Comprehensive round system audit: fix 27 logic bugs, add manual project/assignment features, improve UI/UX

## Critical Logic Fixes (Tier 1)
- Fix requiredReviews config key mismatch (always defaulted to 3)
- Fix double-email + stageName/roundName metadata mismatch in notifications
- Fix snake_case config reads in peer review (peerReviewEnabled was always blocked)
- Add server-side COI check to evaluation submit (was client-only)
- Fix hard-coded feedbackText.min(10) — now uses config values
- Fix binaryDecision corruption in non-binary scoring modes
- Fix advanceProjects: add competition/sort-order/status validations, move autoPass into tx
- Fix removeFromRound: now cleans up orphaned Assignment records
- Fix 3-day reminder sending wrong email template (was using 24h template)

## High-Priority Logic Fixes (Tier 2)
- Add project state transition whitelist (prevent invalid transitions like REJECTED→PASSED)
- Scope AI assignment job to jury group members (was querying all JURY_MEMBERs)
- Add COI awareness to AI assignment generation
- Enforce requireAllCriteriaScored server-side
- Fix expireIntentsForRound nested transaction (now uses caller's tx)
- Implement notifyOnEntry for advancement path
- Implement notifyOnAdvance (was dead config)
- Fix checkRequirementsAndTransition for SubmissionFileRequirement model

## New Features (Tier 3)
- Add Project to Round: dialog with "Create New" and "From Pool" tabs
- Assignment "By Project" mode: select project → assign multiple jurors
- Backend: project.createAndAssignToRound procedure

## UI/UX Improvements (Tier 4+5)
- Add AlertDialog confirmation to header status dropdown
- Replace native confirm() with AlertDialog in assignments table
- Jury stats card now display-only with "Change" link
- Assignments tab restructured into logical card groups
- Inline-editable round name in header
- Back button shows destination label
- Readiness checklist: green check instead of strikethrough
- Gate assignments tab when no jury group assigned
- Relative time on window stats card
- Toast feedback on date saves
- Disable advance button when no target round
- COI section shows placeholder when empty
- Round position shown as "Round X of Y"
- InlineMemberCap edit icon always visible
- Status badge tooltip with description
- Add REMINDER_3_DAYS email template
- Fix maybeSendEmail to respect notification preferences
- Optimize bulk notification email loop

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

src/components/admin/round/project-states-table.tsx

@@ -9,6 +9,9 @@ import { Badge } from '@/components/ui/badge'
 import { Checkbox } from '@/components/ui/checkbox'
 import { Skeleton } from '@/components/ui/skeleton'
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input'
+import { Label } from '@/components/ui/label'
+import { Tabs, TabsContent, TabsList, TabsTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tabs'
+import { ScrollArea } from '@/components/ui/scroll-area'
 import {
   Select,
   SelectContent,
@@ -85,6 +88,7 @@ export function ProjectStatesTable({ competitionId, roundId }: ProjectStatesTabl
   const [removeConfirmId, setRemoveConfirmId] = useState<string | null>(null)
   const [batchRemoveOpen, setBatchRemoveOpen] = useState(false)
   const [quickAddOpen, setQuickAddOpen] = useState(false)
+  const [addProjectOpen, setAddProjectOpen] = useState(false)
 
   const utils = trpc.useUtils()
 
@@ -274,16 +278,10 @@ export function ProjectStatesTable({ competitionId, roundId }: ProjectStatesTabl
           </div>
         </div>
         <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
-          <Button size="sm" variant="outline" onClick={() => { setQuickAddOpen(true) }}>
+          <Button size="sm" variant="outline" onClick={() => { setAddProjectOpen(true) }}>
             <Plus className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5" />
-            Quick Add
+            Add Project
           </Button>
-          <Link href={poolLink}>
-            <Button size="sm" variant="outline">
-              <Plus className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5" />
-              Add from Pool
-            </Button>
-          </Link>
         </div>
       </div>
 
@@ -436,7 +434,7 @@ export function ProjectStatesTable({ competitionId, roundId }: ProjectStatesTabl
         )}
       </div>
 
-      {/* Quick Add Dialog */}
+      {/* Quick Add Dialog (legacy, kept for empty state) */}
       <QuickAddDialog
         open={quickAddOpen}
         onOpenChange={setQuickAddOpen}
@@ -447,6 +445,17 @@ export function ProjectStatesTable({ competitionId, roundId }: ProjectStatesTabl
         }}
       />
 
+      {/* Add Project Dialog (Create New + From Pool) */}
+      <AddProjectDialog
+        open={addProjectOpen}
+        onOpenChange={setAddProjectOpen}
+        roundId={roundId}
+        competitionId={competitionId}
+        onAssigned={() => {
+          utils.roundEngine.getProjectStates.invalidate({ roundId })
+        }}
+      />
+
       {/* Single Remove Confirmation */}
       <AlertDialog open={!!removeConfirmId} onOpenChange={(open) => { if (!open) setRemoveConfirmId(null) }}>
         <AlertDialogContent>
@@ -673,3 +682,287 @@ function QuickAddDialog({
     </Dialog>
   )
 }
+
+/**
+ * Add Project Dialog — two tabs: "Create New" and "From Pool".
+ * Create New: form to create a project and assign it directly to the round.
+ * From Pool: search existing projects not yet in this round and assign them.
+ */
+function AddProjectDialog({
+  open,
+  onOpenChange,
+  roundId,
+  competitionId,
+  onAssigned,
+}: {
+  open: boolean
+  onOpenChange: (open: boolean) => void
+  roundId: string
+  competitionId: string
+  onAssigned: () => void
+}) {
+  const [activeTab, setActiveTab] = useState<'create' | 'pool'>('create')
+
+  // ── Create New tab state ──
+  const [title, setTitle] = useState('')
+  const [teamName, setTeamName] = useState('')
+  const [description, setDescription] = useState('')
+  const [country, setCountry] = useState('')
+  const [category, setCategory] = useState<string>('')
+
+  // ── From Pool tab state ──
+  const [poolSearch, setPoolSearch] = useState('')
+  const [selectedPoolIds, setSelectedPoolIds] = useState<Set<string>>(new Set())
+
+  const utils = trpc.useUtils()
+
+  // Get the competition to find programId (for pool search)
+  const { data: competition } = trpc.competition.getById.useQuery(
+    { id: competitionId },
+    { enabled: open && !!competitionId },
+  )
+  const programId = (competition as any)?.programId || ''
+
+  // Pool query
+  const { data: poolResults, isLoading: poolLoading } = trpc.projectPool.listUnassigned.useQuery(
+    {
+      programId,
+      excludeRoundId: roundId,
+      search: poolSearch.trim() || undefined,
+      perPage: 50,
+    },
+    { enabled: open && activeTab === 'pool' && !!programId },
+  )
+
+  // Create mutation
+  const createMutation = trpc.project.createAndAssignToRound.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: () => {
+      toast.success('Project created and added to round')
+      utils.roundEngine.getProjectStates.invalidate({ roundId })
+      onAssigned()
+      resetAndClose()
+    },
+    onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
+  })
+
+  // Assign from pool mutation
+  const assignMutation = trpc.projectPool.assignToRound.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (data) => {
+      toast.success(`${data.assignedCount} project(s) added to round`)
+      utils.roundEngine.getProjectStates.invalidate({ roundId })
+      onAssigned()
+      resetAndClose()
+    },
+    onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
+  })
+
+  const resetAndClose = () => {
+    setTitle('')
+    setTeamName('')
+    setDescription('')
+    setCountry('')
+    setCategory('')
+    setPoolSearch('')
+    setSelectedPoolIds(new Set())
+    onOpenChange(false)
+  }
+
+  const handleCreate = () => {
+    if (!title.trim()) return
+    createMutation.mutate({
+      title: title.trim(),
+      teamName: teamName.trim() || undefined,
+      description: description.trim() || undefined,
+      country: country.trim() || undefined,
+      competitionCategory: category === 'STARTUP' || category === 'BUSINESS_CONCEPT' ? category : undefined,
+      roundId,
+    })
+  }
+
+  const handleAssignFromPool = () => {
+    if (selectedPoolIds.size === 0) return
+    assignMutation.mutate({
+      projectIds: Array.from(selectedPoolIds),
+      roundId,
+    })
+  }
+
+  const togglePoolProject = (id: string) => {
+    setSelectedPoolIds(prev => {
+      const next = new Set(prev)
+      if (next.has(id)) next.delete(id)
+      else next.add(id)
+      return next
+    })
+  }
+
+  const isMutating = createMutation.isPending || assignMutation.isPending
+
+  return (
+    <Dialog open={open} onOpenChange={(isOpen) => {
+      if (!isOpen) resetAndClose()
+      else onOpenChange(true)
+    }}>
+      <DialogContent className="max-w-lg">
+        <DialogHeader>
+          <DialogTitle>Add Project to Round</DialogTitle>
+          <DialogDescription>
+            Create a new project or select existing ones to add to this round.
+          </DialogDescription>
+        </DialogHeader>
+
+        <Tabs value={activeTab} onValueChange={(v) => setActiveTab(v as 'create' | 'pool')}>
+          <TabsList className="grid w-full grid-cols-2">
+            <TabsTrigger value="create">Create New</TabsTrigger>
+            <TabsTrigger value="pool">From Pool</TabsTrigger>
+          </TabsList>
+
+          {/* ── Create New Tab ── */}
+          <TabsContent value="create" className="space-y-4 mt-4">
+            <div className="space-y-2">
+              <Label htmlFor="add-project-title">Title *</Label>
+              <Input
+                id="add-project-title"
+                placeholder="Project title"
+                value={title}
+                onChange={(e) => setTitle(e.target.value)}
+              />
+            </div>
+            <div className="space-y-2">
+              <Label htmlFor="add-project-team">Team Name</Label>
+              <Input
+                id="add-project-team"
+                placeholder="Team or organization name"
+                value={teamName}
+                onChange={(e) => setTeamName(e.target.value)}
+              />
+            </div>
+            <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+              <div className="space-y-2">
+                <Label htmlFor="add-project-country">Country</Label>
+                <Input
+                  id="add-project-country"
+                  placeholder="e.g. France"
+                  value={country}
+                  onChange={(e) => setCountry(e.target.value)}
+                />
+              </div>
+              <div className="space-y-2">
+                <Label>Category</Label>
+                <Select value={category} onValueChange={setCategory}>
+                  <SelectTrigger>
+                    <SelectValue placeholder="Select..." />
+                  </SelectTrigger>
+                  <SelectContent>
+                    <SelectItem value="STARTUP">Startup</SelectItem>
+                    <SelectItem value="BUSINESS_CONCEPT">Business Concept</SelectItem>
+                  </SelectContent>
+                </Select>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+            <div className="space-y-2">
+              <Label htmlFor="add-project-desc">Description</Label>
+              <Input
+                id="add-project-desc"
+                placeholder="Brief description (optional)"
+                value={description}
+                onChange={(e) => setDescription(e.target.value)}
+              />
+            </div>
+
+            <DialogFooter>
+              <Button variant="outline" onClick={resetAndClose}>Cancel</Button>
+              <Button
+                onClick={handleCreate}
+                disabled={!title.trim() || isMutating}
+              >
+                {createMutation.isPending && <Loader2 className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5 animate-spin" />}
+                Create & Add to Round
+              </Button>
+            </DialogFooter>
+          </TabsContent>
+
+          {/* ── From Pool Tab ── */}
+          <TabsContent value="pool" className="space-y-4 mt-4">
+            <div className="relative">
+              <Search className="absolute left-2.5 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 h-3.5 w-3.5 text-muted-foreground" />
+              <Input
+                placeholder="Search by project title or team..."
+                value={poolSearch}
+                onChange={(e) => setPoolSearch(e.target.value)}
+                className="pl-8"
+              />
+            </div>
+
+            <ScrollArea className="h-[320px] rounded-md border">
+              <div className="p-2 space-y-0.5">
+                {poolLoading && (
+                  <div className="flex items-center justify-center py-8">
+                    <Loader2 className="h-5 w-5 animate-spin text-muted-foreground" />
+                  </div>
+                )}
+
+                {!poolLoading && poolResults?.projects.length === 0 && (
+                  <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground text-center py-8">
+                    {poolSearch.trim() ? `No projects found matching "${poolSearch}"` : 'No projects available to add'}
+                  </p>
+                )}
+
+                {poolResults?.projects.map((project: any) => {
+                  const isSelected = selectedPoolIds.has(project.id)
+                  return (
+                    <label
+                      key={project.id}
+                      className={`flex items-center gap-3 rounded-md px-2.5 py-2 text-sm cursor-pointer transition-colors ${
+                        isSelected ? 'bg-accent' : 'hover:bg-muted/50'
+                      }`}
+                    >
+                      <Checkbox
+                        checked={isSelected}
+                        onCheckedChange={() => togglePoolProject(project.id)}
+                      />
+                      <div className="flex flex-1 items-center justify-between min-w-0">
+                        <div className="min-w-0">
+                          <p className="text-sm font-medium truncate">{project.title}</p>
+                          <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground truncate">
+                            {project.teamName}
+                            {project.country && <> &middot; {project.country}</>}
+                          </p>
+                        </div>
+                        {project.competitionCategory && (
+                          <Badge variant="outline" className="text-[10px] ml-2 shrink-0">
+                            {project.competitionCategory === 'STARTUP' ? 'Startup' : 'Concept'}
+                          </Badge>
+                        )}
+                      </div>
+                    </label>
+                  )
+                })}
+              </div>
+            </ScrollArea>
+
+            {poolResults && poolResults.total > 50 && (
+              <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground text-center">
+                Showing 50 of {poolResults.total} &mdash; refine your search for more specific results
+              </p>
+            )}
+
+            <DialogFooter>
+              <Button variant="outline" onClick={resetAndClose}>Cancel</Button>
+              <Button
+                onClick={handleAssignFromPool}
+                disabled={selectedPoolIds.size === 0 || isMutating}
+              >
+                {assignMutation.isPending && <Loader2 className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5 animate-spin" />}
+                {selectedPoolIds.size <= 1
+                  ? 'Add to Round'
+                  : `Add ${selectedPoolIds.size} Projects to Round`
+                }
+              </Button>
+            </DialogFooter>
+          </TabsContent>
+        </Tabs>
+      </DialogContent>
+    </Dialog>
+  )
+}

src/lib/email.ts

@@ -1083,6 +1083,60 @@ Together for a healthier ocean.
   }
 }
 
+/**
+ * Generate "3 Days Remaining" email template (for jury)
+ */
+function getReminder3DaysTemplate(
+  name: string,
+  pendingCount: number,
+  roundName: string,
+  deadline: string,
+  assignmentsUrl?: string
+): EmailTemplate {
+  const greeting = name ? `Hello ${name},` : 'Hello,'
+
+  const urgentBox = `
+<table role="presentation" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="margin: 20px 0;">
+  <tr>
+    <td style="background-color: #fef3c7; border-left: 4px solid #f59e0b; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 16px 20px;">
+      <p style="color: #92400e; margin: 0; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600;">&#9888; 3 Days Remaining</p>
+    </td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+`
+
+  const content = `
+    ${sectionTitle(greeting)}
+    ${urgentBox}
+    ${paragraph(`This is a reminder that <strong style="color: ${BRAND.darkBlue};">${roundName}</strong> closes in 3 days.`)}
+    ${statCard('Pending Evaluations', pendingCount)}
+    ${infoBox(`<strong>Deadline:</strong> ${deadline}`, 'warning')}
+    ${paragraph('Please plan to complete your remaining evaluations before the deadline to ensure your feedback is included in the selection process.')}
+    ${assignmentsUrl ? ctaButton(assignmentsUrl, 'Complete Evaluations') : ''}
+  `
+
+  return {
+    subject: `Reminder: ${pendingCount} evaluation${pendingCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''} due in 3 days`,
+    html: getEmailWrapper(content),
+    text: `
+${greeting}
+
+This is a reminder that ${roundName} closes in 3 days.
+
+You have ${pendingCount} pending evaluation${pendingCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''}.
+Deadline: ${deadline}
+
+Please plan to complete your remaining evaluations before the deadline.
+
+${assignmentsUrl ? `Complete evaluations: ${assignmentsUrl}` : ''}
+
+---
+Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge
+Together for a healthier ocean.
+    `,
+  }
+}
+
 /**
  * Generate "1 Hour Reminder" email template (for jury)
  */
@@ -1457,6 +1511,14 @@ export const NOTIFICATION_EMAIL_TEMPLATES: Record<string, TemplateGenerator> = {
       ctx.metadata?.deadline as string | undefined,
       ctx.linkUrl
     ),
+  REMINDER_3_DAYS: (ctx) =>
+    getReminder3DaysTemplate(
+      ctx.name || '',
+      (ctx.metadata?.pendingCount as number) || 0,
+      (ctx.metadata?.roundName as string) || 'this round',
+      (ctx.metadata?.deadline as string) || 'Soon',
+      ctx.linkUrl
+    ),
   REMINDER_24H: (ctx) =>
     getReminder24HTemplate(
       ctx.name || '',

src/server/routers/assignment.ts

@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ import {
   NotificationTypes,
 } from '../services/in-app-notification'
 import { logAudit } from '@/server/utils/audit'
-import { sendStyledNotificationEmail } from '@/lib/email'
 
 async function runAIAssignmentJob(jobId: string, roundId: string, userId: string) {
   try {
@@ -31,11 +30,12 @@ async function runAIAssignmentJob(jobId: string, roundId: string, userId: string
         name: true,
         configJson: true,
         competitionId: true,
+        juryGroupId: true,
       },
     })
 
     const config = (round.configJson ?? {}) as Record<string, unknown>
-    const requiredReviews = (config.requiredReviews as number) ?? 3
+    const requiredReviews = (config.requiredReviewsPerProject as number) ?? 3
     const minAssignmentsPerJuror =
       (config.minLoadPerJuror as number) ??
       (config.minAssignmentsPerJuror as number) ??
@@ -45,8 +45,22 @@ async function runAIAssignmentJob(jobId: string, roundId: string, userId: string
       (config.maxAssignmentsPerJuror as number) ??
       20
 
+    // Scope jurors to jury group if the round has one assigned
+    let scopedJurorIds: string[] | undefined
+    if (round.juryGroupId) {
+      const groupMembers = await prisma.juryGroupMember.findMany({
+        where: { juryGroupId: round.juryGroupId },
+        select: { userId: true },
+      })
+      scopedJurorIds = groupMembers.map((m) => m.userId)
+    }
+
     const jurors = await prisma.user.findMany({
-      where: { role: 'JURY_MEMBER', status: 'ACTIVE' },
+      where: {
+        role: 'JURY_MEMBER',
+        status: 'ACTIVE',
+        ...(scopedJurorIds ? { id: { in: scopedJurorIds } } : {}),
+      },
       select: {
         id: true,
         name: true,
@@ -96,6 +110,18 @@ async function runAIAssignmentJob(jobId: string, roundId: string, userId: string
       select: { userId: true, projectId: true },
     })
 
+    // Query COI records for this round to exclude conflicted juror-project pairs
+    const coiRecords = await prisma.conflictOfInterest.findMany({
+      where: {
+        roundId,
+        hasConflict: true,
+      },
+      select: { userId: true, projectId: true },
+    })
+    const coiExclusions = new Set(
+      coiRecords.map((c) => `${c.userId}:${c.projectId}`)
+    )
+
     // Calculate batch info
     const BATCH_SIZE = 15
     const totalBatches = Math.ceil(projects.length / BATCH_SIZE)
@@ -144,8 +170,13 @@ async function runAIAssignmentJob(jobId: string, roundId: string, userId: string
       onProgress
     )
 
+    // Filter out suggestions that conflict with COI declarations
+    const filteredSuggestions = coiExclusions.size > 0
+      ? result.suggestions.filter((s) => !coiExclusions.has(`${s.jurorId}:${s.projectId}`))
+      : result.suggestions
+
     // Enrich suggestions with names for storage
-    const enrichedSuggestions = result.suggestions.map((s) => {
+    const enrichedSuggestions = filteredSuggestions.map((s) => {
       const juror = jurors.find((j) => j.id === s.jurorId)
       const project = projects.find((p) => p.id === s.projectId)
       return {
@@ -162,7 +193,7 @@ async function runAIAssignmentJob(jobId: string, roundId: string, userId: string
         status: 'COMPLETED',
         completedAt: new Date(),
         processedCount: projects.length,
-        suggestionsCount: result.suggestions.length,
+        suggestionsCount: filteredSuggestions.length,
         suggestionsJson: enrichedSuggestions,
         fallbackUsed: result.fallbackUsed ?? false,
       },
@@ -171,7 +202,7 @@ async function runAIAssignmentJob(jobId: string, roundId: string, userId: string
     await notifyAdmins({
       type: NotificationTypes.AI_SUGGESTIONS_READY,
       title: 'AI Assignment Suggestions Ready',
-      message: `AI generated ${result.suggestions.length} assignment suggestions for ${round.name || 'round'}${result.fallbackUsed ? ' (using fallback algorithm)' : ''}.`,
+      message: `AI generated ${filteredSuggestions.length} assignment suggestions for ${round.name || 'round'}${result.fallbackUsed ? ' (using fallback algorithm)' : ''}.`,
       linkUrl: `/admin/rounds/${roundId}`,
       linkLabel: 'View Suggestions',
       priority: 'high',
@@ -179,7 +210,7 @@ async function runAIAssignmentJob(jobId: string, roundId: string, userId: string
         roundId,
         jobId,
         projectCount: projects.length,
-        suggestionsCount: result.suggestions.length,
+        suggestionsCount: filteredSuggestions.length,
         fallbackUsed: result.fallbackUsed,
       },
     })
@@ -425,7 +456,7 @@ export const assignmentRouter = router({
           linkLabel: 'View Assignment',
           metadata: {
             projectName: project.title,
-            stageName: stageInfo.name,
+            roundName: stageInfo.name,
             deadline,
             assignmentId: assignment.id,
           },
@@ -567,7 +598,7 @@ export const assignmentRouter = router({
             linkLabel: 'View Assignments',
             metadata: {
               projectCount,
-              stageName: stage?.name,
+              roundName: stage?.name,
               deadline,
             },
           })
@@ -621,7 +652,7 @@ export const assignmentRouter = router({
         select: { configJson: true },
       })
       const config = (stage.configJson ?? {}) as Record<string, unknown>
-      const requiredReviews = (config.requiredReviews as number) ?? 3
+      const requiredReviews = (config.requiredReviewsPerProject as number) ?? 3
 
       const projectRoundStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
         where: { roundId: input.roundId },
@@ -692,7 +723,7 @@ export const assignmentRouter = router({
         select: { configJson: true },
       })
       const config = (stage.configJson ?? {}) as Record<string, unknown>
-      const requiredReviews = (config.requiredReviews as number) ?? 3
+      const requiredReviews = (config.requiredReviewsPerProject as number) ?? 3
       const minAssignmentsPerJuror =
         (config.minLoadPerJuror as number) ??
         (config.minAssignmentsPerJuror as number) ??
@@ -1100,7 +1131,7 @@ export const assignmentRouter = router({
             linkLabel: 'View Assignments',
             metadata: {
               projectCount,
-              stageName: stage?.name,
+              roundName: stage?.name,
               deadline,
             },
           })
@@ -1252,7 +1283,7 @@ export const assignmentRouter = router({
             linkLabel: 'View Assignments',
             metadata: {
               projectCount,
-              stageName: stage?.name,
+              roundName: stage?.name,
               deadline,
             },
           })
@@ -1361,7 +1392,7 @@ export const assignmentRouter = router({
 
   /**
    * Notify all jurors of their current assignments for a round (admin only).
-   * Sends both in-app notifications AND direct emails to each juror.
+   * Sends in-app notifications (emails are handled by maybeSendEmail via createBulkNotifications).
    */
   notifyJurorsOfAssignments: adminProcedure
     .input(z.object({ roundId: z.string() }))
@@ -1378,7 +1409,7 @@ export const assignmentRouter = router({
       })
 
       if (assignments.length === 0) {
-        return { sent: 0, jurorCount: 0, emailsSent: 0 }
+        return { sent: 0, jurorCount: 0 }
       }
 
       // Count assignments per user
@@ -1414,44 +1445,11 @@ export const assignmentRouter = router({
           message: `You have been assigned ${projectCount} project${projectCount > 1 ? 's' : ''} to evaluate for ${round.name || 'this round'}.`,
           linkUrl: `/jury/competitions`,
           linkLabel: 'View Assignments',
-          metadata: { projectCount, stageName: round.name, deadline },
+          metadata: { projectCount, roundName: round.name, deadline },
         })
         totalSent += userIds.length
       }
 
-      // Send direct emails to every juror (regardless of notification email settings)
-      const allUserIds = Object.keys(userCounts)
-      const users = await ctx.prisma.user.findMany({
-        where: { id: { in: allUserIds } },
-        select: { id: true, name: true, email: true },
-      })
-
-      const baseUrl = process.env.NEXTAUTH_URL || 'https://monaco-opc.com'
-      let emailsSent = 0
-
-      for (const user of users) {
-        const projectCount = userCounts[user.id] || 0
-        if (projectCount === 0) continue
-
-        try {
-          await sendStyledNotificationEmail(
-            user.email,
-            user.name || '',
-            'BATCH_ASSIGNED',
-            {
-              name: user.name || undefined,
-              title: `Projects Assigned - ${round.name}`,
-              message: `You have been assigned ${projectCount} project${projectCount > 1 ? 's' : ''} to evaluate for ${round.name}.`,
-              linkUrl: `${baseUrl}/jury/competitions`,
-              metadata: { projectCount, roundName: round.name, deadline },
-            }
-          )
-          emailsSent++
-        } catch (error) {
-          console.error(`Failed to send assignment email to ${user.email}:`, error)
-        }
-      }
-
       await logAudit({
         prisma: ctx.prisma,
         userId: ctx.user.id,
@@ -1461,12 +1459,11 @@ export const assignmentRouter = router({
         detailsJson: {
           jurorCount: Object.keys(userCounts).length,
           totalAssignments: assignments.length,
-          emailsSent,
         },
         ipAddress: ctx.ip,
         userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
       })
 
-      return { sent: totalSent, jurorCount: Object.keys(userCounts).length, emailsSent }
+      return { sent: totalSent, jurorCount: Object.keys(userCounts).length }
     }),
 })

src/server/routers/evaluation.ts

@@ -132,9 +132,9 @@ export const evaluationRouter = router({
       z.object({
         id: z.string(),
         criterionScoresJson: z.record(z.union([z.number(), z.string(), z.boolean()])),
-        globalScore: z.number().int().min(1).max(10),
-        binaryDecision: z.boolean(),
-        feedbackText: z.string().min(10),
+        globalScore: z.number().int().min(1).max(10).optional(),
+        binaryDecision: z.boolean().optional(),
+        feedbackText: z.string().optional(),
       })
     )
     .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
@@ -152,6 +152,17 @@ export const evaluationRouter = router({
         throw new TRPCError({ code: 'FORBIDDEN' })
       }
 
+      // Server-side COI check
+      const coi = await ctx.prisma.conflictOfInterest.findFirst({
+        where: { assignmentId: evaluation.assignmentId, hasConflict: true },
+      })
+      if (coi) {
+        throw new TRPCError({
+          code: 'FORBIDDEN',
+          message: 'Cannot submit evaluation — conflict of interest declared',
+        })
+      }
+
       // Check voting window via round
       const round = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
         where: { id: evaluation.assignment.roundId },
@@ -194,12 +205,66 @@ export const evaluationRouter = router({
         })
       }
 
+      // Load round config for validation
+      const config = (round.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) || {}
+      const scoringMode = (config.scoringMode as string) || 'criteria'
+
+      // Fix 3: Dynamic feedback validation based on config
+      const requireFeedback = config.requireFeedback !== false
+      if (requireFeedback) {
+        const feedbackMinLength = (config.feedbackMinLength as number) || 10
+        if (!data.feedbackText || data.feedbackText.length < feedbackMinLength) {
+          throw new TRPCError({
+            code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+            message: `Feedback must be at least ${feedbackMinLength} characters`,
+          })
+        }
+      }
+
+      // Fix 4: Normalize binaryDecision and globalScore based on scoringMode
+      if (scoringMode !== 'binary') {
+        data.binaryDecision = undefined
+      }
+      if (scoringMode === 'binary') {
+        data.globalScore = undefined
+      }
+
+      // Fix 5: requireAllCriteriaScored validation
+      if (config.requireAllCriteriaScored && scoringMode === 'criteria') {
+        const evalForm = await ctx.prisma.evaluationForm.findFirst({
+          where: { roundId: round.id, isActive: true },
+          select: { criteriaJson: true },
+        })
+        if (evalForm?.criteriaJson) {
+          const criteria = evalForm.criteriaJson as Array<{ id: string; type?: string; required?: boolean }>
+          const scorableCriteria = criteria.filter(
+            (c) => c.type !== 'section_header' && c.type !== 'text' && c.required !== false
+          )
+          const scores = data.criterionScoresJson as Record<string, unknown> | undefined
+          const missingCriteria = scorableCriteria.filter(
+            (c) => !scores || typeof scores[c.id] !== 'number'
+          )
+          if (missingCriteria.length > 0) {
+            throw new TRPCError({
+              code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+              message: `Missing scores for criteria: ${missingCriteria.map((c) => c.id).join(', ')}`,
+            })
+          }
+        }
+      }
+
       // Submit evaluation and mark assignment as completed atomically
+      const saveData = {
+        criterionScoresJson: data.criterionScoresJson,
+        globalScore: data.globalScore ?? null,
+        binaryDecision: data.binaryDecision ?? null,
+        feedbackText: data.feedbackText ?? null,
+      }
       const [updated] = await ctx.prisma.$transaction([
         ctx.prisma.evaluation.update({
           where: { id },
           data: {
-            ...data,
+            ...saveData,
             status: 'SUBMITTED',
             submittedAt: now,
           },
@@ -784,7 +849,7 @@ export const evaluationRouter = router({
       })
 
       const settings = (stage.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) || {}
-      if (!settings.peer_review_enabled) {
+      if (!settings.peerReviewEnabled) {
         throw new TRPCError({
           code: 'FORBIDDEN',
           message: 'Peer review is not enabled for this stage',
@@ -843,7 +908,7 @@ export const evaluationRouter = router({
       })
 
       // Anonymize individual scores based on round settings
-      const anonymizationLevel = (settings.anonymization_level as string) || 'fully_anonymous'
+      const anonymizationLevel = (settings.anonymizationLevel as string) || 'fully_anonymous'
 
       const individualScores = evaluations.map((e) => {
         let jurorLabel: string
@@ -926,7 +991,7 @@ export const evaluationRouter = router({
         where: { id: input.roundId },
       })
       const settings = (round.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) || {}
-      const anonymizationLevel = (settings.anonymization_level as string) || 'fully_anonymous'
+      const anonymizationLevel = (settings.anonymizationLevel as string) || 'fully_anonymous'
 
       const anonymizedComments = discussion.comments.map((c: { id: string; userId: string; user: { name: string | null }; content: string; createdAt: Date }, idx: number) => {
         let authorLabel: string
@@ -978,7 +1043,7 @@ export const evaluationRouter = router({
         where: { id: input.roundId },
       })
       const settings = (round.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) || {}
-      const maxLength = (settings.max_comment_length as number) || 2000
+      const maxLength = (settings.maxCommentLength as number) || 2000
       if (input.content.length > maxLength) {
         throw new TRPCError({
           code: 'BAD_REQUEST',

src/server/routers/project.ts

@@ -1249,4 +1249,97 @@ export const projectRouter = router({
         stats,
       }
     }),
+
+  /**
+   * Create a new project and assign it directly to a round.
+   * Used for late-arriving projects that need to enter a specific round immediately.
+   */
+  createAndAssignToRound: adminProcedure
+    .input(
+      z.object({
+        title: z.string().min(1).max(500),
+        teamName: z.string().optional(),
+        description: z.string().optional(),
+        country: z.string().optional(),
+        competitionCategory: z.enum(['STARTUP', 'BUSINESS_CONCEPT']).optional(),
+        roundId: z.string(),
+      })
+    )
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const { roundId, country, ...projectFields } = input
+
+      // Get the round to find competitionId, then competition to find programId
+      const round = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
+        where: { id: roundId },
+        select: {
+          id: true,
+          name: true,
+          competition: {
+            select: {
+              id: true,
+              programId: true,
+            },
+          },
+        },
+      })
+
+      // Normalize country to ISO code if provided
+      const normalizedCountry = country
+        ? normalizeCountryToCode(country)
+        : undefined
+
+      const project = await ctx.prisma.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+        // 1. Create the project
+        const created = await tx.project.create({
+          data: {
+            programId: round.competition.programId,
+            title: projectFields.title,
+            teamName: projectFields.teamName,
+            description: projectFields.description,
+            country: normalizedCountry,
+            competitionCategory: projectFields.competitionCategory,
+            status: 'ASSIGNED',
+          },
+        })
+
+        // 2. Create ProjectRoundState entry
+        await tx.projectRoundState.create({
+          data: {
+            projectId: created.id,
+            roundId,
+            state: 'PENDING',
+          },
+        })
+
+        // 3. Create ProjectStatusHistory entry
+        await tx.projectStatusHistory.create({
+          data: {
+            projectId: created.id,
+            status: 'ASSIGNED',
+            changedBy: ctx.user.id,
+          },
+        })
+
+        return created
+      })
+
+      // Audit outside transaction
+      await logAudit({
+        prisma: ctx.prisma,
+        userId: ctx.user.id,
+        action: 'CREATE_AND_ASSIGN',
+        entityType: 'Project',
+        entityId: project.id,
+        detailsJson: {
+          title: input.title,
+          roundId,
+          roundName: round.name,
+          programId: round.competition.programId,
+        },
+        ipAddress: ctx.ip,
+        userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
+      })
+
+      return project
+    }),
 })

src/server/routers/round.ts

@@ -1,10 +1,12 @@
 import { z } from 'zod'
 import { TRPCError } from '@trpc/server'
-import { Prisma } from '@prisma/client'
+import { Prisma, type PrismaClient } from '@prisma/client'
 import { router, adminProcedure, protectedProcedure } from '../trpc'
 import { logAudit } from '@/server/utils/audit'
 import { validateRoundConfig, defaultRoundConfig } from '@/types/competition-configs'
 import { generateShortlist } from '../services/ai-shortlist'
+import { createBulkNotifications } from '../services/in-app-notification'
+import { sendAnnouncementEmail } from '@/lib/email'
 import {
   openWindow,
   closeWindow,
@@ -255,19 +257,43 @@ export const roundRouter = router({
     .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
       const { roundId, targetRoundId, projectIds, autoPassPending } = input
 
-      // Get current round with competition context
+      // Get current round with competition context + status
       const currentRound = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
         where: { id: roundId },
-        select: { id: true, name: true, competitionId: true, sortOrder: true },
+        select: { id: true, name: true, competitionId: true, sortOrder: true, status: true, configJson: true },
       })
 
+      // Validate: current round must be ROUND_ACTIVE or ROUND_CLOSED
+      if (currentRound.status !== 'ROUND_ACTIVE' && currentRound.status !== 'ROUND_CLOSED') {
+        throw new TRPCError({
+          code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+          message: `Cannot advance from round with status ${currentRound.status}. Round must be ROUND_ACTIVE or ROUND_CLOSED.`,
+        })
+      }
+
       // Determine target round
-      let targetRound: { id: string; name: string }
+      let targetRound: { id: string; name: string; competitionId: string; sortOrder: number; configJson: unknown }
       if (targetRoundId) {
         targetRound = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
           where: { id: targetRoundId },
-          select: { id: true, name: true },
+          select: { id: true, name: true, competitionId: true, sortOrder: true, configJson: true },
         })
+
+        // Validate: target must be in same competition
+        if (targetRound.competitionId !== currentRound.competitionId) {
+          throw new TRPCError({
+            code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+            message: 'Target round must belong to the same competition as the source round.',
+          })
+        }
+
+        // Validate: target must be after current round
+        if (targetRound.sortOrder <= currentRound.sortOrder) {
+          throw new TRPCError({
+            code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+            message: 'Target round must come after the current round (higher sortOrder).',
+          })
+        }
       } else {
         // Find next round in same competition by sortOrder
         const nextRound = await ctx.prisma.round.findFirst({
@@ -276,7 +302,7 @@ export const roundRouter = router({
             sortOrder: { gt: currentRound.sortOrder },
           },
           orderBy: { sortOrder: 'asc' },
-          select: { id: true, name: true },
+          select: { id: true, name: true, competitionId: true, sortOrder: true, configJson: true },
         })
         if (!nextRound) {
           throw new TRPCError({
@@ -287,35 +313,50 @@ export const roundRouter = router({
         targetRound = nextRound
       }
 
-      // Auto-pass all PENDING projects first (for intake/bulk workflows)
-      let autoPassedCount = 0
-      if (autoPassPending) {
-        const result = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.updateMany({
-          where: { roundId, state: 'PENDING' },
-          data: { state: 'PASSED' },
-        })
-        autoPassedCount = result.count
-      }
-
-      // Determine which projects to advance
-      let idsToAdvance: string[]
+      // Validate projectIds exist in current round if provided
       if (projectIds && projectIds.length > 0) {
-        idsToAdvance = projectIds
-      } else {
-        // Default: all PASSED projects in current round
-        const passedStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
-          where: { roundId, state: 'PASSED' },
+        const existingStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+          where: { roundId, projectId: { in: projectIds } },
           select: { projectId: true },
         })
-        idsToAdvance = passedStates.map((s) => s.projectId)
+        const existingIds = new Set(existingStates.map((s) => s.projectId))
+        const missing = projectIds.filter((id) => !existingIds.has(id))
+        if (missing.length > 0) {
+          throw new TRPCError({
+            code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+            message: `Projects not found in current round: ${missing.join(', ')}`,
+          })
+        }
       }
 
-      if (idsToAdvance.length === 0) {
-        return { advancedCount: 0, targetRoundId: targetRound.id, targetRoundName: targetRound.name }
-      }
+      // Transaction: auto-pass + create entries in target round + mark current as COMPLETED
+      let autoPassedCount = 0
+      let idsToAdvance: string[]
 
-      // Transaction: create entries in target round + mark current as COMPLETED
       await ctx.prisma.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+        // Auto-pass all PENDING projects first (for intake/bulk workflows) — inside tx
+        if (autoPassPending) {
+          const result = await tx.projectRoundState.updateMany({
+            where: { roundId, state: 'PENDING' },
+            data: { state: 'PASSED' },
+          })
+          autoPassedCount = result.count
+        }
+
+        // Determine which projects to advance
+        if (projectIds && projectIds.length > 0) {
+          idsToAdvance = projectIds
+        } else {
+          // Default: all PASSED projects in current round
+          const passedStates = await tx.projectRoundState.findMany({
+            where: { roundId, state: 'PASSED' },
+            select: { projectId: true },
+          })
+          idsToAdvance = passedStates.map((s) => s.projectId)
+        }
+
+        if (idsToAdvance.length === 0) return
+
         // Create ProjectRoundState in target round
         await tx.projectRoundState.createMany({
           data: idsToAdvance.map((projectId) => ({
@@ -351,6 +392,12 @@ export const roundRouter = router({
         })
       })
 
+      // If nothing to advance (set inside tx), return early
+      // eslint-disable-next-line @typescript-eslint/no-unnecessary-condition
+      if (!idsToAdvance! || idsToAdvance!.length === 0) {
+        return { advancedCount: 0, autoPassedCount, targetRoundId: targetRound.id, targetRoundName: targetRound.name }
+      }
+
       // Audit
       await logAudit({
         prisma: ctx.prisma,
@@ -362,16 +409,105 @@ export const roundRouter = router({
           fromRound: currentRound.name,
           toRound: targetRound.name,
           targetRoundId: targetRound.id,
-          projectCount: idsToAdvance.length,
+          projectCount: idsToAdvance!.length,
           autoPassedCount,
-          projectIds: idsToAdvance,
+          projectIds: idsToAdvance!,
         },
         ipAddress: ctx.ip,
         userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
       })
 
+      // Fix 5: notifyOnEntry — notify team members when projects enter target round
+      try {
+        const targetConfig = (targetRound.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) || {}
+        if (targetConfig.notifyOnEntry) {
+          const teamMembers = await ctx.prisma.teamMember.findMany({
+            where: { projectId: { in: idsToAdvance! } },
+            select: { userId: true },
+          })
+          const userIds = [...new Set(teamMembers.map((tm) => tm.userId))]
+          if (userIds.length > 0) {
+            void createBulkNotifications({
+              userIds,
+              type: 'round_entry',
+              title: `Projects entered: ${targetRound.name}`,
+              message: `Your project has been advanced to the round "${targetRound.name}".`,
+              linkUrl: '/dashboard',
+              linkLabel: 'View Dashboard',
+              icon: 'ArrowRight',
+            })
+          }
+        }
+      } catch (notifyErr) {
+        console.error('[advanceProjects] notifyOnEntry notification failed (non-fatal):', notifyErr)
+      }
+
+      // Fix 6: notifyOnAdvance — notify applicants from source round that projects advanced
+      try {
+        const sourceConfig = (currentRound.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) || {}
+        if (sourceConfig.notifyOnAdvance) {
+          const projects = await ctx.prisma.project.findMany({
+            where: { id: { in: idsToAdvance! } },
+            select: {
+              id: true,
+              title: true,
+              submittedByEmail: true,
+              teamMembers: {
+                select: { user: { select: { id: true, email: true, name: true } } },
+              },
+            },
+          })
+
+          // Collect unique user IDs for in-app notifications
+          const applicantUserIds = new Set<string>()
+          for (const project of projects) {
+            for (const tm of project.teamMembers) {
+              applicantUserIds.add(tm.user.id)
+            }
+          }
+
+          if (applicantUserIds.size > 0) {
+            void createBulkNotifications({
+              userIds: [...applicantUserIds],
+              type: 'project_advanced',
+              title: 'Your project has advanced!',
+              message: `Congratulations! Your project has advanced from "${currentRound.name}" to "${targetRound.name}".`,
+              linkUrl: '/dashboard',
+              linkLabel: 'View Dashboard',
+              icon: 'Trophy',
+              priority: 'high',
+            })
+          }
+
+          // Send emails to team members (fire-and-forget)
+          for (const project of projects) {
+            const recipients = new Map<string, string | null>()
+            for (const tm of project.teamMembers) {
+              if (tm.user.email) recipients.set(tm.user.email, tm.user.name)
+            }
+            if (recipients.size === 0 && project.submittedByEmail) {
+              recipients.set(project.submittedByEmail, null)
+            }
+            for (const [email, name] of recipients) {
+              void sendAnnouncementEmail(
+                email,
+                name,
+                `Your project has advanced to: ${targetRound.name}`,
+                `Congratulations! Your project "${project.title}" has advanced from "${currentRound.name}" to "${targetRound.name}" in the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge.`,
+                'View Your Dashboard',
+                `${process.env.NEXTAUTH_URL || 'https://monaco-opc.com'}/dashboard`,
+              ).catch((err) => {
+                console.error(`[advanceProjects] notifyOnAdvance email failed for ${email}:`, err)
+              })
+            }
+          }
+        }
+      } catch (notifyErr) {
+        console.error('[advanceProjects] notifyOnAdvance notification failed (non-fatal):', notifyErr)
+      }
+
       return {
-        advancedCount: idsToAdvance.length,
+        advancedCount: idsToAdvance!.length,
         autoPassedCount,
         targetRoundId: targetRound.id,
         targetRoundName: targetRound.name,

src/server/routers/roundEngine.ts

@@ -105,6 +105,7 @@ export const roundEngineRouter = router({
         input.newState,
         ctx.user.id,
         ctx.prisma,
+        { adminOverride: true },
       )
       if (!result.success) {
         throw new TRPCError({
@@ -133,6 +134,7 @@ export const roundEngineRouter = router({
         input.newState,
         ctx.user.id,
         ctx.prisma,
+        { adminOverride: true },
       )
     }),
 
@@ -188,6 +190,14 @@ export const roundEngineRouter = router({
 
       const roundIds = roundsToRemoveFrom.map((r) => r.id)
 
+      // Delete Assignment records first (Prisma cascade handles Evaluations)
+      await ctx.prisma.assignment.deleteMany({
+        where: {
+          projectId: input.projectId,
+          roundId: { in: roundIds },
+        },
+      })
+
       // Delete ProjectRoundState entries for this project in all affected rounds
       const deleted = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.deleteMany({
         where: {
@@ -238,6 +248,14 @@ export const roundEngineRouter = router({
 
       const roundIds = roundsToRemoveFrom.map((r) => r.id)
 
+      // Delete Assignment records first (Prisma cascade handles Evaluations)
+      await ctx.prisma.assignment.deleteMany({
+        where: {
+          projectId: { in: input.projectIds },
+          roundId: { in: roundIds },
+        },
+      })
+
       const deleted = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.deleteMany({
         where: {
           projectId: { in: input.projectIds },

src/server/services/assignment-intent.ts

@@ -177,8 +177,9 @@ export async function cancelIntent(
 export async function expireIntentsForRound(
   roundId: string,
   actorId?: string,
+  txClient?: Prisma.TransactionClient,
 ): Promise<{ expired: number }> {
-  return prisma.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+  const run = async (tx: Prisma.TransactionClient) => {
     const pending = await tx.assignmentIntent.findMany({
       where: { roundId, status: 'INTENT_PENDING' },
     })
@@ -208,7 +209,13 @@ export async function expireIntentsForRound(
     })
 
     return { expired: pending.length }
-  })
+  }
+
+  // If a transaction client was provided, use it directly; otherwise open a new one
+  if (txClient) {
+    return run(txClient)
+  }
+  return prisma.$transaction(run)
 }
 
 // ============================================================================

src/server/services/evaluation-reminders.ts

@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ async function sendRemindersForRound(
   }
 
   // Select email template type based on reminder type
-  const emailTemplateType = type === '1H' ? 'REMINDER_1H' : 'REMINDER_24H'
+  const emailTemplateType = type === '1H' ? 'REMINDER_1H' : type === '3_DAYS' ? 'REMINDER_3_DAYS' : 'REMINDER_24H'
 
   for (const user of users) {
     const pendingCount = pendingCounts.get(user.id) || 0

src/server/services/in-app-notification.ts

@@ -268,9 +268,15 @@ export async function createBulkNotifications(params: {
     })),
   })
 
-  // Check email settings and send emails
-  for (const userId of userIds) {
-    await maybeSendEmail(userId, type, title, message, linkUrl, metadata)
+  // Check email settings once, then send emails only if enabled
+  const emailSetting = await prisma.notificationEmailSetting.findUnique({
+    where: { notificationType: type },
+  })
+
+  if (emailSetting?.sendEmail) {
+    for (const userId of userIds) {
+      await maybeSendEmailWithSetting(userId, type, title, message, emailSetting, linkUrl, metadata)
+    }
   }
 }
 
@@ -390,19 +396,36 @@ async function maybeSendEmail(
       return
     }
 
+    await maybeSendEmailWithSetting(userId, type, title, message, emailSetting, linkUrl, metadata)
+  } catch (error) {
+    // Log but don't fail the notification creation
+    console.error('[Notification] Failed to send email:', error)
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Send email to a user using a pre-fetched email setting (skips the setting lookup)
+ */
+async function maybeSendEmailWithSetting(
+  userId: string,
+  type: string,
+  title: string,
+  message: string,
+  emailSetting: { sendEmail: boolean; emailSubject: string | null },
+  linkUrl?: string,
+  metadata?: Record<string, unknown>
+): Promise<void> {
+  try {
     // Check user's notification preference
     const user = await prisma.user.findUnique({
       where: { id: userId },
       select: { email: true, name: true, notificationPreference: true },
     })
 
-    if (!user || user.notificationPreference === 'NONE') {
+    if (!user || (user.notificationPreference !== 'EMAIL' && user.notificationPreference !== 'BOTH')) {
       return
     }
 
-    // Send styled email with full context
-    // The styled template will use metadata for rich content
-    // Subject can be overridden by admin settings
     await sendStyledNotificationEmail(
       user.email,
       user.name || 'User',
@@ -416,7 +439,6 @@ async function maybeSendEmail(
       emailSetting.emailSubject || undefined
     )
   } catch (error) {
-    // Log but don't fail the notification creation
     console.error('[Notification] Failed to send email:', error)
   }
 }

src/server/services/round-engine.ts

@@ -54,6 +54,15 @@ const VALID_ROUND_TRANSITIONS: Record<string, string[]> = {
   ROUND_ARCHIVED: [],
 }
 
+const VALID_PROJECT_TRANSITIONS: Record<string, string[]> = {
+  PENDING: ['IN_PROGRESS', 'PASSED', 'REJECTED', 'WITHDRAWN'],
+  IN_PROGRESS: ['PASSED', 'REJECTED', 'WITHDRAWN'],
+  PASSED: ['COMPLETED', 'WITHDRAWN'],
+  REJECTED: ['PENDING'], // re-include
+  COMPLETED: [], // terminal
+  WITHDRAWN: ['PENDING'], // re-include
+}
+
 // ─── Round-Level Transitions ────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 /**
@@ -232,8 +241,8 @@ export async function closeRound(
         data: { status: 'ROUND_CLOSED' },
       })
 
-      // Expire pending intents
-      await expireIntentsForRound(roundId, actorId)
+      // Expire pending intents (using the transaction client)
+      await expireIntentsForRound(roundId, actorId, tx)
 
       // Auto-close any preceding active rounds (lower sortOrder, same competition)
       const precedingActiveRounds = await tx.round.findMany({
@@ -540,6 +549,7 @@ export async function transitionProject(
   newState: ProjectRoundStateValue,
   actorId: string,
   prisma: PrismaClient | any,
+  options?: { adminOverride?: boolean },
 ): Promise<ProjectRoundTransitionResult> {
   try {
     const round = await prisma.round.findUnique({ where: { id: roundId } })
@@ -569,6 +579,17 @@ export async function transitionProject(
         where: { projectId_roundId: { projectId, roundId } },
       })
 
+      // Enforce project state transition whitelist (unless admin override)
+      if (existing && !options?.adminOverride) {
+        const currentState = existing.state as string
+        const allowed = VALID_PROJECT_TRANSITIONS[currentState] ?? []
+        if (!allowed.includes(newState)) {
+          throw new Error(
+            `Invalid project transition: ${currentState} → ${newState}. Allowed: ${allowed.join(', ') || 'none (terminal state)'}`,
+          )
+        }
+      }
+
       let prs
       if (existing) {
         prs = await tx.projectRoundState.update({
@@ -649,6 +670,7 @@ export async function batchTransitionProjects(
   newState: ProjectRoundStateValue,
   actorId: string,
   prisma: PrismaClient | any,
+  options?: { adminOverride?: boolean },
 ): Promise<BatchProjectTransitionResult> {
   const succeeded: string[] = []
   const failed: Array<{ projectId: string; errors: string[] }> = []
@@ -657,7 +679,7 @@ export async function batchTransitionProjects(
     const batch = projectIds.slice(i, i + BATCH_SIZE)
 
     const batchPromises = batch.map(async (projectId) => {
-      const result = await transitionProject(projectId, roundId, newState, actorId, prisma)
+      const result = await transitionProject(projectId, roundId, newState, actorId, prisma, options)
 
       if (result.success) {
         succeeded.push(projectId)
@@ -725,35 +747,74 @@ export async function checkRequirementsAndTransition(
   prisma: PrismaClient | any,
 ): Promise<{ transitioned: boolean; newState?: string }> {
   try {
-    // Get all required FileRequirements for this round
+    // Get all required FileRequirements for this round (legacy model)
     const requirements = await prisma.fileRequirement.findMany({
       where: { roundId, isRequired: true },
       select: { id: true },
     })
 
-    // If the round has no file requirements, nothing to check
-    if (requirements.length === 0) {
+    // Also check SubmissionFileRequirement via the round's submissionWindow
+    const round = await prisma.round.findUnique({
+      where: { id: roundId },
+      select: { submissionWindowId: true },
+    })
+
+    let submissionRequirements: Array<{ id: string }> = []
+    if (round?.submissionWindowId) {
+      submissionRequirements = await prisma.submissionFileRequirement.findMany({
+        where: { submissionWindowId: round.submissionWindowId, required: true },
+        select: { id: true },
+      })
+    }
+
+    // If the round has no file requirements at all, nothing to check
+    if (requirements.length === 0 && submissionRequirements.length === 0) {
       return { transitioned: false }
     }
 
-    // Check which requirements this project has satisfied (has a file uploaded)
-    const fulfilledFiles = await prisma.projectFile.findMany({
-      where: {
-        projectId,
-        roundId,
-        requirementId: { in: requirements.map((r: { id: string }) => r.id) },
-      },
-      select: { requirementId: true },
-    })
+    // Check which legacy requirements this project has satisfied
+    let legacyAllMet = true
+    if (requirements.length > 0) {
+      const fulfilledFiles = await prisma.projectFile.findMany({
+        where: {
+          projectId,
+          roundId,
+          requirementId: { in: requirements.map((r: { id: string }) => r.id) },
+        },
+        select: { requirementId: true },
+      })
 
-    const fulfilledIds = new Set(
-      fulfilledFiles
-        .map((f: { requirementId: string | null }) => f.requirementId)
-        .filter(Boolean)
-    )
+      const fulfilledIds = new Set(
+        fulfilledFiles
+          .map((f: { requirementId: string | null }) => f.requirementId)
+          .filter(Boolean)
+      )
 
-    // Check if all required requirements are met
-    const allMet = requirements.every((r: { id: string }) => fulfilledIds.has(r.id))
+      legacyAllMet = requirements.every((r: { id: string }) => fulfilledIds.has(r.id))
+    }
+
+    // Check which SubmissionFileRequirements this project has satisfied
+    let submissionAllMet = true
+    if (submissionRequirements.length > 0) {
+      const fulfilledSubmissionFiles = await prisma.projectFile.findMany({
+        where: {
+          projectId,
+          submissionFileRequirementId: { in: submissionRequirements.map((r: { id: string }) => r.id) },
+        },
+        select: { submissionFileRequirementId: true },
+      })
+
+      const fulfilledSubIds = new Set(
+        fulfilledSubmissionFiles
+          .map((f: { submissionFileRequirementId: string | null }) => f.submissionFileRequirementId)
+          .filter(Boolean)
+      )
+
+      submissionAllMet = submissionRequirements.every((r: { id: string }) => fulfilledSubIds.has(r.id))
+    }
+
+    // All requirements from both models must be met
+    const allMet = legacyAllMet && submissionAllMet
 
     if (!allMet) {
       return { transitioned: false }