SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)  January 1, 2008

 

Evolving Systems, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

 

0-24081
(Commission File Number)

 

84-1010843
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

9777 Pyramid Court, Suite 100

Englewood, Colorado 80112

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (303) 802-1000

 

N/A
Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

o     Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o     Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 



 

ITEM 1.01             ENTRY INTO A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Evolving Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) approved the 2008 Compensation Plans for Executive Officers and the Board of Directors.

 

(a)           2008 Compensation Plans for Executive Officers

 

Each of the Executive Officers is eligible to receive annual base salary and incentive compensation as a percentage of his or her base salary.  The Committee made no changes in base salaries of the Executive Officers.  Incentive compensation, as a percentage of base salary, was changed only for Mr. Dupper, the Company’s President and CEO, as follows:  Mr. Dupper’s incentive compensation, which was set at 100% of his base salary in 2007, was reduced to 75% of his base salary, with an additional $20,000 of incentive compensation payable if the Company achieves its annual revenue target for 2008.

 

Quarterly and annual incentive compensation will be paid only if the Company is compliant with its EBITDA banking covenant at the end of the applicable period and the Company achieves the quarterly revenue targets (in the case of quarterly incentive compensation) and annual EBITDA target (in the case of annual incentive compensation) established by the Board of Directors (collectively “Incentive Targets”).  Incentive compensation is payable in five (5) increments, based upon the Company’s achievement of Incentive Targets.  In the event the Company exceeds quarterly and/or annual Incentive Targets, additional incentive compensation may be paid, but cannot exceed 150% of an Executive Officer’s potential incentive compensation.

 

Each executive officer enters into an annual compensation agreement with the Company, in substantially the form attached as Exhibit 10.4.  These agreements were amended to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (see item (d) below).

 

Equity awards are made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

 

(b)           2008 Compensation Plan for the Board of Directors

 

Each Director will receive an annual retainer fee of $20,000.  The Chairman of the Board will receive an additional annual fee of $10,000 and the Chairman of the Audit Committee will receive an additional annual fee of $5,000.  Compensation is payable in equal quarterly increments following the end of each quarter.  Equity awards are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors following the annual meeting of stockholders (stock options) and in the fourth calendar quarter (restricted stock).

 

(c)           Consulting Agreement with Stephen K. Gartside, Jr.

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Stephen K. Gartside, Jr., the Company’s previous President and CEO and current Chairman of the Board. 

 

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Under the Agreement the Company will pay Mr. Gartside an annual fee of $20,000 for consulting services provided to the Company.  A copy of the agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.1.

 

(d)           Amendments to Agreements to Comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A

 

The Board of Directors approved amendments to the following agreements to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A:  Indemnification Agreement (entered into with all Executive Officers and Directors); Change in Control Agreement (entered into with Executive Officers Dupper, Ervine, Moseley and Cochran); Executive Officer compensation agreements (entered into with Dupper, Ervine, Moseley and Cochran).  Copies of the amendments are attached as Exhibits 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4 respectively.

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Dated: January 3, 2008.

 

Evolving Systems, Inc.

 

 

By:

/s/ ANITA T. MOSELEY

 

Anita T. Moseley

 

Sr. Vice President & General Counsel

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit 
Number

 

Description

 

10.1

 

Consulting Agreement entered into with Stephen K. Gartside, Jr.

 

10.2

 

Form of Amendment to Indemnification Agreement

 

10.3

 

Form of Change in Control Agreement

 

10.4

 

Form of Executive Officer 2008 Compensation Agreement

 

 


 

EXHIBIT 10.1

 

Evolving Systems, Inc.

 

Consulting Agreement

 

I, Stephen K. Gartside, Jr., agree to serve as a Consultant to Evolving Systems, Inc. (Evolving Systems) on the terms described below, which I have read, and accept:

 

1 .             Duties.

 

1 .1          General Advice.   As requested, you will consult with Evolving Systems concerning the state of Evolving Systems’ business, products, services, and market opportunities, as well as other matters in your area of expertise. Your primary point of contact will be Thad Dupper, President and CEO.

 

1 .2          Compliance with Law and Policies.   In performing the work required under this Agreement, you will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and with Evolving Systems’ policies and procedures.

 

2 .             Evolving Systems’ Duties.

 

2 .1          Expenses.   Evolving Systems will reimburse you for any reasonable pre-approved expenses you incur in performing services under this Agreement, according to Evolving Systems’ corporate policy for its senior employees. Evolving Systems will reimburse those expenses promptly on receiving reimbursement requests in a form and supported by such reasonable documentation as Evolving Systems may request.

 

2 .2          Scheduling.   Evolving Systems will give you as much advance notice as is reasonably feasible of meetings, and work with you to schedule other consultations at convenient times.

 

2 .3          Office, Equipment.   Evolving Systems will provide you with an office at its Englewood facility, computer and network access and Blackberry services to be used in performing your consulting services.

 

3 .             Term.

 

3 .1          Calendar Year 2008.   This Agreement begins on January 1, 2008 and continues through December 31, 2008 unless terminated earlier by either party.  Either party may terminate this Agreement by giving the other party thirty (30) days advance written notice.

 



 

3.2          Compensation.   As compensation for your services under this Agreement, Evolving Systems will pay you an annual fee of $20,000, payable in equal quarterly increments of $5,000.  Each quarterly amount will be paid to you in the month following the end of each calendar quarter.

 

4 .             Status of Consultant.   You will be an independent contractor and not an employee of Evolving Systems.  Except as specifically set forth in this paragraph, you acknowledge that you have no rights in or under any health, liability or disability or other insurance policies maintained by Evolving Systems, nor to any overtime, vacation, holiday, sick leave, seniority or other benefits.  You further acknowledge that you have no right to claim unemployment compensation, worker’s compensation or disability compensation pursuant to this Agreement, or as a result of your relationship with Evolving Systems.  You will be responsible for all self-employment, social security and other taxes, fines, penalties or other liability to the Internal Revenue Service of the United States, the Department of Revenue of the State of Colorado, and to any other entity with taxing jurisdiction.

 

5 .             Confidentiality.   You acknowledge that in the course of providing services and advice to Evolving Systems, you may acquire knowledge (both orally and in writing) relating to confidential affairs of Evolving Systems and confidential or proprietary information.  You agree to continue to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement entered into between you and Evolving Systems on August 17, 2001.

 

  6 .            Non-Solicitation.   You agree that for the duration of this Agreement you will not directly or indirectly induce or solicit any of Evolving Systems’ employees to leave their employment or to become employed by any other entity, nor shall you refer any of Evolving Systems’ employees to any other entity or person for purposes of inducing or soliciting such employees to leave Evolving Systems’ employment or to become employed by any other person or entity. You represent and warrant that the provision of services under this Agreement does not violate your confidentiality, non-disclosure, or non-competition obligations, if any, to any other person or entity.

 

7 .             Authority.   You shall not: (a) have any authority to incur any expenditure in the name of or for the account of Evolving Systems unless Evolving Systems shall have agreed in advance to it being so incurred; or (b) hold yourself out or permit yourself to be held out as having any authority to do or say anything on behalf of or in the name of Evolving Systems unless Evolving Systems shall have consented in advance to you so doing or saying.

 

8 .             General.

 

8 .1          Notice.   Notice will be sent, if to you, at your address as shown below; and if to Evolving Systems, at Evolving Systems’ headquarters location, attn: Thad Dupper, President & CEO.  Notice is effective when received by the person to whom Notice is required to be given, if sent by any means that leaves a permanent record in the recipient’s hands.  Notice is also effective if properly addressed and sent postage prepaid by any method resulting in a return receipt from the courier.  Notice sent by this method is effective on the earlier of the date

 



 

actually received, or on the date the return receipt shows it was refused or returned undeliverable.  Either party may change its Notice address, by Notice.

 

8 .2          Governing Law, Enforcement, Priority.   This Agreement is governed by Colorado law.  Enforcement may be sought in Douglas County, Colorado, where you and Evolving Systems both consent to jurisdiction.  This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements between the parties as to the terms of any consulting arrangement.

 

Dated this 31st day of December to be effective the 1 st day of January, 2008.

 

/s/ STEPHEN K. GARTSIDE, JR.

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen K. Gartside, Jr.

 

 

 

Address:

29432 Camelback Lane

 

 

Evergreen, CO 80439

 

 

Evolving Systems, Inc.

 

By:

/s/ THADDEUS DUPPER

 

 

 

Thaddeus Dupper

 

President & CEO

 


 

EXHIBIT 10.2

 

FORM OF

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

THIS First Amendment to the Indemnification Agreement by and between EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and                                                       (“ Indemnitee ”) (the “Agreement” ) is effective as of January 1, 2008.

 

                WHEREAS, the Company and Indemnitee entered into the Agreement, first effective as of                                                       , 200    .

 

                WHEREAS, Section 19 of the Agreement permits amendment of the Agreement in a writing signed by both parties.

 

                WHEREAS, the Company and Indemnitee desire to amend the Agreement, to the extent necessary, to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code” ) and the April 10, 2007, final regulations thereunder (collectively “Section 409A” ) and to make other changes set forth below.

 

                NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual terms and conditions described herein, the parties agree the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

 

                1.             Effective as of January 1, 2008, the Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new Section 24, Section 409A, to read in its entirety as follows:

 

24.          SECTION 409A.  The parties intend that any amounts payable and benefits provided under this Agreement and the exercise of authority or discretion hereunder by the Company or by Indemnitee shall be eligible for the regulatory exception to the limitations imposed on deferred compensation by Section 409A for certain indemnification arrangements described in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(b)(10).  In the event, or to the extent, this exception is not available, any amounts payable and benefits provided hereunder shall be paid to Indemnitee at such date or a later day within the same calendar year, or, if later, by the 15 th day of the third calendar month following the date the expenses are incurred by Indemnitee, and if applicable, any payments shall be delayed for a period of six months following “separation from service” by Indemnitee so as not to subject Indemnitee to the payment of additional taxes and interest that may be imposed under Section 409A.  To the extent that any amount payable or benefit provided under this Agreement would trigger the additional tax or interest imposed under Section 409A, the Company and Indemnitee agree to work together to modify the Agreement to the minimum extent necessary to reasonably comply with the requirements of Section 409A, provided that the Company shall not be required to assume any increased economic burden.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 



 

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

 

EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC.

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

Address:

Evolving Systems, Inc.

 

9777 Pyramid Ct., Suite 100

 

Englewood, CO 80112

 

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED

 

 

INDEMNITEE

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 


 

EXHIBIT 10.3

 

FORM  OF

 

MANAGEMENT CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

 

THIS MANAGEMENT CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT (the “Agreement” ) is effective as of January 1, 2008, by and between EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC. , a Delaware corporation (the “Company” ) and                                       ( “Executive” ).

 

WHEREAS , Executive is an executive officer of the Company and is performing duties in such capacity as may be appropriately designated by the Board of Directors from time to time; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board” ) recognizes that Executive’s desire to continue to provide such services may be adversely affected in the event of a Change in Control of the Company, as defined herein, or the possibility of such event happening, because of the uncertainties inherent in such a situation; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to retain the services of Executive in the event of a threat or occurrence of a Change in Control and, accordingly, the Board caused the Company to enter into a Management Change in Control Agreement with Executive (the “Current Agreement” ).

 

WHEREAS, the Board desires to amend and restate the Current Agreement to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code” ) and the April 10, 2007, final regulations thereunder (collectively “Section 409A” ) and to make other changes set forth below.  This Agreement, which amends, restates, and supersedes the Current Agreement, is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION OF THE MUTUAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN, THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

 

1.                                       CHANGE IN CONTROL.  Subject to the terms and conditions described in this Agreement, in the event that Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated, as defined in Section 2 below (a “Qualified Termination” ), the Company shall pay to Executive the compensation described in Section 4 below, provide the benefits described in Section 5 below and accelerate the vesting of stock options, restricted stock and other equity awards as described in Section 6 below (collectively referred to as the “Severance Benefits” ).  As used in this Agreement, the term “Change in Control” means:

 

(a)                                   CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP.  The date any person or group acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by the person or group, constitutes more than 50 percent (50%) of the total fair market value or total voting power of stock of the Company, or any other change in ownership described in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v);

 



 

(b)                                  CHANGE IN EFFECTIVE CONTROL.  The date of a change in the effective control of the Company under either (i) or (ii) below:

 

(i)              the date any person or group acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by the person or group) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30 percent (30%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; or

 

(ii)           the date a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board before the date of the appointment or election;

 

or any other change in effective control described in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi);

 

(c)                                   CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP OF A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF THE COMPANY’S ASSETS.   The date any person or group acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by the person or group) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40 percent (40%) of the total gross fair market value of all assets of the Company immediately prior to the acquisition.  For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets, or any other change in ownership described in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii); or

 

(d)                                  OTHER CHANGE IN CONTROL EVENT.  The date of any other change in control event described in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) or other applicable guidance under Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code.

 

The determination of whether a Change in Control has occurred and the date consummated shall be made by the Board, in good faith, consistent with the requirements of Section 409A.

 

2.                                       QUALIFIED TERMINATION.  For purposes of this Agreement, Executive’s termination of employment with the Company shall be considered a Qualified Termination if any of the following occurs:

 

(a)                                   Termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for any reason, other than for Cause or Disability, as described in Section 3 below, or death (collectively “Cause” ), as a result of the influence of a person or entity seeking to cause a Change in Control.  For purposes of this Agreement, it shall be presumed, without limitation, that a Qualified Termination occurred as a result of such influence if any of the following occurs:

 



 

(i)                          Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for any reason, other than for Cause, within one-hundred eighty (180) days after meetings, conversations or other discussions by officers or directors of the Company and personnel of another entity to effect a Change in Control, provided that  (a) the Company and such other entity have executed a written letter of intent or other memorandum of understanding (collectively, the “LOI” ) as a result of such meetings, documenting their intent to pursue a Change in Control and containing, at a minimum, high level terms and conditions for the proposed Change in Control and (b) the LOI has not expired or been terminated at the time Executive’s employment is terminated.  The one hundred eighty (180) day period described above shall be calculated from the effective date of the LOI; or

 

(ii)                       Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for any reason,  other than for Cause, within one hundred eighty (180) days prior to any actual Change in Control (such time period being hereinafter referred to as “Anticipation of a Change in Control” );

 

(b)                                  Termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for any reason, other than for Cause, within [eighteen (18) (Moseley and Cochran) / twenty-four (24)] months (Dupper and Ervine) following a Change in Control;

 

(c)                                   Resignation by Executive following a change in a material condition of Executive’s employment within eighteen (18) (Moseley and Cochran) / twenty-four (24) (Dupper and Ervine)] months following a Change in Control.  For purposes of this Agreement, Executive’s separation from service must occur within [eighteen (18) (Moseley and Cochran) / twenty-four (24) (Dupper and Ervine)] months following the initial existence of one or more of the following conditions arising without Executive’s consent ( “Change in a Material Condition” ):

 

(i)                          A material diminution (5% or more) in Executive’s base salary and annual incentive compensation target, excluding commission targets.

 

(ii)                       A material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities (including reporting responsibilities) or work conditions which, in Executive’s reasonable judgment, represents a material adverse change from Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities.

 

(iii)                    A material diminution in the budget over which Executive retains authority.

 

(iv)                   A material change (more than twenty-five (25) miles) in the geographic location at which Executive must perform his or her services for the

 



 

Company, except for reasonably required travel on Company business that is not materially greater than such travel requirements prior to the change.

 

(v)                      Any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company or a successor entity of this Agreement.

 

Each of the conditions set forth in subparagraphs (i) through (v) hereof, shall be interpreted consistent with the requirements for an involuntary separation from service under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(n) and other applicable guidance. Executive shall be required to provide notice to the Company of the existence of the condition described in this Section 2(c)  within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Company shall have 30 days during which it may remedy the condition and not be required to pay the Severance Benefits.

 

(d)                                  Resignation by Executive following a Change in a Material Condition of Executive’s employment within 180 days prior to a Change in Control, in Anticipation of a Change in Control, consistent with the conditions and requirements set forth in Section 2(c) .

 

3.                                       TERMINATION FOR CAUSE, DISABILITY, OR DEATH.  The Company shall not be required to pay Severance Benefits to Executive in the event Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for cause, evidenced by a resolution adopted in good faith by two-thirds of the Board, Disability or death; provided, however, that if a Qualified Termination occurs, and Executive subsequently dies or is disabled during the Severance Period, payments described in this Agreement shall continue to be paid to Executive’s estate (in the case of death) or to Executive or Executive’s guardian (as applicable in the case of Disability).  For purposes of this Agreement, cause shall be limited to mean the following:

 

(a)                                   Willful misfeasance or nonfeasance by Executive that materially injures the reputation, business or business relationships of the Company or any of its officers, directors or Executives and such action or failure is not remedied or reasonable steps to effect such remedy are not commenced within thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice;

 

(b)                                  Any act involving moral turpitude or a crime other than a vehicle offense (other than vehicular manslaughter) which could reflect in some material fashion unfavorably upon the business or business relationships of the Company or any of its officers, directors or Executives; or

 

(c)                                   Willful or prolonged absence from work by Executive, other than by reason of Disability.

 

Disability shall mean a physical or mental infirmity which impairs Executive’s ability to substantially perform Executive’s duties with the Company for a period of one hundred

 



 

eighty (180) consecutive days, provided that Executive has not returned to Executive’s full-time employment prior to the Qualified Termination date.

 

4.                                       COMPENSATION PAYABLE UPON QUALIFIED TERMINATION.

 

(a)                                   SEVERANCE COMPENSATION.  Upon the occurrence of a Qualified Termination, the Company shall pay to Executive the following amount ( “Severance Compensation” ):

 

(i)                          For a Qualified Termination determined under Section 2(a)(i), Section 2(b) or Section 2(c) , the Company shall pay to Executive all amounts earned or accrued through the Qualified Termination date, including, without limitation (i) base salary, (ii) a prorated portion of any earned incentive compensation, (iii) compensation for unused paid time off, and (iv) reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by Executive on behalf of the Company during the period ending on the Qualified Termination date.  The Company shall also pay to Executive an amount equal to:  (A) Executive’s annual base salary, plus (B) [One Hundred Fifty Percent (150%) (Moseley & Cochran); Two Hundred Percent (200%) (Dupper & Ervine)] of Executive’s annual incentive compensation target (excluding commission targets) determined at the time of the Qualified Termination as the greater of:  (X) the target amount for the calendar year of the Qualified Termination, or (Y) the target amount for the immediately preceding calendar year prior to the Qualified Termination.

 

(ii)                       For a Qualified Termination determined under Section 2(a)(ii) or Section 2(d) , the Company shall pay to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, an amount equal to:  (A) Executive’s annual base salary (reduced by an amount equal to the number of months of salary continuation initially payable for severance under Executive’s Annual Compensation Plan, if any), plus (B) [One Hundred Fifty Percent (150%) (Moseley & Cochran); Two Hundred Percent (200%) (Dupper & Ervine)] of Executive’s annual incentive compensation target (excluding commission targets) determined at the time of the Qualified Termination as the greater of:  (X) the target amount for the calendar year of Executive’s actual separation from service with the Company, or (Y) the target amount for the immediately preceding calendar year prior to Executive’s separation from service with the Company.

 

(b)                                  TIME AND FORM OF PAYMENT.  The Severance Compensation shall be paid in substantially equal pay period installments over [an eighteen (18) (Moseley & Cochran)] [a twenty-four (24) (Dupper & Ervine)] month period (the “Severance Period” ).  Each Severance Compensation installment payment shall constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A.  Each Severance Compensation installment payment shall be paid in accordance with the payroll payment schedule of the Company in effect on the Qualified Termination date.  Payments

 



 

shall commence on the payroll payment date for the first pay period commencing immediately following the Qualified Termination date.

 

(c)                                   NO MITIGATION OR OFFSET.  Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, and no such payment shall be offset or reduced by the amount of any compensation or benefits provided to Executive in any subsequent employment.

 

(d)                                  DELAY IN PAYMENT.   Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is deemed by the Company at the time of Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company to be a “specified employee,” any nonqualified deferred compensation to which Executive is entitled under the Agreement in connection with such separation from service shall not be paid or commence payment until the date which is the first business day following the six (6) month period after Executive’s separation from service (or if earlier, Executive’s death).  Such delay in payment shall only be effected with respect to each separate payment to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to Executive under Section 409A.  Any compensation which would have otherwise been paid during the delay period in the absence of this Section 4(d)  shall be paid to Executive or his beneficiary in a lump sum payment on the first business day following the expiration of the delay period.

 

(e)                                   KEY DEFINITIONS.   For purposes of this Agreement, the terms “separation from service” and “specified employee” shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms within Section 409A and applicable guidance.

 

5.                                       BENEFITS PAYABLE UPON QUALIFIED TERMINATION.   Upon the occurrence of a Qualified Termination, the Company shall provide the following benefits to Executive:

 

(a)                                   CONTINUED MEDICAL BENEFITS.  During the Severance Period, the Company shall provide Executive and his family the same level of health ( i.e., medical, dental and vision) coverage and benefits as in effect for Executive immediately prior to the Qualified Termination date until the earliest of (i) [eighteen (18) (Moseley & Cochran)] [twenty four (24) (Dupper & Ervine)] months or (ii) the date or dates that Executive’s continued participation in the Company’s medical plan is not possible under the terms of the plan (the earliest of (i) and (ii) is referred to herein as the “Benefits Date” ).  Executive shall be responsible for contributing toward the premium the same amount as Executive was contributing immediately prior to the Qualified Termination (or separation from service, if applicable).  The Company shall pay the remaining amount of the premiums during the Severance Period.  If the Company’s medical insurance plan does not allow Executive’s continued participation in the plan, then the Company will pay to Executive, in monthly installments, from the date on which Executive’s participation in the medical insurance is prohibited until the date that is [eighteen (18) (Moseley & Cochran)] [twenty four (24) (Dupper & Ervine)] months after

 



 

the Qualified Termination date, an amount equal to: the monthly premium or premiums for COBRA coverage with respect to Executive for the discontinued medical insurance, less, the monthly premium or premiums Executive was contributing at the time of the Qualified Termination (or separation from service, if applicable).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the benefits described herein shall be terminated if Executive subsequently joins or becomes employed by another organization which provides Executive and his or her family with medical benefits comparable to those provided by the Company under this paragraph.

 

(b)                                  DISABILITY AND LIFE INSURANCE.  In lieu of providing continued disability and  life insurance coverage in the same amount as was being provided to Executive at the time of the Qualified Termination (or separation from service, if applicable), the Company shall pay Executive, in monthly installments, commencing on the calendar month immediately following the Qualified Termination Date until the date that is [eighteen (18) (Moseley & Cochran)] [twenty four (24) (Dupper & Ervine)] months after the Qualified Termination, an amount equal to the monthly premium or premiums for disability and life insurance coverage of Executive paid by the Company immediately prior to the Qualified Termination (or separation from service, if applicable).

 

(c)                                   TAX ADVICE.  The Company shall provide Executive with tax advice services, in an amount not to exceed $7,500, with a mutually acceptable accounting and/or legal services organization for the duration of the Severance Period, provided that the tax services provided hereunder shall not extend beyond the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive separates from service with the Company.

 

In accordance with Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv), the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits under this Section 5 shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

6.                                       ACCELERATION OF VESTING OF EQUITY AWARDS.   Immediately upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, fifty percent (50%) of Executive’s unvested options, stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted stock and any other unvested equity awards, if any, shall vest.  In the event of a Qualified Termination, all of Executive’s unvested options, stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted stock and any other unvested equity awards shall vest.  The remaining provisions of Executive’s option, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other equity awards, as governed by the applicable stock or equity incentive plan of the Company, shall continue in full force and effect, provided, however, that vested options and stock appreciation rights shall lapse if not exercised by midnight on the last day of the Severance Period, or earlier in accordance with the expiration of the term of the option or stock appreciation right.  In the event of a Qualified Termination in Anticipation of a Change in Control, the Company will pay to Executive an amount equal to the difference between the strike price for Executive’s unvested options that were forfeited to the Company at the time Executive’s employment terminated and the price determined for the Company’s stock on the date of the actual Change in Control.

 



 

In the event of a Qualified Termination following a Change in Control where the Company’s stock is not publicly traded, the Company shall, upon written request of Executive within three (3) months of the Qualified Termination, repurchase all of the vested shares then held by Executive at a purchase price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time of the repurchase.

 

7.                                       NON-COMPETITION.  Executive acknowledges that he or she has gained and will gain extensive and valuable experiences and knowledge in the business conducted by the Company and has had and will have extensive contacts with customers of the Company.  Accordingly, in exchange for the Severance Benefits provided under this Agreement, Executive covenants and agrees with the Company that in the event of a Qualified Termination he or she shall not compete directly or indirectly with the Company during the Severance Period and shall not during such period make public statements in derogation of the Company.

 

Competing directly or indirectly with the Company shall mean engaging or having a material interest, directly or indirectly, as owner, Executive, officer, director, partner, venturer, stockholder, capital investor, consultant, agent, principal, advisor or otherwise, either alone or in association with others, in the operation of any entity which (a) provides operational support systems (OSS) software solutions or services; network management or monitoring; number inventory; service assurance; service quality management or provisioning for telecommunications carriers similar to those provided by the Company and/or (b) is engaged in such other businesses as the Company is actively engaged in at the time of Executive’s termination of employment.  Competing directly or indirectly with the Company, as used in this Agreement, shall not include having an ownership interest as an inactive investor, which for purposes of this Agreement shall mean the beneficial ownership of less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of any series or class of securities of any competitor of the Company, which shares are publicly traded in the securities markets.  This Section 7 shall no longer apply if the Company has obligations to provide Severance Benefits and the Company is not paying or providing such benefits after twenty (20) days notice by Executive to the Company.  Executive agrees that any violation of this Section 7 by Executive which is not cured after twenty (20) days notice from the Company shall result in termination of the Company’s obligations to provide Severance Benefits hereunder.

 

8.                                       NON-SOLICITATION.  Executive acknowledges that he or she has had and will have extensive contacts with employees and customers of the Company.  Accordingly, in exchange for the Severance Benefits provided for hereunder, Executive covenants and agrees that in the event of a Qualified Termination he or she will not, during the Severance Period, (i) solicit, raid, entice or induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of Company; (ii) interfere with the relationship of the Company with any such employees, including, but not limited to, hiring such employee; or (iii) personally target or solicit customers of the Company to purchase products or services in competition with the Company’s products or services or to terminate a relationship with the Company.  This Section 8 shall no longer apply if the Company has obligations to

 



 

provide Severance Benefits and the Company is not paying or providing such benefits after twenty (20) days notice by Executive to the Company.  Executive agrees that any violation of this Section 8 by Executive which is not cured after five (5) days notice from the Company shall result in termination of the Company’s obligations to provide Severance Benefits hereunder.

 

9.                                       CONFIDENTIALITY.  Executive acknowledges that he or she has had and will have access to certain information related to the business, operations, future plans and customers of the Company, the disclosure or use of which could cause the Company substantial losses and damages. Accordingly, Executive acknowledges and affirms the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information Agreement signed by Executive, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

10.                                EXECUTION OF RELEASE/COOPERATION/EXECUTIVE AVAILABLE FOR TRANSITION ASSISTANCE.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, payment of the amounts specified in this Agreement is conditional upon Executive (a) executing a release provided by the Company releasing all claims against the Company arising out of Executive’s employment or termination of employment; (b) reasonably cooperating with the Company in connection with any Change in Control or proposed Change in Control and all matters relating to Executive’s employment with the Company; and (c) assisting the Company as reasonably requested in transitioning Executive’s responsibilities to Executive’s replacement as well as Executive making himself available to answer questions and provide transition assistance to Company during the Severance Period. Following Executive’s termination of employment, such assistance shall be provided at mutually acceptable times, and in reasonable amounts, taking into account other commitments that Executive may have.  Executive agrees to use best efforts to minimize any conflicts with other commitments to facilitate this assistance. Company agrees to reimburse Executive for reasonable out of pocket, pre-approved expenses incurred in providing such assistance.

 

11.                                RIGHT TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.  Executive agrees and acknowledges that a violation of the covenants contained in Sections 7, 8 and 9 of this Agreement will cause irreparable damage to the Company, and that it is and will be impossible to estimate or determine the damage that will be suffered by the Company in the event of breach by Executive of any such covenant.  Therefore, Executive further agrees that, in the event of any violation or threatened violation of such covenants, the Company shall be entitled as a matter of course to an injunction out of any court of competent jurisdiction restraining such violation or threatened violation by Executive, such right to an injunction to be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have.

 

12.                                PARTIAL INVALIDITY/SEVERABILITY/NO AMENDMENT OF EXISTING AGREEMENTS. Executive acknowledges that the periods of time and geographic area of restriction imposed by Section 7 and Section 8 are fair and reasonable and are reasonably required for the protection of the Company.  If any part of parts of Section 7 or Section 8 shall be held to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining parts thereof shall nevertheless continue to be valid and enforceable as though the invalid portion or portions were not a

 



 

part hereof.  If any of the provisions of Section 7 or Section 8 relating to the scope of restrictions, periods of time or geographic area of restriction shall be deemed to exceed the scope of restrictions, maximum periods of time or area which a court of competent jurisdiction would deem enforceable, the scope of restrictions, time and area shall, for purposes of Section 7 and Section 8 , be deemed to be the maximum scope, time periods and area which a court of competent jurisdiction would deem valid and enforceable in any state in which such court of competent jurisdiction shall be convened.  If any other paragraph or subparagraph of this Agreement shall be unenforceable under any applicable law, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Except as specifically provided herein, nothing in this Agreement is intended to modify any existing agreements between the Company and Executive with regard to the matters in Sections 7, 8 or 9.

 

13.                                EMPLOYMENT AT WILL/RELEASES/OTHER BENEFIT POLICIES.   The provisions of this Agreement shall govern the parties’ relationship only in the event of a Change in Control, or an event in Anticipation of a Change in Control, as defined herein. Nothing in this Agreement shall alter Executive’s status as an “at will” employee of the Company.  The Company may condition the payment to Executive of the severance amounts described in this Agreement upon Executive’s delivery of a reasonable form of release in favor of the Company containing customary terms and conditions for the release of employment related claims.  The severance pay and benefits provided for in this Agreement shall be in lieu of any other severance or termination pay to which Executive may be entitled under any Company severance or termination plan, program, practice or arrangement.

 

14.                                EXCISE TAX PAYMENTS.

 

(a)                                   In the event that any payment or benefit (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code to Executive or for Executive’s benefit, paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise in connection with, or arising out of, Executive’s employment with the Company or a Change in Control (a “Payment” or “Payments” ), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999, or any interest or penalties are incurred by Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax” ), then Executive will be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up Payment” ) in an amount such that after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties (other than interest and penalties imposed by reason of Executive’s failure to file timely a tax return or pay taxes shown due on Executive’s return) imposed with respect to such taxes and the Excise Tax), including any Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

 

(b)                                  An initial determination as to whether a Gross-Up Payment is required pursuant to this Agreement and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment shall be made by the Company.  The Company shall provide its determination (the “Determination” ),

 



 

together with detailed supporting calculations and documentation, to Executive within fifteen (15) days of the Qualified Termination date, if applicable. If requested by Executive, the Company shall furnish Executive, at the Company’s expense, calculations or other information reasonably acceptable to Executive from an independent public accounting firm designated by the Company (or an accounting firm of equivalent stature reasonably acceptable to Executive) that there is a reasonable basis for the Determination. Any Gross-Up Payment determined pursuant to this Section 14(b)  shall be paid by the Company to Executive within five (5) days of receipt of the Determination.

 

(c)                                   As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that a Gross-Up Payment (or a portion thereof) will be paid which should not have been paid (an “Excess Payment” ) or a Gross-Up Payment (or portion thereof) which should have been paid will not have been paid (an “Underpayment” ).

 

(i)                          An Underpayment shall be deemed to have occurred (1) upon notice (formal or informal) to Executive from any governmental taxing authority that Executive’s tax liability (whether in respect of Executive’s current taxable year or in respect of any prior taxable year) may be increased by reason of the imposition of the Excise Tax on a Payment or Payments with respect to which the Company has failed to make a sufficient Gross-Up Payment, (2) upon a determination by a court, or (3) by reason of determination by the Company (which shall include the position taken by the Company, on its federal income tax return). If an Underpayment occurs, Executive shall promptly notify the Company and the Company shall promptly, but in any event at least five (5) days prior to the date on which the applicable government taxing authority has requested payment, pay to Executive an additional Gross-Up Payment equal to the amount of the Underpayment plus any interest and penalties (other than interest and penalties imposed by reason of Executive’s failure to file timely a tax return or pay taxes shown due on Executive’s return) imposed on the Underpayment.

 

(ii)                       An Excess Payment shall be deemed to have occurred upon a Final Determination (as hereinafter defined) that the Excise Tax shall not be imposed upon a Payment or Payments (or portion thereof) with respect to which Executive had previously received a Gross-Up Payment. A “Final Determination” shall be deemed to have occurred when Executive has received from the applicable government taxing authority a refund of taxes or other reduction in Executive’s tax liability by reason of the Excise Payment and upon either (1) the date a determination is made by, or an agreement is entered into with, the applicable governmental taxing authority which finally and conclusively binds Executive and such taxing authority, or in the event that a claim is brought before a court of competent jurisdiction, the date upon which a final determination has been made by such court and either all appeals have been taken and finally resolved or the time for all

 



 

appeals has expired or (2) the statute of limitations with respect to Executive’s applicable tax return has expired. If an Excess Payment is determined to have been made, the amount of the Excess Payment shall be treated as a loan by the Company to Executive, which loan Executive must repay to the Company together with interest at the applicable federal rate under Code Section 7872(f)(2); provided, that no loan shall be deemed to have been made and no amount will be payable by Executive to the Company unless, and only to the extent that, the deemed loan and payment would either reduce the amount on which Executive is subject to tax under Code Section 4999 or generate a refund of tax imposed under Code Section 4999.

 

(d)                                  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that, according to the Determination, an Excise Tax will be imposed on any Payment or Payments, the Company shall pay to the applicable government taxing authorities, as Excise Tax withholding, the amount of the Excise Tax that the Company has actually withheld from the Payment or Payments.

 

15.                                GOVERNING LAW.   This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Colorado. Any litigation regarding this Agreement shall only be brought and heard in the federal or state courts located in the Denver metropolitan area.

 

16.                                FEES AND EXPENSES.   In the event a party seeks the assistance of counsel or otherwise pursues legal action to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable costs of experts, evidence and counsel.

 

17.                                SURVIVAL.  Terms which by their terms or sense are to survive termination hereof shall so survive.

 

18.                                SECTION 409A.  The Company and Executive intend that any amounts payable and benefits provided under this Agreement and the exercise of authority or discretion hereunder by the Company or by Executive (i) shall be eligible for certain regulatory exceptions to the limitations imposed on deferred compensation by Section 409A; or (ii) shall comply with the provisions of Section 409A, in both cases so as not to subject Executive to the payment of additional taxes and interest that may be imposed under Section 409A.  To the extent that any amount payable or benefit provided under this Agreement would trigger the additional tax or interest imposed under Section 409A, the Company and Executive agree to work together to modify the Agreement to the minimum extent necessary to reasonably comply with the requirements of Section 409A, provided that the Company shall not be required to assume any increased economic burden.

 

19.                                NOTICE.   Notices hereunder shall be in writing and sent to the residence address of Executive last provided to the Company, and to the then current address of the Company. Notices shall be served by personal service or by mail or via telecopier, with a confirmation copy sent via overnight mail. All notices or demands by mail shall be by

 



 

certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or by nationally recognized private express courier, and shall be deemed completed upon receipt; notices sent via telecopier shall be deemed completed upon transmission, provided that confirmation of overnight delivery is received.

 

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth above.

 

EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC.

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

BY:

 

 

 

TITLE:

 

 

SIGNATURE

DATE:

 

 

DATE:

 

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AGREEMENT

 


 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

FORM OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

 

TO:

[name of executive officer]

 

 

FROM:

Evolving Systems, Inc. - Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

 

 

SUBJECT:

2008 Compensation Plan

 

The Compensation Package in this memorandum has been submitted to and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Evolving Systems, Inc.  This Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) is effective during calendar year 2008, and is provided to you to give you information regarding compensation offered to you as [insert title].  This Plan supersedes all prior Compensation plans or other compensation agreements, oral or written, you have with the Company, other than stock options or other equity awards previously granted to you, the Management Change in Control Agreement, as amended, and the Indemnification Agreement which shall continue in full force and effect .  Your Plan includes a base salary paid in accordance with the normal payroll practices of Evolving Systems, as well as eligibility for quarterly and annual incentive compensation.

 

This Plan is not a contract of employment and shall not be construed to guarantee employment for any particular period of time.  All Evolving Systems’ employees are employed at will.  You, or Evolving Systems, may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, for any reason or no reason.  The Plan may be changed or discontinued by the Company at any time, with or without prior notice.

 



 

I.              Compensation

 

A.            Base Salary

 

                                                Annual Base Salary (effective 1/1/2008)                          $XXX,XXX

 

                                                Target Incentive Compensation                                        [50%] [60%] [75%] of Base Salary, paid as described below

 

Your annual base salary will be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices.

 

B.            Incentive Compensation

 

1.             Target Incentive Compensation Award.

 

Attainment of Quarterly and Annual Results, and the percentage payout attributable to such attainment, will be determined based upon the Incentive Compensation Formula shown on Attachment 1.

 

In the event your employment terminates prior to the end of any calendar quarter, for reasons other than Cause (as described below), the Quarterly Incentive Compensation that would have been paid at the end of the calendar quarter will be pro-rated to the date of termination of your employment.  Except as noted in Section II(2) below, there will be no pro-ration for the Annual Incentive Compensation; you must be employed by the Company on December 31, 2008, to be eligible for the Annual Incentive Compensation amount.

 

2.                                       Time and Form of Payment.  Incentive Compensation will be paid in the form of five (5) substantially equal payments, based upon attainment of defined Company quarterly results and annual results.  Each payment shall constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A.  The Company shall pay each Incentive Compensation payment, on the date determined by the Company, during the 60-day period immediately following the last day of the quarterly or annual performance period.

 

II.                                      Severance
 

1.                                        Termination by the Company.  In the event your employment is terminated by the Company other than for (a) Cause; (b) Disability; (c) death, or (d) under the circumstances described in subsection 2 below, you will be paid severance compensation in an amount equal to six (6)  months of your then current Base Salary.

 



 

2.                                        Change in CEO; Change in a Material Condition.  [Applicable to Ervine and Moseley] In the event there is a change in the position of the CEO of the Company, and your employment is terminated within 6 months following such change (other than for Cause, Disability or death), or there is a Change in a Material Condition of your employment (as described below) during such 6 month period and as a result of such Change in a Material Condition you resign during such 6 month period, you will be paid severance compensation in an amount equal to (a)  nine (9)  months of your then current Base Salary, (b) your pro-rated quarterly Incentive Compensation, plus (c) a pro-rated portion of the amount allocable to your then current Annual Incentive Compensation Portion, pro-rated to the date of your employment termination.  Provided, however, that the Incentive Compensation portions will only be paid to you when and if other executives of the Company receive payout on the Quarterly Incentive Compensation and/or the Annual Compensation portions for the quarter/year in which your employment was terminated.

 

3.                                        Definitions.  “Cause,” “Disability” and “Change in a Material Condition” for purposes of the severance provisions described in this Section II shall mean:

 

(a)           “Cause” shall mean:

 

(i)                                      Willful action or failure to act by you that in the reasonable opinion of the Board of Directors materially injures the reputation, business or business relationships of the Company or any of its officers, directors or executives and such action or failure is not remedied or reasonable steps to effect such remedy are not commenced within ten (10) days following receipt of written notice;

 

(ii)                                   Your failure to perform your duties or to follow the reasonable directions of the Board of Directors of the Company within ten (10) business days after receipt by you of written notice of such failure;

 

(iii)                                Any act involving moral turpitude or a crime, other than a vehicle offense (excepting vehicular manslaughter), which could reflect in some material fashion unfavorably upon the business or business relationships of the Company or any of its officers, directors or executives.

 

(b)                                  “Disability” for purposes of this severance provision shall mean a physical or mental infirmity which impairs your ability to substantially perform your duties with the Company for a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days, provided that you have not returned to full-time employment prior to the date of your termination of employment.

 



 

(c)                                   “Change in a Material Condition” of employment for purposes of this severance provision shall mean:

 

(i)                                      A material diminution (5% or more) in your compensation plan, including Base Salary and/or Incentive Compensation.

 

(ii)                                   A material diminution in your authority, duties, or responsibilities.

 

(iii)                                A material diminution in the authority, duties, or responsibilities of the supervisor to whom you report, including a requirement that you report to a corporate officer or employee instead of reporting directly to the Board.

 

(iv)                               A material diminution in the budget over which you retain authority.

 

(v)                                  A material change (more than twenty-five (25) miles) in the geographic location at which Executive must perform his or her services for the Company, except for reasonably required travel on Company business that is not materially greater than such travel requirements prior to the change.

 

(vi)                               Any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Compensation Plan.

 

You are required to provide notice to the Company of the existence of the condition described in this Section II(3)(c) within 90 days of the initial existence of the condition.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Company shall have 30 days during which it may remedy the condition and not be required to pay you severance benefits.

 

4.                                        Time and Form of Payments.   Severance payments will be paid in substantially equal installments over the applicable severance period set forth in Section II(1) or II(2) above.  Each severance payment installment shall constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A.  Each severance payment installment shall be paid in accordance with the payroll payment schedule of the Company in effect on the date of your termination of employment.  The severance payments shall commence on the payroll payment date for the first pay period commencing immediately following the date of your termination of employment, provided, however , the portion of any severance payment relating to a pro-rated quarterly or annual Incentive Compensation award, if any, shall be paid on the date determined by the Company following the date of your termination of employment but no later than March 15, 2009.

 

5.                                        Separation Agreement.  In exchange for the severance payment described in this Section II, the Company will require that you execute a Separation Agreement, in

 



 

which you release all claims against the Company arising out of your employment or termination of your employment.  In addition, the Separation Agreement will provide that during the period of time during which you receive severance payments you will refrain from (a) soliciting Evolving Systems’ employees to leave the employ of the Company;  (b) interfering with the relationship of the Company with any such employees, including, but not limited to, hiring such employees; (c) targeting or soliciting customers of the Company to purchase products or services in competition with the Company’s products or services or to terminate a relationship with the Company and (d) competing directly or indirectly with the Company as is described in the Management Change in Control Agreement.

 

6.                                        Cause; Resignation.  Under no circumstances will the Company be obligated to pay any amounts to you under this Section II if your employment has been terminated by the Company for Cause, Disability or death.  Except as described in Section II(2) above, the Company will not pay any amounts to you under this Section II if your employment terminates as a result of your resignation.

 

7.                                        Change in Control.  The severance provisions of this Compensation Plan shall not apply in the event of a Change in Control, as defined in the Management Change in Control Agreement.  Accordingly, if severance described in this Plan is paid, and the Management Change in Control Agreement is subsequently triggered, payments made under this Plan shall be credited against, and shall NOT be in addition to, amounts paid under the Management Change in Control Agreement to the extent this is permitted without causing adverse effect under Section 409A.

 

8.                                        Delay in Payment.   Notwithstanding anything contained in this Compensation Plan to the contrary, if you are deemed by the Company at the time of your “separation from service” with the Company to be a “specified employee,” any nonqualified deferred compensation to which you are entitled under the Compensation Plan, if any, in connection with such separation from service shall not be paid or commence payment until the date which is the first business day following the six (6) month period after your separation from service (or if earlier, your death).  Such delay in payment shall only be effected with respect to each separate payment to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to you under Section 409A.  Any compensation which would have otherwise been paid during the delay period (whether in a lump sum or in installments) in the absence of this Section II(8) shall be paid to you or your beneficiary in a lump sum payment on the first business day following the expiration of the delay period.

 

9.                                        Key Definitions.   For purposes of this Compensation Plan, the terms “separation from service” and “specified employee” shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms within Section 409A and applicable guidance.

 



 

III.                                  Benefits
 

You will receive benefits in accordance with the Company’s standard benefits plan and policies, with the following modifications:

 

1.                                        Paid Time Off.   Your Paid Time Off (PTO) will be set at one level above the “standard” rates for employees, as follows: [applicable to US-based executives — UK-based executives receive PTO based upon UK employment policies]

 

Years of Service

 

Hours Accrued per Pay Period

 

Annual# of Days of PTO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-2

 

6.16

 

20

 

3-5

 

7.69

 

25

 

6+

 

9.23

 

30

 

 

You will be expected to record your PTO in accordance with standard Company policy and all other provisions of the Company’s PTO policy will apply.

 

2.                                        Life Insurance Benefits.  In addition to the standard life insurance benefits payable to employees of the Company, the Company will provide life insurance to you in the amount of $300,000, subject to your insurability.  The Company pays the premium, but the premium attributable to insurance over $50,000 is taxable to you.

 

3.                                        Disability Benefits.  The Company will provide you with short term and long term disability insurance coverage per the Company’s general plan for all employees.  The general plan for employees pays benefits at the rate of 66 2/3% of your base pay, with a base pay cap of $8,501 per month (resulting in total monthly benefit payable to you under the Company plan of $5,667).  This benefit, if payable, terminates at age 65.  In addition, the Company will make available to you, at your expense, additional long term disability coverage that will pay the lesser of the difference between 66 2/3% of your monthly base salary and the benefit provided under the general Company plan or $6,000 per month. (For example, if your monthly base salary is $15,000, the additional long-term disability policy will provide $4,334, the difference between the general Company plan benefit ($5,667) and 66 2/3% of your base salary.)  This additional benefit is payable until age 65, or, in some cases has a 5 year payout.   If you have any questions about the disability benefits, please see Heather Stiffler.

 

4.                                        Upgrade to First Class Travel/Business Travel.  Upgrades to business class travel will be made available to you in certain circumstances only in accordance with the Company’s standard travel policies (for example, for certain international flights). Upgrades to first class tickets, through the use of coupons and mileage points, is permitted where there is no additional cost to the Company.

 

5.                                        Miscellaneous Benefits.  The Company will provide you with a cell phone/Blackberry and cell phone/Blackberry service.  You will also be provided with a laptop computer.

 



 

IV.                                 SEC Filing Requirements
 

You will be considered an “Executive Officer” for purposes of the SEC rules relating to trading of stock and reporting your stock trading.  You are required to pre-clear your trading in Company stock with the Company’s General Counsel prior to buying or selling Company stock.  You are expected to familiarize yourself with the Insider trading regulations and to comply with those regulations, in particular, to abide by Company trading-blackout rules and to work with Company staff to assure that appropriate SEC forms can be timely filed.

 

V.            Section 409A
 

The Company and you intend that any amounts payable and benefits provided under this Compensation Plan and the exercise of authority or discretion hereunder by the Company or by you (i) shall be eligible for certain regulatory exceptions to the limitations imposed on deferred compensation by Section 409A; or (ii) shall comply with the provisions of Section 409A, in both cases so as not to subject you to the payment of additional taxes and interest that may be imposed under Section 409A.  To the extent that any amount payable or benefit provided under this Compensation Plan would trigger the additional tax or interest imposed under Section 409A, the Company and you agree to work together to modify the Compensation Plan to the minimum extent necessary to reasonably comply with the requirements of Section 409A, provided that the Company shall not be required to assume any increased economic burden.

 

Acknowledgment [at will provisions not applicable to UK-based executives]

 

I have received and read my 2008 Compensation Plan.  I understand the details of the Plan and how it applies to me.  I understand that the Plan may be changed or discontinued by the Company at any time with or without notice, and that no representations or promises, either express or implied, have been made to me about my continued employment, about my compensation or about the Plan other than what is written here or in any Management Change in Control Agreement that may be executed.  I understand the responsibilities of my position and the critical nature of the performance of this position on the success of Evolving Systems.  I understand that I am employed on an at-will basis, and that this Plan does not alter or modify the at-will nature of my employment.  I understand that I can resign my position at any time, or Evolving Systems can terminate my employment at any time, with or without prior written notice. I agree that the compensation I receive under the Plan is fair and adequate compensation for my services.

 

 

Signature of Executive

 

Date