I strongly support the basic proposal to put the IETF's administration on a sound and well understood basis, with the transparency that Carl's draft recommends. So I fundamentally support the thrust of Section 3, Recommendations for Restructuring the Administrative Framework. I have some doubts whether all the functions described in Appendix F are really separable, but I regard that as a question for the future Administrative Director in any case.
As for the major options suggested in Section 4, my preference is very clearly for Scenario A, with a commitment to progressively put in place some or all of the mechanisms outlined for Scenario B. I think that is the best way to make rapid progress.
I simply can't see any need to spend time and money to create an additional non-profit organization when we have a perfectly good one in the shape of the ISOC. Scenario C gives us the benefits of Scenario B plus extra overhead and complexity; Scenario D gives us even more overhead, no guarantee of the benefits, and a major risk of funding difficulties.
In the context of scenarios A and B, I have a small substantive comment on Section 3.1:
Evaluation of applicants might consist of a search committee appointed by the IETF Chair. The committee would conduct an initial review of applications, possibly solicit additional applications, and present a short-list for further consideration. This short list of applicants could be reviewed by the IESG and IAB, possibly with further interviews. The IESG and/or IAB should specify this procedure more fully before beginning the search.
If the Admin Director is to be legally an ISOC employee, the ISOC CEO would also need to be included in the procedure.
Finally, a reminder that I've served on the IAB and on the ISOC Board, and contributed to RFC 3716, all of which may have coloured my opinions.
Brian Carpenter
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