16 March 2006

On 21 February 2006, the US Department of Commerce published a Sources Sought Notice http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOC/OS/OAM/Reference-Number-DOCNTIARFI0001/SynopsisR .html, exploring options for Contractor performance of the IANA functions.

The Number Resource Organization (NRO) will not, at this time, take part in this activity, as we currently do not foresee bidding for the contract.

It is the NRO's mission "to protect the unallocated Number Resource pool," and the NRO would be able to perform the numbering function currently performed by the IANA. However, consistent with earlier comments the NRO has made, engaging in this contract activity is not a current goal of the NRO.

Established in October 2003, the Number Resource Organization undertakes joint activities of the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), including joint technical projects, liaison activities, and policy coordination. For more information concerning NRO activities please visit the website www.nro.net.

Regards,

NRO Secretariat