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+# Dependabot Template Usage Policy
+
+This policy applies to PCCX AI repositories that copy or adapt the shared
+`dependabot.yml` template. It is based on the Dependabot template cited from
+PR #q31, `workflow-templates/dependabot.yml`.
+
+## Purpose
+
+Dependabot keeps routine dependency maintenance visible and reviewable. The
+shared template is a starting point for repositories that use Cargo, Python, or
+Node.js package manifests at the repository root.
+
+Use the template to:
+
+- Open dependency update pull requests on a predictable weekly cadence.
+- Keep dependency maintenance separate from feature, release, and refactor
+  work.
+- Limit automated pull request volume so maintainers can review updates with
+  the same care as human-authored changes.
+
+Do not use the template to:
+
+- Replace maintainer review of dependency impact, licensing, or security risk.
+- Make production-readiness, timing-closure, throughput, stable API/ABI, or
+  hardware-readiness claims.
+- Enable ecosystems that the repository does not actually use.
+
+## Template Scope
+
+The shared template defines weekly updates for:
+
+- `cargo` at `/`
+- `pip` at `/`
+- `npm` at `/`
+
+Each ecosystem has `open-pull-requests-limit: 5`. Repositories should keep that
+limit unless they document a reason to use a lower value. Raising the limit is a
+maintainer-owned decision because it changes review load across the repository.
+
+## Adoption Rules
+
+When adopting the template:
+
+1. Copy it to `.github/dependabot.yml` in the target repository.
+2. Keep only ecosystems that match package manifests owned by that repository.
+3. Keep `directory: "/"` only when the relevant manifest is at the repository
+   root. Add separate entries for real subdirectories instead of relying on a
+   root entry to cover them.
+4. Keep the weekly schedule unless the repository has a documented release or
+   security need for a different cadence.
+5. Treat the first Dependabot pull requests as a smoke check for configuration
+   accuracy, reviewer routing, and CI coverage.
+
+Repositories may add other supported ecosystems when they have matching
+manifests and maintainers who can review the resulting updates. Do not add
+placeholder ecosystems for future tooling.
+
+## Review Expectations
+
+Dependabot pull requests require normal review. Reviewers should check:
+
+- The updated dependency is used by the repository and the update is in scope.
+- License, notice, and attribution changes remain compatible with the
+  repository's open-source policy.
+- CI covers the affected package boundary, or the pull request explains the
+  manual smoke check that was run.
+- Generated lockfile changes are expected for the selected package ecosystem.
+- Any security advisory, breaking change, or migration note is reflected in the
+  pull request discussion before merge.
+
+Merge dependency updates only when the repository's required checks are green
+and the reviewer can explain the affected boundary. Batch unrelated dependency
+updates only when the repository deliberately groups them and the combined risk
+remains reviewable.
+
+## Maintenance
+
+Maintainers should review `.github/dependabot.yml` whenever a repository adds,
+removes, or moves package manifests. Remove stale ecosystem entries promptly so
+automation does not imply support for tooling that is no longer maintained.
+
+Changes to the shared template or this policy should happen in focused pull
+requests that cite the operational reason for the change and any repositories
+affected by the new default.