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Re: The "Clerk" function and Standards throughput and quality

2004-10-08 07:05:31
Hi Tony -

Well I didn't think I was confused, but maybe. As far as I can tell the
Clerk function could be one of the contracted out services. To a large
degree the task list for the Clerk will determine just how efficient / cost
effective it would be to do that. If the Clerk's primary tasks are handling
the paperwork for the IAD, then it probably doesn't make sense to outsource
that. If as others have suggested the Clerk functions include processing
I-Ds and other tasks closer to the Secretariat service, then it should be
included as part of that service contract. 


The Clerk functions are roughly equivalent tot the current Secretariat service
and I heard a pretty strong feeling that this should be contracted out,
as you say.  So, you're not confused.

To be clear, I am not confused about the ability of a single person handling
all of the tasks that the IESG/IAB might wish for. That just won't happen,
because even if such a person existed we couldn't afford them. That said, it
is not at all clear to me that we need more than a single person managing
well structured contracts with clear deliverables. If that person needs
independent administrative support, that could be just another contract. 

A single person is the going in assumption.  When growing from zero, one is
a great first step.


In a way we endanger the future viability of the IETF if we allow the IAD
office to grow beyond a single person. Human nature will make everyone
reluctant to cut permanent staff, while cutting back on contracted services
is much easier to swallow. 


And, that's the exact reason ... you've got it correct.  :)

Carl

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