I wanted to raise a topic for the SPIRT Team’s awareness and discussion regarding the current status of the RSP Evaluation Program, particularly the registry system testing component. As you know, the RSP Handbook (https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/sites/default/files/documents/rsp-handbook-03jun24-en.pdf) sets out the published timelines for the program, and implementation has been progressing in line with those materials. The Handbook indicated that the results of the RSP Evaluation program would be posted on December 9, 2025.

Recently, ICANN indicated that some challenges had arisen with the system testing environment, which in turn affected the timing for posting the list of successful RSPs. At the Public Forum, in response to a question I raised, ICANN’s CEO suggested that any delay would likely be limited to approximately two weeks.

ICANN has since posted an updated date of January 30, 2026 for publication of the results. Although this update was not included in the weekly digest, it appears to reflect an adjustment from the previously published schedule. ICANN has noted that this change should not affect its overall readiness for the planned April 2026 application window. However, from a SPIRT perspective, even relatively small timeline shifts may have implications for applicant readiness and predictability—areas that fall directly within our remit.

ICANN has also made available information about ongoing updates to the Registry System Testing Platform (https://www.icann.org/en/contracted-parties/registry-operators/registry-system-testing/registry-system-testing-rst-version-20-23-10-2024-en), including a list of “known issues” that are being addressed. It may be helpful for SPIRT to better understand the nature of these issues, the anticipated timeframe for resolution, and whether further downstream impacts to applicants or service providers are expected.

Given SPIRT’s role in identifying and elevating potential issues that could affect predictability in the program, this seems like an appropriate matter for us to discuss and monitor. A clearer understanding of the situation would help ensure that both the community and prospective applicants have a realistic sense of what to expect as we approach the next application window.