ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round

Today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) issued a request for proposal (RFP) to identify qualified provider(s) capable of performing evaluations of String Similarity, Variant Strings, or both, as part of the 2026 round of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program, which is due to launch in April 2026.

This RFP covers two distinct evaluation areas within ICANN's New gTLD Program: (1) String Similarity, and (2) Variant Strings. These areas are essential to ensuring the trust, security, and usability of the DNS for end-users.

The selected provider(s) will assemble a panel(s) of experts to perform these evaluations. The purpose of this RFP is to evaluate prospective providers regarding their methodologies and expertise, while adhering to ICANN's policies and guidelines.

The selected provider(s) will also be required to collaborate with ICANN on the development of evaluation guides for the work conducted by the panels, ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all gTLD applications.

Providers are not required to offer both services in order to respond to this RFP. Responses will be considered based on the respondent's interest and ability to provide:

• A panel for the evaluations of String Similarity only
• A panel for the evaluations of Variant Strings only
• Both panels, one for the evaluation of String Similarity and one panel for the evaluation of Variant Strings.

Combining both evaluation areas into a single RFP allows ICANN to better coordinate evaluation timelines and vendor planning for tasks that may require related expertise.

This is a public RFP, meaning that any prospective vendor may participate.

For a complete overview of this RFP, including the timeline, please consult this webpage.

Indications of interest should be emailed to [email protected]and provide the following information:

• Name of the organization.
• Contact name.
• Contact email address.

Official responses to the RFP should be electronically submitted using ICANN's sourcing tool by 23:59 UTC on 16 January 2026. Access to this tool may be requested via the same email address.

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