The U.S. government is set to initiate a Request for Proposal (RFP) for selecting a new operator for the .us top-level domain (TLD). Currently, GoDaddy Registry holds this contract, a position it assumed after acquiring Neustar’s domain business in 2020. The original ten-year contract awarded to Neustar in 2019 had included several options for extension. Recently, GoDaddy secured an agreement to extend its operations for the .us domain until August 2027.
Despite this extension, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released a draft RFP, inviting other companies to compete for the registry contract. Interested bidders must submit questions by January 8, 2026, with initial submissions due by February.
The selection process will unfold in two phases. In Phase 1, after reviewing submissions, the NTIA will inform bidders whether they can advance to Phase 2 or if they are not invited to continue. Phase 2 submissions are due in March, with a winning bidder expected to be announced in April.
Operating the .us registry offers a significant opportunity, as it currently holds about 2.5 million domain names. The winning operator will generate revenue by collecting wholesale fees from registrars for each registration. Bidders will need to disclose their proposed pricing and may include plans for rebates to registrars, although pricing will not be the only determining factor.
The new contract’s base term will span three years, with the option to extend for an additional four years, allowing it to last up to seven years. A transition period is planned for a new operator, should one be selected.
To qualify, bidders must demonstrate at least five years of operating a TLD and managing over 2 million domains. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. companies, ruling out foreign entities from creating temporary U.S. companies solely for this bid.
Moreover, the selected registry operator will not be permitted to act as a registrar for .us domains. Currently, GoDaddy offers .us registrations through a separate arm, which may become a significant issue as they seek to maintain the contract.
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