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Request for Comments on the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Functions

Federal Register Notice : Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Functions Further Notice of Inquiry: NTIA is seeking public comment on a draft statement of work, a key element of the procurement process for the new IANA functions contract. (471 KB PDF) Posted June 10, 2011

SUMMARY: Critical to the Internet Domain Name System (DNS) is the continued performance of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions. The IANA functions have historically included: (1) the coordination of the assignment of technical Internet protocol parameters; (2) the administration of certain responsibilities associated with Internet DNS root zone management; (3) the allocation of Internet numbering resources; and (4) other services related to the management of the ARPA and INT top-level domains (TLDs). The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) currently performs the IANA functions, on behalf of the United States Government, through a contract with United States Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). On February 25, 2011, NTIA released a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to obtain public comment on enhancing the performance of the IANA functions. NTIA received comments from a range of stakeholders: governments, private sector entities, and individuals. After careful consideration of the record, NTIA is now seeking public comment through a Further Notice of Inquiry (FNOI) on a draft statement of work (Draft SOW), a key element of the procurement process for the new IANA functions contract.

DATES: Comments are due on or before [insert 45 days after publication in the Federal Register] .

COMMENTS: Comments may be submitted electronically to IANAFunctionsFNOI@ntia.doc.gov. Comments provided via electronic mail should be submitted in a text searchable format using one of the following: PDF print-to-PDF format, and not in a scanned format, HTML, ASCII, MSWord or WordPerfect format (please specify version).

. . . . .

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration
[Docket No. 110207099-1099-01] RIN 0660-XA23

Request for Comments on the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Functions PDF

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration , U.S. Department of Commerce .

ACTION: Notice of Inquiry.

SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) remains committed to preserving a stable and secure Internet Domain Name System (DNS). Critical to the DNS is the continued performance of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions. The IANA functions have historically included: (1) The coordination of the assignment of technical Internet protocol parameters; (2) the administration of certain responsibilities associated with Internet DNS root zone management; (3) the allocation of Internet numbering resources; and (4) other services related to the management of the .ARPA and INT top-level domains. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) currently performs the IANA functions, on behalf of the United States Government, through a contract with NTIA . Given the September 30, 2011 expiration of this contract, NTIA is seeking public comment to enhance the performance of the IANA functions in the development and award of a new IANA functions contract.

DATES: Comments are due on or before March 31, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by mail to Fiona M. Alexander, Associate Administrator, Office of International Affairs , National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230. Paper submissions should include a three and one-half inch computer diskette in HTML, ASCII, Word or WordPerfect format (please specify version). Diskettes should be labeled with the name and organizational affiliation of the filer, and the name of the word processing program used to create the document. Alternatively, comments may be submitted electronically to IANAFunctions@ntia.doc.gov. Comments provided via electronic mail should also be submitted in one or more of the formats specified above. Comments will be posted to NTIA's Web site at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/domainname/IANAFunctions.html .
. . . . .

Docket No. 090420688-9689-01

Assessment of the Transition of the Technical Coordination and Management of the Internet's Domain Name and Addressing System Proceeding

Comments Due June 8, 2009.

Fed Reg April 24

AGENCY : National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
ACTION : Notice of Inquiry.
SUMMARY : The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) seeks comment regarding the upcoming expiration of the Joint Project Agreement (JPA) with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). This agreement has been in existence since November 25, 1998, and is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2009.
DATES : Comments are due on or before June 8, 2009.

ADDRESSES : Written comments may be submitted by mail to Fiona M. Alexander, Associate Administrator, Office of International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230. Paper submissions should include a three and one-half inch computer diskette or compact disc (CD) in HTML, ASCII, Word, WordPerfect, rtf, or pdf format (please specify version). Diskettes or CDs should be labeled with the name and organizational affiliation of the filer and the name of the word processing program used to create the document. Alternatively, comments may be submitted electronically to DNSTransition@ntia.doc.gov . Comments provided via electronic mail also should be submitted in one or more of the formats specified above. Comments will be posted to NTIA's website at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/comments/2009/dnstransition.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : For questions about this Notice contact: Suzanne R. Sene, Office of International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230, telephone (202) 482-3180; email ssene@ntia.doc.gov . Please direct media inquiries to the Office of Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482-7002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :
Background

. . . . .

REQUEST FOR COMMENT:

Given the upcoming expiration of the current JPA between the Department of Commerce and ICANN, NTIA seeks comments regarding the progress of the transition of the technical coordination and management of the Internet DNS to the private sector, as well as the model of private sector leadership and bottom- up policy development which ICANN represents.

The questions below are intended to assist in identifying the issues and should not be construed as a limitation on comments that may be submitted. Comments that contain references, studies, research, and other empirical data that are not widely published should include copies of the referenced materials with the submitted comments.

1. The DNS White Paper articulated four principles (i.e., stability; competition; private, bottom-up coordination; and representation) necessary for guiding the transition to private sector management of the DNS. Are these still the appropriate principles? If so, have these core principles been effectively integrated into ICANN's existing processes and structures?

2. The goal of the JPA process has been to transition the coordination of DNS responsibilities, previously performed by the U.S. Government or on behalf of the U.S. Government, to the private sector so as to enable industry leadership and bottom-up policy making. Is this still the most appropriate model to increase competition and facilitate international participation in the coordination and management of the DNS, bearing in mind the need to maintain the security and stability of the DNS? If yes, are the processes and structures currently in place at ICANN sufficient to enable industry leadership and bottom-up policy making? If not, what is the most appropriate model, keeping in mind the need to ensure the stability and security of the Internet DNS?

3. The original agreement and the first six amendments to the JPA contained a series of core tasks, and in some cases, date-specific milestones. Have these tasks been accomplished and have these milestones been met? If not, what remains and what steps should be taken to successfully address them?

4. In 2006, the focus on specific milestones was adjusted to a series of broad commitments endorsed by the ICANN Board as an annex to the JPA. Specifically, ICANN committed to take action on the responsibilities set out in the Affirmation of Responsibilities established in ICANN Board Resolution 06.71, dated September 25, 2006. 12 Those responsibilities included activities in the following categories: security and stability, transparency, accountability, root server security and relationships, TLD management, multi- stakeholder model, role of governments, IP addressing, corporate responsibility, and corporate administrative structure. What steps has ICANN taken to meet each of these responsibilities? Have these steps been successful? If not, what more could be done to meet the needs of the community served in these areas?

5. The current JPA called for NTIA to conduct a mid-term review. That review revealed that ICANN needed to take further steps to increase institutional confidence related to long- term stability, accountability, responsiveness, continued private sector leadership, stakeholder participation, increased contract compliance, and enhanced competition. What steps has ICANN taken to address the concerns expressed in the mid-term review process? Have these steps been successful? If not, what more could be done to meet the needs of the community served in these areas?

6. The JPA between the Department of Commerce and ICANN is an agreement by mutual consent to effectuate the transition of the technical coordination and management of the Internet DNS in a manner that ensures the continued stability and security of the Internet DNS. Has sufficient progress been achieved for the transition to take place by September 30, 2009? If not, what should be done? What criteria should be used to make that determination?

7. Given the upcoming expiration of the JPA, are there sufficient safeguards in place to ensure the continued security and stability of the Internet DNS, private sector leadership, and that all stakeholder interests are adequately taken into account? If yes, what are they? Are these safeguards mature and robust enough to ensure protection of stakeholder interests and the model itself in the future? If no, what additional safeguards should be put in place?

8. The JPA provides that before its termination, NTIA and ICANN are to collaborate on a DNS Project Report that will document ICANN's policies and procedures designed and developed pursuant to the agreement. What should be included in this report?

EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
. . . . .

Dated: April 20, 2009.
Anna M. Gomez,
Acting Assistant Secretary

NTIA's Joint Project Agreement with ICANN

Comments Due Feb. 15, 2008
Information on Administrative Procedure

For Immediate Release : October 29, 2007: Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it will consult with interested stakeholders regarding the mid-term review of the Joint Project Agreement (JPA) between the Department and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). NTIA will soon release a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) requesting comments to be due February 15, 2008.

"It is important that all interested stakeholders have an opportunity to directly share their views on ICANN during the JPA mid-term review," said NTIA Administrator John M. R. Kneuer at ICANN's 30th meeting. "We feel strongly that our review must be informed by your experiences with ICANN and perspectives regarding its evolution."

Kneuer also congratulated outgoing ICANN Chairman Vint Cerf on his tenure. "Vint's technical expertise, business experience, and global stature have been exceptionally well suited to the unique enterprise that ICANN represents," said Kneuer. "Over the course of the past eight years, ICANN's model of full participation by all interested stakeholders in decisions and policy making has progressively evolved and strengthened."

NTIA and ICANN signed the JPA on September 29, 2006. The JPA has a three-year term and provides for the Department to conduct a mid-term review of the agreement. The Department will consult with interested stakeholders to assist in conducting this mid-term review of ICANN's progress in meeting the responsibilities outlined in the JPA and by ICANN's Board. When published, the full text of the NOI will be available online at www.ntia.doc.gov .

NTIA is responsible for the development of domestic and international telecommunications policy for the Executive Branch.

Docket No. 060519136-6136-01 Comments due July 7, 2006. Public meeting 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. July 26, 2006.  
The Continued Transition of the Technical Coordination and Management of the Internet Domain Name and Addressing System

NTIA Notice May 2006

NTIA Notice: The United States Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) seeks comment on the continuation of the transition of the technical coordination and management of the Internet domain name and addressing system (Internet DNS) to the private sector. In June 1998, the Department issued a statement of policy on the privatization of the Internet DNS, which among other things articulated four primary functions for global Internet DNS coordination and management, the need to have these functions performed by the private sector and four principles to guide the transition to private sector management of the Internet DNS. On June 30, 2005, NTIA released the U.S. Principles on the Internet's Domain Name and Addressing System further elaborating on these issues. The Department of Commerce seeks comment regarding the progress of this transition and announces a public meeting to be held on July 26, 2006, to discuss issues associated with this transition.

DATES: Comments are due on or before July 7, 2006. The public meeting will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on July 26, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail to Fiona Alexander, Office of International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230. Paper submissions should include a three and one-half inch computer diskette in HTML, ASCII, Word or WordPerfect format (please specify version). Diskettes should be labeled with the name and organizational affiliation of the filer, and the name of the word processing program used to create the document. Alternatively, comments may be submitted electronically to DNSTransition@ntia.doc.gov. Comments provided via electronic mail should also be submitted in one of the formats specified above. All comments will be posted to NTIA's website at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/domainname/dnstransition.html. The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Auditorium, Washington, D.C. (Entrance to the Department of Commerce is on 14th Street between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues, N.W.)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about this Notice or the Public Meeting, contact: Fiona Alexander, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-1866; or email: falexander@ntia.doc.gov. Please direct media inquiries to the Office of Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482-7002.

NTIA letter to ICANN regarding Reform, NTIA 7/19/02

May 6 ITU Tutorial Workshop on IPv6 Geneva

ICANN MOU Process See DNS History

  • Commerce's NTIA Seeks Public Comments Regarding Joint Project Agreement with ICANN, NTIA 10/31/2007
  • New NTIA ICANN Contract, NTIA 3/19/03
  • Apr 2002 "The Department of Commerce exercises an option in its contract with ICANN regarding the technical functions of the domain name system, extending it through September 2002." [GAO02]
  • Sept 2001 " The Department of Commerce and ICANN agree to extend the MOU through September 2002 and the cooperative research and development agreement through June 2002 (amendment 4)." [GAO02]
  • May 2001 " ICANN and the Department of Commerce approve MOU amendment 3, which conforms the MOU with the Department's new agreement with VeriSign (formerly Network Solutions.)" [GAO02]
  • Mar 2001 "The Department of Commerce enters into a second contract with ICANN regarding technical functions of the domain name system." [GAO02]
  • Feb 2000 " The Department of Commerce contracts with ICANN to perform certain technical management functions related to the domain name system, such as address allocation and root zone coordination." [GAO02]
  • Nov 1999 " ICANN and the Department of Commerce approve MOU amendment 1 to reflect the roles of ICANN and Network Solutions, Inc." [GAO02]
  • June 1999 " ICANN and the Department of Commerce enter into a cooperative research and development agreement to study root server stability and security. The study is intended to result in a final report by September2000." [GAO02]
  • Nov 1998 " The Department of Commerce and ICANN enter into an MOU that states the parties will jointly design, develop, and test the methods and procedures necessary to transfer domain name system management to ICANN. The MOU is set to expire in September 2000." [GAO02]

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