Code Freeze Exception Request for KEP-5945: DRA Optional Node Preparation

[Troy Chiu]

Hello release team,

I would like to request an exception to the 1.37 code freeze deadline for KEP-5945.

Enhancement name: DRA Optional Node Operations
Enhancement status: alpha
SIG: Node
k/enhancements repo issue #: https://github.com/kubernetes/enhancements/issues/5945
PR #’s:
- https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/pull/139933
- https://github.com/kubernetes/website/pull/56258

Additional time needed: 5 days (through July 27)

Reason this enhancement is critical for this milestone:
This KEP allows DRA drivers to opt out of node-level preparation, eliminating unnecessary driver setup calls and potential node RPC failure points.

Risks from adding code late:
Low risk. The implementation is approved and is awaiting final API approval. Furthermore, the implementation is fully isolated behind the `DRAOptionalNodeOperations` feature gate.

Risks from cutting enhancement:
Drivers expecting to leverage optional node operations will be forced to wait another release cycle to begin alpha testing, delaying critical feedback on node plugin execution overhead and DRA scaling improvements.

Thanks,
Troy Chiu

[Troy Chiu]

Add releas...@kubernetes.io

[Patrick Ohly]

"'Troy Chiu' via sig-node" <sig-...@kubernetes.io> writes:

> Add kubernetes-...@googlegroups.com and releas...@kubernetes.io
>
> On Wed, Jul 22, 2026 at 2:34 PM Troy Chiu <troy...@google.com> wrote:
>
>> Hello release team,
>>
>> I would like to request an exception to the 1.37 code freeze deadline for
>> KEP-5945.
>>
>> Enhancement name: DRA Optional Node Operations

+1

--
Best Regards

Patrick Ohly
Cloud Software Architect

[John Belamaric]

+1

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "sig-node" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to sig-node+u...@kubernetes.io.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/kubernetes.io/d/msgid/sig-node/CAJ07UcW8Zu51h2CBWgwuSN6Qzx_oNMkaS6-r3myi3SMhwyvhew%40mail.gmail.com.

[Agustina Barbetta]

Hi all,

After reviewing the request and the discussion in the referenced Slack thread [0], the Release Team is APPROVING this exception request for a 3 calendar day extension rather than the originally requested 5 days.

Based on the 3 calendar day extension, the updated deadline for this KEP is: Saturday, 25th July 2026 (Anywhere on Earth) / Sunday, 26th July 2026, 12:00 UTC.

Thanks,
Agustina Barbetta
v1.37 Release Lead Shadow

[0]: https://kubernetes.slack.com/archives/C2C40FMNF/p1784774029834509