<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html charset=windows-1252"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; ">Dear John:<div><br></div><div>> is there common reference (i.e. document or web site) which outlines the </div>specific attributes of an open contracting policy and benefits of same?<div><br></div><div>Thankyou for your question. I guess that we shall find an answer for you, but meanwhile:</div><div><br></div><div>-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>this policy is professionally ingrained such that personally I have no knowledge of (nor need for) a common reference</div><div><br></div><div>-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>that which I have written for the CCWG List is <i>sui generi</i>s.</div><div><br></div><div>I hope this helps for the time being…</div><div><br></div><div>CW</div><div><br></div><div><br><div><div>On 02 Nov 2016, at 20:59, John Curran <<a href="mailto:jcurran@istaff.org">jcurran@istaff.org</a>> wrote:</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><blockquote type="cite">On 2 Nov 2016, at 3:38 PM, Christopher Wilkinson <<a href="mailto:lists@christopherwilkinson.eu">lists@christopherwilkinson.eu</a>> wrote:<br><blockquote type="cite">...<br>1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I do not have a relevant benchmark in the form of ICANN's existing procurement policies. It is quite normal for such entities whether in the private or public sectors to have an open, pro-competitive procurement policy. I assume that there is something in ICANN that responds to this expectation, but I do not know about it.<br><br>2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The question, today, came up in the context of the draft report on Transparency. But as far as I can see, the contracting aspects of transparency are only touched upon in the draft report under "questions for further consideration" (p. 9 of 18). Consequently I feel that we do not have the necessary background to reach any conclusions at this time.<br><br>3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Meanwhile, an open contracting policy should be a normal corporate practice. Transparency aspects are only one of several considerations.<br><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><br>4,<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>What I would have said earlier today (should Adobe audio have allowed), would have been along the following lines:<br><br><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(a)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>open contracting is advantageous, creating a portfolio of available suppliers, reducing prices through competition and avoiding risks of favouritism or inertia in procurement practices.<br><br><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(b)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>in the international context it facilitates access to expertise and specific skills. It also opens markets to lower-cost suppliers.<br><br><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>( c)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>there is extensive international experience as to how to define and manage the limits to open contracting in terms of thresholds, rigorous specifications, time limits, confidentiality, accounting etc.<br><br>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In the light of the discussion earlier today, may I say that this has very little to do with emulating governmental procurement policies, as such. <br><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>ICANN and the ICANN community would benefit from open contracting, on its merits.<br></blockquote><br><br>Christopher - <br><br>You raise an an Interesting concept. <br><br>For those of us who are unaware of “open contracting policy”, but otherwise addicted<br>to reading, is there common reference (i.e. document or web site) which outlines the <br>specific attributes of an open contracting policy and benefits of same?<br><br>Thanks!<br>/John<br><br>Disclaimer: my views alone - these elections are commuting to Hyderabad, as I am not…<br><br><br></blockquote></div><br></div></body></html>