Can this checklist be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are valid under ESIGN and UETA for most transactions, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.

When is notarization required?

Notarization is required when the checklist supports a document type that itself requires notarization, such as deeds or some powers of attorney; state rules vary.

Do I need witness signatures?

Witness requirements depend on the underlying instrument and state law. For example, some states require two witnesses for certain deed filings.

How long must I retain the checklist?

Retention depends on the document type and regulator: typical minimums are three years for tax-related files and six years for HIPAA-related records.

What if a signer’s name doesn’t match records?

Mismatched names can raise authentication questions; correct before certification or attach an identity verification affidavit.

Can I update a certified checklist?

Yes, but use a controlled amendment workflow that preserves the original certified version and requires re-approval for material changes.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Good Faith Evaluation Checklist

Good Faith Evaluation Checklist

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

GOOD FAITH EVALUATION CHECKLIST AND AGREEMENT

Effective Date:

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client Name: seeks a good faith evaluation to assess compliance, disclosures, and procedural fairness related to the matter described in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Evaluator Name: is retained to perform a neutral good faith evaluation in accordance with the terms set forth below.

WHEREAS, the parties intend that the evaluation be performed promptly, impartially, and in good faith, and that findings and supporting documentation be preserved in accordance with this Agreement.

Scope of Work

Summary of Services

Good Faith Evaluation Checklist

The Evaluator certifies completion of and/or consideration of the following items. Check each applicable item and provide explanatory notes where requested.

No known conflicts of interest exist that would materially affect impartiality

Notes

Relevant documentation and records have been requested and reviewed

Documentation Reviewed

Evaluation methodology and criteria are documented and applied consistently

Methodology

Good faith efforts were made to contact relevant parties and witnesses

Contact Efforts

Evaluator affirms independence and absence of undisclosed incentives

Independence Notes

Other material considerations addressed

Other Considerations

Payment Terms

Total Fee Payment Schedule / Milestones Late Payment Fee

Term and Termination

Commencement Date: Termination Date:

Notice Period for Termination

Termination for cause shall be permitted upon material breach, failure to perform in good faith, or willful misconduct. Upon termination, the Evaluator shall be entitled to compensation for services performed through the effective date of termination, subject to offsets for breach.

Confidentiality

The Evaluator shall maintain as confidential all non-public materials and information obtained in connection with the evaluation, shall use such materials solely for the purpose of performing the evaluation, and shall not disclose such materials except to the extent required by law or with the express written consent of the Client. Exclusions include information that is or becomes publicly known through no fault of the Evaluator.

Exceptions / Carve-Outs (if any)

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to principles of conflicts of law.

Entire Agreement

This Agreement, including the Scope of Work and the Good Faith Evaluation Checklist, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, whether written or oral. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Certification

The undersigned Evaluator certifies under penalty of perjury that the representations and checklist responses in this document are true and accurate to the best of their knowledge, and that the evaluation was conducted in good faith, with impartiality and diligence.

Evaluator acknowledges responsibility to preserve supporting documentation for a minimum period consistent with applicable record-retention obligations.

Client Name:

By:

Date:

Evaluator Name:

By:

Date:

What the Good Faith Evaluation Checklist Is and How It’s Used

The Good Faith Evaluation Checklist is a structured tool used to document a party’s reasonable efforts, disclosures, and factual basis when assessing a transaction, claim, or compliance obligation. It captures essential facts, dates, communications, and supporting attachments so decision-makers can show they acted in good faith and followed required procedures. Organizations use the checklist as part of audits, internal reviews, regulatory reporting, vendor selection, and dispute responses to create a reproducible record of the evaluation process and the rationale for final determinations.

Why a Documented Good Faith Evaluation Matters

A formal checklist organizes evidence, clarifies decision criteria, and reduces legal and operational risk by creating a dated audit trail that supports the organization’s conclusion.

Who Typically Completes a Good Faith Evaluation Checklist

Use this checklist when reviewers must record an objective, repeatable assessment tied to a compliance or contractual duty.

Compliance teams assessing regulatory obligations and documenting sources relied upon.
Legal or contract reviewers verifying contractual good-faith efforts and communications.
Procurement or vendor managers evaluating bids and documenting selection rationale.

The checklist is suitable for internal reviewers, compliance officers, contract managers, legal teams, and external auditors who require documented evidence of decision-making.

Who Signs and Certifies the Checklist

Compliance Officer

A delegated compliance officer or manager signs to confirm the checklist accurately reflects the review process and supporting documents. Their signature indicates organizational responsibility for the recorded findings and any remedial steps identified.

Reviewer / Supervisor

The assigned reviewer (analyst, contract manager, or subject-matter expert) certifies the factual inputs and attachments. A supervisor or approver may also sign to attest to sufficiency of the review before final filing.

Essential Security and Compliance Details to Record

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

Audit Trail: Timestamped events, IP address, and action log

Authentication: Multi-factor or SMS code where required

HIPAA Support: BAA available for protected health information

Retention Policy: Configurable hold and export options

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, PCI DSS

Key Risks and Consequences of an Incomplete Checklist

Regulatory Penalties: Fines or sanctions for missing disclosures

Contract Liability: Breach claims if good-faith steps not documented

Tax Consequences: Information return penalties for incorrect filings

Evidentiary Gaps: Weakened defense in litigation or audit

Operational Delay: Rework and extended approval cycles

Reputational Harm: Loss of stakeholder trust and credibility

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

Missing or inconsistent dates across attachments and checklist entries
Using unverified or informal communications as primary evidence
Incomplete signer identity verification for critical approvals
Failing to retain original source documents or supporting exhibits

Step-by-Step: Completing the Good Faith Evaluation Checklist

Follow these steps to create a clear, defensible record of your evaluation from intake through final certification.

01

Intake: Record requestor, date received, and reason for evaluation
02

Scope: Define scope, applicable policies, and required evidence
03

Evidence: Attach documents and note verification steps taken
04

Certification: Reviewer signs, dates, and records any follow-up actions

How the Checklist Fits into Your Process

Map the checklist to your operational workflow to ensure consistent routing, approval, and retention of evaluation records.

Submit: Requester uploads form and supporting files
Assign: System routes to the appropriate reviewer
Review: Reviewer verifies facts and adds notes
Archive: Signed checklist and attachments are stored securely

Core Components to Include in a Professional Checklist

A complete Good Faith Evaluation Checklist captures identity, chronology, decision criteria, evidence, conclusions, and signatory attestations.

Identity

Names, roles, and contact details for requester and reviewers

Timeline

Key dates: receipt, review, decision, and any notices sent

Criteria

Standards or policy provisions used to evaluate the matter

Evidence

List of documents reviewed, with file names and attachment IDs

Findings

Concise factual summary and determination rationale

Signatures

Reviewer and approver signature blocks with dates

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Adopt consistent naming, date formats, and a minimal required evidence checklist to speed review and reduce errors.

Standardize formats

Use MM/DD/YYYY for all dates and a consistent file-naming convention to avoid mismatches.

Require key attachments

Mandate specific supporting documents (contracts, correspondence, screenshots) to prevent incomplete records.

Use role-based routing

Route reviews to role-based owners to ensure subject-matter expertise and accountability.

Log follow-ups

Record any outstanding tasks and deadlines on the checklist to close loops.

Timing Expectations and Deadlines to Track

Establish deadlines for key actions to ensure timeliness and regulatory alignment when an evaluation affects statutory or filing obligations.

Initial Response Time:

Acknowledge request within 3 business days

Standard Review:

Complete evaluation within 10–30 business days

Escalation:

Escalate complex matters after 15 business days

Record Retention Start:

Retention clock begins on final certification date

Follow-up Deadlines:

Document remediation actions and due dates on file

Process for Updating or Revising a Completed Checklist

Use a controlled amendment workflow so revisions are traceable and do not overwrite the original certified record.

01

Request Amendment:

Submit change request with reason

02

Reviewer Assessment:

Evaluate validity of requested changes

03

Document Changes:

Log revisions and attach new evidence

04

Re-Approval:

Require approver signature for material edits

05

Versioning:

Retain prior certified version in archive

06

Notification:

Notify stakeholders of the updated record

eSignature Pricing Comparison Relevant to Checklist Execution

Platform costs vary by plan and volume. The table compares common pricing and capability criteria across signNow and other widely used vendors.

	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	Yes, 7-day trial	No	No	No	No
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	No cap	No cap	No cap

Real-World Examples of Checklist Use

These brief case examples show how documented evaluations supported business decisions across organizations.

Optica Ventures

Optica used the checklist for vendor selection to centralize evaluation criteria and supporting documents.

The checklist clarified decision rationale during procurement.
Brian Fitzgibbons, COO, noted streamlined internal review and clearer handoffs after adoption, reducing disputes and shortening vendor onboarding time.

Fertility Centers

A medical practice used the checklist for patient-data handling reviews to document compliance steps.

Checklist captured PHI workflows and BAA requirements.
John Butler, Founder, reported improved audit readiness and consistent documentation across clinics following standardized checklist use.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Good Faith Evaluation Checklist

Answers to common questions about signing, storing, and validating a Good Faith Evaluation Checklist in U.S. workflows.

Need help? Contact support

Can this checklist be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are valid under ESIGN and UETA for most transactions, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.
When is notarization required?
Notarization is required when the checklist supports a document type that itself requires notarization, such as deeds or some powers of attorney; state rules vary.
Do I need witness signatures?
Witness requirements depend on the underlying instrument and state law. For example, some states require two witnesses for certain deed filings.
How long must I retain the checklist?
Retention depends on the document type and regulator: typical minimums are three years for tax-related files and six years for HIPAA-related records.
What if a signer’s name doesn’t match records?
Mismatched names can raise authentication questions; correct before certification or attach an identity verification affidavit.
Can I update a certified checklist?
Yes, but use a controlled amendment workflow that preserves the original certified version and requires re-approval for material changes.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now