[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 115 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 28666]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-14201]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration


Assessment of the Transition of the Technical Coordination and 
Management of the Internet's Domain Name and Addressing System

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice, Ex Parte Clarification.

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SUMMARY: On April 24, 2009, the National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration (NTIA) published a Notice in the Federal 
Register on the Assessment of the Transition of the Technical 
Coordination and Management of the Internet's Domain Name and 
Addressing System (Docket No. 090420688-968-01). This Notice provides 
clarification regarding ex parte procedures associated with this public 
comment process, specifically as it relates to members of Congress, 
their staff, foreign government officials and officials of 
intergovernmental organizations.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, 
DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fiona M. Alexander (202) 482-1866 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 24, 2009, the National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) published a 
Notice in the Federal Register seeking comment regarding the upcoming 
expiration of the Joint Project Agreement (JPA) with the Internet 
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). 74 Fed. Reg. 18,688 
(April 24, 2009). This agreement has been in existence since November 
25, 1998, and is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2009.
    As stated in the Notice, any oral presentation to NTIA regarding 
the substance of this proceeding will be considered an ex parte 
presentation, and the substance of the discussion will be placed on the 
public record and become a part of this docket. No later than two (2) 
business days after an oral presentation or meeting, an interested 
party must submit a memorandum to NTIA, which summarizes the substance 
of the communication. Any written presentations provided in support of 
the oral communication or meeting also will be placed on the public 
record and become a part of this docket.
    Meetings and other interactions with members of Congress, their 
staff, foreign governmental officials or with officials of 
intergovernmental organizations regarding matters within the scope of 
this proceeding (including the expiration of the JPA) shall not be 
considered ex parte communications, which trigger the reporting 
requirements set forth above. The issues that are the subject of this 
proceeding, by their nature, require extensive consultation with 
foreign government officials/staff and officials/staff of 
intergovernmental organizations, as well as with officials and staff 
from other Federal agencies, Congress, and the Executive Office of the 
President. The clarification set forth above accords communications 
with members of Congress, their staff, foreign governmental officials 
and officials of intergovernmental organizations the same treatment for 
ex parte purposes as is accorded communications with officials or staff 
from any Federal Government agency or the Executive Office of the 
President.

    Dated: June 11, 2009.
Kathy D. Smith,
Chief Counsel, National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration.
[FR Doc. E9-14201 Filed 6-16-09; 8:45 am]
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