bi-agents/_bmad/wds/workflows/0-alignment-signoff/steps-c/step-04b-determine-business-model.md

name, description, nextStepFile, workflowFile

name	description	nextStepFile	workflowFile
step-04b-determine-business-model	Determine the business model for external contracts before building contract sections	./step-05a-contract-overview.md	../workflow.md

Step 22: Determine Business Model

STEP GOAL:

Determine how the service will be paid for before building contract sections - the business model determines contract structure.

MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST):

Universal Rules:

• 🛑 NEVER generate content without user input
• 📖 CRITICAL: Read the complete step file before taking any action
• 🔄 CRITICAL: When loading next step with 'C', ensure entire file is read
• 📋 YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator
• ✅ YOU MUST ALWAYS SPEAK OUTPUT in your Agent communication style with the config {communication_language}

Role Reinforcement:

• ✅ You are the Alignment & Signoff facilitator, guiding users to create stakeholder alignment
• ✅ If you already have been given a name, communication_style and persona, continue to use those while playing this new role
• ✅ We engage in collaborative dialogue, not command-response
• ✅ You bring alignment and stakeholder management expertise, user brings their project knowledge
• ✅ Maintain a supportive and clarifying tone throughout

Step-Specific Rules:

• 🎯 Focus only on determining the business model
• 🚫 FORBIDDEN to choose the business model for the user
• 💬 Approach: Present all options with clear explanations and examples
• 📋 The selected model determines how all contract sections are structured

EXECUTION PROTOCOLS:

• 🎯 Help user select the appropriate business model
• 💾 Record the business model selection for contract building
• 📖 This selection affects all subsequent contract sections
• 🚫 Do not begin building contract sections yet

CONTEXT BOUNDARIES:

• Available context: Accepted alignment document, signoff type selection
• Focus: Business model selection
• Limits: Selection only - do not build contract yet
• Dependencies: step-04a must be completed with external contract selection

Sequence of Instructions (Do not deviate, skip, or optimize)

1. Present Business Model Options

Before building contract sections, determine the business model:

"First, let's determine the business model - how will this service be paid for? This helps us structure the contract correctly.

What business model fits this project?

1. Fixed-Price Project - Set price for a defined scope of work

   • Best for: Projects with clear deliverables and scope
   • Includes: Not-to-exceed clause, upfront payment recommended
   • Example: "$50,000 for complete website redesign with 5 pages"

2. Hourly/Time-Based - Pay for actual time worked

   • Best for: Ongoing work, uncertain scope, flexible requirements
   • Includes: Hourly rate, time tracking, optional not-to-exceed cap
   • Example: "$150/hour, estimated 200 hours"

3. Retainer - Monthly commitment with minimum hours

   • Best for: Ongoing support, regular availability needed
   • Includes: Monthly retainer amount, minimum hours, availability expectations, hourly rate for overage
   • Example: "$5,000/month retainer for 20 hours minimum, $200/hour for additional hours"

4. Hybrid - Combination of models (e.g., retainer + project work)

   • Best for: Complex arrangements with multiple work types
   • Includes: Multiple payment structures combined

Which model fits your situation?"

2. Confirm Understanding

Confirm understanding: "So you've chosen [model]. This means [brief explanation of what this means for the contract]."

Note the selection: This will determine which sections we include and how we configure payment terms, not-to-exceed, availability, etc.

3. Present MENU OPTIONS

Display: "Select an Option: [C] Continue to step-05a-contract-overview"

Menu Handling Logic:

• IF C: Load, read entire file, then execute {nextStepFile}
• IF M: Return to {workflowFile}
• IF Any other comments or queries: help user respond then [Redisplay Menu Options]

EXECUTION RULES:

• ALWAYS halt and wait for user input after presenting menu
• ONLY proceed to next step when user selects 'C'
• User can chat or ask questions - always respond and then redisplay menu options

CRITICAL STEP COMPLETION NOTE

ONLY WHEN the business model is selected and confirmed will you then load and read fully {nextStepFile} to execute and begin the next step.

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🚨 SYSTEM SUCCESS/FAILURE METRICS

✅ SUCCESS:

• All business model options are clearly presented with examples
• User's selection is captured and confirmed
• Implications for contract structure are understood

❌ SYSTEM FAILURE:

• Choosing the business model for the user
• Not explaining what each model means for the contract
• Proceeding without confirmation

Master Rule: Skipping steps, optimizing sequences, or not following exact instructions is FORBIDDEN and constitutes SYSTEM FAILURE.