From 45241d32b50bb78715999fd5a84ad81c762721d7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Timothy Farrell <timothy.farrell@guidehouse.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2025 19:41:09 -0600
Subject: [PATCH] initial commit - start with decision documents

---
 docs/decisions/001-decisions.md | 13 +++++
 docs/decisions/template.md      | 92 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 2 files changed, 105 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 docs/decisions/001-decisions.md
 create mode 100644 docs/decisions/template.md

diff --git a/docs/decisions/001-decisions.md b/docs/decisions/001-decisions.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8fcb613
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/decisions/001-decisions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+# Use Decision Documents to Capture Decision hitory
+
+## Context and Background
+
+Guidehouse teams are trying to reduce effort by sharing code via a monorepo. Inevitable sharing code can blend development styles. As 
+we attempt to standardize, it will be helpful to keep track of critical decisions and the rational behind them.
+
+## Decision
+
+Use a decision document to keep track of the rational of a decision. This will be most useful when alternatives come up. The level of detail should represent the gravity of the decision and the complexity of the problem space.
+
+
+*This document follows the [Decision Document Template](template.md).*
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/docs/decisions/template.md b/docs/decisions/template.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..13cf685
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/decisions/template.md
@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+# Decision Document Template
+
+> **Instructions:** Copy this template for new decisions. Replace all placeholder text with actual content. Delete this instruction block when creating a real decision document.
+
+## Context and Background
+
+Describe the situation that led to this decision. Include:
+- What circumstances created the need for this decision?
+- What is the current state?
+- Any relevant historical context or previous decisions?
+
+## Problem Statement
+
+Clearly articulate the problem being solved:
+- What specific issue are we addressing?
+- Who is affected by this problem?
+- What happens if we don't make a decision?
+- Any constraints or requirements that must be considered?
+
+## Decision
+
+**We have decided to [clear, actionable decision statement].**
+
+Provide additional details about the decision:
+- Specific implementation details
+- Timeline for implementation
+- Success criteria
+- Any conditions or assumptions
+
+## Alternatives Considered
+
+Document the options that were evaluated:
+
+### Option 1: [Name]
+- **Description:** Brief explanation of this approach
+- **Pros:** What are the advantages?
+- **Cons:** What are the drawbacks?
+- **Cost/Effort:** Implementation complexity and resource requirements
+
+### Option 2: [Name]
+- **Description:** Brief explanation of this approach
+- **Pros:** What are the advantages?
+- **Cons:** What are the drawbacks?
+- **Cost/Effort:** Implementation complexity and resource requirements
+
+### Option 3: Do Nothing
+- **Description:** Maintain the status quo
+- **Pros:** No implementation cost
+- **Cons:** Problems remain unresolved
+- **Cost/Effort:** Ongoing maintenance burden
+
+## Rationale
+
+Explain why the chosen option was selected:
+- What factors were most important in the decision?
+- How does this align with organizational goals/principles?
+- What assumptions are we making?
+- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
+
+## Consequences
+
+### Positive Consequences
+- What benefits do we expect?
+- How will success be measured?
+- What opportunities does this create?
+
+### Negative Consequences
+- What trade-offs are we accepting?
+- What new risks are introduced?
+- What technical debt might be created?
+
+### Neutral Consequences
+- What changes but neither helps nor hurts?
+- What operational changes are required?
+
+## Implementation Plan
+
+If applicable, provide a high-level implementation approach:
+- Key milestones and timeline
+- Required resources
+- Dependencies
+- Risk mitigation strategies
+- Rollback plan
+
+## Follow-up Actions
+
+- [ ] Action item 1 (Owner: Name, Due: Date)
+- [ ] Action item 2 (Owner: Name, Due: Date)
+- [ ] Review decision effectiveness (Date)
+
+
+*This document follows the [Decision Document Template](template.md).*
\ No newline at end of file