Comprehensive Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Background Check, and Private Investigation Master Services Agreement

SAFE HOME SOLUTIONS INVESTIGATION INC. dba ForensicsS

This Master Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between SAFE HOME SOLUTIONS INVESTIGATION INC., a California corporation doing business as ForensicsS ("ForensicsS," "we," "us," or "our"), and the individual or entity requesting or receiving the Services ("Client," "you," or "your"). By clicking “I Agree,” submitting an electronic signature, or remitting any form of payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be legally bound by every provision set forth herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior verbal or written discussions, proposals, or communications between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof.RECITALS. ForensicsS is a licensed, experienced provider of cybersecurity consulting, digital forensic investigations, open‑source intelligence (OSINT) background checks, and general private investigative services. Client desires to engage ForensicsS, and ForensicsS agrees to provide such professional services, on the terms and conditions stated below.1. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Agreement: (a) "Services" means the tasks, projects, assessments, analyses, reports, deliverables, and any related consulting or advisory activities performed by ForensicsS; (b) "Deliverables" means all written, oral, electronic, or physical materials produced during the engagement, including but not limited to forensic images, data extracts, vulnerability reports, threat‑intelligence briefings, court‑ready affidavits, and expert‑witness statements; (c) "Confidential Information" means any non‑public data, records, trade secrets, personally identifiable information, or proprietary techniques disclosed by either party; (d) "Authorized Representative" means an individual empowered to act on behalf of a party; (e) "Retainer" means advance funds paid by Client to secure the availability of ForensicsS personnel and resources; (f) "Business Day" means any day other than Saturday, Sunday, or U.S. federal holiday; (g) "FCRA" refers to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.; (h) "Consumer Report" has the meaning set forth in the FCRA; (i) "Project Commencement" occurs when ForensicsS confirms receipt of both (i) a signed copy of this Agreement or explicit electronic assent and (ii) the required Retainer or other agreed payment.2. SCOPE OF SERVICES. ForensicsS shall perform only those Services expressly described in a written statement of work ("SOW"), engagement letter, proposal, email confirmation, or Client purchase order accepted by ForensicsS. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Services may include without limitation: (i) acquisition, preservation, and forensic examination of electronic data from computers, mobile devices, servers, removable media, cloud storage, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices; (ii) reverse‑engineering, malware triage, and incident‑response for cyber intrusions; (iii) vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of network infrastructure, web applications, wireless environments, physical facilities, and social‑engineering vectors; (iv) background screening and due‑diligence investigations using OSINT, subscription databases, corporate registries, litigation dockets, sanctions lists, media archives, social‑network analysis, and dark‑web reconnaissance; (v) attribution inquiries relating to cyberstalking, harassment, fraud, or insider threats; (vi) expert‑witness testimony, affidavit preparation, deposition support, and trial consultation; and (vii) strategic advisory services in risk management, compliance, and digital‑evidence readiness. Any task not specifically itemized in the SOW is outside scope and shall be subject to a mutually executed change order.3. PROJECT INITIATION. Upon Project Commencement, ForensicsS will assign appropriately qualified personnel, allocate laboratory resources, and schedule project milestones. Client shall designate a primary point of contact authorized to provide instructions, approvals, and supplemental information. ForensicsS may, in its professional discretion, subcontract ancillary tasks (e.g., specialized chip‑off extraction, language translation) to vetted third parties, provided that such subcontractors agree to confidentiality obligations no less protective than those in this Agreement.4. CLIENT OBLIGATIONS. Client shall (a) furnish complete, accurate, and timely information, including device passcodes, encryption keys, access credentials, log files, and system documentation; (b) ensure that any physical items shipped to ForensicsS are properly labeled, packaged, and insured; (c) maintain backups of critical data where feasible; (d) promptly review interim findings and address ForensicsS inquiries; and (e) refrain from directing ForensicsS to perform any activity that is unlawful, unethical, or beyond the scope of licensure. Client acknowledges that failure to cooperate may cause delays, increased costs, or compromised results.5. ACCESS AND AUTHORIZATION. Client represents and warrants that it has the legal right, authority, and, where applicable, third‑party consent to provide ForensicsS with access to all data, systems, premises, and artifacts necessary for the Services. Client shall obtain, document, and, upon request, produce any required court orders, warrants, or written consents. ForensicsS shall be entitled to rely on the validity of such authorizations without independent verification. If any requested access is denied or revoked, ForensicsS’ obligations may be suspended without liability.6. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. Both parties agree to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and professional‑licensing standards, including export‑control laws, data‑protection statutes, and consumer‑privacy regulations. Client acknowledges that certain forensic or cybersecurity techniques may require regulatory approvals or notifications. Client is solely responsible for determining whether Services requested or Deliverables provided satisfy its compliance obligations.7. FEES, RETAINERS, AND EXPENSES. Unless otherwise specified in the SOW, Services will be billed at the current standard hourly rates of ForensicsS personnel: Senior Expert (USD $225/hr), Principal Investigator (USD $185/hr), Digital Forensics Examiner (USD $155/hr), Cybersecurity Analyst (USD $135/hr), and OSINT Specialist (USD $110/hr). A non‑refundable Retainer of at least USD $2,000 shall be paid before Project Commencement for new clients, or as otherwise stated in writing. For large‑scale or multi‑phase engagements, ForensicsS may require progress retainers or milestone prepayments. Out‑of‑pocket expenses (e.g., secure shipping, specialized lab consumables, proprietary database fees, travel, lodging, per diem at U.S. GSA rates) shall be billed at cost plus five percent (5%) administrative handling. All rates and fees are exclusive of taxes, duties, or governmental charges, which shall be borne by Client.8. BILLING AND PAYMENT TERMS. ForensicsS will issue itemized invoices reflecting hours worked, task descriptions, and reimbursable expenses. Invoices are payable net fifteen (15) calendar days from the invoice date unless otherwise stated. Unpaid balances shall accrue interest at one and one‑half percent (1.5%) per month or the maximum lawful rate, whichever is lower. ForensicsS reserves the right to suspend work or withhold Deliverables for delinquent accounts. Client shall be responsible for all collection costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred in securing overdue payments.9. CHANGE MANAGEMENT. Any modification to scope, schedule, or deliverables must be documented in a written change order signed by both parties. Change orders shall specify additional fees, resource allocations, and revised timelines. Absent mutual execution, ForensicsS is under no obligation to perform out‑of‑scope tasks and may refuse informal requests without breach.10. SERVICE TIMELINES AND NO TIME GUARANTEE. While ForensicsS endeavors to meet mutually agreed milestones, forensic examinations and cyber investigations are inherently unpredictable. Factors such as device damage, proprietary encryption, multi‑jurisdictional subpoenas, or third‑party non‑cooperation may extend timelines beyond initial estimates. Client acknowledges that ForensicsS provides no warranty, express or implied, that Services will be completed by any specific date. Delays shall not constitute default or grounds for refund so long as ForensicsS continues reasonable professional efforts.11. DELIVERABLES. ForensicsS will provide Deliverables in industry‑standard formats (e.g., PDF reports, EnCase images, AFF4, CSV spreadsheets). Unless explicitly requested otherwise, Deliverables will be transmitted electronically via encrypted file‑transfer platform with two‑ factor authentication. Forensic images may be returned on hardware encrypted drives at Client expense. ForensicsS retains a secure archival copy of critical case materials for at least one (1) year, after which such materials may be purged unless preservation is requested in writing and storage fees paid.12. CONFIDENTIALITY AND MUTUAL NON‑DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT. Each party agrees to maintain in strict confidence all Confidential Information received from the other, to use such information solely for purposes of fulfilling this Agreement, and to limit disclosure to employees or agents with a bona fide need to know. Confidentiality obligations shall survive for five (5) years following termination. Exclusions include information that is or becomes public through no fault, is independently developed without reference to the other party’s data, or is required by subpoena or court order; provided that prior written notice is given to allow protective measures.13. DATA SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE. ForensicsS maintains ISO‑aligned security controls, including segmented forensic networks, hardware full‑disk encryption (FIPS 140‑2 level), multi‑factor authentication, and continuous vulnerability monitoring. Physical media are stored in access‑controlled safes with CCTV coverage. Remote access to lab resources is prohibited. All employees and contractors undergo background checks and sign confidentiality and conduct agreements. Client‑provided credentials are stored in an encrypted password vault and deleted upon project closure.14. EVIDENCE HANDLING AND CHAIN OF CUSTODY. For every evidentiary item received, ForensicsS issues a unique case number, photographs the item, records custody transfers, and documents cryptographic hash values (e.g., SHA‑256) for integrity verification. Any forensic imaging is performed using write‑blockers and validated tools. Chain‑of‑custody logs accompany final Deliverables to support admissibility in judicial or regulatory proceedings.15. BACKGROUND SCREENING CLASSIFICATION AND FCRA EXCLUSION. ForensicsS background‑screening Deliverables consist exclusively of public‑records aggregation and open‑source analysis. They are not Consumer Reports and may not be used for employment, tenant‑screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting, or any other purpose regulated by the FCRA or similar state statutes. Client shall be solely responsible for downstream compliance, and agrees to indemnify ForensicsS for any claim arising from impermissible use.16. DATA LIMITATIONS AND VERIFICATION. Public databases may contain errors, omissions, or outdated information. False positives may arise from common names, aliases, or mismatched identifiers. Records can be sealed, expunged, or reindexed without notice. ForensicsS makes commercially reasonable efforts to validate findings but does not guarantee absolute accuracy. Client must independently verify critical facts (e.g., obtaining certified court copies, fingerprint confirmations) before reliance on any Deliverable.17. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSING. All methodologies, analytical frameworks, software scripts, custom dashboards, and report templates developed by ForensicsS are and shall remain its sole intellectual property. ForensicsS grants Client a non‑exclusive, non‑transferable, perpetual license to use Deliverables internally for risk assessment, litigation, or investigatory purposes. Client shall not resell, redistribute, or publicly post Deliverables, redacted or otherwise, without prior written consent.18. NO RESULTS GUARANTEE. Client understands and accepts that forensic investigations and security assessments may yield zero findings, inconclusive findings, or findings later deemed immaterial. Success is influenced by factors outside ForensicsS’ control, such as data destruction, anti‑forensics, or judicial rulings on evidentiary admissibility. Payment is rendered for professional time and expertise, not a promised outcome or verdict.19. NO CHARGEBACK COVENANT. Client irrevocably waives all rights to reverse, dispute, or chargeback payments through banks, card issuers, or payment processors after Project Commencement. Should Client initiate an unauthorized chargeback, ForensicsS retains the right to submit evidence of services rendered and to recover all reversal fees, collection costs, and attorney fees incurred.20. TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION. Either party may terminate this Agreement for any reason upon ten (10) Business Days’ written notice. Earlier termination for material breach may be immediate. Upon termination, Client shall pay for all Services rendered, expenses incurred, and any non‑cancelable commitments. ForensicsS may suspend Services if (i) Client account is past due, (ii) Client requests actions that violate law or ethics, or (iii) continuing the engagement poses a conflict of interest.21. INDEMNIFICATION. Each party ("Indemnifying Party") shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other party, its officers, directors, employees, and agents (collectively, "Indemnified Party"), against any third‑party claim arising out of Indemnifying Party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct, or material breach of this Agreement. Indemnification is conditioned upon prompt notice, sole control of defense, and reasonable cooperation.22. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Except for breach of confidentiality, gross negligence, or willful misconduct, ForensicsS’ aggregate liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the total fees paid by Client in the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to liability. In no event shall either party be liable for indirect, special, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, including loss of profits, revenue, business interruption, or data, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.23. FORCE MAJEURE. Neither party shall be liable for failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, epidemic, pandemic, governmental actions, supply‑chain disruptions, utility failures, or labor disputes. The affected party shall promptly notify the other and resume performance as soon as practicable.24. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict‑of‑laws principles. Exclusive jurisdiction for any action arising under this Agreement shall lie in the state and federal courts sitting in Los Angeles County, California, and the parties hereby consent to personal jurisdiction and venue therein.25. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND MEDIATION. Prior to instituting litigation, the parties shall endeavor in good faith to resolve any dispute through confidential mediation before a mutually agreed mediator in Los Angeles County. Either party may demand mediation by written notice. Mediation fees shall be shared equally. If mediation fails, parties may proceed to litigation. Nothing prevents either party from seeking injunctive relief to protect Confidential Information or intellectual property.26. ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS. The prevailing party in any action or proceeding to enforce or interpret this Agreement shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, expert‑witness fees, and other litigation expenses, in addition to any other relief to which it may be entitled.27. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING. Client may not assign, delegate, or transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement without ForensicsS’ prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. ForensicsS may subcontract specialized tasks to qualified vendors but remains responsible for overall performance.28. NOTICES. All notices required under this Agreement shall be in writing and deemed effective (i) when delivered personally; (ii) three (3) Business Days after deposit in certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested; (iii) one (1) Business Day after dispatch by nationally recognized overnight courier; or (iv) upon confirmed electronic transmission to the addresses set forth in the SOW.29. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement is adjudged invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force, and the invalid provision shall be interpreted to best accomplish its intended economic effect within legal limits.30. WAIVER. No waiver of any breach shall be deemed a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. Failure or delay to exercise any right or remedy shall not constitute a waiver of that right or remedy.31. SURVIVAL. Clauses concerning payment, confidentiality, intellectual property, limitation of liability, indemnification, dispute resolution, and any other provisions that by their nature should survive termination shall so survive.32. ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT. This Agreement, together with any SOWs, exhibits, and attachments, constitutes the complete understanding of the parties. No amendment shall be effective unless in a writing signed by authorized representatives of both parties.33. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE AND COUNTERPARTS. The parties agree that electronic signatures, click‑wrap acceptance, or digital certificates are valid and binding. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which together form one instrument.34. ACKNOWLEDGMENT. Client acknowledges that it has had the opportunity to consult legal counsel, that it fully understands the rights and obligations herein, and that it has executed this Agreement voluntarily and with full authority.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the Effective Date indicated in the electronic signature block.