diff --git a/loops/self-improvement/.state.log b/loops/self-improvement/.state.log
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/loops/self-improvement/.state.loop b/loops/self-improvement/.state.loop
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30da502
--- /dev/null
+++ b/loops/self-improvement/.state.loop
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+{
+  "current_task": null,
+  "halt_reason": null,
+  "iteration_count": 0,
+  "last_tick_at": null,
+  "last_verdict": null,
+  "name": "self-improvement",
+  "resumed_count": 0,
+  "schema_version": 1,
+  "score_history": [],
+  "status": "running",
+  "worktree_branch": null,
+  "worktree_path": null
+}
diff --git a/loops/self-improvement/automaton-loop-tick.sh b/loops/self-improvement/automaton-loop-tick.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..dd409eb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/loops/self-improvement/automaton-loop-tick.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+cd "/Users/laptran/.automaton"
+python3 "/Users/laptran/.automaton/scripts/loop-runner.py" --mode tick --loop "self-improvement"
diff --git a/loops/self-improvement/loop.json b/loops/self-improvement/loop.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..69375ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/loops/self-improvement/loop.json
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+{
+  "name": "self-improvement",
+  "description": "Ticks against status.py --audit on the framework's own repo",
+  "schedule": {
+    "interval_seconds": 3600
+  },
+  "brakes": {
+    "max_iterations": 10,
+    "max_budget_usd": null,
+    "score_plateau_window": 3
+  },
+  "blast_radius": {
+    "file_scope": ["scripts/", "prompts/", "tests/", "design/"],
+    "base_branch": "main",
+    "use_worktree": true
+  },
+  "work_source": {
+    "kind": "audit",
+    "project": "~/.automaton/"
+  },
+  "acceptance_criteria": [
+    "Audit findings resolved (no outstanding Cat-1/Cat-2/Cat-4 violations on the resolved task)",
+    "All R-numbers from the task SPEC.md implemented",
+    "Tests pass with no regressions",
+    "Pipeline driven to complete"
+  ],
+  "roles": {
+    "implement": {"prompt": "loop-implement.md"},
+    "verify": {"prompt": "loop-verifier.md"},
+    "orchestrate": {"prompt": "loop-orchestrate.md"}
+  },
+  "outputs": {
+    "retention": 20
+  },
+  "harness": {
+    "command": ["opencode", "run", "--dir", "{cwd}", "{prompt_content}"]
+  }
+}
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/.state b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/.state
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e03dd7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/.state
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+decomposition:approved
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/.state.approvals b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/.state.approvals
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a93f379
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/.state.approvals
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+research:approved|2026-06-25T11:11:51.910546+00:00|user
+decomposition:approved|2026-06-25T11:12:40.642310+00:00|user
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/DECOMPOSITION.md b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/DECOMPOSITION.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..355af6f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/DECOMPOSITION.md
@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+# DECOMPOSITION — model-divergence-enforcement
+
+## Method
+
+Decompose by **dependency layer**, not by file. Each subtask builds on the previous
+one's foundation. The SPEC (`tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/SPEC.md`) defines 3
+sequential subtasks with strict dependency ordering.
+
+## Sub-tasks (3, sequential)
+
+### subtask-1: `mde-manifest-detection`
+**Scope:** `models.json` schema + loader + `scripts/detect_models.py` probe + install integration.
+**Files touched:**
+- `scripts/detect_models.py` (new — probe opencode.json providers + localhost endpoints 8080/11434/1234/8000)
+- `scripts/status.py` (add `_load_models_manifest()` helper, `_get_mode()` — single vs multi-LLM)
+- `scripts/install.sh` (call `detect_models.py` after `vram_detect.py`)
+- `scripts/update.sh` (same)
+- `scripts/upgrade.sh` (same)
+- `config.md` (add `## Available Models` section template)
+- `prompts/onboarding.md` (Step 2d — model config check)
+- `tests/test_model_divergence.py` (new — manifest loading, single vs multi mode, missing file backward compat)
+**Not touched:** `status.py --transition`, `--claim`, `--audit`, `loop-runner.py`, dashboard code.
+**Acceptance:**
+1. `models.json` missing → `_get_mode()` returns `"single"`, all model commands are no-ops.
+2. `models.json` with 0-1 models → `_get_mode()` returns `"single"`.
+3. `models.json` with 2+ models → `_get_mode()` returns `"multi"`.
+4. `detect_models.py` probes localhost endpoints and prints a candidate manifest (JSON to stdout).
+5. `pytest tests/test_model_divergence.py -v` green.
+6. `pytest tests/ -q` green (no regressions).
+**Peak context estimate:** ~6k tokens (new script + status.py helper + tests).
+**Run order:** first. Foundational — subtasks 2 and 3 depend on this.
+
+### subtask-2: `mde-interactive-enforcement`
+**Scope:** `.state.models` schema + conflict matrix + `--transition --model` / `--claim --model` enforcement + audit category + dashboard badges.
+**Depends on:** subtask-1 (needs `_load_models_manifest()` and `_get_mode()`).
+**Files touched:**
+- `scripts/status.py`:
+  - `CONFLICT_MATRIX` constant (locked matrix from SPEC §15)
+  - `_check_conflict(current_phase, current_model, next_phase, next_model)` helper
+  - `cmd_transition`: add `--model` arg; in multi-LLM mode, check conflict matrix before allowing transition
+  - `cmd_claim`: add `--model` arg; refuse if model conflicts with existing `.state.models` entry
+  - `cmd_audit`: add `model_divergence` category (scan `.state.models` for violations)
+  - `.state.models` writer (JSON: `{implementer: "model-name", code_reviewer: "model-name", ...}`)
+- `automaton/dashboard/html/dashboard.js`: model badge on task cards (read from `.state.models`)
+- `automaton/dashboard/ui/app.py`: include `.state.models` in `/api/tasks` response
+- `tests/test_model_divergence.py`: conflict matrix tests, auto-assign tests, audit category tests, dashboard badge tests
+**Not touched:** `loop-runner.py`, `loop.json` schema, `--check-gate`.
+**Acceptance:**
+1. Single-LLM mode: `--transition --model <name>` records model but never refuses. Advisory printed once if `advised: true`.
+2. Multi-LLM mode: `--transition --model <name>` refuses if `<name>` conflicts with `.state.models` for a conflicting phase.
+3. Multi-LLM mode: `--claim --model <name>` refuses on conflict.
+4. `--audit` flags `model_divergence` violations (e.g., same model in implementer + code_reviewer).
+5. Dashboard task cards show model badges when `.state.models` exists.
+6. `pytest tests/test_model_divergence.py -v` green.
+7. `pytest tests/ -q` green (no regressions).
+**Peak context estimate:** ~8k tokens (status.py surgery + dashboard + tests).
+**Run order:** second, AFTER subtask-1.
+
+### subtask-3: `mde-loop-enforcement`
+**Scope:** `loop.json` per-role model field + `{model}` substitution in loop-runner + `--check-gate` model-divergence brake.
+**Depends on:** subtask-2 (needs `CONFLICT_MATRIX` and `_check_conflict`).
+**Files touched:**
+- `scripts/loop-runner.py`:
+  - `_invoke_harness` (line 366-404): add `{model}` placeholder substitution from `loop.json` role config
+  - `_find_work_backlog`: no change (already supports `work_source.area`)
+- `scripts/status.py`:
+  - `--check-gate`: add model-divergence brake gate (loop-verify model ≠ loop-implement model in multi-LLM mode)
+  - `cmd_install_schedule` / `cmd_create_loop`: validate `loop.json` per-role `model` fields against `models.json`
+- `templates/loops/`: update loop templates with `roles` schema example
+- `design/loops/technical.md`: document `{model}` substitution
+- `tests/test_model_divergence.py`: loop model binding tests, `{model}` substitution tests, check-gate halt tests
+**Not touched:** interactive `--transition` / `--claim` (already done in subtask-2), dashboard badges (already done in subtask-2).
+**Acceptance:**
+1. `loop.json` with `roles.implementer.model: "llama-3.3-70b"` → `_invoke_harness` substitutes `{model}` in harness command.
+2. `loop.json` without per-role `model` → defaults to `models.json` `default` model.
+3. `--check-gate` in multi-LLM mode halts loop if loop-verify model = loop-implement model.
+4. `--check-gate` in single-LLM mode does NOT halt (advisory only).
+5. `pytest tests/test_model_divergence.py -v` green.
+6. `pytest tests/ -q` green (no regressions).
+**Peak context estimate:** ~6k tokens (loop-runner + check-gate + tests).
+**Run order:** third, AFTER subtask-2.
+
+## Dependency graph
+
+```
+subtask-1 (manifest+detection)
+    │
+    ▼
+subtask-2 (interactive enforcement+audit)
+    │
+    ▼
+subtask-3 (loop enforcement+dashboard)
+    │
+    ▼
+parent model-divergence-enforcement → complete
+```
+
+Parent is complete only when ALL three subtasks pass their acceptance criteria AND
+`pytest tests/ -q` is green.
+
+## Parent non-goals
+
+- No rule agents (FW-2, FW-3) — separate backlog items that *consume* this feature.
+- No agent tab redesign (FW-1) — separate backlog item, no dependency on this task.
+- No model capability inspection — framework never inspects capability/size/provider (decision D8).
+- No `detect_models.py` auto-writing `models.json` — detection is advisory; user confirms the manifest.
+
+## Fallback
+
+If any subtask hits a blocker (e.g., `status.py` surgery is too large for context budget),
+it must report back to the Orchestrator via `human_intervention` rather than skipping
+enforcement logic. Partial enforcement is worse than no enforcement — it creates a
+false sense of security.
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/SPEC.md b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/SPEC.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..960910c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/SPEC.md
@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+# SPEC — model-divergence-enforcement
+
+## Problem
+
+The framework has no computational enforcement of model divergence for conflict-of-interest roles. `status.py:1432-1436` enforces that the *session* playing reviewer differs from the implementer (via `.state.implementer`), but there is no enforcement that the *model* playing bug-finder differs from adversarial-bug-finder, or that the referee model differs from the implementer model. Same-model conflict-of-interest yields rubber-stamping.
+
+## Design (locked)
+
+Full design is in `design/framework/functional.md` §4 and `design/framework/technical.md` §§2-5,13. This SPEC references those docs and does not repeat them.
+
+### Key decisions (from design session 2026-06-25)
+
+- **Manifest**: `models.json` with `{default, advised, models:[{name, provider, context_window, location}]}`.
+- **Mode detection**: 0-1 models → single-LLM (advisory once, then silent). 2+ → multi-LLM (hard block). Missing file → single-LLM (backward compatible).
+- **Conflict matrix (locked)**: `code_review≠implement`; `bug_find≠implement`; `adversarial_bug_find≠implement+bug_find`; `referee≠implement+bug_find+adversarial_bug_find`; `loop-verify≠loop-implement`.
+- **Auto-assignment**: default model → next-available on conflict → user override via `--transition --model` or `loop.json roles.<role>.model`. Refuse only if no non-conflicting model exists.
+- **State**: `.state.models` per task recording which model filled which role.
+- **Loop integration**: `loop.json` per-role `model` field + `{model}` substitution in `_invoke_harness`.
+- **Audit**: new `model_divergence` category in `--audit`.
+- **Dashboard**: model badges on task cards.
+- **Detection**: `scripts/detect_models.py` probes opencode.json + localhost endpoints (8080/11434/1234/8000).
+
+## Scope
+
+This is a **parent task**. It decomposes into 3 sequential subtasks:
+
+### Subtask 1: manifest+detection
+- `models.json` schema + loader
+- `scripts/detect_models.py` (probe opencode.json + localhost endpoints)
+- `install.sh` / `update.sh` / `upgrade.sh` integration (run detect_models after VRAM detection)
+- `config.md` `## Available Models` section
+- `prompts/onboarding.md` Step 2d (model config)
+- Tests: `test_model_divergence.py` (manifest loading, single vs multi mode detection, missing file backward compat)
+
+### Subtask 2: interactive enforcement+audit
+- `.state.models` schema + writer
+- `status.py --transition --model <name>` (records model, checks conflict matrix in multi-LLM mode)
+- `status.py --claim --model <name>` (refuses on conflict)
+- `CONFLICT_MATRIX` constant + `_check_conflict` helper in `status.py`
+- `status.py --audit` `model_divergence` category
+- Dashboard model badges on task cards
+- Tests: `test_model_divergence.py` (conflict matrix, auto-assign, audit category, dashboard badges)
+
+### Subtask 3: loop enforcement+dashboard
+- `loop.json` per-role `model` field (optional, defaults to `models.json default`)
+- `loop-runner.py _invoke_harness` `{model}` substitution
+- `status.py --check-gate` model-divergence check (loop-verify ≠ loop-implement in multi-LLM mode)
+- Loop dashboard badges (model per role)
+- Tests: `test_model_divergence.py` (loop model binding, {model} substitution, check-gate halt)
+
+## Dependencies
+
+- Subtask 1 → no deps (foundational)
+- Subtask 2 → depends on subtask 1 (needs manifest loader)
+- Subtask 3 → depends on subtask 2 (needs .state.models + conflict matrix)
+
+## Out of scope
+
+- Rule agents (FW-2, FW-3) — separate backlog items that *consume* this feature
+- Agent tab redesign (FW-1) — separate backlog item, no dependency on this task
+- Model capability inspection (D8: framework never inspects capability/size/provider)
+- `detect_models.py` auto-writing `models.json` without user confirmation (detection is advisory; user confirms the manifest)
+
+## Success criteria
+
+1. `models.json` missing → single-LLM mode, all model commands are no-ops, existing behavior unchanged.
+2. `models.json` with 1 model → single-LLM mode, advisory printed once if `advised: true`, then silent.
+3. `models.json` with 2+ models → multi-LLM mode, conflict matrix enforced on `--transition --model` and `--claim --model`.
+4. `--audit` flags conflict-matrix violations as `model_divergence` category.
+5. `loop.json` per-role model binding works; `--check-gate` halts on loop-verify = loop-implement in multi-LLM mode.
+6. `detect_models.py` probes opencode.json + localhost endpoints and emits a candidate manifest.
+7. `pytest tests/ -v` green; no regressions.
+
+## References
+
+- `design/framework/functional.md` §4 (Model-Divergence Enforcement)
+- `design/framework/technical.md` §§2-5 (manifest, state, flags, conflict matrix), §13 (loop integration)
+- `design/framework/README.md` (locked decisions F4, F5)
+- `.agent.md` Agent Configuration (6 phase roles)
+- `scripts/status.py:1432-1436` (existing session-level reviewer≠implementer enforcement)
+- `scripts/loop-runner.py:366-404` (`_invoke_harness`, needs `{model}` substitution)
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-interactive-enforcement/.state b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-interactive-enforcement/.state
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e75765
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-interactive-enforcement/.state
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+new
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-interactive-enforcement/.state.approvals b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-interactive-enforcement/.state.approvals
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-interactive-enforcement/BRIEF.md b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-interactive-enforcement/BRIEF.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..307a233
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-interactive-enforcement/BRIEF.md
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+# BRIEF — mde-interactive-enforcement
+
+**Parent:** model-divergence-enforcement
+**Subtask:** 2 of 3 (depends on mde-manifest-detection)
+**Spec ref:** `tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/SPEC.md` §Subtask 2
+**Design ref:** `design/framework/technical.md` §§4-5, §12
+
+## Objective
+
+Add the conflict matrix, `--transition --model` / `--claim --model` enforcement,
+`.state.models` tracking, audit category, and dashboard model badges. This is the
+core enforcement layer for interactive (non-loop) workflows.
+
+## Deliverables
+
+1. `scripts/status.py`:
+   - `CONFLICT_MATRIX` constant (locked matrix from SPEC)
+   - `_check_conflict(current_phase, current_model, next_phase, next_model)` helper
+   - `cmd_transition`: `--model` arg + conflict check in multi-LLM mode
+   - `cmd_claim`: `--model` arg + conflict check
+   - `cmd_audit`: `model_divergence` category
+   - `.state.models` writer (JSON: `{implementer, code_reviewer, bug_hunter, ...}`)
+2. `automaton/dashboard/html/dashboard.js` — model badge on task cards
+3. `automaton/dashboard/ui/app.py` — `.state.models` in `/api/tasks` response
+4. `tests/test_model_divergence.py` — conflict matrix, auto-assign, audit, badges
+
+## Acceptance
+
+- Single-LLM mode: `--model` records but never refuses (advisory once if `advised: true`)
+- Multi-LLM mode: `--transition --model` refuses on conflict (e.g., same model for implement + code_review)
+- Multi-LLM mode: `--claim --model` refuses on conflict
+- `--audit` flags `model_divergence` violations
+- Dashboard shows model badges when `.state.models` exists
+- `pytest tests/ -q` green
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-loop-enforcement/.state b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-loop-enforcement/.state
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e75765
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-loop-enforcement/.state
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+new
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-loop-enforcement/.state.approvals b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-loop-enforcement/.state.approvals
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-loop-enforcement/BRIEF.md b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-loop-enforcement/BRIEF.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..25a3c6a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-loop-enforcement/BRIEF.md
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+# BRIEF — mde-loop-enforcement
+
+**Parent:** model-divergence-enforcement
+**Subtask:** 3 of 3 (depends on mde-interactive-enforcement)
+**Spec ref:** `tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/SPEC.md` §Subtask 3
+**Design ref:** `design/framework/technical.md` §§10, §13
+
+## Objective
+
+Add loop-level model-divergence enforcement: `loop.json` per-role `model` field,
+`{model}` substitution in `_invoke_harness`, and `--check-gate` model-divergence
+brake gate.
+
+## Deliverables
+
+1. `scripts/loop-runner.py`:
+   - `_invoke_harness` (line 366-404): `{model}` placeholder substitution from `loop.json` role config
+2. `scripts/status.py`:
+   - `--check-gate`: model-divergence brake gate (loop-verify ≠ loop-implement in multi-LLM mode)
+   - `cmd_create_loop` / `cmd_install_schedule`: validate `loop.json` per-role `model` fields
+3. `templates/loops/`: update loop templates with `roles` schema example
+4. `design/loops/technical.md`: document `{model}` substitution
+5. `tests/test_model_divergence.py`: loop model binding, `{model}` substitution, check-gate halt
+
+## Acceptance
+
+- `loop.json` with `roles.implementer.model` → `_invoke_harness` substitutes `{model}` in harness command
+- `loop.json` without per-role `model` → defaults to `models.json` `default` model
+- `--check-gate` in multi-LLM mode halts if loop-verify model = loop-implement model
+- `--check-gate` in single-LLM mode does NOT halt (advisory only)
+- `pytest tests/ -q` green
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-manifest-detection/.state b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-manifest-detection/.state
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e75765
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-manifest-detection/.state
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+new
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-manifest-detection/.state.approvals b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-manifest-detection/.state.approvals
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-manifest-detection/BRIEF.md b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-manifest-detection/BRIEF.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c229bca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/subtasks/mde-manifest-detection/BRIEF.md
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+# BRIEF — mde-manifest-detection
+
+**Parent:** model-divergence-enforcement
+**Subtask:** 1 of 3 (foundational, no deps)
+**Spec ref:** `tasks/model-divergence-enforcement/SPEC.md` §Subtask 1
+**Design ref:** `design/framework/technical.md` §§2-3
+
+## Objective
+
+Create the model manifest system (`models.json` schema + loader) and model detection
+script (`scripts/detect_models.py`). This is the foundation for all model-divergence
+enforcement — subtasks 2 and 3 depend on it.
+
+## Deliverables
+
+1. `scripts/detect_models.py` — probes opencode.json providers + localhost endpoints
+   (8080/11434/1234/8000), emits candidate manifest as JSON to stdout
+2. `scripts/status.py` — add `_load_models_manifest()` and `_get_mode()` helpers
+3. `scripts/install.sh`, `update.sh`, `upgrade.sh` — call detect_models after vram_detect
+4. `config.md` — `## Available Models` section template
+5. `prompts/onboarding.md` — Step 2d model config check
+6. `tests/test_model_divergence.py` — manifest loading, single vs multi mode, missing file
+
+## Acceptance
+
+- `models.json` missing → `_get_mode()` returns `"single"`, all model commands are no-ops
+- `models.json` with 0-1 models → `"single"` mode
+- `models.json` with 2+ models → `"multi"` mode
+- `detect_models.py` probes localhost and prints candidate JSON
+- `pytest tests/ -q` green