Terms & Conditions – Engagement Essence Note


This document summarizes the fundamental commercial, operational, and compliance principles governing engagements facilitated through the Make Audit Easy (“MAE”) platform.

This note does not replace the full Master Agreement but captures the essential binding framework applicable to Clients and Service Providers.

1.Platform Role & Engagement Structure

Make Audit Easy operates as a structured audit and cybersecurity services marketplace facilitating engagement between:

  • The Client
  • The Service Provider (Vendor)
  • MAE (Platform Facilitator & Commercial Coordinator)

MAE coordinates service discovery, commercial structuring, compliance alignment, and payment protection mechanisms.

 
2. Service Discovery & Booking Process

Step 1 – Service Discovery

The Client visits the MAE platform and searches for required audit, VAPT, compliance, or consulting services.

Step 2 – Service Selection

The Client selects and books the desired service(s) through the platform.

Step 3 – Initial Contact

An MAE representative will contact the Client to acknowledge the booking and initiate engagement discussions.

3. Scoping & Commercial Finalization

Scoping Call

A structured scoping discussion shall be conducted to:

  • Define the scope of work
  • Identify specific requirements
  • Assess timelines and deliverables
  • Discuss additional services or scope modifications
  • Align on applicable commercials and discounts

Final Scope Confirmation

A formal Scope of Work (SOW), commercials, and tentative engagement schedule shall be shared for confirmation prior to commencement.

4. Purchase Order & Legal Authorization

Work shall commence only upon:

  • Issuance of a valid Purchase Order (PO), or
  • Equivalent written authorization (email confirmation or executed agreement), and
  • Completion of applicable legal and compliance formalities

No engagement shall be considered valid without formal authorization.

5. Commencement, Milestones & Mandatory Advance Payment

Upon PO issuance:

  • Day 0 – Engagement commencement
  • Day 2 – Ongoing work-in-progress
  • Day 3 – Formal work-in-progress update

On or before Day 3, the Client shall remit 30% of the total engagement value as advance payment, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

5.1 Mandatory Payment Suspension Clause (Non-Negotiable)

If the 30% advance payment is not received on or before Day 3:

  • All work shall be immediately suspended.
  • Suspension is automatic and non-negotiable.
  • Vendor shall not be obligated to continue services.
  • No deliverables shall be shared.

Work shall resume only after full receipt of the pending advance payment.

5.2 Additional Charges for Payment Delay

If payment is delayed beyond two (2) additional calendar days after Day 3, MAE and/or Vendor reserve the right to:

  • Impose administrative reactivation charges; and/or
  • Apply delay compensation charges as defined in the commercial agreement; and/or
  • Revise project timelines proportionately.

The Client acknowledges that payment timelines are fundamental to engagement continuity.

6. Ongoing Execution

The Vendor shall:

  • Execute services strictly as per agreed scope
  • Adhere to timelines and quality benchmarks
  • Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards
  • Provide periodic status updates

MAE may monitor delivery quality and milestone compliance.

7. Completion & Final Deliverables

Upon completion of the agreed scope:

  • Final deliverables shall be submitted
  • Client review and acknowledgment shall occur
  • Closure confirmation shall be documented
8. Payment Terms
  • 30% advance by Day 3 (mandatory and non-negotiable)
  • Balance payment within 45 days of engagement completion

Failure to release advance triggers immediate work suspension under Clause 5.

Delayed payments may attract interest, suspension of services, and/or legal recovery action as defined in the Master Agreement.

9. Commission & Reporting Obligations (Vendor Terms)

Where applicable under the Vendor’s subscription plan:

  • Vendor must inform MAE of any payment received within 3 business days.
  • Applicable commission must be released to MAE within 15 days of receipt.
  • Commission applies to total engagement value including extensions and scope modifications.

Failure to comply may result in:

  • Financial penalties
  • Suspension from platform
  • Termination of partnership
10. Non-Circumvention (Strict Policy)
  • Vendors shall not solicit or accept direct engagement from Clients introduced via MAE without prior written NOC.
  • Vendors shall not independently approach the Client for similar scope without MAE approval.

Any circumvention constitutes material breach and may result in:

  • Immediate termination
  • Liquidated damages
  • Blacklisting
  • Legal action

This clause is non-negotiable.

11. Confidentiality & Data Protection

All parties shall:

  • Maintain strict confidentiality
  • Comply with applicable data protection laws including:
    • India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act)
    • GDPR (where applicable)
  • Implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards
12. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise agreed:

  • Audit reports and deliverables belong to the Client upon full payment.
  • Vendor retains ownership of methodologies and proprietary tools.
  • MAE may use anonymized references for marketing.
13. Dispute Resolution

Disputes shall first be resolved amicably. If unresolved, arbitration shall apply as per the governing Master Agreement.

14. Limitation & Liability

MAE acts as facilitator and coordination platform. Service execution responsibility remains solely with the Vendor. Liability limitations apply as defined in the full legal agreement.

15. Binding Nature

By participating in any engagement through the MAE platform, both Client and Vendor agree to abide by:

  • The operational framework described herein
  • The applicable Master Agreement
  • Platform policies and commercial terms