Our Engagement Model

Transparent by Design.
Independent by Principle.

Every engagement starts with a conversation and ends with a deliverable you can stand behind. Here is exactly how we work — no ambiguity, no surprises.

From First Contact to Final Deliverable

Every engagement — regardless of scope — follows the same structured, transparent process. You always know where things stand.

01

Initial Conversation

You reach out via the contact form or email. We respond personally — you will hear from one of our founders. We ask about your project, your timeline, and what you are trying to accomplish. This call is free and carries no commitment. Our goal is to understand whether we are the right fit for your situation.

02

Scope & Proposal

If there is a fit, we prepare a written proposal outlining the scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and pricing. For material qualifications, this includes the proposed test strategy. For consulting and fractional engagements, this defines the areas of focus and engagement structure. We do not start work until both parties have agreed in writing.

03

MNDA Execution

Before any proprietary information — formulas, ingredient lists, supplier data, internal documentation — is shared with us, we execute a Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement. This is standard procedure on every engagement, not optional. Your intellectual property is protected before we begin.

04

Engagement Execution

We carry out the agreed scope — whether that is a material qualification, process development support, quality system work, or an ongoing fractional arrangement. You have a single point of contact throughout. We communicate proactively: if a timeline shifts, a result raises a question, or a decision needs your input, you hear from us before it becomes a problem.

05

Deliverable & Review

We issue the agreed deliverable — a Qualification Report, a technical memo, a process recommendation, or whatever the scope defined. We walk you through the findings, answer your questions, and make sure you understand what the data means and what your options are. The report is yours.

06

Follow-Through (When Needed)

If a material fails qualification, a process raises concerns, or a finding opens new questions — we do not close the file. We identify root causes, define resolution paths, and support you through the next step, whether that means additional testing, supplier communication, reformulation, or sourcing alternatives.

How We Price & Structure Work

We adapt our engagement model to fit the scope. No one-size-fits-all packages — just the right structure for the work.

Fixed-Fee Project

Defined Scope, Defined Price

Best for well-scoped, bounded work with a clear deliverable — such as a single material qualification, a GMP gap assessment, or a formulation feasibility study.

  • Fixed price agreed upfront
  • Clear timeline and milestones
  • Lab costs itemized separately
  • No billing surprises
Monthly Retainer

Ongoing Scientific Partnership

Best for companies that need regular scientific support — fractional R&D, quality oversight, or ongoing advisory — without the overhead of a full-time hire.

  • Dedicated hours per month
  • Flexible across project types
  • Priority responsiveness
  • Monthly reporting
Time & Materials

Exploratory or Variable Scope

Best for early-stage exploration, root cause investigations, or technical troubleshooting where the scope is not yet fully defined.

  • Hourly or daily rate
  • Maximum flexibility
  • Regular scope check-ins
  • No long-term commitment required

Payment terms are Net 30. Laboratory analysis costs are always passed through at cost and itemized on a separate line. We do not mark up lab fees.

The Principles Behind Every Engagement

01

You hear from a founder, not a coordinator

Every inquiry, every project update, every finding — you are speaking directly with the scientist responsible for your work. Not a project manager relaying messages.

02

We tell you what the science says, not what you want to hear

Independence means our conclusions are always driven by data. If a material fails, if a process has a risk, if a supplier's claim doesn't hold — you will hear it clearly, with the evidence behind it.

03

No work starts without a written agreement

Scope, timeline, and price are agreed in writing before any work begins. This protects both parties and ensures there are no misunderstandings about what is — and is not — included.

04

We do not take work we cannot do well

If a project falls outside our expertise, we say so clearly — and where possible, point you toward someone who can help. Our reputation depends on the quality of what we deliver, not on the number of engagements we accept.

Ready to Start?

Let's Figure Out If We're the Right Fit.

The first conversation is always free. Tell us what you're working on and we'll be straightforward about whether we can help.

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