Master Services Agreement

Master Services Agreement

This Master Services Agreement (this "Agreement" or "MSA") is effective upon the date of the last signature hereto (the "Effective Date"), by and between Traxler Consulting, LLC ("Traxler Consulting"), and the party identified in the signature line ("Client"), (collectively "Parties"), (individually "Party"). 

Recitals

A. Traxler Consulting is a provider of Managed IT Services, Cloud Services, Cyber Security & Compliance Services, IT Consulting, Hardware and Software Consulting, Building Tech Solutions, and CTO, CSO, CCO Services ("Services") and Hardware and Software Procurement ("Product"); and 

B. Client may consider Products or Services from Traxler Consulting pursuant to an addendum(s) to this Agreement (each, an "Addendum"). 

C. This MSA supersedes all previous MSAs entered into between the Parties; all existing and in-effect SOW's and Quotes shall be deemed incorporated by reference and governed by this MSA as of the Effective Date first written above. 

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions

For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meaning set forth below:

  • "Addendum" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

  • "Affiliate" is a Person who is directly or indirectly under common control (the power to direct or cause the direction, including through the ownership, voting proxies, by contract or otherwise) a Party. 

  • "Confidential Information" means any information that is not publicly known and is treated as confidential by a Party (i.e., personally identifiable information, trade secrets, information about business operations and strategies, Clients, contract terms, vendors, pricing, and marketing). 

  • "Client Equipment" means any equipment, cabling or facilities provided by Client and used in the provision of Services. 

  • "Client Materials" means any documents, data, methodologies, and other materials provided to Traxler Consulting by Client. 

  • "Deliverables" means work product delivered to Client pursuant to an Addendum or prepared by or on behalf of Traxler Consulting in the course of performing Services pursuant to an Addendum. 

  • "Disclosing Party" means a party that discloses Confidential Information under this Agreement. 

  • "Initial Assessment" means the process of accessing, understanding, and evaluating Client's current System, network, and peripherals as a critical first step before initiating a managed services engagement and involves gathering essential information to create a tailored service plan.

  •  "Intellectual Property Right(s)" means all: 

    • (a) patents, patent disclosures and inventions (whether patentable or not); 

    • (b) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, logos, corporate names and domain names, together with all of the goodwill associated therewith; 

    • (c) copyrights and copyrightable works (including computer programs) and rights in data and databases; 

    • (d) trade secrets, know-how and other confidential information; and 

    • (e) all other intellectual property rights, in each case whether registered or unregistered and including all applications for, and renewals or extensions of, such rights, and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection in any part of the world.

  • "Law" means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order, constitution, treaty, common law, judgment, decree, other requirement, or rule of law of any federal, state, local or foreign government or political subdivision thereof, or tribunal of competent jurisdiction that applies to a Party.

  •  "Losses" mean all losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, actions, judgments, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses of whatever kind, including reasonable attorneys' fees and the cost of enforcing any right to indemnification hereunder and the cost of pursuing any insurance providers.

  • "Material Breach" means a breach of this agreement, pursuant to Section 4(c), and such breach substantially and fundamentally affects the contract's value or purpose and/or goes against the core principles agreed upon between the Parties. 

  • "MSA" means Master Services Agreement.

  • "Network Administrative Credentials" means the usernames, passwords, and other authentication methods that grants elevated and/or full access to the Client's computer network and systems, configurations, and security settings. Traxler Consulting must have exclusive network administrative credentials for Client's network. While Traxler Consulting is providing services, Traxler Consulting will not release the network administrative credentials to Client or any third party for any reason without a signed release for the same. Upon mutual assent to the termination terms, conditions, and the shut off of services date, Traxler Consulting will then release the Network Administrative Credentials to Client in the form of a Run Book. 

  • "Permitted Subcontractor" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b). 

  • "Person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, governmental authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association, or other entity.

  • "Project" means a project as described in an Addendum.

  • "Receiving Party" means a party that receives or acquires Confidential Information directly or indirectly under this Agreement. 

  • "Run Book" means technical documentation for Client's systems and applications, troubleshooting guides for known issues, escalation paths when issues cannot be resolved using standard procedures, and administrative passwords for the Client's systems and IT environment. The Run Book is Traxler Consulting's intellectual property, and is only provided to Client as set forth in this Agreement. 

  • "Services" has the meaning set forth in the recitals and includes any services provided by Traxler Consulting pursuant to an Addendum hereto, which shall be made a part of, and incorporated into, this Agreement. 

  • "System" means the Client's assemblage of devices, hardware, software, peripherals, data, processes, networks, servers, IT infrastructure, and related components. 

  • "Term" as it relates to this MSA and Addendum term(s) has the meaning set forth in Section 4. 

  • "Traxler Consulting Equipment" means any equipment or hardware provided by Traxler Consulting and used in the provision of the Services for which ownership has not transferred to Client. 

  • "Traxler Consulting Resources" means all employees and Permitted Subcontractors of Traxler Consulting. 

2. Traxler Consulting's Obligations 

Upon execution of an Addendum to this Agreement, Traxler Consulting shall:

(a) Appoint one Traxler Consulting Personnel as the primary contact with authority to act on behalf of Traxler Consulting in connection with matters pertaining to this Agreement (the "Traxler Consulting COO and/or CEO"); 

(b) Require any Person engaged as a subcontractor of Traxler Consulting to provide Services pursuant to an Addendum ("Permitted Subcontractor") to be bound by requirements that are no less restrictive than those of Traxler Consulting in this Agreement, and, upon Client's written request, to enter into a non-disclosure or intellectual property assignment or license agreement in a form that is reasonably satisfactory to Client. 

(a) Appoint one Traxler Consulting Personnel as the primary contact with authority to act on behalf of Traxler Consulting in connection with matters pertaining to this Agreement (the "Traxler Consulting COO and/or CEO"); 

(b) Require any Person engaged as a subcontractor of Traxler Consulting to provide Services pursuant to an Addendum ("Permitted Subcontractor") to be bound by requirements that are no less restrictive than those of Traxler Consulting in this Agreement, and, upon Client's written request, to enter into a non-disclosure or intellectual property assignment or license agreement in a form that is reasonably satisfactory to Client. 

3. Client's Obligations

Client shall:

(a) cooperate with Traxler Consulting to facilitate the Services and appoint a Client employee ("Client Liaison") to serve as the primary contact with respect to this Agreement and who will have the authority to act on behalf of Client with respect to matters pertaining to this Agreement. The Client Liaison must be: (i) knowledgeable with respect to Client's System; and (ii) must be an authorized decision maker within Client's organization; 

(b) obtain and maintain all necessary licenses and consents and comply with all applicable Laws in relation to the Services, including all applicable local, state, federal, and international laws in all cases before the date on which the Services are scheduled to commence; 

(c) grant Traxler Consulting the right to send Client's employees Traxler Consulting's Newsletter, "Tech Tips" and other email communications; 

(d) permit Traxler Consulting to access the System through a reputable third-party software provider allowing remote monitoring and access. Such access includes Traxler Consulting's ability to assess Client's System for the Initial Assessment. Due to such remote access, Traxler Consulting cannot guarantee security of Client data; however, Traxler Consulting shall use industry best practices and thoroughly vetted and reputable third party tools for such remote access to the System. 

(e) provide such access to Client's premises, and such office accommodation and other facilities as may reasonably be requested by Traxler Consulting and agreed to by the Client in writing in advance, for the purposes of performing the Services on-site, as necessary; 

(f) respond promptly to any Traxler Consulting request to provide direction, information, approvals, authorizations or decisions that are reasonably necessary for Traxler Consulting to perform Services in accordance with the requirements of this Agreement or any Addendum; 

(g) provide such Client Materials as Traxler Consulting may request, in order to perform the Services, in a timely manner, and ensure that it is complete and accurate in all material respects; 

(h) ensure that all Client Equipment is in good working order and suitable for the purposes for which it is used in relation to the Services and conforms to all relevant legal or industry standards or requirements. Client Equipment that is end-of-life, meaning that it is no longer supported by the vendor or manufacturer, is only capable of being supported on a best efforts basis due to integration and incompatibility issues that arise when Client Equipment is end-of-life. 

(i) Client should, at Client's expense, procure and maintain cyber insurance covering Client's system with a financially sound and reputable insurer. Upon request, Client will provide Traxler Consulting with a certificate of insurance from Client's insurer evidencing the insurance coverage; and 

(j) ensure that Client Equipment, Systems and any relevant devices are required to maintain an active and applicable warranty throughout the duration of this Agreement. In the event that any warranty, as required by this Agreement, is inactive, inapplicable, or invalid or if technological advancements or industry standards necessitate a warranty upgrade during the term of this Agreement, Traxler Consulting may automatically renew or upgrade any such applicable warranty to meet the requirements herein. Client shall be responsible for the costs and fees associated therewith, which will be due upon receipt of an invoice associated with such warranty. 

4. Term, Termination & Survival

4.1 - This Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall continue thereafter for as long as any Addendum to this Agreement is continuing plus one (1) year after the completion of Services under all Addendums, unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 4.2 or Section 4.3 below. Traxler Consulting is not providing any services under this Agreement (services are specified and provided under Addendums), Client acknowledges and agrees that Client will remain bound by this Agreement for provisions including but not limited to, items regarding confidentiality, payment of fees, and limitation of liability. 

4.2 - Either Party may terminate this Agreement, effective upon sixty (60) days written notice to the other Party (the "Defaulting Party") if the Defaulting Party: 

(a) materially breaches this Agreement, and such breach is incapable of cure, or with respect to a Material Breach capable of cure, the Defaulting Party does not cure such breach within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of such breach; 

(b) becomes insolvent or admits its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due; 

(c) becomes subject, voluntarily or involuntarily, to any proceeding under any domestic or foreign bankruptcy or insolvency law, which is not fully stayed within seven (7) business days of filing or is not dismissed or vacated within forty-five (45) days after filing; 

(d) is dissolved or liquidated or takes any corporate action for such purpose; 

(e) makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or 

(f) has a receiver, trustee, custodian, or similar agent appointed by order of any court of competent jurisdiction to take charge of or sell any material portion of its property or business.

4.3 - Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4.2, if the termination is by Client and not for Cause or is by Traxler Consulting and resulting from a Material Breach by Client, Client shall pay: 

(a) a termination fee equal to the cost of six (6) months' worth of the average fees paid by Client per month over the prior twelve (12) months, or the actual remaining months of fees if less than six (6) months remain on the term. ("Early Termination Fee"). 

(b) any unpaid undisputed monthly fees due through the termination date of the Addendum; and 

(c) all amounts for Products, vendor service and equipment commitments made by Traxler Consulting's in order to provide Services to Client for: (1) the remainder of the Term; or (2) the termination fees required of Traxler Consulting to terminate such commitments, whichever is less. Some vendors, i.e. Microsoft, do not allow early termination of license fees and Client understands and consents to payment of the licenses for the remainder of the license term.

4.4 - In addition to the provisions included in this Section 4.4, Traxler Consulting may terminate this Agreement before the expiration date of the Term on written notice if Client fails to pay any undisputed amount when due hereunder. 

  • Payment is due within thirty (30) days from receipt by Client of any invoice 

  • Client is granted a five (5) day grace period before a late fee applies 

  • If payment is not received within thirty-five (35) days receipt of any invoice, a late fee shall apply 

  • If Client's nonpayment continues for forty-five (45) days from receipt of an invoice, Traxler Consulting will provide Client with written notice that Client is behind on satisfying its payment obligations for Services rendered 

  • If Client's nonpayment persists for sixty (60) days, Traxler Consulting may shut down Client's access to Traxler Consulting support services 

  • If Client's nonpayment persists for ninety (90) days, Traxler Consulting may shut down support along with all other Services Client receives from Traxler Consulting 

    Reactivation Fees:

  • If Client cures its nonpayment between sixty (60) and eighty-nine (89) days from the date of the applicable invoice, a reactivation fee of 10% of the unpaid invoice(s) shall apply 

  • If Client cures its nonpayment ninety (90) days or thereafter, a reactivation fee of 25% of the unpaid invoice(s) shall apply 

TRAXLER CONSULTING SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY SUSPENSION OF SERVICES BASED ON CLIENT'S FINANCIAL BREACH. Time is of the essence in the performance of all payment obligations by Client. 

4.5 - The rights and obligations of the Parties set forth in Section 4.6 and in Sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, and any right or obligation of the parties in this Agreement which, by its nature, should survive termination or expiration of this Agreement, will survive any such termination or expiration of this Agreement. 

4.6 - Upon expiration or termination of an Addendum to this Agreement: 

(a) Traxler Consulting shall: (i) promptly deliver to Client all Deliverables (whether complete or incomplete) for which Client has paid and all Client Equipment and all Client Materials; (ii) promptly remove any Traxler Consulting Equipment located at Client's premises that has not been sold to Client; (iii) provide reasonable cooperation and assistance to Client upon Client's written request and at Client's expense in transitioning the Services to an alternate service provider; and (iv) on a pro rata basis, repay all fees and expenses paid in advance for any Services or Deliverables which have not been provided. 

(b) Client shall: Pay and reimburse Traxler Consulting for its costs in providing the transition services set forth in Section 4.6(a), in advance based upon Traxler Consulting's estimate of costs for transitions services at its then-current billable rates; and Traxler Consulting shall reconcile actual charges for transition efforts and services to Client's new service provider with the prepaid amount described above within thirty (30) days of completion of transition assistance. Upon mutual assent to the termination terms, conditions, and the shut off of services date, Traxler Consulting will then release the Network Administrative Credentials to Client in the form of a Run Book upon Client's execution of a release and waiver of liability related to the Network Administrative Credentials. For avoidance of doubt, the Network Administrative Credentials and Run Book are accompanied by a release and waiver of liability as Traxler Consulting will no longer have control or access to the Client's IT environment or systems upon releasing the Run Book. 

(c) Each Party shall: (i) return to the other Party all documents and tangible materials (and any copies) containing, reflecting, incorporating or based on the other Party's Confidential Information; (ii) within thirty (30) days after the termination of services permanently erase all of the other Party's Confidential Information from its computer systems and; (iii) certify in writing to the other Party that it has complied with the requirements of this clause; Provided, however, that Client may retain copies of any Confidential Information of Traxler Consulting incorporated into the Deliverables or to the extent necessary to allow it to make full use of the Services and any Deliverables. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Traxler Consulting may permanently delete all of Client's information in its possession thirty (30) days following the date of expiration or termination of this Agreement. Traxler Consulting shall be held harmless for and indemnified by Client against any and all claims, costs, fees, or expenses incurred by either party that arise from, or are related to, Traxler Consulting's deletion of Client data beyond the time frames described in this Section. Traxler Consulting shall be held harmless for and indemnified by Client against any and all claims, costs, fees, or expenses that arise from, or are related to, Traxler Consulting's release of the Network Administrative Credentials and Run Book. 

(d) Traxler Consulting shall have no obligation to store or maintain any Client data in Traxler Consulting's possession or control for more than fifteen (15) days following the expiration or termination of an applicable Addendum, unless otherwise required by law.

5. Fees & Expenses; Payment Terms

Client will pay to Traxler Consulting the fees set forth in each Addendum for the Services or Products provided under that Addendum.

Out-of-Scope Work 

Any Services beyond the scope detailed within any Addendum, or within the scope of an Addendum but for which Services are required to be performed outside of regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, Monday-Friday ("Business Hours"), or on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday following Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Eve ("Holiday"), or due to unauthorized modifications to System by Client ("Out-of-Scope Work"), shall be billed to Client and Client shall pay for such Out-of-Scope Work according to Traxler Consulting's then-current rate schedule, which may be modified by Traxler Consulting with sixty (60) days notice to Client. 

Out-of-Scope Work Terms 

Out-of-Scope Work shall not be provided to Client without written confirmation by either party within thirty (30) days of such request 

All Traxler Consulting representations relating to time for Out-of-Scope Work are estimates of actual time and not a guarantee or agreement to perform for a fixed fee as time and cost involved may vary based upon the complexity of the issues 

If time and cost vary from the estimate provided, Traxler Consulting must obtain pre-approval from Client in writing 

Client may halt Out-of-Scope Work at any time with written notice and payment of balance of work performed 

Different hourly rates may apply based upon work outside of Business Hours, overtime, weekends or Holiday time, different levels of personnel experience, and/or sophistication of work 

Payment Terms 

Unless otherwise provided in an Addendum, said fee will be payable within thirty (30) days of Traxler Consulting's invoice to Client. 

Traxler Consulting shall add any sales, use and excise taxes, and any other similar taxes, duties and charges of any kind imposed by any federal, state or local governmental entity on any amounts payable by Client hereunder; provided, that, in no event shall Client pay or be responsible for any taxes imposed on, or with respect to, Traxler Consulting's income, revenues, gross receipts, personnel or real or personal property or other assets.

6. Intellectual Property Right; Ownership

6.1 - Traxler Consulting hereby irrevocably assigns a nonexclusive right throughout the world in and to the Deliverables. 

6.2 - Traxler Consulting and its licensors are, and shall remain, the sole and exclusive owners of all right, title and interest in and to its Intellectual Property. 

6.3 - Except as explicitly set forth in this Section 6, no other license or transfer of any Intellectual Property right is conveyed or implied by this Agreement. 

7. Confidential Information

7.1 Defined - Confidential Information shall mean any and all non-public information provided to Traxler Consulting by Client, including but not limited to Client's customer data, personally identifiable information, employee information, customer lists, internal Client documents, and related information. Confidential Information shall not include information that: (i) has become part of the public domain through no act or omission of Traxler Consulting; (ii) was developed independently by Traxler Consulting; (iii) is or was lawfully and independently provided to Traxler Consulting prior to disclosure by Client, from a third party who is not and was not subject to an obligation of confidentiality or otherwise prohibited from transmitting such information. 

7.2 Use - Traxler Consulting shall keep Client's Confidential Information confidential and shall not use or disclose such information to any third party for any purpose except as needed to perform the Services in accordance with this Agreement and it's addendums. If Traxler Consulting is required to disclose the Confidential Information to any third party, then Traxler Consulting shall, by written agreement, keep the information confidential under terms that are at least as restrictive as those stated in this Section. 

7.3 Due Care - Traxler Consulting shall exercise the same degree of care with respect to the Confidential Information it receives from Client as Traxler Consulting normally takes to safeguard its own confidential and proprietary information, which in all cases shall be at least a commercially reasonable level of care. 

7.4 Compelled Disclosure - If Traxler Consulting is legally required by subpoena or similar process to disclose Confidential Information, Traxler Consulting shall notify Client in writing so that Client may seek a judicial remedy. Traxler Consulting will cooperate, at Client's expense, with Client efforts to obtain judicial relief. Failing Client securing judicial relief, Traxler Consulting may disclose, without liability hereunder, that portion of the Confidential Information that it is legally required to disclose. 

7.5 Traxler Consulting Information - Client shall not disclose information provided to Client by Traxler Consulting relating to proposals, reports or other compliance information, pricing or deliverables of Traxler Consulting to Client. 

8. Limited Warranty

8.1 - Traxler Consulting warrants that its technicians are qualified to provide the Services and that Services and Deliverables will be in conformity in all material respects with all requirements or specifications stated in this Agreement and any applicable Addendum. In the event of Traxler Consulting's breach of the foregoing warranty, Traxler Consulting's sole and exclusive obligation and liability and Client's sole and exclusive remedy shall be as follows: (a) Traxler Consulting shall use reasonable efforts to cure such breach; provided, that if Traxler Consulting cannot cure such breach within a reasonable time (but no more than thirty (30) days) after Client's written notice of such breach; Client may, at its option, terminate the Agreement by serving written notice of termination in accordance with Section 13.1. (b) In the event the Agreement is terminated in accordance with this Section 8.1, Traxler Consulting shall within thirty (30) days after the effective date of termination, refund to Client any fees paid by the Client as of the date of termination for such Service or Deliverable less a deduction equal to the fees for receipt or use of such Deliverables or Service up to and including the date of termination on a pro-rated basis. (c) The foregoing remedy shall not be available unless Client provides written notice of such breach within thirty (30) days after delivery of such Service or Deliverable to Client or with respect to changes made by any Person other than Traxler Consulting or at Traxler Consulting's direction.

8.2 - EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES IN SECTION 8.1 ABOVE: 

(A) TRAXLER CONSULTING HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, AND; 

(B) TRAXLER CONSULTING SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. 

CLIENT SHALL RELY UPON THE WARRANTY OF THE THIRD-PARTY MANUFACTURER OF PRODUCTS ONLY. CLIENT MAY PURSUE WARRANTY CLAIMS AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER ONLY, AS PRODUCTS ARE PROVIDED BY TRAXLER CONSULTING "AS IS", WITH ALL FAULTS AND SUBJECT TO ANY LICENSE AGREEMENT.

9. Indemnification

9.1 - Each party (an Indemnifying Party") hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the other party (an "Indemnified Party") harmless from and against any and all loss, damage, cost, expense or liability, including reasonable attorney's fees, (collectively "Damages") that arise from, or are related to the negligent acts, negligent omissions or intentional wrongful misconduct of the Indemnifying Party and/or the Indemnifying Party's incurred, Material Breach of this MSA. Wrongful misconduct shall include infringement of copyrights, patent rights and/or unauthorized or unlicensed use of any material, property, or other work. 

9.2 - An Indemnitee seeking indemnification hereunder shall promptly notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any Action and cooperate with the Indemnifying Party at the Indemnifying Party's sole cost and expense. The indemnifying Party shall immediately take control of the defense and investigation of such Action and shall employ counsel of its choice to handle and defend the same, at the Indemnifying Party's sole cost and expense. The indemnifying Party shall not settle any Action in a manner that adversely affects the rights of the Indemnitee without the Indemnitee's prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Indemnitee's failure to perform any obligations under this Section 9.2 shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Section 9.2 except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party can demonstrate that it has been materially prejudiced as a result of such failure. The Indemnitee may participate in and observe the proceedings at its own cost and expense.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 - IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY OR TO ANY THIRD-PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OF USE, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR LOSS OF DATA OR DIMINUTION IN VALUE, OR FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES WHETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGE WAS FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT A PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY AGREED OR OTHER REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. 

10.2 - IN NO EVENT SHALL TRAXLER CONSULTING'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE, EXCEED THE AGGREGATE AMOUNTS PAID OR PAYABLE TO TRAXLER CONSULTING PURSUANT TO THE APPLICABLE ADDENDUM IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM. 

10.3 - IN THE EVENT TRAXLER CONSULTING'S INSURANCE CARRIER ACCEPTS THE DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATION OF A CLAIM SUBMITTED BY CLIENT, THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS OF SECTION 10 SHALL NOT APPLY AND THE LIMITS OF LIABILITY SHALL BE THE ACCEPTED LIMIT OF THE INSURER. TRAXLER CONSULTING IS NOT REQUIRED TO CONTEST ITS INSURANCE CARRIER'S DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER A PARTICULAR CLAIM IS COVERED. 

10.4 - IN THE EVENT THAT TRAXLER CONSULTING CAUSES ANY DAMAGE TO CLIENT'S PERSONAL PROPERTY, TRAXLER CONSULTING SHALL REPLACE THE DAMAGED PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

10.5 - TRAXLER CONSULTING SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DELAY IN PERFORMANCE OR NONPERFORMANCE OF ANY TERM OR CONDITION OF THIS MSA DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY RESULTING FROM LACK OF FULL AND FREE ACCESS TO SYSTEM OR PREMISES. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY REPRESENTS A BARGAINED FOR EXCHANGE AND IS A MATERIAL COMPONENT TO THE CALCULATION OF FEES BY TRAXLER CONSULTING. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, TRAXLER CONSULTING SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHICH WERE CAUSED OR WOULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY PRODUCTS OR SOFTWARE OFFERED TO CLIENT BY TRAXLER CONSULTING FOR WHICH CLIENT DECLINED OR DELAYED IMPLEMENTATION, OR FOR THE INTENTIONAL CRIMINAL ACTS OF THIRD PARTIES. 

10.6 - IF TRAXLER CONSULTING'S PERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS PREVENTED OR DELAYED BY ANY ACT OR OMISSION OF CLIENT OR CLIENT'S AFFILIATES, AGENTS, SUBCONTRACTORS, CONSULTANTS OR EMPLOYEES, TRAXLER CONSULTING SHALL NOT BE DEEMED IN BREACH OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE LIABLE FOR ANY COSTS, CHARGES OR LOSSES SUSTAINED OR INCURRED BY CLIENT, IN EACH CASE, TO THE EXTENT ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM SUCH PREVENTIONS OR DELAY. 

11. Placement Fee

Both parties agree that during the Term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, either party will pay the Placement Fee for, individually or in conjunction with others, hiring or retaining, directly or indirectly any of the other Party's employees or subcontractors in order to compensate the other party for the internal and external costs of recruitment, interviewing, placement expenses, training, certification and other efforts relative to such person. 

"Placement Fee" means fifty percent (50%) of that employee or subcontractor's annualized compensation with (including any bonuses) which shall be due and payable fifteen (15) days following the hiring of a such employee. 

12. Force Majeure

No Party shall be liable or responsible to the other Party, nor be deemed to have defaulted for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any (except for payment obligations of Client for Services actually rendered), to the extent such failure or delay is caused by, or results from, acts beyond the affected Party's reasonable control (a "Force Majeure Event"), including, without limitation: 

  • (a) nature disaster; 

  • (b) flood, fire or explosion; 

  • (c) war, invasion, riot or other civil unrest; 

  • (d) actions, embargoes or blockades; 

  • (e) national or regional emergency; 

  • (f) strikes, labor stoppages or slowdowns; 

  • (g) compliance with any law or governmental order, rule, regulation or direction, embargo, export or import restriction, quota or other restriction or prohibition; 

  • (h) shortage of adequate power or telecommunications facilities; 

  • (i) epidemic; or 

  • (j) public health emergency. 

A Party whose performance is affected by a Force Majeure Event shall give notice to the other Party, stating the period of time the occurrence is expected to continue and shall use diligent efforts to end the failure or delay and minimize the effects of such Force Majeure Event. 

During the Force Majeure Event, the non-affected Party may similarly suspend its performance obligations until such time as the affected Party resumes performance. The non-affected Party may terminate any affected Addendum if such failure or delay continues for a period of thirty (30) days or more, and if the non-affected Party is the Client, receive a refund of any amounts paid to Traxler Consulting in advance for the affected Services which are directly and materially impacted by the Force Majeure event causing impossibility of performance by Traxler Consulting. 

13. Miscellaneous

13.1 Notices - All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); or (c) on the third day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Such communications must be sent to the respective Parties at the addresses indicated below, or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 13.1. 

If to Traxler Consulting: 
Traxler Consulting, LLC 
7600 W. Tidwell RD 
Suite 304 
Houston, TX 77040 
Attn: Jeremiah Traxler, CEO 

If to Client: 
Client Primary Address on Addendum. 

13.2 Entire Agreement - This Agreement, together with Addendums, constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the Parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any direct conflict between the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and any Addendum, the Addendum shall have precedence and control except as it relates to limitation of liability, indemnification and warranties which shall be controlled by this Agreement. 

13.3 Assignment - Neither Party may assign or transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon prior written notice to the Client, Traxler Consulting may assign the Agreement to an Affiliate or to a successor of all or substantially all of the assets of Traxler Consulting through merger, reorganization, consolidation or acquisition. Any attempted assignment, transfer or other conveyance in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. 

13.4 Recording of Conversations - For training and quality purposes, each party to this Agreement acknowledges and agrees to the tape recording of conversations between the Parties. 

13.5 Amendments - This Agreement may only be amended, modified, or supplemented in a writing signed by both Parties hereto. No waiver by any Party of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the Party so waiving. 

13.6 Severability - If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the Parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to affect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible. If no such modification is possible, this Agreement shall terminate, and Client shall pay any sums outstanding for Services actually rendered within thirty (30) days, and Traxler Consulting shall refund any sums paid in advance for Services not rendered within thirty (30) days.

13.7 Choice of Law & Venue - This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Texas without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Texas or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of Laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of Texas. Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement or the Services provided hereunder shall be instituted exclusively in the federal courts of the United States or the courts of the State of Texas in each case located in the City of Houston, TX, and each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Service of process, summons, notice or other document by mail to such Party's address set forth herein shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court. 

13.8 Disputes; ARBITRATION - In the event that a dispute arises between the Parties in connection with, out of, or under this Agreement, the Parties agree to attempt initially to settle such dispute between themselves by conducting good faith negotiation and consultation. 

If the Parties are unable to settle the matter between themselves and at least thirty (30) days have elapsed since initial notification of the dispute pursuant to Section 13.1, the matter shall thereafter be resolved by alternative dispute resolution, starting with mediation pursuant to the Commercial Mediation Procedures of the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"), and including, IF NECESSARY, A FINAL AND BINDING ARBITRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXPEDITED PROCEDURES OF THE COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION RULES OF THE AAA. 

EACH SUCH ARBITRATION SHALL BE CONDUCTED BY A PANEL OF THREE ARBITRATORS: ONE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE APPOINTED BY EACH OF CLIENT AND TRAXLER CONSULTING, AND THE THIRD SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION. 

TO THE EXTENT THAT THE AAA PROCEDURES AND THIS AGREEMENT ARE IN CONFLICT, THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL CONTROL, AND THE ARBITRATORS SHALL BE BOUND BY THE EXPRESSED TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. 

The Parties agree that each party shall bear their own costs in connection to any of the remedial activities set forth in this section.

13.9 Waiver of Jury Trail - EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ADDENDA, IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. 

13.10 Equitable Relief - Each Party acknowledges that a breach by a Party of Intellectual Property Rights or confidentiality obligations may cause the non-breaching Party irreparable damages, for which an award of damages would not be adequate compensation and agrees that, in the event of such breach or threatened breach, the non-breaching Party will be entitled to seek equitable relief, including a restraining order, injunctive relief, specific performance and any other relief that may be available from any court, in addition to any other remedy to which the non-breaching Party may be entitled at law or in equity. Such remedies shall not be deemed to be exclusive but shall be in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity, subject to any express exclusions or limitations in this Agreement to the contrary. 

13.11 Attorneys' Fees - In the event that any action, suit, or other legal proceeding by either Party against the other Party arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs from the non-prevailing Party. 

13.12 Counterparts - This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, e-mail or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement. 

*Last reviewed 04/18/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What if we’re too small to need managed IT?

If your team uses email, stores data, or relies on software to do their job, then you need IT that works. Small businesses are more vulnerable to issues because they have fewer internal resources to handle them. We scale our support to fit your size, and help you stay protected as you grow.

Isn’t managed IT just for big companies?

Not anymore. Modern IT Providers like us are built specifically for small and mid-sized businesses that don’t have an in-house IT department. You get expert support and enterprise-grade tools, without the overhead or complexity.

What if we already have someone “handling IT”?

Many businesses have a tech-savvy employee or external contact they rely on. We can work alongside them or fully take over, depending on what’s best for your business. Either way, you’ll get more structure, faster response times, and deeper expertise.

How is this different from just calling a tech when something breaks?

That’s break-fix support, and it usually ends up being more reactive, expensive, and stressful. We prevent problems before they happen, keep your systems secure and up to date, and provide consistent, ongoing support that grows with your business.

What if our needs change in a few months?

That’s exactly why our support is flexible. We’ll adjust as your business evolves — scaling up, scaling down, or shifting priorities — without locking you into a long-term, one-size-fits-all contract.

What if we barely have tech issues right now?

That’s great news, and we’ll help keep it that way. The goal isn’t just to fix things when they break, but to prevent issues before they start. We also help improve speed, security, and performance behind the scenes, so your systems stay reliable as your business grows.

Won’t this just add more complexity to our business?

No. This will remove complexity. You’ll have one team to call, one clear process, and full visibility over what’s happening with your systems. No more vendor juggling, DIY troubleshooting, or unclear responsibilities.

We’re not very “techy”. Will this be hard to manage?

Not at all. We handle the technical side, so you don’t have to. We explain everything in plain language, make recommendations that make sense for your business, and keep you updated without overwhelming you with jargon.

Do we need to sign up for everything at once?

No. We can start with what you need most, whether that’s support, security, backups, or a full IT audit, and grow from there. You stay in control of the pace and priorities.

What if we have remote or hybrid staff?

No problem. We support fully remote, hybrid, and multi-location teams with secure access, cloud collaboration tools, and ongoing helpdesk support, no matter where your people are working from.

Image

Visit Us

7600 W. Tidwell Rd, Suite 304

Houston, TX 77040

Image

Call Us

713-690-9911

© 2026 Traxler Consulting | All Rights Reserved.