**North American Numbering Council**

**(NANC)**

**North American Numbering Plan**

**(NANP)**

**Updated**

**Thousand Block Pool Administrator**

**Requirements Document**

**December 22, 1999**

**CONTENTS**

Section Page

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 3

2.0 PROPOSAL OUTLINE AND RESPONDENT INFORMATION 17

3.0 BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW OF NUMBER POOLING 21

4.0 QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES 22

5.0 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS 24

6.0 GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES 26~~7~~

7.0 DISPUTE RESOLUTION 32~~3~~

8.0 ENTERPRISE SERVICES 33

9.0 MISCELLANEOUS 34~~5~~

10.0 PRICING 38

APPENDIX A 40

**1.0 General Information**

In June 1998, the North American Numbering Council (NANC) initially
concluded that the identified functions and duties of the Thousand Block
Pool Administrator are similar to that of the CO Code administrative
services currently provided by the North American Numbering Plan
Administrator (NANPA). Some of the rational behind the NANC's decision
to consider the Pooling Administrator (PA) function as an extension of
CO Code Administration are summarized in the following:

**· **Thousand (NXX-X) blocks are a North American Numbering Plan (NANP)
resource just like Central Office (NXX) Codes.

**· **The administrative processes of thousand blocks are similar to CO
codes.

**· **Thousand block pool administration entails other similar
collateral responsibilities as do CO codes, such as data collection,
forecasting, data security, and reporting.

· It has been determined that having a separate entity to perform
thousand block pool administration would likely be less efficient.
However, this should not be construed to exclude having a separate
entity perform thousand block pooling administration if the NANC deems
it necessary.

· Existing obligations and agreements related to national numbering
policy and administration in a CO (NXX) code environment would also be
applied in a similar manner when administering pooled resources.

With this initial conclusion, in December 1998 the NANC directed the
NANPA Oversight Work (NOWG) to draft a Thousand Block Pool Administrator
Requirements Document for NANC to submit to the NANPA for an initial
response. In addition, the Industry Numbering Committee (INC) has a
Final Working Draft dated December 2, 1999 of the Thousand Block (NXX-X)
Pooling Administration Guidelines and these will be re-issued in January
2000, which contains the duties, and obligations of the Pooling
Administrator (PA). Therefore, the Thousand Block Pooling Administrator
Requirements document has been updated to reflect the most current
requirements.

**1.1 Introduction**

The purpose of this Requirements Document is to invite the Respondent to
submit a proposal which includes a firm, fixed price to provide the
administrative and assignment functions associated with thousand block
pooling for the NANP^1^[^1]. The respondent when designated to provide
the administrative and assignment functions associated with thousands
block pooling will perform the duties of the national Pool Administrator
(PA). References to blocks, pools, or administrator throughout this
document are specific to thousand block (NXX-X) number pooling only,
unless otherwise specified.

The NANP is the basic numbering scheme for the public switched
telecommunications networks in the following 19 countries (formerly
known as World Zone 1): Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados,
Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St.
Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos
Islands, and the United States. The format of the NANP is in compliance
with International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standards as detailed
in Recommendation E.164.

The North American Numbering Council (NANC) developed this Requirements
Document. At this time it is intended to apply only to thousand block
pooling in the United States.

The NANC is a Federal Advisory Committee established pursuant to the
United States Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C., App. 2 (1988)
(FACA). The NANC was established to advise the FCC and other NANP member
countries on issues related to NANP administration, and to advise the
Commission on local number portability administration issues in the
United States. The NANC also develops policy recommendations on
numbering issues, initially resolves disputes, selects the administrator
and provides guidance to the PA as well as the NANPA. The NANC's Charter
under the FACA provides that, in carrying out its responsibilities, the
NANC shall assure that NANP administration supports the following policy
objectives: (1) that the NANP facilitates entry into the communications
marketplace by making numbering resources available on an efficient,
timely basis to communications service providers; (2) that the NANP does
not unduly favor or disfavor any particular industry segment or group of
consumers; (3) that the NANP does not unduly favor one technology over
another; (4) that the NANP gives consumers easy access to the public
switched telephone network; and (5) that the NANP ensures that the
interests of all NANP member countries are addressed fairly and
efficiently, fostering continued integration of the NANP across NANP
member countries. The NANC will have oversight responsibility for the PA
and appropriate cost allocation function.

No legal or other obligations are assumed by the NANC or the FCC by
virtue of the NANC's issuing of the Requirements Document, or by the
NANC's or the FCC's receiving, accepting, and/or evaluating a
respondent's proposal, and/or making a respondent selection.

This Requirements Document may include unintended errors, omissions,
and/or deficiencies. Therefore, the accuracy and completeness of this
document and related documents are not guaranteed. In the event that the
respondent discovers such errors, omissions, and/or deficiencies, the
respondent shall notify the NANC in writing.

[Further, it is understood that the Respondent, as the PA, will conform
to existing terms and conditions as set forth in the NANC NANPA
Requirements Document dated February 20, 1997 and all associated FCC
rules. In addition, the FCC may order changes to thousand block pooling
that may supercede requirements contained within this document; it is
understood that any such changes will be addressed in accordance with
the process identified within the PA Requirements
Document.]{#_Toc372683178}

**1.2 Neutrality **

As stated in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Section 251(e)(1)), the
FCC is required to "create or designate one or more impartial entities
to administer telecommunications numbering and to make such numbers
available on an equitable basis." The Respondent selected must meet the
same neutrality criteria as stated in CC Docket No. 92-237, "should be a
non-governmental entity that is not aligned with any particular
telecommunications industry segment." and as reaffirmed in CC Docket No.
97-372. In addition, the respondent must commit to remain neutral for
the full Term of its Administration. Accordingly, the NANC shall apply
the following Neutrality Criteria^2^[^2][^3] to determine the neutrality
of any respondent:

1\) a respondent may not be an affiliate of any telecommunications
service provider(s) as defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
"Affiliate" is a person who controls, is controlled by, or is under the
direct or indirect common control with another person. A person shall be
deemed to control another if such person possesses, directly or
indirectly, (i) an equity interest by stock, partnership (general or
limited) interest, joint venture participation, or member interest in
the other person ten (10%) percent or more of the total outstanding
equity interests in the other person, or (ii) the power to vote ten
(10%) percent or more of the securities (by stock, partnership (general
or limited) interest, joint venture participation, or member interest)
having ordinary voting power for the election of directors, general
partner, or management of such other person, or (iii) the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such
other person, whether through the ownership of or right to vote voting
rights attributable to the stock, partnership (general or limited)
interest, joint venture participation, or member interest) of such other
person, by contract (including but not limited to stockholder agreement,
partnership (general or limited) agreement, joint venture agreement, or
operating agreement), or otherwise;

2\) a respondent and any affiliate thereof may not issue a majority of
its debt to, nor may it derive a majority of its revenues from any
telecommunications service provider. \"Majority\" shall mean greater
than 50 percent, and \"debt\" shall mean stocks, bonds, securities,
notes, loans or any other instrument of indebtedness; and

3\) notwithstanding the Neutrality Criteria set forth in 1) and 2)
above, a respondent may be determined to be or not to be subject to
undue influence by parties with a vested interest in the outcome of
numbering administration and activities. NANC may conduct an evaluation
to determine whether a respondent meets the undue influence criterion.

In addition to the Respondent Information described in Section 2.0, the
NANC and/or the FCC may request and consider additional information from
the respondent for purposes of applying the Neutrality Criteria in this
Section 1.2.

A Respondent\'s compliance with these Neutrality Criteria must be
demonstrated as evidenced by the respondent\'s response to this
requirements document (i) a written agreement of principles, and (ii) a
majority of closing documents, both of which pertain to a transaction or
other action that will bring a Respondent into compliance with the
Neutrality Criteria. Any respondent seeking to demonstrate that
compliance is underway under the terms of this subsection shall be
required to submit a written plan, as part of its response to this
Requirements Document, detailing how it will comply with these
Neutrality Criteria by 120 days after the NANC recommendation to the
FCC.

If, at any time during the term of the PA the neutrality provisions set
forth herein are violated, or there is potential for a violation, the PA
must notify the NANC and the FCC in writing as soon as such a violation,
or potential violation, becomes evident. Such notification shall, at a
minimum, contain sufficient details that describe the basic nature of
the neutrality violation, reference to the specific Neutrality Criteria
being violated, any notable effects on performing the functions of the
thousands block pooling administrator during the time period commencing
with the issuance of the notification and during the evaluation period
of the violation, and a skeleton proposal for possible resolution of the
violation. Upon receipt of the notification by the NANC and the FCC, an
assessment of the violation will begin in an attempt to resolve the
matter in an expeditious manner while preserving the PA function.
Neutrality violations are considered as defaults and could result in
termination of the Term of Administration of the PA.

Any subcontractor(s) that perform number administration duties must also
meet the neutrality requirements described above, and must be identified
before or at the time of or prior to initiation of duties.

Disclosure of any affiliations or associations with any
telecommunications service provider(s) must be presented at the time the
proposal is submitted. Failure to do so will result in the rejection of
any proposal.

**[1.3]{#B_Toc370022561}[ ]{#B_Toc370022561}[Term of
]{#B_Toc370022561}Administration**

The PA selected by the FCC following recommendation by the NANC shall
serve for an initial period concurrent with the existing term of the
NANPA. The start date for the PA is subject to modification due to
regulatory and/or industry activities. At any time prior to the
termination of the initial or subsequent Term of Administration, the
Term of Administration may be renewed up to 5 years with the approval of
the PA and the appropriate regulatory authorities. The respondent must
commit to fulfilling their duties as PA throughout the entirety of the
term.

**1.4 Valid Period for Respondent Proposals**

The respondent shall indicate that their proposal is valid for a period
of 6 months from the Date the Respondent Proposal was officially
received by the NANC.

**1.5 Impacts of Regulatory and Industry Activities**

**1.5.1 Regulatory Impacts**

In the future, regulatory authorities may issue rules, requirements or
policy directives, which may increase, decrease or otherwise impact the
functions to be performed by the PA.

**1.5.2 Changes to Number Resource Assignment Guidelines**

The mission of the INC, an industry forum operating under the auspices
of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), is to
provide an open forum to address and resolve industry-wide issues
associated with the planning, administration, allocation, assignment and
use of numbering resources and related dialing considerations for public
telecommunications within the NANP area.

Accordingly, after a PA is selected, NANC, regulatory authorities and/or
the INC may establish NANP numbering resource plans, administrative
directives, assignment guidelines (including modifications to existing
assignment guidelines), and procedures that may affect the functions to
be performed by the PA.

When numbering resource plans, administrative directives, assignment
guidelines and procedures are developed, the PA shall, within a period
of not more than 20 business days from said event; e.g., the date INC
issues the "official" guideline(s), provide NANC and INC with written
notice regarding these changes and summarize the potential impact of the
changes to the PA. The NANC will make a recommendation to the FCC as it
deems changes are necessary.

**1.6 Performance Review Process**

The PA shall be subject to monitoring of its performance by the NANC. On
at least an annual basis, the NANC shall formally assess the performance
of the PA, and the PA shall implement any remedial action which should
be taken to correct any identified performance problems.

The performance monitoring process shall include, but not be limited to,
an internal, documented performance monitoring mechanism to be
developed, mutually agreed to, and implemented by the PA and made
available to the industry through the NANC. The respondent will describe
this mechanism in their proposal, but submission of said proposal does
not constitute acceptance. There will also be a formal mechanism
developed by the NANC to permit industry participants to provide annual
performance assessment data and recommendations to the NANC.

Monitoring of the performance of the PA shall include performance of
tasks in accordance with identified service elements and performance
measurements established in this Requirements Document and any
associated numbering resource assignment guidelines established by the
NANC, the INC and appropriate regulatory bodies. Sharing of and / or use
of data provided by the NANPA or Number Portability Administration
Center (NPAC) to the PA may also be assessed.

The annual assessment process shall not preclude telecommunications
industry participants from identifying performance problems to the PA
and the NANC as they occur, and from seeking resolution of such
performance problems in an expeditious manner. If performance problems
are identified by a telecommunications industry participant, the NANC
and the PA shall investigate the performance problem and report back
within a period of not more than 10 business days from the date of
notification to the NANC of the performance problem. Then the NANC will
inform the telecommunications industry participant of the results of
such investigation and any corrective action taken or to be taken. The
PA and the NANC shall mutually agree to a reasonable time to implement
the corrective action.

7.  **Penalty for Non-Performance**

The PA shall deliver a fully functional and operational thousand block
pooling system (system) within nine months of the effective date of the
FCC order pursuant to the system project plan, industry guidelines, PA
duties enumerated herein, and other industry/regulatory documents. The
PA will be subject to penalties if this requirement is not met as
follows:

· 45 days late, \$320,000 non-refundable payment;

· 90 days late, additional \$500,000 non-refundable payment; and

· 180 days late, full refund of all amounts paid, in addition to the
above non-refundable payments, and termination of the Term of
Administration.

Evidence of final acceptance will be subject to finalization of a
mutually agreed to system architecture and capability description,
project plan, and project milestones. Any dispute arising out of or
related to system delivery and performance, which cannot be resolved by
negotiation, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with
the J.A.M.S/Endispute Arbitration Rules and Procedures (Endispute
Rules). The PA and the industry shall share the costs of arbitration,
including the fees and expenses of the arbitrator, equally unless the
arbitration award provides otherwise. The PA and the industry each must
bear their respective costs to prepare and present its case.

The Arbitrator\'s authority to grant relief is subject to the United
States Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. 1‑16 et seq. (USAA), the provisions of
this Requirements Document, applicable regulatory orders, and the
ABA‑AAA Code of Ethics for Arbitrators in Commercial Disputes. The
Arbitrator\'s decision shall follow the plain meaning of the relevant
documents, and binds on the Parties. Any Party may appeal a decision of
the arbitrator to the FCC. The Arbitrator shall render a written and
reasoned opinion setting forth both findings of fact and conclusions of
law. All post proceedings, except those before the FCC, shall be
governed by the USAA.

If the NANC determines at any time that the PA substantially or
materially defaults in performing its obligations, the NANC shall
immediately advise the PA of the default, request immediate action to
correct its performance, permit the PA reasonable time to correct its
performance and/or will recommend to the FCC and other appropriate
regulatory bodies appropriate remedies up to and including termination
of the Term of Administration of the PA.

**1.8 Preparation and Submission of Proposals**

The respondent is responsible for any and all costs incurred in the
preparation of a response to this Requirements Document.

All of the conditions and requirements detailed in the Requirements
Document must, where appropriate, be addressed in the respondent's
proposal.

The responses to this Requirements Document must be made in the format
as described in Section 2.0.

A proposal meeting the document preparation and submission requirements
will be reviewed pursuant to the proposal evaluation process set forth
in Section 1.9.

A duly authorized representative of the respondent must sign all
submissions.

The respondent's package containing the proposal shall be marked
accordingly as "Proposal - Thousands Block Pool Administrator," and
shall identify the name of the respondent organization. The proposal
should be submitted to the NANC in electronic form for distribution to
the NANC members and/or it's designated proposal evaluation team. Two
(2) copies must be provided as paper copies in a binder plainly marked
with one copy identified as the "Master Copy." Each paper copy must also
contain a diskette. The "Master Copy" proposal will be delivered to the
NANC Chair. If discrepancies between copies and/or the diskettes are
found, the paper \"Master Copy\" will govern. If additional paper copies
are requested by the FCC, respondent will be required to provide those
copies of their proposal in a timely manner to the addresses provided by
the FCC.

All proposals shall be in the English language (diskette copies shall be
in IBM PC, Microsoft Windows, compatible with Office 97, Microsoft Word
7.0. software format). All proposals shall be typed double-spaced, in
Times New Roman font size 12. The printed copy will have printing on one
side only, on 8-½" x 11" 3-hole punched paper. Each major section of the
proposal binder shall begin on a new page and be tabbed separately.

Proposals shall be submitted to the NANC Chair and the designated NANC
Issues Management Group (IMG).

NANP member countries may request a redacted copy of the responses to
the Requirements Document from the FCC.

If, after submission of a proposal, the respondent no longer wishes to
have its proposal considered, the NANC Chair must be notified in writing
at the earliest possible opportunity.

The respondent is expected to examine the Requirements Document
specifications and instructions carefully. Calculation errors shall be
the respondent's risk. In the event of a respondent's error in price,
time or calculations, the respondent's quoted price, time or
calculations shall prevail.

**1.9 Evaluation of Proposals**

The NANC, with input from its designated IMG, will assess the proposals
and provide a recommendation for a PA to the FCC and other NANP member
countries. It is expected that the FCC will promulgate rules to govern
the PA, and that these rules will incorporate as enforceable standards
the functional terms and conditions contained in this Requirements
Document.

Members of the NANC designated evaluation team will be required to sign
a non-disclosure agreement to perform the evaluation. Employees and/or
consultants of the respondent or other potential respondents will not be
part of the evaluation team.

**1.9.1 Evaluation Process**

Step 1

The first step in the review of the respondent's proposal will be to
determine if the proposal complies with the anticipated schedule for
assuming PA responsibilities as directed in this Requirements Document.

Step 2

The second step in the review of the respondent proposal will be to
assess the response submitted against the INC Thousand Block Pooling
Administration Guidelines, as well as the requirements and
specifications contained within this document. The response should be in
compliance matrix form, as described in Section 2.0, and will be used to
ascertain whether the respondent meets the requirements. Once this
compliance has been confirmed, then the evaluation of the detailed
respondent proposal will be conducted.

Step 3

In the third step of the evaluation process, the pricing information
will be taken into account. The pricing information will then be
evaluated.

Step 4

The NANC designated IMG, will, if necessary, generate a list of
questions to the respondent. The respondent will answer in writing.
Questions may be generated until the NANC and/or the designated IMG have
resolved all open issues identified within the respondent's proposal.

Step 5

After the evaluators have received and reviewed the answers to the
questions, the respondent will be required to participate in meetings
with the evaluation team. Based on written answers and/or the meeting(s)
with the respondent, the evaluators may re-evaluate the proposal.

Step 6

Using the information gathered in Steps 1-5, the evaluation team will
discuss the proposal and reach consensus on a recommendation to the
NANC.

Step 7

IMG will forward their recommendation to the NANC.

Step 8

The NANC will review the IMG recommendation and forward the NANC final
recommendation to the FCC.

2.  **Evaluation Criteria**

Compliance

Requirements enumerated in this and related documents that are not
complied with or that are only partially complied with will negatively
impact the proposal's evaluation. Exceptions and deviations from these
requirements will be viewed objectively but must not, in the evaluation
teams opinion, change or alter the overall requirement specification.

Innovation

In evaluating this response, consideration will be given to the creative
nature of the response taking into account its efficiency and
flexibility. The efficiency and flexibility displayed in the respondents
response should also describe its ability and willingness to seek and
make use of NPAC, NANPA and/or industry data/information available for
its use when executing its duties and responsibilities as the PA.

Value

Taking into account the compliance, innovation and other determining
factors, an overall value will be determined based on the respondents
bid price. As necessary, the designated evaluation team will consider
the cost/benefit effects of the respondent's proposal and adjust with
respondent items as necessary to achieve maximum value.

**1.10 Schedule**

The following is a schedule of planned events, subject to change, which
details the activities associated with the issuance of the Requirements
Document, time frames for questions concerning the document, and the
evaluation process. The NANC intends to make its recommendation to the
FCC and other appropriate regulatory authorities when it has completed
evaluation of the proposal.

+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
| ***      | ######   |          |          |          |          |
| Event*** | ### Date |          |          |          |          |
+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
| #        | January  |          |          |          |          |
| ### Draf | 1999     |          |          |          |          |
| t Thousa |          |          |          |          |          |
| nds Bloc |          |          |          |          |          |
| k Number |          |          |          |          |          |
|  Pool Ad |          |          |          |          |          |
| ministra |          |          |          |          |          |
| tor Requ |          |          |          |          |          |
| irements |          |          |          |          |          |
|  documen |          |          |          |          |          |
| t issued |          |          |          |          |          |
|  by NANC |          |          |          |          |          |
+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
| #####    | February |          |          |          |          |
| Due Date | 1999     |          |          |          |          |
|  for Ini |          |          |          |          |          |
| tial Res |          |          |          |          |          |
| pondent  |          |          |          |          |          |
| Proposal |          |          |          |          |          |
+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
| De       | March    |          |          |          |          |
| signated | 1999     |          |          |          |          |
| IMG      |          |          |          |          |          |
| Initial  |          |          |          |          |          |
| Ev       |          |          |          |          |          |
| aluation |          |          |          |          |          |
| Period   |          |          |          |          |          |
+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
| De       | March    | ##### I  | July     | ####     | December |
| signated | 1999     | MG initi | 1999     | # Update | 1999     |
| IMG      |          | al propo |          | d Thousa |          |
| Develops | to       | sal eval |          | nds Bloc |          |
| and      | November | uation r |          | k Number |          |
| Dis      | 1999     | ecommend |          |  Pool Ad |          |
| tributes |          | ation pr |          | ministra |          |
| Q        |          | esented  |          | tor Requ |          |
| uestions |          | to NANC. |          | irements |          |
| to       |          |          |          |  documen |          |
| Re       |          |          |          | t issued |          |
| spondent |          |          |          |  by NANC |          |
| /        |          |          |          |          |          |
| Re       |          |          |          |          |          |
| spondent |          |          |          |          |          |
| Replies  |          |          |          |          |          |
| to       |          |          |          |          |          |
| Q        |          |          |          |          |          |
| uestions |          |          |          |          |          |
|          |          |          |          |          |          |
| And      |          |          |          |          |          |
| De       |          |          |          |          |          |
| signated |          |          |          |          |          |
| IMG      |          |          |          |          |          |
| In       |          |          |          |          |          |
| dividual |          |          |          |          |          |
| Meetings |          |          |          |          |          |
| with     |          |          |          |          |          |
| Re       |          |          |          |          |          |
| spondent |          |          |          |          |          |
+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
| Final    | December |          |          |          |          |
| Proposal | 1999 /   |          |          |          |          |
| S        | January  |          |          |          |          |
| ubmitted | 2000     |          |          |          |          |
| by NANPA |          |          |          |          |          |
+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
| ###      | December |          |          |          |          |
| ## Desig | 1999 /   |          |          |          |          |
| nated IM | January  |          |          |          |          |
| G Final  | 2000     |          |          |          |          |
| Evaluati |          |          |          |          |          |
| on of Re |          |          |          |          |          |
| spondent |          |          |          |          |          |
+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
| De       | January  |          |          |          |          |
| signated |          |          |          |          |          |
| IMG      | 2000     |          |          |          |          |
| Final    |          |          |          |          |          |
| Recomm   |          |          |          |          |          |
| endation |          |          |          |          |          |
| of       |          |          |          |          |          |
| Re       |          |          |          |          |          |
| spondent |          |          |          |          |          |
| to NANC  |          |          |          |          |          |
+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+

**1.11 Confidentiality and Use of Information**

Respondent shall use this Requirements Document and any other
information furnished to them under this Requirements Document solely
for the purposes of responding to this Requirements Document.
Reproduction of any part of this Requirements Document is authorized
only for the preparation of a proposal.

No publicity or news releases pertaining to this Requirements Document,
responses to this Requirements Document or discussions of any kind
regarding the Requirements Document or the selection of a respondent may
be released without the prior written approval of the NANC.

**1.12 Inquiries**

All questions, matters, and concerns related to this Requirements
Document should be directed to the designated IMG Chair or to the NANC
Chair.

A copy of correspondence to the NANC Chair or the IMG Chair should be
simultaneously sent to the Designated Federal Official to the NANC,
Federal Communications Commission at the address stated below.

Network Services Division

Common Carrier Bureau

445 Twelfth Street, S. W. Suite 6A320

Washington, DC 20554

In the interest of fairness, all correspondence submitted to the Chair
would be made public. Respondent confidential information will not be
disclosed.

**2.0 Proposal Outline and Respondent Information **

The respondent's proposal to serve, as the PA, shall follow the format
described in the following section.

**2.1 Cover Page**

The proposal must contain a cover page. The cover page should include
the name of the respondent's organization, and the respondent's
contact's name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail
address, date, and signature of a duly authorized respondent
representative.

**2.2 Proposal Overview**

This section shall summarize all key features of the proposal including
the use of subcontractors. A summary of all deviations and exceptions
from the Requirements Document should be identified.

The proposal shall contain certification that the respondent and any
subcontractor shall comply with all of the provisions of the
Requirements Document in its submission. The respondent, by stating
compliance to a requirement in this Requirements Document, agrees that
the respondent has read and understood the requirement and that
compliance is complete and deliverable at no additional cost unless
otherwise noted.

**2.3 Respondent Information**

The following information is intended to provide an overview of the
respondent's business activities and organization:

**2.3.1 Description of the Respondent's Business**

The respondent proposal shall contain a concise description of the
principal business of the respondent and any subcontractors, including
such items as company background, characteristics of business strength
and the products and services offered.

**2.3.2 Respondent Financial Information**

The respondent proposal shall include a detailed description of the
financial condition of the respondent and any subcontractors. This
section shall include information by which to assess the respondent's
financial strength. Useful information could include the most recent
annual report and audited financial statements (e.g., Income Statement,
Balance Sheet) of the respondent and any subcontractors.

**2.3.3 Additional Information**

The respondent shall include detailed information regarding: (1)
ownership of and affiliation with telecommunications service
provider(s); (2) percent of revenues received from, and debt held by,
telecommunications service provider(s); and (3) undue influence by
parties with a material interest in the outcome of numbering
administration and activities. This information shall be submitted in
three parts to respond to each of the three Neutrality Criteria set
forth in Section 1.2. When supplying this information, the respondent
shall indicate the specific Neutrality Criteria being addressed.

**2.3.4 List of Company Officers**

The respondent proposal shall include a list of its company officers and
their titles and responsibilities. Also include a list of the
respondent's Board of Directors.

**2.4 Performance Bond**

The respondent proposal shall include demonstrated evidence that the
respondent is bondable.

**2.5 Legal Proceedings**

The respondent proposal shall identify any current litigation or other
proceeding, including bankruptcy and related matters, in any judicial
court or administrative agency in any jurisdiction, as well as any
matter currently in, or expected to be in, arbitration, mediation or
other form of dispute resolution, the resolution of which could
materially affect the respondent\'s financial strength or ability to
perform its duties as the PA, in which the respondent is presently
involved or which it reasonably anticipates involvement outside of this
Requirements Document, and shall provide a summary description of the
liabilities the respondent anticipates may occur as a result of such
proceedings.

**2.6 References**

The respondent proposal shall furnish references, preferably for similar
work being performed currently or in the near past, including the name
of the company, contact name, address and telephone number.

**2.7 Proposal Details**

The respondent must prepare a detailed response to this Requirements
Document that provides the information requested in a Compliance Matrix
form. Specifically, a response must list the Section number, Section
title and requirement as defined in the Requirements Document. The
respondent must clearly state whether it can comply with the stated
requirement and provide additional, detailed information about how it
can fulfill the requirement.

###### 2.8 Compliance Matrix

The respondent must complete a Compliance Matrix. The matrix shall
contain a high-level summary description of the detailed information
included in the respondent's proposal.

**2.9 Respondent Confidential Information**

Subject to 5 USC 552 (Freedom of Information Act), information submitted
in a respondent's proposal shall not be deemed confidential, with the
exception of financial information (Section 2.0), pricing information
(Section 10.0) and trade secrets. The final pricing information for the
respondent recommended by NANC as the PA may be made public within the
NANC recommendation and subsequent regulatory proceedings or orders.

In order to safeguard any confidential information submitted by the
respondent, the respondent will be required to submit a copy of their
proposal with confidential information deleted. Further, this copy must
follow the same outline as described in Section 2.0 with the same
information appearing on the same page. The respondent will provide
their redacted proposal to the NANC by electronic distribution.

# 3.0 Background and Overview of Thousand Block Pooling

**3.1 Thousand Block Pooling**

Thousand-block pooling involves the allocation of blocks of sequential
telephone numbers within the same NXX to different SPs, which serve
customers within the same rate area^3^[^4]. ~~area~~[^5]~~. ~~All ten
thousand numbers within each NXX continue to be assigned to one rate
area, but are allocated among multiple SPs at the thousand-block (NXX-X)
level. An example of this arrangement is shown below:

847-999-1XXX SP-1

847-999-2XXX SP-2

847-999-3XXX SP-3

etc.

Using this example, SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, etc., can each assign numbers from
their allocated thousand-block within the 847-999 NPA-NXX, but only to
customers residing within the designated rate area. This methodology
preserves two of the three historical functions of the NXX (call rating
and toll discrimination), but breaks the association of an NXX with a
particular SP switch. The switch identification is accomplished via an
external data base look-up.

Significantly, the 847-999 NXX shown in the example would still is
assigned in its entirety to one switch entity/one SP within the Local
Exchange Routing Guide (LERG). The assigned SP is referred to as the
LERG Assignee. The LERG Assignee, however, is only permitted to assign
numbers within the particular thousand-block or blocks that have been
allocated to it by the PA.

**4.0 Qualities and Attributes **

The PA should have certain qualities and attributes in order to perform
the functions assigned to it. The Respondent must describe in its
response their commitment to perform and how they possess (or how they
will acquire) the following attributes:

1.  knowledge about telecommunications network operations (e.g.,
    routing, rating, billing), local number portability including the
    NPAC, and the use and allocation of NANP numbering resources (e.g.,
    NANP, INC Guidelines, addressing, dialing) in order to effectively
    determine the legitimacy of applications for pooled numbering
    resources (e.g., regulatory and operational requirements) and to
    ensure the assignment of pooled numbering resources to participating
    service providers;

2.  capability to act as an information resource for regulatory
    authorities and the industry concerning all aspects of number
    pooling;

3.  capability to develop, deliver, operate and maintain the computer
    hardware, software (database) and mechanized systems required to
    perform the PA functions;

4.  management skills (e.g., capability to manage the PA organization,
    resource management, staffing, budgeting);

5.  project management skills (e.g., to conduct First Implementation
    meetings, ability to manage national rollout and industry inventory
    pool management);

6.  interpersonal communication and negotiation skills (e.g. maintaining
    effective relations with numbering resource applicants);

7.  capability to safeguard and manage proprietary data and
    competitively sensitive information;

8.  public relations skills (e.g., the ability to explain complex number
    pooling issues to the media and the public consistent with industry
    positions on number pooling);

9.  compliance resources, i.e., the ability to comply with all
    applicable laws affecting the operation of the PA's business during
    each and every Term of Administration.

10. knowledge of applicable local, state, regional and national Thousand
    Block Pooling conditions.

11. the same qualities, attributes and general services requirements
    reasonably applicable to all areas of "number administration" which
    is described in the NANPA Requirements Document (See Section 1.0)

**4.1 Resumes of Respondent's Personnel and Sub Contractors**

The respondent shall provide a projected list of the respondent's
organizational structure, personnel and sub-contractors, if available,
who would perform the PA functions, and a resume of each person, which
provides evidence of the capabilities and attributes, identified above.
In addition, the respondent shall also provide demonstrated evidence of
the respondent's skills, knowledge and experience in numbering resource
issues, the NANP, NANP Administration, INC, NANP area country regulatory
issues affecting numbering, number resource assignment guidelines,
central office code administration and NPA relief planning.

**5.0 Functional Requirements **

**[5.1]{#_Toc372683183}[ ]{#_Toc372683183}[General]{#_Toc372683183}
Responsibilities**

[The PA will be responsible for the assignment and administration of
industry numbering resources in an efficient, effective, fair, unbiased,
and non-discriminatory manner consistent with industry developed
guidelines, including the PA and NANPA Requirements
Document.]{#_Toc372683186}

In addition the PA will be expected to support the industry's efforts to
optimize the use of current and future numbering resources, and to
advise the industry relative to numbering issues (e.g., potential
resource exhaust). Additional details regarding the PA responsibilities
can be found in the INC Thousand Block (NXX-XX) Pooling Administration
Guidelines and other related industry documents; e.g., the Local Number
Portability Administration (LNPA) Working Group documents. The PA shall
be responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective administration
and assignment of numbering resources within the pooled area. This
function requires day-to-day number resource assignment and
administrative activities, as well as the interaction with the NANPA and
the NPAC in all activities for which the PA is dependent upon to
successfully execute its duty as the PA. In addition, the PA must also
have sufficient focus on the long term, in order to ensure the continued
viability of the NANP resource. The PA must implement a planned approach
utilizing effective forecasting and management skills in support of the
NANPA's overall responsibility in order to make the industry aware of
the availability of numbering resources to meet the industry's current
and future needs.

The NANC has determined that the administrative functions to be
performed as part of the role of PA shall be as described in the
Industry Numbering Committee ("INC") Thousand Block (NXX-X) Pooling
Administration Guidelines, related industry documentation, and the
guidelines of other appropriate policy-making authorities, all of which
may be modified as required, from time to time, by industry fora or
other appropriate regulatory authority. A list of the current INC
Guidelines and related documentation has been identified in Appendix A.

In addition to the functions identified in this Requirements Document,
the PA has a responsibility to comply with any identified performance
measures or defaults on key system or service element performance
requirements.

The Performance Review Process is described in Section 1.6 of this
Requirements Document. Furthermore, the PA is required to participate in
the NANC annual performance review process also described in Section
1.6.

**5.2 Broad Responsibilities **

The PA, like the NANPA, is also responsible for establishing and
maintaining relationships with appropriate governmental and regulatory
bodies (e.g., FCC, and state regulatory agencies) and addressing policy
directives from these bodies. These, and other relationships, require
that the PA has the necessary administrative staff to handle the legal,
financial, technical, staffing, industry, and regulatory issues relevant
to the management of all pooled numbering resources, and the necessary
equipment, facilities, and proper billing arrangements to manage the
pooled resources.

The PA shall also process requests to implement new applications and
services and make assignments in accordance with industry developed
number pooling resource planning and assignment guidelines.

It is the responsibility of the PA to manage each designated pooled NANP
resource in accordance with published guidelines adopted in conjunction
with the industry and where appropriate NANP member countries' governing
agencies. On occasion, decisions and interpretations will be required on
issues that have not yet been addressed by the industry and the PA must
have the knowledge and capability to recognize these instances and refer
them to the appropriate industry body for resolution. Also, since the PA
is the primary repository for pooled numbering information in the
industry, its their responsibility to respond to requests from the
industry and from regulators about the NANP pooled resources and its
administration.

With regard to requests for information on how to obtain current
documents related to NANP number pooling administration, it is the PA's
responsibility to either refer requesters to appropriate web sites where
it is possible to download electronic copies, or the PA shall provide
paper copies, free of charge, if the requesters cannot obtain the
documents via the Internet.

The PA shall provide suggestions and assistance to users of pooled
numbering resources as appropriate and suggest alternatives, when
possible, that will optimize number resource utilization. In addition,
the PA will draw upon available information; e.g. COCUS, state
regulatory survey details, and Auditor reports, to manage the pooled
area and to meet its responsibilities as identified in industry
guidelines and FCC Orders.

**5.3 Testing**

Because thousand block pooling is dependent on LRN LNP, this document
assumes that LNP has been deployed prior to pooling being implemented.
If necessary, the PA will participate in any pooling test deemed
appropriate by the NANC to ensure the efficacy of the national pooling
guidelines and associated standards. The testing would ensure the
efficacy of the uniform pooling resource guidelines and standards. If
any such test is required, the respondent shall participate in the
development of a descriptive test plan and in the actual test, at no
additional cost.

**6.0 General Responsibilities **

**6.1 Operative Responsibilities**

The PA will manage the pooled central office code (NXX) resource in
accordance with published industry guidelines (see Appendix A), which
may be modified from time-to-time by the industry, regulatory action or
statute. Some of these guidelines are: INC Central Office (NXX) Code
Assignment Guidelines INC 95-0407-008, INC Thousand Block (NXX-X)
Pooling Administration Guidelines INC 99-0127-023, LNPA WG Methods and
Procedures, appropriate T1S1 documents, INC NPA Code Relief Planning and
Notification Guidelines INC 97-0404-016, and INC NPA Allocation Plan and
Assignment Guidelines INC 96-0308-011. The PA must also be prepared to
perform the various data input functions required. The Respondent must
also provide in the Compliance Matrix form, the methods by which they
plan to meet these requirements. The Respondent needs to produce a plan,
which demonstrates how coverage will be deployed to meet the pooling
requirements of the PA's clients across the nation.

**6.2 Reporting Requirements**

Per the industry pooling guidelines, the PA may be responsible for
collecting, aggregating and furnishing data to the industry, the NANC,
the CO Code Administrator, and appropriate regulatory agencies. Any
requests outside of the Requirements Document and/or industry guidelines
will be treated as an enterprise service and presented to the NANC as is
described in the NANPA Requirements Document.

The PA may also be required to aggregate service provider forecast data
and submit such data to the NANPA as required in industry guidelines.

The PA is responsible for ensuring the confidentiality of all of the
data being provided in any report.

**6.3 Administrative Responsibilities**

The PA shall build and maintain a pooling administration system. This
system should include appropriate security for confidential data and
provide accessibility for all Service Providers to their own information
through an appropriately secured mechanism. The system will include: 1)
all thousand blocks contained in each industry inventory pool 2) block
assignment and contamination status, and 3) allocated to whom.

Per the INC Thousand Block Pooling Administration Guidelines, service
provider specific data submitted to the PA will be treated as
confidential. Any data published by the PA will be shown as aggregated.
Furthermore, the PA must ensure data/information shared publicly is
factual in nature and that findings that are unexpected or significant
are first reported to regulatory authorities, the NANC, and the industry
prior to public disclosure.

**6.3.1 Requirements **

Except as noted in Section 8.2, the PA shall offer a web interface and
allow for mechanized data input via electronic file transfer (EFT) for
thousand block Applications and forecast reports. The EFT capability
will permit SPs to forward pooled application data for the following
forms from the INC Thousand Block Pooling Guidelines, INC 99-0127-023:
Part 1A, General Application Information; Part 1B, NPAC Block Holder
Data; Part 4, Confirmation of NXX-X Block In Service; Thousand Block
Forecast Report and Thousand Block Months to Exhaust (MTE) Certification
Worksheets in a predetermined format which the PA would then use to
initiate processing within the PA system(s). Conversely, the PA shall
also accommodate mechanized data output via EFT to SPs when transmitting
Part 3 data and other industry forms/data.

The respondent shall provide the detailed supporting descriptions and
the assumptions regarding the mechanized data input/output, EFT
interface specifications, and the assignment and forecasting process.

In addition, the respondent must provide a system description, system
delivery date, project plan and significant project milestone list as
part of their response. The respondent will provide status reports to
the NANC. The respondent will propose a format for these status reports
to NANC.

**6.4 Reference Information**

The PA shall have access to the information contained in the Local
Exchange Routing Guide (LERG) or an equivalent source.

**6.5 Audits **

**6.5.1 General Information**

In the performance of its numbering administration duties and in meeting
its responsibilities, the PA may encounter situations that may alert
them to a possible noncompliance with the industry guidelines which
warrants the need for a for cause audit. In these situations, the PA
will inform and forward relevant information which contains the details
of the possible infraction to the designated auditor or appropriate
regulatory agency for disposition.

^In\ addition,\ the\ PA\ may\ be\ required\ to\ provide\ SP\ specific\ data\ to\ an\ auditor\ in\ order\ to\ facilitate\ the\ audit\ process.^

PA shall, subject to reasonable confidentiality restrictions, provide
the industry Auditor and /or the FCC designees reasonable access during
Normal Business Hours to:

\(a\) PA's staff;

\(b\) Books and records and supporting documentation relating to the
Services and the Service Element fees payable under their Updated
Thousand Block Pool Administrator Response, excluding PA's cost
information;

The auditor and its representatives will comply with any reasonable
restrictions imposed by PA to minimize any disruption to PA's normal
operations.

For a reasonable period of time, PA shall provide to the NANC or its
designated Third Party auditor reasonable amounts of office space,
office furnishings, telephone and facsimile service, utilities,
office-related equipment, and duplicating services as the NANC or such
auditors and inspectors may reasonably require to perform the audits
described in this section. The NANC or its designee will comply with any
reasonable restrictions imposed by the PA to minimize any disruption to
the PA's normal operations. Such facilities and related assistance shall
be provided as part of these requirements.

Furthermore, when performing its duties and in meeting its
responsibilities, the PA may encounter a SP that is not in compliance
with the assignment guidelines. Then, the PA will, prior to fulfilling
the assignment request, first request and then evaluate additional SP
information to determine if the SP is compliant with the industry
guidelines. Note that the PA has "SP compliance verification
obligations" in the same respect as does the NANPA, namely to perform
"For Cause" audits in connection with a SP's application for resources,
if necessary to determine a SP's compliance prior to fulfilling any
application request.

**6.5.2 Audits of the PA **

The PA will be subject to annual process, procedure, and billing audits.

If any audit by an auditor designated by the NANC or a regulatory
authority results in the PA being notified that it is not in compliance
with any law, regulation, or audit requirement relating to its
administration, and the PA shall be required to take actions to comply
with such audit.

The PA shall bear the expense of any such compliance work, unless such
compliance work is required to bring the Pooling Administration Services
into compliance with a legal, regulatory or audit requirement that (i)
is imposed on the industry or the PA and impacts the Pooling
Administration Services rendered hereunder or(ii) has not been
previously identified by NANC or the industry as a requirement of the
Pooling Administration Services.

**6.5.3 Audits of PA Enterprise Services **

All direct fees associated with providing enterprise services shall be
identified and recorded separately from the costs associated with the
non-enterprise PA functions. These fees will be reported on an annual
basis to the NANC.

The PA shall obtain an audit from an independent auditor of its
Enterprise Services after the first year of operations and every two
years thereafter. These fees will be reported on an annual basis to the
NANC. The audit shall include an evaluation of the validity of the costs
recorded with respect to its enterprise services.

6.  **Intellectual Property Rights **

The PA will be bound by the same Intellectual Property Rules that are in
effect and apply to all existing NANPA assets. Additionally, the PA
~~shall transfer~~shall transfer and assign all US and foreign rights
and interests to all~~ ~~ Intellectual Property created by or for the PA
in its provision of Pooling Administration Services free of charge to
the NANC or its designee.

The PA shall not use any of the Intellectual Property associated with
the PA function for any other purpose, application, use, or contract
outside of these PA requirements without obtaining authorization from
NANC. Such request shall specify the use, application, and any impact
such use or application may have on these PA requirements and
responsibilities. The NANC will then determine the terms and conditions
that would apply, if the NANC permits such application or use.

The PA will transfer certain physical property in a manner that will
assure the efficient and orderly transition of the pooling
administration system and associated equipment to a successor\'s
environment in a fully operational status in case of termination or at
the expiration of the Term of Administration at no additional cost. Such
transferred property may or may not be associated with any Intellectual
Property that may be subject to transfer. Specifically, the PA will
transfer any software and hardware associated with the pooling
administration system.

The PA will provide NANC with copies of:

1\. Configuration manuals or documentation for systems to operate the
software.

2\. Operations manuals or documentation for operation of the pooling
administration systems including the methods and procedures for
operating the system.

3\. A detailed transition plan and instructions.

4\. Software source code.

An escrow attorney will be selected and designated as the custodian of a
copy of the source code.

The hardware will include the servers where the pooling administration
software resides, and any and all equipment associated with running the
pooling administration system. Shared network infrastructure and
computers that are used for multi purposes will not be subject to
transfer. However, the PA will ensure that the system architecture will
enable a simple transfer of the PA functional components to a
successor's environment; therefore, any non-PA functions sharing the
core system will be subject to transfer unless approved by NANC as
exceptions. Such exceptions would have to be separable from the system
with no harmful effects on the core system.

Such equipment shall not be leased and shall transfer with lien-free
title to the NANC or the NANC\'s designee, without charge. The
respondent must identify and provide in their response or on subsequent
dates as required, as hardware is purchased, all new hardware model
numbers and descriptions. This data will be reported as part of the PA
annual reporting requirements.

**7.0 Dispute Resolution **

The PA may be involved with dispute resolutions. These disputes could
arise from the performance of the NANP activities, from industry forum
activities, from conflicting government or regulatory policy directives
or directly from the NANC. The extent of involvement of the PA in the
resolution of disputes will depend on the nature and origin of the
dispute.

The PA will be assigning numbering resources based on industry
guidelines. A dispute may arise from the NANPA assigning or denying the
assignment of a resource and / or the PA assigning or denying the
assignment of a resource and therefore the PA would be required, based
on the relevant assignment guidelines and regulatory directives, to
address the dispute.

Disputes may arise within industry numbering activities and the PA shall
be prepared to participate in dispute resolution by providing guidance
and/or historical data.

**8.0 Enterprise Services **

[Enterprise services are services not described elsewhere in this
Requirements Document, or other Industry Documents as referenced in
Appendix A, that may be provided by the PA for a specific fee.
Enterprise services and their associated fees are subject to prior
approval by NANC]{#_Toc372683203}***.*** The PA shall collect all fees
associated with an enterprise service.

**8.1 Operating Principles**

The following operating principles apply to the provision of enterprise
services:~~.~~

1\. The fees associated with enterprise services shall be fair and
reasonable;~~.~~

2\. Enterprise service fees for the same service must be
non-discriminatory;~~.~~

3\. Enterprise services shall be performed without jeopardizing PA
duties and responsibilities;~~.~~

4\. Proprietary/confidential information provided to the PA, unless
previously agreed to by the associated SP, shall not be used in the
provision of any enterprise service.

**8.2 Required Enterprise Service**

The PA will support fax and e-mail submissions related to thousand block
documentation (e.g. applications, forecast reports etc.). As an
~~alternative~~alternative, the PA can allow an SP to submit
documentation in media such as FAX, paper, etc. when requested, but only
when the PA is first contacted by a requesting entity. Respondent shall
provide the fees for this enterprise service. The Respondent shall
provide a description of the conditions that apply in circumstances
where the PA's system is unable to accept documentation via the
electronic interface or the web interface, where this fee will not
apply.

**8.3 Additional Enterprise Services**

The PA may provide additional Enterprise Services only after submitting
a service description and price proposal to NANC for approval.

**8.4 Tracking Enterprise Costs**

All direct costs associated with providing enterprise services shall be
identified and recorded separately from the costs associated with the
non-enterprise number pooling functions. These costs will be reported on
an annual basis to the NANC.

The PA shall obtain an audit from an independent auditor after the first
year of operations and every two years there after. The audit shall
include an evaluation of the validity of the costs recorded with respect
to its enterprise services.

9.  **Miscellaneous **

The following requirements are consistent with the NANC NANPA
Requirements Document, February 1997.

**[9.1 ]{#_Toc372683204}[ ]{#_Toc372683204}[Hours of
Operation]{#_Toc372683204}**

The PA shall be available a minimum of five days a week, eight hours a
day in all time zones covered by the NANP. The PA must provide a
mechanism (e.g., voicemail, email, and facsimile) to be accessible on a
24-hour basis in order to meet the needs of the clients. It is expected
the PA will respond within one business day to general inquires or
questions made outside the normal business hours. The PA will post their
recognized holidays on their web site.

**[9.2]{#_Toc372683205}[ ]{#_Toc372683205}[Telecommunications
Requirements]{#_Toc372683205}**

Voice and data capabilities are required in order to communicate with
the industry concerning pooling administration.

Each PA staff member must have an individual phone number. The phone
system must provide the capability to allow a caller to leave a message
easily. This can be accomplished by an electronic messaging system that
allows the caller to leave a message for the person called.

The PA must have access to routing and rating databases (e.g., RDBS and
BRIDS). This can be accomplished through dial-up access. The PA will
also have access to the information contained in the LERG or an
equivalent.

The respondent must include a description of the proposed voice
communication and computer facilities to be implemented.

**9.3 Security Requirements**

Due to the proprietary and/or sensitive nature of some information that
will be received, proper security measures must be taken. This includes
the establishment of a secured work area with limited access and secured
record retention practices. In addition, appropriate security will be
required for any computer systems which contain number pooling
assignment information and proprietary applicant information, including
any system which is connected to any telecommunications network.

Respondents should also provide a capability for disaster recovery. The
respondent shall include a description of its security system and
disaster recovery plan and procedures.

**[9.4]{#_Toc372683208}[ ]{#_Toc372683208}[Staffing
Requirements]{#_Toc372683208}**

Staffing of the PA will be at appropriate levels to ensure it can
efficiently perform the functions identified in this Requirements
Document and provide timely responses.

Staff should be available a minimum of five days a week, eight hours a
day for each respective time zone. PA hours of operation must allow
block applicants and block holders in all time zones access during the
majority of the clients core business hours. Core business hours fall
between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday local time, excluding
holidays. However, if circumstances warrant, they must be available at
other times to meet the needs of the industry. The physical location of
the administration facility is at the discretion of the respondent. The
Respondent needs to produce a plan, which demonstrates how coverage will
be deployed to meet the pooling requirements of clients across the
nation. However, staff must be able to travel, when necessary, to meet
the needs of the industry (e.g., INC, seminars, NPA relief activities).

Staff should possess the attributes required to perform the functions of
the PA as described in this Requirements Document. Proposed staffing
profiles and levels as well as the physical location of the staff must
be part of the respondent\'s initial response.

**9.5 Organizational Structure**

Along with the submission of a response to this requirements document
which outlines how the above requirements are to be met, a respondent
should also provide its thoughts on how it will be structured for
operations to meet those requirements. Perceived operational structure
plans (e.g., centralized operations, regional locations) including the
number of people required to run each operation should be included in
the proposal.

**[9.6]{#_Toc372683212}[ ]{#_Toc372683212}[Reporting
Requirements]{#_Toc372683212}**

The following sections discuss the number resource reports and web site
requirements for the PA.

**9.6.1 Pooled Number Resource Reports**

The PA will be required to provide regular reports on the thousands
block number resources per the industry guidelines referenced in ~~
~~Appendix A of this document. Reports outside the scope defined in the
industry guidelines will need to be considered enterprise services.

**9.6.2 PA Annual Report**

This document is published annually to report on the status of Pooling
Administration. Its publication should coincide with distribution of the
NANPA Annual Report and will be a part of the NANC annual performance
review process. The annual report will contain at a minimum, but not be
limited to:

1\. Highlights/significant milestones reached during previous year;

2\. Identification of existing and potential pooling areas;

3\. Aggregated Total by pool of the Service Providers participating in
the pooled area;

4\. Forecast results;

5\. System and Performance metrics;

6\. Status of Transferable Intellectual and other agreed to Property;

7\. Industry issue identification/feedback;

8\. Required Enterprise Services;

9\. Additional Service Offerings.

**9.7 Industry Documentation**

The respondent will be responsible for the assignment and administration
of NANP numbering resources. A list of documents can be found in
Appendix A, which may be modified from time to time by the** **industry,
which maybe used in the assignment and administration of pooling
resources. Each** **contains a** **description of the function to be
performed, a description of terms being used or** **provides direction
on how the numbering resources are to be administered.

**10.0 Pricing **

**10.1 Background**

The response should be quoted in a firm fixed price structure.
Additionally, the Respondent may provide pricing that focuses on the
need for managing variable cost components, (e.g., based on block
implementation) and associated changes in pricing requirements during
the contract term.

The pricing information shall be valid for a period, which coincides
with the current NANPA agreements and will be subject to the current
NANPA Billing and Collections arrangements.

The respondent should include, but need not be limited to, pricing for
the following functions: pooling administration system, pooling
implementation meetings, pool establishments, block application
processing, pool forecasting and reporting, potential changes to
established pools, identified enterprise services, and any applicable
credits.

Prices shall be quoted in U.S. dollars inclusive of government taxes,
customs duties, tariffs, etc. The prices quoted for each of the
functions shall be inclusive of all start-up, transitional, managerial
overhead, hardware, software, maintenance, travel, salaries, office
space, heat, light, power, telecommunications, and other costs.

The respondent shall guarantee in its proposal that the prices for the
services rendered shall be at least as low as those charged to the
respondent's most favored customer for like quantities of the same or
substantially similar services (i.e., preferred customer pricing). If
the respondent's prices decrease during the term of the Agreement, which
shall include the respondent's prices for similar services for sale to
any other customers, the NANC shall receive preferred customer pricing
in accordance with the intent of the above statement from the date the
price decrease becomes effective.

All references to industry guidelines are for specific issue dates as
they may be noted below.

· INC Final Working Draft Thousand Block (NXX-X) Pooling Administration
Guidelines, INC 99-0127-023, dated December 2, 1999

· INC Initial Report to the North American Numbering Committee (NANC) on
Number** **Pooling** **

· Location Routing Number Assignment Practices, INC 98-0713-021

· NPA Code Relief Planning and Notification Guidelines, INC 97-0404-016

· NPA Allocation Plan & Assignment Guidelines, INC 96-0308-011

· Central Office Code (NXX) Assignment Guidelines, INC 95-0407-008

· Appropriate/Relevant T1S1 Documents

· Appropriate/Relevant NANC LNPA WG documents, i.e. Methods and
Procedures

[^1]: ~~^1^~~ Final thousand block pooling administrative fees are
    subject to endorsement by the NANC and subject to FCC order.

[^2]: Criteria established by FCC Order are in addition to the summaries
    contained herein. Respondent's proposal must also display compliance
    with all related FCC Orders.

[^3]: ~~ Criteria established by FCC Order are in addition to the
    summaries contained herein. Respondent's proposal must also display
    compliance with all related FCC Orders.~~

[^4]: ^3^ Rate area, as used herein, denotes the smallest geographic
    area used to distinguish rate boundaries.

[^5]: ~~ Rate area, as used herein, denotes the smallest geographic area
    used to distinguish rate boundaries.~~