RFPVerse.com - BidTalentConnect Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: September 2024 

1. Introduction

Welcome to RFPVerse.com and BidTalentConnect, which is our online platform connecting freelance bid professionals with clients who need support. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. 

2. Definitions

• "We", "our", "us" “BidTalentConnect”, “Website” means RFPVerse.com and all associated businesses and staff. 
• "User": Any individual or entity who registers or uses the RFPVerse.com platform.
• "Client": Users who require freelance bid support or seek services on RFPVerse.com.
• "Freelancer": Users offering services through RFPVerse.com.
• "Content": All information, text, images, or materials posted on RFPVerse.com.
• "Confidential Information": Non-public information disclosed by one party to another, including business, technical, or financial data.

3. Eligibility

Users must be at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into contracts.

4. User Obligations

Users agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration.
• Maintain the confidentiality of their account credentials.
• Comply with all applicable laws and these Terms.
• Use the platform responsibly and refrain from any unlawful or prohibited activities.

5. Services Provided

BidTalentConnect facilitates connections between Clients and Freelancers, providing introductions for temporary opportunities. 

6. Non-Solicitation of Clients

1. Client Ownership: All clients who engage with Freelancers via RFPVerse.com are considered clients of RFPVerse.com. Freelancers agree not to contact, solicit, or accept direct work from these clients outside of the RFPVerse.com platform without prior written consent.
2. Prohibited Conduct: Freelancers are prohibited from directly approaching clients for work or projects outside the platform. Similarly, if a client contacts a Freelancer directly, the Freelancer must report this to RFPVerse.com immediately.
3. Communication: Contact details, including name, email, telephone number and links to profiles should only be added into the relevant contact sections and not within your services, skills, experience sections. 
4. Penalties for Breach:

• Financial Penalty: Freelancers in breach of this clause will be liable to pay RFPVerse.com a penalty equivalent to 25% of the total value of any project executed outside of the platform.
• Account Suspension: RFPVerse.com may suspend or terminate the Freelancer’s account for violating this non-solicitation clause.
• Legal Action: RFPVerse.com may pursue legal action for damages resulting from breaches of this clause.

7. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

5. Confidentiality Obligations: Users may receive confidential information from other Users or RFPVerse.com. Such information must be used only for the specific project or transaction and must be kept strictly confidential.
6. Permitted Disclosure: Confidential Information may be disclosed only to employees or subcontractors who need access to it for the specified purpose and who are bound by similar confidentiality obligations.
7. Return of Information: Upon completion of the project or upon request, all confidential information must be returned or destroyed.
8. Duration: Confidentiality obligations continue for five years after the project's completion unless otherwise agreed in writing.

8. GDPR Compliance and Data Protection

9. Data Collection and Use: RFPVerse.com collects and processes personal data in compliance with GDPR and other relevant data protection laws. Personal data is used solely for providing and improving our services.
10. User Rights: Users have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to the processing of their personal data. Requests can be directed to hello@rfpverse.com and our privacy policy can be viewed here. 
11. Data Security: RFPVerse.com employs appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, or damage.
12. Data Retention: Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

9. Payment Terms and Escrow

13. Escrow Services: RFPVerse.com may provide an escrow service where client payments are securely held until the completion of agreed-upon milestones. Payment terms will be agreed prior to commencement of any project. 
14. Dispute Resolution: In case of payment disputes and our escrow service, RFPVerse.com may mediate and has the authority to release funds based on evidence provided by both parties.
15. Refunds: Refunds are issued at our discretion. 

10. Ratings and Reviews

16. User Feedback: RFPVerse.com may collect Client and Freelancer satisfaction. RFPVerse.com will moderate and may publish these reviews.
17. Review Disputes: Users may challenge unfair or false reviews, and RFPVerse.com will remove content while investigating.  

11. Account Suspension and Termination

18. Grounds for Termination: RFPVerse.com reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts for unethical practices, breaches of these Terms, or consistent negative feedback.
19. Immediate Termination: Actions such as fraud, misuse of confidential information, or direct solicitation of clients may result in immediate termination without prior notice.

12. Right to Refuse Service

RFPVerse.com reserves the right to refuse service to any User deemed a poor fit for the platform based on factors like past behavior, incomplete profiles, or violations of platform standards.

13. Liability and Indemnity

20. The Website is a platform that connects freelancers with businesses seeking their services. RFPVerse.com and BidTalentConnect do not directly provide any services. As such, we shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or expense incurred by any user, whether a freelancer or a client, arising from the use of the platform or the services provided by freelancers to clients.
21. Freelancers are independent contractors and not employees, agents, or representatives of RFPVerse.com. We do not control, supervise, or direct the services provided by freelancers and shall not be responsible for their actions, errors, or omissions.
22. In no event shall the Website be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to, loss of profits, data, or goodwill, arising out of or in connection with the use of the platform, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, or any other legal theory, even if the Website has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
23. The Website's total liability arising out of or in connection with the use of the platform shall not exceed the total amount of fees paid by the user to the Website in the 12 months preceding the event giving rise to the claim. This limitation of liability shall apply regardless of the cause of action or legal theory asserted.

14. Fees

24. BidTalentConnect takes a fee of 10% from the freelancer's project value or day rate for services provided through, and from an introduction because of, the platform. Additional fees may apply for certain services, which will be highlighted to Users. We may choose to change the fees at any time, including reducing the fees for promotional events or new services, and such changes will be communicated. Unless otherwise stated, all fees are quoted in Pounds Sterling (GBP).

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England. Any disputes arising from these Terms will be resolved in the courts of England.

16. Changes to the Terms

RFPVerse.com may update these Terms from time to time. Users will be notified of significant changes, and continued use of the platform after such changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

17. Contact Information

For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us at hello@rfpverse.com.

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