Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) for the United States; Policies and Requirements; Comments Request, 6811-6813 [2013-02058]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 21 / Thursday, January 31, 2013 / Notices B. Update on Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal. Protection Act (MMPA) Actions. 1. Final False Killer Whale Take Reduction Plan. 2. Final Rule to List the Main Hawaiian Islands Insular False Killer Whales as Endangered under the ESA. 3. Proposed Rule to List 66 Species of Coral as Endangered or Threatened under the ESA. C. Update on the Monk Seal Recovery Program. D. Public Comment. E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2013 9. Other Business. A. 113th SSC Meeting. 10. Summary of SSC Recommendations to the Council. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522–8220 (voice) or (808) 522– 8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: January 28, 2013. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–02078 Filed 1–30–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [FR Doc. 2013–02016 Filed 1–30–13; 8:45 am] National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. AGENCY: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Scallop Plan Team will meet in February in Kodiak. AK. DATES: The meeting will be held on February 19–20, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at Fisherman’s Hall, 403 Marina Way, Kodiak, AK. Council address: North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 605 W. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with 17:38 Jan 30, 2013 Jkt 229001 Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Gail Bendixen at (907) 271–2809 at least 7 working days prior to the meeting date. Dated: January 25, 2013. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting VerDate Mar<15>2010 Agenda Review status of scallop stocks, recommend annual ABC level for statewide stock, compile annual SAFE report, receive report on potential impacts of ocean acidification on scallops, review stock structure for weathervane scallops and recommend annual research priorities. The Agenda is subject to change, and the latest version will be posted at https://www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ npfmc/ Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during these meetings. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. RIN 0648–XC472 SUMMARY: 4th Ave., Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99501–2252. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diana Stram, Council staff; telephone: (907) 271–2809. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration [Docket No. 130124072–3072–01] RIN 0660–XC005 Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) for the United States; Policies and Requirements; Comments Request National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ACTION: 6811 Notice of Inquiry. The United States Department of Commerce’s (Department) National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) administers the contract for the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the United States, ‘‘.us’’ (usTLD). The current contract expires on August 31, 2013. Given the expiration date of this contract, NTIA is seeking input from interested parties on the policies and requirements that should govern the usTLD. NTIA will utilize the comments received in response to this Notice in the procurement process leading to the award of a new usTLD contract. SUMMARY: Comments due on or before March 4, 2013 DATES: Written comments may be submitted by mail to Fiona M. Alexander, Associate Administrator, Office of International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230. Comments may be submitted electronically to ustldnoi@ntia.doc.gov. All email messages and comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted without change to the NTIA Web site at https:// www.ntia.doc.gov/federal-registernotice/2013/comments-ustld-policiesand-requirements-noi. All comments received will be posted without change or redaction, so commenters should not include information they do not wish to be posted (e.g., personal or confidential business information). ADDRESSES: For questions about this Notice contact: Elizabeth B. Bacon, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–2097; email: ebacon@ntia.doc.gov. Please direct media inquiries to the Office of Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482–7002. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: NTIA is committed to maintaining a stable, secure Internet that is open for economic growth and innovation. One of the many ways that NTIA supports this commitment is through its role in administering the contract for the operation of the usTLD. The usTLD has historically served as a home for American business, individuals, and localities for the benefit of the nation’s Internet community. The current SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\31JAN1.SGM 31JAN1 6812 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 21 / Thursday, January 31, 2013 / Notices contract expires on August 31, 2013.1 Given the expiration date of this contract, NTIA is seeking input from interested parties on the policies and requirements that should govern the usTLD. Comments received in response to this Notice will inform the procurement process leading to the award of a new usTLD contract. NTIA’s goal is that the usTLD be attractive to both business and individual users, be open to and encourage innovation, growth and use of the space, and reflect the multistakeholder model of Internet governance. This notice of inquiry (NOI) seeks to meet that goal by requesting public comment on current policies and how they could be updated to better serve the community’s needs. This NOI also seeks views as to how the usTLD can be managed consistent with the multistakeholder model; for example, by developing a mechanism for public input and community engagement in policy development for the usTLD space. Background srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with Country code TLDs (ccTLDs) are twoletter suffixes based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 3166, and that represent a particular country or autonomous territory, such as .jp for Japan, or .uk for the United Kingdom. The ccTLD is usually delegated to a trustee or designated manager that is responsible for its administration, operations, and stability.2 The structure, policies, and registration requirements for each ccTLD are developed at the discretion of its country or territory, carried out by the designated manager, and may vary widely to meet the needs of its user community. Currently, there are 254 active ccTLDs, with some operating as open TLDs, others limited to government use, some requiring a local presence, and others operating as global commercial TLDs.3 The ccTLD for the United States is reflected as ‘‘.us’’ and referred to in this NOI as the usTLD. Currently, the usTLD is comprised of approximately 1,786,738 domains. The current structure also includes the operations of an estimated 3,666 ‘‘delegated 1 The current contract (2007) is available at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/page/2011/us-domainspace. 2 The ISO 3166 list is available at https:// www.iso.org/iso/iso-3166–1_decoding_table. 3 DomainWire Statistical Report, Autumn 2012, CENTR; https://www.centr.org/ DomainWire_Stat_Report_2012_1. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:38 Jan 30, 2013 Jkt 229001 managers’’ in the usTLD within the locality name space.4 The usTLD has historically served as a home for American businesses, individuals, and localities and is managed by NTIA through a contract with Neustar, Inc.5 Recognizing the value of the continued operation of the usTLD, NTIA initiated a procurement process for the usTLD contract, selecting Neustar, Inc. in 2001, for a term of six years. NTIA again initiated a procurement process for the usTLD contract in 2007 and again selected Neustar, Inc. The current contract expires on August 31, 2013. Given the expiration date of the current contract, NTIA is taking this opportunity to solicit comment on ways to enhance the current policies and requirements to encourage continued innovation, growth, and increased use of the usTLD space. In 2007, NTIA issued a Statement of Work (SOW) that outlined several key requirements that govern the usTLD space.6 For example, to operate in the usTLD space, domain owners must fulfill a U.S. Nexus requirement by providing proof of a bona fide presence or residence within the United States.7 Each registrar in the usTLD space must provide publicly accessible, accurate, and up-to-date WHOIS information for each .us registrant. Also, the Dot Kids Implementation and Efficiency Act of 2002 (Dot Kids Act), Pub. L. No. 107– 317, requires the creation and maintenance of a second level domain within the usTLD (kids.us) as a safe 4 ‘‘Delegated Managers’’ are managers of delegated subdomains in the TLD space such as state.maryland.us or ci.baltimore.md.us. The delegated manager facilitates and manages domain name registrations using this locality name such as tourism.ci.baltimore.md.us to be operated by local registrants. The usTLD contractor is required to have an agreement in place with each delegated manager. In most cases, the usTLD contractor does not have direct contractual agreements with locality registrants within delegated subdomains, however, the ‘‘delegated managers’’ are required to enforce usTLD policies with their registrants. For current ‘‘delegated manager’’ policies, see https:// www.neustar.us/delegated-managers/. For a definition and description of ‘‘locality name,’’ see RFC1480, ‘‘The US Domain,’’ available at https:// tools.ietf.org/html/rfc1480. 5 The usTLD was originally administered, prior to 2001, through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Government and Network Solutions, Inc. Network Solutions subcontracted administration of the usTLD to the Information Sciences Institute of the University of Southern California. Dr. Jon Postel established the original structure and administrative mechanisms of the usTLD in RFC 1480. 6 The Statement of Work for the 2007 contract is available at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/ publications/ustld2007_contract.pdf, Section C, pages 4–27. 7 The full text of the current U.S. Nexus policy can be found at https://www.neustar.us/policies/. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 place on the Internet for children.8 NTIA welcomes comments on whether these requirements are still relevant, and if so, how they might be updated. In addition, security and stability of the Internet remains a cornerstone of all United States Government (USG) Internet policy concerns. These concerns are reflected in the current contract and SOW through high-level security requirements, including a new requirement for Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) deployment within the usTLD. Community feedback and input into the development of policies and processes is an important component to the management and operation of the usTLD and reflects the USG policy supporting the multistakholder model of Internet governance. Input regarding the value of and interest in developing a mechanism that would allow for community input and consultation into policy development processes within the usTLD is encouraged. Policies of the usTLD should, to the extent practicable, be informed by best practices as developed by the global multistakeholder Internet community.9 Request for Comment The current usTLD contract will expire on August 31, 2013. Given this expiration date, NTIA is seeking public comments regarding how the current policies and requirements impact the ability to create a policy environment that allows for continuing innovation, growth, and use of the usTLD space. Comments that contain references, studies, research, or other empirical evidence or data that are not widely published should include copies of the referenced materials with the submitted comments. While commenters are welcome to submit comments regarding the questions below and other issues relating to the effective operation and innovation of the usTLD, this NOI is not seeking comments directly regarding the current contractor’s performance. Specifically, NTIA is seeking input on the following questions: 1. In general, what are your views on the current policies and requirements 8 On July 27, 2012, NTIA determined that the kids.us domain was not serving its intended purpose and suspended the operation of the kids.us domain as authorized by the Dot Kids Act. Per statutory requirement any request for proposal issued for the usTLD will contain a requirement to operate the kids.us space. 9 For example, the Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO), which is a part of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), is a forum in which best practices are discussed and developed. For more information regarding the work of the ccNSO, please see: https://ccnso.icann.org/. E:\FR\FM\31JAN1.SGM 31JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 21 / Thursday, January 31, 2013 / Notices that govern the usTLD space? Are they still relevant? Are there ways to update the policies and practices currently utilized in the management of the usTLD that would add value to the space? Please be specific in your response. 2. Are there policies and practices developed or employed by other ccTLDs, ccTLD organizations, and the stakeholder community that could be incorporated into the usTLD space to spur innovation, growth, and use of the usTLD or improve the domain name registrant experience? Please be specific in your response. 3. How best could the management of the usTLD be structured to reflect the multistakeholder model of policy development, particularly in developing mechanisms that could engage the usTLD community? Please be specific in your response. 4. An important aspect of the multistakeholder model of policy development is a focus on transparency. Is there additional information related to the administration and performance of the usTLD contract that should be collected or shared publicly in the interest of transparency? Please provide specific information as to why or why not. If yes, please provide specific suggestions in particular on what that information should be and how that information can be made available.5. Please provide your views of the usTLD Nexus policy. Does it enhance, impede, or have no impact on the innovation and growth of the usTLD space? Please be specific in your response. 6. What updates could be made to the current usTLD WHOIS policy and practices that could benefit the usTLD registrants, law enforcement, and the broader user community? 7. How can the kids.us space be improved? Please be specific in your response. 8. What updates could be made to usTLD security policies and practices to better align with TLD best practices and ensure continued security and stability of the usTLD? Dated: January 25, 2013. Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. [FR Doc. 2013–02058 Filed 1–30–13; 8:45 am] srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with BILLING CODE 3510–60–P Notice of Meeting The next meeting of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts is scheduled 17:38 Jan 30, 2013 Jkt 229001 Dated: January 25, 2013, in Washington, DC. Thomas Luebke, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–01951 Filed 1–30–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6331–01–M CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meeting Notice Wednesday, January 30, 2013, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. TIME AND DATE: Room 420, Bethesda Towers, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland. PLACE: Commission Meeting—Open to the Public . STATUS: MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Briefing Matter: Sections 1112/1118 Requirements for Third Party Conformity Assessment Bodies. A live Webcast of the Meeting can be viewed at www.cpsc.gov/webcast. For a recorded message containing the latest agenda information, call (301) 504– 7948. CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: Todd A. Stevenson, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 504–7923. Dated: January 28, 2013. Todd A. Stevenson, Secretary. COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS VerDate Mar<15>2010 for 21 February 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in the Commission offices at the National Building Museum, Suite 312, Judiciary Square, 401 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20001–2728. Items of discussion may include buildings, parks, and memorials. Draft agendas and additional information regarding the Commission are available on our Web site: www.cfa.gov. Inquiries regarding the agenda and requests to submit written or oral statements should be addressed to Thomas Luebke, Secretary, U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, at the above address; by emailing CFAStaff@cfa.gov; or by calling 202–504–2200. Individuals requiring sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired should contact the Secretary at least 10 days before the meeting date. [FR Doc. 2013–02156 Filed 1–29–13; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 6355–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 6813 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Defense Legal Policy Board; Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Meeting Department of Defense. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR 102–3.150, the Department of Defense (DoD) announces the following federal advisory committee meeting of the Defense Legal Policy Board. ADDRESSES: Holiday Inn Ballston, 4610 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203. SUMMARY: A meeting of the Defense Legal Policy Board (hereafter referred to as ‘‘the Board’’) will be held on Friday, February 15, 2013. The Public Session will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Gruber, Defense Legal Policy Board, PO Box 3656, Arlington, VA 22203. Email: StaffDirectorDefenseLegal PolicyBoard@osd.mil. Phone: (703) 696– 5449. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose of the Meeting: At this meeting, the Board will deliberate on the July 30, 2012 tasking from the Secretary of Defense to review certain military justice cases in combat zones. The Board is interested in written and oral comments from the public, including non-governmental organizations, relevant to this tasking. The mission of the Board is to advise the Secretary of Defense on legal and related legal policy matters within DoD, the achievement of DoD policy goals through legislation and regulations, and other assigned matters. Agenda: Prior to the Public Session, the Board will conduct an Administrative Session starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 9:00 a.m. to address administrative matters. After the Public Session, the Board will conduct an Administrative Session starting at 4:00 p.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. to prepare for upcoming meetings. Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.160, the public may not attend the Administrative Sessions. Tentative Agenda (updates available from the Board’s Staff Director at StaffDirectorDefenseLegalPolicyBoard@ osd.mil). • Testimony from representatives of the Secretaries of the Military Departments. DATES: E:\FR\FM\31JAN1.SGM 31JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 21 (Thursday, January 31, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6811-6813]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02058]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

[Docket No. 130124072-3072-01]
RIN 0660-XC005


Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) for the United States; 
Policies and Requirements; Comments Request

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of Inquiry.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce's (Department) 
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) 
administers the contract for the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) 
for the United States, ``.us'' (usTLD). The current contract expires on 
August 31, 2013. Given the expiration date of this contract, NTIA is 
seeking input from interested parties on the policies and requirements 
that should govern the usTLD. NTIA will utilize the comments received 
in response to this Notice in the procurement process leading to the 
award of a new usTLD contract.

DATES: Comments due on or before March 4, 2013

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by mail to Fiona M. 
Alexander, Associate Administrator, Office of International Affairs, 
National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1401 
Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230. Comments may 
be submitted electronically to ustldnoi@ntia.doc.gov. All email 
messages and comments received are a part of the public record and will 
generally be posted without change to the NTIA Web site at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/federal-register-notice/2013/comments-ustld-policies-and-requirements-noi. All comments received will be posted without 
change or redaction, so commenters should not include information they 
do not wish to be posted (e.g., personal or confidential business 
information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about this Notice 
contact: Elizabeth B. Bacon, National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 
(202) 482-2097; email: ebacon@ntia.doc.gov. Please direct media 
inquiries to the Office of Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482-7002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NTIA is committed to maintaining a stable, 
secure Internet that is open for economic growth and innovation. One of 
the many ways that NTIA supports this commitment is through its role in 
administering the contract for the operation of the usTLD. The usTLD 
has historically served as a home for American business, individuals, 
and localities for the benefit of the nation's Internet community. The 
current

[[Page 6812]]

contract expires on August 31, 2013.\1\ Given the expiration date of 
this contract, NTIA is seeking input from interested parties on the 
policies and requirements that should govern the usTLD. Comments 
received in response to this Notice will inform the procurement process 
leading to the award of a new usTLD contract.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The current contract (2007) is available at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/page/2011/us-domain-space.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NTIA's goal is that the usTLD be attractive to both business and 
individual users, be open to and encourage innovation, growth and use 
of the space, and reflect the multistakeholder model of Internet 
governance. This notice of inquiry (NOI) seeks to meet that goal by 
requesting public comment on current policies and how they could be 
updated to better serve the community's needs. This NOI also seeks 
views as to how the usTLD can be managed consistent with the 
multistakeholder model; for example, by developing a mechanism for 
public input and community engagement in policy development for the 
usTLD space.

Background

    Country code TLDs (ccTLDs) are two-letter suffixes based on the 
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 3166, and that 
represent a particular country or autonomous territory, such as .jp for 
Japan, or .uk for the United Kingdom. The ccTLD is usually delegated to 
a trustee or designated manager that is responsible for its 
administration, operations, and stability.\2\ The structure, policies, 
and registration requirements for each ccTLD are developed at the 
discretion of its country or territory, carried out by the designated 
manager, and may vary widely to meet the needs of its user community. 
Currently, there are 254 active ccTLDs, with some operating as open 
TLDs, others limited to government use, some requiring a local 
presence, and others operating as global commercial TLDs.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The ISO 3166 list is available at https://www.iso.org/iso/iso-3166-1_decoding_table.
    \3\ DomainWire Statistical Report, Autumn 2012, CENTR; https://www.centr.org/DomainWire_Stat_Report_2012_1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ccTLD for the United States is reflected as ``.us'' and 
referred to in this NOI as the usTLD. Currently, the usTLD is comprised 
of approximately 1,786,738 domains. The current structure also includes 
the operations of an estimated 3,666 ``delegated managers'' in the 
usTLD within the locality name space.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ ``Delegated Managers'' are managers of delegated subdomains 
in the TLD space such as state.maryland.us or ci.baltimore.md.us. 
The delegated manager facilitates and manages domain name 
registrations using this locality name such as 
tourism.ci.baltimore.md.us to be operated by local registrants. The 
usTLD contractor is required to have an agreement in place with each 
delegated manager. In most cases, the usTLD contractor does not have 
direct contractual agreements with locality registrants within 
delegated subdomains, however, the ``delegated managers'' are 
required to enforce usTLD policies with their registrants. For 
current ``delegated manager'' policies, see https://www.neustar.us/delegated-managers/. For a definition and description of ``locality 
name,'' see RFC1480, ``The US Domain,'' available at https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc1480.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The usTLD has historically served as a home for American 
businesses, individuals, and localities and is managed by NTIA through 
a contract with Neustar, Inc.\5\ Recognizing the value of the continued 
operation of the usTLD, NTIA initiated a procurement process for the 
usTLD contract, selecting Neustar, Inc. in 2001, for a term of six 
years. NTIA again initiated a procurement process for the usTLD 
contract in 2007 and again selected Neustar, Inc. The current contract 
expires on August 31, 2013. Given the expiration date of the current 
contract, NTIA is taking this opportunity to solicit comment on ways to 
enhance the current policies and requirements to encourage continued 
innovation, growth, and increased use of the usTLD space.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The usTLD was originally administered, prior to 2001, 
through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Government and 
Network Solutions, Inc. Network Solutions subcontracted 
administration of the usTLD to the Information Sciences Institute of 
the University of Southern California. Dr. Jon Postel established 
the original structure and administrative mechanisms of the usTLD in 
RFC 1480.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 2007, NTIA issued a Statement of Work (SOW) that outlined 
several key requirements that govern the usTLD space.\6\ For example, 
to operate in the usTLD space, domain owners must fulfill a U.S. Nexus 
requirement by providing proof of a bona fide presence or residence 
within the United States.\7\ Each registrar in the usTLD space must 
provide publicly accessible, accurate, and up-to-date WHOIS information 
for each .us registrant. Also, the Dot Kids Implementation and 
Efficiency Act of 2002 (Dot Kids Act), Pub. L. No. 107-317, requires 
the creation and maintenance of a second level domain within the usTLD 
(kids.us) as a safe place on the Internet for children.\8\ NTIA 
welcomes comments on whether these requirements are still relevant, and 
if so, how they might be updated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ The Statement of Work for the 2007 contract is available at 
https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/ustld2007_contract.pdf, Section C, pages 4-27.
    \7\ The full text of the current U.S. Nexus policy can be found 
at https://www.neustar.us/policies/.
    \8\ On July 27, 2012, NTIA determined that the kids.us domain 
was not serving its intended purpose and suspended the operation of 
the kids.us domain as authorized by the Dot Kids Act. Per statutory 
requirement any request for proposal issued for the usTLD will 
contain a requirement to operate the kids.us space.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, security and stability of the Internet remains a 
cornerstone of all United States Government (USG) Internet policy 
concerns. These concerns are reflected in the current contract and SOW 
through high-level security requirements, including a new requirement 
for Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) deployment within 
the usTLD.
    Community feedback and input into the development of policies and 
processes is an important component to the management and operation of 
the usTLD and reflects the USG policy supporting the multistakholder 
model of Internet governance. Input regarding the value of and interest 
in developing a mechanism that would allow for community input and 
consultation into policy development processes within the usTLD is 
encouraged. Policies of the usTLD should, to the extent practicable, be 
informed by best practices as developed by the global multistakeholder 
Internet community.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ For example, the Country Code Names Supporting Organization 
(ccNSO), which is a part of the Internet Corporation for Assigned 
Names and Numbers (ICANN), is a forum in which best practices are 
discussed and developed. For more information regarding the work of 
the ccNSO, please see: https://ccnso.icann.org/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Request for Comment

    The current usTLD contract will expire on August 31, 2013. Given 
this expiration date, NTIA is seeking public comments regarding how the 
current policies and requirements impact the ability to create a policy 
environment that allows for continuing innovation, growth, and use of 
the usTLD space.
    Comments that contain references, studies, research, or other 
empirical evidence or data that are not widely published should include 
copies of the referenced materials with the submitted comments. While 
commenters are welcome to submit comments regarding the questions below 
and other issues relating to the effective operation and innovation of 
the usTLD, this NOI is not seeking comments directly regarding the 
current contractor's performance. Specifically, NTIA is seeking input 
on the following questions:
    1. In general, what are your views on the current policies and 
requirements

[[Page 6813]]

that govern the usTLD space? Are they still relevant? Are there ways to 
update the policies and practices currently utilized in the management 
of the usTLD that would add value to the space? Please be specific in 
your response.
    2. Are there policies and practices developed or employed by other 
ccTLDs, ccTLD organizations, and the stakeholder community that could 
be incorporated into the usTLD space to spur innovation, growth, and 
use of the usTLD or improve the domain name registrant experience? 
Please be specific in your response.
    3. How best could the management of the usTLD be structured to 
reflect the multistakeholder model of policy development, particularly 
in developing mechanisms that could engage the usTLD community? Please 
be specific in your response.
    4. An important aspect of the multistakeholder model of policy 
development is a focus on transparency. Is there additional information 
related to the administration and performance of the usTLD contract 
that should be collected or shared publicly in the interest of 
transparency? Please provide specific information as to why or why not. 
If yes, please provide specific suggestions in particular on what that 
information should be and how that information can be made available.5. 
Please provide your views of the usTLD Nexus policy. Does it enhance, 
impede, or have no impact on the innovation and growth of the usTLD 
space? Please be specific in your response.
    6. What updates could be made to the current usTLD WHOIS policy and 
practices that could benefit the usTLD registrants, law enforcement, 
and the broader user community?
    7. How can the kids.us space be improved? Please be specific in 
your response.
    8. What updates could be made to usTLD security policies and 
practices to better align with TLD best practices and ensure continued 
security and stability of the usTLD?

    Dated: January 25, 2013.
Lawrence E. Strickling,
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information.
[FR Doc. 2013-02058 Filed 1-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-P
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