ICANN Releases Request for Proposals for Sponsored Top Level Domain Names
15 December 2003
ICANN is inviting applications from all parties wishing to apply for new sTLDs. Interested parties can view the Request for Proposals (RFP) on ICANN's website.
Marina del Rey, California USA (15 December 2003): ICANN today announced commencement of the application period for new sponsored top level domains (sTLDs).
ICANN is inviting applications from all parties wishing to apply for new sTLDs. Interested parties can view the Request for Proposals (RFP) on ICANN's website.
The RFP outlines the first step in the process for selection and implementation of new sTLDs. The RFP is the response to the resolution on new sTLD as directed by the ICANN Board, and it is an expedited round to ensure that new sTLDs will be available in 2004. The RFP is the initial part of the broad strategic initiative to enable new generic top level domains (gTLDs), as announced at the ICANN meeting in Tunisia.
Applicants will find that the RFP is divided into six parts. The first part provides applicants with explanatory notes on the process as well as an indication of the type of information requested by ICANN. The remaining parts constitute the application itself. The application must be directly submitted using the forms provided online.
After the application period closes, an independent evaluation team will evaluate the applications against specified selection criteria. Once the evaluation team has made their recommendation, ICANN staff will enter into contract negotiations with recommended applicants.
A timeline for the activities involved in the application period is provided in the RFP. The application deadline is March 16, 2004 at 23.59 UTC.
