Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications Commissioner Paul J. Cosgrave today announced issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified vendor to assist the City in applying to obtain the ".nyc" top level domain (TLD) web address and - if the City successfully acquires the TLD - to operate, manage, maintain and market .nyc.  A TLD is the last part of an Internet address, such as .com, .gov, .edu, etc.  The City of New York may use the .nyc TLD to generate revenue, assist residents in locating City government services, help local businesses to thrive, market and promote tourism in the City, and spread the dynamic image of New York City around the world.  Use of .nyc has also been advocated by City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Member Gale A. Brewer, Chair of the Council's Technology in Government Committee.  The RFP can be accessed on www.nyc.gov.

"Each day the Internet serves as an essential tool in the lives of an increasing number of New Yorkers, helping inform the ways they live, learn and play," said DoITT Commissioner Paul J. Cosgrave.  "Through .nyc, we hope to make the search for New York City-related content easier than ever by providing individuals, organizations, non-profits and others a chance to own a virtual piece of the greatest city in the world."

"A top-level City needs a top level domain, that's why finding a partner to join the City in making .nyc a reality for small businesses in New York is vitally important," said Speaker Quinn.  "Once the .nyc program is launched, local business owners will be able to uniquely associate themselves and their business with their home, and the NYC brand."

"New York City, like many of its global competitors, plans to apply for a top level domain name.  I hope that this TLD will assist local merchants based in New York City to be able to brand their businesses as located in the five boroughs," said Council Member Brewer.  "The small business community is a vital part of the New York City economy and any opportunity to increase their exposure while facilitating easy searching online is a step forward.  I applaud the Mayor for applying for .nyc and I look forward to seeing this TLD attached to my local bakery or dry cleaner."

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numerals (ICANN), the governing body that charters new TLD names for the Internet such as .com, .gov and .org, is considering issuing a variety of new TLDs that may indicate a particular municipality - such as .nyc representing the City of New York.  Should ICANN issue the .nyc TLD, the City will submit an application to obtain it.  Responses to today's RFP are due by November 12, at which point the City will review and determine a winning vendor based upon the quantity and quality of successful relevant experience, demonstrated level of organizational capability and overall quality of proposed approach.  The vendor chosen will then work with the City to complete the application, and to operate, manage, maintain and market .nyc if the City successfully acquires the TLD.

DoITT transforms the way New York City interacts with its residents, businesses, visitors and employees by leveraging technology to improve services and increase transparency, accountability and accessibility across all agencies.  Last April DoITT released a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting feedback about options for the administration and use of the .nyc TLD from the perspective of all stakeholders such as ICAAN accredited registrars, Internet service providers, the interactive community, and E-commerce providers.  Responses to that solicitation, due last May, formed the framework for development of today's RFP.