Context

As the DAO scales, it is important that all new proposals are reviewed consistently and fairly. To achieve this, we propose adopting a standardised set of evaluation criteria that pod leaders will use when assessing incoming proposals. This ensures transparency, reduces subjectivity, and gives proposers clear expectations of what is required.

What’s Being Proposed

Pod leaders agree to adopt the following Proposal Review Checklist as the baseline framework when evaluating new submissions. Leaders should flag concerns where criteria are not met and provide constructive feedback to proposers.

DAO Proposal Review Checklist

1. Budget Alignment & Limits

• Clear separation of USDT (external spend) and RBNT (internal rewards).
• Request does not exceed 25% of the working group’s annual allocation.
• Budget proportional to workload/deliverables.
• Cost breakdown or justification included. ⚠️ Flag if missing USDT/RBNT split, excessive allocation, or weak justification.

2. Payment & Payout Structure

• Payouts milestone-based or post-completion.
• Upfront requests require clear justification.
• Milestones tied to deliverables. ⚠️ Flag if large upfront payments lack justification or no milestone structure provided.

3. Strategic Fit

• Alignment with one of the three working groups (Community, Marketing, Developers/Builders).
• Clear link to DAO-wide goals (adoption, awareness, infrastructure growth). ⚠️ Flag if alignment unclear or goals vague.

4. Feasibility & Timeline

• Timeline with milestones/deliverables provided.
• Scope achievable with proposed budget/resources.
• No duplication of existing efforts. ⚠️ Flag if timeline absent, milestones vague, or scope unrealistic.

5. Oversight & Accountability

• Independent reviewer/oversight lead nominated.
• Monthly updates planned in DAO channels. ⚠️ Flag if oversight or communication plan missing.

6. Impact & Measurement

• KPIs or measurable success criteria included.
• Midpoint and final review methods defined.
• Long-term/community value identified. ⚠️ Flag if no success criteria or only short-term focus.

7. Risk & Mitigation

• Key risks identified.
• Mitigation strategies outlined. ⚠️ Flag if no risks or mitigation described.

8. Co-Funding & Leverage

• Matching funds, sponsorships, or in-kind contributions noted. ⚠️ Flag if no leverage (not a dealbreaker, but relevant).

9. Contribution Equity

• No single contributor dominating payouts.
• Proposer not holding multiple paid lead roles without justification. ⚠️ Flag if payouts concentrated with same individual(s).

10. Compliance & Ethical Standards

• No regulatory/reputational risks.
• Consistency with DAO’s code of conduct. ⚠️ Flag if unclear or non-compliant activities proposed.

11. Community Involvement

• Evidence of discussion with community members.
• Presence of co-authors or collaborators. ⚠️ Flag if no signs of community input.

Decision Requested

Pod leaders are asked to ratify this checklist as the official evaluation framework for proposal reviews.

✅ Yes – adopt this checklist as the standard review criteria. ❌ No – do not adopt.

If adopted, all future proposals will be reviewed against these criteria to ensure consistency and accountability across the DAO.