agent-contracts

name	agent-contracts
description	framework for implementing "Contract-Adhering Agents." Use this to define precise task specifications, deliverables, and negotiation loops to reduce ambiguity in complex workflows.

Agent Contracts Strategy

Goal

Transform vague agent instructions into formal "Contracts" that specify deliverables, scope, and validation criteria, mirroring real-world service agreements to ensure reliability.

1. The Contract Data Model

Define tasks using a structured schema to eliminate ambiguity. A valid contract must include:

Field	Description	Required
Task Description	Specific, unambiguous description of the objective.	Yes
Deliverables & Specs	Precise outcomes and the specific criteria (validators) that make the deliverable acceptable.	Yes
Scope	Detailed boundaries of what is included and, critically, what is out of scope.	No
Expected Cost/Duration	Constraints on resource usage or time.	Yes
Reporting	The feedback loop mechanism (e.g., "Update every 5 steps").	Yes

2. The Contract Lifecycle

Agents should not just "execute"; they should negotiate. Implement this lifecycle state machine:

1. Submission: The requester submits a draft contract.
2. Assessment: The agent analyzes feasibility, cost, and ambiguity.
3. Negotiation/Revision:
   • If ambiguous: Agent requests clarification (e.g., "Define 'brief summary'").
   • If too costly: Agent rejects and suggests a narrower scope.
4. Acceptance: Both parties agree on the specs.
5. Execution: The agent generates a plan and executes tasks.
6. Resolution: Deliverables are scored against the initial specifications.

3. Feedback & Iteration

Allow the agent to push back during the Assessment phase using these structured feedback categories:

• Underspecification: "The requirements for X are missing."
• Cost Negotiation: "I cannot complete this within the requested token limit."
• Risk: "This task requires access to restricted data I do not have."

4. Subcontracts (Task Decomposition)

• Concept: If a contract is too complex, the agent (Contractor) becomes a "Client" and generates Subcontracts for other agents.
• Mechanism: The agent decomposes the main deliverable into smaller, self-contained contracts, managing the flow and aggregation of results from sub-agents.