diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4ae0425
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+## Your repo should have a .gitignore file which tells Git which files and folders to ignore (not track)
+## Please see https://github.com/github/gitignore for a useful list of templates
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..585646c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+# Contribution guidelines
+
+This repository is a template and the guide below is generic. It should be adapted for the specific requirements of your project.
+
+---
+
+## Before you start
+
+- Ensure you have read the project's [`README.md`](./README.md).
+- If you are proposing a new feature, open an issue/JIRA ticket first to discuss it.
+
+## Contribution Workflow
+The general steps for contributing code are:
+
+1.  Clone the code repository into your development environment (see the Development Setup section below for prerequisites and installation steps).
+2.  Create an issue or JIRA ticket that describes the user requirements, context, and possible solutions.
+3.  Create a branch for that issue.
+4.  Check out that branch.
+5.  Write your code and unit tests.
+6.  Run linters, formatters, and all unit tests locally.
+7.  Commit your changes to your local branch.
+8.  Push the changes to GitHub.
+9.  Create a pull request (PR).
+10.  Submit the PR for Code review using the GitHub PR review system.
+11.  Merge PR after approval.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 86ea234..7bd5a50 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,2 +1,40 @@
-# dataconnect-basic-template
-A basic repository structure template
+# Project Title [Project Number DC000X]
+
+## Overview
+
+Simple project overview.
+
+## Description
+
+A more detailed paragraph about the purpose of project work here and overview of use.
+
+## Related Documentation
+* Link to internal Data Connect technical documentation (if repo is private)
+* Relevant Jira tickets
+* Relevant link
+
+## Getting Started
+
+### Dependencies
+
+* Describe any software/library prerequisites needed
+  
+### Installing
+
+* How/where to download code if applicable
+
+### Usage
+
+* How to run the code
+* Step-by-step bullets
+```
+Use code blocks like this for commands
+```
+
+## License
+
+This project is licensed under the [NAME HERE] License - see the LICENSE.md file for details (if applicable)
+
+## Acknowledgments
+
+Any acknowledgements as required