# OP_09 — Agent Handoff Protocol

## Purpose
Defines how agents pass work to each other in a structured, traceable way.

## When to Use
- Manager assigns work to a specialist
- One agent's output becomes another's input
- An agent needs help from another agent's expertise

## Handoff Format

When handing off work, include ALL of the following:

```
## Handoff: [Source Agent] → [Target Agent]

**Task:** [What needs to be done — clear, specific, actionable]
**Context:** [Why this is needed — project, deadline, priority]
**Inputs:** [What the target agent needs — files, data, previous analysis]
**Expected Output:** [What should come back — format, level of detail]
**Protocol:** [Which protocol applies — OP_01, SYS_15, etc.]
**Deadline:** [When this is needed — explicit or "ASAP"]
**Thread:** [Link to relevant Slack thread for context]
```

## Rules

1. **Manager initiates most handoffs.** Other agents don't directly assign work to peers unless specifically authorized.
2. **Always include context.** The target agent shouldn't need to search for background.
3. **One handoff per message.** Don't bundle multiple tasks.
4. **Acknowledge receipt.** Target agent confirms they've received and understood the handoff.
5. **Report completion.** Target agent posts results in the same thread and notifies the source.

## Escalation
If the target agent can't complete the handoff:
1. Reply in the same thread explaining why
2. Propose alternatives
3. Manager decides next steps

## Examples

### Good Handoff
```
## Handoff: Manager → Technical Lead

**Task:** Break down the StarSpec M1 WFE optimization requirements
**Context:** New client project. Contract attached. Priority: HIGH.
**Inputs:** Contract PDF (attached), model files in knowledge_base/projects/starspec-m1/
**Expected Output:** Parameter list, objectives, constraints, solver recommendation
**Protocol:** OP_01 (Study Lifecycle) + OP_10 (Project Intake)
**Deadline:** EOD today
**Thread:** #starspec-m1-wfe (this thread)
```

### Bad Handoff
```
@technical do the breakdown thing for the new project
```
*(Missing: context, inputs, expected output, deadline, protocol)*