in the form of a stock dividend to be distributed on
, to stockholders of record on . In addition,
authorized shares of Common Stock were increased from 6,292,000 to 45,000,000.
The Board also authorized 5,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock. All
references in the financial statements to number of shares, per share amounts
and market prices of the Common Stock have been retroactively restated to
reflect the increased number of shares of Common Stock outstanding.
12. CONTINGENCIES
As collateral for performance on a long-term contract and to a ceding
insurer, the Company entered into a bond on November 28, 1995 under which the
Company is contingently liable in the amount of $1,175,000. This bond is in
force until November 28, 1998.
At June 30, 1996, the Company had $200,000 outstanding under a letter of
credit agreement with a financial institution, which guarantees the Company's
performance to a vendor under a specific contract.
F-15
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES
OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR ANY OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH
SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS
NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY
IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE
THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY
TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary............................. 3
Risk Factors................................... 8
Use of Proceeds................................ 14
Dividend Policy................................ 14
Capitalization................................. 15
Dilution....................................... 16
Selected Financial Data........................ 17
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.................................... 18
Business....................................... 24
Management..................................... 37
Certain Transactions........................... 44
Principal and Selling Stockholders............. 45
Description of Capital Stock................... 46
Certain Charter and By-Law Provisions.......... 48
Shares Eligible for Future Sale................ 49
Underwriting................................... 52
Legal Matters.................................. 53
Experts........................................ 53
Additional Information......................... 53
Glossary of Terms.............................. 54
Index to Financial Statements.................. F-1
</TABLE>
------------------------
UNTIL , 1996 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES, WHETHER OR NOT
PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN
ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
2,500,000 SHARES
[ACE*COMM LOGO]
COMMON STOCK
------------------
FURMAN SELZ
OPPENHEIMER & CO., INC.
RODMAN & RENSHAW, INC.
, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth the various expenses in connection with the
sale and distribution of the securities being registered, other than the
underwriting discounts and commissions. All amounts shown are estimates except
for the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee, the NASD filing fee
and the Nasdaq National Market listing fee.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC Registration Fee........................................... $10,984.66
NASD Filing Fee................................................ 3,686.00
Nasdaq National Market Listing Fee............................. 31,916.00
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses (including legal fees).............. *
Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees.............................. *
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................... *
Legal Fees and Expenses........................................ *
Printing, Engraving and Mailing Expenses....................... *
Miscellaneous.................................................. *
----------
Total...................................................... $ *
----------
----------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* To be completed by amendment.
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
(a) Section 2-418 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland permits a corporation to indemnify its present and
former directors, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements
and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any
proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of their services in
those or other capacities, unless it is established that (a) the act or omission
of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to such
proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active
and deliberate dishonesty; or (b) the director or officer actually received an
improper personal benefit in money, property, or services; or (c) in the case of
any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe
that the act or omission was unlawful. Maryland law permits a corporation to
indemnify a present and former officer to the same extent as a director, and to
provide additional indemnification to an officer who is not also a director. In
addition, Section 2-418(f) of the Corporations and Associations Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland permits a corporation to pay or reimburse, in advance
of the final disposition of a proceeding, reasonable expenses (including
attorney's fees) incurred by a present or former director or officer made a
party to the proceeding by reason of his service in that capacity, provided that
the corporation shall have received (a) a written affirmation by the director or
officer of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct
necessary for indemnification by the corporation; and (b) a written undertaking
by or on his behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if
it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct was not met.
The Registrant has provided for indemnification of directors, officers,
employees, and agents in Article VIII of its charter, as amended. This provision
reads as follows:
Section 1. Mandatory Indemnification.
The Corporation shall indemnify its currently acting and its former
directors and officers against any and all liabilities and expenses
incurred in connection with their services in such capacities to the
maximum extent permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, as
from time to time amended.
Section 2. Discretionary Indemnification.
II-1
<PAGE>
If approved by the Board of Directors, the Corporation may indemnify
its employees, agents and persons who serve and have served, at its
request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise or
employee benefit plan to the extent determined to be appropriate by the
Board of Directors.
Section 3. Advancing Expenses Prior to a Decision.
The Corporation shall advance expenses to its directors and officers
entitled to mandatory indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by
the Maryland General Corporation Law, as from time to time amended, and
may in the discretion of the Board of Directors advance expenses to
employees, agents and others who may be granted indemnification.
Section 4. Other Provisions for Indemnification.
The Board of Directors may, by bylaw, resolution or agreement, make
further provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees
and agents.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
Under Maryland law, a corporation is permitted to limit by provision in its
charter the liability of directors and officers, so that no director or officer
of the corporation shall be liable to the corporation or to any stockholder for
money damages except to the extent that (i) the director or officer actually
received an improper benefit in money, property, or services, for the amount of
the benefit or profit in money, property or services actually received, or (ii)
a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the director or officer is
entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the director's
or officer's action, or failure to act, was the result or active and deliberate
dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the
proceeding.
The Registrant has limited the liability of its directors and officers for
money damages in Article VIII of its charter, as amended. This provision reads
as follows:
Section 5. Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers.
To the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of directors and
officers are permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, no director or
officer of the Company shall have any liability to the Company or its
stockholders for damages. This limitation on liability applies to events
occurring at the time a person serves as a director or officer of the Company,
whether or not such person is serving as such at the time of any proceeding in
which liability is asserted.
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
The following sets forth certain information regarding sales of, and other
transactions with respect to, securities of the Company issued within the past
three years, which sales and other transactions were not registered pursuant to
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). All of such sales
and transactions were exempt from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof or as otherwise indicated
herein.
II-2
<PAGE>
On September 15, 1993, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate
of 285,395 shares of Common Stock of the Company to certain employees of the
Company under the Company's Omnibus Stock Plan. The exercise price of these
options was $0.41 per share.
On October 30, 1993, the Company granted to each of Messrs. Casner, Hartwell
and Wetzel, three non-employee members of the Board of Directors, options to
purchase 4,500 shares of Common Stock of the Company under the Company's Stock
Option Plan for Directors. The exercise price of these options was $0.41 per
share.
On June 1, 1994, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of
90,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company to an employee of the Company under
the Company's Omnibus Stock Plan. The exercise price of these options was $0.83
per share.
On September 12, 1994, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate
of 216,698 shares of Common Stock of the Company to certain employees of the
Company under the Company's Omnibus Stock Plan. The exercise price of these
options was $0.83 per share.
On November 5, 1994, the Company granted to each of Messrs. Casner, Hartwell
and Wetzel, three non-employee members of the Board of Directors, options to
purchase 4,500 shares of Common Stock of the Company under the Company's Stock
Option Plan for Directors. The exercise price of these options was $0.83 per
share.
On March 27, 1995, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of
9,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company to an employee of the Company under
the Company's Omnibus Stock Plan. The exercise price of these options was $0.83
per share.
On December 9, 1995, the Company granted to each of Messrs. Casner and
Wetzel, two non-employee members of the Board of Directors, options to purchase
4,500 shares of Common Stock of the Company under the Company's Amended Stock
Option Plan for Directors. The exercise price of these options was $1.55 per
share.
On March 20, 1996, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of
109,696 shares of Common Stock of the Company to certain employees of the
Company under the Company's Omnibus Stock Plan. The exercise price of these
options was $0.64 per share.
On May 15, 1996, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of
139,500 shares of Common Stock of the Company to certain employees of the
Company under the Company's Omnibus Stock Plan. The exercise price of these
options was $7.93 per share.
Between July 15, 1994 and June 30, 1996, the Company issued 329,207 shares
of its Common Stock to certain directors and employees of the Company upon the
exercise of options at exercise prices ranging from $0.17 to $0.83.
Except as set forth above, no underwriters were engaged in connection with
any of the foregoing sales of securities. The securities issued in the above
transactions were offered and sold in reliance upon the exemption from
registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act or Regulation D or Rule
701 promulgated under the Securities Act, relative to sales by an issuer not
involving any public offering.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1.1* Form of Underwriting Agreement.
3.1** Articles of Incorporation dated February 10, 1983.
3.2** Articles of Amendment and Restatement dated November 18, 1991.
3.3** Form of Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company.
3.4** By-Laws of the Company as amended through June 23, 1996.
</TABLE>
II-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
4.1** Form of Specimen of Common Stock Certificate.
5.1*** Opinion of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP re: legality of securities being
registered.
10.1* Supplier Agreement dated December 16, 1992 between the Registrant and AT&T
World Services, Inc.
10.2*+ Marketing Agreement dated June 18, 1990 between the Registrant and AT&T World
Services, Inc.
10.3*+ Subcontract Agreement dated February 24, 1994 between Registrant and AT&T
Corporation, Government Integrated Solutions.
10.4*+ Authorized Distributor Agreement dated July 23, 1991 between the Registrant
and AmerInd, Inc.
10.5* Supply Contract dated August 17, 1994 between the Registrant and Teleglobe
Canada, Inc.
10.6*+ License Agreement dated August 1, 1995 between the Registrant and Teleglobe
Canada, Inc.
10.7* Subcontract No. 95-1350-01 dated November 8, 1995 between the Registrant and
ANSTEC, Inc.
10.8** Agreement of Subcontract dated April 24, 1994 between the Registrant and the
Communications Systems Division of GTE Government Systems Corporation.
10.9*+ Agreement to Purchase Hardware, Render Services and License and Sublicense
the Use of Software dated October 11, 1995 between the Registrant and
Telefonos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
10.10*** 1994 Amended Stock Option Plan for Directors.
10.11** Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan.
11.1 ** Computation of Pro Forma Earnings Per Share.
23.1 ** Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23.2 *** Consent of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP (included in their opinion filed
as Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 * Powers of Attorney.
27.1 ** Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Filed previously.
** Filed herewith.
*** To be filed by amendment.
+ Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions were
omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions contained in the Articles of Amendment and
Restatement of the Registrant and the laws of the State of Maryland, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
II-4
<PAGE>
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the Underwriters
at the closing specified in the Underwriting Agreement, certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the Underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4), or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be a part of this Registration
Statement as of the time it was declared to be effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-5
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Company
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the
requirements for filing on Form S-1 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to
the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on this 17th day of July,
1996.
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
By: /s/ George T. Jimenez
-----------------------------------
George T. Jimenez
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
(PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
NAME TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------- ----------------
/s/ George T. Jimenez President, Chief Executive Officer and July 17, 1996
------------------------------------------- Chairman of
George T. Jimenez the Board (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
OFFICER)
/s/ Jeffrey S. Simpson Vice President -- Finance July 17, 1996
------------------------------------------- (PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER)
Jeffrey S. Simpson
* Director July 17, 1996
-------------------------------------------
Paul G. Casner, Jr.
* Director July 17, 1996
-------------------------------------------
Gary P. Golding
* Director July 17, 1996
-------------------------------------------
Gilbert A. Wetzel
*By: /s/ George T. Jimenez
--------------------------------------
Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1.1* Form of Underwriting Agreement.
3.1** Articles of Incorporation dated February 10, 1983.
3.2** Articles of Amendment and Restatement dated November 18, 1991.
3.3** Form of Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company.
3.4** By-Laws of the Company as amended through June 23, 1996.
4.1** Form of Specimen of Common Stock Certificate.
5.1*** Opinion of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP re: legality of securities being
registered.
10.1* Supplier Agreement dated December 16, 1992 between the Registrant and AT&T
World Services, Inc.
10.2*+ Marketing Agreement dated June 18, 1990 between the Registrant and AT&T World
Services, Inc.
10.3*+ Subcontract Agreement dated February 24, 1994 between Registrant and AT&T
Corporation, Government Integrated Solutions.
10.4*+ Authorized Distributor Agreement dated July 23, 1991 between the Registrant
and AmerInd, Inc.
10.5* Supply Contract dated August 17, 1994 between the Registrant and Teleglobe
Canada, Inc.
10.6*+ License Agreement dated August 1, 1995 between the Registrant and Teleglobe
Canada, Inc.
10.7* Subcontract No. 95-1350-01 dated November 8, 1995 between the Registrant and
ANSTEC, Inc.
10.8** Agreement of Subcontract dated April 24, 1994 between the Registrant and the
Communications Systems Division of GTE Government Systems Corporation.
10.9*+ Agreement to Purchase Hardware, Render Services and License and Sublicense
the Use of Software dated October 11, 1995 between the Registrant and
Telefonos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
10.10*** 1994 Amended Stock Option Plan for Directors.
10.11** Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan.
11.1 ** Computation of Pro Forma Earnings Per Share.
23.1 ** Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23.2 *** Consent of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP (included in their opinion filed
as Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 * Powers of Attorney.
27.1 ** Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Filed previously.
** Filed herewith.
*** To be filed by amendment.
+ Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions were
omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 3.1
AMERICAN COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
FIRST: Ronald S. Schimel, whose post office address is Suite 105, Clark
Building, Columbia, Maryland 21044, being at least eighteen (18) years of
age, hereby forms a corporation under and by virtue of the Public General
Laws of the State of Maryland.
SECOND: The name of the corporation (which is hereafter referred to as
the "Corporation") is American Computer and Electronics Corporation
International.
THIRD: The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are:
(1) To manufacture and sell computer and related electronic equipment,
to provide data processing and consulting services including computer
programming and related activities;
(2) To buy and sell real and personal property and investments in
contracts and securities; and
(3) To do anything permitted by Section 2-103 of the Corporations and
Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as the same may be
amended from time to time, or any successor provision of the Public General
Laws of the State of Maryland.
FOURTH: The post office address of the principal office of the
Corporation in this State is 2 Professional Drive, Suite 242, Gaithersburg,
Maryland 20760. The name and post office address of the Resident Agent of
the Corporation in this State is Ronald S. Schimel, Suite 105, Clark
Building, Columbia, Maryland 21044. Said Resident Agent is an individual
actually residing in this State.
FIFTH: The total number of shares of capital stock which the
Corporation has authority to issue is six million two hundred ninety-two
thousand (6,292,000) shares of common
<PAGE>
stock with a par value of One Cent ($.01) per share or an aggregate par value
of Sixty Two Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty Dollars ($62,920.00), all of one
class (the "Common Stock").
SIXTH: The number of directors of the Corporation shall be three (3)
which number may be increased pursuant to the By-Laws of the Corporation, but
shall never be less than three (3). The names of the directors who shall act
until the first annual meeting or until their successors are duly chosen and
qualified are: George Jimenez, Paul G. Casner and Graham Hartwell.
SEVENTH: The following provisions are hereby adopted for the purpose of
defining, limiting and regulating the powers of the Corporation and of the
directors and stockholders:
(1) The Board of Directors o the Corporation is hereby empowered to
authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of its stock of any class,
whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities convertible into shares of
stocks of any class or classes, whether now or hereafter authorized.
(2) The Board of Directors of the Corporation may classify or
reclassify any unissued shares by fixing or altering in any one or more
respects, from time to time before issuance of such shares, the preferences,
rights, voting powers, restrictions and qualifications of, the dividends on,
the times and prices of redemption of, and the conversion rights of, such
shares.
The enumeration and definition of a particular power of the Board of
Directors included in the foregoing shall in no way be limited or restricted
by reference to or inference from the terms of any other clause of this or
any other article of the Charter of the Corporation, or construed as or
deemed by inference or otherwise in any manner to exclude or limit any powers
conferred upon the Board of Directors under the Public General Laws of the
State of Maryland now or hereafter in force.
-2-
<PAGE>
EIGHTH: Except as may otherwise be provided by the Board of Directors
of the Corporation, no holder of any shares of the stock of the Corporation
shall have any pre-emptive right to purchase, subscribe for, or otherwise
acquire any shares of stock of the Corporation of any class now or hereafter
authorized, or any securities exchangeable for or convertible into such
shares, or any warrants or other instruments evidencing rights or options to
subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares.
NINTH:
(1) REQUIRED INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation shall provide
indemnification to directors, officers, employees and agents to the extent
required by applicable provisions of the Public General Laws of the State of
Maryland.
(2) PERMITTED INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation may indemnify any
director, officer, employee or agent, made a party to any threatened, pending
or completed action or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative if authorized in the specific case as set forth in paragraph
(3) below, and if he acted in good faith and reasonably believed (i) in the
case of conduct in his official capacity, the conduct was in the best
interests of the Corporation, (ii) in the case of conduct not in his official
capacity, that the conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of
the Corporation or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, that he had
no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful.
Indemnification under this Article may be against judgments, penalties,
fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses incurred by the person unless the
proceeding was one by or in the right of the Corporation, in which case
indemnification may be made only against reasonable expenses, provided that
such person is not ultimately adjudged to be liable to the Corporation.
(3) AUTHORIZATION OF INDEMNIFICATION. Indemnification under paragraph
(2) of this Article shall not be made unless authorized in the specific case
after a determination has
-3-
<PAGE>
been made that indemnification of the person is permissible because such
person has met the standards of conduct set forth in said paragraph (2).
This determination shall be made by (i) a majority vote of a quorum of the
directors not parties to the proceeding or, if such a quorum cannot be
obtained, by a majority vote of a committee of the Board, consisting of not
less than two (2) directors, designated by a majority of the full Board, (ii)
special legal counsel appointed by the Board or a committee of the Board in
the same manner as a determination is made in accordance with (i) above, or
(iii) by the stockholders.
Authorization of indemnification shall be made in the same manner as the
determination that indemnification is permissible except in cases where such
determination is made by special legal counsel in which event such
authorization shall be made in the same manner in which special legal counsel
is appointed.
(4) PAYMENT OF EXPENSES IN ADVANCE OF FINAL DISPOSITION OF A
PROCEEDING. The Corporation may pay the expenses of a director, officer,
employee or agent of the Corporation who is a party to a proceeding, in
advance of its final disposition, after a determination that the facts then
known would not preclude indemnification, upon receipt by the Corporation of
(i) a written affirmation by such person of his good faith belief that the
standard of conduct necessary for indemnification has been met and (ii) a
written undertaking by such person, or on his behalf, to repay the amount so
advanced if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct has not
been met. Such determination and authorization shall be made in the same
manner as specified in paragraph (3) of this Article.
-4-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed these Articles of Incorporation this
8th day of February, 1983, and I acknowledge the same to be my act.
/s/ Ronald S. Schimel (SEAL)
--------------------------------
Ronald S. Schimel
-5-
<PAGE>
Exhibit 3.2
AMERICAN COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT
American Computer and Electronics Corporation, a Maryland corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), hereby certifies to the State
Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated
by striking out Articles SECOND through NINTH and substituting in lieu thereof
the following:
SECOND: The name of the corporation (which is hereafter referred to
as the "Company") is American Computer and Electronics Corporation.
THIRD: The purposes for which the Company is formed are as follows:
(a) To manufacture and sell computer and related electronic
equipment, to provide data processing and consulting services including computer
programming and related activities;
(b) To buy and sell real and personal property and investments
in contracts and securities; and
(c) Subject to the restrictions imposed under Article FIFTH,
paragraph C(5)(f), to carry on any and all business, transactions and activities
permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law which may be deemed desirable
by the Board of Directors of the Company, whether or not identical with or
related to the business described in the foregoing paragraphs of this Article,
as well as all activities and things necessary and incidental thereto, to the
full extent empowered by such laws.
FOURTH: The post office address of the principal office of the
Company in this State is 209 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877. The
name of the Resident Agent of the Company in this State is George T. Jimenez,
whose post office address is 209 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877.
Said resident agent is a citizen of the State of Maryland, and actually resides
therein.
FIFTH: The Company is authorized to issue 6,633,211 shares, of
which 6,292,000 shares shall be Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 1,000
shares shall be Class B Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share, 211,727
shares shall be Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, Series 1, $5.14 par value
per share, and 128,484 shares shall be Class C Convertible Preferred Stock,
Series 2, $5.14 par value per share. The aggregate par value of all shares
having par value which the Company is authorized to issue is $1,812,604.54.
<PAGE>
A. COMMON STOCK.
The preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations
as to dividends, qualifications and terms, and conditions of redemption of the
Common Stock are as follows:
(1) RANKING. The Common Stock shall rank junior to the Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends (other than
dividends in Common Stock) until all Accruing Dividends (as defined in Article
FIFTH, paragraph C, below) have been paid, and with respect to distributions on
liquidation or dissolution, and shall have such other qualifications,
limitations, and restrictions as provided herein. The Company shall not set
apart or pay dividends to the holders of Common Stock at any time that Class B
Preferred Stock is outstanding.
(2) DIVIDENDS. After all Accruing Dividends have been paid in
full upon all outstanding shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, and
after no shares of Class B Preferred Stock remain outstanding, and subject to
the other provisions of this Article including without limitation subparagraph
C(5)(d) hereof, to the extent there are funds legally available therefor,
dividends or other distributions may be declared and paid to the holders of
Common Stock, to the exclusion of the holders of Class C Convertible Preferred
Stock.
(3) LIQUIDATION RIGHTS. In the event of the dissolution,
liquidation, or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary,
after payment in full of the amounts required to be paid to the holders of Class
C Convertible Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock, to the exclusion of
the holders of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, shall share ratably with the
holders of Class B Preferred Stock in all remaining assets of the Company.
(4) REDEMPTION. Shares of Common Stock are not redeemable.
(5) VOTING RIGHTS. Each holder of Common Stock shall be
entitled to one vote for each share on each matter on which the holders of
shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to vote. The holder of Common Stock
and Class B Preferred Stock shall collectively vote as a single class and shall
collectively be entitled to elect three directors of the Company.
B. CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK.
The preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations
as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of the
Class B Preferred Stock are as follows:
(1) RANKING; DIVIDENDS. Shares of Class B Preferred Stock shall
have no right to receive dividends, and shall otherwise have the same
preferences, rights,
2
<PAGE>
restrictions and qualifications as the Common Stock, except as set forth in
this Article FIFTH, paragraph B.
(2) LIQUIDATION RIGHTS. In the event of the dissolution,
liquidation, or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary,
after payment in full of the amounts required to be paid to the holders of Class
C Convertible Preferred Stock, the holders of Class B Preferred Stock, to the
exclusion of the holders of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, shall share
ratably with the holders of Common Stock in all remaining assets of the Company.
(3) REDEMPTION. At its option, the Company may, at any time,
redeem all of the outstanding shares of Class B Preferred Stock for Three
Hundred and Eight Thousand Dollars ($308,000) and shall redeem all of said
shares at any time that (i) the Company transfers or conveys substantially all
of its assets outside the ordinary course of business, or (ii) majority control
of the Company is transferred to a party other than George T. Jimenez or his
family members.
(4) VOTING RIGHTS. Each holder of Class B Preferred Stock shall
be entitled to one vote for each share on each matter on which the holder of
shares of Class B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote. The holders of
Class B Preferred Stock and Common Stock shall collectively vote as a single
class and shall collectively be entitled to elect three directors of the
Company.
C. CLASS C CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK.
(1) The class of Preferred Stock designated and known as "Class
C Convertible Preferred Stock" shall consist of 211,727 shares of Series 1, and
128,484 shares of Series 2. Except as set forth in paragraph 2 below with
respect to voting, shares of Class C Convertible Preferred (Stock Series 1 and
Series 2) shall be equal in terms of rights and preferences.
(2) VOTING RIGHTS.
(a) GENERAL. Each share of Class C Convertible Preferred
Stock (Series 1) shall entitle the holder thereof to such number of votes per
share on each action as shall equal the number of shares of Common Stock
(including fractions of a share) into which it is then convertible. Each share
of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 2) initially shall be non-voting
stock. At any time on or after September 1, 1993, the holders of a majority of
the shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock (Series 1) then outstanding
may, by written action delivered to the Secretary of the Company, declare the
stock to be voting stock, at which time it shall become voting stock and shall
entitle the holder thereof to such number of votes per share on each such action
as shall equal the number of shares of Common Stock (including fractions of a
share) into which it is then convertible.
3
<PAGE>
(b) BOARD SIZE. Except as set forth in subparagraph 2(c)
below, the number of directors of the Company shall be five (5). The holders of
the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, shall be
entitled to elect two (2) directors of the Company.
(c) INCREASE IN BOARD SIZE. If any Trigger Event of the
type described in subparagraph 2(d) has occurred, and the Company has not
redeemed the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to subparagraph 2(f),
the number of directors constituting the Company's board of directors will, at
the request of the holders of a majority of the shares of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock then outstanding, be increased by two (2) to a total of seven
(7), and the holders of Class C convertible Preferred Stock will have the
special right, voting separately as a single class (with each share of Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock being entitled to one vote) and to the exclusion of
all other classes of the Company's stock, to elect individuals to fill both such
newly created directorships, to remove any individuals elected to such
directorships, and to fill any vacancies in such directorships. The special
right of the holders of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock to elect or remove
members of the board of directors may be exercised at a special meeting called
as provided below, at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, or by
written consent in lieu of a stockholders meeting. Subject to the provisions of
subparagraph 2(d) below, such special right will continue until such time as
there is no longer any Trigger Event in existence, at which time such special
right will terminate subject to revesting upon the occurrence of any further
Trigger Event which gives rise to such special right hereunder.
At any time when such special right has vested in the holders of Class
C Convertible Preferred Stock, a proper officer of the Company will, upon the
written request of the holders of at least 1O% of the shares of Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding, addressed to the Secretary of the
Company, call a special meeting of the holders of Class C Convertible Preferred
Stock for the purpose of electing directors pursuant to this subparagraph. Such
meeting will be held at the earliest legally permissible date at the principal
office of the Company or at such other place designated by the holders of at
least 10% of the shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding.
If such meeting has not been called by a proper officer of the Company within 10
days after personal service of such written request upon the Secretary of the
Company or within 20 days after mailing the same to the Secretary of the Company
at the Company's principal office, then the holders of at least 10% of the of
Class C Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding may designate in writing
one of their number to call such meeting at the expense of the Company, and such
meeting may be called by such person so designated upon the shortest legally
permissible notice and will be held at the Company's principal office, or at
such other place designated by the holders of at least 10% of the shares of
Class Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding. Any holder of Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock so designated will be given access to the stock
record books of the Company for the purpose of causing a meeting of stockholders
to be called pursuant to this subparagraph.
At any meeting or at any adjournment thereof at which the holders of
Class C Convertible Preferred Stock have the special right to elect directors,
the presence, in person
4
<PAGE>
or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding will be required to constitute a
quorum for the election or removal of any director by the holders of the
Class C Convertible Preferred Stock exercising such special right. The vote
of a majority of such quorum will be required to elect or remove any such
director.
If any Trigger Event exists, each holder of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock will also have any other rights which such holder may have
pursuant to applicable law.
(d) TRIGGER EVENT OCCURRENCE. A Trigger Event for the
purposes of paragraph c will be deemed to have occurred if:
(i) as at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30,
1992, the Adjusted Book Value of the Company (as defined in paragraph 2(e)
below) does not exceed 75% of the book value of the Company at the close of the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1991;
(ii) as at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30,
1993, the Business Value of the Company (as defined in paragraph 2(e) below)
does not exceed 50% of the Investment Value of the Company (as defined in
paragraph 2(e) below);
(iii) as at the close of the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1994, the Business Value of the Company does not exceed 75% of the
Investment Value of the Company;
(iv) as at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30,
1995, the Business Value of the Company does not exceed 100% of the Investment
Value of the Company; or
(v) as at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30,
1996, the Business Value of the Company does not exceed 100% of the Investment
Value of the Company.
The determination of whether a Trigger Event has occurred shall be
made by the holders of a majority of the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock at
the time audited financial statements for the applicable period are received by
the holders of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock; provided, however, that if
audited financial statements are not received within 120 days of the end of the
applicable period, the determination of whether a Trigger Event has occurred
shall be made by the holders of a majority of the Class C Convertible Preferred
Stock based upon the most current financial statements they have received from
the Company. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subparagraph, if a Trigger
Event has occurred and the Company as at the end of the next fiscal quarter
achieves a ratio of Business Value to Investment Value over the immediately
preceding four fiscal quarters which exceeds the minimum ratio of Business Value
to Investment Value which was to have been achieved to avoid a Trigger Event,
the Board shall revert to five (5) directors and the right of the holders of
5
<PAGE>
Class C Convertible Preferred Stock to elect two (2) additional directors
shall be suspended until the next Trigger Event occurs.
(e) DEFINITION. "Adjusted Book Value of the Company" shall
mean the book value, determined in accordance with genera1ly accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, less the amount of the proceeds from the sale
of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock which has not yet been expended for
marketing expenses or other usual working capital needs. "Business Value of the
Company" shall mean (a) eight times earnings before interest and taxes,
exclusive of any extraordinary items, plus total cash and cash equivalents held
by the Company, less the sum of (i) its interest bearing debt and (ii) the value
of its Preferred Stock other than Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, all
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied. "Investment Value of the Company" shall mean the number
of shares of the Company's Common Stock then outstanding multiplied by the
Conversion Price (assuming for purposes of this calculation that all issued and
outstanding options and warrants have been exercised, and that all convertible
securities have been converted).
(f) RIGHT TO REDEEM. If the holders of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock notify the Company their election to exercise their rights under
this paragraph 2, then the Company shall have ninety days from the receipt of
such notice to redeem all of the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock at a price
per share equal to $5.14 increased at a compound annual rate of 12% from the
date the Stock was issued through the date it is redeemed.
(3) DIVIDENDS. Commencing on November 1, 1992, the holders of
the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, out of
funds legally available therefor, (a) if, and when declared by the Board of
Directors, and (b) upon the liquidation or winding up of the Company or
redemption of the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, semi-annual dividends in
the amount of $0.206 per share (the "Accruing Dividends"). Accruing Dividends
shall in any event accrue from day to day, whether or not earned or declared,
and shall be cumulative. If the Board of Directors has been expanded pursuant
to the terms of paragraph 2 above, any declaration of dividends shall require
the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors elected by the holders of
Common Stock.
(4) LIQUIDATION. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the shares
of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock shall be entitled, before any
distribution or payment is made upon any stock ranking on liquidation junior to
the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, to be paid an amount equal to the
greater of (i) $5.14 per share plus, in the case of each share, an amount equal
to all Accruing Dividends unpaid thereon (whether or at declared) and any other
dividends declared but unpaid thereon, computed to the date payment hereof is
made available, or (ii) such amount per share as would have been payable had
each such share been converted into Common Stock pursuant to paragraph 6
immediately prior to such liquidation, dissolution or winding up; and the
holders of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any
further payment, such amount payable with respect to one share of Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock being sometimes referred to as the "Liquidation
Payment" and with respect to
6
<PAGE>
all shares of Class Convertible Preferred Stock being sometimes referred
to as the "Liquidation Payments". If upon such liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets to be
distributed among the holders of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock shall be
insufficient to permit payment to the holders of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock of the amount distributable as aforesaid, the entire assets
of the Company to be so distributed shall be distributed ratably among the
holders of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock. Upon any such liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, after the holders of Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock shall have been paid in full the amounts to which
they shall be entitled, the remaining net assets of the Company may be
distributed to holders of stock ranking on liquidation junior to the Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock. Written notice of such liquidation, dissolution
or winding up, stating a payment date, the amount of the Liquidation
Payments, and the place where said Liquidation Payments shall be payable,
shall be given by mail, postage prepaid, or by telex to non-United States
residents, not less than 20 days prior to the payment date stated therein, to
the holders of record of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, such notice to
be addressed to each such holder at its address as shown by the records of
the Company. The consolidation or merger of the Company into or with any
other entity or entities which results in the exchange of outstanding shares
of the Company for securities or other consideration issued or paid or caused
to be issued or paid by any such entity or affiliate thereof, and the sale or
transfer by the Company of all or substantially all its assets, shall be
deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company within
the meaning of the provisions of this paragraph 4 unless the holders of a
majority of the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding elect
otherwise in a writing filed with the Secretary of the Company.
(5) RESTRICTIONS. Except where the vote or written consent of
the holders of a greater number of shares of the Company is required by law or
by the Articles of Incorporation, and in addition to any other vote required by
law or the Articles of Incorporation, without the approval of the holders of at
least a majority of the then outstanding shares of Class C Convertible Preferred
Stock, given in writing or by vote at a meeting, consenting or voting (as the
case may be) separately as a class, the Company will not:
(a) Create or authorize the creation of any additional
class or series of shares of stock unless the same ranks junior to the Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock as to the distribution of assets on the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, or increase the authorized amount of
the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, or increase the authorized amount of
any additional class or series of shares of stock unless the same ranks junior
to the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock as to the distribution of assets on
the liquidation, dissolution or winding up the Company, or create or authorize
any obligation or security convertible into shares of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock or into shares of any other class or series of stock unless the
same ranks junior to the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock as to the
distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, whether any such creation, authorization or increase shall be by means
of amendment to the Articles of Incorporation or by merger, consolidation or
otherwise;
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(b) Consent to any liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company, or consolidate or merge into or with any other entity or
entities, or sell or transfer all or substantially all its assets;
(c) Amend, alter or repeal its Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation;
(d) Purchase or set aside any sums for the purchase of, or
pay any dividend or make any distribution on, any shares of stock other than the
Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, except for dividends or other distributions
payable on the Common Stock solely in the form of additional shares of Common
Stock, and except for the purchase of shares of Common Stock from former
employees of the Company who acquired such shares directly from the Company, if
each such purchase is made pursuant to contractual rights held by the Company
relating to the termination of employment of such former employee;
(e) Redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock except as expressly authorized in paragraph 7
hereof, or pursuant to a purchase offer made pro rata to all holders of the
shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock on the basis of the aggregate
number of outstanding shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock then held by
each such holder;
(f) Change the scope of business activity of the Company
other than in the ordinary course of business; or
(g) Change the size of the Board of Directors.
(6) CONVERSION. The holders of shares of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock shall have the following rights and obligations with regard to
the conversion of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock:
(a) (1) RIGHT TO CONVERT. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this paragraph 6, the holder of any share or shares of Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the right, at its option at any time, to
convert any such shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock (except that upon
any liquidation of the Company the right of conversion shall terminate at the
close of business on the business day fixed for payment of the amount
distributable on the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock) into such number of
fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as is obtained by (i)
multiplying the number of shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock so to be
converted by $5.14, and (ii) dividing the result by the conversion price of
$5.14 per share or, in case an adjustment of such price has taken place pursuant
to the further provisions of this paragraph 6, then by the conversion price as
last adjusted and in effect at the date any share or shares of Class C
Convertible Preferred stock are surrendered for conversion (such price, or such
price as last adjusted, being referred to as the "Conversion Price"). Such
right of conversion shall be exercised by the holder thereof by giving written
notice that the holder elects to convert a stated number of shares of Class C
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Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock, and by surrender of a
certificate or certificates for the shares so to be converted to the Company
at its principal office (or such other office or agency of the Company as the
Company may designate by notice in writing to the holders of the Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock) at any time during its usual business hours on
the date set forth in such notice, together with a statement of the name or
names (with address) in which the certificate or certificates for shares of
Common Stock shall be issued.
(2) AUTOMATIC CONVERSION. The Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock will be automatically converted into shares of the Company's
Common Stock at the then applicable Conversion Price, on the effective date of
the registration statement for an underwritten public offering of shares of
Common Stock at a price to the public of not less than $9.50 per share, yielding
net proceeds to the Company of not less than $7,500,000.
(b) ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES; TIME CONVERSION EFFECTED.
Promptly after the receipt of the written Notice referred to in subparagraph
6(a)(1) and surrender of the certificate or certificates for the share or shares
of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock to be converted, the Company shall issue
and deliver, or cause to be issued and delivered, to the holder, registered in
such name or names as such holder may direct, a certificate or certificates for
the number of whole shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such
share or shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock. To the extent permitted
by law, such conversion shall be deemed to have been effected and the Conversion
Price shall be shall be determined as of the close of business on the date on
which such written notice shall have been received by the Company and the
certificate or certificate for such share or shares shall have been surrendered
as aforesaid, and at such time the rights of the holder of such share or shares
of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock shall cease, and the person or persons in
whose name or names any certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock
shall be issuable upon such conversion shall be deemed to have become the holder
or holders of record of the shares represented thereby.
(c) FRACTIONAL SHARES; DIVIDENDS; PARTIAL CONVERSION. No
fractional shares shall be issued upon conversion of Class C Convertible Stock
into Common Stock, and no payment or adjustment shall be made upon any
conversion on account of any cash dividends on the Common Stock issued upon such
conversion. At the time of each conversion, the Company shall pay in cash an
amount equal to all dividends, excluding Accruing Dividends, accrued and unpaid
on the shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion
to the date upon which such conversion is deemed to take place as provided in
subparagraph 6(b). In case the number of shares of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock represented by the certificate or certificates surrendered
pursuant to subparagraph 6(a) exceeds the number of shares converted, the
Company shall, upon such conversion, execute and deliver to the holder, at the
expense of the Company, a new certificate or certificates for the number of
shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock represented by the certificate or
certificates surrendered which are not to be converted. If any fractional share
of Common Stock would, except for the provisions of the first sentence of this
subparagraph 6(c), be delivered upon such conversion, the Company, in lieu of
delivering such fractional share, shall pay to the holder surrendering the Class
C Convertible Preferred Stock for conversion an
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amount in cash equal to the current market price of such fractional share as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) ADJUSTMENT OF PRICE UPON ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK.
Except as provided in subparagraph 6(e), if and whenever the Company shall issue
or sell, or is, in accordance with subparagraphs 6(d)(1) through 6(d)(6), deemed
to have issued or sold, any shares of Common Stock for a consideration per share
less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the time of such
issue or sale, then, forthwith upon such issue or sale, the Conversion Price
shall be reduced to a price determined by multiplying that Conversion Price by a
fraction (i) the numerator of which shall be (A) the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding prior to such issue or sale, plus (B) the number of shares of
Common Stock that the aggregate consideration received by the Company for the
total number of shares of Common Stock so issued or sold would purchase at such
Conversion Price, and (ii) the denominator of which shall be the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such issue or sale plus
the number of shares of Common Stock so issued or sold.
For purposes of this subparagraph 6(d), the following subparagraphs
6(d)(1) to 6(d)(6) shall also be applicable:
(1) ISSUANCE OF RIGHTS OR OPTIONS. In case at any
time the Company shall in any manner grant (whether directly or by assumption in
a merger or otherwise) any warrants or other rights to subscribe for or to
purchase, or any options for the purchase of, Common Stock or any stock or
security convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock (such warranties,
rights or options being called "Options" and such convertible or exchangeable
stock or securities being called "Convertible Securities") whether or not such
options or the right to convert or exchange any such Convertible Securities are
immediately exercisable, and the price per share for which Common Stock is
issuable upon the exercise of such Options or upon the conversion or exchange of
such Convertible Securities shall be less than the Conversion Price in effect
immediately prior to the time of the granting of such Options, then the total
maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of such
Options shall be deemed to have been issued for such price per share as of the
date of granting of such Options or the issuances of such Convertible Securities
and thereafter shall be deemed to be outstanding. Except as otherwise provided
in subparagraph 6(d)(3), no adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made
upon the actual issue of such Common Stock or of such Convertible Securities
upon exercise of such Options or upon the actual issue of such Common Stock upon
conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities.
(2) ISSUANCE OF CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. In case the
Company shall in any manner issue (whether directly or by assumption in a merger
or otherwise) or sell any Convertible Securities, whether or not the rights to
exchange or convert any such Convertible Securities are immediately exercisable,
and the price per share for which Common Stock is issuable upon such conversion
or exchange shall be less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior
to the time of such issue or sale, then the total maximum number of shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exchange of all such Convertible
Securities shall be deemed to have been issued for such price per share as of
the
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date of the issue or sale of such Convertible Securities and thereafter shall
be deemed to be outstanding, provided that (a) except as otherwise provided
in subparagraph 6(d)(3), no adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made
upon the actual issue of such Common Stock upon conversion or exchange of
such Convertible Securities, and (b) if any such issue or sale of such
Convertible Securities is made upon exercise of any Options to purchase any
such Convertible Securities for which adjustments of the Conversion Price
have been or are to be made pursuant to other provisions of this subparagraph
6(d), no further adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made by reason
of such issue or sale.
(3) DETERMINATION OF PRICE PER SHARE; CHANGE IN OPTION
PRICE OR CONVERSION RATE. The price per share for which Common Stock is
issuable upon the exercise of Options or the conversion or exchange of
Convertible Securities shall be determined by dividing (i) the total amount
received or receivable by the Company as consideration for the issue or sale of
such Options or Convertible Securities, plus the minimum aggregate amount of
additional consideration, if any, payable to the Company upon the exercise of
all such Options or the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities,
by (ii) the total maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
exercise of all such Options or the conversion or exchange of all such
Convertible Securities. Upon the happening of any of the following events,
namely, if the purchase price provided for in any Option referred to in
subparagraph 6(d)(1), the additional consideration, if any, payable upon the
conversion or exchange of any Convertible Securities referred to in subparagraph
6(d)(1) or 6(d)(2), or the rate at which Convertible Securities referred to in
subparagraph 6(d)(1) or 6(d)(2) are convertible into or exchangeable for Common
Stock shall change at any time (including, but not limited to, changes under or
by reason of provisions designed to protect against dilution), the Conversion
Price in effect at the time of such event shall forthwith be readjusted to the
Conversion Price which would have been in effect at such time had such Options
or Convertible Securities still outstanding provided for such changed purchase
price, additional consideration or conversion rate, as the case may be, at the
time initially granted, issued or sold, but only if as a result of such
adjustment the Conversion Price then in effect hereunder is thereby reduced; and
on the expiration of any such Option or the termination of any such right to
convert or exchange such Convertible Securities, the Conversion Price then in
effect hereunder shall forthwith be increased to the Conversion Price which
would have been in effect at the time of such expiration or termination had such
Option or Convertible Securities, to the extent outstanding immediately prior to
such expiration or termination, never been issued.
(4) STOCK DIVIDENDS. If the Company shall declare a
dividend or make any other distribution upon any stock of the Company payable in
Common Stock (except for dividends or distributions upon the Common Stock),
Options, or Convertible Securities, any Common Stock, Options or Convertible
Securities, as the case may be, issuable in payment of such dividend or
distribution shall be deemed to have been issued or sold without consideration.
(5) CONSIDERATION FOR STOCK. If any shares of Common
Stock, Options, or Convertible Securities shall be issued or sold for cash, the
consideration received therefor shall be deemed to be the amount received by the
Company therefor, without
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deduction therefrom of any expenses incurred or any underwriting commissions
or concessions paid or allowed by the Corporation in connection therewith.
In case any shares of Common Stock, Options, or Convertible Securities shall
be issued or sold for a consideration other than cash, the amount of the
consideration other than cash received by the Company shall be deemed to be
the fair value of such consideration as determined in good faith by the Board
of Directors of the Company, without deduction of any expenses incurred or
any underwriting commissions or concessions paid or allowed by the Company in
connection therewith. In case any Options shall be issued in connection with
the issue and sale of other securities of the Company, together comprising
one integral transaction in which no specific consideration is allocated to
such Options by the parties thereto, such Options shall be deemed to have
been issued for such consideration as determined in good faith by the Board
of Directors of the Company.
(6) RECORD DATE. If the Company shall take a record
of the holders of its Common Stock for the purpose of entitling them (i) to
receive a dividend or other distribution payable in Common Stock, Options, or
Convertible Securities or (ii) to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock,
Options, or Convertible Securities, then such record date shall be deemed to be
the date of the issue or sale of the shares of Common Stock deemed to have been
issued or sold upon the declaration of such dividend or the making of such other
distribution or the date of the granting of such right of subscription or
purchase, as the case may be.
(e) CERTAIN ISSUES OF COMMON STOCK EXCEPTED. Anything
herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be required to
make any adjustment of the Conversion Price in the case of the issuance of any
Options or shares of Common Stock to employees under the Omnibus Stock Plan or
non-employee directors under the Stock Option Plan for Directors.
(f) SUBDIVISION OR COMBINATION OF COMMON STOCK. If the
Company shall at any time subdivide (by stock split, stock dividend or
otherwise) its outstanding shares of Common Stock into greater number of shares,
the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision shall be
proportionately reduced, and, conversely, in case the outstanding shares of
Common Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion
Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall be proportionately
increased.
(g) REORGANIZATION OR RECLASSIFICATION. If any capital
reorganization or reclassification of the capital stock of the Company shall
be effected in such a way that holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to
receive stock, securities or assets with respect to or in exchange for Common
Stock, then, as a condition of such reorganization or reclassification,
lawful and adequate provisions shall be made whereby each holder of a share
or shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock shall thereupon have the
right to receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified
herein and in lieu of the shares of Common Stock immediately theretofore
receivable upon the conversion of such share or shares of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock, such shares of stock, securities or assets as may be issued
or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number of outstanding shares
of such
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Common Stock equal to the number of shares of such Common Stock immediately
theretofore receivable upon such conversion had such reorganization or
reclassification not taken place, and in any such case appropriate provisions
shall be made with respect to the rights and interests of such holder to the
end that the provisions hereof (including without limitation provisions for
adjustment of the Conversion Price) shall hereafter be applicable, as nearly
as may be, in relation to any shares of stock, securities or assets hereafter
deliverable upon the exercise of such conversion rights.
(h) NOTICE OF ADJUSTMENT. Upon any adjustment of the
Conversion Price, then and in each such case the Company shall give written
notice thereof, by first class mail, postage prepaid, or by telex to non-United
States residents, addressed to each holder of shares of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock at the address of such holder as shown on the books of the
Company, which notice shall state the Conversion Price resulting from such
adjustment, setting forth in reasonable detail the method upon which such
calculation is based.
(i) OTHER NOTICES. In case at any time:
(1) the Company shall declare any dividend upon its
Common Stock payable in cash or stock, or make any other distribution to the
holders of its Common Stock;
(2) the Company shall offer for subscription pro rata
to the holders of its Common Stock any additional shares of stock of any class
or other rights;
(3) there shall be any capital reorganization or
reclassification of the capital stock of the Company, or a consolidation or
merger of the Company with or into, or a sale of all or substantially all its
assets to, another entity or entities; or
(4) there shall be a voluntary or involuntary
dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company;
then, in any one or more of said cases, the Company shall give, by first class
mail, postage prepaid, or by telex to non-United States residents, addressed to
each holder of any shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock at the address
of such holder as shown on the books of the Company, (a) at least 20 days' prior
written notice of the date on which the books of the Company shall close or a
record shall be taken for such dividend, distribution or subscription rights or
for determining rights to vote in respect of any such reorganization,
reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation or
winding up and (b) in the case of any such reorganization, reclassification
consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation or winding up, at least 20
days prior written notice of the date when the same shall take place. The
notice provided in accordance with the foregoing clause (a) shall specify, in
the case of any such dividend, distribution or subscription rights, the date on
which the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled thereto. The notice
provided in accordance with the foregoing clause (b) shall specify the date on
which the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to exchange their
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Common Stock for securities or other property deliverable upon such
reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution,
liquidation or winding up, as the case may be.
(j) STOCK TO BE RESERVED. The Company will at all times
reserve and keep available out of its authorized Common Stock, solely for the
purpose of issuance upon the conversion of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock
as herein provided, such number of shares of Common Stock as shall then be
issuable upon the conversion of all outstanding shares of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock. The Company covenants that all shares of Common Stock which
shall be so issued shall be duly and validly issued and fully paid and non-
assessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issue
thereof, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company
covenants that it will from time to time take all such action as may be
requisite to assure that the par value per share of the Common Stock is at all
times equal to or less than the Conversion Price in effect at the time. The
Company will take all such action as may be necessary to assure that all such
shares of Common Stock may be so issued without violation of any applicable law
or regulation, or of any requirement of any national securities exchange upon
which the Common Stock may be listed. The Company will not take any action
which results in any adjustment of the Conversion Price if the total number of
shares of Common Stock issued and issuable after such action upon conversion of
the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock would exceed the total number of shares
of Common Stock then authorized by the Articles of Incorporation.
(k) NO REISSUANCE OF CLASS C CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK.
Shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock which are converted into shares of
Common Stock as provided herein shall not be reissued.
(l) ISSUE TAX. The issuance of certificates for shares of
Common Stock upon conversion of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock shall be
made without charge to the holders thereof for any issuance tax in respect
thereof, provided that the Company shall not be required to pay any tax which
may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery
of any certificate in a name other than that of the holder of the Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock which is being converted.
(m) CLOSING OF BOOKS. The Company will at no time close
its transfer books against the transfer of any Class C Convertible Preferred
Stock or of any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion of
any shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock in any manner which interferes
with the timely conversion of such Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, except
as may otherwise be required to comply with applicable securities laws.
(n) DEFINITION OF COMMON STOCK. As used in this paragraph
6, the term "Common Stock" shall mean and include the Company's authorized
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, as constituted on the date of filing of
these Articles of Amendment and Restatement, and shall also include any capital
stock of any class of the Company thereafter authorized which shall not be
limited to a fixed sum or percentage of par
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value in respect of the rights of the holders thereof to participate in
dividends or in the distribution of assets upon the voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company; provided that the
shares of Common Stock receivable upon conversion of shares of Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock shall include only shares designated as Common
Stock of the Company on the date of filing of this instrument, or in case of
any reorganization or reclassification of the outstanding shares thereof, the
stock, securities or assets provided for in subparagraph 6(g).
(o) TERMINATION OF CERTAIN RIGHTS. Upon the conversion of
an aggregate of eighty percent (80%) or more of the Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock into Common Stock pursuant to the terms of this paragraph 6, the
rights of the Class C Convertible Preferred Stock set forth in subparagraphs
2(c), 2(d), 2(e), and 2(f) and paragraph 5 shall terminate.
7. REDEMPTION. The shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock
shall be redeemable as follows:
(a) REDEMPTION DATES. On September 15, 1995 (the "First
Redemption Date"), the Company shall redeem from each holder of shares of Class
C Convertible Preferred Stock, one-third of the shares of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock held by such holder on the First Redemption Date. On September
15, 1996 (the "Second Redemption Date"), the Company shall redeem from each
holder of shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock one-half of the
remaining shares of Class C Convertible Preferred stock held by such holder on
the Second Redemption Date, plus any shares eligible for redemption on the First
Redemption Date but not previously redeemed by the Company. On September 15,
1997 (the "Third Redemption Date"), the Company shall redeem from each holder of
shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock all of the remaining shares of
Class C Convertible Preferred Stock held by such holder on the Third Redemption
Date, plus any shares eligible for redemption on the First Redemption Date and
the Second Redemption Date, but not previously redeemed by the Company. For
purposes of these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, each of the
First Redemption Date, Second Redemption Date and Third Redemption Date is
sometimes referred to herein as a "Redemption Date."
(b) REDEMPTION PRICE AND PAYMENT. The Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock to be redeemed on each Redemption Date pursuant paragraph 7(a)
shall be redeemed by paying for each share in cash an amount equal to $5.14 per
share plus, in the case of each share, an amount equal to all Accruing Dividends
unpaid thereon (whether or not declared) and any other dividends declared but
unpaid hereon, computed to such Redemption Date (such amount be referred to as
the "Mandatory Redemption Price").
(c) REDEMPTION MECHANICS. At least 20 but not more than 30 days
prior to each Redemption Date, written notice (the "Redemption Notice") shall be
given by the Company by mail, postage prepaid, or by telex to non-U.S.
residents, to each holder of record (at the close of business on the business
day next preceding the day on which the Redemption Notice is given) of shares of
Class C Convertible Preferred Stock notifying such holder of the
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redemption and specifying the number of shares eligible for redemption, the
Redemption Price, the Redemption Date, and the place where the said
Redemption Price shall be payable. The Redemption Notice shall be addressed
to each holder at his address as shown by the records of the Company. From
and after the close of business on such Redemption Date, unless there shall
have been a default in the payment of the Redemption Price, all rights of
holders of shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock (except the right to
receive the Redemption price) shall cease with respect to such shares so
redeemed, and such shares shall not thereafter be transferred on the books of
the Company or be deemed to be outstanding for any purpose whatsoever. The
shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock not redeemed shall remain
outstanding and entitled to all rights and preferences provided herein.
If the funds of the Company legally available for redemption of shares
of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock on any Redemption Date are insufficient
to redeem the total number of shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock
eligible for redemption on such date, the holders of shares of Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any funds legally available
for redemption of such shares according to the respective amounts which would be
payable with respect to the full number of shares owned by them if all such
shares eligible for redemption on such date were redeemed in full. The shares
of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock not redeemed shall remain outstanding and
entitled to all rights and preferences provided herein. At any time thereafter
when additional funds of the Company are legally available for the redemption of
such shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock, such funds will be used, at
the end of the next succeeding fiscal quarter, to redeem the balance of such
shares, or such portion thereof for which funds are then legally available, on
the basis set forth above.
(d) REDEEMED OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRED SHARES TO BE RETIRED. Any
shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock redeemed pursuant to this
paragraph 7 or otherwise acquired by the Company in any manner whatsoever shall
be cancelled and shall not under any circumstances be reissued; and the Company
may from time to time take such appropriate corporate action as may be necessary
to reduce accordingly the number of authorized shares of Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock.
8. AMENDMENTS. No provision of these terms of the Class C
Convertible Preferred Stock may be amended, modified or waived without the
written consent or affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
then outstanding shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock.
SIXTH: The number of directors of the Company shall be five
(5), which number may be increased or decreased pursuant to the By-Laws of the
Company; provided, however, that the number shall be increased to seven (7) if
so required pursuant to Article FIFTH, paragraph C(2)(c). The names of the
directors who shall act until their successors are duly chosen and qualified are
George T. Jimenez, Paul G. Casner and Graham Hartwell.
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SEVENTH: (a) To the fullest extent that limitations on the
liability of directors, officers, employees and agents are permitted by the
Maryland General Corporation Law, no director, officer, employee or agent of the
Company shall have any liability to the Company or its stockholders for damages.
This limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person
serves as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, whether or not
such person is serving as such at the time of any proceeding in which liability
is asserted.
(b) The Company shall indemnify and advance expenses to its
currently acting and its former directors to the fullest extent that
indemnification of directors is permitted by the Maryland General Corporation
Law. The Company shall indemnify and advance expenses to its officers to the
same extent as its directors and may do so to such further extent as is
consistent with law. The Board of Directors may by Bylaw, resolution or
agreement make further provision for indemnification of directors, officers,
employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland General
Corporation Law.
(c) References to the Maryland General Corporation Law in this
Article are to that law as from time to time amended. No amendment to the
charter of the Company shall affect any right of any person under this Article
based on any event, omission or proceeding prior to the amendment.
SECOND: The amendment and restatement of the charter of the Company
herein was duly and unanimously approved and advised by the Board of Directors
on October 29, 1991, and was approved by the affirmative vote of the
stockholders of the Company as required by the Maryland General Corporation Law
on November 9, 1991.
THIRD: The Amendment and Restatement of the charter of the Company as
hereinabove set forth has been duly advised by the board of directors and
approved by the stockholders of the Company in the manner and by the vote
required by law.
FOURTH: (a) The total number of shares of all classes of stock of
the Company authorized prior to this amendment, and the number and par value of
the shares of each class were as follows:
6,294,000 shares with an aggregate par value of Sixty-Four Thousand Nine
Hundred Twenty Dollars ($64,920.00), of which 6,292,000 are common stock with a
par value of $.01 per share and an aggregate par value of Sixty-Two Thousand
Nine Hundred Twenty Dollars ($62,920.00), 1,000 shares are Class A Preferred
Stock with a par value of $1.00 per share and an aggregate par value of One
Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), and 1,000 shares are Class B Preferred Stock with
a par value of $1.00 per share and an aggregate par value of One Thousand
Dollars ($1,000.00).
(b) The total number of shares of all classes of stock of
the Company as increased, and the number and par value of the shares of each
class, are as follows:
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6,633,211 shares with an aggregate par value of One Million Eight Hundred
Twelve Thousand Six Hundred Four Dollars and Fifty-Four Cents ($1,812,604.54),
of which 6,292,000 are common stock with a par value of $.01 per share and an
aggregate par value of Sixty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty Dollars
($62,920.00), 1,000 shares are Class B Preferred with a par value of $1.00 per
share and an aggregate par value of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), 211,727
shares are Class C Convertible Preferred, Series 1 with a par value of $5.14 per
share and an aggregate par value of One Million Eighty-Eight Thousand Two
Hundred Seventy-Six Dollars and Seventy-Eight Cents ($1,088,276.78), and 128,484
shares are Class C Convertible Preferred, Series 2 with a par value of $5.14 per
share and an aggregate par value of Six Hundred Sixty Thousand Four Hundred
Seven Dollars and Seventy-Six Cents ($660,407.76).
(c) The aggregate par value of all shares of all classes of
stock of the Company heretofore authorized was $64,920.00. The aggregate par
value of all shares of all classes of stock as increased by this amendment is
$1,812,604.54. This amendment has the effect of increasing the aggregate par
value of all shares of all classes of stock of the Company by $1,747,684.54.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, AMERICAN COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS CORPORATION has
caused these Articles of Amendment and Restatement to be signed in its name and
on its behalf by its President and attested by its Secretary this 11th day of
November, 1991, and its President acknowledges that they are the act and deed of
the Company, and states under the penalties of perjury that to the best of his
knowledge, information, and belief, the matters and facts set forth herein are
true in all material respects.
ATTEST: AMERICAN COMPUTER AND
ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
/s/ LORETTA L. RIVERS By: /s/ GEORGE T. JIMENEZ
- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Loretta L. Rivers, Secretary George T. Jimenez,
President
18
<PAGE>
DRAFT July 15, 1996
AMERICAN COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT
American Computer and Electronics Corporation, a Maryland corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation"), hereby certifies to the State
Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby amended and
restated by striking out Articles SECOND through NINTH and substituting in lieu
thereof the following:
ARTICLE II
NAME
The name of the corporation (which is hereafter referred to as the
"Corporation") is:
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
ARTICLE III
PURPOSES FOR WHICH CORPORATION IS FORMED
The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are as follows:
(a) To design, create and produce computer software and related
products and to manufacture and sell computer peripheral equipment and related
electronic and telecommunications equipment.
(b) To provide consulting services, computer software and
electronics design services, data processing services, and all other types of
related services, and engage in all other related activities.
(c) To buy and sell real and personal property and investments
in contracts and securities.
(d) To carry on any and all business, transactions and
activities permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law which may be deemed
desirable by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, whether or not identical
with or related to the business described in the foregoing paragraphs of this
Article, as well as all activities and things necessary and incidental thereto,
to the full extent empowered by such laws.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE IV
RESIDENT AGENT AND PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The post office address of the principal office of the Corporation in
this State is 209 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877. The name of the
Resident Agent of the Corporation in this State is CSC - Lawyers Incorporating
Service Company, 11 East Chase Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Said Resident
Agent is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland.
ARTICLE V
AUTHORIZED STOCK
The total number of shares of stock of all classes which the
Corporation has authority to issue is Fifty Million (50,000,000) shares,
consistingof Forty-Five Million (45,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"). The aggregate par value of
all shares having par value is Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00).
ARTICLE VI
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Number of Directors.
The Corporation shall have five (5) directors, which number may be
increased or decreased pursuant to the Bylaws, but the number of directors shall
not be less than the lesser of three (3) or the number of stockholders. The
directors shall be divided into three classes (denominated as Class I, Class II
and Class III), as nearly equal in number as reasonably possible, with the term
of office of the Class I directors to expire at the 1997 annual meeting of
stockholders, the term of office of the Class II directors to expire at the 1998
annual meeting of stockholders and the term of office of the Class III directors
to expire at the 1999 annual meeting of stockholders. At each annual meeting of
stockholders following such initial classification and election, directors
elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a
term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders
after their election, provided that the stockholders electing new or replacement
directors may from time to time specify a term of less than three years in order
to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible.
Section 2. Initial Directors.
The following individuals shall serve as the initial directors, in the
classes specified below.
<PAGE>
Class I directors - Gilbert A. Wetzel
Class II directors - Gary P. Golding and Paul G. Casner
Class III directors - George T. Jimenez
Section 3. Board Authorization of Stock Issuance.
The Board of Directors of the Corporation is hereby empowered to
authorize by resolutions from time to time the issuance of shares of its stock
of any class, whether now or hereafter authorized, and securities convertible
into shares of its stock, of any class or classes, whether now or hereafter
authorized, for such consideration as the Board of Directors may deem advisable.
Section 4. Classification of Stock.
The Board of Directors shall have the power to classify or reclassify
any unissued stock, whether now or hereafter authorized, by setting or changing
the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to dividends, qualifications, or terms or conditions of
redemption of such stock.
Section 5. Conflict of Interest.
No contract or other transaction between this Corporation and any
other corporation, partnership, individual or other entity and no act of this
Corporation shall in any way be affected or invalidated by the fact that any of
the directors of this Corporation are directors, principals, partners or
officers of such other entity, or are pecuniarily or otherwise interested in
such contract, transaction or act; provided that (i) the existence of such
relationship or such interest shall be disclosed or known to the Board of
Directors or to a committee of the Board of Directors if the matter involves a
committee decision, and the contract, transaction or act shall be authorized,
approved or ratified by a majority of disinterested directors on the Board or on
such committee, as the case may be, even if the number of disinterested
directors constitutes less than a quorum or (ii) the contract, transaction or
act shall be authorized, ratified or approved in any other manner permitted by
the Maryland General Corporation Law.
Section 6. Removal of Directors.
Any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from
office at any time, but only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least 80% of the aggregate combined voting power of all
classes of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting
as one class, and only at a special meeting of stockholders called for such
purpose. For purposes of this Section, "cause" shall mean the willful and
continuous failure of a director to perform duties to the Corporation (other
than any such failure resulting from temporary incapacity due to physical or
mental illness) or gross misconduct materially and demonstrably injurious to the
Corporation.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VII
PROVISIONS CONCERNING CERTAIN RIGHTS
OF THE CORPORATION AND THE SHAREHOLDERS
Section 1. Right to Amend Charter.
The Corporation reserves the right to make, from time to time, any
amendments of its charter which may now or hereafter be authorized by law,
pursuant to the vote of stockholders required by law, including any amendments
which alter the contract rights of any class of outstanding stock as expressly
set forth in the charter; provided, however, that any amendment to, repeal of or
adoption of any provision inconsistent with Section 1 of Article VI, Section 6
of Article VI, Section 4 of this Article, Section 5 of this Article, Section 6
of this Article, or this Section 1 of this Article, shall be effective only if
it is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the
aggregate combined voting power of all classes of capital stock entitled to vote
thereon, voting as one class.
Section 2. Elimination of Preemptive Rights.
Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, no holder of
stock of any class shall be entitled to preemptive rights to subscribe for or
purchase or receive any part of any new or additional issue of stock of any
class of the Corporation or securities convertible into stock of any class of
the Corporation.
Section 3. Required Stockholder Vote.
Notwithstanding any provision of law requiring any action to be taken
or authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a greater proportion of
the votes of all classes or of any class of stock of the Corporation, such
action shall be effective and valid if taken or authorized by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the total number of votes entitled to be cast thereon,
except as otherwise provided in this charter.
Section 4. Bylaws.
The Board of Directors, and not the stockholders, shall have the
exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation.
Section 6. Business Combination Statute.
(a) Except as provided in Section 6(b) of this Article, the
Corporation elects to be governed by Section 3-602 of Subtitle 6 (the "Business
Combination Law") of Title 3 of the Maryland General Corporation law, as the
same may be amended from
<PAGE>
time to time (including any successor statute), with respect to any business
combination of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation.
(b) The Corporation elects not to be governed by the Business
Combination Law, as the same may be amended from time to time (including any
successor statute), with respect to any business combination of the Corporation
or any subsidiary of the Corporation with George T. Jimenez, or with any present
or future affiliate or associate of George T. Jimenez.
(c) As used in this Section, the terms "business combination,"
"affiliate," "associate," and "subsidiary" shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in the Business Combination law.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Section 1. Mandatory Indemnification.
The Corporation shall indemnify its currently acting and its former
directors and officers against any and all liabilities and expenses incurred in
connection with their services in such capacities to the maximum extent
permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, as from time to time amended.
Section 2. Discretionary Indemnification.
If approved by the Board of Directors, the Corporation may indemnify
its employees, agents and persons who serve and have served, at its request as a
director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture or other enterprise or employee benefit plan to the
extent determined to be appropriate by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Advancing Expenses Prior to a Decision.
The Corporation shall advance expenses to its directors and officers
entitled to mandatory indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the
Maryland General Corporation Law, as from time to time amended, and may in the
discretion of the Board of Directors advance expenses to employees, agents and
others who may be granted indemnification.
Section 4. Other Provisions for Indemnification.
The Board of Directors may, by bylaw, resolution or agreement, make
further provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and
agents.
<PAGE>
Section 5. Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers.
To the maximum extent that limitations on the liability of directors
and officers are permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, as from time
to time amended, no director or officer of the Corporation shall have any
liability to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages. This
limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person serves
as a director or officer of the Corporation whether or not such person is a
director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is
asserted.
Section 6. Effect of Amendment or Repeal.
No amendment, modification or repeal of this charter, nor the adoption
of any additional provision of this charter or the By-laws nor, to the fullest
extent permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, any amendment,
modification or repeal of law shall eliminate or reduce the effect of the
provisions in this charter limiting liability or indemnifying certain persons or
adversely affect any right or protection then existing thereunder in respect of
any acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment, modification, repeal,
or adoption.
SECOND: The Amendment and Restatement of the charter of the
Corporation herein was duly and unanimously approved and advised by the Board of
Directors on June 23, 1996, and was approved by the affirmative vote of the
stockholders of the Corporation as required by the Maryland General Corporation
Law on July , 1996.
THIRD: The Amendment and Restatement of the charter of the
Corporation as hereinabove set forth has been duly advised by the Board of
Directors and approved by the stockholders of the Corporation in the manner and
by the vote required by law.
FOURTH: (a) The total number of shares of all classes of stock of
the Corporation authorized prior to this amendment, and the number and par value
of each class, were as follows:
6,633,211 shares with an aggregate par value of One Million Eight
Hundred Twelve Thousand Six Hundred Four Dollars and Fifty-Four Cents
($1,812,604.54), of which 6,292,000 are common stock with a par value of $.01
per share and an aggregate par value of Sixty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty
Dollars ($62,920.00), 1,000 shares are Class B Preferred with a par value of One
Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), 211,727 shares are Class C Convertible Preferred,
Series 1, with a par value of $5.14 per share and an aggregate par value of One
Million Eighty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-Six Dollars and Seventy-Eight
Cents ($1,088,276.78), and 128,484 shares are Class C Convertible Preferred,
Series 2, with a par value of $5.14 per share and an aggregate par value of Six
Hundred Sixty Thousand Four Hundred Seven Dollars and Seventy-Six Cents
($660,407.76).
<PAGE>
(b) The total number of shares of all classes of stock of
the Corporation as increased, and the number and par value of the shares of each
class, are as follows:
Fifty Million (50,000,000) shares, consistingof Forty-Five Million
(45,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common
Stock"), and Five Million (5,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01
per share (the "Preferred Stock"), with a an aggregate par value of Five Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00).
(c) The aggregate par value of all shares of all classes of
stock of the Corporation heretofore authorized was $1,812,604.54. The aggregate
par value of all shares of all classes of stock as reduced by this amendment is
$500,000.00. This amendment has the effect of reducing the aggregate par value
of all shares of all classes of stock of the Corporation by $1,312,604.54.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, AMERICAN COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS CORPORATION has
caused these Articles of Amendment and Restatement to be signed in its name and
on its behalf by its President and attested by its Secretary this _____ day of
July, 1996, and its President acknowledges that they are the act and deed of the
Corporation, and states under the penalties of perjury that to the best of his
knowledge, information and belief, the matters and facts set forth herein are
true in all material respects.
ATTEST: AMERICAN COMPUTER AND
ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
By:
- ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Loretta L. Rivers, Secretary George T. Jimenez, President
<PAGE>
BYLAWS
OF
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS
SECTION 1. ANNUAL MEETINGS.
The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be
held on such date within the month of November as may be fixed from time to time
by the Board of Directors. Not less than ten nor more than 90 days' written or
printed notice stating the place, day and hour of each annual meeting shall be
given in the manner provided in Section 1 of Article IX hereof. The business to
be transacted at the annual meetings shall include the election of the class of
directors to be elected at such meeting, consideration and action upon the
reports of officers and directors, and any other business within the power of
the Corporation. All annual meetings shall be general meetings at which any
business may be considered without being specified as a purpose in the notice
unless otherwise required by law.
SECTION 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS CALLED BY CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT OR BOARD
OF DIRECTORS.
At any time in the interval between annual meetings, special meetings
of stockholders may be called by the Chairman of the Board, or by the President,
or by the Board of Directors. Not less than ten days' nor more than 90 days'
written notice stating the place, day and hour of such meeting and the matters
proposed to be acted on thereat shall be given in the manner provided in
Section 1 of Article IX. No business shall be transacted at any special meeting
except that specified in the notice.
SECTION 3. SPECIAL MEETING CALLED BY STOCKHOLDERS.
Upon the request in writing delivered to the Secretary by the
stockholders entitled to cast at least 25% of all the votes entitled to be cast
at the meeting, it shall be the duty of the Secretary to call a special meeting
of the stockholders. Such request shall state the purpose of such meeting and
the matters proposed to be acted on thereat, and no other business shall be
transacted at any such special meeting. No such meeting shall be required to be
called for the election of directors except under the circumstances set forth in
Section 10 of Article I or Sections 7(b) or 7(c) of these Bylaws. The Secretary
shall inform such stockholders of the reasonably estimated costs of preparing
and mailing the notice of the meeting, and upon payment to the Corporation of
such costs, the Secretary
<PAGE>
shall give not less than ten nor more than 90 days' notice of the time, place
and purpose of the meeting in the manner provided in Section 1 of Article IX.
Unless requested by stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes
entitled to be cast at the meeting, a special meeting need not be called to
consider any matter which is substantially the same as a matter voted on at any
special meeting of the stockholders held during the preceding 12 months.
SECTION 4. PLACE OF MEETINGS.
All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal office of
the Corporation in the State of Maryland or at such other place within the
United States as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors and
designated in the notice.
SECTION 5. QUORUM.
At any meeting of stockholders the presence in person or by proxy of
stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes thereat shall constitute a
quorum. In the absence of a quorum, the Chairman of the meeting, or
stockholders present in person or by proxy acting by majority vote, may adjourn
the meeting from time to time without notice other than by announcement at the
meeting, but not for a period exceeding 120 days after the original record date,
until a quorum shall attend.
SECTION 6. ADJOURNED MEETINGS.
A meeting of stockholders convened on the date for which it was called
(including one adjourned to achieve a quorum as above provided in Section 5 of
this Article) may be adjourned (in the manner provided in said Section 5) from
time to time without further notice other than by announcement at the meeting to
a date not more than 120 days after the original record date, and any business
may be transacted at any adjourned meeting which could have been transacted at
the meeting as originally called.
SECTION 7. VOTING.
A plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly
called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director.
Each share of stock may be voted for as many individuals as there are directors
to be elected and for whose election the share is entitled to be voted.
A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders, duly called
and at which a quorum is present, shall be sufficient to take or authorize
action upon any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless
more than a majority of votes cast is required by statute or by the Charter.
The Board of Directors may fix the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to vote in the manner provided in Article VIII, Section 3
of these Bylaws. Unless otherwise provided in the Charter,
<PAGE>
each outstanding share of stock, regardless of class, shall be entitled to one
vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders.
SECTION 8. PROXIES.
A stockholder may vote the shares owned of record either in person or
by proxy. The proxy shall be in writing and shall be signed by the stockholder
or by the stockholder's duly authorized attorney-in-fact or be in such other
form as may be permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, including
documents conveyed by electronic transmission. A copy, facsimile transmission
or other reproduction of the writing or transmission may be substituted for the
original writing or transmission for any purpose for which the original
transmission could be used. Every proxy shall be dated, but need not be sealed,
witnessed or acknowledged. No proxy shall be valid after 11 months from its
date, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. In the case of stock held of
record by more than one person, any co-owner or co-fiduciary may execute the
proxy without the joinder of the co-owner(s) or co-fiduciary(ies), unless the
Secretary of the Corporation is notified in writing by any co-owner or co-
fiduciary that the joinder of more than one is to be required. At all meetings
of stockholders, the proxies shall be filed with and verified by the Secretary
of the Corporation, or, if the meeting shall so decide, by the Secretary of the
meeting.
SECTION 9. REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS.
At any special meeting of the stockholders called in the manner
provided for by this Article, the stockholders, by the vote required by the
Charter, may remove any director from office, but only for cause as provided in
the Charter, and may elect a successor to fill the resulting vacancy for the
remainder of the term of the removed director.
SECTION 10. INFORMAL ACTION BY STOCKHOLDERS.
Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of
stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting
forth such action is signed by all the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, a
written waiver of any right to dissent is signed by each stockholder entitled to
notice of, but not the right to vote on, such action and such consent is filed
with the records of stockholders' meetings.
SECTION 11. ADVANCE NOTICE OF MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED AT AN ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS.
At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be
conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting as set forth
below. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, such business must (1)
be specified in the notice of the meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by
the Corporation pursuant to Section 1 of Article IX of these bylaws, or (2) be
brought before the meeting by or under
<PAGE>
the direction of the Board of Directors (or the Chairman of the Board or the
President), or (3) be properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder. In
addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly
brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have
given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary. To be timely, such
stockholder's notice must be delivered to or mailed and received by the
Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, not less than
20 days nor more than 30 days prior to the meeting (or, with respect to a
proposal required to be included in the Company's proxy statement pursuant to
Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or its successor provision,
the earlier date such proposal was received); provided, however, that in the
event that less than 30 days' notice or prior public disclosure of the date of
the meeting is given or made by the Corporation, notice by the stockholder to be
timely must be so received by the Secretary not later than the close of business
on the 10th day following the earlier of the day on which the Corporation's
notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or the day on which the
Corporation's first public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was
made. A stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter
the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (i) a brief
description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and
the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (ii) the name
and address of the stockholder proposing such business, (iii) the class and
number of shares of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the
stockholder, and (iv) any material interest of the stockholder in such business.
Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business
shall be conducted at the annual meeting except in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Section 12.
The Chairman of the meeting shall have the authority, if the facts
warrant, to determine that business was not properly brought before the meeting
in accordance with the provisions of this Section 11, and if he should so
determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly
brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.
SECTION 12. ADVANCE NOTICE OF NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS.
Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following
procedures shall be eligible for election as directors at any meeting of
stockholders. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of
the Corporation may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders or at a special
meeting of stockholders as to which the notice of meeting provides for election
of directors, by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, or by any
nominating committee or person appointed by the Board of Directors, or by any
stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at
the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section
12. Such nominations, other than those made by or under the direction of the
Board of Directors or by any nominating committee or person appointed by the
Board of Directors, shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the
Secretary. To be
<PAGE>
timely, such stockholder's notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received
by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less
than 20 days nor more than 30 days prior to the meeting; provided, however, that
in the event that less than 30 days' notice or prior public disclosure of the
date of the meeting is given or made by the Corporation, notice by the
stockholder to be timely must be so received by the Secretary no later than the
close of business on the 10th day following the earlier of the day on which the
Corporation's notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or the day on which
the Corporation's first public disclosure of the date of the meeting was made.
Such stockholder's notice shall set forth: (a) as to each person whom the
stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, (i) the name, age,
business address and residence address of the person, (ii) the principal
occupation or employment of the person, (iii) the class and number of shares of
stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the person, and (iv)
any other information relating to the person that is required to be disclosed in
solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to the rules and
regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (b) as to the
stockholder giving the notice, (i) the name and address of the stockholder and
(ii) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are beneficially
owned by the stockholder. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to
furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation
to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of
the Corporation. No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the
Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth herein.
The Chairman of the meeting shall have the authority, if the facts
warrant, to determine that a nomination was not made in accordance with the
foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the
meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.
ARTICLE II
DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. POWERS.
The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the
direction of its Board of Directors. All powers of the Corporation may be
exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors except as
conferred on or reserved to the stockholders by law, by the Charter or by these
Bylaws. A director need not be a stockholder. The Board of Directors shall
keep minutes of its meetings and full and fair accounts of its transactions.
SECTION 2. NUMBER; TERM OF OFFICE.
The number of directors of the Corporation shall be not less than
three or the same number as the number of stockholders (or one if there is no
stockholder),
<PAGE>
whichever is less; provided, however, that such number may be increased and
thereafter decreased from time to time by vote of a majority of the entire Board
of Directors. The number of directors shall not exceed eleven (11). The Board
of Directors shall be divided into three classes, with one class to be elected
at each annual meeting, as provided in the Charter.
SECTION 3. ANNUAL MEETING; REGULAR MEETINGS.
As soon as practicable after each annual meeting of stockholders, the
Board of Directors shall meet for the purpose of organization and the
transaction of other business. No notice of the annual meeting of the Board of
Directors need be given if it is held immediately following the annual meeting
of stockholders and at the same place. Other regular meetings of the Board of
Directors may be held at such times and at such places, within or without the
State of Maryland, as shall be designated in the notice for such meeting by the
party making the call. All annual and regular meetings shall be general
meetings, and any business may be transacted thereat.
SECTION 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS.
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the
Chairman of the Board or the President, or by a majority of the directors.
SECTION 5. QUORUM; VOTING.
A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at every meeting of the Board of Directors; but, if at
any meeting there be less than a quorum present, a majority of those present may
adjourn the meeting from time to time, but not for a period exceeding ten days
at any one time or 60 days in all, without notice other than by announcement at
the meeting, until a quorum shall attend. At any such adjourned meeting at
which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have
been transacted at the meeting as originally called. Except as hereinafter
provided or as otherwise provided by the Charter or by law, directors shall act
by a vote of a majority of those members in attendance at a meeting at which a
quorum is present.
SECTION 6. NOTICE OF MEETINGS.
Notice of the time and place of every regular and special meeting of
the Board of Directors shall be given to each director in the manner provided in
Section 2 of Article IX hereof. Subsequent to each Board meeting, and as soon
as practicable thereafter, each director shall be furnished with a copy of the
minutes of said meeting. At least 24 hours' notice shall be given of all
meetings. The purpose of any meeting of the Board of Directors need not be
stated in the notice.
<PAGE>
SECTION 7. VACANCIES.
(a) If the office of a director becomes vacant for any reason,
including increase in the size of the Board, such vacancy may be filled by the
Board by a vote of a majority of directors then in office, although such
majority is less than a quorum.
(b) If the vacancy occurs as a result of the removal of a director,
the stockholders may elect a successor at the meeting at which the removal
occurs.
(c) If the entire Board of Directors shall become vacant, any
stockholder may call a special meeting in the same manner that the Chairman of
the Board or the President may call such meeting, and directors for the
unexpired terms may be elected at such special meeting in the manner provided
for their election at annual meetings.
(d) A director elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy
shall serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until a successor
is elected and qualifies. A director elected by the stockholders to fill a
vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term and until a successor is elected and
qualifies.
SECTION 8. RULES AND REGULATIONS.
The Board of Directors may adopt such rules and regulations for the
conduct of its meetings and the management of the affairs of the Corporation as
it may deem proper and not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Maryland,
these Bylaws and the Charter.
SECTION 9. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
The Board of Directors may constitute an Executive Committee, composed
of at least two directors, from among its members. The Executive Committee
shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Between sessions
of the Board of Directors, such Committee shall have all of the powers of the
Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the
Corporation, except those powers specifically denied by law. If any position on
the Executive Committee becomes vacant, or if the number of members is
increased, such vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors. The taking of
any action by the Executive Committee shall be conclusive evidence that the
Board of Directors was not in session at the time of such action. The Executive
Committee shall hold formal meetings and keep minutes of all of its proceedings.
A copy of such minutes shall, after approval by the members of the Committee, be
sent to all directors as a matter of information. Any action taken by the
Executive Committee within the limits permitted by law shall have the force and
effect of Board action unless and until revised or altered by the Board. The
presence of not less than a majority of the Committee shall be necessary to
constitute a quorum. Action may be taken without a meeting if a unanimous
written consent is signed by all of the
<PAGE>
members of the Committee, and if such consent is filed with the records of the
Committee. The Executive Committee shall have the power to elect one of its
members to serve as its Chairman unless the Board of Directors shall have
designated such Chairman.
SECTION 10. COMPENSATION.
The directors may receive a stated salary or an attendance fee for
each meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof attended, plus
reimbursement of reasonable expenses of attendance. The amount of the salary or
attendance fee and any entitlement to reimbursement of expenses shall be
determined by resolution of the Board; provided, however, that nothing herein
contained shall be construed as precluding a director from serving the
Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
SECTION 11. PLACE OF MEETINGS.
Regular or special meetings of the Board may be held within or without
the State of Maryland, as the Board may from time to time determine. The time
and place of meeting may be fixed by the party calling the meeting.
SECTION 12. INFORMAL ACTION BY THE DIRECTORS.
Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the
Board may be taken without a meeting, if a written consent to such action is
signed by all members of the Board and such consent is filed with the minutes of
the Board.
SECTION 13. TELEPHONE CONFERENCE.
Members of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may
participate in a meeting of the Board or such committee by means of a conference
telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons
participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time.
Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. IN GENERAL.
The Board of Directors may choose a Chairman of the Board from among
the directors. The Board of Directors shall elect a President, a Treasurer, a
Secretary, and may elect one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and
Assistant Treasurers as the Board may from time to time deem appropriate. All
officers shall hold office only
<PAGE>
during the pleasure of the Board or until their successors are chosen and
qualify. Any two of the above offices, except those of President and Vice
President, may be held by the same person, but no officer shall execute,
acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity when such
instrument is required to be executed, acknowledged or verified by any two or
more officers. The Board of Directors may from time to time appoint such other
agents and employees with such powers and duties as the Board may deem proper.
In its discretion, the Board of Directors may leave unfilled any offices except
those of President, Treasurer and Secretary.
SECTION 2. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.
The Chairman of the Board, if one is elected, shall have the
responsibility for the implementation of the policies determined by the Board of
Directors and for the administration of the business affairs of the Corporation.
The Chairman shall preside over the meetings of the Board and of the
stockholders if present at the meeting. The Chairman shall be the Chief
Executive Officer of the Corporation if so designated by resolution of the
Board.
SECTION 3. PRESIDENT.
The President shall have the responsibility for the active management
of the business and general supervision and direction of all of the affairs of
the Corporation. In the absence of a Chairman of the Board, the President shall
preside over the meetings of the Board and of the stockholders if present at the
meeting, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of
Directors or the Executive Committee. The President shall have the authority on
the Corporation's behalf to endorse securities owned by the Corporation and to
execute any documents requiring the signature of an executive officer. The
President shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may direct
and shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation unless the Chairman
of the Board is so designated by resolution of the Board.
SECTION 4. VICE PRESIDENTS.
The Vice Presidents, in the order of priority designated by the Board
of Directors, shall be vested with all the power and may perform all the duties
of the President in the latter's absence. They may perform such other duties as
may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee or the
President.
SECTION 5. TREASURER.
The Treasurer shall have general supervision over the Corporation's
finances, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of
Directors or the President. Unless the Board designates another officer, the
Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation. If required
by resolution of the Board, the Treasurer shall furnish a bond (which may be a
blanket bond) with such surety
<PAGE>
and in such penalty for the faithful performance of duty as the Board of
Directors may from time to time require, the cost of such bond to be paid by the
Corporation.
SECTION 6. SECRETARY.
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the
stockholders and of the Board of Directors and shall attend to the giving and
serving of all notices of the Corporation required by law or these Bylaws. The
Secretary shall maintain at all times in the principal office of the Corporation
at least one copy of the Bylaws with all amendments to date, and shall make the
same, together with the minutes of the meeting of the stockholders, the annual
statement of affairs of the Corporation and any voting trust or other
stockholders agreement on file at the office of the Corporation, available for
inspection by any officer, director or stockholder during reasonable business
hours. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the
Board of Directors.
SECTION 7. ASSISTANT TREASURER AND SECRETARY.
The Board of Directors may designate from time to time Assistant
Treasurers and Secretaries, who shall perform such duties as may from time to
time be assigned to them by the Board of Directors or the President.
SECTION 8. COMPENSATION; REMOVAL; VACANCIES.
The Board of Directors shall have power to fix the compensation of all
officers of the Corporation. It may authorize any committee or officer, upon
whom the power of appointing subordinate officers may have been conferred, to
fix the compensation of such subordinate officers. The Board of Directors shall
have the power at any regular or special meeting to remove any officer if, in
the judgment of the Board, the best interests of the Corporation will be served
by such removal. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer to remove
subordinate officers. The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation's
employment of an officer for a period in excess of the term of the Board. The
Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting shall have power to fill a
vacancy occurring in any office for the unexpired portion of the term.
SECTION 9. SUBSTITUTES.
The Board of Directors may, from time to time in the absence of any
one of its officers or at any other time, designate any other person or persons
on behalf of the Corporation to sign any contracts, deeds, notes or other
instruments in the place or stead of any of such officers, and may designate any
person to fill any one of said offices, temporarily or for any particular
purpose; and any instruments so signed in accordance with a resolution of the
Board shall be the valid act of the Corporation as fully as if executed by any
regular officer.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE IV
RESIGNATION
Any director or officer may resign from office at any time. Such
resignation shall be made in writing and shall take effect from the time of its
receipt by the Corporation, unless some time be fixed in the resignation, and
then from that date. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be required to
make it effective.
ARTICLE V
COMMERCIAL PAPER, ETC.
All bills, notes, checks, drafts and commercial paper of all kinds to
be executed by the Corporation as maker, acceptor, endorser or otherwise, and
all assignments and transfers of stock, contracts, or written obligations of the
Corporation, and all negotiable instruments, shall be made in the name of the
Corporation and shall be signed by any one or more of the following officers as
the Board of Directors may from time to time designate: the Chairman of the
Board, the President, any Vice President, or the Treasurer, or such other person
or persons as the Board of Directors or Executive Committee may from time to
time designate.
ARTICLE VI
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall cover such period of 12
months as the Board of Directors may determine. In the absence of any such
determination, the accounts of the Corporation shall be kept on a calendar year
basis.
ARTICLE VII
SEAL
The seal of the Corporation shall be in the form of two concentric
circles inscribed with the name of the Corporation and the year and State in
which it is incorporated. The Secretary or Treasurer, or any Assistant
Secretary or Assistant Treasurer, shall have the right and power to attest to
the corporate seal. In lieu of affixing the corporate seal to any document, it
shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation
relating to a corporate seal to affix the word "(SEAL)" adjacent to the
signature of the person authorized to sign the document on behalf of the
Corporation.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VIII
STOCK
SECTION 1. ISSUE.
Each stockholder shall be entitled to a certificate or certificates
which shall represent and certify the number and class of shares of stock owned
in the Corporation. Each certificate shall be signed by the Chairman of the
Board, the President or any Vice President and be countersigned by the Secretary
or any Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer. The
signatures of the Corporation's officers and its corporate seal appearing on
stock certificates may be facsimiles if each such certificate is authenticated
by the manual signature of an officer of a duly authorized transfer agent.
Stock certificates shall be in such form, not inconsistent with law and the
Charter, as shall be approved by the Board of Directors. In case any officer of
the Corporation who has signed any certificate ceases to be an officer of the
Corporation, whether by reason of death, resignation or otherwise, before such
certificate is issued, then the certificate may nevertheless be issued by the
Corporation with the same effect as if the officer had not ceased to be such
officer as of the date of such issuance.
SECTION 2. TRANSFERS.
The Board of Directors shall have power and authority to make all such
rules and regulations as the Board may deem expedient concerning the issue,
transfer and registration of stock certificates. The Board of Directors may
appoint one or more transfer agents and/or registrars for its outstanding stock,
and their duties may be combined. No transfer of stock shall be recognized or
binding upon the Corporation until recorded on the books of the Corporation, or,
as the case may be, of its transfer agent and/or of its registrar, upon
surrender and cancellation of a certificate or certificates for a like number of
shares.
SECTION 3. RECORD DATES FOR DIVIDENDS AND STOCKHOLDERS' MEETING.
The Board of Directors may fix a date not exceeding 90 days preceding
the date of any meeting of stockholders, any dividend payment date or any date
for the allotment of rights, as a record date for the determination of the
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting, or entitled to
receive such dividends or rights, as the case may be, and only stockholders of
record on such date shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting
or to receive such dividends or rights, as the case may be. In the case of a
meeting of stockholders, the record date shall be fixed not less than ten days
prior to the date of the meeting.
<PAGE>
SECTION 4. NEW CERTIFICATES.
In case any certificate of stock is lost, stolen, mutilated or
destroyed, the Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of a new
certificate in place thereof upon such indemnity to the Corporation against loss
and such other terms and conditions as it may deem advisable. The Board of
Directors may delegate such power to any officer or officers of the Corporation
or to any transfer agent or registrar of the Corporation; but the Board of
Directors, such officer or officers or such transfer agent or registrar may, in
their discretion, refuse to issue such new certificate save upon the order of
some court having jurisdiction.
ARTICLE IX
NOTICE
SECTION 1. NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS.
Whenever by law or these Bylaws notice is required to be given to any
stockholder, such notice shall be in writing and may be given to each
stockholder by personal delivery or at the stockholder's residence or usual
place of business, or by mailing it, postage prepaid, and addressed to the
stockholder at the address appearing on the books of the Corporation or its
transfer agent. Such leaving or mailing of notice shall be deemed the time of
giving such notice.
SECTION 2. NOTICE TO DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Whenever by law or these Bylaws notice is required to be given to any
director or officer, such notice may be given in any one of the following ways:
by personal delivery to such director or officer, by telephone communication
with such director or officer personally or by telephone facsimile transmission,
by telegram, cablegram, radiogram, first class mail or by delivery service
providing confirmation of delivery, addressed to such director or officer at the
address appearing on the books of the Corporation. The time when such notice
shall be consigned to a communication company for delivery shall be deemed to be
the time of the giving of such notice; if mailed, such notice shall be deemed
given 48 hours after the time it is deposited in the mail, postage prepaid.
SECTION 3. WAIVER OF NOTICE.
Notice to any stockholder or director of the time, place and/or
purpose of any meeting of stockholders or directors required by these Bylaws may
be dispensed with if such stockholder shall either attend in person or by proxy,
or if such director shall attend in person, or if such absent stockholder or
director shall, in writing filed with the records of the meeting either before
or after the holding thereof, waive such notice.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE X
VOTING OF STOCK IN OTHER CORPORATIONS
Any stock in other corporations, which may from time to time be held
by the Corporation, may be represented and voted at any meeting of stockholders
of such other corporations by the President or a Vice-President or by proxy or
proxies appointed by the President or a Vice-President, or otherwise pursuant to
authorization thereunto given by a resolution of the Board of Directors adopted
by a vote of a majority of the directors.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS
The Board of Directors, and not the stockholders, shall have the
exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE XII
MARYLAND CONTROL SHARE ACT
The Corporation elects not to be governed by Section 3-702 of Subtitle
6 (the "Maryland Control Share Act") of Title 3 of the Maryland General
Corporation Law, as the same may be amended from time to time (including any
successor statute), with respect to the acquisition of shares of stock of the
Corporation in an amount not exceeding 49.9% of the stock oustanding from time
to time, by George T. Jimenez or any affiliate or associate of George T.
Jimenez, where such acquisition may be deemed to be a control share acquisition.
As used in this Section, the terms "control share acquisition, "affiliate," and
"associate" shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Maryland Control
Share Act and the Maryland General Corporation Law.
<PAGE>
NUMBER SHARES
RI [LOGO]
COMMON STOCK ACE * COMM CORPORATION COMMON STOCK
PAR VALUE $.01 PAR VALUE $.01
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND
-----------------
CUSIP 004404 10 9
-----------------
This Certifies that
is the record holder of
FULLY PAID AND NON ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01, OF
ACE * COMM CORPORATION
(hereinafter called the Corporation), transferable on the books of the
Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney,
upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed. This certificate is not
valid until countersigned and registered by the transfer agent and registrar.
A NOTICE OF CERTAIN TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS MAY BE SET FORTH ON THE
REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CERTIFICATE. The Corporation will furnish without charge
to each stockholder who so requests, a statement of the powers, designations,
preferences and relative, participating optional or other special rights of
each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such preference and/or rights.
Witness the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile
signatures of its duly authorized officers.
Dated
/s/ Loretta L. Rivers (SEAL) /s/ George T. Jimenez
SECRETARY PRESIDENT
COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
REGISTRANT AND TRANSFER COMPANY
BY Chase Mellon Shareholder Services, TRANSFER AGENT
AND REGISTRAR
AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.8
AGREEMENT OF SUBCONTRACT
(FIRM FIXED PRICE/TIME AND MATERIAL)
BETWEEN
GTE GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS CORPORATION
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS DIVISION
AND
AMERICAN COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
AS SUBCONTRACTOR
ISSUED UNDER PRIME CONTRACT DAAB07-92-D-E026
<PAGE>
LTLCS SUBCONTRACT AGREEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE 1-5
PART I SCHEDULE 5-17
1.0 Equipment, Supplies, Materials and Other Items to
be Provided 5
2.0 Subcontract Type 5
3.0 Option Prices and Performance 5
4.0 Term of the Subcontract 6
5.0 Purchase Order Mechanism 6
6.0 Delivery/Performance 7
6.1 Delivery Schedule 7
6.2 Time of Performance 7
6.3 Delays in Delivery 7
6.4 Early Delivery 7
7.0 Packaging, Marking and Shipping 8
8.0 Inspection and Acceptance 10
9.0 Consideration and Payment 14
9.1 Prices 14
9.2 Payment 14
9.3 Invoicing 15
9.4 Offsets and Reductions 15
9.5 Release of Claims 15
10.0 Warranty of Supplies and Services 16
11.0 Subcontractor Responsibility 16
12.0 Liaison with the Contractors Customer 17
13.0 Defense Priority Rating 17
14.0 Disclosure of Information 17
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
15.0 Certifications and Representations 18
PART II SPECIAL PROVISIONS 19-43
1.0 Disputes 19
1.1 Subcontractor Acknowledgment 19
1.2 Disputes Between Subcontractor
and Contractor 19
1.3 Notice of Disagreement 19
1.4 Appeal 20
1.5 Duty to Proceed 20
1.6 Claim 20
1.7 Reserved 20
1.8 Amendment 21
1.9 Survival 21
2.0 Termination for Convenience of the Contractor 21
3.0 Default 25
4.0 Stop-Work Order 27
5.0 Assignment and Subcontracting 28
6.0 Value Engineering Change Proposals 28
7.0 Current Technology Substitutions/Additions 29
8.0 Insurance Schedule 30
9.0 Risk of Loss or Damage to Purchased Equipment 30
10.0 Notice of Loss or Damage 30
11.0 Liability for Loss or Damage 31
12.0 Safety and Health 31
13.0 Subcontractor Personnel 31
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
14.0 Permits, Taxes, Licenses, Ordinances and
Regulations 32
15.0 Normal Working Hours 32
16.0 Local, State and Federal Regulations 33
17.0 Third Party Equipment/System/Software Operations
and Maintenance Training and/or Certification 33
18.0 Third Party Equipment/System/Software Operation
and Maintenance 33
19.0 Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software 34
20.0 Travel Expenses 34
21.0 English Language Documentation 34
22.0 Non-Waiver of Rights 34
23.0 Pre-Production, Start-up and Other Non-Recurring
Costs 35
24.0 Indemnification for Defective Cost or Pricing Data 35
25.0 Subcontract Flowdown Requirements 35
26.0 Subcontractor Access to Installations 35
27.0 Government Furnished Support 35
28.0 Passports and Visas 37
29.0 Request Overseas Area Clearances, Travel Authorization
Orders, Logistical Privileges and Security Clearances 37
30.0 Support in Host Country 37
31.0 Subcontractor Performance in Support of Wartime
or Contingency Operations 39
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
32.0 Conformity to Japanese Laws and Regulations 40
(Applied to JTU Site Only)
33.0 Subcontractor or Technical Representative Status -
Republic of Korea (ROK) (Applies to Korea Sites Only) 40
34.0 Uncompensated Overtime 42
35.0 Scope Changes to Baseline 42
PART III FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (FAR) AND DOD
FAR SUPPLEMENTS (DFARS) PROVISIONS 43-51
PART IV STATEMENT OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS
PART V: ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 Price and Delivery Schedule
Attachment 2 Packaging Requirements
Attachment 3 Representations, Certifications and Instructions
Attachment 4 Example of Joint Travel Requirements
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT OF SUBCONTRACT
THIS AGREEMENT OF SUBCONTRACT (hereinafter referred to as this
"Subcontract"), made as of the 29 of April 1994, by and between the
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS DIVISION Of GTE Government Systems Corporation, a
Delaware Corporation, having an office and place of business at Needham,
Massachusetts (hereinafter called the "Contractor") and AMERICAN COMPUTER AND
ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, a Maryland Corporation, having an office and place
of business at Gaithersburg, Maryland (hereinafter called the
"Subcontractor").
WITNESSETH , THAT:
WHEREAS IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT:
(i) The United States of America (hereinafter referred to as the
"Government") acting through a duly authorized Contracting
Officer of the Department of Defense has heretofore entered into
a contract identified as Prime Contract No. DAAB07-92-D-EO26
(which contract is hereinafter referred to as the "Prime
Contract") whereunder certain work was undertaken to be performed
for the Government; and
(ii) The Contractor (GTE) by such Prime Contract has undertaken the
performance of all or a portion of such work and;
(iii) The Contractor desires to have the Subcontractor perform the work
called for by this Agreement and the Subcontractor desires to so
perform upon the terms and conditions in this Agreement set forth.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing and the undertaking
hereinafter set forth, and subject to the approval of the Government, the
parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1: Object and Scope of Subcontract
The object of this Subcontract is to set forth the parties respective
rights and obligations with regard to depot level support (repair and
return services), field service support, emergency and non-emergency
technical assistance, remote diagnostics, publications updates, software
upgrades, spare replenishment, training engineering support and report
1
<PAGE>
generation to be supplied hereunder when and as provided in the Schedule
and Statement of Work (SOW) included herein.
ARTICLE 2: Documents Comprising Subcontract
The Subcontract is composed of the following Subcontract Documents, each
of which is an integral part hereof:
2.1 Agreement of Subcontract
Part I Schedule
Attachment 1 - Price and Delivery Schedule
Attachment 2 - Packaging Requirements
Attachment 3 - Representations, Certifications
and Instructions
Attachment 4 - Example of Joint Travel Regulations
Part II Special Provisions
Part III General Provisions
Part IV Statement of Work
ARTICLE 3: Integration and Merger
This Subcontract constitutes the final and entire expressed agreements of
the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all
prior negotiations, discussions, representations, correspondence,
promises or agreements, either written or oral, that may have been made
in connection with the subject matter hereof. This Subcontract or any
Contract Document which is a part hereof may only be amended by written
agreement of the Parties. The only person authorized to modify this
Subcontract on behalf of Contractor is the duly authorized representative
of the Contractual Relations Department as specified in Article 6.
ARTICLE 4: Interpretation and Precedence
4.1 In the event of a conflict with or inconsistencies between the
provisions of this Subcontract, such conflicts or inconsistencies
shall be resolved by giving precedence to the various portions of
the Subcontract in the following order:
2
<PAGE>
4.1.1 Articles 1 thru 7
4.1.2 Part I: Schedule and Attachment 1 thru 4 and
any Purchase Orders issued in accordance
therewith.
4.1.3 Part II: Special Provisions
4.1.4 Part III: General Provisions
4.1.5 Part IV: Statement of Work
4.2 The title and captions of any parts, sections or paragraphs of this
Subcontract are for convenience or reference only and shall have no
meaning in the construction or interpretation of this Subcontract.
4.3 This Subcontract incorporates one or more clauses by reference with
the same force and effect as if it were given in full text.
ARTICLE 5: Controlling Law and Severability
5.1 Irrespective of the place of performance, this Subcontract will be
construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the United
States federal common law of government contracts as enumerated and
applied by federal judicial bodies, boards of contract appeals and
quasijudicial agencies of the Federal Government of the United
States. To the extent that the federal common law of government
contracts is not dispositive, laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, which is the State wherein this Subcontract was made,
shall apply.
5.2 Any provision hereof which is held invalid or unenforceable shall
not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions
hereof. In the event that any provision of this Subcontract is held
invalid or unenforceable, the Parties shall make every effort to
mutually agree to a new provision in regard to the same subject.
ARTICLE 6: Communication and Authority
6.1 The Contractor's duly authorized representative of the Contractors
Contractual Relations Department shall be the only Contractor
individual authorized to issue Subcontract changes and stop-work
orders, altering the schedule or place of performance under the
Subcontract, or otherwise varying the terms of the Subcontract. No
other Contractor
3
<PAGE>
or Government communications shall have any contractual validity or
be binding on the Contractor.
6.2 Except as otherwise specified herein, all correspondence, notices
and approvals permitted or required hereunder shall be made to or by
the duly authorized representative of parties as set forth below:
Contractor: Mr. Henry L. Marcoux
Title: Subcontract Administrator
Subcontractor: S. Joe Dorr
Title: Vice President
Subcontractor: J. Ben Gray
Title: Program Director
6.2.1 The Parties shall promptly notify each other in writing of any
changes made to their respective designated representatives
hereunder.
ARTICLE 7: Force and Effect
This Subcontract shall enter into full force and effect and shall be
binding on the Parties upon signature by the duly authorized
representatives of the Parties. The Effective Date shall be the date
specified in the attestation below:
ATTESTATION
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Subcontract to be
signed by their duly authorized representatives as of the day and year
first written.
GTE GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS CORPORATION
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS DIVISION
(Contractor)
BY: /s/ Eugene J. McElroy
-------------------------
NAME: Eugene J. McElroy
-----------------------
TITLE: Contracts Manager
----------------------
DATE: 5-9-94
------------------------
4
<PAGE>
AMERICAN COMPUTER & ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
(Subcontractor)
BY: /s/ J. Ben Gray
-------------------------
NAME: J. Ben Gray
-----------------------
TITLE: Program Manager
----------------------
DATE: 29 April 1994
-----------------------
The Effective Date of this Subcontract is 4 September 1992.
5
<PAGE>
PART 1
SCHEDULE
1.0 EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, MATERIALS AND OTHER ITEMS TO BE PROVIDED
When ordered by the Contractor, Subcontractor shall furnish complete
logistic support which will include spare parts replenishment, support
services, technical data and engineering support in quantities and for
the firm fixed prices specified in the Delivery and Price Schedule
appended hereto as Attachment 1 and in accordance with the Subcontract
Statement of Work (SOW) 00-2729487.
2.0 SUBCONTRACT TYPE
It is understood that this is an IDIO (Indefinite Delivery Infinite
Quantity) Subcontract for the equipment, supplies and services in support
of the LTLCS Prime Contract No. DAAB07-92-D-EO26. As required Contractor
may order any of the items specified in Attachment 1 from the
Subcontractor for the equipment, supplies and services specified herein
that are necessary to be purchased by the Contractor in order to fulfill
its obligations under the LTLCS Program.
3.0 OPTION PRICES AND PERFORMANCE
The Options described in Attachment 1 are firm fixed price time and
material options granted by the Subcontractor which the Contractor,
subject to Prime Contract Award, may exercise with the Subcontractor at
any time during the Option Periods delineated in Paragraph 4.0, Term of
the Subcontract.
The Contractor may exercise the options to purchase equipment, materials
or services identified in Attachment 1 by so notifying Subcontractor in
writing. The Effective Date of notice of Contractor's exercise of any
option hereunder shall be the date such notice is signed by Contractor's
Subcontract Administrator.
In the event any of these options are duly exercised, the Subcontractor
shall furnish to Contractor the equipment, materials, services and other
items specified in Attachment 1 at the prices and subject to the delivery
dates as set forth herein. All options will be exercised in accordance
with Purchase Order Mechanism set forth in Paragraph 5.0 and shall be
6
<PAGE>
subject to and governed by the terms of this Subcontract. There is no
minimum or limit on the number of purchase orders and SLINS that may be
issued under any option in any year.
Neither this Subcontract nor its Attachments shall be construed to
expressly or implicitly commit Contractor to exercise in whole or in part
any of the options set out in this Subcontract. The options are
independent and if any option(s) are not exercised the Subcontractor will
not be entitled to any reimbursement or adjustment and all future options
will remain in effect.
4.0 TERM OF THE SUBCONTRACT
4.1 For the purpose of this subcontract the following option years are
established:
(a) Base Year 1 effective 01 July 1992 thru 30 June 1993.
(b) Option Year 1 effective from 01 July 1993 thru 30 June 1994.
(c) Option Year 2 effective from 01 July 1994 thru 30 June 1995.
(d) Option Year 3 effective from 01 July 1995 thru 30 June 1996.
(e) Option Year 4 effective from 01 July 1996 thru 30 June 1997.
4.2 The Subcontract shall be applicable to all Delivery Orders dated and
placed in the mail by the Contractor up to the expiration date of the
Subcontract.
4.3 Field Service Support may not be scheduled to extend beyond the last
day of the third calendar month after the expiration date of the
basic Subcontract or applicable option.
5.0 PURCHASE ORDER MECHANISM
5.1 For purposes of Subcontract procedure, the equipment, materials,
services and other items to be supplied hereunder shall be ordered and
delivered in accordance with Purchase Orders to be placed by Contractor.
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5.2 Notwithstanding any provisions on any form supplied by Contractor or
Subcontractor to the contrary, all Purchase Orders issued pursuant to
this Subcontract shall be subject to and governed by the terms of this
Subcontract. Any terms and conditions that may appear on any form
supplied by Contractor or Subcontractor which alters, revises, conflicts
with or supplements the terms of this Subcontract shall have no force or
effect unless such provisions are mutually agreed to in writing and
expressly incorporated into this Subcontract by duly authorized
representatives of the Parties.
5.3 Each Purchase Order shall include a description of the equipment,
materials or services as well as mutually agreed upon delivery date and
ship to address(es). Each Purchase Order shall contain a reference to
the Prime Contract Number in addition to a separate Order Number assigned
to the Purchase Order by Contractor.
6.0 DELIVERY/PERFORMANCE
6.1 Delivery Schedule
The Subcontractor shall provide all supplies, services and data ordered
under this Subcontract in accordance with the delivery dates specified in
the purchase order.
6.2 Time of Performance
All work shall be completed within the time period(s) specified in
Attachment 1 or elsewhere in this Subcontract. Subcontractor agrees to
comply with the schedule and completion dates as agreed upon herein.
6.3 Delays in Delivery
6.3.1 In the event the Subcontractor anticipates difficulty in
complying with the Subcontract delivery schedule, the Subcontractor shall
immediately notify the Contractor's Subcontract Administrator in writing,
giving pertinent details, including the date by which it expects to make
delivery. This data shall be informational only and receipt thereof
shall not be construed as a waiver by the Contractor of any Subcontract
delivery schedule, or any rights or remedies provided by law under this
Subcontract.
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6.3.2 If at any time it appears that the Subcontractor has not or
will not meet the contract delivery schedule, or any extension thereof,
the Contractor shall have the right to require the Subcontractor to
submit a revised delivery schedule together with adequate information and
documentation to support the reasonableness of the proposed schedule.
The proposed delivery schedule shall provide a date certain for each
deliverable item under the terms of the Subcontract. Such delivery
schedules shall take into consideration all contingencies based upon
events or circumstances which are known to the Subcontractor or
reasonably forgeable at the time of submission. The Subcontractor shall
submit the revised delivery schedule within twenty-five (25) days after
receipt of notification by the Contractor. Such notification shall not
be deemed a waiver of the existing Subcontract delivery schedule. The
Contractor shall have thirty-five (35) days within which to approve or
disapprove the Subcontractor's proposed revision to the delivery
schedule. If approved by the Contractor, the proposed delivery schedule
shall be incorporated into the Subcontract by bilateral modification.
If Contractor exercises its right to require a revised delivery schedule
and the Subcontractor fails to submit a revised delivery schedule within
the time specified above, or any extension thereof granted in writing by
the Contractor, the Subcontractor shall be deemed to have failed to make
delivery within the meaning of the "Default" clauses of this Subcontract
and this Subcontract shall be subject to termination.
6.3.3 Notwithstanding any other remedies available to the
Contractor, in the event that Subcontractor fails to deliver items to be
supplied hereunder on or by the Delivery Dates specified, Subcontractor
shall, at its expense, ship such items in accordance with Contractor's
instructions so as to ensure expeditious delivery.
6.4 Early Delivery
No delivery of equipment, materials, data or other items shall be made
prior to the delivery dates specified in the purchase order without prior
written approval of Contractor's authorized representative. Early
delivery of items required under this Subcontract shall not be deemed to
constitute acceptance of
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accelerated delivery of other items unless such early delivery is
expressly requested and approved by Contractor.
7.0 PACKAGING, MARKING AND SHIPPING
7.1 Domestic Shipment.
All equipment and supplies will be packed for domestic shipment in
accordance with best commercial practices to ensure acceptance by common
carrier so they will arrive undamaged at the ultimate destination and to
ensure adequate protection is provided against corrosion, deterioration
and physical damage until final acceptance in accordance with Mil-Std-1
190 ASTM D3951, and AGO0000600. Marking shall be in accordance with the
requirements specified in the edition of ASTM D3951-82, Standard Practice
for Commercial Packaging in effect on the date of this Subcontract.
Containers shall be clearly marked as follows:
Name of Contractor:
Prime Contract No. including applicable Delivery Order No.:
Subcontract No.:
Description of Items Contained Therein with sufficient information for
Supply Personnel and Users to identify warranted supplies.
Consignees Name and Address:
NOT FOR OUTSIDE STORAGE
7.2 Overseas Shipment
All equipment and supplies shall be packed for overseas shipment in
accordance with the best commercial effort practice suitable for water
movement to arrive undamaged at ultimate destination in accordance with
Mil-Std-1190, ASTM D3951 and AGO0000600. Containers shall be clearly
marked as follows:
Name of Contractor
Prime Contract No. including applicable Delivery Order No.:
Subcontract No.:
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Description of Items Contained Therein with sufficient information for
Supply Personnel and Users to identify warranted supplies.
Consignees Name and Address:
NOT FOR OUTSIDE STORAGE
7.3 Technical data and computer software will be individually packed and
mailed (FOB Destination) to each address designated in the SDRL, DD Form
1423. The practice of bulk packing and shipping technical data and
computer software destined for a number of other addressees to a single
addressee is prohibited.
7.4 All shipments shall be made FOB designation.
7.5 On the earliest possible date, the Subcontractor shall inform the
Contractor of the date of shipment from the Subcontractors or low-tier
subcontractors facilities and the anticipated time of arrival at the
site(s). This notification shall be made no later than the actual date
of the shipment.
7.6 Premium transportation costs to meet delivery schedules shall be at
Subcontractor's expense.
7.7 Commercial packaging of drawings, test reports, software, and other
data items shall be in accordance with ASTM D 3951. Copies of ASTM D
3951 are available from American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916
Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
7.8 Confidential or Secret Material/Documents Method of Transmission
MATERIAL will be packed to conceal it properly and to avoid suspicion as
to contents, and to reach destination in satisfactory condition.
Internal markings or internal packaging will clearly indicate the
classification. NO NOTATION TO INDICATE CLASSIFICATION APPEAR ON
EXTERNAL MARKINGS (EXTERIOR CONTAINERS). (See paragraph 17 of the
Industrial Security Manual for Safeguarding Classification Information
(DoD 5220.22M)).
DOCUMENTS will be enclosed in two opaque envelopes or covers. The inner
envelope or cover containing the documents being
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transmitted will be addressed, return addressed, and sealed. The
classification of the documents being transmitted will be clearly marked
on the front and back of the inner container. The classified documents
will be protected from direct contact with the inner cover by a cover
sheet or be folding inward. For SECRET documents, a receipt form
identifying the addresser, addressee, and documents will be enclosed in
the inner envelope. CONFIDENTIAL documents will be covered by a receipt
only when the sender deems it necessary. The inner envelope or cover
will be enclosed in an opaque outer envelope or cover. The
classification markings of the inner envelope should not be detectable.
The outer envelope will be addressed, return addressed, and sealed. NO
CLASSIFICATION MARKINGS WILL APPEAR ON THE OUTER ENVELOPE OR COVER. (See
paragraph 17 of the Industrial Security Manual for Safeguarding
Classified Information (DoD 5220-22M)).
7.9 Bar Code Marking
Bar Code Marking is mandatory for all items except:
a. Items not identified by National Stock Number (NSN).
b. Unpacked or unwrapped tires.
c. Local procurement items.
7.10 The Ship-To-Address will be specified on the applicable purchase
order or provided by the Contractor.
8.0 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE
8.1 Subcontractor's Inspection System
Subcontractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable
to the Contractor covering supplies and services under this Subcontract
and shall tender to the Contractor for acceptance only supplies and
services that have been inspected in accordance with the inspection
system and have been found by the Subcontractor to be in conformity with
the Subcontract requirements. As part of the system, the Subcontractor
shall prepare records evidencing all inspections made under the system
and the outcome. These records shall be kept complete and made available
to the Contractor or the Government during Subcontract performance and
for the duration of the Subcontract. The
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Contractor or the Government may perform reviews and evaluations as
reasonably necessary to ascertain compliance with this paragraph. These
reviews and evaluations shall be conducted in a manner that will not
unduly delay the Subcontract work. The right of review, whether
exercised or not, does not relieve the Subcontractor of the obligations
under this Subcontract.
8.2 Testing Requirements
Tests or inspections required in the Statement of Work shall demonstrate
compliance to all requirements of the statements of work and
specifications set forth in the Subcontract.
8.3 Quality Assurance Documentation
Quality Assurance (QA) documentation of Subcontractor performed
inspections and tests shall be made available for Contractor and
Government review at the locations where the QA inspections are
accomplished.
8.4 Contractor and Government Inspection Rights
The Contractor and the Government, or their designated representatives,
have the right to inspect and test all supplies and services to be
provided under the Subcontract, to the extent practicable, at all places
and times, including the period of manufacture, and in any event before
acceptance. The Contractor and the Government shall perform inspections
or tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work. Neither the
Contractor nor the Government assume any contractual obligation to
perform any inspection and test for the benefit of the Subcontractor
unless specifically set forth elsewhere in this Subcontract.
8.5 Delays to Inspections and Reinspections
8.5.1 If delays in inspection or test are due to the fault of the
Subcontractor and result in additional cost to the Contractor for
reinspection or retest, the Contractor may charge to the Subcontractor
any reasonable additional costs incurred due to the delay.
8.5.2 If delays in inspection or test are not due to the fault of
the Subcontractor and result in additional cost to the
Subcontractor-for)n or retest, the Subcontractor may charge
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to the Contractor any reasonable additional costs incurred due to the
delay.
8.6 Nonconforming Supplies
8.6.1 The Contractor has the right either to reject or to require
correction of nonconforming supplies. Supplies are nonconforming when
they are defective in material or workmanship or are otherwise not in
conformity with the Subcontract requirements. The Contractor may reject
nonconforming equipment, supplies and materials with or without
disposition instructions.
8.6.2 The Subcontractor shall remove supplies rejected or required
to be corrected. However, the Contractor may require or permit
correction in place, promptly after notice, by and at the expense of the
Subcontractor. The Subcontractor shall not tender for acceptance
corrected or rejected supplies without disclosing the former rejection or
requirement for correction, and, when required, shall disclose the
corrective action taken.
8.6.3 Subject to the warranty provisions of this Subcontract, if
the Subcontractor fails to promptly remove, replace, or correct rejected
equipment, materials or supplies that are required to be removed,
replaced or corrected, the Contractor may either (1) remove, replace, or
correct the supplies and charge the cost to the Subcontractor, or (2)
terminate the Subcontract for default. If the Subcontractor fails to
correct or replace the rejected items within the contractual delivery
schedule the Contractor has the right to still require delivery and is
entitled to an equitable price adjustment. Failure to agree to an
equitable price reduction shall be a Dispute.
8.6.4 If the Contractor rejects a data item in writing and
identifies the specific contract requirement not met and affords the
Subcontractor an opportunity to correct, the correction shall be
accomplished within 1 0 business days from the date the Subcontractor
receives the reason(s) for rejection to the Subcontractor.
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8.7 Nonconforming Services
8.7.1 Subject to the warranty provisions of this Subcontract, if
any of the services do not conform with the Subcontract requirements, the
Contractor may require the Subcontractor to perform the services again in
conformity with the Subcontract requirements, at no increase in the
Subcontract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by
reperformance, the Contractor may (1) require the Subcontractor to take
necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to
Subcontract requirements and (2) reduce the Subcontract price to reflect
the reduced value of the services performed.
8.7.2 If the Subcontractor fails to promptly perform the services
again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in
conformity with Subcontract requirements, the Contractor may (1) by
contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the
Subcontractor any cost incurred by the Contractor that is directly
related to the performance of such service or (2) terminate the
Subcontract for default.
8.8 Inspection Not a Waiver
8.8.1 The Contractor's or the Government's failure to inspect and
accept or reject the supplies or services shall not relieve the
Subcontractor from responsibility, nor impose liability on the Contractor
or the Government, for such nonconforming supplies or services.
8.8.2 Any in-process inspections, reviews, approvals, comments or
tests by the Contractor or the Government shall not be deemed to be
design approval nor relieve the Subcontractor of responsibility for
defects or other failures to meet Subcontract requirements unless set
forth in writing and made a part hereof. All items to be delivered
hereunder are subject to final inspection and acceptance as set forth in
the Statement of Work hereof. Acceptance as set forth therein shall be
conclusive, except for latent defects, fraud, gross mistakes amounting to
fraud, or as otherwise provided in the Subcontract.
8.8.3 If acceptance is not conclusive for any of the reasons in
paragraph 8.8.2 hereof, the Contractor, in addition to any other rights
and remedies provided by law, or under other provisions of this
Subcontract, shall have the right to require
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the Subcontractor (1) at no increase in Subcontract price, to correct or
replace the defective or nonconforming supplies or services at the point
of destination or at the Subcontractors plant, at the Contractor's
election, and in accordance with a reasonable delivery schedule as may be
agreed upon between the Subcontractor and the Contractor; provided, that
the Contractor may require a reduction in Subcontract price if the
Subcontractor does not in good faith attempt to meet such delivery
schedule, or (2) within a reasonable time after receipt by the
Subcontractor of notice of defects or nonconformance, to repay such
portion of the Subcontract as is equitable under the circumstances if the
Contractor elects not to require correction or replacement. When
supplies or services are returned to the Subcontractor, the Subcontractor
shall bear the transportation cost from the point of destination to the
Subcontractor's plant and return to the original point of destination.
If the Subcontractor fails to perform or act as required in (1) or (2)
above and does not cure such failure within a period of ten (10) days (or
such longer period as the Contractor may authorize in writing) after
receipt of notice from the Contractor specifying such failure, the
Contractor shall have the right to replace or correct such supplies or
services and charge to the Subcontractor the cost incurred by the
Contractor.
8.9 Notices of Inspection
Subcontractor shall submit written notification to Contractor at the
times and in the form set forth in the Statement of Work hereof, for all
inspections or tests required hereunder which Contractor and/or
Government representatives are entitled to witness.
8.10 Acceptance
8.10.1 Equipment, Supplies, Materials and Services
The equipment, supplies, materials, services and data
provided by the Subcontractor under this Subcontract will be considered
accepted upon successful completion of all required inspections/tests.
8.10.2 Acceptance of Data Items.
Preliminary and draft submittals of all DATA ITEMS will be
reviewed by the Contractor and comments will be
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transmitted to the Subcontractor. Final submittals will incorporate all
Contractor and Government comments and will be reviewed by the Contractor
prior to final approval. In all cases final approval of all DATA ITEMS,
resides with the Contractor and the Government, and any comments received
from the Government will be incorporated into the DATA ITEMs by the
Subcontractor.
8.10.3 Notwithstanding acceptance of any equipment, material or
other items as provided herein, all such equipment, materials and other
items remain subject to meeting all the performance specification
requirements and the warranty provisions of this Subcontract and the
remedies contained therein.
9.0 CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT
9.1 Prices
In consideration for the supply of the equipment, services and other
items ordered by Contractor and supplied by Subcontractor when and as
specified herein, Contractor shall pay to Subcontractor the Subcontract
firm fixed prices set forth in Attachment 1 hereto for any options
exercised.
9.2 Payment
9.2.1 Contractor shall pay the Subcontractor payment for firm
fixed price items less any deductions permitted hereunder or at law, net
thirty (30) days upon
(1) Contractor's acceptance of the item(s) invoiced;
and
(2) Contractors receipt of Subcontractor's invoice in
triplicate, specifying the Prime Contract Number, Subcontract Number,
Line Item Number(s),Quantity(s) and unit prices together with:
(i) A statement signed by a duly authorized representative of
Subcontractor certifying that the items covered under the
invoice were manufactured or procured by Subcontractor and
delivered to Contractor in conformance with this
Subcontract.
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9.2.2 Payment for Time and Material Items
Contractor shall pay the Subcontractor for time and material
efforts less any deductions permitted hereunder or at law, net
thirty (30) days upon:
(1) Contractor's receipt of Subcontractor's invoice in
triplicate specifying the Prime Contract Number,
Subcontractor Number, Line Item Number(s), Quantity(s)
and unit prices together with:
(i) Signed timecards and expense reports with backup for on-site
support. Signed Remote Diagnostic Reports which detail the
problem, corrective action, applicable subcontract rate and
hours worked are sufficient backup for RD and ETAS support
performed remotely.
(ii) A statement signed by a duly authorized representative of
Subcontractor certifying that the items covered under the
invoice were manufactured or procured by Subcontractor and
delivered to Contractor in conformance with this
Subcontract.
(iii) Two (2) copies of the applicable documentation (i.e. Quality
Assessment Report, Monthly Status Report, Customer Service
Report).
Note: All items except Quality Assessment may only be
billed once per month. The Quality Assessment Report is
payable upon acceptance by the Contractor.
9.3 Invoicing
Invoices are to be submitted to:
GTE GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS CORPORATION 77 "A" STREET
NEEDHAM, MA 02194-9123
ATTENTION: Accounts Payable
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PAYMENT IS TO BE
REMITTED TO: American Computer
P.O. Box 630271
Baltimore, MD 21263-0271
9.4 Offsets and Reductions
Contractor reserves the right to withhold and offset any amounts due to
Subcontractor from Contractor under the terms of this Subcontract from
any payments due or which may become due to Subcontractor hereunder.
9.5 Release of Claims
As condition precedent to any payments under this Agreement, Contractor
may require the Subcontractor to furnish his affidavits that no liens or
rights in rem of any kind lie upon or have attached against the work, or
materials, article or equipment therefor, or any part thereof, either for
or on account of an work done upon or about such work, or any materials,
articles or equipment furnished therefore or in connection therewith, or
any other cause or things or any claims or demands of any kind (except
claims of the Government.)
9.6 The following provisions marked (X) when applicable are incorporated
in this Subcontract:
9.6.1 Progress Payments (X)
9.6.2 MILESTONE PAYMENTS (X)
10.0 WARRANTY OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES
10.1 The Subcontractor shall extend its commercial warranty normally
offered for all supplies and services furnished under this Subcontract
and warrant that the supplies and services will be free from defects in
material and workmanship and shall conform with the specifications and
other requirements of this Subcontract. Warranty will commence after
Contractor acceptance in accordance with paragraph 8.10, Acceptance.
10.2 All defective parts which are removed and replaced during the
warranty period shall become the property of the Subcontractor.
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10.3 Prior to the expiration of the warranty period, whenever equipment
is shipped for replacement or repair purposes, the Subcontractor shall
bear all the shipping costs, including but not limited to cost of
packing, transportation, rigging, drayage and insurance. The
Subcontractor shall also bear the responsibility for the supplies while
in transit.
10.4 The warranty shall not apply to maintenance required due to the
fault or negligence of the Contractor or Government or third persons
(e.g. vandal(s), saboteur(s), visitor(s), etc.) or due to Acts of God.
10.5 The Subcontractor will not be responsible for providing a warranty
on any Government Furnished Equipment (i.e. excess switches in the
Government inventory) provided under this Subcontract.
10.6 Replacement items that are provided in exchange for defective
equipment during warranty shall be warranted for the remainder of the
warranty period of the original equipment.
10.7 The performance of the operation and maintenance functions by
properly trained Government/Contractor personnel or their third party
designee shall not void or in any way vitiate Subcontractor's warranties.
11.0 SUBCONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY
The Subcontractor warrants that Subcontractor has reviewed all
specifications, drawings and documents that are applicable to this
Subcontract and agrees that deliverable items will meet or exceed all
requirements of this Subcontract.
12.0 LIAISON WITH THE CONTRACTOR'S CUSTOMER
Except in emergency situations or where authorized in the specification,
the Subcontractor shall not communicate with the Contractor's customer
regarding this Subcontract without the express written permission of the
Contractor. The Subcontractor shall provide assistance to the
Contractor, upon request, in the preparation for and/or conducting of
meetings with the Contractor's customer.
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The Subcontractor shall be responsible for immediately notifying the
Contractor by telephone, facsimile or telegram should the Contractors
Customer or anyone other than the Subcontractors suppliers communicate
in any manner directly with him regarding this Subcontract. All such
communications shall be referred to the Contractor. Communication(s) to
the Government from the Subcontractor and all other subcontractors to
the Government regarding this Subcontract shall be conducted through the
Contractor.
The Subcontractor shall notify the Contractor in writing of any
impending visit by Government personnel relative to this Subcontract or
its subcontractors facilities or on-site installation offices
immediately upon being advised thereof.
For the purpose of this clause, the Contractor's customer(s) is U.S.
Army CECOM.
12.1 This paragraph refers to work being performed on the LTLCS
Subcontract specifically and does not preclude American Computer and
Electronic Corp. from having liaison regarding common services provided
to the Government.
13.0 DEFENSE PRIORITY RATING
Subcontractor acknowledges that Contractor has informed it that the
Prime Contract has been assigned a Defense Order Rating DO-A7 and agrees
to extend this rating to this Subcontract and all lower tier
subcontractors and suppliers and to comply with the requirements of FAR
52.212-8.
14.0 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
The Subcontractor shall not disclose any information under this
Subcontract to any person unless (i) it is required for the performance
of this Subcontract, or (ii) the individual is specifically authorized
in writing by the Contractor to receive the information. Subcontractor
shall not in any manner, advertise or publish the fact that it has
furnished or has contracted to furnish the Contractor with any items
ordered unless authorized in writing by the Contractor.
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15.0 CERTIFICATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS
All the Subcontractor Certifications and Representations set forth in
Attachment (3)-Representation, Certification and Instructions are
incorporated into this Subcontract
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PART II
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
1.0 Disputes
1.1 Subcontractor Acknowledgment
The Subcontractor hereby acknowledges that the continued,
uninterrupted performance of this Subcontract is essential to the
interests of Contractor. The Subcontractor further acknowledges
that in consideration of and as an inducement for the award of this
Subcontract by Contractor, the Subcontractor agrees that all
disputes arising under or relating to this Subcontract shall be
determined solely in accordance with and subject to the provisions
of the "Disputes" clause as set forth herein.
1.2 Disputes Between Subcontractor and Contractor
All disputes between the parties shall be resolved to the extent
practicable by negotiation in good faith. Any dispute arising
under or relating to this Subcontract which cannot be resolved by
negotiation in good faith, shall be decided by Contractor upon
submission by the Subcontractor of a written claim as provided for
herein. Such decision shall be reduced to writing and a copy
thereof mailed or otherwise furnished to Subcontractor within sixty
(60) days, or within such sixty (60) days Contractor shall notify
the Subcontractor of the date by which such decision shall be made.
A claim by Contractor against the Subcontractor shall be subject
to a written decision by Contractor's Authorized Representative.
1.3 Notice of Disagreement
Within thirty (30) days after date of receipt of a decision denying
any such claim or within thirty (30) days after the date a decision
was required, Subcontractor shall notify Contractor in writing of
its disagreement with the decision. In the absence of such notice,
such decision shall be final and binding upon the Subcontractor.
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1.4 Appeal
Provided that Subcontractor notifies Contractor of its disagreement
as set forth above, and diligently proceeds with the performance of
this Subcontract in accordance with paragraph 1.6 below,
Subcontractor may appeal said decision by pursuing any right or
remedy it may have against Contractor at law or in equity in
accordance with Article 5 "Controlling Law, Venue and
Severability". Any such action must be commenced by Subcontractor
within one (1) year from the date of receipt by Contractor of such
notice of disagreement.
1.5 Duty to Proceed
Pending settlement or final resolution of any request for relief,
claim, decision, cause of action, appeal or judgment of any dispute
arising under or relating to this Subcontract, including any action
for actual or anticipated breach, Subcontractor shall diligently
proceed with the performance of this Subcontract in accordance with
the decision of Contractor pursuant to paragraph 1.3 above,
provided however, that Subcontractor shall not proceed to the
extent Contractor's decision, pursuant to paragraph 1.3 above,
directs Subcontractor not to proceed with the performance of all or
any part of this Subcontract.
1.6 Claim
As used in this clause, "claim" means a written demand or assertion
seeking, as a matter of right, the payment of money in a sum
certain, the adjustment or interpretation of Subcontract terms or
other relief arising under or relating to this Subcontract. Any
claim submitted for decision hereunder shall (i) specify the facts,
Subcontract terms and conditions and authorities relied upon by the
Subcontractor in support of the relief sought; (ii) be accompanied
by a certification executed by a senior company official in charge
at the Subcontractors plant or location involved or an officer or
general partner of the Subcontractor having overall responsibility
for the conduct of the Subcontractors affairs stating that: (1) the
claim is made in good faith; (2) all data supporting the claim are
accurate and complete to the best of the Subcontractors knowledge
and belief; (3) the amount requested accurately
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reflects the Subcontract adjustment for which the Subcontractor
believes Contractor is liable.
1.7 RESERVED
1.8 Amendment
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subcontract to the
contrary, Contractor specifically reserves the right to amend or
otherwise modify this Subcontract whenever required to implement
any Contractor decision or direction issued hereunder.
1.9 Survival
The rights and obligations described in this clause shall survive
completion of and final payment under this Subcontract.
2.0 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE CONTRACTOR (FIXED-PRICE) (FAR 52.249-2)
(1984 APR)
(a) The Contractor may terminate performance of work under this
subcontract in whole or, from time to time, in part, if the
Government determines that a termination is in the Government's
interest or when is ordered to terminate for the convenience of the
Government in accordance with FAR Government, 52.249-02. The
Contractor shall terminate by delivering to the Subcontractor a
Notice of Termination specifying the extent of termination and the
effective date.
(b) After receipt of a Notice of Termination and except as directed by
the Contractor, the Subcontractor shall immediately proceed with
the following obligations, regardless of any delay in determining
or adjusting any amounts due under this clause:
1. Stop work as specified in the notice.
2. Place no further lower tier subcontracts or orders (referred to
as subcontracts in this clause) for materials, services, or facilities
except as necessary to complete the continued portion of the Subcontract.
3. Terminate all orders or subcontracts to the extent they relate to
the work terminated.
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4. Assign to the Contractor or the Government, as directed by the
Contractor, all right, title and interest of the Subcontractor under the
subcontracts terminated, in which case the Contractor or the Government
shall have the right to settle or to pay any termination settlement
proposals arising out of those terminations.
5. With approval or ratification to the extent required by the
Contractor or the Contracting Officer, settle all outstanding
liabilities and termination settlement proposals arising from the
termination of subcontracts; the approval or ratification will be final
for purposes of this clause.
6. As directed by the Contractor, transfer title and deliver to
the Contractor or the Government (i) the fabricated or unfabricated
parts, work in process, completed work, supplies, and other material
produced or acquired for the work terminated, and (ii) the completed or
partially completed plans, drawings, information and other property
that, if the Subcontract or Prime Contract had been completed, would be
required to be furnished to the Contractor or the Government.
7. Complete performance of the work not terminated.
8. Take any action that may be necessary, or that the Contractor
may direct, for the protection and preservation of the property related
to this Subcontract that is in the possession of the Subcontractor and
in which the Contractor or the Government has or may acquire an interest.
9. Use its best efforts to sell, as directed or authorized by the
Contractor, any property of the types referred to in subparagraph (6)
above; provided, however, that the Subcontractor (i) is not required to
extend credit to any purchaser and (ii) may acquire the property under
the conditions prescribed by, and at prices approved by, the Contractor
and the Contracting Officer. The proceeds of any transfer or
disposition will be applied to reduce any payments to be made by the
Contractor under this Subcontract, credited to the price or cost of the
work, or paid in any other manner directed by the Contractor.
(c) After expiration of the plant clearance period as defined in Subpart
45.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Subcontractor may submit
to the Contractor a list, certified as to quantity and quality, of
termination inventory not previously
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disposed of, excluding items authorized for disposition by the
Contractor. The Subcontractor may request the Contractor or the
Government to remove those items or enter into an agreement for their
storage. Within 1 5 days, the Contractor or the Government will accept
title to those items and remove them or enter into a storage agreement.
The Contractor may verify the list upon removal of the items, or if
stored, within 45 days from submission of the list, and shall correct
the list, as necessary, before final settlement.
(d) After termination, the Subcontractor shall submit a final
termination settlement proposal to the Contractor in the form and with
the certification prescribed by the Contractor. The Subcontractor shall
submit the proposal promptly, but no later than six (6) months from the
effective date of termination, unless extended in writing by the
Contractor upon written request of the Contractor within this six (6)
month period. However, if the Contractor determines that the facts
justify it, a termination settlement proposal may be received and acted
on after six months or any extension. If the Subcontractor fails to
submit the proposal within the time allowed, the Contractor may
determine, on the basis of information available, the amount, if any,
due the Subcontractor because of the termination and shall pay the
amount determined.
(e) Subject to paragraph (d) above, the Subcontractor and the
Contractor may agree upon the whole or any part of the amount to be paid
because of the termination. The amount may include a reasonable
allowance for profit on work done. However, the agreed amount, whether
under this paragraph (e) or paragraph (f) below, exclusive of costs
shown in subparagraph (f)(3) below, may not exceed the total subcontract
price as reduced by (a) the amount of payments previously made, (2) the
Subcontract price of work not terminated, and (3) the amount received by
the Contractor from the Government for the same termination. The
Subcontract shall be amended, and the Subcontractor paid the agreed
amount. Paragraph (f) below shall not limit, restrict, or affect the
amount that may be agreed upon to be paid under this paragraph.
(f) If the Subcontractor and the Contractor fail to agree on the whole
amount to be paid because of the termination of work, the Contractor
shall pay the Subcontractor the amounts determined by the Contractor as
follows, but without duplication of any amounts agreed on under
paragraph (e) above:
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1. The subcontract price for completed supplies or services
accepted by the Contractor and the Government (or sold or acquired under
subparagraph (b)(9) above) not previously paid for, adjusted for any
savings of freight and other charges.
2. The total of --
(i) The costs incurred in the performance of the work
terminated, including initial costs and preparatory expenses allocable
thereto, but excluding any costs attributable to supplies or services
paid or to be paid under subparagraph (f)(1) above;
(ii) The cost of settling and paying termination settlement
proposals under terminated subcontract that are properly chargeable to
the terminated portion of the Subcontract if not included in subdivision
(i) above; and
(iii) A sum, as profit on subdivision (i) above, determined by
the Contracting Officer in determining the Contractor's claim against
the Government under 49.202 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, in
effect on the date of this Subcontract, to be fair and reasonable;
however, if it appears that the Subcontractor would have sustained a
loss on the entire Subcontract had it been completed, the Contractor
shall allow no profit under this subdivision (iii) and shall reduce the
settlement to reflect the indicated rate of loss.
3. The reasonable costs of settlement of the work terminated,
including--
(i) Accounting, legal, clerical, and other expenses
reasonably necessary for the preparation of termination settlement
proposals and supporting data;
(ii) The termination and settlement of subcontracts
(excluding the amounts of such settlements); and
(iii) Storage, transportation, and other costs incurred,
reasonably necessary for the preservation, protection or disposition of
the termination inventory.
(g) Except for normal spoilage, and except to the extent that the
Contractor or the Government expressly assumed the risk of
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loss, the Contractor shall exclude from the amounts payable to the
Subcontractor under paragraph (f) above, the fair value, as determined
by the Contractor, of property that is destroyed, lost, stolen, or
damaged so as to become undeliverable to the Contractor, the Government
or to a buyer.
(h) The cost principles and procedures of Part 31 of the Federal
Acquisition Regulation, in effect of the date of this Subcontract, shall
govern all costs claimed, agreed to, or determined under this clause.
(i) In arriving at the amount due the Subcontractor under this clause,
there shall be deducted--
1. All unliquidated advance or other payments to the Subcontractor
under the terminated portion of this Subcontract;
2. Any claim which the Contractor or the Government has against
the Subcontractor under this Subcontract.; and
3. The agreed price for, or the proceeds of sale of, materials,
supplies, or other things acquired by the Subcontractor or sold under
the provisions of this clause and not recovered by or credited to the
Contractor or the Government.
(j) the termination is partial, the Subcontractor may file a proposal
with the Contractor for an equitable adjustment of the price(s) of the
continued portion of the Subcontract. The Contractor shall make any
equitable adjustment agreed upon to the extent the Contractor is also
allowed the same equitable adjustment by the Government. Any proposal
by the Subcontractor for an equitable adjustment under this clause shall
be requested within sixty (60) days from the effective date of
termination unless extended in writing by the Contractor.
(k) (1) The Contractor may, under the terms and conditions it
prescribes, make partial payments and payments against cost incurred by
the Subcontractor for the terminated portion of the Subcontract, if the
Contractor believes the total of these payments will not exceed the
amount to which the Subcontractor will be entitled.
(2) If the total payments exceed the amount finally determined to
be due, the Subcontractor shall repay the excess to the Contractor upon
demand, together with interest computed
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at the rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury under 50 U.S.C.
APP. 1215 (b)(2). Interest shall be computed for the period from the
date the excess payment is received by the Subcontractor to the date the
excess is repaid. Interest shall not be charged on any excess payment
due to a reduction in the Subcontractors termination settlement proposal
because of retention or other disposition of termination inventory until
10 days after the date of the retention or disposition, or a later date
determined by the Contractor because of the circumstances.
(l) Unless otherwise provided in this Subcontract or by statute, the
Subcontractor shall maintain all records and documents relating to the
terminated portion of this Subcontract for four (4) years after final
settlement. This includes all books and other evidence bearing on the
Subcontractors costs and expenses under this Subcontract. The
Subcontractor shall make these records and documents available to the
Contractor or the Government, at the Subcontractors office, at all
reasonable times, without any direct charge. If approved by the
Contractor, photographs, microphotographs, or other authentic
reproductions may, be maintained instead of original records and
documents.
3.0 DEFAULT
(a) (1) The Contractor may, subject to paragraphs (c) and (d) below, by
written notice of default to the Subcontractor, terminate this
Subcontract in whole or in part if the Subcontractor fails to --
(i) Deliver the supplies or to perform the services within
the time specified in this Subcontract or any extension;
(ii) Make progress, so as to endanger performance of this
Subcontract (but see subparagraph (a)(2) below); or
(iii) Perform any of the other provisions of this Subcontract
(but see paragraph (a)(2) below).
(2) The Contractor's right to terminate this Subcontract under
subdivisions (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) above, may be exercised if the
Subcontractor does not cure such failure within ten (1 0) days (or more
if authorized in writing by the Contractor) after receipt of the notice
from the Contractor specifying the failure. Payments, including fee,
will be made on all efforts
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not related to the default issues and will be provided in accordance
with the terms of this Subcontract.
(b) If the Contractor terminates this Subcontract in whole or in part,
the Contractor may acquire, under the terms and in the manner the
Contractor considers appropriate, supplies or services similar to those
terminated, and the Subcontractor will be liable to the Contractor for
any excess costs for those supplies or services. However, the
Subcontractor shall continue the work not terminated.
(c) Except for defaults of subcontractors at any tier, the
Subcontractor shall not be liable for any excess costs if the failure to
perform this Subcontract arises from cause beyond the control and
without the fault or negligence of the Subcontractor. Examples of such
cause include (1) acts of God, (2) acts of the government in either its
sovereign or contractual capacity, (3) fires, (4) floods, (5) epidemics,
(6) quarantine restrictions, 171, strikes, (8) freight embargoes, and
(9) unusually severe weather. In each instance the failure to perform
must go beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the
Subcontractor.
(d) If the failure to perform is caused by the default of a
Subcontractor at any tier, and if the cause of the default is beyond the
control of both the Subcontractor and lower tier subcontractor, and
without the fault or negligence of either, the Subcontractor shall not
be liable for any excess costs for failure to perform, unless the
subcontracted supplies or services were obtainable from other sources in
sufficient time for the Subcontractor to meet the required delivery
schedule.
(e) If this Subcontract is terminated for default, the Contractor may
require the Subcontractor to transfer title and deliver to the
Contractor or the Government, as directed by the Contractor, any (1)
completed supplies, and (2) partially completed supplies and materials,
parts, tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, plans, drawings, information, and
contract rights (collectively referred to as "manufacturing materials"
in this clause) that the Subcontractor has specifically produced or
acquired for the terminated portion of this Subcontract. Upon direction
of the Contractor, the Subcontractor shall also protect and preserve
property in its possession in which the Contractor or the Government has
an interest.
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(f) The Contractor shall pay the Subcontract price for completed
supplies delivered and accepted. The Subcontractor and Contractor shall
agree on the amount of payment for manufacturing materials delivered and
accepted and for the protection and preservation of the property.
Failure to agree will be a dispute under the applicable clause of this
Subcontract. The Contractor may withhold from these amounts any sum the
Contractor determines to be necessary to protect the Contractor or the
Government against loss because of outstanding liens or claims of former
lien holders.
(g) If, after termination, it is determined that the Subcontractor was
not in default, or that the default was excusable, the rights and
obligations of the Parties shall be the same as if the termination had
been issued for the convenience of the Contractor or the Government.
(h) The rights and remedies of the Contractor or the Government in this
clause are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law
or under this Subcontract.
4.0 STOP-WORK ORDER
4.1 The Contractor may, at any time, by written order to the
Subcontractor, require the Subcontractor to stop all, or any part, of
the work called for by this Subcontract for a period of 90 days after
the stop-work order is delivered to the Subcontractor, and for any
further period to which the parties may agree. The order shall be
specifically identified as a stop-work order issued under this clause.
Upon receipt of the order, the Subcontractor shall immediately comply
with its terms and take all reasonable steps to minimize the incurrence
of costs allocable to the work covered by the order during the period of
work stoppage. Within a period of 90 days after a stop-work order is
delivered to the Subcontractor, or within any extension of that period
to which the parties shall have agreed, the Contractor shall either --
1. Cancel the stop-work order; or
2. Terminate the work covered by the order as provided in the
Default, or the Termination for Convenience clause of this Subcontract.
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4.2 If a stop-work order issued under this clause is canceled or the
period of the order or any extension thereof expires, the Subcontractor
shall resume work. The Contractor shall make an equitable adjustment in
the delivery schedule or subcontract price or both, and the Subcontract
shall be modified, in writing, accordingly, if --
1. The stop-work order results in an increase in the time required
for, or in the Subcontractors costs properly allocable to, the
performance of any part of this Subcontract; and
2. The Subcontractor asserts a claim for the adjustment within 20
business days after the end of the period of work stoppage; provided,
that, if the Contractor decides the facts justify the action, the
Contractor may receive and act upon the claim asserted at any time
before final payment under this Subcontract.
4.3 If a stop-work order is not canceled and the work covered by the
order is terminated in accordance with the Termination for Convenience
Clause, the Contractor shall allow reasonable costs resulting from the
stop-work order in arriving at the termination settlement.
4.4 If stop-work order is not canceled and the work covered by the
order is terminated for default, the Contractor shall allow, by
equitable adjustment or otherwise, reasonable costs resulting from the
stop-work order.
5.0 ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING
5.1 Subcontractor shall not assign any interest herein, in whole or in
part, without the prior written consent of the Contractor.
5.2 Neither all nor substantially all of the work to be performed under
this Subcontract may be further subcontracted by Subcontractor without
the prior written consent of Contractor.
6.0 VALUE ENGINEERING CHANGE PROPOSALS
6.1 All VECP's will be in accordance with FAR 52-248-01 (APR 84) as
modified by 86 DEV 26.
Pursuant to 86 DEV 26 -
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(a) Immediately after subparagraph (b)(3), add the following
subparagraph (4).
(4) Annual acquisition savings, which are the net reduction in
acquisition cost to the Government of an item, resulting from an
accepted VECP which the Government determines to reduce the quantity
requirement on either the instant contract, concurrent and/or future
contracts during the sharing period.
(b) Delete the definition of "instant unit cost reduction" in
subparagraph (b) and substitute the following:
"Instant unit cost reduction" means the amount of the decrease in unit
cost of performance (without deducting any Contractors development or
implementation cost) resulting from using the VECP on the instant
contract or the amount of savings in annual acquisition cost per unit
resulting from the procurement of a reduced total annual demand. In
service contracts, the instant unit cost reduction is normally equal to
the number of hours per line item task saved by using the VECP on the
instant contract, multiplied by the appropriate contract labor rate.
Unit cost reduction for savings in annual acquisition cost will be
determined by Old annual demand (OAD) of the old part multiplied by the
old unit cost (OUC) minus "new" annual demand (NAD) of the new part
multiplied by the new unit cost (NUC) and this quantity divided by the
"new" annual demand (NAD) or (OAD)(OUC)-(NAD)(NUC))/(NAD).
Whenever the Subcontractor submits a Value Engineering Change Proposal
(VECP) under the Value Engineering Clause of this subcontract, the
proposal, regardless of classification, will be prepared and submitted
on DD Form(s) 16921 through -6, in accordance with Appendix A,
MIL-STD-480B. Each Value Engineering Change Proposal submitted will be
identified by stamping or printing `VECP' 1/2 inch high at top and
bottom of each EGP sheet, with a statement at the top of the ECP Form
reading "Value Engineering Change Pursuant to Value Engineering Clause
in Section I."
6.2 No engineering change will be made by the Subcontractor unless he
is notified in writing by the Contractor to do so. The VECP shall be
accompanied by an SF 141 1, Contract Pricing Proposal, with sufficient
supporting cost details to determine
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the change in the price of the items and, data items of the Subcontract.
If the VECP requires that changes be made to Technical Publication, the
changes will be described in the VECP and the supporting cost details
will be shown on an SFI 41 1.
6.3 The Subcontractor shall submit an original and 1 0 copies of the
VECP to the Contractor.
7.0 CURRENT TECHNOLOGY SUBSTITUTIONS/ADDITIONS
7.1 The Subcontractor, upon commercial announcement of new components
that can be technically and economically substituted or added for items
listed in this subcontract, shall offer said items for addition or
substitution. These item(s) may be accepted at the option of the
Contractor, provided at least equivalent performance with economic
benefits or significantly enhanced performance is achieved. Acceptance
of any new components shall be in accordance with the Changes Clause,
FAR 52.243-1 and/or 52.243-3 and will be subject to the provisions
contained therein.
7.2 In no event will the prices for the particular item be in excess of
the price charged to the Subcontractors most favored commercial
customer/distributor, whichever is less.
8.0 INSURANCE SCHEDULE
8.1 Pursuant to FAR 52.228-05, (Insurance - Work on a Government
Installation) and FAR 52.228-07 (Insurance - Liability to Third
Persons), the Subcontractor shall maintain as a minimum the types of
insurance and coverage set forth in FAR 28.307-2.
8.2 The Subcontractor will comply with all Federal and State laws
pertaining to workmen's compensation and employers liability coverage
and any other insurance coverage required by law. The Subcontractor
further agrees to continue such coverage in effect during the
performance of this Subcontract and to notify the Contractor of any
changes in such coverage.
8.3 Prior to start of work, the Subcontractor shall furnish to the
Contractor a certificate or written statement of the required insurance
as well as a copy of the insurance policy. The required insurance
policies shall contain an endorsement to the effect that cancellation or
any material change in the
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insurance policies shall not be effective for the period prescribed by
the laws of the state in which this contract is performed and in no
event less than thirty (30) days after written notification to the
Contractor whichever period is longer.
8.4 The Subcontractor agrees to insert the substance of this clause,
including this paragraph, in all subcontracts hereunder.
9.0 RISK OF LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PURCHASED EQUIPMENT
Title and risk of loss passes to the Contractor upon acceptance, except
for loss or damage caused by nuclear reaction, nuclear radiation,
radioactive contamination for which the Government is legally liable or
when loss or damage is due to the negligence of the Contractor or the
Government. Risk of loss to equipment, accessories and devices rented
under this Subcontract shall remain with the Subcontractor.
10.0 NOTICE OF LOSS OR DAMAGE
The Subcontractor shall be liable for any loss of or damage to
Contractor or Government property caused by negligence, theft, or
willful misconduct of the Subcontractor, his agents, servants, and
employees, and shall indemnify and save the Contractor and Government
harmless against all actions, proceedings, claims, demands, costs,
damages and expenses, including attorneys fees, by reason of any suit or
action predicated thereon for any actual or alleged injury to or
resulting from the performance of the Subcontract. The Subcontractor
shall submit a full written report to the Contractor within 16 hours
following the Subcontractor's knowledge of occurrence of such damage,
loss or injury.
11.0 LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE
The Subcontractor shall indemnify and save harmless the Contractor and
Government, Rs officer, agents, and employees against all actions,
proceedings, claims, demands, cost, damage, and expenses, including
attorney's fees by reason of any suit or action brought for any actual
or alleged injury to or death of any person or damage to property,
including the property furnished by the Contractor or the Government for
use of Subcontractor, if any, resulting from the performance
subcontracted for herein, if the loss or damage is determined to
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have been caused by the negligence, theft, or willful misconduct of the
Subcontractor, his agents, or employees.
12.0 SAFETY AND HEALTH
12.1 The Subcontractor will comply with all Department of Army (DA)
Safety and Health regulations and Department of Labor, Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards.
12.2 The Subcontractor shall report an incident basis. All
Subcontractor accidents occurring on Government property resulting in
loss of one full scheduled shift or $1,000.00 in damage to Government
property must be submitted to the Contractor on a DA Form 285.
13.0 SUBCONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
13.1 The Subcontractor is responsible for selecting personnel who are
well qualified to perform under this Subcontract, for supervising the
techniques used in performance and for keeping them informed of all
improvements, changes, methods or operations.
13.2 The Subcontractor shall have the right to replace or transfer his
personnel and to substitute other personnel of equal or greater
qualification in lieu thereof, provided that such transfers or
replacements will not cause a delay in performance.
13.3 The Subcontractor shall insure that his personnel are not placed in
a position:
13.3.1 Where they are appointed or employed by Government
personnel, or are under the supervision, direction or evaluation of
military or civilian Government personnel.
13.3.2 Of staff or policy decision making for the Government.
13.3.3 Of command, supervision, administration, or control over DA
military or civilian personnel, or become a part of the Government.
13.3.4 Involving administration or supervision of US Government
contracting activities.
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13.3.5 The services performed under this Subcontract do not
require the Subcontractor or his employee(s) to exercise personal
judgment and discretion on behalf of the Government, but rather the
Subcontractors employee(, act and exercise personal judgment and
discretion on behalf of the Subcontractor.
13.3.6 Rules, regulations, directions and requirements issued by
command authorities under their responsibility for good order,
administration, safety and security apply to all personnel who enter the
installation or who travel by Government transportation. The
Subcontractor will not construe or interpret this to establish any
degree of Government control which is inconsistent with a nonpersonal
services contract.
14.0 PERMITS, TAXES, LICENSES, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS
Subcontractor shall, at his own expense, obtain all necessary permits,
give all notices, pay all license fees and taxes, comply with all
Federal, State, municipal, county and local Board of Health ordinances,
rules and regulations applicable to the business carded on under this
contract and be responsible for all applicable State and Use Taxes. The
Subcontractor warrants that he has been duly authorized to operate and
do business in the countries in which this contract is to be performed;
that he has obtained, at no cost to the U.S. Government, all necessary
license and permits required with this contract; and that he will fully
comply with all the laws, decrees, labor standards and regulations of
such countries during performance of this contract.
15.0 NORMAL WORKING HOURS
The Subcontractor shall schedule his working hours to coincide with the
work hours of each location. No work shall be performed during other
work days or during other work hours without written authority of the
Contractor. Subcontractor acknowledges that the Contractor will be
required to obtain the advance written authorization of the PCO or the
COR. Requests must be submitted to the Contractor a minimum of five
working days prior to the intended effort.
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16.0 LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS
The Subcontractor is responsible for knowledge and compliance with all
local, state and federal regulations which may have impact on the
performance of this Subcontract. These include, but are not limited to,
laws and regulations pertaining to environmental laws such as hazardous
material handling and Administration (OSHA) regulations, requirements
imposed by historical commissions and landmark preservation committees.
17.0 THIRD PARTY EQUIPMENT/SYSTEM/SOFTWARE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
TRAINING AND/OR CERTIFICATION
It is expressly acknowledged and agreed that Subcontractor will provide
training for purchased equipment, systems, and software; for operation
and maintenance; and/or certification of Government personnel and/or its
authorized agents as contemplated by 47 CFR Section 68.216 and 68.218. The
term "authorized agents" as used herein includes third parties who have
been or may be awarded contracts for operation and maintenance of
telephone equipment, system, and software at locations specified in this
solicitation. The phrase `Government personnel" or "Government
employees" as used in this Subcontract and attachments and exhibits is
deemed to include third party and/or local nationals (or combination of
both) operation and maintenance personnel.
18.0 THIRD PARTY EQUIPMENT/SYSTEM/SOFrWARE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
18.1 It is expressly acknowledged and agreed that the Government
operates and maintains all items purchased under the KTU, JTU, CTMP,
MTMP and MCP Contracts, including software:
18.1.1 Completely by Government personnel, or
18.1.2 Completely by contracting out to a commercial
contractor (third party designee), or
18.1.3 A combination of 18.1.1 and 18.1.2
18.2 The Subcontractor shall agree that the performance of the operation
and maintenance functions by properly trained Government personnel or
the Government's third party designee shall not void or in any way
vitiate Subcontractor warranties made herein of the items and services
provided under this Subcontract.
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18.3 It is understood that the Subcontractors warranties do not cover
any damage caused by the Government.
19.0 RIGHTS IN TECHNICAL DATA AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE
19.1 All data, drawings, analysis, reports which are generated or are an
element of performance of this Subcontract or which were developed at
Government Contractor expense under a previous Prime Contract or
Subcontract and are required to be delivered under this contract shall
be considered deliverable data with unlimited rights and shall be made
available to the Contractor upon the Contractor's request, within the
price set forth in this Subcontract. The Parties rights and obligations
shall be consistent with the FAR and DFAR clauses referenced In General
Provisions, Part III.
19.2 All software, including documentation, required to be delivered
under this contract is Commercial Computer Software developed at private
expense and is provided with Restricted Rights. U.S. Government rights
are defined by subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the "Rights in Technical Data
and Computer Software" (Oct 1988) clause of DoD FAR Supplement
252.227-7013. Additionally, all hardware to be delivered was developed
at private expense and remains proprietary. All data required to be
delivered regarding such hardware, if any, shall be delivered with
Limited Rights unless otherwise marked by the manufacturer. GTE
acknowledges American Computer and Electronics Corporation's
certification letter ser: M93-0894 on Rights and Data.
20.0 TRAVEL EXPENSES
Reimbursement under this Subcontract for travel costs incurred by
Subcontractor personnel in support of the Quality Assessment, Field
Service Support (except for Long Term Support in Japan or Korea) and
Emergency Technical Assistance will be reimbursed in accordance with the
Contract, Travel Regulations (JTR) in effect at the time of travel. See
Attachment 4 for example of current FAR/JTR regulations.
21.0 ENGLISH LANGUAGE DOCUMENTATION
All Subcontractor prepared material and correspondence to be furnished
under the Subcontract shall be written in the English language, and all
measurements shall be in the English linear measure and avoirdupois
weight systems.
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22.0 NON-WAIVER OF RIGHTS
The failure or delay of Contractor to insist upon strict performance of
any of the terms and conditions in the Subcontract or to exercise any
rights or remedies, shall not be construed as a waiver of its rights to
assert any of the same or to rely on any such terms or conditions at any
time thereafter. The invalidity in whole or in part of any term or
condition of this Subcontract shall not affect the validity of other
parts hereof.
23.0 PRE-PRODUCTION START-UP AND OTHER NON-RECURRING COSTS
The Subcontractor agrees that all pre-production, start-up and other
nonrecurring costs, as defined in FAR 15.804-6(f), that are not included
in the price(s) of the items specified herein, will not be charged to
the Government or the Contractor in any future noncompetitive pricing
action.
24.0 INDEMNIFICATION FOR DEFECTIVE COST OR PRICING DATA
If any price, including profit or fee, negotiated under this contractual
agreement was increased by any significant sums because the
Subcontractor, or any lower-tier Subcontractor pursuant to the clause of
this contractual agreement entitled "Subcontractor Cost and Pricing
Data, furnished cost or pricing data that was not current, accurate or
complete as certified in Subcontractor's Certificate of Current Cost or
Pricing Data and is cause for reduction by the Government Contracting
Officer of the price of Contractors Prime Contract to which this order
is charged, Subcontractor shall indemnify Contractor for any actual loss
or damage caused by the failure of such data to be as certified. As
used herein, actual loss or damage means the dollar amount by which the
prime contract price is reduced by the Government's Contracting Officer,
excluding Contractor interest, profit, fees, overhead, G&A and in no
event shall such losses or damages include any consequential damages.
The parties shall negotiate in good faith concerning the existence,
extent and amount of any indemnity claimed to be due under this clause.
If the parties cannot agree through these negotiations, then the
existence, extent and amount of any claimed indemnity shall be a dispute
concerning a question of fact within the meaning of the article of this
Subcontract entitled "Disputes."
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25.0 SUBCONTRACT FLOWDOWN REQUIREMENTS
Subcontractor agrees to include in its subcontracts any provisions
required by the FAR and DFAR or other sections of this Subcontract to be
flowed down to all subcontractors. Subcontractor agrees to furnish all
information requested by Contractor respective to such subcontracts.
26.0 SUBCONTRACTOR ACCESS TO INSTALLATIONS
Each installation will identify the appropriate procedures and policies
regarding Subcontractor access to the areas where services will be
required. Clarification of Terms: "installation", "site", "facility"
and "Government" shall be deemed to mean "U.S. Government".
27.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED SUPPORT
27.1 Administrative Support. Government furnished support on-site will
be limited to provision of office space and office equipment, for
administrative purposes, for approximately 3-5 people. Telephone
Service will be provided on a reimbursable basis if not available from
the local commercial source. GFE office equipment is limited to one
desk, one chair and one to two filing cabinets per individual as
required.
27.2 Facilities Support. The Government will provide storage space as
available and agreed to by the Government, Contractor and the
Subcontractor.
27.3 The Subcontractor may utilize Government owned and controlled (not
previously furnished as GFP under another contract), tools and test
equipment (TMDE) located at the system location on a non-interference
basis. This equipment will be considered on loan for the period of use,
except as detailed in FAR 52.245-4, "Government Furnished Property
(Short Form)." The Subcontractor shall be responsible for repair or
replacement of GFP damaged or lost during the loan period. In the event
that any GFP must be sent off site for repair, the Subcontractor will
provide a like item to be used while the Government-owned equipment is
being repaired. The loan of any item as well as shipping and repair
will be performed at no additional cost to the Government and will be
coordinated with the Contractor.
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28.0 PASSPORTS AND VISAS
All Subcontractor personnel shall possess all required passports and
visas and will have obtained all required immunizations prior to such
employment. in addition, the Subcontractor shall obtain for those
personnel departing from CONUS all necessary security clearances and
identification. Inability by the Subcontractor to obtain, or delay in
obtaining required passports, visas or other requirements in conjunction
therewith, shall not be construed as a for an visas and immunizations
are solely those of the Subcontractor, and are not excusable delay in
performance of the Subcontract. Expense or passports, direct
reimbursable hereunder.
29.0 REQUEST OVERSEAS AREA CLEARANCES, TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION ORDERS,
LOGISTICAL PRIVILEGES AND SECURITY CLEARANCES
The Subcontractor shall submit a request for Travel Authorization
Orders, Logistical Privileges and Security Clearances to the Contractor.
The Subcontractor must allow thirty days for the Contractor to solicit
and obtain Government approval of overseas clearances for Subcontractor
personnel. The Subcontractor will have personnel on-site within 45 days
after subcontract award as required by the Contractor. Failure to
obtain such clearances shall not excuse timely contract performance. As
a minimum, the request shall include the following:
a. Subject:
b. Last, First, Middle Name of Visitor:
c. Passport Information: Number and date of issue
d. Position:
e. Citizenship:
f. Social Security Number:
g. Date/Place of Birth:
h. Security Clearance: Date/Agency of Issue
i. Date, Purpose of Duration of Visit:
j. Subcontract Number:
k. Prime Contract. Number:
30.0 SUPPORT IN HOST COUNTRY
30.1 The United States citizen Subcontractor employees who are
authorized entry to the overseas command will be authorized the
following Logistical Support Services with the approval of the
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applicable site commander, subject to availability, and in accordance
with Army costing methods:
30.1.1 Civilian Personnel Administrative Services (Reimbursable)
30.1.2 Legal Services (Reimbursable)
30-1.3 Mail Pickup and Delivery (Nonreimbursable)
30-1.4 Administrative Office Space (Reimbursable)
30-1.5 Custodial/Disposal Services (Reimbursable)
30-1.6 Fire Protection (Nonreimbursable)
30-1.7 Police Services (Nonreimbursable)
30-1.8 Housing/Lodging (Reimbursable)
30-1.9 Laundry and Dry Cleaning (Reimbursable)
30.1.10 Health Services (Reimbursable)
30.1.11 Utilities Services (Reimbursable)
30.1.12 Real Property Maintenance (Reimbursable/Nonreimbursable)
30.1.13 Chaplain/Religious Services (Nonreimbursable)
30.1.14 Social Actions (Nonreimbursable)
30.1.15 Expendable/General Supplies (Reimbursable)
30.1.16 Commissary and Base Exchange Privileges (Reimbursable)
30.1.17 Use of Military Banking Facilities (Reimbursable)
30.1.18 Telephone/Message Services (Reimbursable)
30.1.19 Pet and Firearm Registration (Reimbursable)
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30.1.20 Ground Transportation (Regularly Scheduled
Nonreimbursable); taxi, U-Drive and Rental Reimbursable)
30.1.21 Mortuary Services (Reimbursable) The support/facilities
to be provided shall be further defined by the Contractor
on a site-by-site basis.
30.1.22 Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration
30.1.23 Use of Officer's and NCO Clubs
30.1.24 Government Messing Facilities
30.1.25 Local and Government Recreational Facilities
(Space Available)
30.1-26 Subcontractor personnel may travel by military aircraft in
host country subject to availability.
30.2 Subcontractor employee dependents who are authorized entry to the
overseas command will also be authorized the above logistical support
with the approval of the applicable site commander, subject to
availability, and in accordance with Army costing methods.
30.3 Subcontractor employees requests for Logistic Support and
Privileges while in Host Country will be processed through the
Contractor.
31.0 SUBCONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE IN SUPPORT Of WARTIME OR CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS
It is hereby understood and agreed by Subcontractor that in the event of
the outbreak of hostilities in the area or contiguous area which is
being serviced in accordance with this Subcontract, the Subcontractor
shall not be relieved of the requirements of the Subcontract in that
area during the period of hostilities, provided these services are
considered mission essential by the Government Point of Contact as
identified in the applicable Purchase Order, but only to the extent that
qualified personnel willing to provide services in such an area are
available. Subcontractor personnel and dependents will be integrated
into Government contingency plans and afforded the
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same protection and priority for evacuation as U.S. Government
personnel. The Government will provide security, housing and messing
facilities for Subcontractor personnel and dependents if conditions
warrant. The return to the Subcontractors plant of any personnel not
willing to serve in such an area shall be determined to be for the
convenience of the Government. However, every reasonable effort will be
made by the Subcontractor to provide uninterrupted services of qualified
personnel.
32.0 CONFORMITY TO JAPANESE LAWS AND REGULATIONS (Applies to JTLJ site only)
The Subcontractor shall be responsible for assuring that employees
performing services on behalf of the Subcontractor under this
Subcontract comply, while in Japan, with the applicable Laws and
Regulations of the Government of Japan (GOJ) and political Subdivisions
thereof. In addition, the Subcontractor's employees must comply with
the military rules and regulations when employed in areas under the
jurisdiction of the Commander, U.S. Forces Japan. In the event that a
Subcontractors employee is barred from continuing to perform under the
Subcontract for failure to comply with the Laws, Rules and Regulations
described in the foregoing paragraph, any costs incurred by the
Subcontractor as a result of the removal of the employee or the
substitution of a replacement employee for the overseas assignment shall
not be allowed. The disallowed costs include relocation costs incurred
by the Subcontractor to furnish a substitute employee for the overseas
assignment. The Subcontractor shall be responsible for obtaining the
required authorization and licenses from the Government of Japan (GOJ)
necessary for the performance of this Subcontract. The Subcontractor
shall comply with the applicable articles of the Status of Forces
Agreement (SOFA) between the U.S. Government and the Government of Japan
(GOJ).
33.0 SUBCONTRACTOR OR TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVES STATUS-REPUBLIC OF KOREA (ROK)
(Applies to Korea sites only)
33.1 As obtained through the Contractor's Prime Contract,
Invited-Subcontractor or technical representatives status under the
US-ROK Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) is subject to the written
approval of HO USFK, Attn.: ACJ, APO SF 96301 -001 0.
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33.2 The Contractor and the Government will coordinate with the HQ USFK
in accordance with DFARS subpart 25.77 and USFK Reg. 799-19. The
ACofs, Acquisition Management, HO USFK, will determine the appropriate
Subcontractor status under the SOFA and notify the Government of the
determination.
33.3 Subject to the Government provision of the above approval to
Contractor based upon Subcontractors timely submittal of required
documentation, the Subcontractor, including their employees and lawful
dependents, may be accorded such privileges and exemptions as specified
in the US-ROK SOFA and implemented per USFK Reg. 799-19, subject to the
conditions and limitations imposed by the SOFA and that regulation.
These privileges and exemptions may be furnished during the performance
period of the Subcontract, subject to their availability and provided
the invited Contractor or technical representatives status is not
withdrawn by USFK.
33.4 The Subcontractor officials and employees performing under this
contract collectively and separately warrant that they are not now
performing nor will perform during the period of this Subcontract, any
Subcontract, service or otherwise engage in business activities in the
ROK other than those pertaining to the U.S. Armed Forces.
33.5 During performance of work in the ROK required by this Subcontract,
the Subcontract will be governed by USFK regulations pertaining to the
direct hiring and the personnel administration of Korean National
employees.
33.6 The authorities of the ROK will have the right to exercise
jurisdiction over invited contractors and technical representatives
including officials and employees, and their dependents, for offenses
committed in the ROK and punishable by the Laws of the ROK. In
recognition of the role of such persons in the defense of the ROK, they
will be subject to the provisions of paragraph 5, 7(b), and 9 of the
US-ROK SOFA and the related agreed minutes of SOFA, Article XXII. In
those cases in which the authorities of the ROK decide not to exercise
jurisdiction, they shall notify the US Military authorities as soon as
possible. On such notification, the military authorities will have the
right to exercise such jurisdiction over the person(s) referred to, as
is conferred on them by the law of the United States.
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33.7 Invited-Contractors and technical personnel agree to cooperate
fully with the USFK sponsoring agency and responsible officer on all
matters pertaining to logistical support. In particular, Subcontractors
will provide prompt and accurate reporting of changes in employee status
as required by this regulation to the assigned sponsoring agency. all
U.S. Subcontractors performing work on classified subcontracts will
report to the nearest Security Police Information Security Section for
the geographical area where the contract is to be performed.
33.8 Invited-Contractor and technical representatives status will be
withdrawn by USFK upon:
33.8.1 Completion of termination of the Contract.
33.8.2 Proof that the Subcontractor or its employees are engaged
in business activities in the ROK or are violating USFK regulations.
33.8.3 Proof that the Subcontractor or its employees are engaged
in practices illegal in the ROK or are violating USFK regulations.
33.9 It is agreed that the withdrawal of the invited Contractor or
technical representative status or any of the privileges associated
therewith by the U.S. Government will or not constitute grounds for
excusable delay by the Subcontractor in the performance of the
Subcontractor, nor will it justify or excuse the Subcontractor
defaulting the performance of this Subcontract; and such withdrawal will
not serve as a basis for the filing of any claims against the U.S.
Government if withdrawal is made for the reasons stated above. Under no
circumstances will the withdrawal of such status privileges be
considered or construed as a breach of contract by the U.S. Government.
The determination to withdraw SOFA status and privileges by USFK be
final and binding on the parties unless ft is patently arbitrary,
capricious and lacking in good faith.
34.0 UNCOMPENSATED OVERTIME
36.1 Uncompensated overtime or extended workweek refers to hours worked
by exempt employees in excess of the employees normal (non-overtime)
workday or workweek. Being exempt, the employees are not paid for those
"excess" hours. Such effort
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will not be a billable charge under this Subcontract. The Subcontractor
will not invoice or charge the Contractor in any way for hours worked
(performed) under this Subcontract in excess of an exempt employees
"normal: workday or workweek.
36.2 The Subcontractor hereby agrees not to charge the Contractor for
uncompensated overtime. That is, the Subcontractor will not invoice or
charge the Subcontractor ir, any way for work performed under this
Subcontract unless the employee performing such work is entitled to
receive payment for that work.
35.0 SCOPE CHANGES TO BASELINE
37.1 It is anticipated the Government may increase the number of
switches at a site or the number of switch sites. However, no data
currently exists to accurately predict the scope or density. Services
may be ordered at the option of the Contractor.
37.2 The information provided by this contract for all current and
potential future sites shall be considered to reflect the standard
configuration for that site. The Subcontract price will be adjusted if
the site is configured differently at the time a purchase order is
issued.
37.3 The cost of the "Per Course" training items will be increased by
l/6th for each additional student over six (6). The Contractor will
provide live, dedicated equipment for all courses taught on site.
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PART III
GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. In addition to the clauses specifically set forth herein, this
Subcontract is subject to and the Subcontractor will comply with the
below listed provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and
DoD FAR Supplement (DFAR) modified to the extent indicated, and which
are incorporated herein by reference with the same force and effect as
though set forth at length.
B. The changes noted in this paragraph (B)(i) through (v) below are
applicable to all clauses of the FAR and DFAR referenced in this Part
III as General Provisions of this subcontract unless otherwise
specifically noted at the clause as it appears:
(i) The term "Contract" means this "Subcontract."
(ii) The term "Subcontract" means "Lower Tier Subcontract".
(iii) The term "Contractor" means "Subcontractor" or "Seller.
(iv) The term "Contracting Officer -.means the GTE Government Systems
duly authorized representative unless otherwise indicated.
(v) The term "Government" means "GTE GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS CORPORATION,"
or "Buyer" unless otherwise indicated.
C. The FAR and DFAR clauses incorporated herein are those in effect on the
dates specified in this Part 111.
D. It is the intention of the parties hereto that the above substitutions
shall obligate the Subcontractor directly to the Contractor, where
applicable, in the same manner as if it were the Government referred to
herein.
E. Pursuant to the General Provision clauses FAR 52.227-7013, "Rights in
Technical Data and Computer Software' the acquisition of the rights in
technical data and computer software prescribed by these clauses, is by
the Government and not the Contractor.
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CLAUSE DESCRIPTION
52.202-1 DEFINITIONS (APR 84)
52.203-1 OFFICIALS NOT TO BENEFIT (APR 84)
52.203-3 GRATUITIES (APR 84)
52.203-5 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (APR 84)
52.203-6 RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE GOVERNMENT (JUL 85)
TERM "GOVERNMENT" MEANS BOTH CONTRACTOR AND U.S. GOVERNMENT
52.203-7 ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (OCT 88)
52.203-8 REQUIREMENT FOR CERTIFICATE OF PROCUREMENT INTEGRITY (SEP 90)
52.203-9 REQUIREMENT FOR CERTIFICATE FOR PROCUREMENT INTEGRITY
(MODIFICATION) (NOV 90)
52.203-10 PRICE OR FEE ADJUSTMENT FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY (SEP 90)
52.203-11 CERTIFICATION AND DISCLOSURE REGARDING PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE
CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (JAN 90)
52.203-12 LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS
(JAN 90)
52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT'S INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH
CONTRACTORS DEBARRED, SUSPENDED OR PROPOSED FOR D DISBARRMENT
ENT (MAY 89)
52.210-5 NEW MATERIAL (APR 84)
52.210-7 USED OR RECONDITIONED MATERIAL, RESIDUAL INVENTORY, AND FORMER
GOVERNMENT SURPLUS PROPERTY (APR 84)
THE TERM GOVERNMENT RETAINS ITS ORIGINAL MEANING
52.212-8 DEFENSE PRIORITY AND ALLOCATIONS REQUIREMENTS (SEP 90)
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52.215-1 EXAMINATION OF RECORDS BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL (APR 84)
52.215-2 AUDIT-NEGOTIATION APR 841%
THE TERM "CONTRACTING OFFICER" SHALL RETAIN ITS ORIGINAL
MEANING. IF THE GOVERNMENT IS UNABLE OR UNWILLING IN A TIMELY
MANNER TO CONDUCT ANY AUDIT OF SUBCONTRACTOR'S BOOKS AND
RECORDS, AN AUDIT MAY BE CONDUCTED BY MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.
52.215-22 PRICE REDUCTION FOR DEFECTIVE COST OR PRICING DATA (JAN 91)
THE OBLIGATIONS WHICH FAR CLAUSE 52.215-24 IN THE PRIME
CONTRACT REQUIRES OF SUBCONTRACTORS ARE REQUIRED OF
SUBCONTRACTOR. IN ADDITION To ANY OTHER REMEDIES PROVIDED By
LAW OR UNDER -THIS ORDER IF CONTRACTOR is SUBJECTED To ANY
LIABILITY AS THE RESULT OF SUBCONTRACTOR'S OR ITS LOWER TIER
SUBCONTRACTOR'S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FAR
CLAUSE 52.215-24 THE SUBCONTRACTOR AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD
CONTRACTOR HARMLESS TO THE FULL EXTENT OF ANY Loss, DAMAGE OR
EXPENSE RESULTING FROM SUCH FAILURE.
52.215-24 SUBCONTRACTOR COST OR PRICING DATA (DEC 91)
52.215-30 FACILITIES CAPITAL COST OF MONEY (SEP 87)
52.215-31 WAIVER OF FACILITIES CAPITAL COST OF MONEY (SEP 87)
52.219-8 UTILIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND SMALL DISADVANTAGED
BUSINESS CONCERNS (FEB 90)
52.219-9 SMALL BUSINESS AND SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING
PLAN (JAN 91)
52.219-13 UTILIZATION OF HOME-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (AUG 86)
52.219-16 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES - SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (AUG 89)
52.220-1 PREFERENCE FOR LABOR SURPLUS AREA CONCERNS (APR 84)
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52.220-3 UTILIZATION OF LABOR SURPLUS AREA CONCERNS (APR 84)
52.220-4 LABOR SURPLUS AREA SUBCONTRACTING PROGRAM (APR 84)
52.222-20 WALSH-HEALY PUBLIC CONTRACTS ACT (APR 84)
52.222-26 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (APR 84)
52.222-28 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PREAWARD CLEARANCE OF SUBCONTRACTS (APR 84)
52.222-29 NOTIFICATION OF VISA DENIAL (APR 84)
52.222-35 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR SPECIAL DISABLED & VIETNAM ERA VETERANS
(APR 84)
52.222-36 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR HANDICAPPED WORKERS (AUG 87)
52.222-37 EMPLOYMENT REPORTS ON SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA
(JAN 88)
52.223-2 CLEAN AIR AND WATER (APR 84)
52.223-6 DRUG FREE WORKPLACE (JUL 90)
52.225-07 BALANCE OF PAYMENTS PROGRAM (APR 84)
52.225-10 DUTY-FREE ENTRY (APR 84)
52.225-11 CERTAIN COMMUNIST AREAS (APR 84)
52.225-13 RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRACTING WITH SANCTIONED PERSONS (MAY 89)
52.227-1 AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT (APR 84)
DELETE THE WORDS "UNDER THIS CONTRACT" FROM PARAGRAPH (A)(1)
52.227-2 NOTICE AND ASSISTANCE REGARDING PATENT AND COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
(APR 84)
52.227-6 ROYALTY INFORMATION (APR 84)
52.227-9 REFUND OF ROYALTIES (APR 84)
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52.228-5 INSURANCE WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION (SEP 89)
52.228-6 INSURANCE IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY (APR 84)
52.228-7 INSURANCE LIABILITY TO THIRD PERSONS (APR 84)
52.229-1 STATE AND LOCAL TAXES (APR 1984)
52.229-3 FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES (APR 84)
52.229-5 TAXES - CONTRACTS PERFORMED IN U.S. POSSESSIONS OR PUERTO RICO
(APR 1984)
52.229-6 TAXES - FOREIGN FIXED-PRICE CONTRACTS (JAN 91)
52.230-3 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (APR 84)
PARAGRAPH (b) OF THE CLAUSE IS DELETED.
SUBCONTRACTOR SHALL COMMUNICATE AND OTHERWISE DEAL DIRECTLY
WITH THE CONTRACTING OFFICER TO THE EXTENT PRACTICAL AND
PERMISSIBLE AS TO ALL MATTERS RELATING TO COST ACCOUNTING
STANDARDS.
SUBCONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE CONTRACTOR WITH COPIES OF ALL
COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN SUBCONTRACTOR AND CONTRACTING OFFICER
RESPECTING THIS CLAUSE, AND FAR CLAUSE 52.230-4, PROVIDED
SUBCONTRACTOR SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED To DISCLOSE To CONTRACTOR
THOSE PORTIONS OF SUCH COMMUNICATIONS WHICH CONTAIN INFORMATION
WHICH IS PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL To SUBCONTRACTOR.
IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER REMEDIES PROVIDED BY LAW OR UNDER THIS
ORDER, SUBCONTRACTOR AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD CONTRACTOR
HARMLESS TO THE FULL EXTENT OF ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, OR EXPENSE
(EXCLUDING PROFIT) IF CONTRACTOR IS SUBJECTED To ANY LIABILITY
AS THE RESULT OF A FAILURE OF THE SUBCONTRACTOR OR ITS
LOWER-TIER SUBCONTRACTORS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THIS CLAUSE OR FAR CLAUSE 52.230-4.
52.230-4 ADMINISTRATION OF COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (APR 84)
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52.230-5 DISCLOSURE AND CONSISTENCY OF COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (AUG 86)
PARAGRAPH (b) OF THE CLAUSE IS DELETED.
SUBCONTRACTOR SHALL COMMUNICATE AND OTHERWISE DEAL DIRECTLY
WITH THE CONTRACTING OFFICER TO THE EXTENT PRACTICAL AND
PERMISSIBLE AS TO ALL MATTERS RELATING TO COST ACCOUNTING
STANDARDS.
SUBCONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE CONTRACTOR WITH COPIES OF ALL
COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN SUBCONTRACTOR AND CONTRACTING OFFICER
RESPECTING THIS CLAUSE, AND FAR CLAUSE 52.230-4, PROVIDED
SUBCONTRACTOR SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED To DISCLOSE TO CONTRACTOR
THOSE PORTIONS OF SUCH COMMUNICATIONS WHICH CONTAIN INFORMATION
WHICH IS PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL TO SUBCONTRACTOR.
IN ADDITION To ANY OTHER REMEDIES PROVIDED BY LAW OR UNDER THIS
ORDER, SUBCONTRACTOR AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD CONTRACTOR
HARMLESS TO THE FULL EXTENT OF ANY Loss, DAMAGE, OR EXPENSE
(EXCLUDING PROFIT) IF CONTRACTOR is SUBJECTED To ANY LIABILITY
AS THE RESULT OF A FAILURE OF THE SUBCONTRACTOR OR ITS
LOWER-TIER SUBCONTRACTORS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THIS CLAUSE OR FAR D-,KUSE 52.230-4.
52.232-1 PAYMENTS (APR 84)
52.232-7 PAYMENTS UNDER TIME AND MATERIALS AND LABOR HOUR CONTRACTS
(APR 84)
52.232-8 DISCOUNTS FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (APR 89)
52.232-9 LIMITATION OF WITHHOLDING OF PAYMENTS (APR 84)
52.232-11 EXTRAS (APR 84)
52.232-17 INTEREST (JAN 91)
52.232-23 ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS (JAN 86) AND ALTERNATE I (APR 84)(JAN 86)
52.237-2 PROTECTION OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT AND VEGETATION
(APR 84)
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52.237-3 CONTINUITY OF SERVICES (JAN 91)
52.237-8 SEVERANCE PAYMENTS TO FOREIGN NATIONALS EMPLOYED UNDER A
SERVICE CONTRACT PERFORMED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES (JAN 91)
52.242-12 REPORT OF SHIPMENT (REPSHIP) (DEC 89)
52.243-1 CHANGES - FIXED-PRICE (AUG 87) AND ALTERNATE 11 (APR 84)
PARAGRAPH (C) "30 DAYS" IS CHANGED TO "20 DAYS"
52.243-3 CHANGES - TIME AND MATERIALS OR LABOR HOURS (AUG 87)
52.243-7 NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES (JAN 90)
52.244-1 SUBCONTRACTS (FIXED PRICE CONTRACTS) (APR 91)
52.244-3 SUBCONTRACTS (TIME AND MATERIALS AND LABOR HOUR CONTRACTS)
(APR 85)
52.244-5 COMPETITION IN SUBCONTRACTING (APR 84)
52.245-1 PROPERTY RECORDS (APR 84)
52.245-2 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY (FIXED-PRICE CONTRACTS) (APR 84)
CONTRACTING OFFICER MEANS CONTRACTOR'S AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE. GOVERNMENT MEANS CONTRACTOR EXCEPT:
1) IN THE TERMS "GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY," "GOVERNMENT
PROPERTY," AND "GOVERNMENT-OWNED PROPERTY," AND
2) THE SECOND TIME IT APPEARS IN PARAGRAPH (b)(1)(ii), AND
3) IN PARAGRAPH (C)(1).
GOVERNMENT MEANS GOVERNMENT OR CONTRACTOR:
1) IN PARAGRAPH (f) AND IN THE FOLLOWING PHRASE "ITS" BECOMES
"THEIR," AND
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2) IN PARAGRAPH (j) AND SUBPARAGRAPH (J), THE FOURTH SENTENCE
OF PARAGRAPH (H) IS CHANGED To READ "NEITHER THE GOVERNMENT NOR
THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE LIABLE..."
52.245-5 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY (COST REIMBURSEMENT, TIME AND MATERIAL OR
LABOR HOUR CONTRACTS) (JAN 86)
52.246-2 INSPECTION OF SUPPLIES FIXED-PRICE (JUL 85)
"CONTRACTING OFFICER" MEANS CONTRACTOR'S AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OR HIS AUTHORIZED DESIGNEE, AND "GOVERNMENT-R
MEANS CONTRACTOR EXCEPT THAT THE FIRST TIME IT APPEARS IN THE
FIRST SENTENCE OF PARAGRAPH (B) AND IN THE FOURTH SENTENCE OF
PARAGRAPH (B) IT MEANS CONTRACTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT (PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, THAT AN INSPECTION SYSTEM ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT
WILL BE DEEMED ACCEPTABLE To THE CONTRACTOR), AND THE FIRST
TIME IT APPEARS IN PARAGRAPH (K) IT MEANS GOVERNMENT OR
CONTRACTOR.
THE PROVISIONS IN THE CLAUSE FOR ACCESS, RIGHTS TO INSPECT,
SAFETY PROTECTION, AND RELIEF FROM LIABILITY APPLY EQUALLY TO
CONTRACTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT.
52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES - FIXED PRICE (APR 84)
52.246-6 INSPECTION - TIME AND MATERIALS AND LABOR HOUR (JAN 86)
52.246-16 RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPPLIES (APR 84)
"CONTRACTOR" MEANS SUBCONTRACTOR AND "GOVERNMENT" MEANS
CONTRACTOR, EXCEPT IN PARAGRAPH (D) WHERE "GOVERNMENT" MEANS
GOVERNMENT OF CONTRACTOR.
52.246-23 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY (APR 84)
52.246-25 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY - SERVICES (APR 84)
52.247-34 F.O.B. DESTINATION (APR 84)
52.247-48 F.O.B. DESTINATION - EVIDENCE OF SHIPMENT (APR 84)
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52.247-54 DIVERSION OF SHIPMENT UNDER F.O.B. DESTINATION CONTRACTS (MAR 89)
52.247-63 PREFERENCE FOR U.S. FLAG AIR CARRIERS (APR 84)
52.248-1 VALUE ENGINEERING (APR 84)
"CONTRACTING OFFICER" MEANS CONTRACTOR'S AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE EXCEPT IN PARAGRAPH (J), SENTENCE 3.
"GOVERNMENT" MEANS CONTRACTOR IN PARAGRAPHS (E)(I ),
(E)(2),(G)(4), AND (I)(4), AND MEANS GOVERNMENT AND CONTRACTOR
IN PARAGRAPH (M), SENTENCE 1 AND SENTENCE 2 OF THE LEGEND.
REPLACE THE SHARE PERCENTAGE FIGURES IN PARAGRAPHS (F) AND (J)
WITH THOSE THE PARTIES AGREE UPON.
52.249-4 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT (SERVICES) (SHORT
FORM) (APR 84)
52.249-6 TERMINATION (COST REIMBURSEMENT) (MAY 86) AND ALT.IV (APR 84)
52.249-14 EXCUSABLE DELAYS (APR 84)
252.203-7001 SPECIAL PROHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT (MAR 89)
252.203-7002 STATUTORY COMPENSATION PROHIBITIONS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
RELATING TO CERTAIN FORMER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD)
EMPLOYEES (FEB 91)
252.203-7003 DISPLAY OF DOD HOTLINE POSTER (OCT 87)
252.204-7007 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY) CODE REPORTING (OCT 87)
252.205-7000 RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT HOLDERS (FEB 89)
252.215-7000 AGGREGATE PRICING ADJUSTMENT (APR W)
252.219-7000 SMALL BUSINESS AND SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING
PLAN (DOD) (JUN 88)
58
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252-225-7001 BUY AMERICAN ACT AND BALANCE OF PAYMENTS PROGRAM (Nov 90)
252.225-7002 QUALIFYING COUNTRY SOURCES ON SUBCONTRACTORS (OCT80)
252.225-7008 SUPPLIES TO BE ACCORDED DUTY-FREE ENTRY (APR 88) "SUPPLIES TO
BE USED WITH NTI SWITCHES"
252.225-7009 DUTY-FREE ENTRY - QUALIFYING COUNTRY END PRODUCTS AND SUPPLIES
(DEC 90)
252.226-7002 UTILIZATION OF INDIAN ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIAN OWNED ECONOMIC
ENTERPRISES (NOV 90)
252-227-7013 RIGHTS IN TECHNICAL DATA & COMPUTER SOFTWARE; (OCT 88)
252.227-7018 RESTRICTIVE MARKINGS ON TECHNICAL DATA (OCT 88)
252.227-7019 IDENTIFICATION OF RESTRICTED RIGHTS COMPUTER SOFTWARE (APR 88)
252.227-7027 DEFERRED ORDERING OF TECHNICAL DATA OR COMPUTER SOFTWARE (Nov
74)
252.227-7028 REQUIREMENT FOR TECHNICAL DATA REPRESENTATION (OCT 88)
252.227-7029 IDENTIFICATION OF TECHNICAL DATA (APR 88)
252.227-7030 TECHNICAL DATA-WITHHOLDING OF PAYMENT (OCT 88)
252.227-7031 DATA REQUIREMENTS (OCT 88)
252.227-7037 VALIDATION OF RESTRICTIVE MARKINGS ON TECHNICAL DATA (APR 88)
252.228-7003 CAPTURE AND DETENTION (DEC 91)
252.231-7000 SUPPLEMENTAL COST PRINCIPLES (APR 84)
IN WHICH REFERENCES To CONTRACTING OFFICER REMAIN UNCHANGED.
252.233-7000 CERTIFICATION OF REQUESTS FOR ADJUSTMENT OR RELIEF EXCEEDING $1
00,000 (APR 90)
59
<PAGE>
252.243-7000 ENGINEERING CHANGE PROPOSALS (AUG 85)
252.243-7001 PRICING OF ADJUSTMENTS (APR 84)
252.246-7000 MATERIAL INSPECTION AND RECEIVING REPORT (DEC 69)
252.246-7001 WARRANTY OF DATA (NOV 74)
252.247-7203 TRANSPORTATION OF SUPPLIES BY SEA (APR 90)
252.247-7204 NOTIFICATION OF TRANSPORTATION OF SUPPLIES BY SEA (JAN 90)
60
<PAGE>
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
OMNIBUS STOCK PLAN
1. ESTABLISHMENT, PURPOSE AND TYPES OF AWARDS
ACE*COMM CORPORATION hereby establishes the ACE*COMM CORPORATION OMNIBUS
STOCK PLAN (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term
growth and profitability of ACE*COMM CORPORATION (the "Corporation") by
(i) providing key people with incentives to improve stockholder value and to
contribute to the growth and financial success of the Corporation, and
(ii) enabling the Corporation to attract, retain and reward the best available
persons for positions of substantial responsibility.
The Plan permits the granting of stock options (including nonqualified
stock options and incentive stock options qualifying under Section 422 of the
Code), stock appreciation rights (including free-standing, tandem and limited
stock appreciation rights), restricted or unrestricted stock awards, phantom
stock, performance awards, or any combination of the foregoing (collectively,
"Awards").
2. DEFINITIONS
Under this Plan, except where the context otherwise indicates, the
following definitions apply:
(a) "AWARD" shall mean any stock option, stock appreciation right, stock
award, phantom stock award, or performance award.
(b) "BOARD" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
(c) "CHANGE IN CONTROL" shall mean (i) any sale, exchange or other
disposition of substantially all of the Corporation's assets; or (ii) any
merger, share exchange, consolidation or other reorganization or business
combination in which the Corporation is not the surviving or continuing
corporation, or in which the Corporation's stockholders become entitled to
receive cash, securities of the Corporation other than voting common stock, or
securities of another issuer.
(d) "CODE" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
any regulations issued thereunder.
(e) "COMMITTEE" shall mean the compensation committee of the Board;
provided, however, that in the event all the members of such compensation
committee do not constitute both "Non-Employee Directors" within the meaning of
Rule 16b-3 and "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Code, than the term "Committee" shall mean such other committee of two or more
Board members appointed by the Board to administer the Plan whose members do
constitute both "Non-Employee Directors" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 and,
to the extent that Section 162(m) of the Code is applicable to Awards granted
under the Plan, "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Code.
(f) "COMMON STOCK" shall mean shares of common stock of the Corporation,
par value of $0.01 per share.
(g) "EXCHANGE ACT" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
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(h) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" of a share of the Corporation's Common Stock for
any purpose on a particular date shall be determined in a manner such as the
Committee shall in good faith determine to be appropriate; provided, however,
that if the Common Stock is publicly traded, then Fair Market Value shall mean
the last reported sale price per share of Common Stock, regular way, or, in case
no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked
prices, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated
transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to
trading on a national securities exchange or included for quotation on the
Nasdaq-National Market, or if the Common Stock is not so listed or admitted to
trading or included for quotation, the last quoted price, or if the Common Stock
is not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices, regular way,
in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or, if such system is no
longer in use, the principal other automated quotations system that may then be
in use or, if the Common Stock is not quoted by any such organization, the
average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, as furnished by a
professional market maker making a market in the Common Stock as selected in
good faith by the Committee or by such other source or sources as shall be
selected in good faith by the Committee; and provided further, that in the case
of incentive stock options, the determination of Fair Market Value shall be made
by the Committee in good faith in conformance with the Treasury Regulations
under Section 422 of the Code. If, as the case may be, the relevant date is not
a trading day, the determination shall be made as of the next preceding trading
day. As used herein, the term "trading day" shall mean a day on which public
trading of securities occurs and is reported in the principal consolidated
reporting system referred to above, or if the Common Stock is not listed or
admitted to trading on a national securities exchange or included for quotation
on the Nasdaq-National Market, any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day
in which banking institutions in the State of New York are closed.
(i) "GRANT AGREEMENT" shall mean a written agreement between the
Corporation and a grantee memorializing the terms and conditions of an Award
granted pursuant to the Plan.
(j) "GRANT DATE" shall mean the date on which the Committee formally acts
to grant an Award to a grantee or such other date as the Committee shall so
designate at the time of taking such formal action.
(k) "PARENT" shall mean a corporation, whether now or hereafter existing,
within the meaning of the definition of "parent corporation" provided in Section
424(e) of the Code, or any successor thereto of similar import.
(l) "RULE 16B-3" shall mean Rule 16b-3 as in effect under the Exchange Act
on the effective date of the Plan, or any successor provision prescribing
conditions necessary to exempt the issuance of securities under the Plan (and
further transactions in such securities) from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(m) "SUBSIDIARY" AND "SUBSIDIARIES" shall mean only a corporation or
corporations, whether now or hereafter existing, within the meaning of the
definition of "subsidiary corporation" provided in Section 424(f) of the Code,
or any successor thereto of similar import.
3. ADMINISTRATION
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(a) PROCEDURE. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee.
The Committee shall meet at such times and places and upon such notice
as it may determine. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.
Any acts by the Committee may be taken at any meeting at which a quorum is
present and shall be by majority vote of those members entitled to vote.
Additionally, any acts reduced to writing or approved in writing by all of the
members of the Committee shall be valid acts of the Committee.
Members of the Committee who are either eligible for Awards or have
been granted Awards may vote on any matters affecting the administration of the
Plan or the grant of Awards pursuant to the Plan, except that no such member
shall act upon the granting of an Award to himself or herself, but any such
member may be counted in determining the existence of a quorum at any meeting of
the Committee during which action is taken with respect to the granting of an
Award to him or her.
(b) POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE. The Committee shall have all the powers
vested in it by the terms of the Plan, such powers to include authority, in its
sole and absolute discretion, to grant Awards under the Plan, prescribe Grant
Agreements evidencing such Awards and establish programs for granting Awards.
The Committee shall have full power and authority to take all other actions
necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of the Plan, including, but not
limited to, the authority to:
(i) determine the eligible persons to whom, and the time or
times at which Awards shall be granted,
(ii) determine the types of Awards to be granted,
(iii) determine the number of shares to be covered by or used
for reference purposes for each Award,
(iv) impose such terms, limitations, restrictions and
conditions upon any such Award as the Committee shall deem
appropriate,
(v) modify, extend or renew outstanding Awards, accept the
surrender of outstanding Awards and substitute new Awards, provided
that no such action shall be taken with respect to any outstanding
Award which would adversely affect the grantee without the grantee's
consent,
(vi) accelerate or otherwise change the time in which an Award
may be exercised or becomes payable and to waive or accelerate the
lapse, in whole or in part, of any restriction or condition with
respect to such Award, including, but not limited to, any restriction
or condition with respect to the vesting or exercisability of an Award
following termination of any grantee's employment, and
(vii) to establish objectives and conditions, if any, for
earning Awards and determining whether Awards will be paid after the
end of a performance period.
The Committee shall have full power and authority to administer and interpret
the Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations, agreements, guidelines and
instruments for the administration of
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<PAGE>
the Plan and for the conduct of its business as the Committee deems necessary or
advisable and to interpret same, all within the Committee's sole and absolute
discretion.
(d) LIMITED LIABILITY. To the maximum extent permitted by law, no member
of the Board or Committee shall be liable for any action taken or decision made
in good faith relating to the Plan or any Award thereunder.
(e) INDEMNIFICATION. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the members
of the Board and Committee shall be indemnified by the Corporation in respect of
all their activities under the Plan.
(f) EFFECT OF COMMITTEE'S DECISION. All actions taken and decisions and
determinations made by the Committee on all matters relating to the Plan
pursuant to the powers vested in it hereunder shall be in the Committee's sole
and absolute discretion and shall be conclusive and binding on all parties
concerned, including the Corporation, its stockholders, any participants in the
Plan and any other employee of the Corporation, and their respective successors
in interest.
4. SHARES AVAILABLE FOR THE PLAN; MAXIMUM AWARDS
Subject to adjustments as provided in Section 12 of the Plan, the shares of
stock that may be delivered or purchased or used for reference purposes (with
respect to stock appreciation rights, phantom stock units or performance awards
payable in cash) with respect to Awards granted under the Plan, including with
respect to incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the
Code, shall not exceed an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock of the
Corporation. The Corporation shall reserve said number of shares for Awards
under the Plan, subject to adjustments as provided in Section 12 of the Plan.
If any Award, or portion of an Award, under the Plan expires or terminates
unexercised, becomes unexercisable or is forfeited or otherwise terminated,
surrendered or canceled as to any shares without the delivery of shares of
Common Stock or other consideration, the shares subject to such Award shall
thereafter be shares with respect to which further Awards may be granted under
the Plan.
The maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to Awards of any
combination that may be granted during any one calendar year to any one
individual shall be limited to 500,000. To the extent required by
Section 162(m) of the Code and so long as Section 162(m) of the Code is
applicable to persons eligible to participate in the Plan, shares of Common
Stock subject to the foregoing limit with respect to which the related Award is
terminated, surrendered or canceled shall not again be available for grant under
this limit.
5. PARTICIPATION
Participation in the Plan shall be open to all employees, of the
Corporation, or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Corporation, as may be
selected by the Committee from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
participation in the Plan with respect to Awards of incentive stock options
shall be limited to employees of the Corporation or of any Parent or Subsidiary
of the Corporation. To the extent necessary to comply with Rule 16b-3 or to
constitute an "outside director" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Code, and only in the event that Rule 16b-3 or Section 162(m) of the Code is
applicable to the Plan or an Award made thereunder, Committee members shall not
be eligible to participate in the Plan while members of the Committee.
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<PAGE>
Awards may be granted to such eligible persons and for or with respect to
such number of shares of Common Stock as the Committee shall determine, subject
to the limitations in Section 4 of the Plan. A grant of any type of Award made
in any one year to an eligible person shall neither guarantee nor preclude a
further grant of that or any other type of Award to such person in that year or
subsequent years.
6. STOCK OPTIONS
Subject to the other applicable provisions of the Plan, the Committee may
from time to time grant to eligible participants Awards of nonqualified stock
options or incentive stock options as that term is defined in Section 422 of the
Code. The stock option Awards granted shall be subject to the following terms
and conditions.
(a) GRANT OF OPTION. The grant of a stock option shall be evidenced by a
Grant Agreement, executed by the Corporation and the grantee, stating the number
of shares of Common Stock subject to the stock option evidenced thereby and the
terms and conditions of such stock option, in such form as the Committee may
from time to time determine.
(b) PRICE. The price per share payable upon the exercise of each stock
option ("exercise price") shall be determined by the Committee; provided,
however, that in no event shall the exercise price be less than 100% of the Fair
Market Value of the shares on the date the stock option is granted.
(c) PAYMENT. Stock options may be exercised in whole or in part by
payment of the exercise price of the shares to be acquired in accordance with
the provisions of the Grant Agreement, and/or such rules and regulations as the
Committee may have prescribed, and/or such determinations, orders, or decisions
as the Committee may have made. Payment may be made in cash (or cash
equivalents acceptable to the Committee) or, unless otherwise determined by the
Committee, in shares of Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of
Common Stock, or by such other means as the Committee may prescribe. The Fair
Market Value of shares of Common Stock delivered on exercise of stock options
shall be determined as of the date of exercise. Shares of Common Stock
delivered in payment of the exercise price may be previously owned shares or, if
approved by the Committee, shares acquired upon exercise of the stock option.
Any fractional share will be paid in cash. The Corporation may make or
guarantee loans to grantees to assist grantees in exercising stock options.
If the Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the
Exchange Act, the Committee, subject to such limitations as it may determine,
may authorize payment of the exercise price, in whole or in part, by delivery of
a properly executed exercise notice, together with irrevocable instructions, to:
(i) a brokerage firm designated by the Corporation to deliver promptly to the
Corporation the aggregate amount of sale or loan proceeds to pay the exercise
price and any withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with the
exercise, and (ii) the Corporation to deliver the certificates for such
purchased shares directly to such brokerage firm.
(d) TERMS OF OPTIONS. The term during which each stock option may be
exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that in no
event shall an incentive stock option be exercisable more than ten years from
the date it is granted. Prior to the exercise of the stock option and delivery
of the shares certificates represented thereby, the grantee shall have none of
the rights of a stockholder with respect to any shares represented by an
outstanding stock option.
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<PAGE>
(e) RELOAD OPTIONS. The terms of a stock option may provide for the
automatic grant of a new stock option Award when the exercise price of the stock
option and/or any related tax withholding obligation is paid by tendering shares
of Common Stock, provided that such automatic replenishment feature shall be
limited to any extent required by rules, regulations, or interpretations under
the Exchange Act with respect to any particular grant of an Award in the case of
a grantee who is or becomes subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Any
stock option Award which would automatically be granted pursuant to this Section
6(e) without any further Committee action may be exercisable for not more than
the number of shares tendered to exercise the initial stock option and/or to pay
any tax withholding obligation related to such exercise, shall have an exercise
price set at the then Fair Market Value of such shares, and shall have a term
that does not extend beyond the term of the initial stock option. The Committee
may include such a reload feature in a stock option Award at the time of the
initial grant of the Award or may add such a reload feature to an outstanding
stock option Award as the Committee deems desirable; provided, however, that a
reload feature shall not be added to any outstanding incentive stock option
Award without the consent of the grantee.
(f) RESTRICTIONS ON INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. Incentive stock option
Awards granted under the Plan shall comply in all respects with Code Section 422
and, as such, shall meet the following additional requirements:
(i) GRANT DATE. An incentive stock option must be granted within
10 years of the earlier of the Plan's adoption by the Board of Directors or
approval by the Corporation's shareholders.
(ii) EXERCISE PRICE AND TERM. The exercise price of an incentive
stock option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the
shares on the date the stock option is granted. Also, the exercise price
of any incentive stock option granted to a grantee who owns (within the
meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code, after the application of the
attribution rules in Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total
combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Corporation or its
Parent or Subsidiary corporations (within the meaning of Sections 422 and
424 of the Code) shall be not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of
the Common Stock on the grant date and the term of such stock option shall
not exceed five years.
(iii) MAXIMUM GRANT. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as
of the Grant Date) of shares of Common Stock with respect to which all
incentive stock options first become exercisable by any grantee in any
calendar year under this or any other plan of the Corporation and its
Parent and Subsidiary corporations may not exceed $100,000 or such other
amount as may be permitted from time to time under Section 422 of the Code.
To the extent that such aggregate Fair Market Value shall exceed $100,000,
or other applicable amount, such stock options shall be treated as
nonqualified stock options. In such case, the Corporation may designate
the shares of Common Stock that are to be treated as stock acquired
pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option by issuing a separate
certificate for such shares and identifying the certificate as incentive
stock option shares in the stock transfer records of the Corporation.
(iv) GRANTEE. Incentive stock options shall only be issued to
employees of the Corporation, or of a Parent or Subsidiary of the
Corporation.
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(v) DESIGNATION. No stock option shall be an incentive stock
option unless so designated by the Committee at the time of grant or in the
Grant Agreement evidencing such stock option.
(g) OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Stock options may contain such other
provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee
shall determine appropriate from time to time.
7. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
(a) AWARD OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. Subject to the other applicable
provisions of the Plan, the Committee may at any time and from time to time
grant stock appreciation rights ("SARs") to eligible participants, either on a
free-standing basis (without regard to or in addition to the grant of a stock
option) or on a tandem basis (related to the grant of an underlying stock
option), as it determines. SARs granted in tandem with or in addition to a
stock option may be granted either at the same time as the stock option or at a
later time; provided, however, that a tandem SAR shall not be granted with
respect to any outstanding incentive stock option Award without the consent of
the grantee. SARs shall be evidenced by Grant Agreements, executed by the
Corporation and the grantee, stating the number of shares of Common Stock
subject to the SAR evidenced thereby and the terms and conditions of such SAR,
in such form as the Committee may from time to time determine. The term during
which each SAR may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee. The
grantee shall have none of the rights of a stockholder with respect to any
shares of Common Stock represented by an SAR.
(b) RESTRICTIONS OF TANDEM SARS. No incentive stock option may be
surrendered in connection with the exercise of a tandem SAR unless the Fair
Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the incentive stock option is
greater than the exercise price for such incentive stock option. SARs granted
in tandem with stock options shall be exercisable only to the same extent and
subject to the same conditions as the stock options related thereto are
exercisable. The Committee may, in its discretion, prescribe additional
conditions to the exercise of any such tandem SAR.
(c) AMOUNT OF PAYMENT UPON EXERCISE OF SARS. An SAR shall entitle the
grantee to receive, subject to the provisions of the Plan and the Grant
Agreement, a payment having an aggregate value equal to the product of (i) the
excess of (A) the Fair Market Value on the exercise date of one share of Common
Stock over (B) the base price per share specified in the Grant Agreement (which
shall be determined by the Committee but which shall not be less than 100% of
the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the
SAR), times (ii) the number of shares specified by the SAR, or portion thereof,
which is exercised. In the case of exercise of a tandem SAR, such payment shall
be made in exchange for the surrender of the unexercised related stock option
(or any portion or portions thereof which the grantee from time to time
determines to surrender for this purpose).
(d) FORM OF PAYMENT UPON EXERCISE OF SARS. Payment by the Corporation of
the amount receivable upon any exercise of an SAR may be made by the delivery of
Common Stock or cash, or any combination of Common Stock and cash, as determined
in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time. If upon settlement
of the exercise of an SAR a grantee is to receive a portion of such payment in
shares of Common Stock, the number of shares shall be determined by dividing
such portion by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise
date. No fractional shares shall be used for such payment and the Committee
shall
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determine whether cash shall be given in lieu of such fractional shares or
whether such fractional shares shall be eliminated.
8. STOCK AWARDS (INCLUDING RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED SHARES AND PHANTOM
STOCK)
(a) STOCK AWARDS, IN GENERAL. Subject to the other applicable provisions
of the Plan, the Committee may at any time and from time to time grant stock
Awards to eligible participants in such amounts and for such consideration,
including no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by
law, as it determines. A stock Award may be denominated in shares of Common
Stock or stock-equivalent units ("phantom stock"), and may be paid in Common
Stock, in cash, or in a combination of Common Stock and cash, as determined in
the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time.
(b) RESTRICTED SHARES. Each stock Award shall specify the applicable
restrictions, if any, on such shares of Common Stock, the duration of such
restrictions, and the time or times at which such restrictions shall lapse with
respect to all or a specified number of shares of Common Stock that are part of
the Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may reduce or shorten
the duration of any restriction applicable to any shares of Common Stock awarded
to any grantee under the Plan. Share certificates with respect to restricted
shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to a stock Award may be issued at the
time of grant of the stock Award, subject to forfeiture if the restrictions do
not lapse, or upon lapse of the restrictions. If share certificates are issued
at the time of grant of the stock Award, the certificates shall bear an
appropriate legend with respect to the restrictions applicable to such stock
Award or, alternatively, the grantee may be required to deposit the certificates
with the Corporation during the period of any restriction thereon and to execute
a blank stock power or other instrument of transfer therefor. Except as
otherwise provided by the Committee, during such period of restriction following
issuance of share certificates, the grantee shall have all of the rights of a
holder of Common Stock, including but not limited to the rights to receive
dividends (or amounts equivalent to dividends) and to vote with respect to the
restricted shares. If share certificates are issued upon lapse of restrictions
on a stock Award, the Committee may provide that the grantee will be entitled to
receive any amounts per share pursuant to any dividend or distribution paid by
the Corporation on its Common Stock to stockholders of record after grant of the
stock Award and prior to the issuance of the share certificates.
(c) PHANTOM STOCK. The grant of phantom stock units shall be evidenced by
a Grant Agreement, executed by the Corporation and the grantee, that
incorporates the terms of the Plan and states the number of phantom stock units
evidenced thereby and the terms and conditions of such phantom stock units in
such form as the Committee may from time to time determine. Phantom stock units
granted to a participant shall be credited to a bookkeeping reserve account
solely for accounting purposes and shall not require a segregation of any of the
Corporation's assets. Phantom stock units may be exercised in whole or in part
by delivery of an appropriate exercise notice to the Committee in accordance
with the provisions of the Grant Agreement, and/or such rules and regulations as
the Committee may prescribe, and/or such determinations, orders, or decisions as
the Committee may make. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Grant
Agreement, the grantee shall have none of the rights of a stockholder with
respect to any shares of Common Stock represented by a phantom stock unit as a
result of the grant of a phantom stock unit to the grantee. Phantom stock units
may contain such other provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the
Plan, as the Committee shall determine appropriate from time to time.
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9. PERFORMANCE AWARDS
The Committee may in its discretion grant performance Awards which become
payable on account of attainment of one or more performance goals established by
the Committee. Performance Awards may be paid by the delivery of Common Stock
or cash, or any combination of Common Stock and cash, as determined in the sole
discretion of the Committee from time to time. Performance goals established by
the Committee may be based on the Corporation's operating income or one or more
other business criteria selected by the Committee that apply to an individual or
group of individuals, a business unit, or the Corporation as a whole, over such
performance period as the Committee may designate. The Committee in its
discretion may recommend to the Board of Directors of the Corporation that the
material terms of any performance Award or program with respect to some or all
eligible participants be submitted for approval by the stockholders.
10. WITHHOLDING OF TAXES
The Corporation may require, as a condition to the grant of any Award under
the Plan or exercise pursuant to such Award or to the delivery of certificates
for shares issued or payments of cash to a grantee pursuant to the Plan or a
Grant Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as a "taxable event"),
that the grantee pay to the Corporation, in cash or, unless otherwise determined
by the Corporation, in shares of Common Stock, including shares acquired upon
grant of the Award or exercise of the Award, valued at Fair Market Value on the
date as of which the withholding tax liability is determined, any federal, state
or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to any
taxable event under the Plan. The withholding tax obligation that may be paid
by the withholding or delivery of shares may not exceed the statutory minimum
required withholding amount with respect to the grantee's federal, state and
local income tax obligations in connection with a taxable event. The
Corporation, to the extent permitted or required by law, shall have the right to
deduct from any payment of any kind (including salary or bonus) otherwise due to
a grantee any federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be
withheld with respect to any taxable event under the Plan, or to retain or sell
without notice a sufficient number of the shares to be issued to such grantee to
cover any such taxes.
11. TRANSFERABILITY
To the extent required to comply with Rule 16b-3, and in any event in the
case of an incentive stock option or a stock appreciation right granted with
respect to an incentive stock option, no Award granted under the Plan shall be
transferable by a grantee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee in accord with the
provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, an Award may be exercised
during the lifetime of the grantee, only by the grantee or, during the period
the grantee is under a legal disability, by the grantee's guardian or legal
representative.
12. ADJUSTMENTS; BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
In the event of a reclassification, recapitalization, stock split, stock
dividend, combination of shares, or other similar event, the maximum number and
kind of shares reserved for issuance or with respect to which Awards may be
granted under the Plan as provided in Section 4 shall be adjusted to reflect
such event, and the Committee shall make such adjustments as it deems
appropriate and equitable in the number, kind and price of shares covered by
-9-
<PAGE>
outstanding Awards made under the Plan, and in any other matters which relate to
Awards and which are affected by the changes in the Common Stock referred to
above.
In the event of any proposed Change in Control, the Committee shall take
such action as it deems appropriate and equitable to effectuate the purposes of
this Plan and to protect the grantees of Awards, which action may include, but
without limitation, any one or more of the following: (i) acceleration or
change of the exercise dates of any Award; (ii) arrangements with grantees for
the payment of appropriate consideration to them for the cancellation and
surrender of any Award; and (iii) in any case where equity securities other than
Common Stock of the Corporation are proposed to be delivered in exchange for or
with respect to Common Stock of the Corporation, arrangements providing that any
Award shall become one or more Awards with respect to such other equity
securities.
The Committee is authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions
of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or
nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, the events described in the
preceding two paragraphs of this Section 12) affecting the Corporation, or the
financial statements of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, or of changes in
applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, whenever the Committee
determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or
enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available
under the Plan.
In the event the Corporation dissolves and liquidates (other than pursuant
to a plan of merger or reorganization), then notwithstanding any restrictions on
exercise set forth in this Plan or any Grant Agreement, or other agreement
evidencing a stock option, stock appreciation right or restricted stock Award:
(i) each grantee shall have the right to exercise his stock option or stock
appreciation right, or to require delivery of share certificates representing
any such restricted stock Award, at any time up to ten (10) days prior to the
effective date of such liquidation and dissolution; and (ii) the Committee may
make arrangements with the grantees for the payment of appropriate consideration
to them for the cancellation and surrender of any stock option, stock
appreciation right or restricted stock Award that is so canceled or surrendered
at any time up to ten (10) days prior to the effective date of such liquidation
and dissolution. The Committee may establish a different period (and different
conditions) for such exercise, delivery, cancellation, or surrender to avoid
subjecting the grantee to liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
Any stock option or stock appreciation right not so exercised, canceled, or
surrendered shall terminate on the last day for exercise prior to such effective
date; and any restricted stock as to which there has not been such delivery of
share certificates or that has not been so canceled or surrendered, shall be
forfeited on the last day prior to such effective date.
13. TERMINATION AND MODIFICATION OF THE PLAN
The Board, without further approval of the stockholders, may modify or
terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time, except that no
modification shall become effective without prior approval of the stockholders
of the Corporation if stockholder approval is necessary to comply with any tax
or regulatory requirement or rule of any exchange or Nasdaq System upon which
the Common Stock is listed or quoted; including for this purpose stockholder
approval that is required for continued compliance with Rule 16b-3 or
stockholder approval that is required to enable the Committee to grant incentive
stock options pursuant to the Plan.
The Committee shall be authorized to make minor or administrative
modifications to the Plan as well as modifications to the Plan that may be
dictated by requirements of federal or state laws applicable to the Corporation
or that may be authorized or made desirable by such laws.
-10-
<PAGE>
The Committee may amend or modify the grant of any outstanding Award in any
manner to the extent that the Committee would have had the authority to make
such Award as so modified or amended.
14. NON-GUARANTEE OF EMPLOYMENT
Nothing in the Plan or in any Grant Agreement thereunder shall confer any
right on an employee to continue in the employ of the Corporation or shall
interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation to terminate an employee
at any time.
15. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
For purposes of maintaining a grantee's continuous status as an employee
and accrual of rights under any Award, transfer of an employee among the
Corporation and the Corporation's Parent or Subsidiaries shall not be considered
a termination of employment. Nor shall it be considered a termination of
employment for such purposes if an employee is placed on military or sick leave
or such other leave of absence which is considered as continuing intact the
employment relationship; in such a case, the employment relationship shall be
continued until the date when an employee's right to reemployment shall no
longer be guaranteed either by law or contract.
16. WRITTEN AGREEMENT
Each Grant Agreement entered into between the Corporation and a grantee
with respect to an Award granted under the Plan shall incorporate the terms of
this Plan and shall contain such provisions, consistent with the provisions of
the Plan, as may be established by the Committee.
17. NON-UNIFORM DETERMINATIONS
The Committee's determinations under the Plan (including without limitation
determinations of the persons to receive Awards, the form, amount and timing of
such Awards, the terms and provisions of such Awards and the agreements
evidencing same) need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among
persons who receive, or are eligible to receive, Awards under the Plan, whether
or not such persons are similarly situated.
18. COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITIES LAW
Common Stock shall not be issued with respect to an Award granted under the
Plan unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of share
certificates for such Common Stock pursuant thereto shall comply with all
relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of
1933, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and
the requirements of any national securities exchange or Nasdaq System upon which
the Common Stock may then be listed or quoted, and shall be further subject to
the approval of counsel for the Corporation with respect to such compliance to
the extent such approval is sought by the Committee. All certificates for
Common Stock delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Award or the exercise
thereof shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as
the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and
other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange
or Nasdaq System upon which such securities are then listed or quoted, and any
applicable Federal or state laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or
legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such
restrictions.
-11-
<PAGE>
19. NO LIMIT ON OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Corporation or its Parent
or Subsidiary corporations from adopting or continuing in effect other
compensation arrangements (whether such arrangements be generally applicable or
applicable only in specific cases) as the Committee in its discretion determines
desirable, including without limitation the granting of stock options, stock
awards, stock appreciation rights or phantom stock units otherwise than under
the Plan.
20. NO TRUST OR FUND CREATED
Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a
trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the
Corporation and a grantee or any other person. To the extent that any grantee
or other person acquires a right to receive payments from the Corporation
pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any
unsecured general creditor of the Corporation.
21. GOVERNING LAW
The validity, construction and effect of the Plan, of Grant Agreements
entered into pursuant to the Plan, and of any rules, regulations, determinations
or decisions made by the Board or Committee relating to the Plan or such Grant
Agreements, and the rights of any and all persons having or claiming to have any
interest therein or thereunder, shall be determined exclusively in accordance
with applicable federal laws and the laws of the State of Maryland, without
regard to its conflict of laws rules and principles.
22. PLAN SUBJECT TO CHARTER AND BY-LAWS
This Plan is subject to the Charter and By-Laws of the Corporation, as they
may be amended from time to time.
23. EFFECTIVE DATE; TERMINATION DATE
The Plan is effective as of the date on which the Plan is adopted by the
Board, subject to approval of the stockholders within twelve months before or
after such date. No Award shall be granted under the Plan after the close of
business on the day immediately preceding the tenth anniversary of the effective
date of the Plan. Subject to other applicable provisions of the Plan, all
Awards made under the Plan prior to such termination of the Plan shall remain in
effect until such Awards have been satisfied or terminated in accordance with
the Plan and the terms of such Awards.
Date Approved by the Board:
--------------------------------
Date Approved by the Shareholders:
-------------------------
-12-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 11.1
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
COMPUTATION OF PRO FORMA EARNINGS PER SHARE
UNDER TREASURY STOCK METHOD SET FORTH IN APB NO. 15
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
----------------------------
PRIMARY FULLY-DILUTED
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
SHARES (1)
Average outstanding during the year................................................. 3,274,745 3,274,745
Add: Incremental shares under stock compensation and stock purchase plans (2)....... 1,049,613 1,176,123
Add: Incremental shares due to automatic conversion of Mandatorily Redeemable Series
C Preferred Stock (3).............................................................. 1,530,950 1,530,950
------------- -------------
Number of shares on which published earnings per share
is based........................................................................... 5,855,308 5,981,818
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
EARNINGS
Net income applicable to common stockholders........................................ $ 1,059,656 $ 1,059,656
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
Pro forma income per share (4)...................................................... $0.18 $0.18
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) All share amounts give effect to the proposed 4.5 for 1 stock split effected
in the form of a stock dividend.
(2) Incremental shares include the exercise of options under the treasury stock
method when dilutive in a particular period. In addition, incremental shares
include stock exercised and options granted in the year preceding the filing
using the anticipated offer price of $10.00 in accordance with SAB 83.
(3) To give pro forma effect to the conversion of the Mandatorily Redeemable
Series C Preferred Stock which will automatically convert to shares of
Common Stock upon the initial public offering.
(4) There is a less than 3% difference between primary and fully-diluted
earnings per share. Therefore, only one EPS figure is presented in
accordance with APB 15.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated December 8, 1996,
except as to the extension of their credit facilities as described in Note 5
which is as of January 25, 1996, and except as to the stock split described
in Note 11 which is as of June 23, 1996, relating to the financial statements
of ACE*COMM Corporation, which appears in such Prospectus. We also consent to
the references to us under the headings "Experts" and "Selected Financial
Data" in such Prospectus. However, it should be noted that Price Waterhouse
LLP has not prepared or certified such "Selected Financial Data."
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Washington, D.C.
June 24, 1996
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from audited
financial statements for June 30, 1996 and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JUN-30-1996
<PERIOD-START> JUL-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1996
<CASH> 369,206
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 8,653,871
<ALLOWANCES> (10,000)
<INVENTORY> 1,836,317
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 11,133,207
<PP&E> 2,273,261
<DEPRECIATION> (967,417)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 14,298,386
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 9,235,671
<BONDS> 5,127,291
2,261,627
1,000
<COMMON> 35,905
<OTHER-SE> (187,358)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 14,298,386
<SALES> 19,983,182
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 19,983,182
<CGS> 10,294,490
<TOTAL-COSTS> 18,543,973
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 379,553
<LOSS-PROVISION> (10,000)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 379,553
<INCOME-PRETAX> 1,059,656
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 1,059,656
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 1,059,656
<EPS-PRIMARY> .18
<EPS-DILUTED> .18
</TABLE>
