Yeah, don’t have any shame in listing out those requirements, both in terms of communication and what minimum product you expect for the work. Of course things happen and not every person/team will be able to submit - life happens, and a lot can change in a month - but it really is the most respectful thing of your time and work.
(And it makes me sad that communication was that much of a sticking point in a year when you weren’t even supposed to be present. I hope the situations that caused this to be a down year have or will resolve! 💗)