Are electronic signatures legally binding?

Yes. Electronic signatures meet federal requirements under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and intrastate rules under UETA where adopted; ensure intent, consent, attribution, and retention to satisfy enforceability.

When is notarization required for an MSA?

Notarization is seldom required for commercial MSAs; however, certain attached documents or state-specific formalities may need notarization. Check state law and the document type before notarizing.

Who can sign on behalf of a company?

An authorized officer or person with delegated authority may bind an entity. Confirm corporate approval, board resolutions, or contracting authority to avoid disputes over signature validity.

How are change orders properly documented?

Use a signed change-order form referencing the original SOW, with clear scope, price, schedule impacts, and signatures from both parties' authorized representatives.

Can I revoke or cancel a signed MSA?

Revocation depends on contract terms and applicable law; termination provisions define notice, cure periods, and exit obligations. Immediate rescission is rare without material breach.

How should I store executed agreements securely?

Retain signed PDFs and audit logs in access-controlled storage. For regulated industries, apply encryption, role-based access, and follow retention rules such as IRS or HIPAA requirements.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Project Management
Project Management MSA Template

Project Management MSA Template

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

PROJECT MANAGEMENT MSA TEMPLATE

Project Identification

Agreement Date:

Project Title Project ID Client Name Client Address Service Provider Name Service Provider Address Primary Project Manager (Client) Primary Project Manager (Provider)

Recitals and Agreement

This Master Services Agreement (the "Agreement") sets forth the terms and conditions under which the Service Provider will provide project management and related services to the Client for the project identified above. The parties intend that this Agreement govern all Statements of Work executed under it.

Definitions

Capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meanings set forth herein or in an applicable Statement of Work. "Deliverable" means any tangible or intangible work product to be delivered to the Client. "Acceptance" means the process by which the Client confirms that a Deliverable satisfies the Acceptance Criteria set forth for that Deliverable.

Scope of Work

Scope Description:

Out-of-Scope Items:

Deliverables & Acceptance

Deliverable 1 - Description:

Acceptance Criteria:

Target Delivery Date:

Deliverable 2 - Description:

Acceptance Criteria:

Target Delivery Date:

Timeline & Milestones

Project Start Date Project End Date (Estimated)

Milestone 1 - Name:

Due Date:

Budget & Payment

Total Contract Value

Payment Schedule:

Late Payment Interest

Change Order Process

All changes to scope, schedule, or price must be documented in a written Change Order signed by authorized representatives of both parties. No oral instructions or informal correspondence will constitute an authorized change.

Change Order Contact (Client) Change Order Contact (Provider)

Confidentiality

Each party shall maintain as confidential all non-public information disclosed by the other party and shall not disclose such information except as necessary to perform the Services or as required by law. Confidential information shall be protected for a period of years following disclosure.

Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise set forth in a Statement of Work, the Service Provider assigns to the Client all right, title and interest in Deliverables specifically developed for the Client, subject to the Provider's underlying pre-existing tools, methodologies and open source components. The Provider retains ownership of its general know-how and tools.

Warranties; Disclaimer

The Service Provider warrants that services will be performed in a professional manner consistent with industry standards. EXCEPT FOR THE FOREGOING EXPRESS WARRANTY, THE PARTIES DISCLAIM ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Liability & Indemnification

Each party shall indemnify and hold harmless the other from claims arising from its gross negligence or willful misconduct. The aggregate liability of either party for claims arising out of this Agreement shall not exceed the total amounts paid to the Service Provider under the applicable Statement of Work, except for liability arising from breach of confidentiality, willful misconduct, or infringement.

Liability Cap

Insurance

The Service Provider shall maintain commercially reasonable insurance coverage, including professional liability and general liability, in amounts sufficient to cover its obligations under this Agreement.

Minimum Insurance Coverage

Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach if the other party fails to cure the breach within the specified notice period. Upon termination, the Client will pay for Services performed and Deliverables accepted through the effective date of termination.

Notice to Cure Period (days)

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for delays or failures due to causes beyond its reasonable control, provided that the affected party gives prompt written notice and uses commercially reasonable efforts to perform.

Notices

Client Notice Address Provider Notice Address

Dispute Resolution

The parties shall attempt to resolve disputes promptly through good faith negotiations between executives of the parties. If unresolved within the negotiation period, disputes shall be resolved by the mechanism selected below.

Select Dispute Resolution Method Arbitration Litigation in courts of competent jurisdiction

Assignment & Subcontracting

Neither party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other, except that either party may assign to an affiliate or in connection with a sale of substantially all of its assets. Provider may subcontract work provided the Provider remains responsible for performance.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of:

Entire Agreement; Amendments

This Agreement, together with all Statements of Work and Change Orders, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes prior negotiations. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties.

Execution

The parties, through their duly authorized representatives, have executed this Agreement as of the Agreement Date stated above.

Client:

By:

Date:

Service Provider:

By:

Date:

What the Project Management MSA Template Covers

A Project Management Master Services Agreement (MSA) template standardizes the contractual relationship between a client and a project management services provider. It typically defines scope of work, deliverables, milestones, payment terms, change-order handling, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, liability limits, warranties, dispute resolution, termination rights, and post‑termination obligations. The template is designed for repeat engagements and can be adapted by project, phase, or statement of work (SOW). Use this template to reduce negotiation cycles and maintain consistent commercial and legal protections across multiple projects.

Why a Standardized MSA Matters for Project Work

A clear Project Management MSA reduces ambiguity about roles, payment schedules, and change‑order procedures, lowers negotiation time, allocates risk consistently, and creates a repeatable contracting framework for future projects.

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Template

The Project Management MSA is used by internal teams, external service providers, and counsel to set repeatable terms for project engagements.

Project managers and delivery leads who define milestones, acceptance criteria, and resource expectations for each engagement.
Contractors and service providers who need a standard commercial framework to quote work and manage change orders.
Legal, procurement, and finance teams that review liability, payment terms, tax treatment, and dispute resolution clauses.

Different stakeholders use the template to protect commercial terms, comply with internal procurement rules, and enable efficient execution across multiple projects.

Core Sections to Include in a Project Management MSA

A professional template groups core clauses so each engagement only needs a tailored SOW and schedule.

Scope of Work

Describe services, deliverables, milestones, acceptance criteria, and how the SOW integrates into the master agreement; avoid ambiguous deliverable descriptions.

Payment Terms

Specify pricing model (fixed, time-and-materials, milestones), invoicing cadence, late interest, expense reimbursement, and payment dispute resolution.

Change Orders

Define the formal process for modifications, approval authority, scope change valuation, schedule impact, and documentation required to effect a change.

Service Levels

Include measurable KPIs, reporting cadence, remedies for missed SLAs, and escalation pathways for performance issues.

IP & Confidentiality

Allocate ownership of deliverables, license grants, pre‑existing materials, and include confidentiality and data protection obligations.

Termination & Remedies

State termination for convenience and cause, notice periods, transition assistance, limitation of liability, and surviving provisions.

Essential Fields to Capture in the Template

Party Legal Names: Full registered entity names

Primary Addresses: Street, city, state, ZIP

Scope Summary: High-level deliverable description

Payment Terms: Rate, schedule, currency

Governing Law: State chosen for disputes

Signatures: Authorized signer name/date

Step-by-Step: Completing the Project Management MSA

Follow a consistent order to minimize omissions and speed approvals.

01

Prepare draft: Attach a clear SOW and milestone schedule.
02

Assign reviewers: Route to legal, finance, and project delivery leads.
03

Confirm pricing: Verify rates, invoicing schedule, and expense rules.
04

Execute signatures: Collect authorized signatures and record execution date.

Configuring an Online Execution Workflow

Set up a digital signing workflow to ensure fields, authentication, and retention are consistent.

Field	Configuration
Signature Order	Sequential or parallel, set per party role
Authentication	Email link by default; SMS or KBA optional
Reminders	Auto-reminders and expiration notifications
Document Retention	Specify retention location and access controls

Digital Signing and Integration Considerations

Use a secure e-sign platform that supports audit trails, common file formats, and your required signer authentication level.

Supported Formats: PDF, DOCX, and fillable forms
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
Authentication Levels: Email, SMS code, or KBA

Ensure the platform preserves a tamper-evident audit trail and supports your retention and compliance requirements, including any required Business Associate Agreement for HIPAA workflows.

Typical Online Execution Flow for the MSA

A predictable online flow reduces signer confusion and ensures completeness.

Upload Document: Import the MSA and attached SOW into the signing platform.
Place Fields: Add signature, date, and initial fields where required.
Invite Signers: Provide signer emails and assign signing order.
Complete Signing: Signers authenticate, sign, receive final PDF and audit record.

Common Deadlines and Timeframes to Track in an MSA

Document key dates in the MSA and SOW so obligations and remedies are enforceable and measurable.

Effective Date:

MM/DD/YYYY when obligations start under the agreement

Payment Terms:

Typical net payment windows (net 30, net 45) and invoice due dates

Change Order Response:

Standard response window (e.g., 10 business days) for change requests

Termination Notice:

Notice periods for convenience and for cause, usually 30–60 days

Acceptance Period:

Time allocated to review and accept deliverables (commonly 10–30 days)

Key Project Milestones and Contract Stages

Sequence the contract lifecycle to align legal execution with project delivery.

01

Negotiation Completed

Finalize SOW and commercial terms before execution.

02

Agreement Execution

Obtain authorized signatures and record the effective date.

03

Project Kickoff

Start project activities and baseline the schedule.

04

Project Closeout

Complete acceptance, final invoice, and post‑project obligations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Template

Leaving the SOW vague or incomplete, creating scope disputes and increased change orders during execution.
Failing to identify an authorized signer, which can render the agreement unenforceable against the party.
Omitting clear acceptance criteria, leading to disagreements over deliverable completion and withheld payments.
Not specifying invoicing triggers and supporting documentation, causing payment delays and reconciliation issues.

Primary Risks and Contractual Consequences

Delay Damages: Liquidated damages exposure

Indemnity Gaps: Undefined indemnity scope

IP Ambiguity: Unclear ownership of deliverables

Regulatory Risk: Data‑handling noncompliance

Tax Exposure: Incorrect withholding or reporting

Payment Disputes: Unclear billing rules

Real-World Examples of Online Contract Execution

These examples illustrate how organizations used online execution to streamline agreement cycles and compliance.

Martin Properties — Founder

Martin Properties centralized execution of recurring project MSAs to reduce turnaround time.

They adopted online signing for property management contracts.
"I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Optica Ventures — COO

A venture services firm standardized an MSA for client engagements to ensure consistent deliverables and billing.

Standardized SOW attachment process reduced drafting time.
"The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers."

Practical Tips for Accurate, Efficient MSA Completion

Adopt these practices to reduce errors, speed approvals, and make the MSA enforceable.

Use a single SOW attachment per project

Avoid embedding multiple scope descriptions in the body. Attach a concise SOW with measurable acceptance criteria, references to deliverables, and a version number to prevent ambiguity.

Define acceptance and dispute procedures

Specify objective acceptance tests, review timelines, and an escalation path. Clear acceptance reduces withholding and counters the risk of prolonged disputes.

Standardize change-order forms

Require use of a uniform change-order template that captures scope delta, cost estimate, schedule impact, approver names, and effective date to prevent informal scope creep.

Keep an auditable execution trail

Retain signed PDFs, audit logs, and communications. Ensure each signature event records signer identity, timestamp, and IP or authentication method for evidentiary value.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Executing the MSA

Compare common vendor features relevant to executing and managing project MSAs and related attachments; signNow is listed first per vendor ordering rules.

	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 free 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 Project Management MSAs

Answers to common legal, procedural, and technical questions about preparing, executing, and maintaining MSAs.

Need help? Contact support

Are electronic signatures legally binding?
Yes. Electronic signatures meet federal requirements under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and intrastate rules under UETA where adopted; ensure intent, consent, attribution, and retention to satisfy enforceability.
When is notarization required for an MSA?
Notarization is seldom required for commercial MSAs; however, certain attached documents or state-specific formalities may need notarization. Check state law and the document type before notarizing.
Who can sign on behalf of a company?
An authorized officer or person with delegated authority may bind an entity. Confirm corporate approval, board resolutions, or contracting authority to avoid disputes over signature validity.
How are change orders properly documented?
Use a signed change-order form referencing the original SOW, with clear scope, price, schedule impacts, and signatures from both parties' authorized representatives.
Can I revoke or cancel a signed MSA?
Revocation depends on contract terms and applicable law; termination provisions define notice, cure periods, and exit obligations. Immediate rescission is rare without material breach.
How should I store executed agreements securely?
Retain signed PDFs and audit logs in access-controlled storage. For regulated industries, apply encryption, role-based access, and follow retention rules such as IRS or HIPAA requirements.

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