My company is using some very old DOS software (for which there is no
upgrade/replacement), and we want to duplicate its functionality in a
newer program. I need a special algorithm to do so.
We have subcontractors who bid on different divisions of work (let's
say the divisions are 1,2,3, and 4). Subcontractor A may bid $40,000
to perform on divisions 1 and 2, while subcontractor B bids $20,000 to
perform divisions 1 and 4, and Subcontractor 3 bids $3,000 for
division 1 alone.
I need an algorithm that will calculate the lowest bid path, given
these overlapping bids. We can't do it by trial and error because in
reality there may be 50+ divions of work and hundreds of subs, and the
results need to compute almost instantly. It's much easier to
visualize, so I've posted an example bid sheet in Excel format at
<[login to view URL]>.
A $100 tip will be given to the first answerer who provides a usable
solution upon our own testing of said solution (within 24 hours of
question being answered, we won't drag our feet on it).
## Deliverables
1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done.
2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables):
a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment.
b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request.
3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement).
## Platform
As mentioned