Can this agreement be e-signed?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA in most states; ensure intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are demonstrable to meet the four‑prong validity test.

Are digital signatures required?

Not usually. U.S. law accepts many forms of electronic signatures; cryptographic digital signatures using PKI provide stronger non‑repudiation and may be required for regulated records (for example, 21 CFR Part 11). Match signature strength to legal and industry needs.

When is notarization needed?

Most commercial service agreements do not require notarization. Exceptions include instruments affecting real property, powers of attorney, or specific state filings. For remote notarization, confirm state RON rules and identity proofing requirements before relying on it.

What about HIPAA and BAAs?

If services handle protected health information, a Business Associate Agreement is required and workflows must protect PHI. Maintain access logs, encryption, and six‑year retention per 45 CFR §164.530(j); confirm the eSignature provider will enter a BAA.

How do I correct a signed mistake?

You cannot alter an executed document unilaterally. Execute a written amendment or addendum signed by authorized parties to document corrections; keep the original executed copy and log the amendment in the audit trail for legal and accounting transparency.

How should signers be authenticated?

Choose authentication based on transaction risk: email or SMS codes for standard transactions, knowledge‑based or SSO for higher assurance, and PKI for regulated records. Retain authentication artifacts (IP addresses, timestamps) to support attribution in disputes.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Business Services Long Term Agreement

Business Services Long Term Agreement

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

BUSINESS SERVICES LONG TERM AGREEMENT

This Business Services Long Term Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into as of Effective Date: by and between Client Name: , Client Address: ("Client"), and Service Provider Name: , Provider Address: ("Service Provider").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client desires to engage Service Provider to perform ongoing business services consisting of consulting, operations support, technical services and related deliverables as set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Service Provider has represented that it possesses the experience, personnel and resources necessary to perform the services described herein and is willing to provide such services under the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to set forth the terms governing the provision of long term services, payment, confidentiality, and other obligations.

SCOPE OF WORK

Service Provider shall provide the services and deliverables described in detail below. Service Provider shall perform the services in a professional and workmanlike manner consistent with industry standards and shall allocate sufficient qualified personnel and resources to meet agreed schedules.

Detailed Scope of Work Key Deliverables and Milestones

PAYMENT TERMS

Client shall pay Service Provider the fees set forth below in consideration for the performance of the services. All fees are exclusive of applicable taxes unless otherwise stated.

Total Contract Value (if applicable) Payment Schedule

Late payments shall accrue interest at the rate specified below and Client shall be responsible for all reasonable costs of collection, including attorneys' fees.

Late Payment Fee or Interest

TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement shall commence on Start Date and continue until End Date, unless earlier terminated in accordance with this section.

Start Date: End Date:

Termination Notice Period (days) Termination for Cause

CONFIDENTIALITY

Each party (Receiving Party) shall hold in confidence all non-public, proprietary or confidential information disclosed by the other party (Disclosing Party) and shall not use such information except to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Confidential information does not include information that (a) was known to the Receiving Party prior to disclosure without restriction; (b) becomes publicly available through no breach of this Agreement; (c) is lawfully received from a third party without restriction; or (d) is independently developed without reference to the Confidential Information.

Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, the Receiving Party shall return or destroy, at Disclosing Party's election, all Confidential Information and certify in writing that it has complied with this obligation. The obligations under this section shall survive for Confidentiality Duration after termination.

Confidentiality Duration

Mutual confidentiality (both parties are bound as Disclosing and Receiving Party)

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND DELIVERABLES

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Service Provider assigns to Client all right, title and interest in deliverables created specifically for Client under this Agreement upon full payment of fees. Service Provider retains ownership of pre-existing materials, tools and methodologies and grants Client a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use such pre-existing materials incorporated into deliverables solely as part of the deliverables.

Exceptions or Additional IP Terms

INSURANCE, INDEMNITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Service Provider shall maintain insurance customary for the services provided, including commercial general liability and, where applicable, professional liability coverage. Each party shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other from third-party claims arising from its gross negligence or willful misconduct. Neither party shall be liable for consequential, punitive or special damages except for breaches of confidentiality or infringement of intellectual property.

Insurance Requirements

NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below (or to such other address as a party may specify in writing). Notice shall be deemed given when delivered personally, by overnight courier, or three business days after deposit in the mail with first-class postage prepaid.

Client Notice Address Service Provider Notice Address

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 law principles. The parties shall attempt to resolve disputes in good faith through negotiation. If negotiation fails, disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in the county where Client's principal place of business is located, subject to the rules selected by the parties.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement, together with any exhibits or 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, whether written or oral. Any amendment or waiver 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 remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. The parties are independent contractors and neither party shall have authority to bind the other except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

Additional Provisions or Agreements

Client:

By:

Date:

Service Provider:

By:

Date:

What a Business Services Long Term Agreement Is

A Business Services Long Term Agreement is a contract used when a company and a service provider establish ongoing professional services under a single, multi‑year arrangement. It defines scope of services, deliverables, performance standards, pricing and billing, change control, liability limits, confidentiality, termination rights, and dispute resolution. The agreement typically references statements of work or schedules for specific projects and sets invoicing cycles, service levels, and renewal mechanics. Organizations use it to reduce repetitive contracting, standardize terms, and provide a framework for operational and compliance controls over the contract term.

Why organizations use long term service contracts

A long term agreement clarifies expectations, lowers negotiation overhead, stabilizes pricing, and supports predictable budgeting and vendor management. It also streamlines renewals, reduces administrative duplication, and creates a centralized record for compliance and audit reviews.

Teams and stakeholders who typically complete these agreements

Typical users include procurement, legal, operations, and finance teams managing long-term vendor relationships and repeat services.

Procurement teams negotiating standard terms across multiple projects to reduce cycle time.
Legal counsel reviewing liability, indemnity, and IP provisions for long-term exposure.
Finance and accounting enforcing billing schedules, price indexing, and forecasting obligations over term.

External signers include vendors, subcontractors, consultants, and institutional clients who authorize work under master terms.

Core sections to include in the agreement

Core clauses and modular attachments ensure the Business Services Long Term Agreement captures service levels, risk allocation, and operational rules across projects and time.

Scope

Define ongoing services covered, exclusions, and any periodic deliverables. Incorporate references to SOWs or schedules that specify project-level tasks, acceptance criteria, and reporting expectations to reduce scope disputes.

Term & Renewal

State initial term, automatic renewal mechanisms, notice periods for non-renewal, and early termination liabilities. Include survival provisions for confidentiality, IP, and indemnity clauses after expiration.

Pricing

Outline fee structures, fixed retainer versus time-and-materials, escalation or indexation formulas, billing frequency, expense reimbursement, and dispute resolution for invoicing; attach sample invoices or rate tables as exhibits.

Service Levels

Specify measurable KPIs, uptime targets, response and remediation times, credits for missed SLAs, reporting cadence, and escalation paths for service interruptions and performance reviews.

Liability

Limitations on liability, caps, exclusions for consequential damages, insurance requirements, and indemnities. Clearly align financial exposure with commercial expectations and vendor capabilities to manage risk across the contract term.

Change Control

Define a formal change order process, approval thresholds, impact assessment, pricing adjustments, and timeline revisions. Require written approval for all scope or price changes to avoid unilateral modifications.

Step-by-step process to complete and execute the agreement

Follow these sequential steps to complete and execute a Business Services Long Term Agreement accurately and efficiently.

01

Prepare Details: Assemble party names, scope, term, and pricing before drafting.
02

Define SOW: Attach statements of work and deliverable schedules.
03

Set Terms: Specify payment terms, invoicing, renewal, and termination rights.
04

Execute & Retain: Obtain authorized signatures, retain originals, and log for audit.

Configuring an online approval and signature workflow

Configure an online workflow for drafting, approval, and e-signature to maintain version control and audit readiness.

Field	Configuration
Signer Authentication	Email, SMS code, or KBA option
Signature Order	Specify serial or parallel routing
Reminder Schedule	Auto reminders after 3, 7, and 14 days
Document Retention	Store signed PDF with audit trail for records

Typical eSubmission flow for the completed contract

A common eSubmission flow moves the agreement from drafter to reviewers and signers, recording each action for an auditable trail.

Upload Document: Upload final agreement PDF or DOCX to platform.
Place Fields: Add signature, initial, date, and custom fields as needed.
Assign Signers: Enter signer emails and set signing order or parallel routing.
Send & Track: Send invites, monitor status, and export completed audit trail.

Technical considerations for electronic execution and distribution

Digital signing supports PDF, DOCX uploads and integrates with common enterprise platforms for secure routing and storage.

Required Formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML supported
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
Authentication: Email, SMS, SSO, or 2FA

Essential data fields to collect and verify

Full Legal Name: Enter the entity name exactly as registered

Tax ID: Provide EIN or SSN for tax reporting

Effective Date: Use MM/DD/YYYY format for clarity

Scope Reference: Attach or cite applicable SOW numbers

Billing Info: Include billing contact, address, and payment terms

Authorized Signer: Name, title, and authority documentation required

Key dates and notice periods to track

Common dates and notice periods you should track for a long term services agreement and recurring project SOWs.

Renewal Notice:

Typical 30–90 day written notice before term expiration

Invoice Due Date:

Commonly Net 30 from invoice date unless stated otherwise

SOW Acceptance:

Acceptance periods often 5–15 business days for deliverables

Change Order Response:

Contractors typically respond within 10 business days

Tax Reporting:

Retain payment records for 3 years for IRS purposes

Common risks and potential penalties from errors

Incorrect Tax Info: Triggers 24% backup withholding

Late Filing: 1099 penalties $60–$330 per form

Unauthorized Signer: Risk of unenforceable contract

Missing SOWs: Creates scope disputes and billing delays

HIPAA Violations: Potential civil penalties, BAA required

No Notarization: May invalidate deeds or POAs in some states

Real-world examples of long term agreements in action

Examples show how companies use a Business Services Long Term Agreement to manage recurring engagements and compliance needs.

Optica Ventures

Optica Ventures adopted a multi-year services agreement to consolidate vendor terms across portfolio companies and standardize billing and reporting processes.

Negotiation time dropped by 60%.
By using a central long term agreement and defined SOW templates, the organization cut contract cycle times, improved compliance with standardized clauses, and simplified audits by retaining signed PDFs and audit trails for each engagement.

Fertility Centers of Illinois

Fertility Centers of Illinois centralized clinical and admin service agreements under a long term contract to ensure consistent patient consent wording and HIPAA safeguards across clinics.

Compliance improved and signature turnaround sped to 24 hours.
The clinic retained signed records centrally, used role-based signer authentication, and reduced manual handling of forms; auditors found clearer chains of custody and consistent retention practices for HIPAA-required records across departments.

eSignature platform comparison for signing long term agreements

Compare common vendor attributes relevant to eSigning Business Services Long Term Agreements, with signNow listed first per platform pricing and compliance.

	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 vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently asked questions about electronic execution and validity

Answers to common questions about executing, validating, and managing a Business Services Long Term Agreement in electronic workflows.

Need help? Contact support

Can this agreement be e-signed?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA in most states; ensure intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are demonstrable to meet the four‑prong validity test.
Are digital signatures required?
Not usually. U.S. law accepts many forms of electronic signatures; cryptographic digital signatures using PKI provide stronger non‑repudiation and may be required for regulated records (for example, 21 CFR Part 11). Match signature strength to legal and industry needs.
When is notarization needed?
Most commercial service agreements do not require notarization. Exceptions include instruments affecting real property, powers of attorney, or specific state filings. For remote notarization, confirm state RON rules and identity proofing requirements before relying on it.
What about HIPAA and BAAs?
If services handle protected health information, a Business Associate Agreement is required and workflows must protect PHI. Maintain access logs, encryption, and six‑year retention per 45 CFR §164.530(j); confirm the eSignature provider will enter a BAA.
How do I correct a signed mistake?
You cannot alter an executed document unilaterally. Execute a written amendment or addendum signed by authorized parties to document corrections; keep the original executed copy and log the amendment in the audit trail for legal and accounting transparency.
How should signers be authenticated?
Choose authentication based on transaction risk: email or SMS codes for standard transactions, knowledge‑based or SSO for higher assurance, and PKI for regulated records. Retain authentication artifacts (IP addresses, timestamps) to support attribution in disputes.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now