Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the FindPE platform (the "Platform"), a marketplace that connects clients ("Clients") with licensed Professional Engineers ("PEs"). By creating an account or using the Platform, you agree to these Terms.

This is a template document provided for launch readiness and does not constitute legal advice. It should be reviewed and finalized by a qualified attorney before public launch.

1. The Platform

FindPE provides a venue for Clients to post requests for qualifications ("RFQs"), for PEs to submit bids, and for the parties to form engagements. FindPE is a marketplace and payment facilitator only; it is not an engineering firm, does not perform engineering services, and is not a party to any engagement between a Client and a PE.

2. Accounts & Eligibility

• The Platform is available to users located in the United States only.
• You must provide accurate information and keep it current.
• PEs must hold a valid, current Professional Engineer license for each jurisdiction in which they offer licensed services, and must keep credential information accurate.
• You are responsible for activity under your account and for safeguarding your credentials.

3. Engineering Services & Licensure

Each PE is solely responsible for the services they provide, for compliance with all applicable licensure laws and rules of professional conduct, and for determining whether they may lawfully perform services in a given jurisdiction. FindPE's verification of a credential is an administrative check only and is not a warranty of competence, licensure status, or fitness for any purpose.

4. Fees, Payments & Escrow

• Platform service fee. A platform service fee of $299 is charged to the Client at the time of award ($149.50 where a scoping engagement converts to a full project). It covers secure payment processing, escrow management, contract compliance, and dispute resolution.
• Payment methods. Payments are collected via Stripe (hosted checkout). Card payments incur a processing fee equal to the lesser of 2.9% + $0.30 or 3%, disclosed before payment; bank transfers (ACH) are fee-free. Applicable taxes may be calculated by Stripe Tax.
• Subscriptions & enhancements. PE subscription tiers and optional RFQ enhancements are billed through Stripe.
• Project funds. All project payments are held and disbursed through Escrow.com pursuant to its terms; Escrow.com is the sole authority for the movement of project funds and its escrow fee is charged to the Client.
• Fees are non-refundable except as expressly stated or required by law.

5. Disputes

Disputes regarding project funds first enter a 48-hour internal mediation window facilitated by FindPE. If unresolved, the dispute escalates to Escrow.com's dispute and arbitration procedures; if neither party files with Escrow.com within 48 hours after escalation, the matter may be resolved by FindPE in accordance with Escrow.com procedures. FindPE may, but is not obligated to, assist in resolving disputes.

6. Intellectual Property

Ownership of work product created in an engagement is determined between the Client and the PE in their agreement; FindPE claims no ownership of that work product. FindPE retains all rights in the Platform itself, including its software, brand, and content. PEs retain ownership of pre-existing materials and grant FindPE a limited license to display portfolio content they choose to publish.

7. Prohibited Conduct

• Misrepresenting licensure, credentials, or qualifications.
• Circumventing Platform fees or the escrow process.
• Unlawful, fraudulent, or deceptive activity.

8. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, FINDPE DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY ARISING FROM ENGAGEMENTS BETWEEN CLIENTS AND PES, AND ITS AGGREGATE LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE FEES PAID TO FINDPE IN THE PRIOR TWELVE MONTHS.

9. General

These Terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which FindPE is organized, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. We may update these Terms; continued use constitutes acceptance. Questions may be sent via the Contact page or support@findpe.com.