Agency for International Development and other Government agencies. (g) To give general direction to The Secretary of the Commission. The Secretary maintains records of official Commission actions; with minor exceptions, signs correspondence and documents adopted by the Commission; maintains records of docketed cases; is the recipient of papers filed with the Commission; and is custodian of the Commission's seal and records. (h) To give general direction to the Public Information Officer. The Public Information Officer releases and is the central depository for public announcements concerning actions which have been taken by the Commission; prepares informational publications and materials; and is the contact point for the press and public in the matter of general information relating to the Commission and its activities. [36 F.R. 15120, Aug. 13, 1971] § 0.12 Units in the Office. (a) Immediate Office of the Executive Director. (b) Administrative Services Division. (e) Emergency Communications Division. (f) Management Information Division. (g) Personnel Division. (h) Records Management Division. (j) The Public Information Officer. [34 F.R. 14330, Sept. 12, 1969, as amended at 36 FR 15120, Aug. 13, 1971; 38 FR 1505, Jan. 13, 1973; 38 FR 24900, Sept. 11, 1973] OFFICE OF PLANS AND POLICY 9.21 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 development and presentation of Commission views and position papers regarding both domestic and international communication policy, and to participate in inter-agency and international discussions and conferences, as may be authorized and approved by the Commission; (i) To develop and recommend procedures and plans for the effective handling of policy issues within the Commission. [38 FR 17005, June 28, 1973] and new uses for communications, and to advise the Commission and bureaus in such matters. (b) To represent the Commission on various national and international organizations devoted to the progress of communications and the development of information and standards relative thereto. (c) To conduct scientific and technical studies in advanced phases of terrestrial and space communications and to conduct special projects to obtain theoretical and experimental data on new or improved techniques. (d) To develop and administer procedures to acquire, store, and retrieve scientific and technical information useful in the engineering work of the Commission. on (e) To advise and represent the Commission the allocation of radio frequencies, including international agreements pertaining to frequency allocations and usage. (f) In cooperation with the General Counsel, to render advice to the Commission, participate in 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. (g) To collaborate with the bureaus in the formulation of the technical requirements of the rules and regulations, and to advise the Commission on such matters. (h) To administer Part 5 of this chapter, including licensing, record keeping. and rule making. (1) 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. type acceptance. and certification of radio equipment for compliance with the Commission's rules. (j) To maintain liaison with other agencies of government and with technical experts representing foreign governments, and to deal with members of the public and of the industries concerned. (k) To calibrate and standardize technical equipments and installations used by the Commission. The Research Division analyzes and disseminates to the Commission and the several operating bureaus, technical and scientific data relating to advanced phases of terrestrial and space communications; conducts scientific studies in wave propagation, satellite and space communications; studies technical aspects of potential new uses of radio: conducts special projects to obtain theoretical and experimental data on new or improved techniques; provides engineering assistance to the Commission and the several bureaus in the development of computer programs and automatic data processing techniques; develops procedures to acquire, store, and retrieve scientific and technical information; and maintains familiarity with relevant research activities by means of visits, conferences, and correspondence. $ 0.35 Technical Division. The Technical Division develops practical applications for results of research, including research conducted by the Research Division; develops technical rules and standards for the various radio services in consultation with the bureaus concerned; conducts technical studies of equipment design and performance; acts on applications for type acceptance of equipment and issues lists of type accepted and type approved equipment; in consultation with the Chief, Broadcast Bureau, acts on applications for advance approval of subscription television technical systems and issues lists of approved subscription television technical systems; administers Part 5 of this chapter regulating the Experimental Radio Services; performs engineering and management functions with respect to formulating rules, technical standards, and general policy for Parts 15 and 18 of this chapter; performs rule making for that portion of Part 2 of this chapter relative to equipment; provides Commission representation at national and international conferences; and reviews patents as they are issued by the Patent Office to determine which patents may dominate radio services regulated by the Commission and notifies the General Counsel as to such findings. [34 F.R. 14374, Sept. 13, 1969] § 0.36 Laboratory Division. The Laboratory Division studies new phenomena, proposed new systems, and new equipment looking toward the greater use of radio, the reduction of interference, and the establishment of appropriate rules and regulations; participates in various intergovernmental, national, and international organizations looking toward the standardization of equipment and measuring units and methods as well as the more efficient use of the radio spectrum or the reduction of interference; designs and assembles apparatus for special tests and studies, and performs special tests and studies concerning propagation, equipment or systems, and evaluates the results of such tests or studies with regard to the Commission's problems, often looking toward new or modified rules; makes type approval tests on equipment including those equipments under Parts 15, 18, 73, 81, 83, and 95 of this chapter requiring type approval, and makes recommendations regarding type approval; provides information and comments on test procedures and test results to assist the Technical Division in its evaluation of material supporting certifications and applications for type acceptance; conducts special tests of equipments for the Technical Division in connection with the certification and type acceptance program; studies equipment problems of data procurement and enforcement and develops, designs, and constructs equipment for use in connection with the Commission's Field Engineering Bureau activities as well as other Commission activities; standardizes and calibrates equipment and installation for the Field Engineering Bureau; and makes tests of radio devices for other Government departments. [35 F.R. 8567, June 3, 1970] $ 0.37 Frequency Allocation and Treaty Division. The Frequency Allocation and Treaty Division makes continuing studies of new technical developments affecting frequency requirements and of utilization of the frequencies between the several radio services to establish their allocation requirements; proposes adjustments in the Table of Frequency Allocation when necessary; provides Commission representation on, and coordination with, the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee and, as may be required, on other national and international telecommunication bodies; coordinates frequency allocation policy matters involving government users of radio with the Office of Emergency Planning; maintains the Commission's master frequency record of assignments made; notifies United States frequency assignments to the International Frequency Registration Board of the International Telecommunication Union; performs staff functions relating to international communications conferences and agreements having to do with frequency allocation and assignment; and communicates as necessary with administrations in foreign countries, through appropriate channels, concerning matters which relate to assignment of radio frequencies and to control of radio interference. § 0.38 Spectrum Management Task Force. The Spectrum Management Task Force is responsible, in coordination with the respective bureaus which have primary responsibility for the radio services involved, for development of a Spectrum Management Program designed to provide more effective and efficient use of the radio spectrum through the introduction of system engineering concepts and decentralized frequency assignment techniques; makes recommendations to the Chairman and Commission on policies, rules and regulations concerning decentralized frequency management; carries out research and development projects and systems engineering projects required to implement the Spectrum Management Program; develops data banks and data processing systems for decentralized frequency managment; and establishes and operates regional spectrum management centers. [36 F.R. 2561, Feb. 6, 1971] $ 0.41 OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL 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 Commmission with respect to proposed legislation and to coordinate the preparation of Commission views thereon for submission to Congress. (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 Chief Engineer 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 Chief Engineer; and, in collaboration with the Office of Chief Engineer, to develop appropriate recommendations for Commission action. (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 prepare the bound volumes of the FCC Reports. (o) To review the national security aspects of applications for commercial operator licenses or permits forwarded to it by the Field Engineering Bureau, and of applications for amateur operator and station licenses submitted to it by the Safety and Special Radio Services Bureau. (p) To develop and administer, with guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner and in coordination with the Broadcast, Cable Television and Common Carrier Bureaus, an equal employment opportunity program for industries regulated by those bureaus; to assure consistency of equal employment opportunity plans developed by the bureaus with policies and objectives of the program; to review the implementation of EEO plans and their success in achieving the objectives of the program; to recommend such changes in the program as may be appropriate; and to maintain liaison with those who are subject to EEO plans and with State and local agencies, community groups, and industry associations which are concerned with the provision of equal employment opportunities. [28 FR 12392, Nov. 22, 1963; 37 FR 19372, Sept. 20, 1972, as amended at 38 FR 12743, May 15, 1973] 0.42 Units in the Office. The Office of General Counsel is divided into the following units: (a) Immediate Office of the General Counsel. (b) Litigation Division. (c) Legislation Division. (d) Administrative Law and Treaties Division. (e) Enforcement and Defense Division. § 0.43 Immediate Office of the General Counsel. The Immediate Office of the General Counsel directs and coordinates the functions of the Office. § 0.44 Litigation Division. The Litigation Division advises and represents the Commission in all matters of litigation to which the Commission is a party, advises the Commission as to legal questions involved in proposed actions and policies in the light of past and pending litigation, and conducts research in legal matters as directed by the General Counsel. § 0.45 Legislation Division. The Legislation Division advises and makes recommendations to the Commission with respect to proposed legislation and coordinates the preparation of Commission views thereon for submission to Congress, interprets statutes affecting the Commission, and conducts research in legal matters as directed by the General Counsel. § 0.46 Administrative Law and Treaties Division. The Administrative Law and Treaties Division has the following duties and responsibilities: (a) To conduct research in legal matters and prepare legal opinions as directed by the General Counsel. (b) To participate in international conferences and in the implementation of international agreements, and to interpret international agreements and international regulations affecting the Commission. (c) To prepare and/or coordinate recomendations concerning procedural rules of general applicability, and to maintain liaison with Government agencies and private organizations concerned with improving the Commission's procedures. (d) To coordinate rule making matters and proceedings affecting more than one Bureau. (e) In cooperation with the Office of Chief Engineer, to participate in general frequency allocation proceedings affecting more than one Bureau and in rule making proceedings involving Parts 5. 15, or 18 of this chapter. (f) To cooperate with the Common Carrier Bureau and the Office of Chief Engineer on matters pertaining to satellite communications. (g) To study and develop recommendations with regard to the licensing practices of patentees and assignees in communications services regulated by the Commission. (h) To perform any additional functions assigned to it by the General Counsel. § 0.47 Enforcement and Defense Division. The Enforcement and Defense Division has the following duties and responsibilities: (a) To advise the Commission and to take action, usually upon recommendations submitted by the operating bureaus, as to civil and criminal proceedings to enforce the Communications Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission, and Commission orders in the courts of the United States. (b) To interpret statutes and executive orders affecting the Commission's national defense responsibilities, and to perform the functions of the Office of General Counsel involving implementation of such statutes and executive orders. |