The IAOC published an RFP for the development of functional specifications for Remote Participation Services on 19 October 
and received six proposals.  Many thanks for the thoughtful proposals.  The IAOC is pleased to announce it has awarded the 
contract for the development of the specifications to Paul Hoffman.  Paul has previously developed specifications for WG Charter 
Tools and Community Draft Tracking Tools.

The purpose of this current project is to develop consensus on a set of functional specifications for IETF Remote Participation 
Services (RPS) to enhance remote participation at IETF meetings, interim and virtual working group meetings.  Work will begin 
at the IETF 82 meeting in Taipei and is expected to be completed 
by IETF 84.  

The specifications shall rely solely upon IETF and other open standards for all communications and interactions. At a minimum 
it is expected that the RPS will support the following real time functionality:
	a. audio, bi-directional 
	b. video, bi-directional 
	c. instant messaging 
	d. slide presentations, including by remote attendees 
	e. whiteboard, for collaborative document development. 
	f. conference control and moderation 
	g. transcription and broadcast of audio to text in real-time 
	h. ability to conduct and participate in straw polls.

More information about the project can be found in the SOW at:  <http://iaoc.ietf.org/documents/RPS-Specifications-RFP-2011-10-19.pdf>.

Community participation is essential to developing good specifications and ultimately effective remote participation 
services for IETF and interim WG meetings.  You can expect to see correspondence from Paul in the coming days and weeks ahead.  
We hope you will participate in the process.

Ray Pelletier
IETF Administrative Director