# Partner Placeholder Template

> Use this template when a consortium position is identified but not yet filled.
> Placeholders allow drafting to proceed while partner recruitment continues
> in parallel.

## Syntax

```
[Partner TBD: {role}, {type}, {expertise}]
```

### Fields

| Field | Description | Example Values |
|-------|-------------|---------------|
| `role` | Consortium role | Coordinator, Partner, Associated Partner |
| `type` | Organisation type | University, Research Org, SME, Large Enterprise, Public Body, NGO |
| `expertise` | Key expertise needed | "AI/ML for manufacturing", "marine biology", "policy analysis" |

### Examples

```
[Partner TBD: Partner, SME, AI/ML platform for digital skills]
[Partner TBD: Partner, University, Nordic climate validation facilities]
[Partner TBD: Associated Partner, Public Body, regulatory compliance]
```

---

## Placeholder Partner Profile

When using a placeholder, create a minimal profile that captures the
requirements without naming a specific organisation.

```markdown
### [Partner TBD: Partner, SME, Scale-up manufacturing]

**Role in project:** WP3 Task 3.2 lead — responsible for scaling lab
prototypes to pilot manufacturing volumes.

**Required capabilities:**
- ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility
- Experience with sol-gel coating processes
- Pilot line capacity: 100 m²/day minimum

**Expected contribution:**
- Person-months: 18 PM
- Budget: €350,000
- Key deliverable: D3.2 Pilot manufacturing report

**Geographic preference:** EU27, ideally Central/Eastern Europe
(geographic balance)

**Recruitment status:** Shortlist of 3 candidates, selection by M-2
```

---

## Recognition Rules

The following patterns are recognised as partner placeholders by
ProposalEngine tools and workflows:

1. `[Partner TBD: ...]` — standard placeholder
2. `[TBD Partner: ...]` — alternate ordering
3. `[Consortium TBD: ...]` — consortium-level placeholder

### Validation behaviour

- `check-consortium` counts placeholders separately from confirmed partners
- Reports consortium status as `partial` rather than `failed` when
  placeholders are present
- Warns if placeholders remain at `FINALIZE` state

### Drafting behaviour

- GrantWriter agents treat placeholder profiles as real partners during
  drafting but flag them with `⚠️ TBD` markers in generated text
- Work plan task assignments to placeholder partners use the placeholder
  syntax: "Led by [Partner TBD: SME, manufacturing]"
- Budget rows for placeholder partners are labelled as estimated

---

## Consortium Status

| Status | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| `complete` | All partners confirmed with signed LoIs |
| `partial` | One or more positions use placeholders |
| `minimal` | Only coordinator confirmed |

The state machine uses `consortium_status` to determine transition
behaviour. See `protocols/state_machine.md` for details.
