ICANN Request for Proposal: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Background Screening Services

Today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) issued a request for proposal (RFP) to identify a qualified provider of background screening services as part of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round.

The purpose of the RFP is to invite prospective providers to submit proposals for ICANN to assess capabilities and expertise. Background Screening is a mandatory component of the New gTLD Program's applicant evaluation phase. Its purpose is to safeguard registrants and the public interest by ensuring that corporations, organizations, and institutions are in good standing and eligible to operate a gTLD.

The screening requires the review of individual and organizational information, relevant public records, and the assessment of applicants based on the eligibility criteria outlined in the Applicant Guidebook. Entities that are publicly traded on the world's top 25 stock exchanges may be screened through a modified path that reflects the extensive due diligence and ongoing oversight already conducted by exchanges, regulators, and shareholders.

The provider is expected to deliver determinations including rationale.

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 this RFP must 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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