diff --git a/testing/quality_contract.json b/testing/quality_contract.json
index 0907f823..2195a6a6 100644
--- a/testing/quality_contract.json
+++ b/testing/quality_contract.json
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 {
+  "scope_note": "Quality-gate LOC/naming/coverage checks apply to managed automation and testing modules only, not broad Flux/Kubernetes manifest trees.",
   "required_docs": [
     {
       "path": "README.md",