Hi Tony - > Well I didn't think I was confused, but maybe. As far as I can tell the > Clerk function could be one of the contracted out services. To a large > degree the task list for the Clerk will determine just how efficient / cost > effective it would be to do that. If the Clerk's primary tasks are handling > the paperwork for the IAD, then it probably doesn't make sense to outsource > that. If as others have suggested the Clerk functions include processing > I-Ds and other tasks closer to the Secretariat service, then it should be > included as part of that service contract. > The Clerk functions are roughly equivalent tot the current Secretariat service and I heard a pretty strong feeling that this should be contracted out, as you say. So, you're not confused. > To be clear, I am not confused about the ability of a single person handling > all of the tasks that the IESG/IAB might wish for. That just won't happen, > because even if such a person existed we couldn't afford them. That said, it > is not at all clear to me that we need more than a single person managing > well structured contracts with clear deliverables. If that person needs > independent administrative support, that could be just another contract. A single person is the going in assumption. When growing from zero, one is a great first step. > > In a way we endanger the future viability of the IETF if we allow the IAD > office to grow beyond a single person. Human nature will make everyone > reluctant to cut permanent staff, while cutting back on contracted services > is much easier to swallow. > And, that's the exact reason ... you've got it correct. :) Carl _______________________________________________ Ietf@xxxxxxxx https://www1.ietf.org/mailman/listinfo/ietf