FAQ

First Round Allocator Application Specific FAQs (Feb 2024)

My application was accepted, what do I do now?

Per the governance call presentation, sanctions checks are being completed through Feb 29th. After, in early March, approved allocators will be added to a slack channel and given onboarding instructions and then given an initial allocation of DataCap.

When will my allocator receive the initial allocation?

The initial group approved in February 2024 will receive their DataCap in early March

How much Data Cap will I receive?

Each allocator is eligible to receive up to 5PiB max of DataCap to distribute to clients during the initial round of the v5 elections.

What happens when I run out of the initial allocation? How do I get more Data Cap?

If an allocator uses their initial 5PiB DataCap allotment, the governance team will review the distribution and client usage of DataCap compared to the allocator SLA as stated the application. If allocators distribute per their SLA, they can begin to build a reputation as a good actor and improve their eligibility and access for additional DataCap grants. 

If there are no issues and as more DataCap is needed, allocators can then request more DataCap.

I was rejected. What now? Can I make another application?

Applicants can reapply again during the rolling application phase, opening after March 2024

What support is available for new users unfamiliar with the application process?

New users can find key information, timelines, and links here. Additional support can be sought through the governance team, the Fil-plus Slack channel, or during the Allocator Governance Meeting.

What are the criteria for application approval?

To have your application reviewed, ensure you follow the guidelines detailed in the Filecoin Notary Governance repository, particularly the checklist section. 

Additionally, see this rubric to better understand how specific application questions are measured and scored on a scale of Level 1 Below Average (L1) to Level 5 Above Average (L5) as relates to the Fil+ guidelines. 

Please note: Applicants are not expected to score an L5 on every question, but instead the rubric is used to measure and assess an allocator’s overall service level agreement (SLA) through their reported diligence, client management, and compliance processes cumulative score. 

How is DataCap allocation calculated? Can I apply for additional DataCap if my project scope expands?

Each allocator is eligible to receive up to 5PiB max of DataCap to distribute to clients during the initial round of the v5 elections. 

If an allocator uses their initial 5PiB DataCap allotment, the distribution and client usage of DataCap will be reviewed and compared to the allocator SLA as stated in their application. If allocators distribute per their SLA, they will begin to build a reputation as a good actor in the program and enable additional DataCap grants. After allocator reviews are conducted, allocators can then request more DataCap. 

Are there any restrictions on how the DataCap can be used?

Usage of DataCap must align with the original application's intended purpose (SLA). Misalignment or misuse could be considered a violation of DataCap use.

How can I appeal a decision if my application is rejected or I disagree with the amount of DataCap allocated?

To appeal, contact the Governance team directly, post in the Fil-plus Slack channel, or attend the bi-weekly Allocator Governance Meeting on Tuesdays at 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM EST.

How often are allocators audited, and what does the audit process entail?

Allocators undergo audits every quarter and each time they request a DataCap refill. We are targeting triggering an audit when the allocator has used 75% of their DataCap tranche. In this way, we aim to prevent compliant allocators from running out of DataCap.

What are the responsibilities of an allocator beyond distributing DataCap?

Allocators are expected to support their peers by answering questions, sharing insights, and collaborating on best practices to onboard data onto the Filecoin network.

How does the allocation process accommodate projects with specific or urgent needs?

All allocators must go through the approval phase and once approved can begin to disperse DataCap for their specific use cases. 

Are there any community forums or support groups for allocators and applicants?

Currently, the Fil-plus Slack channel serves as the primary community forum, with plans to introduce additional platforms for community engagement.

What impact does my use of DataCap have on my eligibility for future allocations?

Future eligibility for allocations will depend on your performance as an allocator, your contributions to the community, and how effectively you've allocated DataCap to your clients.

How can I contribute to the improvement of the allocation process?

Contributions, proposals, and modifications are encouraged. Submit your ideas through a new issue on the Notary Governance repo or discuss them at the Allocator Governance Meeting.

How can I update my application details after submission?

For updates to your application, contact the governance team for assistance.

What measures are in place to ensure the privacy and security of my application information?

The Governance team is responsible for implementing measures to protect the privacy and security of application data. Specific details on these measures can be obtained by directly contacting the Governance team.

What measures are in place to prevent fraud and abuse of the system?

Each allocator is expected to meet their own standards of diligence and compliance as set in their application. Allocator behavior will be reviewed by the governance team to ensure DataCap is being dispersed per set SLAs. Additionally, all community members are free to review allocation activity of allocators and create disputes regarding client or allocator activity. Each allocator is required to have a dispute process, you can find more in their applications. 

Will there be delays to receiving Data Cap? Can you guarantee smooth transfer?

We are developing new dashboards and automated compliance checks, as well as targeting audits when an allocator has used 75% of their DataCap. The goal is to prevent compliant allocators from running out of DataCap.

What if I see another allocator misbehaving?

All community members are free to review allocation activity of allocators and create disputes regarding client or allocator activity. Each allocator is required to have a dispute process, you can find more details in their applications and submit a dispute. If there is no response, you can reach out to the governance team for more support. 

What does it mean for an allocator to misbehave?

Abuse can occur when actors are intentionally not following the Fil+ guidelines as listed. Each allocator also defined their own scope and program guidelines for things like data types, replications, deal distribution, and retrievability. Allocators are expected to work with clients and follow their own stated diligence process, and then hold their clients accountable. If an allocator works with a client initially, but that client does not onboard according to the allocator’s guidelines, the responsibility is for the allocator to intervene, document their decision, and then not award additional DataCap.

What happens if an allocator misbehaves?

Abuse should be communicated to the governance team for review and follow up. 

How will you verify if I am behaving according to my application?

We are developing new health and compliance dashboards. These will track activity across the entire program, as well as aggregating behavior for each allocator. Some of these deterministics are quantifiable, defined in the allocator’s application, and tracked with bots. Other metrics are more qualitative and will require investigation and spot checks by the governance team.

What does it even mean to misbehave as an allocator?

It all has to do with your application - as long as you follow what you laid out in your application and you follow the code of conduct, you are probably OK. If you laid out certain rules (regarding retrievability, number of copies, type of data, KYC requirements etc) and but do not hold the clients and SPs accountable to them - this will become a red flag during the audit. 

As an SP should I apply to be my own allocator?

That depends. Generally no - you should be looking at the existing allocators. If you have some novel way that you think Data Cap could be distributed (ideally automated or experimental, not manual) - then submitting an application for your own allocator makes sense. It has nothing to do with your role in the ecosystem but rather - the innovation you want to drive in the allocator system.

I don’t have a manual allocator, I want to experiment with something completely new - how do I make sure my application gets approved?

Message the governance team on slack.