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Legal PCI-DSS Proposal Agreement

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Legal PCI-DSS Proposal Agreement

This Legal PCI-DSS Proposal Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of between Service Provider Name: , having a principal place of business at , and Client Name: , having a principal place of business at . Together, the Service Provider and Client shall be referred to as the Parties.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Service Provider is engaged in the business of providing security assessments, consulting and implementation services including services necessary to evaluate and assist in achieving Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) compliance; and

WHEREAS, Client desires to obtain from Service Provider certain assessment, remediation, testing and attestation services described in this Agreement and in the Proposal attached as Exhibit A, and Service Provider is willing to provide such services subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Parties intend that the scope and terms described in this Agreement govern the performance of services, allocation of responsibilities and the exchange of confidential and cardholder data for purposes of achieving or maintaining PCI-DSS compliance.

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

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 "Assessment" means any vulnerability scan, penetration test, on-site review, gap analysis or other evaluation performed by Service Provider to determine Client's compliance with PCI-DSS requirements.

1.2 "Attestation" means the written statement, report on compliance, or letter of attestation prepared by Service Provider or an authorized Qualified Security Assessor reflecting the results of an Assessment.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1 Services. Service Provider shall perform the services described in the Proposal (Exhibit A) which may include: PCI-DSS gap analysis, internal and external vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, segmentation validation, remediation planning and verification, assistance with policy and procedure drafting, and preparation of an Attestation of Compliance (AOC) or Report on Compliance (ROC) where applicable.

2.2 Client Responsibilities. Client shall provide timely access to systems, personnel, facilities and documentation reasonably necessary for Service Provider to perform the Services. Client shall ensure that any third-party vendors under Client control required for the Assessment cooperate in a timely manner. Delays caused by Client will extend deadlines and may increase fees.

3. PROPOSAL, DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE

3.1 Proposal Summary. The Parties agree the principal deliverables include: written gap analysis report, remediation plan, penetration test report, vulnerability scan reports, and final Attestation. Summarize special deliverables or exclusions below.

4. FEES AND PAYMENT

4.1 Fees. Client shall pay Service Provider the fees set forth in the Proposal. The initial assessment fee and any milestone fees are payable as described below. All fees are exclusive of applicable taxes and out-of-pocket expenses.

5. TERM AND TERMINATION

5.1 Term. This Agreement commences on the Effective Date and continues until the completion of the Services or earlier termination pursuant to this Section.

5.2 Termination for Convenience. Either Party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon thirty (30) days' prior written notice. Client shall pay for Services performed and non-cancellable commitments made through the effective date of termination.

5.3 Termination for Cause. Either Party may terminate immediately for material breach if the breaching Party fails to cure such breach within fifteen (15) days after receiving written notice specifying the breach.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA HANDLING

6.1 Confidential Information. Each Party agrees to hold in confidence all Confidential Information disclosed by the other Party. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, cardholder data, system architecture, network diagrams, and vulnerability reports.

6.2 Cardholder Data. Service Provider shall at all times handle cardholder data in accordance with PCI-DSS requirements. Service Provider shall implement administrative, physical and technical safeguards reasonably necessary to protect cardholder data and shall not store Primary Account Numbers (PANs) beyond what is necessary for the performance of the Services unless expressly authorized in writing.

6.3 Breach Notification. In the event of any unauthorized access or disclosure of cardholder data or other Confidential Information, Service Provider shall notify Client promptly, provide a written incident report, and cooperate with Client in investigation and remediation.

7. PCI-DSS COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS

7.1 No Guarantee of Certification. Service Provider will use commercially reasonable efforts to assist Client in achieving PCI-DSS compliance, but Service Provider does not guarantee that the Attestation or Report on Compliance will be accepted by any card brand, acquiring bank, or regulator. Final compliance determinations are made by the applicable card brands, acquirers, or Qualified Security Assessors as applicable.

7.2 Cooperation. Client acknowledges that attainment of compliance may require remediation, configuration changes, software updates, and third-party coordination. Client shall be responsible for implementing remediation and for providing evidence of remediation as reasonably requested by Service Provider.

8. WARRANTIES; DISCLAIMER

8.1 Mutual Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants that it has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement, and that its performance will not violate any applicable law or third-party agreement.

8.2 Service Provider Warranty. Service Provider warrants that Services will be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner consistent with industry standards. Client's sole and exclusive remedy for breach of this warranty shall be re-performance of the defective Services at Service Provider's expense.

8.3 Disclaimer. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, SERVICE PROVIDER DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

9. INDEMNIFICATION

9.1 Client Indemnity. Client shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Service Provider, its officers, directors and employees from any claims, losses, damages or liabilities arising out of Client's breach of this Agreement, Client's negligence, or Client's failure to implement recommended remediation.

9.2 Service Provider Indemnity. Service Provider shall indemnify and hold Client harmless from claims arising from Service Provider's willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of the Services.

10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

10.1 Exclusion of Consequential Damages. EXCEPT FOR LIABILITY ARISING FROM A PARTY'S GROSS NEGLIGENCE, WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, OR BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATIONS, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS.

10.2 Liability Cap. EXCEPT FOR LIABILITY ARISING FROM A PARTY'S GROSS NEGLIGENCE, WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, OR INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, A PARTY'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID OR PAYABLE BY CLIENT TO SERVICE PROVIDER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

11. AUDIT, REPORTING AND RECORDS

11.1 Access for Audit. Upon reasonable notice, Client may request copies of Service Provider's work papers, scan reports and test results created in connection with the Services, subject to redaction of Service Provider's internal methodologies and trade secrets and subject to reasonable confidentiality protections.

11.2 Retention. Service Provider will retain working papers and remediation documentation for a commercially reasonable period and will provide archived reports to Client upon request for purposes reasonably related to PCI-DSS compliance verification.

12. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the contact persons and addresses set forth below. Notices shall be effective upon delivery if by hand, or three (3) business days after deposit in certified mail; email delivery shall be effective upon confirmation of receipt where email is agreed for notices.

13. AMENDMENTS, WAIVER, COUNTERPARTS

13.1 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by authorized representatives of both Parties.

13.2 Waiver. No waiver of any right or remedy under this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the Party granting such waiver.

13.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

14. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

14.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state or jurisdiction specified by the Parties below without regard to conflict of law principles.

14.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Proposal and any exhibits, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements.

14.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

MISCELLANEOUS

15.1 Independent Contractors. The Parties are independent contractors. Nothing in this Agreement creates a partnership, joint venture or agency relationship.

15.2 Subcontracting. Service Provider may engage subcontractors to perform portions of the Services provided Service Provider remains responsible for performance and compliance with this Agreement.

Service Provider

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Client

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What the Legal PCI-DSS Proposal Agreement Is and When It Applies

A Legal PCI-DSS Proposal Agreement documents the terms under which a service provider proposes to assess, remediate, or maintain Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) scope and controls for a merchant or enterprise. It typically defines the work scope, deliverables, responsibilities, data handling rules, security controls to be reviewed, pricing, timelines, and acceptance criteria. The agreement clarifies who will access cardholder data, what evidence will be collected, and how findings and remediation steps will be reported. It is used to set expectations before any assessment, penetration test, or compliance remediation work begins.

Why a Formal PCI-DSS Proposal Agreement Matters

A written agreement reduces ambiguity about cardholder-data scope, minimizes legal and operational risk, and records security responsibilities and acceptance criteria. It supports auditability, helps manage vendor risk, and underpins contractual obligations to acquirers and card brands.

Why a Formal PCI-DSS Proposal Agreement Matters

Who Prepares and Who Signs This Agreement

Ensure each signing party has decision authority for their area (technical, legal, financial) to avoid later disputes over scope and costs.

  • Service providers and QSA teams who will perform assessments or remediation and define technical deliverables.
  • Merchant security officers, PCI program managers, or compliance officers responsible for cardholder-data scope decisions.
  • Legal or procurement contacts who approve commercial terms, liability limits, and data-handling clauses.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Proposal Agreement

Include defined scope, responsibilities, deliverables, timelines, fees, security controls, and dispute resolution to make the agreement operational and auditable.

Scope

Clearly identify systems, networks, applications, and merchant IDs in scope. Include any segmentation or excluded assets and how cardholder-data environments are defined.

Deliverables

List artifacts such as scoping worksheets, SAQ/QSA reports, vulnerability scan results, penetration test reports, remediation plans, and final attestation of compliance.

Responsibilities

Assign tasks to each party, including data access, scheduling windows, remediation ownership, and who provides required documentation or evidence.

Security Controls

State control baselines to be tested (e.g., network segmentation, encryption, access controls) and testing methods to validate PCI-DSS requirements.

Fees

Define pricing model (fixed, time-and-materials), payment milestones, expense reimbursement, and change-order procedures for out-of-scope work.

Legal Terms

Include confidentiality, liability caps, indemnification, data breach notification timelines, and governing law for disputes.

Essential Information Fields to Collect

Legal Entity: Full registered name
Merchant ID: Acquirer/processor MID
PCI Scope: Systems, networks listed
Contact: Primary security contact
Data Access: Access method described
Billing Terms: Price and payment terms

Step-by-Step: Completing and Executing the Agreement

A concise sequence helps align procurement, security, and technical teams before work begins.

  • 01
    Prepare Scope: Document systems and exclusions clearly.
  • 02
    Review Terms: Legal and security should review risk allocation.
  • 03
    Approve Fees: Confirm budget and payment milestones.
  • 04
    Sign and Exchange: Obtain signatures and retain executed copy.

How to Configure an Online Agreement Workflow

Set up fields, routing, and authentication in your e-signature platform to mirror the agreement's approval steps.

Field Configuration
Signature Order Enable sequential signing for technical → legal → finance
Authentication Use email + SMS OTP or higher for vendor signers
Conditional Fields Show payment terms only when variable pricing selected
Retention Enable audit trail and export to secure storage

Where to Send and How Execution Typically Proceeds

Routing the signed agreement and evidence packages to the right recipients supports audits and incident response readiness.

  • Provider: Provider signs first and uploads scoping evidence
  • Merchant: Merchant reviews deliverables and signs
  • Acquirer: Copy sent to acquirer if required by contract
  • Retention: Store executed agreement with reports for audits

Digital Signing and File Formats to Use

Ensure the chosen solution captures timestamps, signer attribution, an audit trail, and allows export of signed files to secure long-term storage.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX are standard for signed deliverables
  • Authentication: Email plus SMS OTP or SAML/SSO for higher assurance
  • Integrations: Connect to cloud storage and ticketing systems

Typical Deadlines and Client Response Expectations

Set explicit dates for proposal acceptance, scheduling, deliverables, and remediation windows to keep PCI work on track.

Proposal Acceptance:

30 days to accept or request changes

Assessment Window:

Schedule within 60 days of agreement signature

Draft Report Delivery:

Provider delivers draft report within 10 business days

Remediation Period:

Client typically has 30–90 days, per contract

Final Attestation:

Complete within 14 days after remediation verification

Key Milestones From Proposal to Attestation

Track sequential milestones so each team knows the next critical deliverable and timing.

01

Proposal Signed

Agreement executed and project authorized

02

Scoping Confirmed

Final list of in-scope assets approved

03

Assessment Completed

Testing and evidence collection finished

04

Attestation Issued

Final report and attestation provided

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

  • Failing to define scope precisely, which causes unexpected costs and delays during assessment preparation and execution.
  • Providing incomplete access credentials or environment diagrams, leading to missed tests and scope disputes.
  • Not assigning a single point of contact for scheduling, which increases back-and-forth and slows remediation.
  • Using vague remediation milestones without measurable acceptance criteria, making verification and attestation difficult.

Key Risks and Contractual Consequences

Card Brand Fines: Potential fines and remediation obligations from card brands
Liability Exposure: Indemnity or damages for breaches linked to vendor activity
Service Termination: Contract cancellation for failure to meet PCI controls
Reputational Harm: Customer loss and public disclosure risk following incidents
Audit Failures: Failed attestations may trigger reaccreditation costs
Data Breach Costs: Incident response, forensics, and notification obligations

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Executing PCI-DSS Agreements

Compare basic pricing and feature availability for common e-signature vendors when choosing a platform to execute and retain PCI-related proposals and evidence.

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

Real-World Examples of Agreement Use and Outcomes

These case notes show how organizations used formal agreements to streamline compliance work and evidence retention.

Tech Data

Tech Data standardized vendor agreements to align security and procurement

  • Bulk routing cut signature time by weeks
  • The company reports improved internal workflows and faster time to revenue after formalizing scope and execution procedures.

Fertility Centers

A healthcare provider secured HIPAA and PCI controls in a single proposal

  • Combined legal and technical clauses clarified responsibilities
  • Their operations team reduced follow-ups and retained complete evidence packages for audits and breach preparedness.

Practical Tips for Accurate, Efficient Agreement Completion

Adopt consistent templates, clear scope language, and a documented review path to reduce rework and legal exposure.

Use a Standard Template
Maintain a single approved agreement template with modular clauses for scope, vendor controls, and data handling to avoid inconsistent terms across engagements.
Define Measurable Acceptance
Specify exact acceptance criteria for remediation (e.g., CVSS score threshold, scan tool, retest window) so verification is objective and auditable.
Collect Evidence Early
Require network diagrams, system inventories, and prior scan results at kickoff to accelerate assessment and reduce discovery delays.
Align Legal and Security Reviews
Coordinate legal, procurement, and security reviews in parallel with deadlines to prevent sequential review bottlenecks.

FAQs and Troubleshooting for the PCI-DSS Proposal Agreement

Answers to commonly asked questions about signing, scope changes, and document validity when using electronic workflows.


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