White Label KYC for MBO

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Deryck Lance

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

137060

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

4

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will create a white-label PoC for Intersect, enhancing governance with secure, decentralized identity verification tools.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Yes, our project depends on DataSeers for crucial third-party software. DataSeers' technology is essential for implementing the decentralized identifiers (DIDs), KYC, and proof of address controls required for Cardano governing bodies. Their platform will ensure that our identity verification processes are both secure and compliant with relevant standards. We have confirmed the availability of the necessary licenses and permissions to use this software, ensuring seamless integration into our project.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

KYC, AML, monitoring services carry risks that don't allow for open source.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is to develop a white-label Proof of Concept (PoC) for Intersect and its members, focusing on decentralized identity verification (DIDs), KYC, and proof of address controls. 

Problem Perception

The current governance systems for Cardano governing bodies (DReps, SPOs, and Constitutional Committee members) lack secure and integrated methods for identity verification, leading to inefficiencies and trust issues.

Approach

By leveraging DataSeers' advanced AI technology, our solution will provide a secure, embedded application that ensures accurate and compliant identity verification processes. This approach not only enhances security but also streamlines governance operations.

Engagement

The project will engage Cardano governing bodies, including DReps, SPOs, and Constitutional Committee members, ensuring their identities are verified and stored securely on the blockchain.

Impact Demonstration

Impact will be demonstrated through successful pilot implementations, user feedback, and metrics showing improved governance efficiency and security. 

Unique Value

Our solution uniquely combines advanced AI and blockchain technology to address a critical need within the Cardano ecosystem. The primary beneficiaries will be the governing bodies, which will experience enhanced transparency and trust, essential for effective governance.

Importance to Cardano

This project is crucial for accelerating the Voltaire phase of Cardano by providing a reliable and secure governance tool, ultimately contributing to the ecosystem's growth and stability.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project will positively impact the Cardano community by providing a secure, efficient tool for decentralized identity verification, enhancing governance processes. 

Value to the Cardano Community

• Enhanced Governance: Improves trust and efficiency within Cardano's governance framework.
• Secure Identity Verification: Ensures secure and accurate identification of DReps, SPOs, and Constitutional Committee members.

Measuring Impact

• Quantitative: Track the number of verified identities, reduction in verification time, and increase in governance participation.
• Qualitative: Gather feedback from users on the system's reliability and ease of use.

Sharing Outputs

• Reports and Presentations: Publish detailed reports and present findings at Cardano community events and conferences.
• Open Forums and Workshops: Host workshops and webinars to share results and gather community input. 

By providing a reliable and secure governance tool, the project will help Cardano progress in its Voltaire phase, ultimately contributing to the ecosystem's growth and stability.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Capability and Feasibility

Existing Capabilities:

• Experienced Team: Deryck Lance and Dominick Garey bring extensive expertise in blockchain technology and governance solutions. 
• Proven Track Record: Both team members have successfully managed and delivered similar projects, demonstrating their capability to handle complex technical and operational tasks.
• Technical Partnerships: Collaboration with DataSeers ensures access to advanced AI technology for secure identity verification.

Steps and Processes:

1. Project Planning and Management: Detailed project plans, regular progress reviews, and transparent communication channels ensure accountabilit
2. Financial Management: Adherence to strict financial protocols with regular audits and transparent reporting to stakeholder
3. Feasibility Validation: Initial pilot testing and stakeholder feedback to refine the approach, ensuring practical and scalable solution

Trust and Accountability:

• Transparency: Regular updates and open communication with the Cardano community and stakeholders.
• Compliance: Ensuring all activities comply with regulatory standards and Cardano’s guidelines.

This structured approach ensures the project’s successful delivery with high levels of trust, accountability, and transparency.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Design and Initial Development

A: Milestone Outputs

• Detailed project plan and system design documentation.
• Initial development of the verification tool’s core features.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Project plan and design documents approved by the project leads.
• Core features of the verification tool operational in a test environment.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Signed project plan and design documents.
• Demonstration video or report of the core features functioning.

Milestone 2: Prototype Development and Testing

A: Milestone Outputs

• Completion of the prototype for the verification tool.
• Initial testing phase with simulated data.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Prototype meets all design specifications and passes initial tests.
• Testing results show accuracy and functionality of core features.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Prototype demonstration video.
• Test results report with performance metrics.

Milestone 3: Pilot Implementation

A: Milestone Outputs

• Deployment of the tool in a real-world pilot with selected stakeholders.
• Collection of user feedback and performance data.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Successful pilot implementation without major issues.
• Positive feedback from pilot users, indicating the tool meets their needs.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Deployment logs and operational reports.
• Compiled feedback from pilot participants.

Milestone 4: Full Deployment and Marketing

A: Milestone Outputs

• Full-scale deployment of the verification tool.
• Execution of a marketing and outreach campaign to promote the tool.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Tool is fully operational and accessible to all intended users.
• Marketing campaign reaches key metrics and generates interest.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Deployment documentation.
• Marketing analytics report.

A total of 4 Milestones for this proposal.

Final Milestone: Project Close-Out

A: Milestone Outputs

• Comprehensive project report including impact assessment and user feedback.
• Project close-out video demonstrating successful user experiences.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Detailed report showing achievement of project goals.
• Positive user testimonials in the close-out video.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Published final project report.
• Close-out video.

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

• Deryck Lance - Project Lead
• Responsible for overseeing the entire project, ensuring all milestones are met, and maintaining communication with stakeholders.
• LinkedIn: Deryck Lance
• Dominick (Dagwell) Garey - Blockchain Developer
• Handles the development and integration of decentralized identity verification and KYC solutions.
• LinkedIn: Dominick Garey
• Derrick (Alpine) Oatway - Front-End Developer
• To enhance the user interface and user experience of the verification tool.
• Matthew Bowen - General Council/Compliance Specialist: To ensure all KYC and AML processes meet regulatory standards.
• LinkedIn: Matthew Bowen

Additional Recruitment Plans:

We plan to recruit the following roles to enhance our project team:

• Data Analysts: To process and interpret complex data sets, ensuring accurate and reliable identity verification.

Engagement:

We have engaged with all current team members and confirmed their commitment and availability. Additionally, we have established communication channels via Discord and Telegram to ensure seamless collaboration and integration of required resources.

This team structure is designed to effectively address the project requirements, leveraging each member's expertise to deliver a successful decentralized identity verification solution for the Cardano ecosystem.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Budget Breakdown (137,060 ADA)

1. Software Licensing and Data Services: 35,000 ADA

• Licensing fees for DataSeers' AI platform, essential for secure and accurate identity verification.

1. Personnel Costs: 50,000 ADA

• Salaries for the project team, including blockchain developers, front-end developers, data analysts, and compliance specialists.

1. Community Engagement and Workshops: 10,000 ADA

• Organizing community outreach programs and educational workshops to engage stakeholders and gather feedback.

1. Marketing and Publicity: 15,000 ADA

• Marketing materials, promotional campaigns, and public relations efforts to raise awareness of the project's goals and outcomes.

1. Legal and Professional Services: 15,000 ADA

• Legal fees for compliance and regulatory approvals, accounting services, and potential code auditing expenses.

1. Documentation and Reporting: 7,060 ADA

• Preparation of detailed project reports, impact assessments, and ongoing documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

1. Contingency Fund: 5,000 ADA

• Reserved for unexpected costs, ensuring project flexibility and resilience.

This budget ensures that each aspect of the project is adequately funded and managed, aligning with Cardano's guidelines for cost-effectiveness and transparency.

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

Value for Money

The cost of the project represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons:

• Strategic Investment: Utilizing DataSeers' advanced AI technology ensures high-quality, secure identity verification services essential for Cardano’s governance and the upcoming Cardano chain government phase.

  

• Competitive Costs: Personnel costs are aligned with industry standards, ensuring we attract skilled professionals necessary for successful project delivery. The rates are competitive and proportionate to average wages and freelance rates within the technology sector.

• Long-Term Benefits: The project will provide a robust, scalable solution for identity verification, crucial for enhancing governance processes and contributing to Cardano’s Voltaire phase. This investment supports the ecosystem’s growth, transparency, and efficiency.

• Comprehensive Budgeting: The budget covers essential aspects like marketing, community engagement, and legal compliance, ensuring thorough project execution and outreach. 

Overall, the project's cost is justified by its potential to significantly enhance the Cardano ecosystem's governance capabilities, offering a high return on investment in terms of improved security and operational efficiency.