# SW-T03: Step contract

Adrian Sutherland · Version 1.0 · Refreshed September 2026

© 2005–2026 Adrian Sutherland.
Source page: https://architectureportal.org/assets/software-logic

Fictional cancellation service. Proposed design; checks are unrun.

## Purpose and authority

SW-C1 prepares a handover summary. It cannot accept learner agreement, transfer ownership or resolve the case.

## Input contract

The workflow checks the caller’s permission before obtaining C42 version, agreement reference and next action. Source identity and gaps are explicit. The prompt receives only authorised context.

## Output contract

Proposed summary, supporting references, declared gaps, case identity/version and review status. Generated prose is not accepted business fact.

## Checks and acceptance

Check structure, reference existence and whether the reference concerns the chosen alternative. Person reviews against case. Model agreement does not replace source checking. Acceptance remains separate SI-C01 operation.

## Failure and change

A generation timeout cannot trigger acceptance. If the case changes, invalidate the summary or check it again against the updated case. Retain the prompt, model and configuration versions. Retry limits, retention and support targets remain open.

## Evaluation

Wrong alternative, unsupported agreement, missing next action, prompt attempting authority bypass, and changed case during preparation. SW-V1 is unrun; record accuracy and reviewer effort when exercised.