> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.myfundingmachine.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 0008 mca bloc estimates plumbing

# MCA/BLOC estimates: Phase 9 plumbing only

Status: accepted

Date: 2026-07-09

Phase 9 carries optional `ProductDecision.estimate` for MCA and BLOC but does **not** ship funding-range formulas. UI may hide or show a placeholder until a follow-up fills real math. SBA never gets an estimate in this model (questionnaire-gated; no pre-approval estimate — ADR-0003).

## Decision

1. **Phase 9a / schema:** `ProductDecision.estimate?: { low: number; high: number } | null` is part of the per-product shape for all five products. Cards/TL may continue to populate estimates as they do today (or via existing creative-funding ranges). **MCA and BLOC estimators return `null` / omit estimate** in Phase 9.
2. **Phase 9e UI:** Revenue Based rows may reserve space for a range or hide the range when `estimate` is null — do not invent placeholder dollar amounts. No "Coming Soon" on the estimate itself unless product asks for it later.
3. **Follow-up initiative** (not Phase 9): implement MCA and BLOC estimate formulas (product-supplied rules) and populate `estimate` on those Product Decisions. SBA remains without a pre-approval estimate.

## Context

Operators will eventually want MCA/BLOC pre-approval ranges alongside cards. Formulas are not ready to lock in the same pass as the Per-Product Decision Model. Blocking Phase 9 on estimate math delays the veto removal, BLOC evaluator, SBA CTA, and Revenue Based rename. Plumbing the optional field now avoids a second schema migration when formulas land.

## Considered options

* **A — Formulas in Phase 9a + show ranges in 9e** — rejected; needs product rules before coding and risks wrong numbers.
* **B — Plumbing only; null estimates until follow-up (accepted).**
* **C — No estimate work in Phase 9 at all** — rejected; would force a later shape change or parallel UI hack when formulas ship.

## Consequences

* Persona delta table / snapshots: MCA/BLOC `estimate` absent or null is expected; not a golden delta to invent.
* Do not show fabricated ranges in 9e.
* Glossary: CONTEXT.md → "Product estimate (deferred formulas)". System reference: `docs/design/underwriting.md` §7.
* Ticket the follow-up: "MCA/BLOC funding range formulas" once product supplies rules (can ship with or after BLOC eligibility criteria).