The two state governments have issued a Request for Proposal, with the application process being overseen by the NSW Department of Finance and Services. The governments are seeking an appropriately qualified vendor to assist with their application to ICANN to obtain the TLDs and, if successful, to establish, operate, maintain and market the TLDs on a self-funded commercial basis.
The governments wish "to ensure this key digital asset is secured for use by the respective Government agencies and their communities" according to the RFP document.
The governments see the "overarching objectives and aims of the RFP are to seek an experienced registry operator for both governments to:
- work with each government to develop the business case and ICANN application materials for obtaining the relevant TLDs, for consideration and final approval by each government
- if approved, lodge the application(s), and monitor progress through the evaluation process and respond to any issues arising
- if the application(s) are successful facilitate the establishment and commercial operation(s) of the successful TLDs on a self-funded basis and under a revenue sharing arrangement with each state government
- reserve second level domain names for use by public bodies and government agencies
- adhere to all ICANN requirements for the application and operation of a gTLD..."
Tenders close on 15 November 2011 and more information is available here (NSW government) or here (Victorian government).