Impact SPOs - Accountable and Verified!

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

The Problem

ADA holders consider several different factors when choosing a Stake pool to delegate to. Most of these factors such as pool longevity, system uptime, likely return on investment, size of pledge are easily verified and are well catered for by existing community services.

If, however, you choose your pool for reasons not so easy to verify, such as on the back of the pools stated Mission, Vision or Charitable promises you may be left having to simply trust the pool operator at their word. This falls short of the benefits we enjoy elsewhere in our trustless blockchain revolution.

The primary problem we are seeking to address in this challenge setting is:

The amount of community funds in ADA staked to projects/ngo based SPO's

The Proposal Goals

We require a simple, friction-free solution that allows ADA holders to:

Verify the financial giving promises of a pool are actually being carried out
Trust that the charitable projects that receive donations are being vetted
Stay informed of the impact of this giving activity through widely recognised metrics

With these goals being met, Stake Pool operators will have a valuable differentiator that they can promote knowing ADA holders will have increased trust in their promises.

FLUID7’s Solution

By choosing trusted 3rd parties to perform the monitoring and evaluation of the charitable projects who will benefit from the donations, we create a human connection (or oracle) between the on-chain staking activity and the real world beneficiaries of our communities desire to give.

This proposal has selected B1G1 - Business for Good as a strong first candidate organisation to partner with. The B1G1 platform is already fulfilling the stated goals of this proposal for 2,500 donor businesses worldwide. They have a large portfolio of charitable projects in place and are collating UN SDG impact metrics on these projects.

The B1G1 platform also has made steps toward exposing APIs that allow ‘Giving actions’ to be triggered from software interfaces. For this first stage, we plan to build tools for Stake Pool operators to use to connect on-chain activity associated with Stake pool delegation to the available API endpoints available from B1G1.

For example:

A mission driven SPO promises to fund 5 days of student internet access for all new delegations over 500ADA to their pool.

We would create a service to monitor that Stake Pool address for new delegations and trigger a donation to the chosen B1G1 project from the Stake Pool operators B1G1 fiat account.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

My proposed solution addresses the challenge by introducing a simple, friction-free solution that allows ADA holders to verify the financial giving promises of stake pools and ensure that the charitable projects receiving donations are being vetted. By partnering with B1G1 - Business for Good, a trusted third party with a portfolio of charitable projects already matched with UN SDG impact metrics, we create a connection between on-chain staking activity and real-world beneficiaries.

This solution benefits the Cardano ecosystem in several ways. First, it enhances trust and transparency in the stake pool selection process, allowing ADA holders to make more informed decisions. Second, it provides stake pool operators with a valuable differentiator, as they can promote their verifiable charitable contributions and gain increased trust from ADA holders. Third, it fosters a culture of giving and social impact within the Cardano community by contributing to a broad range of UN SDGs.

Furthermore, by connecting stake pools to B1G1's platform, we establish a framework for monitoring and evaluating charitable projects, ensuring that funds are being used effectively and generating meaningful impact. This accountability and visibility attract more ADA holders to delegate to stake pools, driving increased participation and engagement within the ecosystem.

Overall, our solution strengthens the SPO community and ecosystem by aligning stake pool operators' promises with real-world impact, promoting transparency, trust, and social responsibility within the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

By assessing the following metrics, we can gain insights into the success and impact of this project.

Adoption of the Solution: Measure the number of stake pool operators (SPOs) who adopt the solution and actively use it to connect their on-chain activity with charitable donations.
Impact on Charitable Projects: Evaluate the amount and impact of the donations made to supported charitable projects.
Trust and Transparency: Conduct surveys and collect feedback from ADA holders to gauge their level of trust and satisfaction with the financial giving promises and charitable initiatives supported.
Stake Pool Differentiation: Assess the extent to which your solution helps stake pool operators differentiate themselves in the ecosystem. Monitor their marketing efforts and ADA delegation trends
Tooling Utilization: Track the number of repositories on platforms like GitHub that utilize the tooling provided by your solution. Monitor the month-over-month increase in the adoption of your tools by developers and SPOs, indicating the usefulness and acceptance of the solution.

Documentation and Reports: We will prepare reports that highlight the key findings, achievements, and impact of this project. These documents will provide an overview of the solution implemented, the challenges addressed, the methodologies used, and the measurable outcomes obtained. We will share these reports on our website, Discord server and relevant social media channels.
Community Presentations: As a member of the xSPO alliance, I will share progress and outcomes in their weekly calls.
Social Media Engagement: We will share snippets of the project's progress, highlight milestones, and encourage discussions around the importance of trust, transparency, and social impact in the ecosystem on our Twitter feed.
Open-Source Contributions: As the project involved the development of software, we will release relevant components as open-source projects on our Github.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

For 15 years FLUID7 has built bespoke applications for small enterprises and NGOs specialising in system integrations and commerce applications. For examples of our work and wide experience, please see our website … https://fluid7.co.uk/case-studies

We are proud members of the xSPO stakepool alliance within the Cardano ecosystem, and have been actively transitioning our development work from Web2 to Web3. By operating as a block producer for the Cardano network, Fluid7 has demonstrated its commitment to this transition and has gained valuable insights into the underlying technology and decentralized services.

Throughout our time in the Cardano ecosystem, Fluid7 has actively engaged with various stakeholders, explored numerous options, and collaborated with industry experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the technology build and operations, delegator relations, and finance and funding aspects. We recognize the immense potential for growth in this new market while also acknowledging the challenges that come with it. In addition to serving on two Catalyst challenge teams, Fluid7 has leveraged its role as a stakepool operator to cultivate expertise and foster collaboration among fellow small stakepool operators.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals for the project are as follows:

Enhance Trust and Verification: The project aims to provide a simple, friction-free solution that allows ADA holders to verify the financial giving promises of stake pools and ensure the vetting of charitable projects. The goal is to establish trust and transparency in the stake pool selection process.
Increase Adoption and Differentiation: By implementing the proposed solution, the project seeks to incentivize stake pool operators to adopt the tools and connect their on-chain activity with charitable donations. The goal is to create a valuable differentiator for stake pool operators, attracting increased trust from ADA holders and driving their delegation.
Foster Social Impact: The project aims to contribute to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting a broad range of charitable projects through the verified donations. The goal is to foster a culture of giving and social impact within the Cardano ecosystem.

To validate the feasibility of our approach:

Research and Feasibility Study: Conduct thorough research to assess the technical feasibility of integrating with B1G1 or/and other chosen third-party partners. Evaluate the availability and accessibility of APIs, the compatibility of systems, and any potential challenges or limitations. Ensure that the technical infrastructure required for monitoring stake pool activity and triggering donations is viable.
Proof of Concept: Develop a proof of concept or a minimum viable product (MVP) to demonstrate the functionality and feasibility of your solution. Test it with a select group of stake pool operators and ADA holders to gather feedback, assess usability, and validate the concept's effectiveness in addressing the identified challenges.
Stakeholder Feedback: Engage with the Cardano stake pool operators to collect feedback on the proposed solution. Conduct focus groups to understand their needs, expectations, and concerns. Validate whether the solution adequately addresses their requirements and whether it brings tangible benefits and increased trust in the stake pool selection process.
Partner Collaboration: Establish a further collaboration with B1G1 to ensure their willingness, support, and alignment with the project goals. Validate their commitment to providing reliable APIs, tracking impact metrics, and facilitating the connection between on-chain staking activity and charitable donations.
Pilot Testing: Conduct pilot testing with a diverse group of stake pool operators. Monitor the performance of the solution, gather feedback, and evaluate its scalability, reliability, and ease of use. Assess the impact on stake pool differentiation, community engagement, and the ability to verify financial giving promises and track charitable impact.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Research and Preparation

Task 1: Conduct research on existing stake pool selection processes and the challenges faced by ADA holders.
Task 2: Explore potential third-party partners, such as B1G1, and assess their compatibility with the project goals.
Task 3: Define the technical requirements for integrating with the chosen partner's APIs.
Task 4: Prepare a feasibility study outlining the technical viability and potential impact of the proposed solution.

Expected Timeline: 2-3 weeks

Milestone 2: Proof of Concept Development

Task 1: Develop a proof of concept or MVP to demonstrate the functionality of the solution.
Task 2: Implement the necessary monitoring mechanisms to track stake pool activity and trigger donations.
Task 3: Integrate with the APIs provided by the chosen partner to enable verifiable donations.
Task 4: Conduct initial testing and gather feedback from a small group of stake pool operators and ADA holders.

Expected Timeline: 4-6 weeks

Milestone 3: Stakeholder Engagement and Iteration

Task 1: Engage with the Cardano community, stake pool operators, and ADA holders to collect feedback on the proof of concept.
Task 2: Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups to understand stakeholders' needs, expectations, and concerns.
Task 3: Analyze feedback and iterate on the solution to address any identified shortcomings or usability issues.
Task 4: Seek input from potential users to ensure the solution meets their requirements and aligns with their trust and verification needs.

Expected Timeline: 4-6 weeks

Milestone 4: Partnership and Integration

Task 1: Establish a partnership with the chosen third-party partner, such as B1G1, ensuring their commitment and support.
Task 2: Finalize the integration of the solution with the partner's APIs, ensuring the seamless connection between on-chain staking activity and charitable donations.
Task 3: Collaborate with the partner to define the metrics and impact tracking mechanisms for the supported charitable projects.
Task 4: Conduct thorough testing and verification of the integrated solution to ensure its reliability, scalability, and accuracy.

Expected Timeline: 4-6 weeks

Milestone 5: Pilot Testing and Refinement

Task 1: Select a diverse group of stake pool operators and ADA holders to participate in pilot testing.
Task 2: Deploy the solution in a live environment and monitor its performance, including stake pool differentiation, community engagement, and the ability to verify financial giving promises.
Task 3: Gather feedback from pilot participants and stakeholders, assessing the solution's effectiveness and identifying areas for refinement.
Task 4: Iterate on the solution based on the feedback received, addressing any issues or enhancements required.

Expected Timeline: 6-8 weeks

Milestone 6: Solution Deployment and Rollout

Task 1: Finalize the solution based on the insights gained from the pilot testing phase.
Task 2: Develop comprehensive documentation and user guides for stake pool operators and ADA holders to facilitate adoption and understanding.
Task 3: Create a communication plan to announce the availability of the solution to the Cardano community and encourage its adoption.
Task 4: Monitor and support the initial rollout, addressing any technical issues or user queries that may arise.

Expected Timeline: 4-6 weeks

Note: The timelines provided are approximate and can vary based on the complexity of the implementation, the availability of resources, and unforeseen challenges that may arise during the project. It's important to regularly assess and adjust the timeline as needed to ensure successful delivery.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Research and Preparation

Deliverables:

Feasibility study outlining technical viability and potential impact.
Identified third-party partner(s) for integration.

Outputs:

Research report on stake pool selection processes and challenges.
Evaluation report of potential third-party partners.
Technical requirements document for integration.

Intended Outcomes:

Clear understanding of the challenges and requirements.
Identified partner(s) for collaboration.
Feasibility study to guide project implementation.

Milestone 2: Proof of Concept Development

Deliverables:

Proof of concept or MVP demonstrating the solution's functionality.
Monitoring mechanisms for stake pool activity and donation triggers.

Outputs:

Functional prototype of the solution.
Integration with the chosen partner's APIs.
Test plan and results.

Intended Outcomes:

Demonstrated viability of the solution.
Initial testing and feedback from stakeholders.
Validation of technical implementation.

Milestone 3: Stakeholder Engagement and Iteration

Deliverables:

Feedback collection from the Cardano community, SPOs, and ADA holders.
Analysis report on stakeholder feedback and requirements.

Outputs:

Survey, interview, or focus group results.
Updated solution based on stakeholder feedback.
User requirements and expectations document.

Intended Outcomes:

Insights into stakeholder needs and concerns.
Iterated solution addressing identified shortcomings.
Alignment of the solution with stakeholder requirements.

Milestone 4: Partnership and Integration

Deliverables:

Formalized partnership agreement with the chosen third-party partner.
Integrated solution with partner's APIs for seamless connection.

Outputs:

Signed partnership agreement.
Completed integration of the solution with APIs.
Defined metrics and impact tracking mechanisms.

Intended Outcomes:

Established collaboration with the partner.
Verified integration between the solution and partner's systems.
Defined metrics to measure charitable impact.

Milestone 5: Pilot Testing and Refinement

Deliverables:

Pilot testing plan and execution.
Feedback collection from pilot participants.

Outputs:

Pilot test results and evaluation report.
Refined solution based on pilot feedback.
Technical enhancements and bug fixes.

Intended Outcomes:

Validated solution performance in a live environment.
Improved solution based on user feedback.
Enhanced reliability and usability of the solution.

Milestone 6: Solution Deployment and Rollout

Deliverables:

Comprehensive documentation and user guides.
Communication plan for solution rollout.

Outputs:

Documentation and guides for stakeholders.
Announcement of the solution to the Cardano community.
Support for initial solution deployment.

Intended Outcomes:

Accessible resources for stakeholders to adopt the solution.
Increased awareness and adoption of the solution.
Smooth deployment and user support.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.
6 months cloud hosting: 7,300 ADA
5 x 6 months B1G1 memberships: 4,100 ADA
UI/UX design: 16,200 ADA
Software Development: 54,200 ADA
Project Management: 21,700 ADA
Systems Admin/Devops: 21,700 ADA
Business Development: 19,600 ADA

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Jonathan - Director

Software architect, SPO

Jane - Administration Manager

Accounts, HR

Daniel - Systems Administrator

Linux Admin, Devops, Network engineer

Maksim - Lead Developer

Full stack developer

Sommerville - Project Manager

Investor Liaison, Business Development

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by delivering tangible benefits and addressing key challenges within the ecosystem. Here's how the project's cost contributes to value:

Trust and Transparency: By investing in the development and implementation of a solution that enhances trust and transparency in the stake pool selection process, ADA holders can make more informed decisions when delegating their ADA. This increased trust fosters a stronger and more reliable ecosystem, benefiting all stakeholders.
Social Impact and SDG Alignment: The project's cost supports the integration with a trusted third-party partner like B1G1, enabling the verification of financial giving promises and the allocation of funds to charitable projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This ensures that ADA holders' contributions have a meaningful and measurable impact, enhancing the social responsibility of the Cardano ecosystem.
Stake Pool Differentiation: The cost incurred for UI/UX design, software development, and project management enables stake pool operators to differentiate themselves by showcasing their verifiable charitable contributions. This differentiation attracts ADA holders who value transparency and social impact, driving increased delegation to participating stake pools.
Community Engagement and Collaboration: By investing in stakeholder engagement, the project fosters a sense of community ownership and collaboration. The project actively seeks feedback, conducts surveys, and involves stakeholders in the development process, ensuring that the solution meets their needs. This community engagement promotes a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem.
Long-Term Benefits: The cost of the project includes hosting, memberships, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring the sustainability and scalability of the solution. This investment provides a long-term infrastructure that continues to deliver value for the Cardano ecosystem, facilitating ongoing trust, transparency, and social impact.

Overall, the cost of the project represents value for money by providing the Cardano ecosystem with a solution that addresses critical challenges, enhances trust, promotes social impact, and fosters community engagement. The benefits gained from the project's implementation outweigh the initial cost, creating a robust and sustainable ecosystem that aligns with the values and objectives of Cardano.

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