What is the “Applicant Guidebook”?
The Applicant Guidebook (also referred to as Request for Proposal [RFP] in past reference documents) is a step-by-step roadmap for potential gTLD applicants. The Guidebook covers technical and operational criteria, financial criteria, evaluation fees, required documentation, evaluation processes, and objection procedures. The Guidebook, along with a series of explanatory memoranda, has been released in drafts to solicit public comments. It is this feedback that has contributed to the refinement and improvement of subsequent versions, leading to the final Applicant Guidebook. To date, ICANN has released three drafts of the Applicant Guidebook.
All drafts and accompanying documents can be found on the ICANN new gTLD page, including the most recent draft, Draft Applicant Guidebook Version 3.
Why is ICANN releasing drafts of the Applicant Guidebook?
Since late 2008, the Applicant Guidebook has been released in drafts posted for public comment. This is part of ICANN’s bottom-up decision-making model and is a great opportunity for the Internet community to weigh in on the final set of criteria and processes.
When will the final Applicant Guidebook be available?
The final Applicant Guidebook is expected to be published in 2010. Since the timeline is subject to change, please continue checking the program’s website.
