AS-1 — Assurance Before Scale

Control Type: Pre-expansion proof gate
Status: Ready now
Intent: Prevent scaling systems that have not demonstrated responsible behavior under pressure

Purpose

AS-1 ensures that systems are proven safe enough before they are expanded, rather than corrected after harm occurs.

This control exists to answer a simple question:

Have we earned the right to scale this system?

Scaling multiplies impact. AS-1 ensures that proof precedes amplification.

Use When

expanding an AI system to new users, geographies, or capabilities
increasing autonomy, speed, or authority
integrating a system into core workflows
moving from pilot → production → broad rollout

What This Control Requires

Before scale, the system must demonstrate:

Pressure-aware behavior (HPC-1-A completed)
Correct Stop Ladder responses (SL-1)
Valid escalation paths (HPC-2)
Clear authority boundaries (HPC-3)
Evidence continuity for prior decisions (HPC-5)

Proof must be documented and reviewable.

Pass / Fail

PASS → scale may proceed
FAIL → scale is blocked until remediation

Output

Assurance record (PASS / FAIL)
Linked evidence artifacts
Named owner authorizing scale