Goldstein Report

ICANN Extends Deadline for Independent Evaluator Applications

Written by

David Goldstein

in

ICANN logoOutside Firms Sought to Perform Key Roles in Reviewing Applicants for New Generic Top-Level Domains

ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is soliciting Expressions of Interest from firms capable of performing independent evaluations as part of the new gTLD process. These entities, to be retained by ICANN, will provide independent evaluation services, assessing applications for new top-level domains (gTLDs). This is an opportunity to play an important role in the next significant evolution of the Internet’s domain name space.

ICANN has extended the application period for firms interested in serving as independent evaluators of applications for new generic top-level domains. The new deadline will be 11 JUNE 2009.

Background

Generic top-level domains (“gTLD”) are a critical part of the Internet’s unique domain naming system. After years of community policy development that recommended the introduction of new gTLDs, ICANN is preparing to introduce an application process for those who would like to operate a new gTLD. Currently, there are only 21 gTLDs, including such domains as .COM, .INFO, .ORG and .EDU.

As part of preparing for the formal launch of the new gTLD application process, ICANN is working to ensure there will be a robust, effective and timely evaluation process in place to review applications. One critical aspect of this preparation is identifying competent evaluators with the appropriate expertise, resources and geographic diversity to assess specific aspects of new gTLD applications against the criteria of the gTLD Applicant Guidebook.

It is anticipated that these evaluation services will be provided by professional services/consulting firms or organizations with the expertise and breadth described below. Experience working with global constituencies will also be valuable for potential evaluators.

Evaluation Overviews

ICANN is accepting expressions of interest from entities and organizations in four distinct areas. Respondents to the EOIs may propose to perform one or more of the anticipated evaluation roles. Detail on each of these roles is included in Module 2 of the revised Applicant Guidebook (icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-2-en.htm#expmem) for the new gTLD process. Contracts will not be awarded from this call for expressions of interest, but ICANN expects to use the responses to identify entities capable of providing the various evaluation roles.

These areas and responsibilities include:

  • Applicant Evaluation Teams (Technical and Financial): Determining whether applicants have demonstrated the relevant technical, financial and/or organizational capabilities to operate a gTLD registry as defined by the criteria in the Applicant Guidebook. For more background and specific information on the financial or technical evaluation panel, please visit:icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/eoi-app-eval-02apr09-en.pdf [PDF, 59K]
  • Geographic Name Evaluation : Determining if a gTLD application fits within the geographic name definition specified in the Applicant Guidebook. If it does, evaluators will also verify the application is accompanied by required government authorization and authenticate that authorization. For more background and specific information on the geographic name evaluation panel, please visit: icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/eoi-geonames-02apr09-en.pdf [PDF, 71K]
  • String Similarity Examiners : Assessing the uniqueness and distinction of new gTLD applications to mitigate the potential for confusion or deception among Internet users. For more background and specific information on the string similarity examination panel, please visit: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/eoi-string-sim-02apr09-en.pdf [PDF, 59K]
  • Comparative Evaluation Panel : Performing evaluations in cases where there are two or more applications for the same or similar domains/strings to determine which application more closely meets the requirements defined in the Applicant Guidebook. For more background and specific information on the comparative evaluation panel, please visit: icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/eoi-comparative-evaluation-02apr09-en.pdf [PDF, 61K]

Specific guidelines for completing an expression of interest for one of the evaluation panels can be found within each of the individual panel overviews. Applicants should submit their expression of interest to the appropriate email address below before 11 JUNE 2009 23:59 UTC:

About ICANN

Formed in 1998, ICANN is a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation dedicated to keeping the Internet secure, stable and interoperable. ICANN coordinates the Internet’s unique address system across the world to ensure computers can always find each other. Working collaboratively with public and private participants from all over the world, ICANN promotes the ongoing evolution of the Internet and develops policies to ensure its ongoing security and stability. For more information please visit: icann.org.

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