Minutes | Meeting of the Finance Committee of the Board (BFC) | 8 July 2024

BFC Attendees: Maarten Botterman, Danko Jevtović (Chair), Patricio Poblete, and León Sánchez

BFC Member Apologies: Harald Alvestrand and Edmon Chung

ICANN Org Attendees: Xavier Calvez SVP, Planning and Chief Financial Officer), Franco Carrasco (Board Operations Manager), Marika Konings (VP, New gTLD Program Lead), Elizabeth Le (Associate General Counsel), Becky Nash (VP, Planning), Vivek Sengupta (Senior Director, Procurement), and Amy Stathos (Deputy General Counsel)

The following is a summary of discussions, actions taken and actions identified:

1. Contracting – Implementation Management and gTLD Application Process Management Resources for New gTLD Program: Next Round – ICANN org presented the BFC with a proposal to extend the contract with the current Implementation Management and gTLD Application Processing Project management provider. The item is in front of the BFC because the cost of the renewal contract is greater than US$500,000. ICANN org explained that external expertise is required for the development and management of the project and to help deliver the scope of the project and achieve project objectives. The current provider will assist in managing the size, scope, and complexities of the New gTLD Program: Next Round. Extending the contract with the current provider will allow ICANN org the uninterrupted availability and support of these critical resources at least through the opening of the Next Round application window. ICANN org further explained that the provider has already demonstrated its value and expertise in creating the structure and overall program management within the New gTLD Program: Next Round. The BFC determined that the procurement process has been respected and that costs are reasonable and affordable. Following discussion, the BFC approved a recommendation to the Board to authorize ICANN org to extend the contract with the selected vendor.
   • Action: ICANN org to prepare relevant materials for Board consideration.
2. Contracting – Vendor Strategist and Vendor Sourcing Consultant for the New gTLD Program: Next Round – ICANN org presented the BFC with the proposal for the renewal contract with the current vendor strategist and vendor sourcing consultant to help define the Next Round vendor risk management and sourcing strategy in line with the New gTLD Program's objective sand needs. The item is in front of the BFC because the cost of the renewal contract is greater than US$500,000. ICANN org explained that the provider has been engaged under a three-month initial contract, and an extension is recommended in order to continue working with the existing vendor strategist and the vendor sourcing consultant for a variety of reasons – experiences and quality of resources leading organizations through vendor strategy and RFP development; most experienced candidates, with the most applicable skillset, at the lowest cost, etc. The BFC determined that the procurement process has been respected and that costs are reasonable and affordable. Following discussion, the BFC approved a recommendation to the Board to authorize ICANN org to extend the contract with the recommended provider.
   • Action: ICANN org to prepare relevant materials for Board consideration.