Is an electronic signature legally binding?

Yes. In the United States electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, provided intent, consent, attribution, and reproducible records are satisfied.

When do I need a notarized signature?

Notarization is required when a receiving party or state law demands it (for example, deeds or certain affidavits). Check the transaction type and state rules before assuming a simple signature is sufficient.

Can I correct a signed document?

Signed documents usually require an amendment or re-execution. Minor clerical errors may be corrected by a signed addendum; substantive changes typically require a new signature cycle.

How do state rules affect e-signing?

State requirements vary for notarization, witness counts, and RON. Confirm whether UETA, ESRA, or specific state statutes impose additional steps before finalizing signatures.

What if the signer lacks authority?

If a signer exceeds their authority the contract may be unenforceable or voidable. Obtain evidence of delegation, board resolutions, or ratification to cure authority gaps.

How should I retain the signed file?

Retain a tamper-evident PDF with audit trail metadata in your records system for the retention period applicable to the document type and governing laws.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Business Pursuit Document

Business Pursuit Document

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Business Pursuit Document

This Business Pursuit Document (the "Agreement") is entered into as of by and between ("Pursuing Party") and ("Recipient"). The Pursuing Party and the Recipient are each referred to herein as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties."

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to cooperate in exploring, developing, and pursuing a potential business opportunity described herein (the "Opportunity") under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to set forth the scope of services, payment terms, confidentiality obligations, and other material terms applicable to their collaboration with the objective of memorializing the Parties' respective responsibilities and expectations; and

WHEREAS, the Parties intend that this Agreement govern the business pursuit so that neither Party will take unilateral actions inconsistent with the terms below without prior written consent of the other Party.

PARTY CONTACT INFORMATION

Pursuing Party Address Recipient Address

SCOPE OF WORK

The Pursuing Party will perform the services and activities necessary to identify, evaluate, and pursue the Opportunity, including but not limited to lead generation, business development, introductions to potential partners, preparation of proposals, and coordination of negotiations on behalf of the Parties as set forth below.

Detailed Scope of Work

PAYMENT TERMS

In consideration for the services provided by the Pursuing Party, the Recipient shall pay fees in accordance with the terms below. All amounts are stated in the currency indicated in the invoice and are exclusive of taxes unless otherwise provided.

Total Fee Payment Schedule / Milestones Late Fee

The Pursuing Party shall submit invoices in accordance with the payment schedule. Payments are due within the period specified on the invoice. Late payments shall accrue interest as set forth in the Late Fee field and the Recipient is responsible for all collection costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees.

TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement commences on and shall continue until unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement.

Notice Period for Termination (days)

Either Party may terminate this Agreement for material breach by the other Party if such breach is not cured within the notice period. Either Party may terminate for convenience upon providing the notice specified above. Termination does not relieve the Recipient of its obligation to pay for Services performed and costs incurred prior to the effective date of termination.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Each Party (the "Receiving Party") shall hold in strict confidence all non-public, proprietary, or confidential information disclosed by the other Party (the "Disclosing Party") in connection with the Opportunity ("Confidential Information"). The Receiving Party shall not disclose Confidential Information to any third party except as necessary for the performance of this Agreement or as required by law, and shall use at least the same degree of care to protect the Confidential Information as it uses to protect its own confidential information, but in no event less than reasonable care.

Confidential Information does not include information that is (a) publicly known other than by breach of this Agreement, (b) rightfully received from a third party without restriction, (c) independently developed without use of the Disclosing Party's Confidential Information, or (d) required to be disclosed by applicable law, provided that the Receiving Party gives prompt written notice and, where permitted, the Disclosing Party the opportunity to seek protective relief.

GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of without regard to conflict of laws principles. The Parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts located in that jurisdiction for any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

MISCELLANEOUS

Entire Agreement: This Agreement, including any exhibits and schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, proposals, and understandings, whether written or oral.

Assignment; No Assignment by either Party of its rights or obligations under this Agreement shall be effective without the prior written consent of the other Party, except that either Party may assign this Agreement in connection with a merger, sale of substantially all assets, or change of control.

Additional Terms (optional)

Pursuing Party - Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Recipient - Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What the Business Pursuit Document Is and when it’s used

A Business Pursuit Document is a formal record that outlines an organization’s intent, scope, and authorization to pursue a specific commercial opportunity or contract. It typically records parties, project scope, pricing assumptions, decision points, approvals, and submission deadlines. Organizations use this document to coordinate internal approvals, document resources committed to a pursuit, and create an auditable trail for contract negotiation or proposal submission. For many teams it functions as both an internal authorization and the starting point for external proposal materials.

Why a clear Business Pursuit Document matters

A concise, consistent Business Pursuit Document reduces miscommunication, preserves decision history, and clarifies who may bind the organization. It supports auditability, speeds internal approvals, and limits legal and financial exposure during competitive processes.

Typical users and stakeholders

Assign clear roles up front: who prepares the draft, who approves content, and who is authorized to sign or submit the finished document.

Sales leadership and capture managers responsible for opportunity strategy and submission timelines.
Legal or contracts teams that review risk, terms, and signature authority before commitment.
Finance and pricing analysts who validate cost, margin, and revenue recognition assumptions.

Core components to include in a professional document

Include standardized sections so reviewers find the same information consistently across pursuits and can compare opportunities efficiently.

Header

Project name, internal reference number, and effective date so the pursuit is uniquely identifiable across systems and audits.

Parties

Full legal names and contact details for the organization and any partners or subcontractors, with role definitions and primary points of contact.

Scope Summary

Brief description of deliverables, milestones, exclusions, and key technical or service boundaries tied to the solicitation or client request.

Commercial Terms

High-level pricing, billing model, assumptions, payment milestones, and material conditions that affect cost or revenue recognition.

Approvals

Named approvers, required signatures, authorization thresholds, and any delegated authority needed to proceed with submission.

Risk & Dependencies

Known risks, mitigation steps, critical dependencies, and prerequisite approvals that must be resolved before contract award.

Essential fields to capture reliably

Business Name: Legal entity name

Tax ID: EIN or TIN

Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Primary Contact: Name and email

Estimated Value: Dollar amount

Approval Level: Signature threshold

Step-by-step: preparing and approving the document

Follow a consistent sequence to minimize rework and ensure each required review is completed in order.

01

Draft: Populate all required fields and attach supporting exhibits.
02

Legal Review: Route to contracts counsel for terms and risk review.
03

Finance Approval: Validate pricing, margins, and accounting treatment.
04

Sign and Archive: Collect signatures and store final signed copy securely.

How to configure an online completion workflow

Configure field placements, routing order, and authentication so the online process mirrors your internal approvals.

Field	Configuration
Signature Fields	Place for each signer, require date field on signature
Routing Order	Set sequential approval or parallel routing as needed
Authentication	Email or SMS code for signer verification
Notifications	Enable reminders and completion alerts

Where to send or file the completed document

Determine the final destinations and archival workflow before distributing to avoid version confusion.

Submitting to Client: Send signed PDF and any requested exhibits via secure channel
Internal Archive: Store approved copy in contract repository with indexing
Accounting: Forward financial exhibits to billing for setup
Program Team: Share scope and milestone details with delivery

Digital signing and distribution platform considerations

Ensure the platform you choose produces tamper-evident signed files, provides a detailed audit trail, and integrates with your document management and ERP systems for consistent recordkeeping.

File formats: PDF, DOCX supported
Authentication options: Email, SMS, KBA, SSO
Integration targets: CRM and cloud storage

Typical timelines and submission deadlines

Map internal milestones to external deadlines and allow buffer time for legal and finance reviews.

Internal Draft Deadline:

At least 7 days before client submission

Legal Review Deadline:

Allow 3 business days for standard review

Final Approval:

Complete approvals 48 hours before submission

Client Submission:

Follow client-specified deadline precisely

Archive Date:

Signed copy archived immediately after execution

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the document

Leaving signature authority ambiguous, which can lead to unenforceable commitments or internal disputes.
Using vague scope language that permits scope creep or later disputes about deliverables or exclusions.
Failing to update financial assumptions, producing incorrect cost estimates and approval delays.
Neglecting to capture decision dates and approver names, which obstructs audits and contract lifecycle tracking.

Key risks and potential consequences

Unauthorized Commitments: Contract risk

Tax Exposure: Incorrect reporting

Missed Deadlines: Bid disqualification

Data Breach: Privacy violation

Noncompliance: Regulatory fines

Record Loss: Audit failure

eSignature vendor snapshot for Business Pursuit Document workflows

Compare base pricing and key capabilities relevant to signing, bulk distribution, audit trails, and HIPAA compliance when selecting a platform.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Frequently asked questions about execution and e-signing

Answers to common concerns about legal validity, notarization, and correcting errors in a completed Business Pursuit Document.

Need help? Contact support

Is an electronic signature legally binding?
Yes. In the United States electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, provided intent, consent, attribution, and reproducible records are satisfied.
When do I need a notarized signature?
Notarization is required when a receiving party or state law demands it (for example, deeds or certain affidavits). Check the transaction type and state rules before assuming a simple signature is sufficient.
Can I correct a signed document?
Signed documents usually require an amendment or re-execution. Minor clerical errors may be corrected by a signed addendum; substantive changes typically require a new signature cycle.
How do state rules affect e-signing?
State requirements vary for notarization, witness counts, and RON. Confirm whether UETA, ESRA, or specific state statutes impose additional steps before finalizing signatures.
What if the signer lacks authority?
If a signer exceeds their authority the contract may be unenforceable or voidable. Obtain evidence of delegation, board resolutions, or ratification to cure authority gaps.
How should I retain the signed file?
Retain a tamper-evident PDF with audit trail metadata in your records system for the retention period applicable to the document type and governing laws.

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