Please describe your proposed solution.

We propose to enhance the Clarity Protocol, a simple DAO creation, management, and participation platform for Cardano Projects, by introducing templated defi proposals for DAO treasuries. These proposals will enable DAO members to seamlessly integrate their treasuries with Sundaeswap for treasury asset swaps and Optim for liquidity provision to their DeFi smart contracts. These additions aim to empower DAOs to efficiently leverage decentralized finance opportunities, enhance their treasury management capabilities, and foster greater participation in the DeFi ecosystem.

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

Success for this challenge states “There are no better ways to manage your DAO than to use Cardano DAOs.” By extending the Clarity DAO infrastructure (<https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/9/f9-daos-less3-cardano/clarity-dao-infrastructure>) to enable participation in Defi via DAO treasuries we are continuing on our mission to create the best DAO tooling in the web3 ecosystem.

Benefits:

1. Streamlined Integration: The templated proposals will provide an intuitive and user-friendly interface for DAO members to create proposals for treasury asset swaps with Sundaeswap and liquidity provision via Optim. This streamlines the integration process and eliminates the need for complex technical expertise, enabling non-technical users to actively participate in DeFi.
2. Efficient Treasury Management: By integrating with Sundaeswap, DAOs gain access to a decentralized exchange (DEX) for asset swaps. This allows for efficient management of treasury assets, facilitating strategic asset allocation, diversification, and optimization.
3. DeFi Liquidity Provision: Through integration with Optim, DAOs can easily provide liquidity to their DeFi smart contracts. This enhances the scalability and usability of their smart contracts by ensuring sufficient liquidity and enabling seamless token swaps within their protocols.
4. Increased DeFi Participation: The proposed feature encourages greater participation of DAOs in the DeFi ecosystem. By simplifying the process of integrating with prominent DeFi platforms, the Clarity Protocol empowers DAOs to explore and leverage the full potential of decentralized finance, fostering a more vibrant and interconnected DeFi landscape. There is a good possibility that DAO treasuries will be some of the largest holders of assets and it will be prudent to enable theses treasuries to participate in Defi.
5. Flexibility and Customization: The templated proposals offer flexibility for DAOs to customize and tailor the integration parameters to their specific needs. DAOs can define the assets to be swapped, set liquidity provision parameters, and adjust other relevant configurations, ensuring alignment with their treasury strategies and objectives.

These integrations will also help improve the key metrics of the challenge by increasing the number of communities and projects engaged in collaboration using Cardano DAO creation tools, increasing the amount of ADA coming from DAOs transaction fees, increasing the number of DAOs that use Cardano as a governance/management chain, and increasing the number of DAO toolsets available for DAO ops.

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

Measuring the success of the project is based on the ability for DAO treasuries to participate in DeFi in a non-technical manner. In addition to that, tracking the following key performance indicators (KPIs) will provide further insights into the success and impact of the project:

Number of DAO Treasuries Participating in DeFi:

• This KPI measures the adoption and engagement of DAO treasuries in utilizing the templated proposals for integrating with Sundaeswap and Optim.
• Tracking the growth in the number of DAO treasuries actively participating in DeFi through these integrations will indicate the project's success in facilitating accessibility and attracting DAOs to leverage the proposed features.

Total Value Locked (TVL) of Assets Participating in DeFi from DAO Treasuries:

• This KPI assesses the value and impact of the project by tracking the total amount of assets locked in DeFi protocols by DAO treasuries using the templated proposals.
• Monitoring the growth of TVL over time demonstrates the project's ability to attract and facilitate significant participation and capital deployment in the DeFi ecosystem.

User Feedback and Satisfaction:

• Gathering feedback from DAOs and users who have utilized the templated proposals will provide valuable insights into their experience, challenges, and satisfaction levels.
• Conducting surveys, user interviews, or soliciting feedback through community channels will help gauge the usability, effectiveness, and user-friendliness of the proposed features.

Community Engagement and Collaboration:

• Assessing the level of engagement and collaboration within the Cardano and Clarity Protocol communities is crucial to understanding the project's success.
• Tracking the level of discussion, interest, and involvement in forums, social media platforms, and community meetups related to the project can provide insights into its impact on community engagement and overall ecosystem growth.

Governance and Proposal Activity:

• Monitoring the frequency and number of proposals submitted by DAO treasuries utilizing the templated proposals can indicate the project's success in empowering DAOs to actively participate in decision-making and DeFi integration.

By measuring these KPIs, collecting user feedback, and assessing community engagement, the project can effectively gauge its success in facilitating non-technical participation of DAO treasuries in DeFi, driving adoption, and contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the Cardano ecosystem.

Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

To effectively showcase and share the outputs and results of our project, we have the following plans:

Integration with the Clarity Protocol:

• We will integrate the proposal templates directly into the Clarity Protocol, leveraging its existing infrastructure and user-friendly front-end interface.
• By seamlessly integrating the proposal templates, we ensure that users can easily access and utilize the new features within the Clarity Protocol environment.

Documentation and User Guides:

• We will develop comprehensive documentation and user guides that outline the functionality, usage, and benefits of the templated proposals.
• These resources will provide step-by-step instructions and best practices enabling users to effectively utilize the new features.

Release Notes and Announcements:

• We will publish release notes and announcements to inform the Cardano community, stakeholders, and interested parties about the availability of the new features.
• These updates will highlight the key enhancements, benefits, and integration details, generating awareness and excitement about the project's outputs.

Community Engagement:

• We will actively engage with the Cardano and Clarity Protocol communities through various channels, including discord, social media platforms, and virtual community meetups.
• Participating in discussions, answering questions, and soliciting feedback will foster community involvement and ensure that users are well-informed about the new features and their potential applications.

Demonstrations and Workshops:

• To provide hands-on experience and facilitate a deeper understanding of the templated proposals, we will organize virtual demonstrations and workshops.
• These sessions will offer users the opportunity to explore the features, ask questions, and receive guidance directly from the project team, promoting active learning and adoption.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:

• We will actively collaborate with relevant Cardano ecosystem projects, communities, and thought leaders to share our project's outputs and results.
• Participating in conferences, webinars, and panel discussions will allow us to present our findings, insights, and lessons learned, contributing to the broader knowledge-sharing within the Cardano community.

By implementing these plans, we ensure that the outputs and results of our project are effectively shared, communicated, and made accessible to the Cardano community and beyond. Through integration with the Clarity Protocol, documentation, community engagement, demonstrations, and collaborations, we aim to foster understanding, adoption, and continued innovation within the Cardano ecosystem.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Our team has a proven track record of delivering on proposals within the Cardano ecosystem, as demonstrated by our past participation and successful outcomes in Cardano Project Catalyst. We understand the significance of trust and accountability in executing projects, especially when it involves sensitive aspects such as DAO treasuries and staking.

Specifically, our team has built the Clarity Protocol which is a protocol that extends the cappabilities of the Agora Governance module to allow anyone to create an on-chain organization with custom governance rules, create automatically executing proposals, and cast on-chain votes. This is a proposal to extend the feature set of the infrastructure we have already built to allow for DAO treasuries to participate in Defi.

Here's how our team ensures high levels of trust and accountability in project delivery:

Experience and Expertise:

• Our team members possess extensive experience and expertise in their respective domains, including decentralized governance, smart contract development, UI/UX design, and Cardano ecosystem integration.
• We have a deep understanding of the underlying technology and best practices, enabling us to make informed decisions and deliver reliable solutions.

Transparent Communication:

• We prioritize transparent and open communication with all stakeholders, including the Cardano community, DAO organizations, and project funders.
• We provide regular updates, progress reports, and hold interactive sessions to address questions, gather feedback, and ensure alignment with project goals.

Commitment to Documentation:

• We recognize the importance of thorough documentation to maintain transparency and accountability.
• Our team produces comprehensive documentation, including technical specifications, user guides, and project reports, which are made available to stakeholders to review and verify the project's progress.

Community Engagement:

• We actively engage with the Cardano community to foster trust and accountability.
• Through community meetups, forums, and social media channels, we encourage open dialogue, gather feedback, and incorporate community perspectives into our decision-making processes.

Adherence to Best Practices and Standards:

• We follow industry best practices, adhere to established standards, and conduct thorough testing to ensure the reliability and robustness of our solutions.
• We prioritize the security of DAO treasuries, implementing safeguards and risk mitigation strategies to protect funds and maintain trust.

Past Success and References:

• Our successful track record in delivering on previous proposals in Cardano Project Catalyst serves as a testament to our ability to fulfill our commitments and achieve desired outcomes.
• We can provide references and testimonials from previous collaborators, stakeholders, and community members to vouch for our trustworthiness and accountability.

By combining our experience, transparent communication, documentation practices, community engagement, adherence to standards, and past successes, we are confident in our capability to deliver the proposed project with high levels of trust and accountability.

What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goal of the project is to enable DAO treasuries to seamlessly integrate with DeFi projects on the Cardano blockchain, empowering them to swap assets, provide liquidity, and leverage decentralized finance opportunities.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we have taken the following steps:

Research and Analysis:

• We conducted thorough research and analysis of the target DeFi protocols, including Sundaeswap and Optim.
• By studying their technical documentation, protocols, and talking with their teams about integration capabilities, we gained insights into their functionalities and requirements.

Communication with DeFi Protocols:

• We actively engaged in discussions and consultations with the teams behind Sundaeswap and Optim.
• By establishing direct communication channels, we sought their expertise, guidance, and technical insights.
• We discussed our proposal for integration, shared our objectives, and gathered feedback on the technical feasibility of our approach.

Technical Assessment:

• Based on the insights gained from our research and communication with the DeFi protocols, we conducted a technical assessment of the integration requirements.
• We evaluated the compatibility of our proposed solution with the existing infrastructure, smart contract capabilities, and API specifications of the DeFi protocols.
• This assessment allowed us to validate the technical feasibility of our approach and ensured that our solution aligns with the protocols' requirements.

Proof of Concept:

• As part of the validation process, we will develop a proof of concept (POC) to demonstrate the integration between the Clarity Protocol and the target DeFi projects.
• The POC will serve as a tangible representation of our approach, showcasing the interoperability and functionality between the Clarity Protocol, Sundaeswap, Optim, and DAO treasuries.
• By testing and refining the POC, we will validate the feasibility of our approach and addressed any technical challenges or limitations.

Collaborative Feedback Loop:

• Throughout the validation process, we maintained an open and collaborative feedback loop with the DeFi protocol teams, as well as the broader Cardano community.
• We actively sought input, suggestions, and insights from stakeholders, including developers, enthusiasts, and potential users of the proposed integration.
• This iterative feedback loop allowed us to refine our approach, address any concerns, and ensure that our solution aligns with the needs and expectations of the ecosystem.

By following these steps and engaging in a thorough validation process, we have ensured that our approach to integrating with DeFi projects on Cardano is technically feasible. The communication and collaboration with the DeFi protocols, along with the development of a proof of concept, have provided us with the necessary validation and confidence in the viability of our proposed solution.

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.

Project Milestones and Tasks:

Milestone 1: Research and Planning

• Task 1: Conduct research on DeFi protocols and their integration capabilities.
• Task 2: Identify the specific features and functionalities to be integrated into the Clarity Protocol.
• Task 3: Develop a detailed project plan and roadmap.

Milestone 2: Technical Feasibility Assessment

• Task 1: Engage in discussions with the teams behind Sundaeswap and Optim to validate the technical feasibility of integration.
• Task 2: Conduct a technical assessment of integration requirements and compatibility with the Clarity Protocol.

Milestone 3: Proposal Templating Development

• Task 1: Design and develop a user-friendly interface for creating templated proposals within the Clarity Protocol.
• Task 2: Implement the necessary smart contracts and logic to support the templated proposal functionality.
• Task 3: Test and iterate on the proposal templating feature to ensure usability and effectiveness.

Milestone 4: Integration with Sundaeswap

• Task 1: Establish communication and collaboration with the Sundaeswap team for seamless integration.
• Task 2: Implement the necessary protocols, interfaces, and functionalities to enable treasury asset swaps with Sundaeswap.
• Task 3: Test and validate the integration, ensuring the smooth flow of assets between DAO treasuries and Sundaeswap.

Milestone 5: Integration with Optim

• Task 1: Coordinate with the Optim team to facilitate the integration of treasury liquidity provision for DeFi smart contracts.
• Task 2: Develop the necessary components to allow DAO treasuries to provide liquidity through Optim's infrastructure.
• Task 3: Test and optimize the integration to ensure efficient and secure liquidity provision for DAO treasuries.

Milestone 6: User Testing and Feedback

• Task 1: Conduct user testing sessions to gather feedback on the usability and functionality of the integrated features.
• Task 2: Iterate and make necessary improvements based on user feedback.
• Task 3: Refine documentation and user guides based on user testing results.

Milestone 7: Launch and Community Engagement

• Task 1: Release the integrated features to the Clarity Protocol's user base and wider Cardano community.
• Task 2: Engage with the community through forums, social media, and community meetups to raise awareness and gather feedback.
• Task 3: Continuously iterate and improve based on user feedback, ensuring the integration meets the evolving needs of the ecosystem.

Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Research and Planning

Deliverables:

• Research on DeFi protocols and their integration capabilities.
• Project plan and roadmap outlining the scope, objectives, and timeline of the integration project.

Outputs:

• In-depth understanding of the technical requirements and feasibility of integrating with DeFi protocols.
• Clearly defined project goals, milestones, and tasks to guide the implementation process.

Intended Outcomes:

• A solid foundation for the project, with a clear direction and well-informed decisions based on research and analysis.
• Alignment of project objectives with the capabilities and features of the target DeFi protocols.
• Enhanced project planning and management to ensure efficient execution.

Milestone 2: Technical Feasibility Assessment

Deliverables:

• Technical feasibility assessment report, including findings, recommendations, and potential challenges.
• Proof of concept (POC) demonstrating the interoperability between the Clarity Protocol and the target DeFi protocols.

Outputs:

• Verified technical feasibility of integrating with Sundaeswap and Optim, ensuring compatibility and seamless interaction.
• Refined understanding of the integration requirements, constraints, and potential areas for improvement.
• Demonstrable POC showcasing the integration and its functionalities.

Intended Outcomes:

• Confirmation of the technical viability and compatibility of the proposed integration.
• Early identification and mitigation of technical challenges or limitations.
• Increased confidence in the successful implementation of the integration.

Milestone 3: Proposal Templating Development

Deliverables:

• User-friendly interface for creating templated proposals within the Clarity Protocol.
• Implemented smart contracts and logic to support the templated proposal functionality.
• Documentation and user guides explaining the usage and benefits of the proposal templating feature.

Outputs:

• Seamless integration of templated proposal functionality into the Clarity Protocol's user interface.
• Configurable and customizable proposal templates to meet the diverse needs of DAO treasuries.
• Clear instructions and resources for users to effectively utilize the proposal templating feature.

Intended Outcomes:

• Empowerment of DAO treasuries to easily create and manage proposals without technical expertise.
• Streamlined and standardized process for proposing integration with DeFi projects.
• Improved efficiency and accessibility in leveraging the Clarity Protocol for DAO governance and decision-making.

Milestone 4: Integration with Sundaeswap

Deliverables:

• Established integration between the Clarity Protocol and Sundaeswap for asset swapping.
• Documentation outlining the integration process and guidelines for users.

Outputs:

• Seamless flow of assets between DAO treasuries and Sundaeswap, enabling asset swaps in a non-technical manner.
• Transparent and auditable asset swapping functionality integrated into the Clarity Protocol.

Intended Outcomes:

• Enhanced financial capabilities for DAO treasuries, enabling them to leverage DeFi opportunities.
• Increased participation of DAO treasuries in asset swapping, leading to a more dynamic and efficient ecosystem.
• Expanded liquidity options and asset management possibilities for DAOs.

Milestone 5: Integration with Optim

Deliverables:

• Integration of the Clarity Protocol with Optim to facilitate treasury liquidity provision for DeFi smart contracts.
• Documentation and guidelines for DAO treasuries to provide liquidity through Optim.

Outputs:

• Seamless connection between DAO treasuries and Optim's liquidity provision infrastructure.
• Ability for DAO treasuries to participate in DeFi smart contracts by providing liquidity.
• Secure and efficient treasury liquidity provision mechanism integrated into the Clarity Protocol.

Intended Outcomes:

• Expanded financial opportunities for DAO treasuries through participation in DeFi liquidity provision.
• Increased liquidity options for DAOs, enabling them to support and benefit from DeFi projects.
• Strengthened integration between the Clarity Protocol and the broader Cardano DeFi ecosystem.

Milestone 6: User Testing and Feedback

Deliverables:

• User feedback sessions
• Tutorials and educational content

Outputs:

• Aggregated Community Feedback
• Tutorials and educational content

Intended Outcome

• Informed community
• Ability for anyone to be able to understand and use these new features

Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

The estimated time to complete this project is 460 hours

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Developer costs is $60 per hour.

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$27600 dollars is needed to pay for development of this project.

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With ADA at around $0.3, 92,000 ADA is needed to fund the development of this project.

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Detailed time estimates for each task associated with completing the project are outlined below

Milestone 1: Research and Planning

• Task 1: Conduct research on DeFi protocols and their integration capabilities. (20 hours)
• Task 2: Identify the specific features and functionalities to be integrated into the Clarity Protocol. (10 hours)
• Task 3: Develop a detailed project plan and roadmap. (20 hours)

Milestone 2: Technical Feasibility Assessment

• Task 1: Engage in discussions with the teams behind Sundaeswap and Optim to validate the technical feasibility of integration. (20 hours)
• Task 2: Conduct a technical assessment of integration requirements and compatibility with the Clarity Protocol. (30 hours)

Milestone 3: Proposal Templating Development

• Task 1: Design and develop a user-friendly interface for creating templated proposals within the Clarity Protocol. (30 hours)
• Task 2: Implement the necessary smart contracts and logic to support the templated proposal functionality. (40 hours)
• Task 3: Test and iterate on the proposal templating feature to ensure usability and effectiveness. (20 hours)

Milestone 4: Integration with Sundaeswap

• Task 1: Establish communication and collaboration with the Sundaeswap team for seamless integration. (20 hours)
• Task 2: Implement the necessary protocols, interfaces, and functionalities to enable treasury asset swaps with Sundaeswap. (20 hours)
• Task 3: Test and validate the integration, ensuring the smooth flow of assets between DAO treasuries and Sundaeswap. (30 hours)

Milestone 5: Integration with Optim

• Task 1: Coordinate with the Optim team to facilitate the integration of treasury liquidity provision for DeFi smart contracts. (20 hours)
• Task 2: Develop the necessary components to allow DAO treasuries to provide liquidity through Optim's infrastructure. (40 hours)
• Task 3: Test and optimize the integration to ensure efficient and secure liquidity provision for DAO treasuries. (20 hours)

Milestone 6: User Testing and Feedback

• Task 1: Conduct user testing sessions to gather feedback on the usability and functionality of the integrated features. (20 hours)
• Task 2: Iterate and make necessary improvements based on user feedback. (30 hours)
• Task 3: Refine documentation and user guides based on user testing results. (20 hours)

Milestone 7: Launch and Community Engagement (Duration: Ongoing)

• Task 1: Release the integrated features to the Clarity Protocol's user base and wider Cardano community. (10 hours)
• Task 2: Engage with the community through forums, social media, and community meetups to raise awareness and gather feedback. (20 hours)
• Task 3: Continuously iterate and improve based on user feedback, ensuring the integration meets the evolving needs of the ecosystem. (20 hours)

=========================

Total estimated hours: 460

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

The Clarity Protocol represents a collaboration between two esteemed entities, Clear Contracts and MLabs. Our team comprises talented individuals who possess a diverse range of expertise and a shared commitment to delivering on this proposal. Allow us to introduce the key members and outline their qualifications:

1. Logan Panchot: As a co-founder of Clear Contracts, Logan spearheads business development efforts. His deep-rooted belief in the significance of decentralized governance and finance fuels his dedication to creating transparent and resilient organizations operating on decentralized systems. Logan recently completed his studies at Stanford University, majoring in Science, Technology, and Society with a concentration in innovation and organization.
2. Justin Schreiner: Serving as a co-founder of Clear Contracts, Justin brings his extensive experience in UI/UX development to the team. With a full-stack development background, he possesses a solid track record of successfully delivering Cardano dApps over the past two years.
3. Matt Laux: Joining Clear Contracts as an Engineer, Matt assumes responsibility for smart contract and front-end integrations. His proficiency as a full-stack developer has been instrumental in various projects, including the creation of a lightweight snapshot voting app for Cardano Projects and the Clarity Protocol. Matt has been an invaluable addition to the team, contributing his expertise for the past eight months.
4. Tomasz Maciosowski: Leading the Plutus development efforts for the Clarity team, Tomasz boasts over a year of experience as the Plutus lead on the project. With a robust background in building on Cardano and two years of experience in the field, Tomasz plays a crucial role in ensuring the success and innovation of the Clarity Protocol.

Together, this skilled and dedicated team combines their expertise in business development, UI/UX development, smart contract integration, and Plutus development to drive the implementation and delivery of the proposed features. With their collective experience and passion for decentralized systems, the team is poised to bring the Clarity Protocol to fruition and advance the future of decentralized governance and finance.

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 in several ways:

1. Enhanced DAO Functionality: By investing in the project, the Cardano ecosystem will benefit from improved and extended DAO tools. The integration of templated proposals, treasury asset swaps, and liquidity provision capabilities will empower DAO treasuries to actively participate in DeFi activities. This expanded functionality enables DAOs to better serve their communities, making governance and decision-making processes more efficient, transparent, and inclusive.
2. Access to DeFi Opportunities: The project unlocks the potential for DAO treasuries to leverage the growing DeFi ecosystem on Cardano. By integrating with protocols like Sundaeswap and Optim, DAOs gain access to asset swapping, liquidity provision, and other DeFi opportunities. This access allows DAOs to optimize their asset management strategies, generate additional revenue streams, and actively participate in the emerging decentralized financial landscape.
3. Community Empowerment: The project's focus on non-technical participation in DeFi aligns with Cardano's vision of empowering its community. By providing user-friendly interfaces, templated proposals, and simplified processes, DAO treasuries can engage in DeFi activities without extensive technical knowledge. This democratizes access to DeFi, encouraging broader participation and fostering a more inclusive ecosystem where community members can actively contribute to the growth and development of Cardano.
4. Long-term Sustainability: Investing in the project ensures the long-term sustainability and viability of the Cardano ecosystem. By expanding the capabilities of DAOs and enabling them to harness the potential of DeFi, the ecosystem becomes more robust, adaptable, and resilient. This increased functionality and versatility attract new participants, promote collaboration, and enhance the overall value proposition of Cardano, fostering its growth and longevity.

The cost of the project represents value for money by empowering DAOs, providing access to DeFi opportunities, empowering the community, and promoting the long-term sustainability of the Cardano ecosystem. The investment in improving and extending the DAO tools ultimately contributes to the ecosystem's growth, innovation, and ability to deliver tangible benefits to its participants.

Our goal is to make the best governance and treasury management infrastructure in all of web3 and DAO treasuries having a streamlined way to participate in Defi helps us continue on that mission.