Adjustments to python and smart contract interaction

We have a project where python is creating the grounds for interaction with a smart contract on the Base network.

We are having some issues as the process is failing in the workflow is failing and it is difficult to understand the cause. We have narrowed down the block which is failing in the smart contract but are unable to fix - it could be the python or smart contract logic causing the issue.

This project is interesting and likely fairly straightforward for someone proficient in py and solidity.

Thanks
Alex