ENGAGEMENT INFORMATION

Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC will do everything possible to provide a premium service in exchange for a reasonable rate of compensation.  We are not, however, inexpensive.  We will always strive to deliver to our clients high-value, actionable information that will provide them a strategic advantage in any given situation.  Unfortunately, due to the complexity and nature of the investigations Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC undertakes, it is exceedingly difficult to predict the exact costs associated with a particular case.  Every inquiry is unique and there are simply too many variables to consider when trying to accurately "price" an investigative service.  However, costs can be generally estimated based upon billable hours, cost of relevant expenses, and applicable taxes (see below on applicable taxes).  

As a prospective client, it is also particularly important to consider that a less expensive quote from an average investigative service does not necessarily translate to "less expensive" for you, the client.  Many investigators lack the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to complete an effective and efficient investigation, thereby costing you far more in the long run.  Worse, some 'hobbyist' investigators are simply out-of-their-league when accepting certain types of complex cases which can cost you significantly more than just money.  You will not discover this mistake until after they have created new problems for you or your business.  As a prospective client, you are already needing some form of assistance to answer complex questions...do not take further steps backward.   

Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC will require a retainer to be paid before work can begin.  It protects us and it guarantees we will coordinate a plan with you so we can work diligently on your behalf.  The specific retainer amount will be discussed with you in advance of the approval and signing of a client engagement agreement.  To assist you with some of the calculable costs, we have included some of our potential reimbursable expense requirements below.       

THE FOLLOWING ARE TRAVEL POLICIES FOR TRACECRAFT SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS, LLC

Non-refundable travel expenses (as incurred) will be invoiced and reimbursed at the following rates:

Company Vehicle for Ground Transportation

Wherever and whenever ground-based investigative travel is required in a company vehicle, Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC will be reimbursed by the client by paralleling the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) personally owned vehicle (POV) mileage rates in an effort to save clients excessive reimbursable costs associated with necessary ground-based travel expenses.  Presently, the POV mileage rate is approximately $.67 per mile (Beginning January 2024) for fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses. 

(POV mileage rates are subject to change based on the GSA's fluctuating rate schedule)    

Airfare

Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC will seek reimbursement from  the client at the prevailing 'Business Class' airfare rate. 

Rental Vehicle for Ground Transportation

Wherever and whenever ground-based investigative travel is required in a rental vehicle, Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC will be reimbursed by the client at a rate consistent with the prevailing private rates for available rental car companies at the destination where the investigative work is required.  This may include vehicle  rentals in the location of investigative origin in order to switch-out surveillance assets as necessary.  Based on prior experience, Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC will NOT seek rental reimbursement at rates which parallel the GSA because such rates will often impede an investigator's ability to choose a vehicle suitable to successfully complete an investigative mission.  Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC reserves the right to rent vehicles from private carriers that are, at a minimum, classified as 'Standard Size' in order to ensure adequate space for equipment, gear, and assigned personnel.  Periodically, Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC may also find it necessary to rent a vehicle which is larger than a standard-sized passenger car and/or may have the need to secure a luxury vehicle for specific operational purposes.  Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC will NOT arbitrarily rent larger, more costly, or luxury vehicles in an effort to save clients on reimbursable travel expenses.  However, it is respectfully requested that this specific category of expense be a discretionary determination made in the field by the investigator after assessing relevant operational requirements.     

Lodging

Wherever and whenever lodging for investigative travel is required, Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC will request hoteliers to discount fees by charging lodging rates commensurate with the GSA in an effort to save clients excessive reimbursable costs associated with necessary lodging travel expenses.  However, it should be noted Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC reserves the right to select specific lodging accommodations based on operational requirements and GSA rates may not be honored as requested as Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC is a private business, not a governmental entity.  

Per Diem / Meals and Incidentals 

Wherever and whenever per diem meals and incidental expenses are required for investigative travel, Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC will seek reimbursement from a client by approximating per diem rates commensurate with the GSA in an effort to save clients excessive costs associated with necessary travel expenses.  Full GSA per diem rates apply on full days for location of travel; however, they will be reduced to 75% of the total rate (meals and incidentals) for the first and last days of travel (scheduled travel days).  

Other

Other investigative, equipment, and/or subcontracting expenses or fees may apply as from time-to-time may be necessary.  Approvals for additional expenses or fees will be sought from the client before any added costs are incurred relevant to a pending investigation.   

Should travel be involved or necessary, Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC provides the GSA 'Lodging & Per Diem Rate Estimator by Location' button below to allow prospective and existing clients the ability to conduct advance research to approximate minimum anticipated reimbursable travel expenses for investigative activity in line with the prevailing government rates.

  A note on tax: A taxable security service in the State of Texas includes investigations/security contractors,  private investigations, courier, and guard companies such as Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC.  The collection of all applicable state and local sales tax at the current rate of 8.25 % is required on the total amount billed to a client for items such as Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC services rendered and all other relevant expenses including mileage, airfare, lodging, per diem (meals and incidentals), car rentals, and insurance, among others. 

Work will commence as scheduled upon completion of a client intake consultation, review, and approval of the legal predication for the investigation, signing of a client engagement agreement, and collection of a retainer payable to Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC.  A final investigative report will be released upon final client payment at the conclusion of the investigation.  Additional rates/charges may apply based on the length, complexity, and/or additional resources necessary for the completion of the investigation.   Tracecraft Special Investigations, LLC will seek client approval prior to the inclusion of any recommended additional expenses not otherwise previously specified in the client engagement agreement.  All other legitimate travel expenses incurred during the normal course of an investigation will be invoiced as described herein.  As applicable, monies derived from the retainer which are not expended during the course of an investigation will be refunded to the client at the conclusion of work.