Explain submission deadline env var in README

README.md

@@ -11,13 +11,26 @@ Before you begin, you need to install the following tools:
 
 ## Development Quickstart
 
-1. Install dependencies
+### 0. Set up environment variables
+
+For local development, in your `.env.local` add the following:
+
+```
+NEXT_PUBLIC_SUBMISSION_DEADLINE=YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS
+```
+
+Replace `YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS` with the actual deadline (e.g., "2024-03-31T23:59:59", deadline must be in UTC).
+This variable controls the visibility of the apply button and form submissions.
+
+> Note: For a PROD environment, you can set the deadline in the .env file or set the environment variable in your hosting provider.
+
+### 1. Install dependencies
 
 ```
 yarn install
 ```
 
-2. Spin up the Postgres database service + create database + seed
+### 2. Spin up the Postgres database service + create database + seed
 
 ```
 docker-compose up -d
@@ -27,7 +40,7 @@ yarn seed
 
 See more info about the database in the section below
 
-3. Start your NextJS app:
+### 3. Start your NextJS app:
 
 ```
 yarn start