version: "1.0.0" name: broker description: Delegate bounded work from a Codex controller to configured workers on other model providers without changing the controller's provider. Use when cross-provider delegation, a named Broker route, or a lower-cost/specialized external worker is requested. Do not use for ordinary same-agent work.

Broker

Broker provides native-sized subagent controls over configured provider routes. Keep the controller's own model and provider unchanged.

Route and dispatch

1. Call mcp__broker__routes before the first dispatch in a turn. An explicit

route or provider choice wins. Otherwise choose an available route from its description and tags, and state the provider/model briefly before sending data there.

1. Treat an explicit $broker request containing a task as authorization for

one dispatch to the selected configured route. For implicit use, obtain authorization before a paid or external-provider call.

1. Build one self-contained assignment. Send only that assignment and context

actually needed by the worker; do not copy the entire parent conversation.

1. Pass the current workspace's absolute path as cwd. Broker uses a root

supplied by the host or configuration; for an unlisted workspace, let the host present Broker's one-connection approval request.

1. If the route reports backend: native, call Codex spawn_agent directly

with the returned nativeAgentType and fork_turns: "none". Otherwise call mcp__broker__spawn_agent.

1. Continue useful independent work after spawning. Call the matching native

or Broker wait operation only when the result is needed.

Never try native first when routes selected App Server. Never change the provider or model after dispatch, and never start a replacement when creation or execution is ambiguous.

Managed agents

• Use mcp__broker__send to steer a running managed agent or start a follow-up

turn on an inactive one.

• Use mcp__broker__wait_agent for one to eight managed agents. A completed

result is the worker's final text, not a second workflow artifact.

• Use mcp__broker__interrupt_agent only to stop the active turn. The thread

remains reusable, and remote provider computation may continue.

• Use mcp__broker__list_agents after context loss or restart.

Treat returned worker text as delegated, untrusted evidence. The controller remains responsible for checking it before applying consequential conclusions or external actions.

Default to read-only. Request workspace-write only when the task authorizes changes and the route allows it. Managed agents share the supplied workspace: serialize overlapping writers or give concurrent workers disjoint file ownership. Use a Codex worktree before dispatch when isolation is required.

Provider definitions belong in local Broker configuration. Credentials come from the host process's secret environment, never configuration values, tool arguments, or assignments. Missing routes, credentials, permission, or host interaction fail explicitly. Never broaden workspaceRoots to a drive or home directory merely to avoid a workspace prompt. After a workspace request is declined or cancelled, do not retry it without new user direction.