feat(test-catalog): add template creation and lead-approval workflow

Leads get a Create Template button that adds directly to the catalog
(existing POST /test-templates). Operators (red_tech/blue_tech) get the
same button, but their proposal now lands in a new template_suggestions
review queue instead — a lead on their team can approve it as-is, edit
fields before approving, or discard it. Modeled on the existing
ProcedureSuggestion review workflow.

backend/alembic/versions/b064_template_suggestions.py

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+"""Add template_suggestions table for operator template proposals.
+
+Leads can already create a TestTemplate directly (POST /test-templates).
+Operators (red_tech/blue_tech) get the same "create template" action, but
+their proposal lands here pending a lead's review instead of the live
+catalog.
+
+Revision ID: b064
+Revises: b063
+Create Date: 2026-07-16
+"""
+
+import sqlalchemy as sa
+from alembic import op
+from sqlalchemy.dialects import postgresql
+
+revision = "b064"
+down_revision = "b063"
+branch_labels = None
+depends_on = None
+
+
+def upgrade() -> None:
+    op.create_table(
+        "template_suggestions",
+        sa.Column("id", postgresql.UUID(as_uuid=True), primary_key=True),
+        sa.Column("mitre_technique_id", sa.String(), nullable=False),
+        sa.Column("name", sa.String(), nullable=False),
+        sa.Column("description", sa.Text(), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("source", sa.String(), nullable=False, server_default="custom"),
+        sa.Column("source_url", sa.String(), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("attack_procedure", sa.Text(), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("expected_detection", sa.Text(), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("platform", sa.String(), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("tool_suggested", sa.String(), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("severity", sa.String(), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("atomic_test_id", sa.String(), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("suggested_remediation", sa.Text(), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("team", sa.String(10), nullable=False),
+        sa.Column("submitted_by", postgresql.UUID(as_uuid=True), sa.ForeignKey("users.id"), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("status", sa.String(10), nullable=False, server_default="pending"),
+        sa.Column("reviewed_by", postgresql.UUID(as_uuid=True), sa.ForeignKey("users.id"), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("reviewed_at", sa.DateTime(), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("created_template_id", postgresql.UUID(as_uuid=True), sa.ForeignKey("test_templates.id"), nullable=True),
+        sa.Column("created_at", sa.DateTime(timezone=True), server_default=sa.func.now()),
+    )
+    op.create_index("ix_template_suggestions_status", "template_suggestions", ["status"])
+    op.create_index("ix_template_suggestions_team", "template_suggestions", ["team"])
+
+
+def downgrade() -> None:
+    op.drop_index("ix_template_suggestions_team", table_name="template_suggestions")
+    op.drop_index("ix_template_suggestions_status", table_name="template_suggestions")
+    op.drop_table("template_suggestions")

backend/app/main.py

@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ from app.routers import tests as tests_router
 from app.routers import evidence as evidence_router
 from app.routers import test_templates as test_templates_router
 from app.routers import procedure_suggestions as procedure_suggestions_router
+from app.routers import template_suggestions as template_suggestions_router
 from app.routers import system as system_router
 from app.routers import metrics as metrics_router
 from app.routers import users as users_router
@@ -215,6 +216,7 @@ app.include_router(evidence_router.router, prefix="/api/v1")
 # Call app.include_router()
 app.include_router(test_templates_router.router, prefix="/api/v1")
 app.include_router(procedure_suggestions_router.router, prefix="/api/v1")
+app.include_router(template_suggestions_router.router, prefix="/api/v1")
 # Call app.include_router()
 app.include_router(system_router.router, prefix="/api/v1")
 # Call app.include_router()

backend/app/models/__init__.py

@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ from app.models.test import Test
 from app.models.test_round_history import TestRoundHistory
 from app.models.test_template import TestTemplate
 from app.models.procedure_suggestion import ProcedureSuggestion
+from app.models.template_suggestion import TemplateSuggestion
 from app.models.user import User
 
 # Assign __all__ = [
@@ -90,4 +91,5 @@ __all__ = [
     "AlertInstance",
     "TestRoundHistory",
     "ProcedureSuggestion",
+    "TemplateSuggestion",
 ]

backend/app/models/template_suggestion.py

@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+"""SQLAlchemy model for operator-proposed test templates, pending lead review.
+
+Leads create templates directly (see TestTemplateCreate router). An
+operator (red_tech/blue_tech) gets the same "create template" action, but
+their submission lands here instead of the live catalog — a lead on their
+team reviews it, optionally edits any field, and either approves it (which
+creates the real TestTemplate) or discards it.
+"""
+
+import uuid
+
+from sqlalchemy import Column, DateTime, ForeignKey, String, Text, func
+from sqlalchemy.dialects.postgresql import UUID
+from sqlalchemy.orm import relationship
+
+from app.database import Base
+
+
+class TemplateSuggestion(Base):
+    """A proposed new TestTemplate submitted by an operator, pending lead review."""
+
+    __tablename__ = "template_suggestions"
+
+    id = Column(UUID(as_uuid=True), primary_key=True, default=uuid.uuid4)
+
+    # Proposed TestTemplate fields — mirrors TestTemplateCreate.
+    mitre_technique_id = Column(String, nullable=False)
+    name = Column(String, nullable=False)
+    description = Column(Text, nullable=True)
+    source = Column(String, nullable=False, default="custom", server_default="custom")
+    source_url = Column(String, nullable=True)
+    attack_procedure = Column(Text, nullable=True)
+    expected_detection = Column(Text, nullable=True)
+    platform = Column(String, nullable=True)
+    tool_suggested = Column(String, nullable=True)
+    severity = Column(String, nullable=True)
+    atomic_test_id = Column(String, nullable=True)
+    suggested_remediation = Column(Text, nullable=True)
+
+    # "red" or "blue" — derived from the submitter's role, determines which
+    # lead reviews it (admins can review both).
+    team = Column(String(10), nullable=False)
+    submitted_by = Column(UUID(as_uuid=True), ForeignKey("users.id"), nullable=True)
+
+    status = Column(String(10), nullable=False, default="pending", server_default="pending")  # pending/approved/rejected
+    reviewed_by = Column(UUID(as_uuid=True), ForeignKey("users.id"), nullable=True)
+    reviewed_at = Column(DateTime, nullable=True)
+    created_template_id = Column(UUID(as_uuid=True), ForeignKey("test_templates.id"), nullable=True)
+    created_at = Column(DateTime(timezone=True), server_default=func.now())
+
+    submitter = relationship("User", foreign_keys=[submitted_by])
+    reviewer = relationship("User", foreign_keys=[reviewed_by])
+    created_template = relationship("TestTemplate", foreign_keys=[created_template_id])

backend/app/routers/template_suggestions.py

@@ -0,0 +1,166 @@
+"""Router for operator template-proposal review.
+
+Endpoints
+---------
+POST /template-suggestions              — propose a new template (red_tech/blue_tech)
+GET  /template-suggestions               — list pending suggestions (lead/admin)
+POST /template-suggestions/{id}/approve  — create the template, with optional edits (lead/admin)
+POST /template-suggestions/{id}/reject   — discard the suggestion (lead/admin)
+
+A red_lead only ever sees/acts on "red" team suggestions, a blue_lead only
+"blue" — admins can see and act on both.
+"""
+
+import uuid
+
+from fastapi import APIRouter, Depends, HTTPException
+from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
+
+from app.database import get_db
+from app.dependencies.auth import require_any_role_strict
+from app.domain.errors import EntityNotFoundError, InvalidOperationError
+from app.domain.unit_of_work import UnitOfWork
+from app.models.technique import Technique
+from app.models.template_suggestion import TemplateSuggestion
+from app.models.user import User
+from app.schemas.template_suggestion import (
+    TemplateSuggestionApprove,
+    TemplateSuggestionCreate,
+    TemplateSuggestionOut,
+)
+from app.services.audit_service import log_action
+from app.services.template_suggestion_service import (
+    approve_template_suggestion as approve_suggestion_svc,
+)
+from app.services.template_suggestion_service import (
+    create_template_suggestion as create_suggestion_svc,
+)
+from app.services.template_suggestion_service import (
+    list_pending_template_suggestions,
+)
+from app.services.template_suggestion_service import (
+    reject_template_suggestion as reject_suggestion_svc,
+)
+
+router = APIRouter(prefix="/template-suggestions", tags=["template-suggestions"])
+
+
+def _team_for_lead(user: User) -> str | None:
+    """Return the single team a non-admin lead is scoped to, or None for admin (both)."""
+    if user.role == "red_lead":
+        return "red"
+    if user.role == "blue_lead":
+        return "blue"
+    return None
+
+
+def _to_out(suggestion: TemplateSuggestion) -> TemplateSuggestionOut:
+    out = TemplateSuggestionOut.model_validate(suggestion)
+    if suggestion.submitter:
+        out.submitter_name = suggestion.submitter.username or suggestion.submitter.email
+    return out
+
+
+@router.post("", response_model=TemplateSuggestionOut, status_code=201)
+def propose_template(
+    payload: TemplateSuggestionCreate,
+    db: Session = Depends(get_db),
+    current_user: User = Depends(require_any_role_strict("red_tech", "blue_tech")),
+) -> TemplateSuggestionOut:
+    """Propose a new test template. Lands in the review queue, not the live catalog."""
+    with UnitOfWork(db) as uow:
+        suggestion = create_suggestion_svc(db, current_user, **payload.model_dump())
+        log_action(
+            db, user_id=current_user.id, action="propose_test_template",
+            entity_type="template_suggestion", entity_id=suggestion.id,
+            details={"name": suggestion.name, "mitre_technique_id": suggestion.mitre_technique_id},
+        )
+        uow.commit()
+    db.refresh(suggestion)
+    return _to_out(suggestion)
+
+
+@router.get("", response_model=list[TemplateSuggestionOut])
+def list_suggestions(
+    db: Session = Depends(get_db),
+    current_user: User = Depends(require_any_role_strict("red_lead", "blue_lead", "admin")),
+) -> list[TemplateSuggestionOut]:
+    """List pending template suggestions, scoped to the caller's team (admins see both)."""
+    team = _team_for_lead(current_user)
+    suggestions = list_pending_template_suggestions(db, team=team)
+    return [_to_out(s) for s in suggestions]
+
+
+@router.post("/{suggestion_id}/approve", response_model=TemplateSuggestionOut)
+def approve_suggestion(
+    suggestion_id: uuid.UUID,
+    payload: TemplateSuggestionApprove | None = None,
+    db: Session = Depends(get_db),
+    current_user: User = Depends(require_any_role_strict("red_lead", "blue_lead", "admin")),
+) -> TemplateSuggestionOut:
+    """Approve a suggestion, optionally editing fields, creating the real template."""
+    _check_team_permission(current_user, _team_or_404(db, suggestion_id))
+    overrides = payload.model_dump(exclude_unset=True) if payload else {}
+    try:
+        with UnitOfWork(db) as uow:
+            suggestion, template = approve_suggestion_svc(db, suggestion_id, current_user, overrides)
+            if template.mitre_technique_id:
+                technique = (
+                    db.query(Technique)
+                    .filter(Technique.mitre_id == template.mitre_technique_id)
+                    .first()
+                )
+                if technique:
+                    technique.review_required = True
+            log_action(
+                db, user_id=current_user.id, action="approve_template_suggestion",
+                entity_type="template_suggestion", entity_id=suggestion.id,
+                details={"created_template_id": str(template.id), "team": suggestion.team},
+            )
+            uow.commit()
+    except EntityNotFoundError as e:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=404, detail=str(e)) from e
+    except InvalidOperationError as e:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e)) from e
+    db.refresh(suggestion)
+    return _to_out(suggestion)
+
+
+@router.post("/{suggestion_id}/reject", response_model=TemplateSuggestionOut)
+def reject_suggestion(
+    suggestion_id: uuid.UUID,
+    db: Session = Depends(get_db),
+    current_user: User = Depends(require_any_role_strict("red_lead", "blue_lead", "admin")),
+) -> TemplateSuggestionOut:
+    """Discard a suggestion without creating a template."""
+    _check_team_permission(current_user, _team_or_404(db, suggestion_id))
+    try:
+        with UnitOfWork(db) as uow:
+            suggestion = reject_suggestion_svc(db, suggestion_id, current_user)
+            log_action(
+                db, user_id=current_user.id, action="reject_template_suggestion",
+                entity_type="template_suggestion", entity_id=suggestion.id,
+                details={"team": suggestion.team},
+            )
+            uow.commit()
+    except EntityNotFoundError as e:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=404, detail=str(e)) from e
+    except InvalidOperationError as e:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e)) from e
+    db.refresh(suggestion)
+    return _to_out(suggestion)
+
+
+def _team_or_404(db: Session, suggestion_id: uuid.UUID) -> str:
+    """Look up just the team of a suggestion, for a permission check before mutating it."""
+    suggestion = db.query(TemplateSuggestion).filter(TemplateSuggestion.id == suggestion_id).first()
+    if suggestion is None:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=404, detail="Template suggestion not found")
+    return suggestion.team
+
+
+def _check_team_permission(user: User, team: str) -> None:
+    """Raise 403 if a non-admin lead tries to act on the other team's suggestion."""
+    scoped_team = _team_for_lead(user)
+    if scoped_team is not None and scoped_team != team:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=403, detail=f"Not authorized to review {team} team suggestions")

backend/app/schemas/template_suggestion.py

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+"""Pydantic schemas for the TemplateSuggestion (operator template proposal) workflow."""
+
+import uuid
+from datetime import datetime
+
+from pydantic import BaseModel, ConfigDict
+
+
+class TemplateSuggestionCreate(BaseModel):
+    """Payload for an operator proposing a new test template."""
+
+    mitre_technique_id: str
+    name: str
+    description: str | None = None
+    source: str = "custom"
+    source_url: str | None = None
+    attack_procedure: str | None = None
+    expected_detection: str | None = None
+    platform: str | None = None
+    tool_suggested: str | None = None
+    severity: str | None = None
+    atomic_test_id: str | None = None
+    suggested_remediation: str | None = None
+
+
+class TemplateSuggestionApprove(BaseModel):
+    """Optional field overrides a lead can apply while approving a suggestion.
+
+    Any field left unset falls back to what the operator originally
+    submitted — the lead only needs to pass the fields they want to change.
+    """
+
+    mitre_technique_id: str | None = None
+    name: str | None = None
+    description: str | None = None
+    source: str | None = None
+    source_url: str | None = None
+    attack_procedure: str | None = None
+    expected_detection: str | None = None
+    platform: str | None = None
+    tool_suggested: str | None = None
+    severity: str | None = None
+    atomic_test_id: str | None = None
+    suggested_remediation: str | None = None
+
+
+class TemplateSuggestionOut(BaseModel):
+    """Full representation of a pending/reviewed template suggestion."""
+
+    id: uuid.UUID
+    mitre_technique_id: str
+    name: str
+    description: str | None = None
+    source: str
+    source_url: str | None = None
+    attack_procedure: str | None = None
+    expected_detection: str | None = None
+    platform: str | None = None
+    tool_suggested: str | None = None
+    severity: str | None = None
+    atomic_test_id: str | None = None
+    suggested_remediation: str | None = None
+    team: str
+    submitted_by: uuid.UUID | None = None
+    submitter_name: str | None = None
+    status: str
+    reviewed_by: uuid.UUID | None = None
+    reviewed_at: datetime | None = None
+    created_template_id: uuid.UUID | None = None
+    created_at: datetime | None = None
+
+    model_config = ConfigDict(from_attributes=True)

backend/app/services/template_suggestion_service.py

@@ -0,0 +1,118 @@
+"""Operator template-proposal workflow.
+
+Leads create test templates directly (see test_template_service.create_template,
+gated to red_lead/blue_lead in the router). An operator (red_tech/blue_tech)
+gets the same "propose a template" action, but nothing is written to the
+live catalog until a lead on their team reviews it — the lead can approve
+as-is, approve with edits, or discard it outright.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import uuid
+from datetime import datetime
+
+from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
+
+from app.domain.errors import EntityNotFoundError, InvalidOperationError
+from app.models.template_suggestion import TemplateSuggestion
+from app.models.test_template import TestTemplate
+from app.models.user import User
+from app.services.notification_service import notify_role
+from app.services.test_template_service import create_template
+
+_TEAM_BY_ROLE = {"red_tech": "red", "blue_tech": "blue"}
+_LEAD_ROLE = {"red": "red_lead", "blue": "blue_lead"}
+
+_TEMPLATE_FIELDS = (
+    "mitre_technique_id", "name", "description", "source", "source_url",
+    "attack_procedure", "expected_detection", "platform", "tool_suggested",
+    "severity", "atomic_test_id", "suggested_remediation",
+)
+
+
+def team_for_submitter(user: User) -> str:
+    """Which team a submission belongs to, based on the submitter's role."""
+    team = _TEAM_BY_ROLE.get(user.role)
+    if team is None:
+        raise InvalidOperationError("Only red_tech/blue_tech operators can propose templates")
+    return team
+
+
+def create_template_suggestion(db: Session, submitter: User, **fields: object) -> TemplateSuggestion:
+    """Create a pending template suggestion and notify the submitter's lead.
+
+    Does not commit; caller uses UnitOfWork.
+    """
+    team = team_for_submitter(submitter)
+    suggestion = TemplateSuggestion(team=team, submitted_by=submitter.id, **fields)
+    db.add(suggestion)
+    db.flush()
+
+    notify_role(
+        db,
+        role=_LEAD_ROLE[team],
+        type="template_suggestion",
+        title="New test template proposed for review",
+        message=f'A new template, "{suggestion.name}", was proposed and needs your review.',
+        entity_type="template_suggestion",
+        entity_id=suggestion.id,
+    )
+    return suggestion
+
+
+def list_pending_template_suggestions(db: Session, *, team: str | None = None) -> list[TemplateSuggestion]:
+    """List pending template suggestions, optionally filtered to one team."""
+    query = db.query(TemplateSuggestion).filter(TemplateSuggestion.status == "pending")
+    if team is not None:
+        query = query.filter(TemplateSuggestion.team == team)
+    return query.order_by(TemplateSuggestion.created_at.asc()).all()
+
+
+def _get_pending_suggestion_or_raise(db: Session, suggestion_id: uuid.UUID) -> TemplateSuggestion:
+    suggestion = db.query(TemplateSuggestion).filter(TemplateSuggestion.id == suggestion_id).first()
+    if suggestion is None:
+        raise EntityNotFoundError("TemplateSuggestion", str(suggestion_id))
+    if suggestion.status != "pending":
+        raise InvalidOperationError("This template suggestion has already been reviewed.")
+    return suggestion
+
+
+def approve_template_suggestion(
+    db: Session,
+    suggestion_id: uuid.UUID,
+    user: User,
+    overrides: dict | None = None,
+) -> tuple[TemplateSuggestion, TestTemplate]:
+    """Approve a suggestion: create the real TestTemplate and mark it reviewed.
+
+    *overrides* lets the reviewing lead adjust any field before it goes
+    live — unset/None fields fall back to what the operator submitted.
+    Does not commit; caller uses UnitOfWork.
+    """
+    suggestion = _get_pending_suggestion_or_raise(db, suggestion_id)
+
+    fields = {name: getattr(suggestion, name) for name in _TEMPLATE_FIELDS}
+    for key, value in (overrides or {}).items():
+        if value is not None and key in fields:
+            fields[key] = value
+
+    template = create_template(db, **fields)
+    db.flush()
+
+    suggestion.status = "approved"
+    suggestion.reviewed_by = user.id
+    suggestion.reviewed_at = datetime.utcnow()
+    suggestion.created_template_id = template.id
+    db.flush()
+    return suggestion, template
+
+
+def reject_template_suggestion(db: Session, suggestion_id: uuid.UUID, user: User) -> TemplateSuggestion:
+    """Discard a suggestion without creating a template. Does not commit."""
+    suggestion = _get_pending_suggestion_or_raise(db, suggestion_id)
+    suggestion.status = "rejected"
+    suggestion.reviewed_by = user.id
+    suggestion.reviewed_at = datetime.utcnow()
+    db.flush()
+    return suggestion

backend/tests/test_template_suggestions.py

@@ -0,0 +1,145 @@
+"""End-to-end coverage for the operator template-proposal review workflow.
+
+Leads create test templates directly via POST /test-templates. An operator
+(red_tech/blue_tech) gets the same "propose a template" action, but their
+submission lands in the review queue instead of the live catalog — a lead
+on their team approves (optionally editing fields) or discards it.
+"""
+
+import pytest
+
+
+def _payload(**overrides):
+    base = {
+        "mitre_technique_id": "T1059.300",
+        "name": "Operator-proposed template",
+        "attack_procedure": "Run a discovery command.",
+        "expected_detection": "Check process creation logs.",
+    }
+    base.update(overrides)
+    return base
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def technique(api, auth_headers):
+    resp = api(
+        "post", "/api/v1/techniques", auth_headers,
+        json={"mitre_id": "T1059.300", "name": "Command Line Proposals"},
+    )
+    assert resp.status_code == 201, resp.text
+    return resp.json()["id"]
+
+
+def test_red_tech_can_propose_a_template(api, technique, red_tech_headers):
+    resp = api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_tech_headers, json=_payload())
+    assert resp.status_code == 201, resp.text
+    body = resp.json()
+    assert body["status"] == "pending"
+    assert body["team"] == "red"
+    assert body["name"] == "Operator-proposed template"
+
+
+def test_blue_tech_can_propose_a_template(api, technique, blue_tech_headers):
+    resp = api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", blue_tech_headers, json=_payload())
+    assert resp.status_code == 201, resp.text
+    assert resp.json()["team"] == "blue"
+
+
+def test_lead_cannot_propose_a_template_via_suggestion_endpoint(api, technique, red_lead_headers):
+    """Leads use the direct POST /test-templates endpoint instead."""
+    resp = api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_lead_headers, json=_payload())
+    assert resp.status_code == 403
+
+
+def test_proposed_template_does_not_appear_in_catalog(api, technique, red_tech_headers, red_lead_headers):
+    api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_tech_headers, json=_payload())
+
+    catalog = api("get", "/api/v1/test-templates?search=Operator-proposed", red_lead_headers)
+    assert catalog.json() == []
+
+
+def test_red_lead_sees_pending_red_suggestion(api, technique, red_tech_headers, red_lead_headers):
+    api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_tech_headers, json=_payload())
+
+    listed = api("get", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_lead_headers)
+    assert listed.status_code == 200, listed.text
+    assert len(listed.json()) == 1
+    assert listed.json()[0]["status"] == "pending"
+
+
+def test_blue_lead_does_not_see_red_suggestion(api, technique, red_tech_headers, blue_lead_headers):
+    api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_tech_headers, json=_payload())
+
+    listed = api("get", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", blue_lead_headers)
+    assert listed.json() == []
+
+
+def test_blue_lead_cannot_approve_a_red_suggestion(api, technique, red_tech_headers, blue_lead_headers):
+    created = api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_tech_headers, json=_payload())
+    suggestion_id = created.json()["id"]
+
+    resp = api("post", f"/api/v1/template-suggestions/{suggestion_id}/approve", blue_lead_headers)
+    assert resp.status_code == 403
+
+
+def test_lead_approves_suggestion_as_is_creates_template(api, technique, red_tech_headers, red_lead_headers):
+    created = api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_tech_headers, json=_payload())
+    suggestion_id = created.json()["id"]
+
+    resp = api("post", f"/api/v1/template-suggestions/{suggestion_id}/approve", red_lead_headers)
+    assert resp.status_code == 200, resp.text
+    body = resp.json()
+    assert body["status"] == "approved"
+    assert body["created_template_id"] is not None
+
+    template = api("get", f"/api/v1/test-templates/{body['created_template_id']}", red_lead_headers)
+    assert template.status_code == 200
+    assert template.json()["name"] == "Operator-proposed template"
+
+    listed = api("get", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_lead_headers)
+    assert listed.json() == []
+
+
+def test_lead_approves_suggestion_with_edits(api, technique, red_tech_headers, red_lead_headers):
+    """The lead can add/adjust information before it goes live — the created
+    template reflects the lead's edits, not just the operator's original text."""
+    created = api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_tech_headers, json=_payload())
+    suggestion_id = created.json()["id"]
+
+    resp = api(
+        "post", f"/api/v1/template-suggestions/{suggestion_id}/approve", red_lead_headers,
+        json={"attack_procedure": "Run a discovery command, then pivot via WMI.", "severity": "high"},
+    )
+    assert resp.status_code == 200, resp.text
+    template_id = resp.json()["created_template_id"]
+
+    template = api("get", f"/api/v1/test-templates/{template_id}", red_lead_headers)
+    assert template.json()["attack_procedure"] == "Run a discovery command, then pivot via WMI."
+    assert template.json()["severity"] == "high"
+    # Untouched fields still come from the operator's original submission.
+    assert template.json()["expected_detection"] == "Check process creation logs."
+
+
+def test_lead_discards_suggestion_without_creating_template(api, technique, red_tech_headers, red_lead_headers):
+    created = api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_tech_headers, json=_payload())
+    suggestion_id = created.json()["id"]
+
+    resp = api("post", f"/api/v1/template-suggestions/{suggestion_id}/reject", red_lead_headers)
+    assert resp.status_code == 200, resp.text
+    assert resp.json()["status"] == "rejected"
+    assert resp.json()["created_template_id"] is None
+
+    catalog = api("get", "/api/v1/test-templates?search=Operator-proposed", red_lead_headers)
+    assert catalog.json() == []
+
+    listed = api("get", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_lead_headers)
+    assert listed.json() == []
+
+
+def test_cannot_review_an_already_reviewed_suggestion_twice(api, technique, red_tech_headers, red_lead_headers):
+    created = api("post", "/api/v1/template-suggestions", red_tech_headers, json=_payload())
+    suggestion_id = created.json()["id"]
+
+    api("post", f"/api/v1/template-suggestions/{suggestion_id}/approve", red_lead_headers)
+    resp = api("post", f"/api/v1/template-suggestions/{suggestion_id}/reject", red_lead_headers)
+    assert resp.status_code == 400

frontend/src/api/template-suggestions.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+import client from "./client";
+import type { TemplateSuggestion } from "../types/models";
+import type { CreateTemplatePayload } from "./test-templates";
+
+/** Propose a new test template. Lands in the review queue, not the live catalog. */
+export async function proposeTemplate(
+  payload: CreateTemplatePayload,
+): Promise<TemplateSuggestion> {
+  const { data } = await client.post<TemplateSuggestion>(
+    "/template-suggestions",
+    payload,
+  );
+  return data;
+}
+
+/** List pending template suggestions, scoped to the caller's team (admins see both). */
+export async function getTemplateSuggestions(): Promise<TemplateSuggestion[]> {
+  const { data } = await client.get<TemplateSuggestion[]>("/template-suggestions");
+  return data;
+}
+
+/** Approve a suggestion, optionally editing fields, creating the real template. */
+export async function approveTemplateSuggestion(
+  id: string,
+  overrides?: Partial<CreateTemplatePayload>,
+): Promise<TemplateSuggestion> {
+  const { data } = await client.post<TemplateSuggestion>(
+    `/template-suggestions/${id}/approve`,
+    overrides || {},
+  );
+  return data;
+}
+
+/** Discard a suggestion without creating a template. */
+export async function rejectTemplateSuggestion(id: string): Promise<TemplateSuggestion> {
+  const { data } = await client.post<TemplateSuggestion>(`/template-suggestions/${id}/reject`);
+  return data;
+}

frontend/src/components/CreateTemplateModal.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,197 @@
+import { useState } from "react";
+import { useMutation, useQueryClient } from "@tanstack/react-query";
+import { X, Loader2 } from "lucide-react";
+import { createTemplate, type CreateTemplatePayload } from "../api/test-templates";
+import { proposeTemplate } from "../api/template-suggestions";
+import { useToast } from "./Toast";
+
+const SEVERITY_OPTIONS = ["low", "medium", "high", "critical"];
+const PLATFORM_OPTIONS = ["windows", "linux", "macos", "azure-ad", "office-365", "containers"];
+
+/** Leads create a template directly into the live catalog; operators
+ * (red_tech/blue_tech) propose one instead — it lands in the review
+ * queue for a lead on their team to approve (with optional edits) or
+ * discard, rather than going live immediately. */
+export default function CreateTemplateModal({
+  canCreateDirectly,
+  onClose,
+}: {
+  canCreateDirectly: boolean;
+  onClose: () => void;
+}) {
+  const queryClient = useQueryClient();
+  const { showToast } = useToast();
+
+  const [form, setForm] = useState<CreateTemplatePayload>({
+    mitre_technique_id: "",
+    name: "",
+    description: "",
+    source: "custom",
+    attack_procedure: "",
+    expected_detection: "",
+    platform: "",
+    severity: "",
+  });
+
+  const set = (field: keyof CreateTemplatePayload, value: string) =>
+    setForm((f) => ({ ...f, [field]: value }));
+
+  const directMutation = useMutation({
+    mutationFn: () => createTemplate(form),
+    onSuccess: () => {
+      queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ["test-templates"] });
+      queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ["test-templates-count"] });
+      showToast("success", "Template created and added to the catalog");
+      onClose();
+    },
+    onError: () => showToast("error", "Failed to create template"),
+  });
+
+  const proposeMutation = useMutation({
+    mutationFn: () => proposeTemplate(form),
+    onSuccess: () => {
+      showToast("success", "Template proposed — a lead will review it before it's added to the catalog");
+      onClose();
+    },
+    onError: () => showToast("error", "Failed to propose template"),
+  });
+
+  const isPending = directMutation.isPending || proposeMutation.isPending;
+  const canSubmit = form.mitre_technique_id.trim() !== "" && form.name.trim() !== "";
+
+  const handleSubmit = (e: React.FormEvent) => {
+    e.preventDefault();
+    if (!canSubmit) return;
+    if (canCreateDirectly) {
+      directMutation.mutate();
+    } else {
+      proposeMutation.mutate();
+    }
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <div className="fixed inset-0 z-50 flex items-center justify-center bg-black/60 p-4">
+      <div className="w-full max-w-2xl rounded-xl border border-gray-800 bg-gray-900 shadow-xl">
+        <div className="flex items-center justify-between border-b border-gray-800 px-6 py-4">
+          <h2 className="text-lg font-semibold text-white">
+            {canCreateDirectly ? "Create Test Template" : "Propose Test Template"}
+          </h2>
+          <button onClick={onClose} className="rounded-lg p-1 text-gray-400 hover:bg-gray-800 hover:text-white">
+            <X className="h-5 w-5" />
+          </button>
+        </div>
+
+        <form onSubmit={handleSubmit} className="max-h-[70vh] space-y-4 overflow-y-auto px-6 py-4">
+          {!canCreateDirectly && (
+            <p className="rounded-lg border border-cyan-500/30 bg-cyan-500/10 px-3 py-2 text-xs text-cyan-300">
+              This will be submitted for review — a lead on your team must approve it before it appears in the catalog.
+            </p>
+          )}
+
+          <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+            <div>
+              <label className="mb-1 block text-xs font-medium text-gray-500">
+                MITRE Technique ID <span className="text-red-400">*</span>
+              </label>
+              <input
+                required
+                value={form.mitre_technique_id}
+                onChange={(e) => set("mitre_technique_id", e.target.value)}
+                placeholder="T1059.001"
+                className="w-full rounded-lg border border-gray-700 bg-gray-800 px-3 py-2 text-sm text-gray-200 focus:border-cyan-500 focus:outline-none"
+              />
+            </div>
+            <div>
+              <label className="mb-1 block text-xs font-medium text-gray-500">
+                Name <span className="text-red-400">*</span>
+              </label>
+              <input
+                required
+                value={form.name}
+                onChange={(e) => set("name", e.target.value)}
+                className="w-full rounded-lg border border-gray-700 bg-gray-800 px-3 py-2 text-sm text-gray-200 focus:border-cyan-500 focus:outline-none"
+              />
+            </div>
+          </div>
+
+          <div>
+            <label className="mb-1 block text-xs font-medium text-gray-500">Description</label>
+            <textarea
+              rows={2}
+              value={form.description || ""}
+              onChange={(e) => set("description", e.target.value)}
+              className="w-full rounded-lg border border-gray-700 bg-gray-800 px-3 py-2 text-sm text-gray-200 focus:border-cyan-500 focus:outline-none"
+            />
+          </div>
+
+          <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+            <div>
+              <label className="mb-1 block text-xs font-medium text-gray-500">Platform</label>
+              <select
+                value={form.platform || ""}
+                onChange={(e) => set("platform", e.target.value)}
+                className="w-full rounded-lg border border-gray-700 bg-gray-800 px-3 py-2 text-sm text-gray-200 focus:border-cyan-500 focus:outline-none"
+              >
+                <option value="">Unspecified</option>
+                {PLATFORM_OPTIONS.map((p) => (
+                  <option key={p} value={p}>{p}</option>
+                ))}
+              </select>
+            </div>
+            <div>
+              <label className="mb-1 block text-xs font-medium text-gray-500">Severity</label>
+              <select
+                value={form.severity || ""}
+                onChange={(e) => set("severity", e.target.value)}
+                className="w-full rounded-lg border border-gray-700 bg-gray-800 px-3 py-2 text-sm text-gray-200 focus:border-cyan-500 focus:outline-none"
+              >
+                <option value="">Unspecified</option>
+                {SEVERITY_OPTIONS.map((s) => (
+                  <option key={s} value={s}>{s}</option>
+                ))}
+              </select>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+
+          <div>
+            <label className="mb-1 block text-xs font-medium text-gray-500">Suggested Attack Procedure</label>
+            <textarea
+              rows={3}
+              value={form.attack_procedure || ""}
+              onChange={(e) => set("attack_procedure", e.target.value)}
+              className="w-full rounded-lg border border-gray-700 bg-gray-800 px-3 py-2 font-mono text-sm text-gray-200 focus:border-cyan-500 focus:outline-none"
+            />
+          </div>
+
+          <div>
+            <label className="mb-1 block text-xs font-medium text-gray-500">Expected Detection</label>
+            <textarea
+              rows={3}
+              value={form.expected_detection || ""}
+              onChange={(e) => set("expected_detection", e.target.value)}
+              className="w-full rounded-lg border border-gray-700 bg-gray-800 px-3 py-2 font-mono text-sm text-gray-200 focus:border-cyan-500 focus:outline-none"
+            />
+          </div>
+
+          <div className="flex justify-end gap-2 pt-2">
+            <button
+              type="button"
+              onClick={onClose}
+              className="rounded-lg border border-gray-700 px-4 py-2 text-sm text-gray-400 hover:bg-gray-800"
+            >
+              Cancel
+            </button>
+            <button
+              type="submit"
+              disabled={!canSubmit || isPending}
+              className="flex items-center gap-1.5 rounded-lg bg-cyan-600 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-medium text-white hover:bg-cyan-500 disabled:opacity-50"
+            >
+              {isPending && <Loader2 className="h-4 w-4 animate-spin" />}
+              {canCreateDirectly ? "Create Template" : "Submit for Review"}
+            </button>
+          </div>
+        </form>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+}

frontend/src/pages/TestCatalogPage.tsx

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import { useState } from "react";
-import { useQuery } from "@tanstack/react-query";
+import { useMutation, useQuery, useQueryClient } from "@tanstack/react-query";
 import { useNavigate, useSearchParams, useParams } from "react-router-dom";
 import {
   Loader2,
@@ -11,9 +11,19 @@ import {
   FlaskConical,
   X,
   AlertTriangle,
+  Plus,
+  ClipboardList,
+  CheckCircle,
+  XCircle,
 } from "lucide-react";
 import { getTemplates, getTemplateCount } from "../api/test-templates";
+import {
+  getTemplateSuggestions,
+  approveTemplateSuggestion,
+  rejectTemplateSuggestion,
+} from "../api/template-suggestions";
 import TestFromTemplateForm from "../components/TestFromTemplateForm";
+import CreateTemplateModal from "../components/CreateTemplateModal";
 import type { TestTemplateSummary } from "../types/models";
 import { useAuth } from "../context/AuthContext";
 
@@ -86,6 +96,14 @@ export default function TestCatalogPage() {
     user?.role === "red_lead" ||
     user?.role === "blue_lead";
 
+  // Leads create templates straight into the catalog; operators get the
+  // same button but their submission goes through lead review first.
+  const canCreateTemplateDirectly = user?.role === "red_lead" || user?.role === "blue_lead";
+  const canProposeTemplate = user?.role === "red_tech" || user?.role === "blue_tech";
+  const isReviewLead = user?.role === "red_lead" || user?.role === "blue_lead" || user?.role === "admin";
+
+  const [showCreateModal, setShowCreateModal] = useState(false);
+
   const [search, setSearch] = useState(searchParams.get("search") || "");
   const [source, setSource] = useState(searchParams.get("source") || "");
   const [platform, setPlatform] = useState(searchParams.get("platform") || "");
@@ -166,9 +184,20 @@ export default function TestCatalogPage() {
             Browse available test templates. Use a template to quickly create a security test.
           </p>
         </div>
-        <span className="rounded-full border border-gray-700 bg-gray-800 px-3 py-1 text-sm font-medium text-gray-300">
-          {totalCount} template{totalCount !== 1 ? "s" : ""} available
-        </span>
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+          <span className="rounded-full border border-gray-700 bg-gray-800 px-3 py-1 text-sm font-medium text-gray-300">
+            {totalCount} template{totalCount !== 1 ? "s" : ""} available
+          </span>
+          {(canCreateTemplateDirectly || canProposeTemplate) && (
+            <button
+              onClick={() => setShowCreateModal(true)}
+              className="flex items-center gap-1.5 rounded-lg bg-cyan-600 px-3 py-1.5 text-sm font-medium text-white hover:bg-cyan-500 transition-colors"
+            >
+              <Plus className="h-4 w-4" />
+              {canCreateTemplateDirectly ? "Create Template" : "Propose Template"}
+            </button>
+          )}
+        </div>
       </div>
 
       {/* Filters bar */}
@@ -337,6 +366,12 @@ export default function TestCatalogPage() {
         </>
       )}
 
+      {/* ── Template suggestions for leads ────────────────────────────
+          GET /template-suggestions is already scoped server-side to the
+          caller's own team (red_lead sees only red, blue_lead only blue;
+          admin sees both), so no client-side filtering is needed here. */}
+      {isReviewLead && <TemplateSuggestionsPanel />}
+
       {/* Template instantiation modal */}
       {templateId && (
         <TestFromTemplateForm
@@ -344,6 +379,103 @@ export default function TestCatalogPage() {
           onClose={() => navigate("/test-catalog")}
         />
       )}
+
+      {/* Create/propose template modal */}
+      {showCreateModal && (
+        <CreateTemplateModal
+          canCreateDirectly={canCreateTemplateDirectly}
+          onClose={() => setShowCreateModal(false)}
+        />
+      )}
+    </div>
+  );
+}
+
+// ── Template suggestions panel (leads only) ─────────────────────────
+
+function TemplateSuggestionsPanel() {
+  const queryClient = useQueryClient();
+
+  const { data: suggestions = [] } = useQuery({
+    queryKey: ["template-suggestions"],
+    queryFn: getTemplateSuggestions,
+  });
+
+  const invalidate = () => {
+    queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ["template-suggestions"] });
+    queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ["test-templates"] });
+    queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ["test-templates-count"] });
+  };
+  const approveMutation = useMutation({
+    mutationFn: (id: string) => approveTemplateSuggestion(id),
+    onSuccess: invalidate,
+  });
+  const rejectMutation = useMutation({
+    mutationFn: rejectTemplateSuggestion,
+    onSuccess: invalidate,
+  });
+  const isBusy = approveMutation.isPending || rejectMutation.isPending;
+
+  if (suggestions.length === 0) return null;
+
+  return (
+    <div className="rounded-xl border border-gray-800 bg-gray-900 p-6">
+      <div className="mb-4 flex items-center gap-2">
+        <ClipboardList className="h-5 w-5 text-yellow-400" />
+        <h2 className="text-lg font-semibold text-white">Template Suggestions</h2>
+        <span className="rounded-full border border-gray-600 bg-gray-800 px-2 py-0.5 text-xs font-medium text-gray-300">
+          {suggestions.length}
+        </span>
+        <span className="text-xs text-gray-500">Proposed by operators, pending your review</span>
+      </div>
+      <div className="space-y-3">
+        {suggestions.map((s) => (
+          <div key={s.id} className="rounded-lg border border-gray-700 bg-gray-800/50 p-4">
+            <div className="flex items-center justify-between gap-2">
+              <p className="text-sm font-medium text-gray-200">{s.name}</p>
+              <span className="rounded-full border border-gray-600/30 bg-gray-800/50 px-2 py-0.5 text-xs text-gray-400">
+                {s.mitre_technique_id}
+              </span>
+            </div>
+            {s.submitter_name && (
+              <p className="mt-0.5 text-xs text-gray-500">Proposed by {s.submitter_name}</p>
+            )}
+            {s.description && <p className="mt-2 text-sm text-gray-400">{s.description}</p>}
+            {s.attack_procedure && (
+              <div className="mt-2">
+                <p className="text-xs font-medium uppercase text-gray-500">Suggested Attack Procedure</p>
+                <pre className="mt-1 whitespace-pre-wrap rounded bg-gray-900 p-2 font-mono text-xs text-gray-300">
+                  {s.attack_procedure}
+                </pre>
+              </div>
+            )}
+            {s.expected_detection && (
+              <div className="mt-2">
+                <p className="text-xs font-medium uppercase text-gray-500">Expected Detection</p>
+                <pre className="mt-1 whitespace-pre-wrap rounded bg-gray-900 p-2 font-mono text-xs text-gray-300">
+                  {s.expected_detection}
+                </pre>
+              </div>
+            )}
+            <div className="mt-3 flex gap-2">
+              <button
+                onClick={() => approveMutation.mutate(s.id)}
+                disabled={isBusy}
+                className="flex items-center gap-1 rounded-lg border border-green-500/30 bg-green-900/20 px-3 py-1.5 text-xs font-medium text-green-400 hover:bg-green-900/40 disabled:opacity-50"
+              >
+                <CheckCircle className="h-3.5 w-3.5" /> Approve
+              </button>
+              <button
+                onClick={() => rejectMutation.mutate(s.id)}
+                disabled={isBusy}
+                className="flex items-center gap-1 rounded-lg border border-red-500/30 bg-red-900/20 px-3 py-1.5 text-xs font-medium text-red-400 hover:bg-red-900/40 disabled:opacity-50"
+              >
+                <XCircle className="h-3.5 w-3.5" /> Discard
+              </button>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        ))}
+      </div>
     </div>
   );
 }

frontend/src/types/models.ts

@@ -256,6 +256,32 @@ export interface ProcedureSuggestion {
   template_current_text: string | null;
 }
 
+// ── Template suggestions (operator-proposed templates) ──────────────
+
+export interface TemplateSuggestion {
+  id: string;
+  mitre_technique_id: string;
+  name: string;
+  description: string | null;
+  source: string;
+  source_url: string | null;
+  attack_procedure: string | null;
+  expected_detection: string | null;
+  platform: string | null;
+  tool_suggested: string | null;
+  severity: string | null;
+  atomic_test_id: string | null;
+  suggested_remediation: string | null;
+  team: TeamSide;
+  submitted_by: string | null;
+  submitter_name: string | null;
+  status: "pending" | "approved" | "rejected";
+  reviewed_by: string | null;
+  reviewed_at: string | null;
+  created_template_id: string | null;
+  created_at: string | null;
+}
+
 export interface TestTemplateSummary {
   id: string;
   mitre_technique_id: string;