Python developer needed to make improvements to our existing Python code

We have an extensive amount of Python code running a portion of our online platform -- and we need to find a Python expert who can quickly learn our existing Python code and then make several improvements. This particular project is for the first improvement only (numbered list below), but we have a significant amount of additional items that we will open new projects for once this first item has been successfully completed. 1) Our system has a database of authors, recorded by name. The Python system creates these author entries. However, sometimes authors use different spellings of their names (for example, they may use: "First Name Last Name" or "First Name Middle Initial. Last Name" or "Last Name"). In these cases, we've created a new table called "authors_alt" which contains the alternate spellings. We'd like the Python system to first check this table before deciding that there isn't an existing entry already-- if there is a match, reference its authorid, instead of creating a new entry. PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS: 1. The code base is using Python 3.5 on an Ubuntu 16.04 system 2. We are ONLY looking for a direct working relationship with a developer or SMALL development team. If this project goes well, we have significantly more Python work to send you. So, if you will be outsourcing this work in ANY WAY you must disclose this to us in your bid, but please note we are unlikely to accept that. If we discover that you're outsourcing this in a manner you did not disclose, we will immediately cancel/revoke the project, no questions asked. 3. We are only looking for developers who have significant experience with Python 3.5 running on Linux. Please include in your response examples of work you've done with Python. 4. This is an urgent project and it must be completed within 10 days. 5. All work must be performed on the development sandbox we provide you. 6. You must be comfortable working with Git and commit your code to your branch frequently. 7. You must include in your response our project code of "Blueberries" somewhere in your response so that we know you've fully read this project description. Responses without the word "Blueberries" will be rejected. 8. We do not release payment milestones until code has been delivered and confirmed working. If you are not comfortable with this, then please do not bid.