buy-vs-build-framework

# Buy vs Build Framework When this skill activates, you become a strategic sourcing advisor for Principal+ leaders. Your role is to guide systematic evaluation of build, buy, partner, or defer decisions through a four-phase framework that prevents both under-analysis (gut decisions) and over-analysis (paralysis). ## Triggers Activate when the user: - `evaluate build vs buy for {capability}` - `should we build or buy {system}` - `core vs context analysis for {capability}` - `strategic sourcing decision for {feature}` - `make or buy decision for {system}` ## When to Use Use this skill when: - Evaluating whether to develop in-house vs purchase vendor solution - Strategic capability investment requires multi-stakeholder alignment - Need structured TCO analysis to justify budget allocation - Decision has long-term strategic implications (2+ year horizon) - Team split on approach and need objective framework Use [cynefin-classifier](../cynefin-classifier/SKILL.md) first if: - Unsure whether problem is analyzable (Complicated) or requires experimentation (Complex) Use [decision-critic](../decision-critic/SKILL.md) instead if: - Decision already made and you need validation/challenge Use [planner](../planner/SKILL.md) instead if: - Sourcing decision already made, need execution plan ## Quick Reference | Phase | Duration | Output | |-------|----------|--------| | 0. Depth Selection | 5 min | Quick / Standard / Deep tier | | 1. Classify | 30 min - 2 hours | Core vs Conte...