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Call for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors
by Elisa Busetto April 15, 2026

April 15, 2026

Dear all, We would like to inform you that the Call for Expressions of Interest for Independent Objectors has been published: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/call-for-expressions-of-inte… Best regards, Elisa

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Public Comment on Draft CPE Evaluation Guide
by Jared Erwin April 14, 2026

April 14, 2026

Dear IRT Members, Following on the announcement<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-announces-community-pr…> of the CPE vendor, I am writing regarding next steps for the public comment on the CPE Evaluation Guide. Relevant here are two SubPro Recs: 34.12 and 34.16 (for your reference, I have copied these into the bottom of this email). Specifically, I would appreciate the IRT’s input on the timing and length of the public comment. We are hopeful that we can open the public comment early next week. However, the RFP and contracting process took more time than expected, which means that we have less time before the opening of the round to both conduct the public comment and finalize the Evaluation Guide. We believe there are two options: 1. A shortened public comment period (30 days, closing the week of 20 April). This would allow us to complete the public comment and attempt to have a final draft before 30 April. The downside is that there is less time for community groups to develop their comments and for ICANN to consider those comments. 2. ICANN could conduct the public comment for the standard time (40 days), which would mean that the period closes after 30 April (likely week of 4 May), and the report and updated draft would be published after the round opens (likely week of 18 May). ICANN believes that the second option would ensure that community groups have sufficient time to develop comments and for ICANN and the CPE vendor to consider any feedback while still meeting the spirit of recommendations 34.12 and 34.16—the guide will be published (in draft form) prior to the opening of the round. ICANN anticipates that any changes to the document following the public comment would be minor. Additionally, the finalized guide would be available well before the closing of the application submission period. Given these options, does the IRT have any input? I would appreciate any feedback as soon as possible. Thank you very much! Best, Jared Relevant SubPro Recs Recommendation 34.12: The process to develop evaluation and selection criteria that will be used to choose a Community Priority Evaluation Provider (CPE Provider) must include mechanisms to ensure appropriate feedback from the ICANN community. In addition, any terms included in the contract between ICANN org and the CPE Provider regarding the CPE process must be subject to public comment. Recommendation 34.16: All Community Priority Evaluation procedures (including any supplemental dispute provider rules) must be developed and published before the opening of the application submission period and must be readily and publicly available.

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Re: Public Comment on Draft CPE Evaluation Guide
by Pruis, Elaine March 31, 2026

March 31, 2026

Hello I’m starting my review of the CPE Guide. Would you clarify something I can’t seem to find in the guide. Is there a minimum threshold per criteria? An applicant must get 12/16 points. But if an applicant gets a zero on Nexus (or Community Endorsement) and full points on the other, do they still pass? Overview of Evaluation Criteria The Guidebook defines four criteria against which community-based applications will be evaluated should the applicant choose to participate in CPE: Community Establishment – Does the applicant clearly and formally represent an established community? (6 points) 2. Nexus between Proposed String and Community – What is the strength of the relationship between the applied-for string and the identified community? (4 points) 3. Registration Policies – Does the application include registration policies for eligibility and naming selection that align with the community purpose? (2 points) 4. Community Endorsement – Is the applicant able to show support from recognized community institutions and a lack of substantial opposition? (4 points) Thanks Elaine From: Michael Karakash via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Reply-To: Michael Karakash <michael.karakash(a)icann.org> Date: Monday, March 23, 2026 at 2:37 PM To: Justine Chew <justine.chew.icann(a)gmail.com> Cc: "subpro-irt(a)icann.org" <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] [SubPro-IRT] Re: Public Comment on Draft CPE Evaluation Guide Caution: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Justine, Please find the draft CPE Evaluation Guide attached. As noted earlier, it will be published for public comment tomorrow, so that will be the preferred channel for any feedback or input on the draft. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you! Best, Michael From: Justine Chew via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Reply-To: Justine Chew <justine.chew.icann(a)gmail.com> Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:49 PM To: Jared Erwin <jared.erwin(a)icann.org> Cc: "subpro-irt(a)icann.org" <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Subject: [SubPro-IRT] Re: Public Comment on Draft CPE Evaluation Guide Dear Jared, Would you mind sharing again the latest (draft) CPE Evaluation Guide that is proposed to be put out for public comment? Would that be the same draft that, as you mentioned, would be published prior to the opening of the round? Thanks, Justine On Sat, 21 Mar 2026 at 02:36, Jared Erwin via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> wrote: Dear IRT Members, Following up on my email below, does the IRT have any input? If no concerns or further input, ICANN proposes moving forward with Option 2 (regular public comment period, which would close after 30 April). Thank you Jared From: Jared Erwin <jared.erwin(a)icann.org> Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 15:22 To: "subpro-irt(a)icann.org" <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Subject: Public Comment on Draft CPE Evaluation Guide Dear IRT Members, Following on the announcement of the CPE vendor, I am writing regarding next steps for the public comment on the CPE Evaluation Guide. Relevant here are two SubPro Recs: 34.12 and 34.16 (for your reference, I have copied these into the bottom of this email). Specifically, I would appreciate the IRT’s input on the timing and length of the public comment. We are hopeful that we can open the public comment early next week. However, the RFP and contracting process took more time than expected, which means that we have less time before the opening of the round to both conduct the public comment and finalize the Evaluation Guide. We believe there are two options: A shortened public comment period (30 days, closing the week of 20 April). This would allow us to complete the public comment and attempt to have a final draft before 30 April. The downside is that there is less time for community groups to develop their comments and for ICANN to consider those comments. ICANN could conduct the public comment for the standard time (40 days), which would mean that the period closes after 30 April (likely week of 4 May), and the report and updated draft would be published after the round opens (likely week of 18 May). ICANN believes that the second option would ensure that community groups have sufficient time to develop comments and for ICANN and the CPE vendor to consider any feedback while still meeting the spirit of recommendations 34.12 and 34.16—the guide will be published (in draft form) prior to the opening of the round. ICANN anticipates that any changes to the document following the public comment would be minor. Additionally, the finalized guide would be available well before the closing of the application submission period. Given these options, does the IRT have any input? I would appreciate any feedback as soon as possible. Thank you very much! Best, Jared Relevant SubPro Recs Recommendation 34.12: The process to develop evaluation and selection criteria that will be used to choose a Community Priority Evaluation Provider (CPE Provider) must include mechanisms to ensure appropriate feedback from the ICANN community. In addition, any terms included in the contract between ICANN org and the CPE Provider regarding the CPE process must be subject to public comment. Recommendation 34.16: All Community Priority Evaluation procedures (including any supplemental dispute provider rules) must be developed and published before the opening of the application submission period and must be readily and publicly available. _______________________________________________ SubPro-IRT mailing list -- subpro-irt(a)icann.org To unsubscribe send an email to subpro-irt-leave(a)icann.org _______________________________________________ By submitting your personal data, you consent to the processing of your personal data for purposes of subscribing to this mailing list accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy (https://www.icann.org/privacy/policy) and the website Terms of Service (https://www.icann.org/privacy/tos) You can visit the Mailman link above to change your membership status or configuration, including unsubscribing, setting digest-style delivery or disabling delivery altogether (e.g., for a vacation), and so on.

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Updated ASP Statistics - March 2026
by Samantha Mancia March 23, 2026

March 23, 2026

Dear SubPro IRT Members, I hope you are well. I am writing to let you know that the ASP Statistics have been updated on the website<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-…> as of 19 March 2026. Please find a summary of the changes since last month below: ASP Application Status Metrics * Submitted * Total: 57 * Change over last month: -5 (status progressed from submitted to evaluation completed) * Evaluation Completed * Total: 19 * Change over last month: +6 * Withdrawn * Total: 2 * Change over last month: N/A * Terminated * Total: 0 * Change over last month: N/A ASP Applications Evaluation Results * Conditionally Approved (pending payment) * Total: 7 * Change over last month: 0 * Fully Approved (payment received) * Total: 12 * Change over last month: +7 * Not Eligible for Support* * Total: 0 * Change over last month: -1 * Please note that "Not Eligible for Support" includes applications that may still be eligible for extended evaluation, therefore this number could change. You can find additional detail and breakdowns by region and eligible entity type on the ASP statistics webpage [newgtldprogram.icann.org]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-…>. Kind Regards, Samantha Mancia New gTLD Program Manager Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Office Telephone: +1 310 301 5800 www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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CPE Provider Announcement
by Jared Erwin March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026

Dear IRT Members, ICANN has announced the CPE provider for the 2026 round. Please see the announcement here: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-announces-community-pr…. The announcement also links to an FAQ page that includes an update for the CPE fee. ICANN plans to update the AGB with this information as well, which will be reported to the SPIRT via the change log. Thank you, Jared -- Jared Erwin Senior Director, New gTLD Program Global Domains & Strategy Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) jared.erwin(a)icann.org<mailto:jared.erwin@icann.org>

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Re: CPE Provider Announcement
by Pruis, Elaine March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026

Thanks Jared. TL/DR: Update (March 2026): ICANN has contracted with a vendor to conduct CPE (see announcement). The fee has been set at USD 52,936. Elaine From: Jared Erwin via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Reply-To: Jared Erwin <jared.erwin(a)icann.org> Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 7:10 AM To: "subpro-irt(a)icann.org" <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] [SubPro-IRT] CPE Provider Announcement Caution: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear IRT Members, ICANN has announced the CPE provider for the 2026 round. Please see the announcement here: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-announces-community-pr…. The announcement also links to an FAQ page that includes an update for the CPE fee. ICANN plans to update the AGB with this information as well, which will be reported to the SPIRT via the change log. Thank you, Jared -- Jared Erwin Senior Director, New gTLD Program Global Domains & Strategy Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) jared.erwin(a)icann.org

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Congratulations!
by Anne ICANN March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

Dear Justine, Congratulations on your appointment to the ICANN Board by the ALAC. I'm sure the Empowered Community phase is a mere formality. ICANN is very fortunate to be able to benefit from your talent, knowledge and keen insights! Brava! Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso(a)gmail.com

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Updated ASP Statistics - February 2026
by Samantha Mancia March 2, 2026

March 2, 2026

Dear SubPro IRT Members, I hope you are well. I am writing to let you know that the ASP Statistics have been updated on the website<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-…> as of 19 February 2026. Please find a summary of the changes since last month below: ASP Application Status Metrics * Submitted * Total: 62 * Change over last month: -9 (status progressed from submitted to evaluation completed) * Evaluation Completed * Total: 13 * Change over last month: +9 * Withdrawn * Total: 2 * Change over last month: +1 * Terminated * Total: 0 * Change over last month: N/A ASP Applications Evaluation Results * Conditionally Approved (pending payment) * Total: 7 * Change over last month: +5 * Fully Approved (payment received) * Total: 5 * Change over last month: +3 * Not Eligible for Support* * Total: 1 * Change over last month: +1 * Please note that "Not Eligible for Support" includes applications that may still be eligible for extended evaluation, therefore this number could change. You can find additional detail and breakdowns by region and eligible entity type on the ASP statistics webpage [newgtldprogram.icann.org]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-…>. Kind Regards, Samantha Mancia New gTLD Program Manager Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Office Telephone: +1 310 301 5800 www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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Community Priority Evaluation - costs and guidelines
by Anne ICANN Feb. 24, 2026

Feb. 24, 2026

Hi Jared, As we approach the end of February with the opening of the next round scheduled for a mere two months away, it is quite concerning that no CPE Evaluator has been identified and no costs associated with CPE have been published. This makes it very difficult for applicants to plan and obtain funding. (BTW I don't represent any new gTLD applicants or any legal interests at this time as I am fully retired from the practice of law.) I understood you to say that ICANN hoped to publish this information shortly but at this point we are risking not being able to accomplish the goals of the policy work on CPE, especially because the costs are not known to potential applicants and the guidelines you referenced have not been published. Once again, when may we expect this work to move forward so that applicants are assured of predictability in relation to CPE? The fact that ICANN considered CPE so problematic in the 2012 round should not operate to prejudice the interests of 2026 round applicants and potential applicants. Thank you, Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso(a)gmail.com

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Re: Post call | SubPro IRT Meeting #173 | 29 January 2026
by Elisa Busetto Feb. 12, 2026

Feb. 12, 2026

Dear all, During yesterday’s IRT call<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/EoD-L>, we discussed our possible approach regarding Independent Objectors, with a focus on what should be included in the Expression of Interest that will be published soon. If you were unable to attend, we invite you to watch the Zoom recording and share any additional input you may have. We will review all points raised and keep you informed of the next steps. Many thanks for your input! Elisa From: Next Round Policy Implementation via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Reply to: Next Round Policy Implementation <NextRound_PolicyImplementation(a)icann.org> Date: Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 15:52 To: "subpro-irt(a)icann.org" <subpro-irt(a)icann.org> Subject: [SubPro-IRT] Post call | SubPro IRT Meeting #173 | 29 January 2026 Dear All, The recordings for Meeting #173 of the SubPro IRT held on Thursday, 29 January 2026 are published on the meeting wiki page [icann-community.atlassian.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/EoD…>. These include: * Audio recording * Zoom recording (including audio, visual, rough transcript, chat) * Attendance For additional information, you may consult the mailing list archives<https://mm.icann.org/pipermail/subpro-irt/> and the main wiki page<https://community.icann.org/x/pQM5Dg>. Best regards, Renate

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