On May 31, 2012, at 9:38 PM, Fred Baker wrote: >>> The IAB decides who acts as the IETF's IANA. RFC 2860 again. >> http://ntia.doc.gov/page/iana-functions-purchase-order > You're correct that NTIA wants to pay someone to do the "protocol parameter" job. Err, "pay" isn't the right word here: it's a zero dollar contract (although this doesn't preclude the contract assignee from charging to recover costs (as long as NTIA agrees)). > The IAB can decide to not use that office. Yep. Of course, what happens after that is left to the reader as an exercise. Fortunately, I believe (hope?) everybody wants the same thing wrt administrative oversight of "the IANA" so that exercise won't need to be handed in to the teacher. Regards, -drc