ICANN News Alert
ICANN[icann.org]

News Alert

https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2017-06-05-en[icann.org]

Request for Proposal: RSSAC Organizational Review

5 June 2017

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is seeking a provider to conduct an independent assessment of the Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC). The provider should have technical knowledge in domain name or Internet server operations, or have experience working with the Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC) or Root Server Operators. The provider should also have an understanding of the root server ecosystem and/or DNS protocol knowledge.

The objective of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to identify an independent examiner that can conduct a comprehensive assessment of RSSAC. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • The continued purpose of RSSAC within the ICANN structure;
  • How effectively RSSAC fulfills its purpose;
  • Whether any change in structure or operations is needed; and
  • The extent to which RSSAC as a whole is accountable to the wider ICANN community.

The review is scheduled to take place from September 2017 through June 2018. For a complete overview and timeline for the RFP, please see here[icann.org] [PDF 642 KB].

Indications of interest are to be received by emailing RSSACReview-RFP@icann.org. Proposals should be electronically submitted by 23:59 PDF on 10 July 2017 using ICANN's sourcing tool, access to which may be requested via the same email address as above.

Background

According to the ICANN Bylaws[icann.org], the role of the Root Server System Advisory Committee ("Root Server System Advisory Committee" or "RSSAC") is to advise the ICANN community and Board on matters relating to the operation, administration, security, and integrity of the Internet's Root Server System. It shall have the following responsibilities:

  1. Communicate on matters relating to the operation of the Root Servers and their multiple instances with the Internet technical community and the ICANN community. The RSSAC shall gather and articulate requirements to offer to those engaged in technical revision of the protocols and best common practices related to the operation of DNS servers.
  2. Communicate on matters relating to the administration of the Root Zone with those who have direct responsibility for that administration. These matters include the processes and procedures for the production of the Root Zone File.
  3. Engage in ongoing threat assessment and risk analysis of the Root Server System and recommend any necessary audit activity to assess the current status of root servers and the root zone.
  4. Respond to requests for information or opinions from the Board.
  5. Report periodically to the Board on its activities.
  6. Make policy recommendations to the ICANN community and Board.