ICANN has issued the following RFP for a couple of research studies on WHOIS Misuse. Please follow the links below if you have questions or additional concerns - I am merely forwarding the message to the list and don't have other information. -Aaron ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Subject: Independent researchers sought for ICANN Whois study ICANN is Seeking Independent Researchers to Respond to Request for Proposal on WHOIS Misuse Studies http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-28sep09-en.htm 28 September 2009 The Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) is responsible for developing and recommending to the ICANN Board substantive policies relating to gTLDs. The GNSO Council is now exploring several extensive studies of WHOIS and has asked ICANN to estimate the cost and feasibility of conducting several studies proposed by members of the ICANN community and ICANN’s Government Advisory Committee. The first area of study focuses on “misuse” of public WHOIS information, and, pursuant to the above request, ICANN is seeking to engage independent research organizations to undertake one or more proposed WHOIS Misuse studies. The Misuse Studies RFP Cover Letter<http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois/rfp-whois-misuse-studies-cover-letter-25sep09-en.pdf>illustrates the scope of work and the criteria for selection. This document should be read in conjunction with the Terms of Reference for WHOIS Misuse Studies RFP<http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois/tor-whois-misuse-studies-25sep09-en.pdf>. Read together, these two documents provide the materials necessary to respond to this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for WHOIS Misuse Studies. More information about WHOIS may be found at: http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois/index.html By 27 November, 2009, interested applicants should submit proposals by email to rfpwhois@icann.org to the attention of Liz Gasster, Senior Policy Counselor, ICANN Policy Department. A confirmation email will be sent for each proposal received.