Terms of Service

Effective date: May 17, 2026

Drafting Notice:These Terms of Service were prepared with AI assistance and represent Appalachian Tech Solutions’ good-faith effort to provide clear, comprehensive terms covering all current products and services. Appalachian Tech Solutions recommends review by a licensed Virginia attorney before relying on these terms in any legal proceeding. These terms are a starting point, not a finished legal product.

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using any product or service offered by Appalachian Tech Solutions (“ATS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). These Terms apply to all ATS products and services, including ContractorHub, GovCon Daily, and ATS Research & Intelligence Services. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use any ATS product or service.

2. About Appalachian Tech Solutions

Appalachian Tech Solutions is a Virginia-based technology company building software, platforms, and tools for the businesses, governments, and contractors of the Appalachian region. All ATS products are operated under a single company entity. Your ATS account and these Terms govern your relationship with ATS across all products you access.

3. Products and Services

ATS currently operates the following products and services:

  • ContractorHub — An online marketplace connecting government agencies, engineering firms, and other organizations with independent contractors and skilled tradespeople for project opportunities in the Appalachian region. ATS is a marketplace platform only and does not employ contractors, guarantee work quality, or guarantee hiring outcomes.
  • GovCon Daily — A paid newsletter subscription service delivering AI-curated federal contracting opportunities from public government databases including SAM.gov. GovCon Daily is an informational service only and does not constitute procurement consulting or legal advice.
  • ATS Research & Intelligence — A research report service delivering Competitor Intelligence Reports, Grant Opportunity Audits, and Federal Contract Opportunity Reports. Research Services are governed by additional terms set forth in Section 9 below.
  • ATS Website Design — Custom website design and development services for businesses in the Appalachian region. Websites built under a retainer agreement are owned and hosted by Appalachian Tech Solutions. Client-provided content (logos, text, images, and branding materials) remains the property of the client. Website Design Services are governed by additional terms set forth in Section 10 below.

4. User Accounts and Shared Authentication

ATS operates a shared login system. A single ATS account grants you access to all ATS products you have an active subscription or purchase for. Creating an account on one ATS product creates a single account that works across all ATS products. Subscribing to or purchasing one product does not automatically grant access to other ATS products — each product requires its own subscription or purchase.

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to keep that information up to date.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate any account that we believe, in our sole discretion, violates these Terms or is being used fraudulently or abusively.

5. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

  • Post false, misleading, or fraudulent job listings, profile information, or intake data
  • Use any ATS platform to harass, spam, or contact other users outside the scope of legitimate business
  • Scrape, crawl, or automatically collect data from any ATS platform without our written permission
  • Attempt to circumvent any security, access control, or authentication system
  • Use any ATS product or research report for any unlawful purpose, including tortious interference, defamation, or unfair business practices
  • Share, resell, or redistribute any ATS research report or newsletter content without our prior written consent
  • Use any ATS product in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law or regulation

6. Paid Plans, Subscriptions, and One-Time Purchases

Certain ATS products and services require a paid subscription or one-time payment. All payments are processed securely through Stripe. By providing payment information, you authorize us to charge your payment method for the applicable fees.

Subscription Plans: ATS currently offers the following recurring subscription plans, billed monthly:

  • ContractorHub Monthly — $25/month. Includes unlimited job postings on ContractorHub.
  • ContractorHub + GovCon Bundle — $40/month. Includes unlimited job postings and GovCon Daily newsletter access.
  • GovCon Daily — $20/month. Includes the GovCon Daily newsletter only.

Subscription fees are billed on a recurring monthly basis. You may cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings. Cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing period. We do not offer refunds for partial billing periods unless required by applicable law.

Free Trials: ContractorHub Monthly and Bundle plans include a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. You will not be charged during the trial period. At the end of the trial, your subscription converts automatically to a paid plan at the applicable monthly rate. You may cancel at any time before the trial ends through your account settings to avoid being charged.

One-Time Job Posting: A single job listing on ContractorHub is available as a one-time purchase for $15. One-time posts are active for 30 days from the date of posting and may not be reused or transferred. Each purchase grants one listing only. One-time posts are non-refundable once the listing has been published.

Other One-Time Purchases:ATS Research & Intelligence reports are available as one-time purchases. These are non-refundable once work has commenced or the deliverable has been delivered, except as required by applicable law.

Free Plans: ATS offers free access tiers for certain products. Free plans may be modified or discontinued at any time with reasonable notice.

7. Intellectual Property

All ATS platforms, software, designs, logos, written content, and research report formats are the intellectual property of Appalachian Tech Solutions and are protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, reproduce, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from any ATS property without our prior written consent.

Research reports delivered to you as a client are licensed for your internal business use only. You retain no ownership rights in the report format, methodology, or ATS branding contained therein.

8. Content You Submit

You retain ownership of content you submit to any ATS platform, including job listings, profile information, uploaded files, and intake forms. By submitting content, you grant Appalachian Tech Solutions a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display, store, and distribute that content as necessary to operate the applicable platform and deliver the requested service.

You represent that you have all rights necessary to submit any content you provide and that your content does not violate any third-party rights or applicable law. We reserve the right to remove any content that violates these Terms or that we deem inappropriate, without prior notice.

9. Research & Intelligence Services

Appalachian Tech Solutions offers research and intelligence report services (“Research Services”) including Competitor Intelligence Reports, Grant Opportunity Audits, and Federal Contract Opportunity Reports. By purchasing or receiving any Research Service, you (“Client”) agree to the following terms in addition to all other provisions of these Terms.

9.1 — Nature of Research Services

ATS Research Services are informational products only. All reports, analyses, summaries, and deliverables produced by ATS are compiled from publicly available sources and are intended to provide general background information to assist Client decision-making.

ATS Research Services do not constitute legal advice, financial advice, investment advice, grant consulting, procurement consulting, or professional advice of any kind. ATS is not a licensed attorney, financial advisor, certified grant writer, or procurement specialist.

Nothing in any ATS research report should be construed as a recommendation, endorsement, or guarantee of any outcome, opportunity, eligibility determination, or business result. Client is solely responsible for independently verifying all information contained in any ATS research report before taking any action based on that information.

Plain English: We compile public information and present it clearly. We are not telling you what to do with it. Always verify before acting.

9.2 — Sources and Accuracy

All information compiled by ATS is sourced from publicly available records, government databases, publicly accessible websites, published news, public filings, and other open-source materials. ATS does not use non-public, confidential, or proprietary information in producing any research deliverable.

ATS makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and currency of information at the time of report preparation. However, ATS makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees — express or implied — regarding the completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or fitness for a particular purpose of any information contained in a research report.

Government databases, grant programs, procurement opportunities, and publicly listed business information are subject to change without notice. ATS is not responsible for changes that occur after the report preparation date. All reports include a preparation date and Client should treat report contents as accurate only as of that date.

ATS expressly disclaims any liability arising from Client reliance on report contents that are subsequently found to be inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, or inapplicable to Client’s specific circumstances.

9.3 — Competitor Intelligence Reports

Competitor Intelligence Reports compile publicly available information about named third-party businesses. All information included is sourced from public records, published reviews, company websites, public social media, news sources, job postings, and other open-source materials only.

ATS does not obtain information through deceptive means, misrepresentation, unauthorized access, or any method that violates applicable law. ATS does not use confidential, trade secret, or non-public proprietary information in any report.

ATS presents competitive information as observed facts and cited findings, not as definitive conclusions. Characterizations of competitor performance, reputation, or business practices are based on publicly available sources and do not represent the verified position of ATS.

Client agrees not to use Competitor Intelligence Reports for any unlawful purpose including but not limited to tortious interference, defamation, unfair business practices, or any activity prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. ATS shall not be liable for any claim brought by a third party arising from Client’s use of information contained in a Competitor Intelligence Report.

9.4 — Grant Opportunity Audits

Grant Opportunity Audits identify publicly listed grant and funding programs that may be relevant to Client based on information provided by Client at intake. Identification of a grant program in a report does not constitute a determination that Client is eligible to apply, will be approved, or will receive funding.

Eligibility requirements, application deadlines, program availability, and award criteria for all grant programs are subject to change at any time by the administering organization. Client must independently verify current eligibility requirements and application status directly with the administering organization before submitting any application.

ATS makes no guarantee that any grant identified in a report is currently accepting applications, has available funding, or is appropriate for Client’s specific business circumstances. Client should consult with a licensed grant writer, attorney, or financial advisor before submitting any grant application.

9.5 — Federal Contract Opportunity Reports

Federal Contract Opportunity Reports compile active procurement opportunities from publicly accessible government databases including SAM.gov. All data is current as of the report preparation date indicated on the report cover.

Federal contracting opportunities are subject to amendment, cancellation, or closure at any time. Client must verify the current status of any opportunity directly on SAM.gov or with the relevant contracting officer before investing resources in a proposal or bid.

Inclusion of an opportunity in a Federal Contract Opportunity Report does not constitute advice to pursue that opportunity, nor does it constitute a determination of Client eligibility, capacity, or competitive position.

9.6 — Limitation of Liability for Research Services

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, ATS’s total liability to Client arising from or related to any Research Service — whether in contract, tort, or otherwise — shall not exceed the amount paid by Client for the specific research deliverable giving rise to the claim.

In no event shall ATS be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages arising from Client’s use of or reliance on any research report, including but not limited to lost profits, lost business opportunities, or costs of pursuing or failing to pursue any grant, contract, or business opportunity. These limitations apply regardless of whether ATS has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

9.7 — No Ongoing Obligation

Unless Client has entered into a separate written retainer or subscription agreement with ATS, each research report is a standalone, one-time deliverable. ATS has no obligation to update, amend, supplement, or monitor any research report after delivery. Client is responsible for monitoring relevant opportunities, programs, and competitive conditions on an ongoing basis.

9.8 — Confidentiality of Client Intake Information

Information provided by Client at intake for the purpose of producing a research report will be used solely to produce the requested deliverable. ATS will not sell, share, or disclose Client intake information to third parties except as required by law or as necessary to produce the research report. ATS may retain anonymized, aggregated data for internal quality improvement purposes.

10. Website Design Services

Appalachian Tech Solutions offers custom website design and development services (“Website Services”) to businesses under a monthly retainer agreement. By engaging ATS for Website Services, you agree to the following terms in addition to all other provisions of these Terms.

10.1 — Ownership

All websites designed, developed, and hosted by ATS under a retainer agreement are and remain the property of Appalachian Tech Solutions. The client is granted a license to use the website while the retainer is active and current. Client-supplied content — including logos, written copy, photographs, and branding materials — remains the property of the client.

10.2 — Retainer and Access

Website access and hosting are contingent on an active, current retainer. If the retainer lapses, is cancelled, or payment is not received, ATS reserves the right to suspend or take the website offline. ATS will provide reasonable notice before suspension where practicable.

10.3 — Scope

The scope of each website project will be defined in writing at the start of the engagement. Work outside the agreed scope may require a revised agreement or additional fees. ATS will communicate any scope changes before proceeding with out-of-scope work.

10.4 — Client Content

Client is responsible for providing accurate, lawful content including text, images, and branding materials. ATS is not responsible for any claims arising from client-supplied content, including copyright infringement, trademark disputes, or inaccurate business representations published on the website.

10.5 — Portfolio Rights

ATS reserves the right to display websites built for clients in its portfolio and marketing materials. If you prefer your site not be featured, notify us in writing at appalachiantech.biz@gmail.com and we will honor that request promptly.

10.6 — No Guarantee of Results

ATS makes no guarantee regarding search engine rankings, website traffic, leads, sales, or any other business outcomes resulting from any website built under these terms. Website performance depends on many factors outside ATS’s control.

10.7 — Payment Terms

Website design and development projects are billed on a milestone basis:

  • 50% deposit — due upfront before any design or development work begins. This deposit is non-refundable once work has commenced, regardless of whether the project is subsequently cancelled or abandoned by the client.
  • 50% final payment — due upon project completion and delivery of the finished website to the client for review and approval.

Work will not begin until the deposit has been received and cleared. ATS reserves the right to pause or suspend work if payment milestones are not met in a timely manner. The monthly retainer (covering hosting and ongoing support) is billed separately on the 1st of each month following launch and is not included in the project milestone payments above.

All payments are processed via Stripe or such other payment method as agreed in writing between ATS and the client. Payment obligations survive cancellation of any retainer agreement.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties

All ATS products and services are provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. We do not warrant that any ATS platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of harmful components. We make no warranty regarding the accuracy or reliability of any job listing, user profile, newsletter content, or research report.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Appalachian Tech Solutions shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of or inability to use any ATS product or service, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Our total liability to you for any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or any ATS product or service shall not exceed the greater of (a) the amount you paid us in the twelve months preceding the claim or (b) one hundred dollars ($100).

13. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Appalachian Tech Solutions and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from: (a) your use of any ATS product or service; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any applicable law or third-party right; or (d) any content you submit to any ATS platform.

14. Privacy and Data Use

Your use of any ATS product or service is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using any ATS product, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in the Privacy Policy.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved in the courts of Virginia.

16. Dispute Resolution

Before filing any formal legal claim, you agree to first contact ATS at appalachiantech.biz@gmail.com and provide a written description of the dispute. ATS will make a good-faith effort to resolve the dispute informally within thirty (30) days. If the dispute is not resolved informally, either party may pursue their available legal remedies.

17. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our products, services, or applicable law. When we make material changes, we will update the effective date at the top of this page. Continued use of any ATS product or service after updated Terms are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you should discontinue use of the applicable product or service.

18. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Contact us at appalachiantech.biz@gmail.com.

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