ICANN Opens RFP for 2026 gTLD Round Evaluation Quality Control Services

ICANN has announced a Request for Proposal focused on securing Evaluation Quality Control services for the 2026 round of new generic top-level domain applications. This initiative is designed to support the integrity, consistency, and reliability of the evaluation process associated with the upcoming application round.

The Request for Proposal invites qualified providers to participate in a competitive procurement process. The selected supplier or suppliers will be responsible for overseeing quality control mechanisms that ensure evaluation activities are conducted in line with established procedures, criteria, and operational standards defined for the 2026 round.

Purpose and Scope of Quality Control Services

The Evaluation Quality Control function plays a critical role in maintaining trust in the new gTLD program. Through independent review and verification, these services are intended to confirm that application evaluations are accurate, impartial, and consistently applied across all submissions.

Under this Request for Proposal, ICANN seeks partners capable of monitoring evaluation outcomes, identifying inconsistencies, and supporting corrective actions where necessary. The scope is centered on process assurance rather than decision-making, reinforcing transparency while preserving evaluator independence.

Timeline and Participation Details

The Request for Proposal was published on 5 January 2026. Interested parties are expected to follow the defined submission requirements and timelines outlined by ICANN as part of the procurement process. Proposals must demonstrate relevant experience, operational capacity, and a clear understanding of quality assurance principles within complex evaluation frameworks.

This procurement forms part of ICANN’s broader preparation activities for the 2026 application round. By establishing robust quality control in advance, ICANN aims to strengthen confidence among applicants, stakeholders, and the global Internet community.

Why This Matters for the 2026 gTLD Round

As the next new gTLD round approaches, ensuring high standards in evaluation processes is essential. The introduction of dedicated Evaluation Quality Control services reflects ICANN’s continued emphasis on accountability, predictability, and procedural rigor.

This Request for Proposal signals a proactive step toward delivering a well-governed and technically sound application round in 2026. For industry participants and service providers alike, it highlights the increasing importance of quality assurance as a foundational element of large-scale Internet governance initiatives.