What this flow is

Shortlists and conversations are the buyer workflow after a live brief starts receiving attention. Buyers review provider responses, shortlist manually and use contact requests before opening a direct conversation.

How review works

• Applications can move through submitted, reviewed, shortlisted and rejected states.
• Employers and admin/operator workflows can mark suitable responses as shortlisted.
• Fit indicators and proof gaps help organise review, but they are not automated ranking or AI matching.
• Contact requests create a clearer reason to talk before a conversation is opened.

Buyer responsibilities

• Read the provider profile against the actual brief, not just against a role label.
• Ask about proof gaps, availability, price, access needs and delivery model before committing.
• Choose who to contact and whether the next step is a call, diagnostic, proposal, clarification or no-fit decision.

Provider responsibilities

Providers should respond to the brief with relevant proof and clear boundaries. Generic pitches are less useful than answering why the capability fits this piece of work.