Executive Brief
EXECUTIVE BRIEF: Values-First SELF Acquisition Framework
Strategic Acquisition Guidelines for SELF Safety Technology
(Executive Summary – 5 Pages)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Strategic Context
SELF (Support-First Logic Engine) represents a breakthrough in AI safety technology designed to prevent AI systems
from making emotional interactions worse. This executive brief outlines a comprehensive values-first acquisition framework t
hat ensures SELF technology is only transferred to organizations committed to ethical AI deployment and user safety.
Core Philosophy
Values transcend profit. The acquisition framework prioritizes ethical alignment, safety commitment, and user protection over
financial considerations. No transfer proceeds without rigorous evaluation and ongoing compliance monitoring.
Key Outcomes
- Selective Partnerships: Only ethically-aligned organizations can acquire SELF
- Risk Mitigation: Comprehensive clawback protections if safety claims prove false
- Ongoing Accountability: Post-acquisition monitoring ensures continued values alignment
- Market Integrity: Prevents dilution of safety standards through inappropriate commercialization
VALUES-FIRST SALES CRITERIA OVERVIEW
Evaluation Framework
The Values-First Sales Criteria establish mandatory requirements across nine critical dimensions:
1. Safety Commitment
- 15% minimum annual budget allocation to safety initiatives
- C-level executive responsible for AI safety
- Proven track record of prioritizing safety over business metrics
2. Ethical AI Principles
- Implementation of IEEE/NIST ethical AI frameworks
- Active bias mitigation and algorithmic accountability
- Mandatory human oversight for high-risk applications
3. User Protection Focus
- User safety as primary design constraint
- Active harm prevention systems
- Comprehensive user support and crisis response capabilities
4. Technical Safety Capability
- Formal safety engineering training and processes
- 24/7 monitoring and rapid incident response
- Industry-standard security controls and audit processes
5. SELF Integration Competence
- Independent architecture review for integration planning
- Comprehensive testing covering all SELF safety properties
- Staff training on SELF safety principles and operation
6. Organizational Safety Culture
- Performance evaluations include safety contributions
- Safe reporting mechanisms for safety concerns
- Post-incident analysis and continuous improvement processes
7. Regulatory Compliance
- In-house regulatory compliance specialists
- Clean audit records for past 3 years
- Proactive compliance approach exceeding minimum requirements
8. Mission Compatibility
- Business objectives compatible with safety mission
- Public commitment to ethical AI development
- Long-term vision prioritizing safety advancement
9. Resource Commitment
- Financial stability and adequate engineering resources
- Robust infrastructure for safety-critical operations
- Commitment to scaling safety operations
Evaluation Process
4-Phase Assessment:
- Initial Screening (1-2 weeks): Values declaration, background review, interviews
- Due Diligence (2-4 weeks): Technical, financial, legal, and cultural evaluation
- Deep Dive (2-4 weeks): On-site visits, technical demonstrations, scenario testing
- Final Decision (1 week): Committee review with approval/conditional/denial outcomes
Approval Thresholds
- Full Approval: Meets all criteria → standard licensing terms
- Conditional Approval: Core criteria met with improvements needed → enhanced monitoring
- Denial: Fails minimum criteria → transaction prohibited
BUY-SELL AGREEMENT STRUCTURE
Pricing Tiers
The agreement provides MAU-tiered commercial licensing for SELF Core, with optional Assurance Proof add-ons:
SELF Core (Non‑Exclusive, MAU‑Tiered) — Public List Pricing (USD)
- Starter (≤ 5,000 MAU): $300/month
- Growth (≤ 25,000 MAU): $750/month
- Scale (≤ 100,000 MAU): $2,000/month
- Enterprise (> 100,000 MAU): annual contract (starts at $36,000/year)
Assurance Proof (Optional Add‑On, Annual)
- Lite: $7,500/year
- Standard: $25,000/year
- Enterprise: $75,000/year
This structure separates license (impact/MAU) from proof (review cadence and risk), so pricing cannot be “discounted” by quietly weakening safety operations.
Critical Preconditions
Values-First Evaluation: Agreement execution contingent upon successful completion of the comprehensive Values-First Sales Criteria evaluation. No rights vest until positive determination received.
Alignment Escrow Framework
Graduated Access Vesting: License keys and usage limits governed by neutral third-party escrow with 4-phase progression:
- Phase 1 (Months 1-6): Limited production access + full monitoring rights
- Phase 2 (Months 7-18): Expanded usage limits + active clawback provisions
- Phase 3 (Months 19-36): Stable long-term license + protective covenants
- Phase 4 (Month 37+): Renewed long-term standing (subject to ongoing compliance)
Escrow Agent Authority: Neutral custodian with binding dispute resolution power, continuous monitoring, and enforcement capabilities.
Release Triggers:
- Immediate: Critical safety failures, alignment breaches, fraudulent reporting
- Conditional: Performance deficiencies, resource reductions, cultural erosion
- Normal: Successful phase completion, positive audit results, stakeholder approval
Safety Alignment Warranty
- Verification Process: Independent third-party security audit, penetration testing, formal verification
- Warranty Scope: SELF operates according to published specifications and design axioms
- Duration: Covers the technology as delivered and documented
RISK MITIGATION FRAMEWORK
Clawback Provisions
Fundamental Protection: If safety claims prove false or materially misleading, ownership reverts to creator.
Trigger Conditions
- Critical Safety Failure: Harm prevention mechanisms prove ineffective
- Fundamental Design Flaw: Core axioms mathematically or practically unsound
- Documentation Fraud: Intentional safety specification misrepresentations
- Regulatory Non-Compliance: Failure to meet represented standards
Clawback Process
- Notification (90 days): Written notice of alleged falsification
- Independent Verification (30 days): Neutral expert panel review
- Determination: Binding decision on falsification status
- Remediation Period (90 days): Opportunity to address issues
- Ownership Reversion: Full rights return to creator if unresolved
Clawback Scope
- Complete IP rights reversion
- Cessation of all buyer usage and derivative works
- Destruction of all copies and implementations
- No liability for buyer's prior usage
Values Divergence Protections
Post-Acquisition Monitoring:
- Annual safety culture and commitment audits
- Regular reporting on safety metrics and incident rates
- Independent third-party safety assessments
- Quarterly compliance reviews
Termination Triggers:
- Failure to maintain Values-First compliance
- Erosion of safety culture or commitment
- Regulatory compliance deterioration
- Mission divergence from safety principles
Dispute Resolution
Comprehensive Framework:
- Negotiation (30 days): Good faith resolution attempts
- Mediation (30 days): Neutral third-party facilitation
- Arbitration (Final): Binding AAA-administered arbitration
- Governing Law: [Jurisdiction] substantive law application
IMPLEMENTATION ROADMAP
Phase 1: Preparation (Months 1-2)
- Legal Review: Professional counsel review of all documents
- Process Documentation: Detailed procedures for evaluation and monitoring
- Committee Formation: Assemble independent review board
- Template Customization: Jurisdiction-specific legal adaptations
Phase 2: Initial Deployment (Months 3-6)
- Pilot Evaluations: Test process with selected potential partners
- Feedback Integration: Refine criteria based on initial experiences
- Process Optimization: Streamline evaluation workflows
- Stakeholder Communication: Educate potential partners on requirements
Phase 3: Full Operation (Months 6-12)
- Active Acquisition: Execute first full evaluations and transfers
- Monitoring Systems: Implement post-acquisition compliance tracking
- Performance Analysis: Track evaluation outcomes and partner success
- Process Refinement: Continuous improvement based on real-world application
Phase 4: Scaling (Year 2+)
- Automated Tools: Develop evaluation support software
- Global Expansion: Adapt for international markets and jurisdictions
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborate with ethical AI organizations
- Thought Leadership: Publish insights on values-first technology transfer
FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
Revenue Model
SELF revenue is now primarily usage-based:
- Monthly platform fees ($300 Standard / $500 Pro)
- Metered usage billed per 1,000 conversations beyond included capacity
- Forecasts depend on aggregate production conversation volume across licensees
Cost Structure
- Legal/Compliance: $150K/year (external counsel, audits)
- Evaluation Process: $200K/year (independent reviewers, tools)
- Monitoring Systems: $100K/year (compliance tracking, audits)
- Administrative: $50K/year (process management, documentation)
- Total Annual Costs: $500K/year
Profitability Analysis
Profitability is driven by actual usage volume and the operating cost of governance; model this using expected conversation volume rather than upfront acquisition counts.
Scenario Planning
- Base Case: 10 active production licensees with moderate usage growth
- Conservative Case: 5 production licensees with lower usage and higher screening friction
- Optimistic Case: 25 production licensees with higher usage, strong retention, and steady onboarding
- Break-Even: Determined by governance operating costs versus aggregate metered usage
CONCLUSION & NEXT STEPS
Strategic Value Proposition
The Values-First SELF Acquisition Framework represents a pioneering approach to technology transfer that prioritizes safety, ethics, and user protection over short-term financial gain. By ensuring SELF technology reaches only organizations committed to responsible AI deployment, this framework:
- Protects Users: Prevents safety-critical technology from being misused
- Advances the Field: Sets new standards for ethical technology transfer
- Mitigates Risk: Provides comprehensive clawback and monitoring protections
- Creates Sustainable Value: Builds long-term partnerships with aligned organizations
Key Success Factors
- Rigorous Evaluation: Maintain high standards for partner selection
- Transparent Process: Clear communication about requirements and rationale
- Continuous Improvement: Regular refinement based on experience and feedback
- Strong Legal Foundation: Professional counsel ensures enforceability
- Community Building: Foster relationships with ethical AI organizations
Immediate Actions Required
- Legal Review: Engage qualified counsel for document review and customization
- Process Development: Document detailed evaluation procedures and criteria
- Committee Assembly: Form independent review board with diverse expertise
- Communication Plan: Develop messaging for potential partners and stakeholders
- Pilot Testing: Conduct initial evaluations to validate and refine process
Long-Term Vision
Establish SELF as the gold standard for responsible AI technology transfer, demonstrating that safety and ethics can drive commercial success while protecting users and advancing the field of AI safety.
Document Status: Draft for Executive Review
Classification: Internal Use Only - Contains Business Strategy
Review Date: [Date]
Approval Authority: Board of Directors
Effective Date: Upon Board Approval
Confidentiality: High - Contains Proprietary Acquisition Strategy
This executive brief provides strategic guidance for implementing a values-first acquisition framework for SELF technology. All projections and estimates are based on current market analysis and should be validated through professional financial and legal counsel.