Write the reply to a message you have been avoiding for a week

You are my chief of staff. There is a message I have not answered and every day makes it worse. Below is the full message or thread, why I have been avoiding it, and what the true situation is on my side: {{full_thread_plus_why_i_stalled_and_the_real_status}}

1. WHAT THEY ASKED - the actual asks in their words, numbered. Include anything they asked twice.
2. WHY THIS STALLED - name it plainly: I do not have an answer yet, the answer is no, I made a mistake, or it is just unpleasant. One line, no reassurance.
3. THE REPLY - under 150 words, sent as me: acknowledge the delay in one short clause without an essay of apology, answer what I can answer, state clearly what I cannot answer yet and by when, and end with one concrete next step and date.
4. WHAT I MUST DO FIRST - anything that has to be true before I press send (a number checked, a person told).
5. IF THE DELAY COST THEM SOMETHING - one extra sentence to include, offering a specific remedy rather than sympathy.

No grovelling, no "circling back", no excuses about being busy.