What this probe helps you decide
A scoped route for targets that do not fit a standard probe path. The operator defines the question and chooses supported evidence routes before quoting or proceeding — useful when the scope is larger, the context is private, the surface spans multiple repos, or the question requires implementation support rather than a bounded diagnostic.
Best lifecycle moment
When a standard probe report recommends deeper or broader work. When prior Stability Ledger entries show open seams that need scoped stabilization rather than another diagnostic. When the project is private, multi-repo, or requires implementation guidance.
What you submit
A high-level description of the project, the decision or outcome you need, route constraints, and what FoldEngine should avoid or treat carefully. If prior probe reports or Stability Ledger entries exist, reference them — they inform scoping. Do not submit secrets, credentials, or private source code through public intake.
What product or surface this targets
Tell us the product, service, feature, SDK, app, workflow, dependency choice, AI-generated slice, or legacy module that needs stabilization. Custom / Quote can target surfaces that span multiple repos or require private context that standard probes cannot handle.
What we inspect
The requested scope, sensitivity level, available public or high-level evidence, prior probe findings and Stability Ledger history, delivery expectations, and whether the work can be bounded into a clear quote.
What you receive
Custom / Quote starts with manual scoping. After quote acceptance, deliverables are agreed per engagement but typically include:
- Scoping proposal — boundaries, expected artifacts, timeline, and price
- Stabilization findings — evidence-backed observations across the agreed surface
- Implementation guidance — specific next steps, repair priorities, or architecture recommendations where scoped
- Boundary of claim — what was and was not covered
- Next stabilizing move — whether the next step is a follow-up cycle, Dependency Watch, Closure Verification, or a natural stopping point
- Stability Ledger entry — appends the engagement results to the private continuity record
How this differs from standard probes
- Standard probes (AI Code Stability, AI Stack Audit, Stability-Signal, Paid Trial Diagnostic) are bounded, one-time diagnostics with fixed scope and price. Custom / Quote handles what they cannot: larger scope, private context, multi-repo surfaces, or implementation support.
- Dependency Watch is recurring but focused on a watch list. Custom / Quote can scope broader stabilization work informed by Dependency Watch findings.
- Free First Probe routes the request. If routing leads here, the Free First Probe entry becomes Ledger Entry 0 for the custom engagement.
Stability Ledger
Custom / Quote engagements append to the private Stability Ledger. If prior entries exist from earlier probes, the custom work builds on that evidence history — what was previously found, what was acted on, what improved, what remains open. The ledger is a client-facing continuity artifact, not a public registry, certification, or guarantee.
Sample report / example
Examples vary by scope and are quoted manually. See the Home Assistant complexity-drift sample for a Custom / Stability-Signal subtype where the product surface is an installation-method support corridor.
After delivery
Deliverables are provided as owner-review-pending. After review you may: act on recommendations, request clarification, scope follow-up work, transition to Dependency Watch for ongoing monitoring, or request Closure Verification on specific seams. FoldEngine does not publish findings without explicit client approval.
What this does not include
- Automatic work start — quote must be accepted first
- Unbounded access to private systems
- Work without agreed scope and price
- Security audit, penetration testing, or compliance certification
- Guaranteed outcome or permanent stability claim
- Public form submission of secrets, credentials, or private source
Boundary of claim
Quote first; no work starts automatically. Private or sensitive context must stay high-level until a handling process is agreed. Custom / Quote delivers scoped stabilization work, not unbounded consulting, permanent guarantees, or ongoing retention.
Best-fit examples
- Private or mixed project surface that cannot use public intake.
- Multi-repo review spanning several related services.
- Implementation or SDLC stabilization after a diagnostic probe found open seams.
- Prior Stability Ledger entries showing recurring gaps that need scoped repair.
- A team that needs stabilization guidance, not just a diagnostic report.