Can the FAS be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) for interstate commerce and under UETA where adopted for intrastate transactions. Exceptions exist for wills, certain court filings, and other statutory exclusions, so confirm applicability before relying on e-signatures.

What signer authentication should be used?

Select authentication based on transaction risk. Low-risk use email links; moderate risk add SMS or SSO; high-risk use KBA or multi-factor. Maintain an audit trail with IP, timestamp, and recorded consent to support attribution and reduce repudiation risk.

Is notarization ever required for the FAS?

Notarization is not typically required for standard service authorizations, but state law or contract terms can mandate a notarized signature for specific instruments. If notarization is required, consider remote online notarization where permitted and comply with state-specific identity proofing and recording rules.

How long should I keep executed records?

Retention depends on the document content: follow IRS minimums (3 years per IRC §6501(a)), HIPAA for healthcare records (6 years per 45 CFR §164.530(j)), and organizational policy. Retain executed files for the agreement term plus an appropriate post-termination period.

What if the signer lacked authority?

Signatures from unauthorized persons can render the FAS unenforceable. Verify delegated authority or corporate resolutions before acceptance. If an unauthorized signing is discovered, re-execute the document with an authorized signer and document the corrective steps.

Is signNow appropriate for executing the FAS?

signNow supports ESIGN/UETA-compliant electronic signatures and provides SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications, AES-256 at rest and TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit, and a HIPAA-compliant option with a BAA; confirm required features and plan levels for your workflow.

Business Services FAS

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

BUSINESS SERVICES FAS

Parties

Client Name Client Address Service Provider Name Service Provider Address

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client Name: desires to retain the Service Provider to perform business services described herein; and

WHEREAS, Service Provider Name: has represented that it possesses the experience, capability, and personnel to provide such services on the terms set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth below, the parties agree as follows:

Scope of Work

Service Provider shall perform the services (the "Services") set forth in the scope below. The Services shall include, but are not limited to, the tasks, deliverables, and milestones described in the Scope of Work field.

Scope of Work

Payment Terms

Client shall pay Service Provider for the Services in accordance with the following terms. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Total Compensation Payment Schedule Invoicing and Payment Method Late Fee

Late payments shall accrue interest at a rate of % per month on the outstanding balance, or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is lower.

Term and Termination

This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue until the Termination Date, unless earlier terminated in accordance with this section.

Effective Date Termination Date Notice Period for Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach by the other party if such breach remains uncured for the Notice Period following written notice. Termination shall not relieve Client of the obligation to pay for Services performed through the effective date of termination or any ongoing obligations expressly surviving termination.

Confidentiality

Each party (the "Receiving Party") shall keep confidential and not disclose to any third party any non-public information, materials, or data of the other party (the "Disclosing Party") learned or received in connection with this Agreement, except as required by law or with the prior written consent of the Disclosing Party. Confidential information does not include information that is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the Receiving Party, that was lawfully in the Receiving Party's possession prior to disclosure, or that is independently developed without use of the Disclosing Party's confidential information.

Upon termination or request, the Receiving Party shall return or destroy all tangible confidential materials and certify in writing that it has complied with this obligation.

Governing Law; Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to conflict of laws principles. The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve disputes by negotiation prior to pursuing litigation.

Representations; Warranties; Limitation of Liability

Each party represents that it has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement. Service Provider warrants that Services will be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner consistent with industry standards. EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES STATED HEREIN, SERVICE PROVIDER DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

Entire Agreement; Amendment

This Agreement, including any exhibits and attachments executed by the parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, proposals, and communications. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties.

Miscellaneous

If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. Neither party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other, except that Service Provider may assign to an affiliate or successor in connection with a merger or sale of substantially all of its assets.

Client:

By:

Date:

Service Provider:

By:

Date:

What the Business Services FAS Is and when it’s used

The Business Services FAS is a standardized form used by organizations to document authorization, scope, and terms for outsourced or vendor-provided business services. It consolidates contact information, detailed service descriptions, pricing or fee schedules, performance milestones, delivery and acceptance criteria, and signature blocks into a single record that supports procurement, contract administration, and audit trails. The form can be executed on paper or electronically and is intended to create a clear record of obligations, payment triggers, and responsibilities during service delivery.

Why a standardized FAS matters for business services

A consistent Business Services FAS reduces ambiguity about deliverables and fees, creates an auditable approval trail for procurement and finance, and shortens vendor onboarding and payment cycles while preserving evidence of contractual intent and acceptance.

Who typically prepares and signs a Business Services FAS

Typical users include procurement, operations, finance, and vendor management teams who coordinate service agreements and approvals.

Procurement managers who issue statements of work and manage vendor selection.
Operations leads tracking daily milestones, performance metrics, and acceptance criteria.
Finance or accounts payable teams verifying fees, invoicing, and payment terms.

Vendors and legal counsel also commonly review the FAS before executing to confirm scope, pricing, and liability provisions.

Core components to include in a professional Business Services FAS

A complete Business Services FAS organizes party identities, scope of work, compensation terms, delivery milestones, acceptance and remedy processes, and execution blocks to reduce disagreement and speed approvals.

Parties

Identify full legal names, contact details, business addresses, and authorized representatives for each party; mismatched names can create enforcement or payment delays if not corrected.

Scope

Describe services with measurable deliverables, performance standards, exclusions, deliverable acceptance tests, and invoicing triggers, and dispute resolution steps to reduce ambiguity during execution and for audit purposes.

Fees

Specify pricing structure, payment schedule, late fees, expense reimbursement, invoicing format, and tax treatment; indicate whether fixed, time-and-materials, or milestone billing applies and any currency details.

Milestones

List project milestones, due dates, deliverable owners, acceptance criteria, and tie payments or penalties to milestone completion where appropriate to align incentives.

Acceptance

Define acceptance procedures, inspection periods, remedy steps for rejected work, and final sign-off authority to create a defensible audit trail for service completion.

Signatures

Include signature blocks with printed name, title, date, and an authority statement; note whether electronic signatures are accepted and specify required authentication levels.

Step-by-step: completing and executing a Business Services FAS

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, validate, and finalize a Business Services FAS for execution and archival.

01

Prepare the form: Gather vendor details, the proposed scope, and pricing information before starting.
02

Populate fields: Enter parties, dates, fees, milestones, and acceptance criteria precisely.
03

Review & approve: Obtain procurement, legal, and finance approvals per internal delegation limits.
04

Execute: Collect signatures from authorized signers and record the executed copy.

How to configure an online FAS workflow

Configure your online workflow to validate fields, route approvals, and capture signatures and audit logs automatically for each signer role.

Field	Configuration
Routing	Sequential or parallel signer order depending on approval flow.
Authentication	Email link, SMS code, knowledge-based authentication (KBA), or SSO choices.
Notifications	Email reminders, conditional reminders, and escalation rules for overdue signatures.
Storage	Save to cloud repository with retention tags and integration options.

Where to send or file the completed FAS

Destinations for the executed FAS depend on your internal workflow and whether vendor acceptance or external filing is required.

Vendor: Send an executed copy to the vendor contact and accounts payable for invoicing.
Procurement: Upload the signed FAS to the procurement system and attach the SOW for contract records.
Finance: Forward the invoice-ready FAS to accounts payable to trigger payment processing.
Records: Archive the signed file in the enterprise document repository with retention metadata.

Technical considerations for eSigning and eSubmission platforms

Ensure the platform you use supports required integrations, accepted file formats, signer authentication, and audit logging for legal validity and compliance.

Formats: PDF, DOCX, and HTML support is recommended for interoperability.
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace integrations available for automated storage and routing.
Authentication: Email, SMS, SSO, and KBA authentication options to match risk level.

Security and compliance elements to include or verify

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest

Access controls: Role-based access and single sign-on

Audit trail: Detailed logs with timestamps, IP, and action history

HIPAA BAA: BAA available for protected health information

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications

Authentication: Multi-factor options and KBA where appropriate

Typical timelines and processing expectations for a Business Services FAS

Standard deadlines vary by organization; account for review, vendor signature, invoice submission, and archival timelines when planning service starts and payment schedules.

Internal approval deadline:

Allow 5–10 business days for procurement and legal review.

Vendor signature deadline:

Request signatures within 5 business days after document receipt.

Invoice submission window:

Submit invoices within 30 days of an accepted milestone completion.

Contract effective date:

The effective date triggers duties, payments, and retention obligations.

Record retention start:

Retention usually begins on the execution date unless the agreement states otherwise.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the FAS

Using informal or ambiguous scope language that omits measurable acceptance criteria, which leads to disputes over deliverables and delayed payments.
Failing to list authorized signers or signing without proper delegated authority, producing unenforceable commitments or requiring re-execution.
Incorrect billing terms or omitted tax treatment causing invoice rejection, backup withholding, or reconciliation challenges for accounts payable.
Neglecting data protection or confidentiality clauses when handling sensitive information, increasing the risk of noncompliance and regulatory exposure.

Risks and potential penalties from improper completion

Contract disputes: Mediation, arbitration, or litigation exposure

Payment delays: Cash flow impact and late fees

Tax withholding: Backup withholding risk for incorrect TIN

Regulatory non-compliance: HIPAA or state fines possible

I-9 documentation: Employment eligibility penalties per DHS

Data breach liability: Breach notification and remediation costs

How organizations use the FAS in practice

These examples show typical outcomes when organizations standardize service authorizations and enable remote execution.

Optica Ventures

Optica Ventures implemented a Business Services FAS to centralize vendor approvals and reduce administrative back-and-forth between clients and service teams.

Enabled remote signatures and faster approvals.
Brian Fitzgibbons (COO) noted the interface was simple and easy for staff and customers, enabling quicker execution and fewer manual steps while preserving compliant records and vendor acceptance.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties used the FAS to process leasing-related service agreements online without in-person meetings, preserving compliance for mobile and offline workflows.

Executed documents entirely online and mobile.
Tim Martin (Founder) reported processing and executing documents online with compliance and security whether on mobile or offline, which reduced delay, improved turnaround for lease and vendor agreements, and increased customer satisfaction.

Typical authorized signers and their responsibilities

Emily Rodgers, Procurement Manager

Responsible for vendor selection, scope verification, and internal approval routing; authorized to sign within delegated thresholds. Must confirm vendor legal name, insurance certificates, and contract terms before executing the FAS on behalf of the organization.

Carlos Mendes, Vendor Representative

Signs to acknowledge acceptance of scope, fees, and timelines on behalf of the vendor; should present documented signing authority or corporate resolution and provide a billing contact and dispute resolution representative.

eSignature vendor comparison for executing the Business Services FAS

Basic plan and capability comparisons for common eSignature platforms. Confirm feature availability and enterprise terms directly with vendors before procurement.

	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 by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
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 by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting for the Business Services FAS

Practical answers for common execution, compliance, and storage questions about the Business Services FAS.

Need help? Contact support

Can the FAS be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) for interstate commerce and under UETA where adopted for intrastate transactions. Exceptions exist for wills, certain court filings, and other statutory exclusions, so confirm applicability before relying on e-signatures.
What signer authentication should be used?
Select authentication based on transaction risk. Low-risk use email links; moderate risk add SMS or SSO; high-risk use KBA or multi-factor. Maintain an audit trail with IP, timestamp, and recorded consent to support attribution and reduce repudiation risk.
Is notarization ever required for the FAS?
Notarization is not typically required for standard service authorizations, but state law or contract terms can mandate a notarized signature for specific instruments. If notarization is required, consider remote online notarization where permitted and comply with state-specific identity proofing and recording rules.
How long should I keep executed records?
Retention depends on the document content: follow IRS minimums (3 years per IRC §6501(a)), HIPAA for healthcare records (6 years per 45 CFR §164.530(j)), and organizational policy. Retain executed files for the agreement term plus an appropriate post-termination period.
What if the signer lacked authority?
Signatures from unauthorized persons can render the FAS unenforceable. Verify delegated authority or corporate resolutions before acceptance. If an unauthorized signing is discovered, re-execute the document with an authorized signer and document the corrective steps.
Is signNow appropriate for executing the FAS?
signNow supports ESIGN/UETA-compliant electronic signatures and provides SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications, AES-256 at rest and TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit, and a HIPAA-compliant option with a BAA; confirm required features and plan levels for your workflow.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now