formation and cooperative efforts to improve the Commission's information-gathering, policy-making, and information dissemination functions.

(e) Act as the principal point of public contact in disseminating information about Commission programs to promote equal employment opportunity and minority enterprise in Commission-regulated industries. Maintain liaison with industry representatives, women's and minority groups and other interested parties regarding public information about and public evaluation of these programs. Organize FCC seminars and serve as FCC spokesperson to outside organizations on these subjects.

(f) Develop and implement programs to assist in providing information to minority entrepreneurs engaged in or seeking to participate in telecommunications industries regulated by the Commission.

(g) Review Commission contract procurement policy to devise ways of increasing information about proposed Commission contracts received by minority contractors.

(h) Advise the Commission on its information dissemination and public participation policies, as they affect liaison with the information media, the public and the Commission's regulatees. Provide policy and program guidance to the bureaus and offices on these subjects based on feedback received through the information dissemination functions of the Office.

(i) Maintain liaison with the Field Operations Bureau regarding the press and news media, and consumer assistance and information activities of the Commission's field offices.

(Secs. 4, 5, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 155, 303)

[44 FR 12425, Mar. 7, 1979, as amended at 44 FR 70471, Dec. 7, 1979; 50 FR 2985, Jan. 23, 1985; 52 FR 42438, Nov. 5, 1987]

OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

§ 0.17 Functions of the Office.

The Office of Legislative Affairs is directly responsible to the Commission. The Office has the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Advise and make recommendations to the Commission with respect

to legislation proposed by members of Congress or the Executive Branch and coordinate the preparation of Commission views thereon for submission to Congress or the Executive Branch.

(b) Coordinate with the Office of General Counsel responses to Congressional or Executive Branch inquiries as to the local ramifications of Commission policies, regulations, rules, and statutory interpretations.

(c) Assist the Office of the Managing Director in preparation of the annual report to Congress, the Commission budget and appropriations legislation to Congress; assist the Office of Public Affairs in preparation of the Commission's Annual Report.

(d) Assist the Chairman and Commissioners in preparation for, and the coordination of their appearances before the Committees of Congress.

(e) Coordinate the annual Commission legislative program.

(f) Coordinate Commission and staff responses to inquiries by individual members of Congress, congressional committees and staffs.

[52 FR 42438, Nov. 5, 1987]

OFFICE OF PLANS AND POLICY

§ 0.21 Functions of the Office.

The Office of Plans and Policy, as a staff office to the Commission, assists, advises and makes recommendations to the Commission with respect to the development and implementation of communications policies in all areas of Commission authority and responsibility. A principal function of the Office is to conduct independent policy analyses to assess the long-term effects of alternative Commission policies on domestic and international communication industries and services, with due consideration of the responsibilities and programs of other staff units, and to recommend appropriate Commission action. The Office is also responsible for coordinating the policy research and development activities of other staff units, with special concern for matters which transcend their individual areas of responsibility. The Office is composed of legal, engineering, economic, and sociological policy analysts and other personnel, and is

headed by a chief having the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) To identify and define significant communications policy issues in all areas of Commission interest and responsibility;

(b) To conduct technical, economic, and sociological impact studies of existing and proposed communications policies and operations, including cooperative studies with other staff units and consultant and contract efforts as appropriate;

(c) To develop and evaluate alternative policy options and approaches for consideration by the Commission;

(d) To review and comment on all significant actions proposed to be taken by the Commission in terms of their overall policy implications;

(e) To recommend and evaluate governmental (state and federal), academic, and industry sponsored research affecting Commission policy issues;

(f) To prepare briefings, position papers, proposed Commission actions, or other agenda items as appropriate;

(g) To manage the Commission's policy research program, recommend budget levels and priorities for this program, and serve as central account manager for all contractual policy research studies funded by the Commission;

(h) To coordinate the formation and presentation of Commission positions in domestic communications policy; represent the Commission at appropriate interagency discussions and conferences.

(i) To participate in the development of international communications policy with the Office of Engineering and Technology, as appropriate; provide representation at international meetings when appropriate.

(j) Develop and recommend procedures and plans for the effective handling of policy issues within the Commission.

[38 FR 17005, June 28, 1973, as amended at 45 FR 25400, Apr. 15, 1980; 51 FR 12615, Apr. 14, 1986]

OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

§ 0.31 Functions of the Office.

The Office of Engineering and Technology has the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) To evaluate evolving technology for interference potential and to suggest ways to facilitate its introduction in response to Bureau initiatives, and advise the Commission and staff offices in such matters.

(b) Represent the Commission at various national and international conferences and meetings devoted to the progress of communications and the development of technical and other information and standards, and serve as Commission coordinator for the various national conferences when appropriate.

(c) To conduct scientific and technical studies in advanced phases of terrestrial and space communications, and special projects to obtain theoretical and experimental data on new or improved techniques.

(d) To advise the Commission concerning engineering matters, including the privacy and security of communications, involved in making or implementing policy or in resolving specific

cases.

(e) To develop and implement procedures to acquire, store, and retrieve scientific and technical information useful in the engineering work of the Commission.

(f) To advise and represent the Commission on frequency allocation and spectrum usage matters, including those covered by international agreements.

(g) To render, in cooperation with the General Counsel and the Office of Plans and Policy, advice to the Commission, participate in and coordinate staff work with respect to general frequency allocation proceedings and other proceedings not within the jurisdiction of any single bureau, and render service and advice with respect to rule making matters and proceedings affecting more than one Bureau.

(h) To collaborate with and advise other Bureaus and Offices in the for

mulation of technical requirements of the Rules.

(i) To administer Parts 2, 5, 15, and 18 of this chapter, including licensing, recordkeeping, and rule making.

(j) To perform all engineering and management functions of the Commission with respect to formulating rules and regulations, technical standards, and general policies for Parts 15 and 18 of this chapter, and for type approval and acceptance, and certification of radio equipment for compliance with the Rules.

(k) To maintain liaison with other agencies of government, technical experts representing foreign governments, and members of the public and industry concerned with communications and frequency allocation and usage.

(1) To calibrate and standardize technical equipment and installations used by the Commission.

(m) To exercise authority as may be assigned or referred by the Commission pursuant to section 5(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

(Secs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 315, 317, 48 Stat., as amended, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1068, 1081, 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085, 1088, 1089; 47 U.S.C. 152, 153, 154, 155, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 315, 317)

[45 FR 28718, Apr. 30, 1980, as amended at 46 FR 45342, Sept. 11, 1981; 51 FR 12615, Apr. 14, 1986]

OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

§ 0.41 Functions of the Office.

The Office of the General Counsel has the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) To advise and represent the Commission in matters of litigation.

(b) To advise and make recommendations to the Commission with respect to proposed legislation and submit agency views on legislation when appropriate.

(c) To participate in international conferences and in the implementation of international agreements.

(d) To interpret the statutes, international agreements, and international regulations affecting the Commission.

(e) To prepare and make recommendations and interpretations concerning

procedural rules of general applicability and to review all rules for consistency with other rules, uniformity, and legal sufficiency.

(f) To conduct research in legal matters as directed by the Commission.

(g) In cooperation with the Chief Engineer, to participate in, render advice to the Commission, and coordinate the staff work with respect to general frequency allocation proceedings and other proceedings not within the jurisdiction of any single bureau, and to render advice with respect to rule making matters and proceedings affecting more than one bureau.

(h) To perform all legal functions with respect to experimental operations under Part 5 of this chapter; the operation of restricted radiation devices under Parts 15 and 18 of this chapter; and type approval and type acceptance of radio equipment.

(i) To exercise such authority as may be assigned or referred to it by the Commission pursuant to section 5(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

(j) To cooperate with the Common Carrier Bureau and the Office of Engineering and Technology on all matters pertaining to space satellite communications.

(k) To study the licensing practices of patentees and assignees in communications services regulated by the Commission, particularly in situations referred to it by the Office of Engineering and Technology; and, in collaboration with the Office of Engineering and Technology, to develop appropriate recommendations Commission action.

for

(1) To interpret statutes and executive orders affecting the Commission's national defense responsibilities, and to perform such functions involving implementation of such statutes and executive orders as may be assigned to it by the Commission or the Defense Commissioner.

(m) To perform all legal functions with respect to leases, contracts, tort claims and such other internal legal problems as may arise.

(n) To issue written determinations on behalf of the Chairman, and otherwise act as the Chairman's designee on matters regarding the interception of

telephone conversations, as required by the General Services Administration's regulations. 41 CFR 201–6.202 et seq.

(0) To advise the Commission in the preparation and revision of rules and the implementation and administration of the Freedom of Information, Privacy, and Sunshine Acts.

(p) To assist and make recommendations to the Commission and to individual Commissioners designed to review initial decisions as to the disposition of cases of adjudication and such other cases as, by Commission policy, are handled in the manner and which have been designated for hearing.

same

(Secs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 315, 317, 48 Stat., as amended, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1068, 1081, 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085, 1088, 1089; 47 U.S.C. 152, 153, 154, 155, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 315, 317)

[28 FR 12392, Nov. 22, 1963; 37 FR 19372, Sept. 20, 1972, as amended at 40 FR 17253, Apr. 18, 1975; 43 FR 29006, July 5, 1978; 44 FR 39179, July 5, 1979; 46 FR 57050, Nov. 20, 1981; 49 FR 47604, Dec. 6, 1984; 50 FR 2985, Jan. 23, 1985; 50 FR 49048, Nov. 29, 1985; 51 FR 12615, Apr. 14, 1986]

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

§ 0.51 Functions of the Office.

The Office of International Communications has the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Provide coordination among Bureaus and Offices with regard to development and representation of international policy and participation in international conferences.

(b) Coordinate Commission collection and dissemination of information on communications and telecommunications policy, regulatory, and market developments by other countries and international organizations.

(c) Coordinate Commission briefings on international telecommunications matters.

(d) Work with the Office of Legislative Affairs to coordinate Commission international activities on significant matters with appropriate Congressional offices.

(e) Coordinate and maintain liaison with key officials of other governments and international organizations.

(f) Advise the Chairman and Commissioners on international policy matters.

(g) Advise the Commission on the adequacy of Commission actions to promote the vital interest of the American public in commerce, defense and foreign policy.

[55 FR 1676, Jan. 18, 1990]

MASS MEDIA BUREAU

§ 0.61 Functions of the Bureau.

The Mass Media Bureau develops, recommends and administers policies and programs for the regulation of all radio and television broadcast industry services. Advises and recommends to the Commission, or acts for the Commission under delegated authority, in matters pertaining to the regulation and development of radio and television services. The Mass Media Bureau has the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Process applications for authorizations in radio and television services, including conventional and auxiliary broadcast services, direct broadcast satellite services and cable television relay services.

(b) Administer U.S. responsibilities under international agreements and treaty obligations pertaining to broadcasting.

(c) Process applications for renewal of licenses and for assignment or transfer of ownership interests in such licenses.

(d) Participate in hearings before the Administrative Law Judges, the Review Board and the Commission.

(e) Plan and develop proposed rulemakings and conduct comprehensive studies and analyses (legal, engineering, social and economic) of various petitions for policy or rule changes submitted by industry or the public.

(f) Conduct studies and compile data relating to radio and television network operations necessary for the Commission to develop and maintain an adequate regulatory program.

(g) Investigate complaints and answer general inquiries from the public and handle political broadcasting and fairness doctrine complaints.

(h) Develop, recommend, implement, and administer policies and programs with respect to the regulation of cable television systems and related private microwave radio facilities.

(i) Process applications for compensation submitted pursuant to Subpart M, Part 1 of this chapter.

[47 FR 47829, Oct. 28, 1982, as amended at 49 FR 12271, Mar. 29, 1984]

COMMON CARRIER BUREAU

§ 0.91 Functions of the Bureau.

The Common Carrier Bureau develops, recommends and administers policies and programs for the regulation of services, facilities, rates and practices of entities (excluding public coast stations in the maritime mobile service) which furnish interstate or foreign communications service for hirewhether by wire, radio, cable or satellite facilities-and of ancillary operations related to the provisions or use of such services. The Bureau also regulates the rates, terms, and conditions for cable television and pole attachments, where such attachments are not regulated by a state and not provided by railroads or governmentallyor cooperatively owned utilities. The Bureau also performs the following specific functions:

(a) Advises and makes recommendations to the Commission, or acts for the Commission under delegated authority, in matters pertaining to the regulation and licensing of communications common carriers and ancillary operations. This includes: Policy development and coordination; adjudicatory and rule making proceedings, including rate and service investigations; determinations regarding lawfulness of carrier tariffs; action on applications for service, facility and radio authorizations; review of carrier performance; economic research and analysis; administration of Commission accounting and reporting requirements; compliance and enforcement activities.

(b) Participates in all phases of international conferences concerning common carrier and related matters and in the implementation of international agreements.

(c) Collaborates with representatives of state regulatory commissions and

with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners in cooperative studies of common carrier and related matters.

on

(d) Advises the Commission policy and technical matters regarding the use of satellites and related facilities for both common carrier and ancillary communications services.

(e) Advises and assists the public, other government agencies and industry groups on common carrier regulation and related matters.

(f) Exercises such authority as may be assigned or referred to it by the Commission pursuant to Section 5(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

(g) Obtains from carriers and from persons directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, such carriers full and complete information necessary to enable the Commission to perform the duties and carry out the objectives for which it was created.

(h) Carries out the functions of the Commission under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, except as reserved to Commission under § 0.291.

(i) Acts jointly with the Office of Engineering and Technology on applications for registration of equipment to be directly connected to the telephone network, and acts on complaints brought by any party concerning the registration or operation of such equipment.

(j) Acts upon complaints involving cable television pole attachments, except for final action on complaints raising novel or unusual issues.

(k) Acts on matters affecting public coast stations in the maritime service which concern tariffs, terms of interconnection, rate or economic analysis, and applications for closure pursuant to section 214 of the Communications Act.

(1) Administers the Telecommunications Service Priority System with the concurrence of the Office of the Managing Director, and resolves matters involving assignment of priorities and other issues pursuant to Part 64 of the rules.