MASTER CONTRACT BY AND BETWEEN NEWLINK GENETICS CORPORATION AND THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT NUMBER: 06-54

Exhibit 10.58

MASTER CONTRACT

BY AND BETWEEN

NEWLINK GENETICS CORPORATION

AND THE

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CONTRACT NUMBER:   06-54

Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

(continued)

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MASTER CONTRACT

This FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACT (the “Master Contract”) is made by and between the Iowa Department of Economic Development (“IDED”), ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ and NewLink Genetics Corporation a Delaware Corporation (“Business”), ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇.

WHEREAS, the Business submitted an application to IDED requesting financial assistance in the financing of its Project as more fully described in Exhibit C, Description of the Project and Award Budget, (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, the IDED found the Project to meet the requirements established to receive financial assistance; and

WHEREAS, the IDED and/or the Iowa Department of Economic Development Board (“IDED Board”) have awarded the Business financial assistance from one or more IDED-administered programs for the Project, all of which are subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and collectively referred to as the “Award”; and

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and intending to be legally bound, the Business and IDED agree to the following terms:

ARTICLE 1

MASTER CONTRACT DURATION; FUNDING AGREEMENTS DURATION

This Master Contract shall be in effect until all of Business’s obligations and liabilities under this Master Contract and all of the Funding Agreements executed in connection with this Master Contract have been satisfied.  The duration of each Funding Agreement will be as described in the Funding Agreement.

ARTICLE 2

FUNDING

2.1                                 Funding Sources.  The sources of funding for this Award are appropriations to IDED for financial assistance programs administered by the IDED and tax credit programs that IDED is authorized to administer.

2.2                                 Reduction, Discontinuance or Alteration of Funding.  Any termination, reduction, or delay of funds available due, in whole or in part, to (i) lack of, reduction in, or a deappropriation of revenues previously appropriated by the legislature for this Award, or (ii) any other reason beyond the IDED’s control may, in the IDED’s discretion, result in the termination, reduction or delay of funds to the Business.

ARTICLE 3

CONTRACT STRUCTURE AND DEFINITIONS;

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE; AND ORDER OF PRIORITY

3.1                                 Contract Structure and Definitions.

(a)                                  This Award shall be governed by this Master Agreement and the individual funding agreements (the “Funding Agreements”) for each source of program assistance for this Award.  This Award has been provided to the Business to fund the Project described in Exhibit C, Description of the Project and Award Budget.  The Articles of this Master Contract apply to each Funding Agreement unless a Funding Agreement specifically states otherwise.

(b)                                 The following terms apply to this Master Contract and each of the Funding Agreements, unless otherwise specified in a Funding Agreement:

“Award Date” means the date first stated in this Master Contract and is the date the IDED and/or the IDED Board approved the awarding of financial assistance to the Business for the Project.

“Business’ Employment Base” means the number of jobs as stated in Exhibit D, Job Obligations that the Business and IDED have established as the job base for this Project.  The number of jobs the Business has pledged to create/retain shall be in addition to the Business’s Employment Base.

“Created Jobs” means the number of new FTE Jobs the Business will add over and above the Business’s Employment Base and, if applicable, Statewide Employment Base.

“Forgivable Loan” means a form of an award made by the IDED to the Business under a Funding Agreement(s) for which repayment is eliminated in part or entirely if the Business satisfies the terms of this Contract and the Funding Agreement(s).

“Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Job” means the employment of one person:

(a)                                  For 8 hours per day for a 5-day, 40-hour workweek for 52 weeks per year, including paid holidays, vacations and other paid leave, or

(b)                                 For the number of hours or days per week, including paid holidays, vacations and other paid leave, currently established by schedule, custom, or otherwise, as constituting a week of full-time work for the kind of service an individual performs for an employing unit.

“fob Maintenance Period” means the date two (2) years from the Project Completion Date as stated in Exhibit C, Description of the Project and Award Budget.  The Business shall maintain the Project, and the created/retained jobs through the Job Maintenance Period.

“Job Obligations” means the Created Jobs, Retained Jobs, Qualifying Jobs and Non-qualifying Jobs associated with the Project that pay the wages and benefits, all as outlined in Exhibit D, Job Obligations.

“Loan” means form of an award made by the IDED to the Business under a Funding Agreement(s) for which full repayment is expected.

“Non-qualifying jobs” are those jobs created or retained by the project that do not qualify for funding, but would not be created or retained if the Project did not proceed.

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“Project” means the description of the work and activities to be completed by the Business as outlined in Exhibit C, Description of the Project and Award Budget, and Exhibit A, Business’s Financial Assistance Application:

“Project Completion Date” means the date three (3) years from the Award Date as stated in Exhibit C, Description of the Project and Award Budget.  The Project Completion Date is the date by which all Project activities shall be satisfactorily completed.

“Statewide Employment Base” means the number of jobs as stated in Exhibit D, Job Obligations that the Business and IDED have determined as those jobs that will be retained at other facilities in the state.  The number of jobs the Business has pledged to create/retain shall be in addition to the Statewide Employment Base.

“Qualifying jobs” are those created or retained jobs that qualify for program funding.

3.2                                 Documents Incorporated by Reference.  The following documents are incorporated by reference and considered an integral part of this Master Contract:

Exhibit A -                                        Business’s Financial Assistance Application, Application # 06-HQJC-017

Exhibit B -                                          Funding Agreements:

B5- HQJCP Funding Agreement

Exhibit C -                                          Description of the Project and Award Budget

Exhibit D -                                         Job Obligations

“Retained Job” means an existing job that would be eliminated or moved to another state if the project did not proceed in Iowa.

3.3                                 Business’s Financial Assistance Application on File.  Due to its size, Exhibit A will not be attached to this Master Contract, but will be kept on file at the Iowa Department of Economic Development.  It shall, nevertheless, be considered an incorporated element of this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements.

3.4                                 Order of Priority.  In the case of any inconsistency or conflict between the specific provisions of this document and the exhibits, the following order of priority shall control:

(a)                                  Master Contract, Articles 1-10

(b)                                 Exhibit B - Funding Agreements

(c)                                  Exhibit C - Description of the Project and Award Budget

(d)                                 Exhibit D - Job Obligations

(e)                                  Exhibit A - Business’s Financial Assistance Application

ARTICLE 4

AWARD

4.1                                 Description of the Project and Award Budget.  The IDED and/or the IDED Board have approved an Award to the Business from the programs and in the amounts identified in Exhibit C,

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Description of the Project and Award Budget.  The Project Budget for this Award is as detailed in Exhibit C.

4.2                                 Job Obligations.  The IDED and/or the IDED Board have approved an Award to the Business and the Business’ obligations for FTE Created Jobs, Retained Jobs, Qualifying Jobs and Non-qualifying Jobs are outlined in Exhibit D, Job Obligations.

4.3                                 Repayment Obligation.  The obligation to repay the direct financial assistance components of this Award shall be evidenced by Promissory Notes executed in connection with the Funding Agreements.

ARTICLE 5

CONDITIONS TO DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS; DISBURSEMENT TERMS

The obligation of IDED to make, continue or disburse funds under this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements shall be subject to the following conditions precedent:

5.1                                 Documents Submitted.  IDED shall have received each of the following documents, properly executed and completed, and approved by IDED as to form and substance:

(a)                                  Master Contract.  Fully executed Master Contract.

(b)                                 Funding Agreements.  Fully executed Funding Agreements.

(c)                                  Promissory Notes.  The Promissory Notes required by the Funding Agreements.

(d)                                 Articles of Incorporation.  Copies of the articles of incorporation of the Business, certified in each instance by its secretary or assistant secretary.

(e)                                  Certificate of Corporate Existence.  A certificate of existence for the Business from the Office of the Secretary of State of Iowa.

(f)                                    Results of Lien and Tax Search.  Financing statement, tax and judgment lien search results, in the Business’s state of incorporation/organization, against the Business and Secured Property.

(g)                                 Security Documents.  The fully executed Security Documents required in Article 6.0.

(h)                                 Other Required Documents.  IDED shall have received such other contracts, instruments, documents, certificates and opinions as the IDED may reasonably request.

(i)                                     Hazardous Waste Audit.  To comply with Iowa Code section 15A.1(3)”b,” if the Business generates solid or hazardous waste, it must either: a) submit a copy of the Business’s existing in-house plan to reduce the amount of waste and safely dispose of the waste based on an in-house audit conducted within the past 3 years; or b) submit an outline of a plan to be developed in-house, or 3) submit documentation that the Business has authorized the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or Iowa Waste Reduction Center to conduct the audit.

(j)                                     Release Form — Confidential Tax Information.  A signed Authorization for Release of Confidential State Tax Information form to permit IDED to receive the Business’s state tax information directly from the Iowa Department of Revenue for purposes of annually updating the Iowa Public Return on Investment Analysis.

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(k)                                  Satisfactory Credit History.  Documentation of satisfactory credit history of the Business and guarantors, as applicable, with no judgments or unsatisfied liens or similar adverse credit actions.

(l)                                     Project Financial Commitments.  The Business shall have submitted a letter from the funding sources identified in Exhibit C committing to the specified financial involvement in the Project and received the IDED’s approval of the letters of commitment.  Each letter shall include the amount, terms and conditions of the financial commitment, as well as any applicable schedules.

(m)                               Requests for Disbursement.  All disbursements of Award proceeds shall be subject to receipt by the IDED of requests for disbursement, in form and content acceptable to IDED, submitted by the Business.  All requests shall include documentation of costs that have been paid or costs to be paid immediately upon receipt of Award proceeds.

(n)                                 Funding Agreements Disbursement Requirements.  Satisfaction of all disbursement requirements outlined in the specific program Funding Agreements.

5.2                                 Prior Costs.  No expenditures made prior to the Award Date may be included as Project costs.  This restriction applies to the direct financial assistance portions of this Award, not the tax credit benefits included in this Award.

5.3                                 Cost Variation.  In the event that the total Project cost is less than the amount specified in the Exhibit C, the Funding Agreements shall be reduced at the same ratio to the total Project cost reduction as the ratio of the Funding Agreement amount to the total amount of funds provided by the Business and all funding sources requiring a proportional reduction of their financial contribution to the Project.  Any disbursed excess above the reduced IDED participation amount shall be returned immediately to IDED.

5.4                                 Suspension of Disbursement.  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in this Master Contract or any of the Funding Agreements) by the Business, the IDED may suspend payments and tax credit program benefits to the Business until such time as the default has been cured to IDED’s satisfaction.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements, upon a termination of this Master Contract on account of an Event of Default by the Business, Business will no longer have the right to receive any disbursements or any tax credit program benefits after the effective date of default.  All Award funds may also be suspended, in IDED’s sole discretion, in the event the Business experiences a layoff within the state of Iowa or closes any of its Iowa facilities.

5.5                                 Investment of Award Proceeds.

(a)                                  In the event that the Award proceeds are not immediately utilized, temporarily idle Award proceeds held by the Business may be invested provided such investments shall be in accordance with State law, including but not limited to the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 12C concerning the deposit of public funds.  Interest accrued on temporarily idle Award proceeds held by the Business shall be credited to and expended on the Project prior to the expenditure of other Award proceeds.

(b)                                 All proceeds remaining, including accrued interest, after all allowable Project costs have been paid or obligated shall be returned to the IDED within thirty (30) days after the Project Completion Date.  Within ten (10) days of receipt of a written request from IDEA Business shall inform the IDED in writing of the amount of unexpended Award funds in the Business’s possession or under the Business’s control, whether in the form of cash on hand, investments, or otherwise.

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ARTICLE 6

SECURITY; CROSS-COLLATERALIZATION

The Business shall execute in favor of the IDED all security agreements, financing statements, mortgages, personal and/or corporate guarantees (the “Security Document”) as required by the IDED.

6.1                                 Security.  This Award shall be secured by:  None required (the “Secured Property”)]

6.2                                 Value of Collateral.  The value, as reasonably determined by IDED, of the Secured Property shall meet or exceed the amount of Award funds disbursed.

6.3                                 Additional or Substitute Collateral.  In case of a decline in the market value of the Secured Property, or any part thereof, IDED may require that additional or substitute collateral of quality and value satisfactory to IDED be pledged as Secured Property for this Award.  The Business shall provide such additional or substitute collateral Secured Property within 20 days of the date of the request for additional or substitute collateral to secure this Award in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of outstanding Award funds.

ARTICLE 7

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The Business represents and warrants to IDED as follows:

7.1                                 Organization and Qualifications.  The Business is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing as a corporation under the state of its incorporation.  The Business has full and adequate power to own its property and conduct its business as now conducted, and is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the nature of the property owned or leased by it requires such licensing or qualifying, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the Business’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder.

7.2                                 Authority and Validity of Obligations.  The Business has full right and authority to enter into this Master Contract and the Funding Agreement and to make the borrowings herein provided for.  The person signing this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements has full authority to:

(a)                                  sign this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements, and

(b)                                 issue Promissory Notes on behalf of the Business, and

(c)                                  secure Business’s obligations under this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements, and

(d)                                 perform each and all of the obligations under the Master Contract and its Funding Agreement.

The Master Contract and Funding Agreement documents delivered by the Business have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Business and constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Business and enforceable against it in accordance with their terms.  This Master Contract, the Funding Agreements and related documents do not contravene any provision of law or any judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon the Business or any provision of the articles of organization or operating agreement of the Business, contravene or constitute a default under any covenant, indenture or contract of

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or effecting the Business or any of its properties.

7.3                                 Use of Proceeds.  The Business hereby agrees to use Award proceeds only for the Project and for the activities described in Exhibit C, Description of the Project and Award Budget, this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements.  Use of Award proceeds shall conform to the Budget for the Project as detailed in Exhibit C. The Business represents that there are legally enforceable commitments in place from the funding sources identified for the Project in Exhibit C.

7.4                                 Subsidiaries.  The Business has no Subsidiaries on the Contract Effective Date.

7.5                                 Financial Reports.  The balance sheet of the Business furnished to IDED as of the Contract Effective Date, fairly presents its financial condition as at said date in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis.  The Business has no contingent liabilities which are material to it, other than as indicated on such financial statements or, with respect to future periods, on the financial statements furnished to IDED.

7.6                                 No Material Adverse Change.  Since the Award Date, there has been no change in the condition (financial or otherwise) or business prospects of the Business, except those occurring in the ordinary course of business, none of which individually or in the aggregate have been materially adverse.  To the knowledge of the Business, there has been no material adverse change in the condition of the Business (financial or otherwise) or the business prospects of the Business.

7.7                                 Full Disclosure; Business’s Financial Assistance Application.  The statements and other  information furnished to the IDED by Business in its Financial Assistance Application and in connection with, the negotiation of this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements do not contain any untrue statements of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the material statements contained herein or therein not misleading.  The IDED acknowledges that as to any projections furnished to the IDED, the Business only represents that the same were prepared on the basis of information and estimates it believed to be reasonable.

7.8                                 Trademarks, Franchises and Licenses.  The Business owns, possesses, or has the right to use all necessary patents, licenses, franchises, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, copyrights, trade secrets, know how and confidential commercial and proprietary information to conduct its businesses as now conducted, without known conflict with any patent, license, franchise, trademark, trade name, trade style, copyright or other proprietary right of any other Person.  As used in this Master Contract, “Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, trust, unincorporated organization or any other entity or  organization, including a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

7.9                                 Governmental Authority and Licensing.  The Business has received all licenses, permits, and approvals of all Federal, state, local, and foreign governmental authorities, if any, necessary to conduct its businesses, in each case where the failure to obtain or maintain the same could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect.  No investigation or proceeding which, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in revocation or denial of any material license, permit, or approval is pending or, to the knowledge of the Business threatened.

7.10                           Litigation and Other Controversies.  There is no litigation or governmental proceeding pending, nor to the knowledge of the Business threatened, against the Business which if adversely determined would result in any material adverse change in the financial condition, Properties, business or operations of the Business, nor is the Business aware of any existing basis for any such litigation or governmental proceeding.

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7.11                           Good Title.  The Business has good and defensible title (or valid leasehold interests) to all of its Property (including, without limitation, the Secured Property) reflected on the most recent balance sheets furnished to the IDED (except for sales of assets in the ordinary course business).

7.12                           Taxes.  All tax returns required to be filed by the Business in any jurisdiction have, in fact, been filed, and all taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges upon the Business or upon any of its property, income or franchises, which are shown to be due and payable in such returns, have been paid, except such taxes, assessments, fees and governmental charges, if any, as are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings which prevent enforcement of the matter under contest and as to which adequate reserves established in accordance with GAAP have been provided.  The Business knows of no proposed additional tax assessment against it for which adequate provisions in accordance with GAAP have not been made on its accounts.  Adequate provisions in accordance with GAAP for taxes on the books of the Business have been made for all open years, and for their current fiscal period.

7.13                           Other Contracts.  The Business is not in default under the terms or any covenant, indenture or contract of or affecting either the Business or any of its properties, which default, if uncured, would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, properties, business or operations.

7.14                           No Default.  No Default or Event of Default has occurred or is continuing.

7.15                           Compliance with Laws.  The Business is in compliance with the requirements of all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations applicable to or pertaining to the business operations of the Business and laws and regulations establishing quality criteria and standards for air, water, land and toxic or hazardous wastes or substances, non-compliance with which could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, properties, business or operations of the Business.  The Business has not received notice to the effect that its operations are not in compliance with any of the requirements of applicable federal, state or local environmental or health and safety statutes and regulations or are the subject of any governmental investigation evaluating whether any remedial action is needed to respond to a release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment, which non-compliance or remedial action could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, properties, business or operations of the Business.

7.16                           Effective Date of Representations and Warranties.  The warranties and representations of this Article are made as of the Contract Effective Date and shall be deemed to be renewed and restated by the Business at the time each request for disbursement of funds is submitted to the IDED.

ARTICLE 8
COVENANTS

The Business agrees that, for the duration of this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements:

8.1                                 Maintain Existence in Iowa.  The Business shall at all times preserve and maintain its existence as a corporation in good standing and maintain the Project in Iowa.  The Business will preserve and keep in force and affect all licenses, permits, franchises, approvals, patents, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, copyrights and other proprietary rights necessary to the proper conduct of its respective business.

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8.2                                 Job Obligations.

(a)                                  Jobs and Wages.  By the Project Completion Date, the Business shall create/retain the number of FTE Created Jobs, Retained Jobs, Qualifying Jobs and Non-qualifying Jobs above the Business’ Employment Base and, if applicable, the Statewide Employment Base, and maintain the jobs through the Job Maintenance Period, all as detailed in Exhibit D. The Business shall pay the wage rates identified in Exhibit D.

(b)                                 Benefits.  The Business shall provide and pay for the eligible benefits described in Exhibit A, Business’s Financial Assistance Application, with an Average Benefit Value calculated by IDED and shown in Exhibit D. During the Contract period the Business may adjust the benefit package provided the Average Benefit Value is not decreased and provided the benefit package includes eligible benefits.  For purposes of this Contract, “Eligible benefits” means, medical and dental insurance plans, pension and profit—sharing plans, child care services, life insurance coverage, vision insurance plan, and disability coverage.

8.3                                 Performance Obligations.  By the Project Completion Date, Business shall complete the Project, make the total investment pledged for the Project, and comply with all other performance requirements described in this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements.  The Business shall promptly provide IDED with written notice of any major changes that would impact the success of the Project.

8.4                                 Maintenance of Properties.  The Business shall maintain, preserve and keep its properties in good repair, working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and will from time to time make all needful and proper repairs, renewals, replacements, additions and betterments thereto so that at all time the efficiency thereof shall be fully preserved and maintained in accordance with prudent business practices.

8.5                                 Taxes and Assessments.  The Business shall duly pay and discharge all taxes, rates, assessments, fees and governmental charges upon or against it against its properties, in each case before the same become delinquent and before penalties accrue thereon, unless and to the extent that the same are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and adequate reserves are provided therefore.

8.6                                 Insurance.  The Business shall insure and keep insured in good and responsible insurance companies, all insurable property owned by it which is of a character usually insured by Persons similarly situated and operating like properties against loss or damage from such hazards or risks as are insured by Persons similarly situated and operating like properties; and the Business shall insure such other hazards and risks (including employers’ and public liability risks) in good and responsible insurance companies as and to the extent usually insured by Persons similarly situated and conducting similar businesses.  The Business will upon request of the IDED furnish a certificate setting forth in summary form the nature and extent of the insurance maintained pursuant to this Article.

8.7                                 Required Reports.

(a)                                  Review of Disbursement Requests and Reports.  The Business shall prepare, sign and submit disbursement requests and reports as specified in this Master Contract in the form and content required by IDED. The Business shall review all reimbursement requests and verify that claimed expenditures are allowable costs.  The Business shall maintain documentation adequate to support the claimed costs.

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(b)                                 Reports.  The Business shall prepare, sign and submit the following reports to the IDED throughout the Contract period:

(c)                                  Additional Reports, Financials as Requested by IDED.  The IDED reserves the right to require more frequent submission of any of the above reports if, in the opinion of the IDED, more frequent submissions would help improve the Business’s Project performance, or if necessary in order to meet requests from the Iowa General Assembly, the Department of Management or the Governor’s office.  At the request of IDED, Business shall submit its annual financial statements completed by an independent CPA, or other financial statements including, but not limited to, income, expense, and retained earnings statements.

8.8                                 Inspection and Audit.  The Business will permit the IDED and its duly authorized representatives to visit and-inspect any of the Business’s properties, corporate books and financial records of the Business related to the Project, to examine and make copies of the books of accounts and other financial records of the Business, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Business with, and to be advised as to the same by, its officers, and independent public accountants (and by this provision the Business authorizes such accountants to discuss with the IDED and the IDED’s duly authorized representatives the finances and affairs of the Business) at such reasonable time and reasonable intervals as the IDED may designate, but at feast annually.

8.9                                 Mergers, Consolidations and Sales.  Without the written consent of the IDED, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, the Business shall not be a party to any merger or consolidation, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Secured Property.

8.10                           Formation and Maintenance of Subsidiaries.  The Business will not form or acquire any Subsidiary or transfer assets pledged as security for this Master Contract to any subsidiary or affiliate without the written consent of the IDED, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

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8.11                           Compliance with Laws.

(a)                                  The Business will comply in all material respects with the requirements of all federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and orders applicable to or pertaining to its properties or business operations including, but not limited to, all applicable environmental, hazardous waste or substance, toxic substance and underground storage laws and regulations, and the Business will obtain any permits, licenses, buildings, improvements, fixtures, equipment or its property required by reason of any applicable environmental, hazardous waste or substance, toxic substance or underground storage laws or regulations.

(b)                                 The Business shall comply in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, ordinances, regulations and orders applicable to the prevention of discrimination in employment, including the administrative rules of the Iowa Department of Management and the Iowa Civil Rights Commission which pertain to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.

(c)                                  The Business shall comply in all material respects with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, ordinances, regulations and orders applicable to worker rights and worker safety.

(d)                                 The Business shall comply with IDED’s administrative rules for each program funding source, as identified in the Funding Agreements.

8.12                           Use of Award Proceeds.  The Business will use the Award proceeds extended under this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements solely for the purposes set forth in Exhibit C.

8.13                           Changes in Business Ownership, Structure and Control.  The Business shall not materially change the ownership, structure, or control of the Business if it would adversely affect the Project.  This includes, but is not limited to, entering into any merger or consolidation with any person, firm or corporation or permitting substantial distribution, liquidation or other disposal of Business assets directly associated with the Project.  Business shall provide IDED with advance notice of any proposed changes in ownership, structure or control.  The materiality of the change and whether or not the change affects the Project shall be as reasonably determined by IDED.

8.14                           Notice of Meetings.  The Business shall notify IDED at least two (2) working days in advance of all meetings of the board of directors at which the subject matter of this Master Contract, the Funding Agreements, or the Project is proposed to be discussed.  The Business shall provide IDED with copies if the agenda and minutes of such meetings and expressly agrees that a representative of IDED has a right to attend those portions of any and all such meetings where the Project; this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements are discussed.

8.15                           Notice of Proceedings.  The Business shall promptly notify IDED of the initiation of any claims, lawsuits, bankruptcy proceedings or other proceedings brought against the Business which would adversely impact the Project.

8.16                           Accounting Records.  The Business is required to maintain its books, records and all other evidence pertaining to this Master Contract and it Funding Agreements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and such other procedures specified by IDED.  These records shall be available to IDED, its internal or external auditors, the Auditor of the State of Iowa, the Attorney General of the State of Iowa and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations at all times during the Master Contract’s and the Funding Agreements’ duration and any extensions thereof, and for three (3) full years from the Agreement Expiration Date.

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8.17                           Restrictions.  The Business shall not, without prior written disclosure to IDED and prior written consent of IDED, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, directly or indirectly:

(a)                                  Assign, waive or transfer any of Business’s rights, powers, duties or obligations under this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements.

(b)                                 Sell, transfer, convey, assign, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of the Secured Property or the Project.

(c)                                  Place or permit any restrictions, covenants or any similar limitations on the Secured Property or the Project.

(d)                                 Remove from the Project site or the State all or substantially all of the Secured Property.

(e)                                  Create, incur or permit to exist any Lien of any kind on the Secured Property.

8.18                           No Changes in Business Operations.  The Business shall not materially change the Project or the nature of the Business and activities being conducted, or proposed to be conducted by Business, as described in the Business’s approved application for funding, Exhibit A of this Master Contract, unless approved in writing by IDED prior to the change.

8.19                           Indemnification.  The Business shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the IDED, the State of Iowa, its departments, divisions, agencies, sections, commissions, officers, employees and agents from and against all losses, liabilities, penalties, fines, damages and claims (including taxes), and all related costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements and costs of investigation, litigation, settlement, judgments, interest and penalties), arising from or in connection with any of the following:

(a)                                  Any claim, demand, action, citation or legal proceeding arising out of or resulting from the Project;

(b)                                 Any claim, demand, action, citation or legal proceeding arising out of or resulting from a breach by the Business of any representation or warranty made by the Business in this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements;

(c)                                  Any claim, demand, action, citation or legal proceeding arising out of or related to occurrences that the Business is required to insure against as provided for in this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements; and

(d)                                 Any claim, demand, action, citation or legal proceeding which results from an act or omission of the Business or any of their agents in its or their capacity as an employer of a person.

ARTICLE 9
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

9.1                                 Events of Default.  Any one or more of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default” hereunder.

(a)                                  Nonpayment.  In the event of a missed payment under a Loan or in the event a Forgivable Loan is not forgiven and all or a portion of the Forgivable Loan must be repaid by the Business, a default in the payment when due (whether by lapse of time, acceleration or otherwise) of any principal on the

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Promissory Note(s), or default in payment for more than ten (10) Business Days of the due date thereof of any interest on the Promissory Note(s) or any fee or other obligation payable by the Business shall be an Event of Default; or

(b)                                 Noncompliance with Covenants.  Default in the observance or performance of any covenant set forth in Article 8, for more than five (5) Business Days; or

(c)                                  Noncompliance with Security Documents.  Default in the observance or performance of any term of any Security Documents beyond any applicable grace period set forth therein; or

(d)                                 Noncompliance with Master Contract.  Default in the observance or performance of any other provision of this Master Contract; or

(e)                                  Noncompliance with Funding Agreements, Cross-Default.  Default in the observance or performance of any other provision of any of the Funding Agreements, including Events of Default identified in any of the Funding Agreements; IDED may elect to declare the Business in default of this Master Contract and any or all of the Funding Agreements if there is a default under any one of the Funding Agreements; or

(f)                                    Material Misrepresentation.  Any representation or warranty made by the Business in this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements or in any statement or certificate furnished by it pursuant to this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements, or made in its Financial Assistance Application, or in connection with any of the above, proves untrue in any material respect as of the date of the issuance or making thereof; or

(g)                                 Lien Deficiencies.  Any of the Security Documents shall for any reason fail to create a valid and perfected priority Lien in favor of the IDED in any Secured Property pledged by Business; or

(h)                                 Judgment Over $100,000.  Any judgment or judgments, writ or writs or warrant or warrants of attachment, or any similar process or processes in an aggregate amount in excess of $100,000 shall be entered or filed against the Business or against any of its property and remains unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of 30 days; or

(i)                                     Adverse Change in Financial Condition.  Any change shall occur in the financial condition of the Business which would have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Business to perform under this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements; or

(j)                                     Bankruptcy or Similar Proceedings Initiated.  Either the Business shall (1) have entered involuntarily against it an order for relief under the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended, (2) not pay, or admit in writing its inability to pay, its debts generally as they become due, (3) make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (4) apply for, seek, consent to, or acquiesce in, the appointment of a receiver, custodian, trustee, examiner, liquidator or similar official for it or any substantial part of its Property, (5) institute any proceeding seeking to have entered against it an order for relief under the United States Bankruptcy Code as amended, to adjudicate it insolvent, or seeking dissolution, winding up, liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of it or its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or fail to file an answer or other pleading denying the material allegations of any such proceeding filed against it, or (6) fail to contest in good faith any appointments or proceeding described in Article 9.1(k) below; or

(k)                                  Appointment of Officials.  A custodian, receiver, trustee, examiner, liquidator, or similar official shall be appointed for either the Business or any substantial part of any of its respective property,

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or a proceeding described in Article 9.1(j) shall be instituted against either the Business and such appointment continues undischarged or such proceeding continues undismissed or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days; or

(l)                                     Insecurity.  IDED shall in good ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ itself insecure and reasonably believes, after consideration of all the facts and circumstances then existing, that the prospect of payment and satisfaction of the obligations under this Master Contract and/or the Funding Agreements, or the performance of or observance of the covenants in this Master Contract and/or the Funding Agreements, is or will be materially impaired.

(m)                               Failure to Submit Required Reports.  The Business fails to submit complete reports by the required due dates as outlined in Article 8.7.

(n)                                 Layoffs, Relocation, or Closure.  The Business experiences a substantial layoff, relocates a substantial portion of its business or its offices outside of Iowa, or closes its operations during the term of this Contract.

9.2                                 Default Remedies.  When an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the IDED may, by written notice to the Business:

(a)                                  terminate this Master Contract, the Funding Agreements and all of the obligations of IDED under this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements on the date stated in such notice, and

(b)                                 declare the principal and any accrued interest on the outstanding Promissory Notes to be forthwith due and payable, including both principal and interest and all fees, charges and other amounts payable under this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements, shall be and become immediately due and payable without further demand, presentment, protest or notice of any kind.

9.3                                 Default Interest Rate.  If an Event of Default occurs and remains uncured, a default rate of 6% shall apply to repayment of amounts due under this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements.  The default interest rate shall accrue from the first date Award funds are disbursed,

9.4                                 Expenses.  The Business agrees to pay to the IDED all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by IDED including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, in connection with any Default or Event of Default by the Business or in connection with the enforcement of any of the terms of this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements.

9.5                                 Notice of Default and Opportunity to Cure.  If IDED has reasonable cause to believe that and Event of Default has occurred under this Master Contract and/or the Funding Agreements, IDED shall issue a written Notice of Default to the Business, setting forth the nature of the alleged default in reasonable specificity, and providing therein a reasonable period time, which shall not be fewer than thirty (30) days from the date of the Notice of Default, in which the Business shall have an opportunity to cure, provided that cure is possible and feasible.

ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS.

10.1                           Timely Performance.  The parties agree that the dates and time periods specified in this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements, including the timelines established for the Project and more fully described in Exhibit C, are of the essence to the satisfactory performance of this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements.

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10.2                           State of Iowa Recognition.  The Project shall permanently recognize, in a manner acceptable to IDED, the financial contribution to the Project made by the State of Iowa.  For example, a sign or plaque acknowledging that the Project was funded in part by an Award from the State of Iowa, Iowa Department of Economic Development.

10.3                           Choice of Law and Forum.

(a)                                  In the event any proceeding of a quasi-judicial or judicial nature is commenced in connection with this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements, the proceeding shall be brought in Des Moines, Iowa, in Polk County District Court for the State of Iowa, if such court has jurisdiction.  If however, such court lacks jurisdiction and jurisdiction lies only in a United States District Court, the matter shall be commenced in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, Central Division.

(b)                                 This provision shall not be construed as waiving any immunity to suit or liability, in state or federal court, which may be available to the IDED, the State of Iowa or its members, officers, employees or agents.

10.4                           Governing Law.  This Master Contract and the Funding Agreements and the rights and duties of the parties hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Iowa without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.

10.5                           Master Contract/Funding Agreement Amendments.  Neither this Master Contract nor any documents incorporated by reference in connection with this Master Contract, including the Funding Agreements, may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only as provided below:

(a)                                  Writing required.  The Master Contract and the Funding Agreements may only be amended if done so in writing and signed by the Business and IDED; and for those Funding Agreements in which the Community is a signatory, by the Community, the Business and IDED. Examples of situations requiring an amendment include, but are not limited to, time extensions, budget revisions, and significant alterations of existing activities or beneficiaries.  No amendment will be valid until approved in writing by IDED.

(b)                                 IDED review.  IDED will consider whether an amendment request is so substantial as to necessitate reevaluating the IDED’s or IDED Board’s original funding decision.  An amendment may be denied by IDED if it substantially alters the circumstances under which the Project funding was originally approved.

10.6                           Notices.  Except as otherwise specified herein, all notices hereunder shall be in writing (including, without limitation by fax) and shall be given to the relevant party at its address, e-mail address, or fax number set forth below, or such other address, e-mail address, or fax number as such party may hereafter specify by notice to the other given by United States mail, by fax or by other telecommunication device capable of creating a written record of such notice and its receipt, Notices hereunder shall be addressed:

To the Business:

NewLink Genetics Corporation

▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Link, President and CEO

▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇

▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇

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Telephone:              ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇

Facsimile:                 ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇

To the IDED at:

Iowa Department of Economic Development

Business Services

▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇

▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇

Attention: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Business Services Project Manager

E-mail:  ▇▇▇▇,▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇@▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇

Telephone:              515/ 242-4870

Facsimile:                 515/ 242-4832

Each such notice, request or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by facsimile, when such facsimile is transmitted to the facsimile number specified in this Article and a confirmation of such facsimile has been received by the sender, (ii) if given by e-mail, when such e-mail is transmitted to the e-mail address specified in this Article and a confirmation of such e-mail has been received by the sender, (iii) if given by mail, five (5) days after such communication is deposited in the mail, certified or registered with return receipt requested, addressed as aforesaid or (iv) if given by any other means, when delivered at the addresses specified in this Article.

10.7                           Headings.  Article headings used in this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements are for convenience of reference only and are not a part of this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements for any other purpose.

10.8                           Final Authority.  The IDED shall have the authority to reasonably assess whether the Business has complied with the terms of this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements.  Any IDED determinations with respect to compliance with the provisions of this. Master Contract and the Funding Agreements shall be deemed to be final determinations pursuant to Section 17A of the Code of Iowa (2005).

10.9                           Waivers.  No waiver by IDED of any default hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any other default or of the same default on any future occasion, No delay on the part of the IDED in exercising any right or remedy hereunder or under the Funding Agreements shall operate as a waiver thereof.  No single or partial exercise of any right or remedy by IDED shall preclude future exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy.

10.10                     Counterparts.  This Master Contract may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

10.11                     Survival of Representations.  All representations and warranties made herein or in any other Master Contract/Funding Agreement document or in certificates given pursuant hereto or thereto shall survive the execution and delivery of this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements and the other Master Contract/Funding Agreement documents and shall continue in full force and effect with respect to the date as of which they were made until all of Business’s obligations or liabilities under this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements have been satisfied.

10.12                     Severability of Provisions.  Any provision of this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements, which is unenforceable in any jurisdiction, shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the

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extent of such unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.  All rights, remedies and powers provided in this Master Contract and or the Funding Agreements or any other Master Contract document may be exercised only to the extent that the exercise thereof does not violate any applicable mandatory provisions of law, and all the provisions of this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements and any other Master Contract document are intended to be subject to all applicable mandatory provisions of law which may be controlling and to be limited to the extent necessary so that they will not render this Master Contract or the Funding Agreements or any other Master Contract document invalid or unenforceable.

10.13                     Successors and Assigns.  This Master Contract and the Funding Agreements shall be binding upon the Business and its respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the WED and the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.  The Business may not assign its rights hereunder or under any of the Funding Agreements without the written consent of the IDED, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

10.14                     Termination.  This Master Contract and any of the Funding Agreements can be terminated upon mutual, written agreement of the Business and IDED and, for amendments to Funding Agreements to which the Community is a signatory, the Community.

10.15                     Integration.  This Master Contract and the Funding Agreements contains the entire understanding between the Business and IDED relating to the Project and any representations that may have been made before or after the signing of this Master Contract and the Funding Agreements, which are not contained herein, are nonbinding, void and of no effect.  None of the Parties have relied on any such prior representation in entering into this Master Contract and its Funding Agreement.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth above and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy and legal sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties save entered into this Master Contract and have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Master Contract, effective as of the latest date stated below (the “Contract Effective Date”).

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LIST OF EXHIBITS

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ATTACHMENT B

Application for Financial Assistance

Section A — Applicant & Project Information

Business Development Division

Iowa Department of Economic Development

▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇

▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇

▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇

7/20/2005

Instructions

1.                                       All applicants shall complete Section A of the Application for Financial Assistance and attach only those section(s) for the program(s) to which the applicant is applying,

2.                                       Please visit the IDED Web site, ▇▇▇▇://▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇_▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇ or contact IDED at (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇ to see if this version of the application is still current.

3.                                       Before filling out this application form, please read all applicable sections of the 2005 Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative
Code (rules). ▇▇▇▇://▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇.▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇.▇▇▇

4.                                       Only typed or computer-generated applications will be accepted and reviewed. Any material change to the format,
questions, or wording of questions presented in this application, will render the application invalid and it will not be
accepted.

5.                                       Complete the applicable sections of the application fully; if questions are left unanswered or required attachments are not submitted, an explanation must be included.

6.                                       Use clear and concise language. Attachments should only be used when requested or as supporting documentation.

7.                                       Any inaccurate information of a significant nature may disqualify the application from consideration.

8.                                       Upon completion of the application, please submit the following to the Business Finance Team at IDED:

·                  The original, signed application form and ail required attachments

·                  One copy of the application form and all required attachments from which additional copies can easily be made.

If electronic copies of the application and required attachments are available, please e-mail these documents to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇@▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇ in addition to submitting the original plus one copy.

Business Finance Team

Iowa Department of Economic Development

▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇

▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇

Application Due Dates

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* EVA applications will be acted upon every other month starting in March.

Public Records Policies

Information Submitted to IDED. The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) is subject to the Open Records law (Iowa Code, Chapter 22). Treatment of information submitted to IDED in this application is governed by the provisions of the Open Records law. All public records are available for public inspection. Some public records are considered confidential and will not be disclosed to the public unless ordered by a court, the lawful custodian of the record, or by another person duly authorized to release the information.

Confidential Records. IDED automatically treats the following records as confidential and they are withheld from public disclosure:

·      Tax Records

·      Quarterly Iowa Employer’s Contribution and Payroll Report prepared for the Iowa Workforce Development Department

·      Payroll Registers

·      Business Financial Statements and Projections

·      Personal Financial Statements

Other information supplied to IDED as part of this application may be treated as confidential under Iowa Code section 22.7. Following are the classifications of records which are recognized as confidential under Iowa law and which are most frequently applicable to business information submitted to IDED:

·                  Trade secrets [Iowa Code §22.7(3)]

·                  Reports to governmental agencies which, if released, would give advantage to competitors and serve no public purpose. [Iowa Code §22.7(6)]

·                  Information on an industrial prospect with which the IDED Is currently negotiating. [Iowa Code §22.7(8)]

·                  Communications not required by law, rule or regulation made to IDED by persons outside the government to the extent that IDED could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to the Department if they were made available for general public examination. [Iowa Code §22.7(18)]

Information supplied to IDED as part of this application that is material to the application and/or the state program to which the applicant is applying including, but not limited to the number and type of jobs to be created, wages for those jobs, employee benefit information, and project budget, are considered open records and will not be treated as confidential.

Additional Information Available. Copies of Iowa’s Open Record law and IDED’s administrative rules relating to public records are available from the Department upon request or at ▇▇▇▇://▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇.

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Applicant Information

1.                                       Name of Business: NewLink Genetics Corporation

Address: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇

▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ & Zip Code: ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇

Contact Person: ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Link, Jr.              Title: President and CEO

Phone:  (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇     Fax:  (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇       Email:  ▇▇▇▇▇@▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇

2.                                       SIC or NAICS Code:

3.                                       Federal ID Number:

Does the Business file a consolidated tax return under a different tax ID number?       ¨  Yes       x  No

If yes, please also provide that tax ID number:

4.                                       Is the contact person listed above authorized to obligate the Business?      x      Yes         ¨  No

If no, please provide the name and title of a company officer authorized to obligate the Business:

▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Link, President and CEO

5.                                       If the application was prepared by someone other than the contact person listed above, please complete the following:

Name:  ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇       Title: Executive Director

Organization: Ames Economic Development Commission

Address: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇

▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, & ZIP Code: ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇

Phone: ▇▇▇.▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇    Fax: ▇▇▇.▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇       Email: ▇▇▇▇▇▇@▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇

Sponsor Information

Please review the following table to determine who needs to sponsor this application. Depending on the programs being applied for, more than one sponsor may be necessary.

1.                                       Sponsor Organization: City of ▇▇▇▇

Official Contact (e.g. Mayor, Chairperson, etc.): ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇                Title: Mayor

Address: ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇

▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ & ZIP Code: ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇

Phone:▇▇▇.▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇         Fax:             E-mail:

2.                                       If IDED needs to contact the sponsor organization with questions, should we contact the person listed above?

¨  Yes               x  No, please contact the following person:

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Name: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇          Title: Finance Director, City of ▇▇▇▇

Address: ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇

▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ & ZIP Code: ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇

Phone: ▇▇▇.▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇          Fax:            E-mail: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇@▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇.▇▇.▇▇

If necessary, please list information on additional sponsors in an attachment.

Certification & Release of Information

I hereby give permission to the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) to research the Business’ history, make credit checks, contact the Business’ financial institutions, insurance carriers, and perform other related activities necessary for reasonable evaluation of this application. I also hereby authorize the Iowa Department of Revenue to provide to IDED state tax information pertinent to the Business’ state income tax, sales and use tax, and state tax credits claimed.

I understand that all information submitted to IDED related to this application is subject to Iowa’s Open Record Law (Iowa Code, Chapter 22).

I understand this application is subject to final approval by IDED and the Project may not be initiated until final approval is secured. (High Quality Job Creation Program applications may be submitted up to 12 months following the completion of the project.)

I understand that IDED reserves the right to negotiate the financial assistance. Furthermore, I am aware that financial assistance is not available until an agreement is executed within a reasonable time period following approval.

I hereby certify that all representations, warranties, or statements made or furnished to IDED in connection with this application are true and correct in all material respect. I understand that it is a criminal violation under Iowa law to engage in deception and knowingly make, or cause to be made, directly or indirectly, a false statement in writing for the purpose of procuring economic development assistance from a state agency or subdivision.

For the Business:

For the Sponsor(s):

Please use the following if more than one sponsor is required. (For example, use this if a signature from the local Enterprise Zone Commission is required in addition to the signature from the Mayor of the sponsoring city.)

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IDED will not provide assistance in situations where it is determined that any representation, warranty, or statement made in connection with this application is incorrect, false, misleading or erroneous in any material respect. If assistance has already been provided prior to discovery of the incorrect, false, or misleading representation, IDED may initiate legal action to recover incentives and assistance awarded to the Business.

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Protect Information

1.             Provide a brief description and history of the Business. Include information about the Business’ products or services and its markets and/or customers.

NewLink Genetics Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel drugs and functional genomics solutions with a primary focus on cancer.

The successful completion of the Human Genome Project signals a new age in medical discovery centered around protein research. The rapidly growing knowledge base of the human genome provides an unprecedented opportunity to launch a revolutionary paradigm for drug discovery based on protein analysis.

NewLink remains steadfast in its primary focus to take novel treatments and diagnostics through the clinical trials process and bringing products to market. The company is currently conducting Phase I/II clinical trials with its proprietary HyperAcute™ vaccine technology. The Food and Drug Administration has accepted NewLink’s investigational New Drug applications for the HyperAcute™ vaccine technology allowing us to proceed with clinical trials treating patients with advanced lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and malignant melanoma. The company’s lung, breast, and prostate vaccine trials are currently enrolling patients at various trial centers.

2.             Business Structure:

3.             Identify the Business’ owners.

More than 150 shareholders

4.             List the Business’ Iowa Locations and the Current Number of Employees at each Location.

34 employees in Ames, Iowa

5.             What is the Business’ worldwide employment? (Please include employees of parent company, subsidiaries, and other affiliated entities in this figure.)

41 employees worldwide, with employees located in Chicago, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and China.

6.     Briefly describe the proposed project for which assistance is being sought. (Include project timeline with dates, facility size, infrastructure improvements, proposed products/services, any new markets, etc.)

The company plans to buy or have options on approximately 20 acres of land at the ISU Research Park.  NewLink Genetics plans to develop a campus for its operations at the ISU Research Park.  Over the next five years, the company plans to construction two facilities for its expanding manufacturing, office and R & D operations and for its affiliated companies.  The company plans to begin construction in the fall/winter of 2005 a 25,000 to 28,000

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sq. ft. building.  Anticipated completion date is the fall of 2006.  In 2010, the company anticipates to begin construction on an additional 25,000 sq. ft. building.

7.             Project Address:  Lot 4. Phase Il Development of the ISU Research Park.  The company plans to have an option to buy the two adjacent parcels (lots 5 and 6).

8.             Type of Business Project:  Pharmaceutical

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¨  Relocation from another State

9.             Please identify the management at the project location and his/her/their experience.

Check business plan for resumes of top personnel

10.           Has any part of the project started?                 ¨  Yes                   x No

If yes, please explain.

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11.           Project Budget:

AMOUNT BUDGETED

(1)  Racking, Shelving and Conveyor Equipment used in Warehouse or Distribution Center Projects

Does the Business plan to lease the facility?  x  Yes    ¨  No    If yes, please provide the Annual Base Rent Payment (lease payment minus property taxes, insurance, and operating/maintenance expenses) and the length of the lease agreement.

PROPOSED FINANCING

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Please list below any tax benefits (e.g. Investment Tax Credit, Sales Tax Refund, R&D Tax Credit, New Jobs Tax Credit, Property Tax Exemption/Abatement, etc.) that the Business expects to receive and included the estimated value of each tax benefit:

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12.           Employee Benefits: Please identify all employee benefits provided by and paid for (in full or in part) by the Business.

* If the business’s plan is self-insured, please use the amount paid by the business for costs associated with employee and family coverage during the past three years and then, determine the business’ average annual contribution per employee for that three year period.

Does the Business offer a pension plan, 401(k) plan, and/or retirement-plan?          x           Yes         ¨            No

If yes, please indicate the amount contributed on a per employee basis by the Business to the plan.  For 401(k) plans, please provide information on the company match and indicate the average annual match per employee (show average as a percentage of salary).

Need amount contributed per employee

Does the Business offer a profit-sharing plan?                              ¨   Yes                                  x    No

If yes, please indicate total amount paid out each year for the past three years and then, determine the average annual bonus or contribution per employee for that three year period.

Does the Business offer child care services?                                  ¨    Yes                                 x    No

Child care services include child care services on-site at the facility In which the project will occur or off-site child care subsidized by the business at the rate of 50% or more of the costs incurred by an employee.

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13.                                 Identify the Business’ competitors. If any of these competitors have Iowa locations, please explain the nature of the competition (e.g. competitive business segment, estimated market share, etc.) and explain what impact the proposed, project may have on the Iowa competitor.

All of the company’s competitors are located outside of Iowa. Competitors are Cellgenesys, Cancervax and Dendreon.

14.                                 Will any of the current Iowa employees lose their jobs if this project does not proceed in Iowa?

x    Yes           ¨    No

If yes, please explain why and identify those jobs as “retained jobs” in the following question.

Company needs to construct facilities for the continued growth of its operations in Iowa and to continue its research and development activities, including clinical trials. The company currently has approximately 35 employees at its’ offices in the ISU Research Park, with an average annual salary of $40,000.

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15.           List the jobs that will be retained and/or created as the result of this project.  (A retained job is an existing job that would be eliminated or moved to another state if the project does not proceed in Iowa.)  For retained jobs, include the current hourly wage rate.  For jobs to be created, including the starting hourly wage rate.