US Top Level Domain (usTLD) Registry Management Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Commerce is seeking an Administrator for the US Top Level Domain (usTLD) Registry Management Services. This is a Presolicitation for industry review, inviting feedback and questions on the draft documents. The selected contractor will manage the .usTLD registry, ensuring its secure and stable operation, and promoting a multistakeholder approach to internet governance. Questions and feedback are due by January 8, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The Department of Commerce seeks an Administrator to provide baseline services and innovative program ideas for the .usTLD registry. The scope includes centralized management of registry, registrar, database, and information services, ensuring a secure, stable, and resilient Domain Name System (DNS). The Administrator will also create a policy-rich environment, accredit registrars, advocate for multistakeholder internet governance, and coordinate with NTIA. The services must be provided by a U.S. entity with a physical address in the U.S., and primary registry services must remain within the U.S. This is a no-cost contract for the U.S. Government; the contractor will establish and collect fees from third parties.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: No-cost contract for the U.S. Government.
- Period of Performance: Up to 7 years, including a transition period (up to 9 months), a 36-month base period, and four 1-year option periods.
- Place of Performance: United States.
- Product Service Code: R499 (Other Professional Services)
- NAICS Code: 561110 (Office Administrative Services)
Key Requirements
The Administrator must demonstrate:
- Experience operating a TLD with at least two million domains under management for at least five years.
- Robust registrar connectivity and regulatory compliance.
- Proactive measures and strategies for DNS Abuse Mitigation, including handling reports, evidence-based reporting, and addressing illegal/egregious content (e.g., CSAM).
- Transparency reporting, due process/appeal mechanisms, and registrant compliance auditing.
- A plan for registrar accreditation and compliance with security standards (e.g., ISO 27001).
- Compliance with Section 508 accessibility requirements for all electronic documents.
- The contractor shall not serve as a registrar in the usTLD space (with specific exceptions).
Submission & Evaluation
This procurement will be conducted in two phases:
- Phase 1: Submission of Technical Volume I (Demonstrated Experience & Approach).
- Phase 2: Submission of Technical Volume II (Work Statement Submissions) and Cost Volume (Fee Structure with Cost Narrative). Evaluation factors are: Factor 1 (Demonstrated Experience & Approach), Factor 2 (Work Statement Submissions), and Factor 3 (Cost Volume). Factors 1 and 2 are more important than Factor 3.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This opportunity is Unrestricted, meaning it is open to all businesses, including small businesses.
Important Notes
This is a draft solicitation posted for industry review; dates are subject to change. A missing Job Description Appendix referenced in the PWS has been identified, and an answer is pending. Active SAM registration is required. The Government may contact references and review CPARS data.