b8056707060290c0336b5475452d9c862654ea00

**UPDATE 3/21/24:** The SPS DAO will send 350,000 USD payable in DEC (Dark Energy Crystals)...

**Proposal:**

The SPS DAO will send 350,000 USD payable in DEC (Dark Energy Crystals) from it's treasury to the Splinterlands/SteemMonsters company in order to hire at least two additional developers and to ensure that a fully functional SPS Validator product is complete within one year.

I have already confirmed with Matt that this support from the SPS DAO would be welcomed and greatly appreciated.

**Why should the DAO use these funds to support the build out of the SPS validators?**

1. I think it's fair to say that one of the DAO's main objectives is to protect and to grow the value of SPS.
3. Having the SPS Chain up and running will move us closer to being more decentralized, which is part of the original vision and will help protect us against anti-crypto regulations.
5. On the last Townhall Matt made it very clear that getting the SPS Validators up and running "…is an incredibily important thing…", and it hasn't been made a priorty because it's not something that will generate revenue for the team.
7. Matt also mentioned that he believes we need to get a fully funtional validator system in place before attempting to get SPS listed on a tier 1 exchange like Binance or Coinbase. He also showed his support by saying "There has been a lot of talk about getting SPS listed on Binance and Coinbase, which, obviously I'm for".
9. I believe the DAO should be utilizing it's resources to best support the needs of the team and right now the team can use the support. With NPE, Land 2.0, and more, pulling team members to work on validators will likely slow everything else down without additional help.
11. Time is of the essence. We are potentially on the edge of a massive bull run. It could be now or 6-12 months from now, but getting the validators up and running is foundational.

**What are the details?**

1. Matt, or a team member appointed by Matt, will be in charge of hiring, paying, and managing these developers.
2. Matt may use up to $350k in order to hire at least two additional developers and to ensure that a fully functional SPS Validator product is complete within one year.
3. Any funds not utilized will be returned to the SPS DAO on May 1st, 2025.
4. If the team finishes the validators prior to one year, then Matt and team, will have the autonomy to utilize these developers as they see fit to continue to bring value to SPS token.
5. By May 1st, 2025 the SPS DAO will vote on whether to continue paying for these developers or not. If the DAO votes no, then the Splinterlands/SteemMonsters company may hire them on their own.
6. On May 1st, 2025, if the Splinterlands/SteemMonsters company has not produced a fully functional SPS Validator product, then they will be required to pay back the SPS DAO 50% of the $350,000 for a total of $175,000.