I have a scheduling formulation that I need an algorithm developed to solve. The formulation solves a scheduling problem with 40-60 employees for three shifts per day for a 5-week time horizon. It involves two types of workers that work two different shift lengths (8 and 12 hour) The problem has approximately 6,000 binary variables, 210 general integer variables and 4,200 constraints. Input data for a sample problem is attached and includes values for all parameters. The formulation contains two objectives, one for wage cost and one for shift desirability. The program must: 1. efficiently solve this non-linear problem to proven optimality and provide lower bounds on the solution. 2. be coded in VBA 3. have well-labeled input worksheets for all parameters so the parameters can be easily changed. 4. specific solution methodology must be approved before bid acceptance. Please indicate in your bid. 5. contain detailed and clear commenting throughout 6. output the schedule and cost to a well-labeled spreadsheet. 7. output the values of all variables to a .txt file. 8. be able to solve either objective a) alone, b) both together using weights, and c) solve both objectives in either order. In addition, the algorithm must be described in detail in understandable English. The formulation is attached as well as input parameters for a sample problem.
## 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
Windows XP Excel XP/2003