How We Work

We are located in Melbourne, Australia. John Galanos, a veteran of over 40 years in the industry operates the company and either does the work himself, or brings in specialist associates. Professional Engineering Services P/L is however the contracting company.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about how we work:

1. How do you quote?
2. What are your rates?
3. What guarantees do you offer for the work performed under contract?
4. When can you start work?
5. Who holds the intellectual property for work you do for a client?
6. Do you have Workcover and other insurances?
7. How do you keep the client informed of your progress on a contract?
8. Are you there to take over the jobs of a client's full time staff?
9. Where do you do your work?
10. Have you ever been pre-maturely terminated by a client?
11. Do you work internationally?
12. Do you speak other languages besides English?
13. How do you charge for travel and accommodation?

1. How do you quote?

PES is happy to do business with a client under arrangements that best suits its needs. Typically, at your invitation, we will meet at your premises and discuss your needs. Together we will try to develop a clear, mutual understanding of your requirements and constraints such as budget, schedule, external pressures, and any other factors. From that we will sketch out a preliminary scope of work and prepare a written quotation. Normally, if the scope of work can be precisely stated, we will quote a fixed price for effort, for expenses (travel and accommodation, etc) at cost plus a small administration fee. GST will be clearly shown.

If the scope of work cannot be adequately defined then we can offer to perform the work on a time and materials basis under purchase order or contract.

Please contact us to discuss your needs and structure a working arrangement that suits you best. Remember that if at the conclusion of our discussions it becomes evident to either of us that we are unable to meet your needs then we will withdraw at no cost or obligation to you. (Top)

2. What are your rates?

As discussed in How do you quote , we prefer to firm up a scope of work and provide you with a fixed price (plus incidental approved expenses) for performing the work. Where it may not be possible to firm up a scope of work we will quote on a time and materials basis. Our pricing for the latter is a confidential matter between our clients and ourselves, as discussed during our private meetings and in our proposal. (Top)

3. What guarantees do you offer for the work performed under contract?

All our work is performed under contracts with terms and conditions mutually agreed between the client and ourselves. The contract will always include a scope of work. Payment for work performed is dependent on performance of the scope of work in accordance with the requirements of the contract. We will always honour our contracts. (Top)

4. When can you start work?

Our formal proposal will specify when we can start work on a particular task. When that start date is agreed, it will be incorporated in the contract. We will only start work once the contract is executed by both parties. (Top)

5. Who holds the intellectual property for work you do for a client?

The product of any unique work performed exclusively for a client becomes the property of the client (this may be a report, an analysis, software, or other artefact). Any software, ideas or product (in any form) in the possession of us prior to commencing the contract remains our sole property and will be so stamped upon delivery. (Top)

6. Do you have Workcover and other insurances?

Yes, we are fully protected. Any exclusion will be mutually agreed and inserted in the contract prior to commencement of work. (Top)

7. How do you keep the client informed of your progress on a contract?

In our preliminary discussions, we will ascertain the frequency of briefings required by you the client and will incorporate this frequency and the nature of the briefings (verbal or written) to you in the contract. Typically there will also be a final end of job report summarising the work performed. (Top)

8. Are you there to take over the jobs of a client's full time staff?

Absolutely not! We are there to assist you complete specific tasks to meet your relatively short-term requirements. As part of our work we will endeavour to work smoothly with your full-time staff and any other contractors. Where possible and appropriate we will try and mentor any full-time staff with our expertise. (Top)

9. Where do you do your work?

It all depends. If we need to be at your premises because of interaction with your staff, or because of the confidential or classified nature of documents, or to access records or databases, then we will work at your premises. Where there is no need to be at your premises, we will work at our location. We have full e-mail, ftp, and facsimile facilities, and when at your place we provide our own Notebook computers capable of connecting up to your LAN if permitted. (Top)

10. Have you ever been pre-maturely terminated by a client?

No. (Top)

11. Do you work internationally?

For short to medium term tasks, yes. For long term tasks we can recommend other professionals who may be interested in the work. (Top)

12. Do you speak other languages besides English?

Yes, John Galanos is also fluent in Modern Greek. (Top)

13. How do charge for travel and accommodation?

In-country, local travel is charged at a pre-agreed cost rate (own vehicle or cabs). Interstate or international travel and accommodation can be arranged either by the client or by PES at cost plus an administration fee. (Top)