Disaster Recovery Services Agreement Template

Create a legally-sound disaster recovery services agreement that clearly defines emergency response procedures, service levels, and recovery obligations. Protect your organization with comprehensive terms and conditions.

A Disaster Recovery Services Agreement is a critical contract that establishes the terms and conditions under which a service provider will deliver emergency response and recovery services following a disaster or business disruption. This legally-binding document ensures both parties understand their roles, responsibilities, and obligations during crisis situations.

What This Template Is For

This agreement template is designed for organizations seeking to establish a formal relationship with disaster recovery service providers. It covers essential elements including response times, service levels, personnel requirements, equipment provisions, and cost structures. The template helps protect both parties by clearly defining scope, limitations, and liability terms.

When To Use This Template

Use this template when:

  • Engaging a new disaster recovery service provider
  • Updating existing disaster recovery agreements
  • Establishing emergency response procedures
  • Defining recovery time objectives (RTOs)
  • Setting clear service level agreements (SLAs)

How To Customize It

Follow these steps to customize the agreement:

  1. Review and adjust service scope definitions
  2. Set specific response time requirements
  3. Define recovery objectives and metrics
  4. Specify equipment and resource commitments
  5. Establish pricing and payment terms
  6. Add relevant insurance requirements
  7. Include jurisdiction-specific legal terms

Common Use Cases

This agreement is commonly used for:

  • IT disaster recovery services
  • Emergency restoration services
  • Data backup and recovery
  • Business continuity support
  • Facility recovery services

Best Practices

Consider these key points:

  • Include clear escalation procedures
  • Define specific performance metrics
  • Establish regular testing requirements
  • Include force majeure provisions
  • Specify communication protocols

Template Variations

Adapt the template for:

  • Cloud-based recovery services
  • Physical facility restoration
  • Data center recovery
  • Emergency response services

Success Stories

Organizations using well-structured disaster recovery agreements have successfully:

  • Recovered from major system failures within hours
  • Restored critical business operations after natural disasters
  • Maintained business continuity during crisis situations

Frequently Asked Questions

What should the response time requirements include?

Response time requirements should specify initial contact times, on-site arrival times, and recovery completion targets for different severity levels.

How detailed should the service scope be?

The service scope should clearly define all covered services, systems, facilities, and exclusions to prevent misunderstandings during emergencies.

What insurance requirements should be included?

Typical requirements include general liability, professional liability, cyber insurance, and workers' compensation coverage with specified minimum limits.

How often should the agreement be reviewed?

Review and update the agreement annually or when significant changes occur in business operations or recovery requirements.

What testing requirements should be specified?

Include regular testing schedules, test scope, success criteria, and reporting requirements to ensure recovery readiness.