Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposed solution aims to enhance the Catalyst proposal process by introducing barriers to entry and bad actor penalties. We will conduct research to determine the appropriate cost to submit proposals and design a mechanism for assessing and penalizing bad actors. By doing so, we aim to reduce spam, improve the quality of proposals, and enhance the overall effectiveness of decision-making within Catalyst.

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

Our solution addresses the challenge of spam and low-quality proposals by creating a deterrent for bad actors and establishing a higher standard for submission. By implementing a cost to submit proposals, it discourages frivolous and spammy submissions, ensuring that only serious proposals are put forward. The introduction of bad actor penalties (slashing) incentivizes proposers to submit high-quality proposals and discourages malicious behavior. These measures will enhance the quality of proposals, streamline the decision-making process, and ultimately strengthen the Catalyst ecosystem.

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

1. Reduction in Spam: Quantitative measurement of the number of spam proposals before and after the implementation of barriers to entry and bad actor penalties.

2. Quality of Proposals: Assessment of the overall quality of proposals submitted, including feedback from assessors and community members.

3. Community Engagement: Qualitative feedback and engagement from the Catalyst community regarding the effectiveness of the enhanced proposal process.

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

• Documentation: Creating comprehensive documentation outlining the research process, cost recommendations, and bad actor penalty mechanism.

• Reports and Presentations: Publishing reports and presentations to provide transparent updates on the progress, findings, and impact of the enhanced proposal process.

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

Our team consists of experienced researchers, blockchain experts, and community managers. We have a proven track record of delivering projects with high levels of trust and accountability. We prioritize transparency, open communication, and regular updates to ensure that the Catalyst community is well-informed and involved in the process.

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

• Research: Conduct comprehensive research to determine the appropriate cost to submit proposals and design the bad actor penalty mechanism.

• Implementation: Develop and implement the barriers to entry and bad actor penalty mechanisms within the Catalyst proposal process.

• Validation: Gather feedback from the Catalyst community, assessors, and stakeholders to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the enhanced proposal process.

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 Analysis (Months 1-2)

• Conduct research on the appropriate cost to submit proposals.
• Analyze existing slashing mechanisms and adapt them to the Catalyst proposal process.

Milestone 2: Proposal Design and Development (Months 3-4)

• Design and develop the mechanisms for implementing barriers to entry and bad actor penalties.
• Define the parameters and guidelines for the enhanced proposal process.

Milestone 3: Implementation and Testing (Months 5-6)

• Implement the enhanced proposal process within Catalyst.
• Conduct thorough testing to ensure functionality, accuracy, and fairness.

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

Milestone 1: Research and Analysis

• Deliverables: A comprehensive research report outlining the appropriate cost to submit proposals and an adapted slashing mechanism for bad actor penalties.
• Outputs: Research findings and recommendations for proposal costs, a designed slashing mechanism tailored for Catalyst.
• Intended Outcomes: Informed decision-making on proposal costs, a robust slashing mechanism to discourage spam and ensure quality submissions.

Milestone 2: Proposal Design and Development

• Deliverables: Documentation on the design and development of the proposal mechanism, including guidelines and parameters for the enhanced proposal process.
• Outputs: Detailed documentation outlining the proposed design of the mechanism, guidelines for proposers, and parameters for the enhanced proposal process.
• Intended Outcomes: Clear and standardized proposal design, improved understanding of the enhanced proposal process, and increased quality of submissions.

Milestone 3: Implementation and Testing

• Deliverables: Implementation of barriers to entry and bad actor penalty mechanisms within Catalyst, along with a testing report ensuring functionality, accuracy, and fairness.
• Outputs: Functional barriers to entry and bad actor penalty mechanisms integrated into Catalyst, a testing report assessing the functionality and effectiveness of the implemented mechanisms.
• Intended Outcomes: Reduced spam, improved quality of proposals, streamlined decision-making process, and enhanced integrity and effectiveness of Catalyst.

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

Project Management & Research (22,000 ADA): This constitutes 20% of the total budget. It covers project management activities, strategic planning, and thorough research to ensure a solid foundation for the project.

Integration Development (58,733 ADA): This represents approximately 53.39% of the project budget. It includes the development and integration of the necessary infrastructure, protocols, and technologies to achieve the project's objectives.

Testing & Refinement (14,683 ADA): This allocation corresponds to about 13.35% of the budget. It covers comprehensive testing, quality assurance, and iterative refinement to ensure the project meets its functionality and performance requirements.

Documentation (14,683 ADA): This portion, constituting approximately 13.35% of the total budget, is dedicated to developing clear and comprehensive user documentation, guidelines, and educational materials to facilitate user understanding and adoption.

Contingency Reserve (10,000 ADA): A contingency reserve of 10% is set aside to account for any unexpected costs, scope changes, or unforeseen challenges that may arise during the project's execution, providing flexibility and ensuring successful project completion.

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

Our project team consists of:

• Researchers: Responsible for conducting research, data analysis, and providing recommendations.
• Blockchain Experts: Knowledgeable individuals with expertise in the Catalyst ecosystem and slashing mechanisms.
• Project Manager: Oversees the project, coordinates tasks, and ensures timely delivery.
• Community Managers: Engage with the Catalyst community, gather feedback, and provide updates.

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of this project represents an investment in the integrity and effectiveness of the Catalyst ecosystem. By implementing barriers to entry and bad actor penalties, the quality of proposals will improve, reducing spam and ensuring that only serious and valuable proposals are put forward. This will streamline the decision-making process, increase community engagement, and strengthen the overall impact of Catalyst. The value for money lies in the enhanced decision-making process and the long-term sustainability and growth of the Catalyst ecosystem.