---
oat_template: true
oat_template_name: reference-agents
---

# Durable Reference Guidance

This directory owns append-mostly reference material.

- `decisions/` stores file-per-record decisions and the generated decision index.
- `project-summaries/` stores archived project summaries.
- `external-plans/` stores imported provider plans and external implementation
  plans generated by `oat-repo-improve`. Improve owns plan generation; project
  import optionally normalizes one selected file into an OAT project.
- Create research, brainstorm, and deck folders on demand when a workflow needs them.
- Do not put active roadmap, current-state, or backlog records directly under `reference/`.

## Source of Truth

| Topic                                  | Canonical location                                                          |
| -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Backlog close-out / lifecycle workflow | `../pjm/AGENTS.md` (Backlog Lifecycle)                                      |
| Project kickoff handoffs               | `../pjm/AGENTS.md` (Project Kickoff Handoffs) + `../pjm/handoffs/README.md` |
| Durable decisions                      | `decisions/`                                                                |
| Active operating picture / roadmap     | `../pjm/current-state.md`, `../pjm/roadmap.md`                              |

**Update rule.** Do not restate the backlog close-out workflow here. When it
changes, edit `../pjm/AGENTS.md` and link to it — this directory defers to that
section rather than duplicating it.
