Network Working Group S. Krishnan, Ed. Internet-Draft M. Kuehlewind Obsoletes: 4052 (if approved) Q. Wu Intended status: Informational IAB Expires: 23 April 2026 20 October 2025 IAB Processes for Management of IETF Liaison Relationships draft-iab-rfc4052bis-00 Abstract This document discusses the procedures used by the IAB to establish and maintain formal liaison relationships between the IETF and other Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), consortia and industry fora. This document also discusses the appointment and responsibilities of IETF liaison managers, and the expectations of the IAB in establishing liaison relationships. About This Document This note is to be removed before publishing as an RFC. Status information for this document may be found at https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/draft-iab-rfc4052bis/. Source for this draft and an issue tracker can be found at https://github.com/intarchboard/draft-iab-rfc4052bis. Status of This Memo This Internet-Draft is submitted in full conformance with the provisions of BCP 78 and BCP 79. Internet-Drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Note that other groups may also distribute working documents as Internet-Drafts. The list of current Internet- Drafts is at https://datatracker.ietf.org/drafts/current/. Internet-Drafts are draft documents valid for a maximum of six months and may be updated, replaced, or obsoleted by other documents at any time. It is inappropriate to use Internet-Drafts as reference material or to cite them other than as "work in progress." This Internet-Draft will expire on 23 April 2026. Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 1] Internet-Draft IAB Liaison Management October 2025 Copyright Notice Copyright (c) 2025 IETF Trust and the persons identified as the document authors. All rights reserved. This document is subject to BCP 78 and the IETF Trust's Legal Provisions Relating to IETF Documents (https://trustee.ietf.org/ license-info) in effect on the date of publication of this document. Please review these documents carefully, as they describe your rights and restrictions with respect to this document. Table of Contents 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.1. Changes compared to RFC4052 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2. Establishing Liaison Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.1. Formal Liaison Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.2. Informal Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 3. Liaison Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4. Liaison Manager Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4.1. Speaking for the IETF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 6. IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7. Appendix A: Document Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 8. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 8.1. Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 8.2. Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Authors' Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 1. Introduction The IETF, as an organization, has the need to engage in direct communication or joint work with various other formal organizations. For example, the IETF is one of several Standards Development Organizations, or SDOs, and SDOs including the IETF find it increasingly necessary to communicate and coordinate their activities involving Internet-related technologies. This is useful in order to avoid overlap in work efforts, and to manage interactions between their groups. In cases where the mutual effort to communicate and coordinate activities is formalized, these relationships are generically referred to as "liaison relationships". In such cases, a person is designated by the IAB to manage a given liaison relationship; that person is generally called the "IETF liaison manager" to the other organization. Often, the other organization will similarly designate their own liaison manager to the IETF. Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 2] Internet-Draft IAB Liaison Management October 2025 This document is chiefly concerned with: * the establishment and maintenance of liaison relationships Section 2, and * the appointment and responsibilities of IETF liaison managers Section 4. The management of other organizations' liaison managers to the IETF, whether or not in the context of a liaison relationship, is outside the scope of this document. The IETF has tasked the Internet Architecture Board to manage formal liaison relationships. As stated in its charter [BCP39] 2.(f), "The IAB acts as a representative of the interests of the IETF in technical liaison relationships with other organizations concerned with standards, and other technical and organizational issues relevant to the worldwide Internet. Liaison relationships are kept informal whenever possible, and must possess demonstrable value to the IETF's technical mandate. Individual participants from the IETF community are appointed as liaison managers to other organizations by the IAB." In general, a liaison relationship is most valuable when there are areas of technical development of mutual interest. For the most part, SDOs would rather leverage existing work done by other organizations than recreate it themselves (and would like the same done with respect to their own work). Establishing a liaison relationship can provide the framework for ongoing communications to * prevent inadvertent duplication of effort, without obstructing either organization from pursuing its own mandate; * provide authoritative information of one organization's dependencies on the other's work; * allow for the collaboration and coordination of efforts between the IETF and other organizations. It is important to note that participation in the IETF work is open to everyone, and all the working documents and RFCs are freely available to everyone without the need for a formal liaison relationship. Hence, in almost all cases the need for a formal relationship is mostly driven by other organizations rather than by the IETF. Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 3] Internet-Draft IAB Liaison Management October 2025 If tighter coordination is needed, e.g. in cases where there are a large number of document dependencies when specifications are developed in parallel, the IAB might consider additional activities such as meetings or calls with the relevant people (e.g. chairs, ADs, and authors). Such activities could be one-time events or organized in a standing groups. The liaison manager should be involved in the organization and the running of these activities. Since the IAB is ultimately responsible for liaison relationships, anyone who has an issue with a relationship (whether an IETF participant or a person from the peer organization) should first consult the IAB's designated liaison manager, and if that does not result in a satisfactory outcome, then consult the IAB itself. 1.1. Changes compared to RFC4052 This version of the document contains the following updates: 1. Notes in the Introduction and Section 2.1 on "Liaison Relationships" that the IETF process itself does not require a formal liaison relationship, e.g. for document access or meeting participation, and therefore the need for a formal liaison relationship is often driven by processes of the peer organization. 2. Statement that the "IAB acts as representative of the interests of [..] the Internet Society" has been removed. 3. Role of the Liaison Representative (Section 2.3) has been removed since this role is not used in practice. 4. Clarification in section on "Liaison Communication" (now 2.3; was 2.4) that informal channels are preferred, with and without a formal liaison relationship, and further that liaison statements have no "special standing" in the IETF process. 5. Section on Summary of IETF Liaison Manager Responsibilities reworked. 6. Section 4 on "Approval and Transmission of Liaison Statements" has been moved to 4053bis. 7. Description of formal and informal relationships. 8. Better description of both the aspects of requirements for establishing a formal relationship Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 4] Internet-Draft IAB Liaison Management October 2025 9. Clarified there are no specific establishment procedures for informal relationships and described handling of liaison communications that don't have a formal relationship. 2. Establishing Liaison Relationships The IETF communicates with other organizations (such as other SDOs) through two different types of relationships: Formal Liaison Relationships Section 2.1 and Informal Relationships Section 2.2. The type of relationship needed depends on the resources that groups within each organization (for example ,"Working Groups" in the IETF) require in order to communicate and collaborate effectively. 2.1. Formal Liaison Relationships A formal liaison relationship is established between the IETF and another organization when it is mutually agreeable and beneficial to do so. From the IETF's perspective, this is needed only when required for specific purposes as described below. However, there might be formal requirements from the peer organization for a formal liaison relationship to enable collaboration within the peer organization's processes. The IAB uses two different aspects when it considers whether or not to establish a formal relationship with a peer organization. The first aspect deals with the level of collaboration needed, and the second deals with any restrictive nature of communication that impedes open collaboration. a) There is an overlap in work between one or more groups in each organization that requires close collaboration that would not be possible without a formal relationship. This might include situations where one group in one organization has a dependency on a document produced in the other organization and is requesting in- depth support or would like feedback on internal documents. However note that the agreed need for close collaboration is a pre-condition for establishing a formal liaison relationship but is not alone sufficient for the IETF to require the establishment of a formal liaison relationship. b) The peer organization of the IETF may require a more formal communication structure in order to allow the IETF to work directly within the peer organization's processes. Some potential formal requirements from the peer organizations include: - Access restrictions for accessing the peer organization's working documents or standards. - Ability to participate and contribute directly in the peer organization's groups and forums. - Ability to participate in and contribute to the ongoing work of the peer organization. Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 5] Internet-Draft IAB Liaison Management October 2025 Without the combination of both the need and the requirements for a formal liaison relationship, the IETF will collaborate with the peer organization in an informal relationship (Section 2.2). There is no set process or form for establishing a formal liaison relationship; the IETF participants and the peer organization can initiate a conversation with the IAB, and after discussion may come to an agreement to form the relationship. In some cases, the intended scope and guidelines for the collaboration are documented specifically (e.g., see [RFC3113], [RFC3131], and [RFC3356]). In setting up a formal liaison relationship, the IAB expects that there will be a mutual exchange of views and discussion of the best approach for undertaking new standardization work items. Any work items resulting for the IETF will be undertaken using the usual IETF procedures, defined in [BCP9]. The peer organization often has different organizational structures and procedures than the IETF, and these differences will require some flexibility on the part of both organizations to accommodate. There is an expectation that both organizations will use the relationship appropriately, allowing sufficient time for the requests they make on the other organization to be processed. 2.2. Informal Relationships Generally informal collaboration between the IETF and peer organizations is preferred whenever direct working relationships between the members of both organizations is possible. Specifically, there are no processes in the IETF that require a formal liaison relationship as our work is conducted in open public meetings and on mailing lists where anyone can contribute. Inputs from all participants in the IETF, regardless of the type of relationship, are given equal weight and standing. When a similar structure exists in the peer organization and all participants have access to open working documents and communication mechanisms, there may not be a need for a more formal structure. There is no specific procedure for establishing an informal relationship, as one exists by defacto when members of both organizations simply cross-collaborate and participate in the groups with overlapping interest. Note that formal communications in the form of liaison statements, if needed, can be used without establishing a formal liaison relationship (see Section 3). In this case, since a formal liaison manager does not exist, the IAB itself will be responsible for ensuring liaison statements are handled appropriately. Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 6] Internet-Draft IAB Liaison Management October 2025 3. Liaison Communications Communications between organizations use a variety of formal and informal channels irrespective of established liaison relationships. The stated preference of the IETF, which is largely an informal organization, is to use informal channels (e.g., discussion on expert level in a specific working group meeting or mailing list), as these have integrated better into IETF process and historically worked well to expedite matters. In some cases, however, a more formal communication is appropriate, either as an adjunct to the informal channel or in its own place with or without liaison relationship. In the case of formal communications, the established procedures of many organizations use a form known as a "liaison statement" (LS). Procedures for sending, managing, and responding to liaison statements are discussed in [I-D.iab-rfc4053bis]. Note that communications between organizations have no impact on any other IETF contributions, and should follow the same IETF process and policies and should be open to everyone for inputs and contributions, e.g., input discussion in a specific working group in the IETF. 4. Liaison Manager Responsibilities The main responsibility of the liaison manager is to ensure good, productive, and timely (formal and informal) communication between the organizations. This often includes: * Ensure received liaison statements are recorded and delivered to the relevant groups. * Ensure replies are sent in time or it is appropriately communicated why a reply is delayed or not sent. * Ensure liaison statements from the IETF adhere to the formal requirements of the peer organization (e.g. structure/formatting) and are delivered to the appropriate groups. If a communication from a peer organization is addressed to an inappropriate party, such as being sent directly to the WG but not recorded otherwise or being sent to the wrong WG, the liaison manager will help redirect or otherwise augment the communication. * Provide additional communication regarding e.g. process or known consensus positions in the IETF. This may also require participation in relevant meetings of the peer organization and potentially report back to the appropriate IETF organization any material information that is intended to be shared by the peer organization. Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 7] Internet-Draft IAB Liaison Management October 2025 Formal messages from the IETF to the peer organization are usually carried in liaison statements. In certain situations, the liaison manager may carry additional messages for providing further context. However, if these communications aim to "represent the IETF", they must have consensus, e.g. by being based on an RFC or some other formal statement by a group within the IETF. For such additional communication, liaison managers may use any applicable businesslike approach, from private to public communications, and bring in other parties as needed. IETF liaison managers should also communicate and coordinate with other liaison managers where concerned technical activities overlap. Liaison managers also provide updates to the IAB on technical matters, especially if concerns regarding technical overlap or incorrectness are detected. However, given that most organizations are quite large, it is not expected that the liaison manager needs to have a complete overview of everything that is going on there. 4.1. Speaking for the IETF The mandate for IETF liaison managers is strictly limited to conveying IETF consensus to the liaised organization. The liaison manager must not send liaison statements on their own initiative to a liaised organization on behalf of IETF, or any of its areas and working groups. The liaison manager speaks on behalf of the IETF on the subject matter of the liaison, but only after making sure that the IETF consensus is understood. 5. Security Considerations The security of the Internet is enhanced by robust coordination between SDOs. 6. IANA Considerations This document has no IANA actions. 7. Appendix A: Document Process RFC 4052 was published as a BCP. Since the IAB cannot publish BCPs, this document will follow a two step process. The current draft is marked as Informational until the IAB completes its process and formally approves it. After IAB approval, a member of the IESG needs to sponsor the document, and the document will enter the IETF process to update its intended status to BCP. This appendix should be removed at the time of publication. Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 8] Internet-Draft IAB Liaison Management October 2025 8. References 8.1. Normative References [BCP39] Best Current Practice 39, . At the time of writing, this BCP comprises the following: IAB and B. Carpenter, Ed., "Charter of the Internet Architecture Board (IAB)", BCP 39, RFC 2850, DOI 10.17487/RFC2850, May 2000, . Carpenter, B., Ed., "IAB Charter Update for RFC Editor Model", BCP 39, RFC 9283, DOI 10.17487/RFC9283, June 2022, . [BCP9] Best Current Practice 9, . At the time of writing, this BCP comprises the following: Bradner, S., "The Internet Standards Process -- Revision 3", BCP 9, RFC 2026, DOI 10.17487/RFC2026, October 1996, . Dusseault, L. and R. Sparks, "Guidance on Interoperation and Implementation Reports for Advancement to Draft Standard", BCP 9, RFC 5657, DOI 10.17487/RFC5657, September 2009, . Housley, R., Crocker, D., and E. Burger, "Reducing the Standards Track to Two Maturity Levels", BCP 9, RFC 6410, DOI 10.17487/RFC6410, October 2011, . Resnick, P., "Retirement of the "Internet Official Protocol Standards" Summary Document", BCP 9, RFC 7100, DOI 10.17487/RFC7100, December 2013, . Kolkman, O., Bradner, S., and S. Turner, "Characterization of Proposed Standards", BCP 9, RFC 7127, DOI 10.17487/RFC7127, January 2014, . Dawkins, S., "Increasing the Number of Area Directors in an IETF Area", BCP 9, RFC 7475, DOI 10.17487/RFC7475, March 2015, . Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 9] Internet-Draft IAB Liaison Management October 2025 Halpern, J., Ed. and E. Rescorla, Ed., "IETF Stream Documents Require IETF Rough Consensus", BCP 9, RFC 8789, DOI 10.17487/RFC8789, June 2020, . Rosen, B., "Responsibility Change for the RFC Series", BCP 9, RFC 9282, DOI 10.17487/RFC9282, June 2022, . 8.2. Informative References [I-D.iab-rfc4053bis] Kühlewind, M., Krishnan, S., and Q. Wu, "Procedures for Handling Liaison Statements to and from the IETF", Work in Progress, Internet-Draft, draft-iab-rfc4053bis-00, 17 October 2025, . [RFC3113] Rosenbrock, K., Sanmugam, R., Bradner, S., and J. Klensin, "3GPP-IETF Standardization Collaboration", RFC 3113, DOI 10.17487/RFC3113, June 2001, . [RFC3131] Bradner, S., Calhoun, P., Cuschieri, H., Dennett, S., Flynn, G., Lipford, M., and M. McPheters, "3GPP2-IETF Standardization Collaboration", RFC 3131, DOI 10.17487/RFC3131, June 2001, . [RFC3356] Fishman, G. and S. Bradner, "Internet Engineering Task Force and International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunications Standardization Sector Collaboration Guidelines", RFC 3356, DOI 10.17487/RFC3356, August 2002, . [RFC4052] Daigle, L., Ed. and IAB, "IAB Processes for Management of IETF Liaison Relationships", BCP 102, RFC 4052, DOI 10.17487/RFC4052, April 2005, . [RFC4053] Trowbridge, S., Bradner, S., and F. Baker, "Procedures for Handling Liaison Statements to and from the IETF", BCP 103, RFC 4053, DOI 10.17487/RFC4053, April 2005, . Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 10] Internet-Draft IAB Liaison Management October 2025 Acknowledgments [RFC4052] was authored by Leslie Daigle and developed as part of a conversation regarding the management of [RFC4053], and the authors of [RFC4053] contributed significantly to it as well. This version of the document is based on [RFC4052] and brings it in line with currently followed procedures. The authors would like to thank Leslie Daigle, Roman Danyliw, Dhruv Dhody, Joel Halpern, Wes Hardaker, and Warren Kumari for their valuable comments and suggestions to improve this document. Authors' Addresses Suresh Krishnan (editor) IAB Email: suresh.krishnan@gmail.com Mirja Kuehlewind IAB Email: ietf@kuehlewind.net Qin Wu IAB Email: bill.wu@huawei.com Krishnan, et al. Expires 23 April 2026 [Page 11]