Icann has set out seven criteria which it expects panellists on the Support Application Review Panel (SARP) to meet, and has said where it will choose these volunteers from.
The SARP will assess whether some disadvantaged gTLD applicants can pay reduced $47,000 fees. Panellists must judge applications on three criteria: public interest, financial capabilities and financial need.
The panel must have expertise across seven criteria set out by Icann, including running a small business, operating in developing economies, serving in the public interest and managing a registry. The remaining criteria are: financial experience, knowledge of domain names and “awarding grants”.
Icann will select SARP panellists from the GNSO, At-Large Advisory Committee, and other supporting organisations and committees. Independent experts will also be chosen.
The final date to submit a SARP application is March 31 2012. Chosen panellists will begin reviewing gTLD applications after May.
Read more about the support available to disadvantaged applicants, here.