Iterative Retrieval

Iterative Subagent Retrieval Protocol

When dispatching a subagent to retrieve information from a source (transcripts, documents, codebases, external data), follow this protocol:

Phase 1: Initial Dispatch

1. Define the PRIMARY OBJECTIVE - what decision or action does this information support?
2. Define INITIAL QUERIES - specific items to retrieve
3. Dispatch subagent with both the queries AND the objective context
4. Store the returned agent ID

Phase 2: Sufficiency Evaluation

Upon receiving the subagent's summary, perform a critical evaluation:

Ask yourself:

• Does this summary contain gaps that the objective requires filling?
• Did the subagent mention adjacent information I didn't ask for but now realize I need?
• Are there ambiguities in what was returned that require clarification from the source?
• Would I be confident proceeding with ONLY this information?

Decision:

• If SUFFICIENT → proceed with task, note agent ID for potential future resumption
• If INSUFFICIENT → continue to Phase 3

Phase 3: Refinement Request

Resume the subagent using its agent ID with:

1. Acknowledge what was useful from the initial return
2. Specify EXACTLY what additional context is needed and WHY
3. Ask if there's related information the subagent noticed but didn't include

Phase 4: Loop

Repeat Phase 2-3 until:

• Sufficiency is achieved, OR
• Maximum 3 refinement cycles reached (prevent infinite loops), OR
• Subagent confirms source is exhausted

Output Format

When reporting to user or continuing work, note:

• Total refinement cycles used
• What additional context was gathered beyond initial request
• Agent ID for future resumption if needed