Process
How we work together
You’ll always know who’s responsible for the engagement, what’s in scope, and how we’ll decide it’s done. We keep delivery role-based and clear — no invented team roster.
Discover · Build · Review
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Discover
We align on the outcome, what you’ll provide (docs, APIs, access), constraints, and a short written “done means…” checklist — before any build deposit.
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Build
We build to that checklist in a fixed window. Longer packages include a mid-build check-in. Anything outside scope gets a written change order with price and timing before extra work starts.
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Review
You accept against the agreed tests (pass/fail). You get a handoff runbook, plus a 14-day bugfix on what we delivered.
What we need to start
Before payment, we align on:
- Which package you’re leaning toward, and the outcome in one sentence
- Docs, APIs, or sandbox access we’ll need
- Timing (and whether rush matters)
- A draft “done means…” checklist (we finalize it together)
Payment
Work starts after payment clears. Most catalog packages (P1, P2, P4–P8, P10–P12) and the locked bundles use 50/50: deposit at checkout to start; final when the build is finished — before source/code handoff. Workflow Agent (P3) and Internal Dashboard (P9) use 40/30/30: 40% at start, 30% after mid-review (auto-invoice + pay link), 30% when finished before code handoff. Quant packages (P13–P15) and flagship Apex Institutional Quant (P17, 26 wk, 100% upfront, no milestones, rush not offered) are paid in full at checkout when bought alone. If those SKUs sit inside a Custom Bundle, the bundle’s 50/50 of the discounted total applies instead (default 20% off; 5% off when P17 is included) — and you can pay the Custom Bundle deposit instantly from the site via Stripe Checkout. Custom Project locks a fixed quote after scoped analysis, then 50/50 (final before code release).
Blueprint sign-off authorizes build. Final pay authorizes code release. Mid and final invoices are issued automatically at those gates (Stripe Checkout / Payment Link) — not a silent card charge unless a payment method is saved for that purpose.
How acceptance works
Every package ships against a written checklist. Blueprint sign-off is pass/fail on that list and authorizes build — not open-ended polish. Final payment clears before source/code handoff. You also get a handoff runbook covering environment, rebuild, and known limits.
Change orders
Anything outside the checklist is a written change order with price and timing before extra work begins. Silence isn’t approval — we’ll ask.
Bugfix
Fourteen days on delivered scope after you accept in writing. We fix defects in agreed behavior; new features are change orders.
What we don’t take on
We pass on:
- HIPAA or clinical work
- Regulated finance systems of record
- Realtime voice products
- Open-ended founding-engineer retainers
FAQ
Process FAQ
When do I pay?
Work starts after payment clears. Most catalog packages use 50% deposit at checkout and 50% final when finished — before source/code handoff. Workflow Agent (P3) and Internal Dashboard (P9) use 40/30/30 (mid invoice auto at mid-review). Quant packages (P13–P15 and flagship P17 Apex Institutional Quant) are 100% upfront at checkout when bought alone. Custom Bundles use 50/50 of the discounted total even if quant is included. Blueprint sign-off authorizes build; final pay authorizes code release.
What is written acceptance?
Every package ships against a short “done means…” checklist you agree up front. Acceptance is pass/fail on that list — not open-ended polish. You also get a handoff runbook covering environment, rebuild, and known limits.
How do change orders work?
Anything outside the checklist is a written change order with price and timing before extra work begins. Silence is not approval — we will ask.
What does the 14-day bugfix cover?
Fourteen days on delivered scope after you accept in writing. We fix defects in agreed behavior; new features are change orders.
What does Harbor refuse?
We pass on HIPAA or clinical work, regulated finance systems of record, realtime voice products, and open-ended founding-engineer retainers. Better to know early.
Want to see if a package fits?
Share what you’re trying to ship, your timing, and any constraints you already know. We’ll reply from harborartificial@pm.me.