Status of SLA 01 October 2016:  The SLA is now in effect.

Overview

The now expired IANA functions contract defined requirements for reporting and performance of the IANA numbering services. In absence of the IANA functions contract, the Internet number community proposed the creation of an SLA between ICANN and the five RIRs under which ICANN would continue performing the IANA numbering services. Additionally, to provide oversight of the SLA, the Internet number community recommended the formation of a Review Committee to advise the Numbering Resource Organization (NRO) Executive Committee in its periodic review of ICANN’s performance against the SLA.

To fulfill the first requirement, the RIRs initiated the drafting of the SLA. Each draft was made available for public comment. ICANN provided input and feedback during the public comment process. The first draft of the agreement was published in May 2015 and the final signature draft was published in May 2016.

The final SLA contains performance expectations, and specifies escalation paths and dispute resolution mechanisms in the event of non-performance. The term of the SLA automatically renews every five years, unless either ICANN or the RIRs elect to not renew for any reason (with or without cause) by providing six-months’ notice prior to the expiration of the then-current term. In the event of non-renewal or termination, the RIRs will select a successor operator to deliver the numbering services.

On May 27, 2016, the ICANN Board approved the SLA for signing. On June 29, 2016, ICANN and the RIRs signed the SLA. The SLA is now in effect.

To fulfill the second requirement, the RIRs initiated a community process and formed the Review Committee.