Terms of Service & End User Agreement

1. Definitions

For the purposes of this agreement:

• "Client" refers to a user posting projects to seek licensed structural engineers.
• "Engineer" refers to a licensed professional bidding on projects and providing structural analysis and approvals.
• "Project" refers to the work outlined by the Client, requiring professional engineering services.
• "Platform" refers to the web application provided by Vulcan Engineering Solutions LLC, which facilitates connections between Clients and Engineers.

2. Scope of Services

Vulcan Engineering Solutions is a platform designed to connect Clients seeking engineering authorization for structural designs with licensed Engineers. The platform provides tools for posting projects, bidding, and sharing files between Clients and Engineers.

Vulcan Engineering Solutions does not deliberate, oversee, or enforce the terms of engagement between Clients and Engineers, including project specifics, deliverables, or payment terms. Clients and Engineers are responsible for establishing the terms of their agreement and are strongly encouraged to formalize their arrangements independently and off-platform.

3. User Responsibilities

All users are required to provide accurate and truthful information when creating accounts and using the platform. Clients must post genuine projects with the intent of engaging Engineers, while Engineers must bid only on projects they fully intend to complete.

Users must use the platform solely for its intended purpose: facilitating connections between Clients and Engineers for professional engineering services. Any misuse, including fraudulent postings, false bidding, or other inappropriate activities, is strictly prohibited.

4. Engineer Bids and Obligations

Engineers are contractually obligated to perform the work they bid on once their bid is accepted by the Client. By submitting a bid, Engineers represent and warrant that they have the expertise, licensing, and resources necessary to complete the project.

Engineers who fail to perform the agreed-upon work may face account termination and other consequences under these Terms.

5. Client Obligations and Project Expectations

Clients are required to post legitimate and clearly defined projects. Accepting an Engineer's bid constitutes a contractual agreement to pay the Engineer the agreed-upon amount upon project completion.

Clients must ensure they have the intent and resources to fulfill this obligation before accepting a bid. Posting fictitious or exploratory projects, or accepting bids without the intent to pay, constitutes misuse of the platform and may result in account suspension or termination.

6. Payments and Contractual Commitments

Once a Client accepts an Engineer's bid, both parties are contractually bound by the agreed terms. Vulcan Engineering Solutions facilitates connections but is not responsible for enforcing payment or project completion.

Clients must pay Engineers as agreed, and Engineers must deliver work according to the project's scope and timeline. Failure to honor these commitments will be classified as misuse and may result in account suspension or termination.

7. Platform Fees

By using the platform, users agree to a service fee of 5% of the accepted bid amount for each job. This fee will be charged immediately upon the Client's acceptance of an Engineer's bid. The 5% fee applies to both parties.

These fees are non-refundable and are used to maintain and improve the platform's services. By agreeing to these Terms, users acknowledge and accept these charges.

8. User Abuse and Misuse of the Platform

Any misuse of the platform, including but not limited to creating false profiles, posting fraudulent projects, bidding on projects without intent to complete them, or failing to honor accepted bids, is strictly prohibited.

Vulcan Engineering Solutions reserves the right to review user activity and suspend or terminate accounts found in violation of these Terms.

9. Confidentiality

All users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive project-related materials shared during their interactions. Vulcan Engineering Solutions does not access or monitor the contents of projects or communications between users unless required to investigate violations of these Terms.

10. Data Protection

Vulcan Engineering Solutions complies with all applicable data protection laws and takes reasonable measures to protect user data. Users warrant that any personal or project data shared on the platform is accurate and lawful.

11. Warranties and Disclaimers

Vulcan Engineering Solutions provides its platform "as is" and disclaims all implied warranties. The platform does not guarantee successful project completion or enforceable contracts between Clients and Engineers.

Users are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and professional standards.

12. Limitation of Liability

Vulcan Engineering Solutions is not liable for any disputes, damages, or losses arising from interactions between Clients and Engineers. The platform's total liability for any claims related to its services is limited to the fees paid to the platform in the 12 months preceding the claim.

13. Termination of Accounts

Users may terminate their accounts at any time. Vulcan Engineering Solutions reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these Terms, misuse of the platform, or any actions that harm the integrity of the platform or its users.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15. General Provisions

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the user and Vulcan Engineering Solutions. No waiver or modification of these Terms is valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.