FCC Organization, Delegations of Authority, and Procedures

PODCAST: The eCFR :: 47 CFR Part 0 — Commission Organization document outlines the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) organizational structure, detailing the roles and responsibilities of its various offices, bureaus, and individual commissioners. It emphasizes the delegation of authority within the Commission, clarifying which matters are handled by the Chairperson, specific bureaus (like Media, Wireless, or Enforcement), and staff, versus those requiring the full Commission’s decision. A significant portion also addresses public access to information, delineating procedures for inspecting both routinely available and confidential records, as well as the conditions under which information can be withheld or shared with other government agencies, reflecting the FCC’s commitment to transparency tempered by legal and policy considerations.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is comprised of five members who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, each serving a five-year term. One of these members is designated by the President to serve as the Chairperson, who acts as the chief executive officer.

The Chairperson’s duties and responsibilities include:

• Presiding at all Commission meetings and sessions.
• Representing the Commission in matters related to legislation and legislative reports, with other Commissioners having the right to present their own or minority views.
• Serving as the Commission’s representative in conferences or communications with other governmental officers, departments, or agencies.
• Coordinating and organizing the Commission’s work to promote prompt and efficient disposition of matters within its jurisdiction.
• Temporarily designating one of its members to act as Chairperson in case of a vacancy or the Chairperson’s absence or inability to serve.
• Being responsible for the general administration of the Commission’s internal affairs, including routine and non-routine actions, and developing proposals for policy determinations.
• Acting as “Head of the Agency” for administrative determinations under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Federal Management Circulars, and the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996.

The Commission is further supported by various principal staff units, which are divided into Offices and Bureaus, with their organization and functions described in detail within the Code of Federal Regulations:

• Office of Managing Director
  • Serves as the chief operating and executive official under the Chairperson’s supervision.
  • Provides managerial leadership and supervision over the Commission’s Bureaus and Offices regarding management and administrative matters (excluding substantive regulatory matters).
  • Formulates and administers management and administrative policies, programs, and directives, and recommends major changes.
  • Advises on management, administrative, and related matters, reviews programs and procedures, and recommends program priorities and resource allocations.
  • Plans and administers the Commission’s performance review and program evaluation systems.
  • Directs agency efforts to improve management effectiveness, operational efficiency, employee productivity, and public service.
  • Manages administrative affairs including personnel, training, budget, financial management, information management, procurement, office space, security, and international telecommunications settlements.
  • Interprets rules and regulations pertaining to fees, with the concurrence of the General Counsel.
  • Advises on the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program.
  • The Secretary, under the Managing Director’s supervision, acts as the official custodian of Commission documents, manages the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), and maintains public inspection files.
  • The Chief Information Officer, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer, plays a significant role in annual and multi-year IT planning, budgeting, management, governance, and hiring of IT personnel.
  • Is delegated authority to act on requests for waiver, reduction, or deferment of fees, establish payment dates, and issue notices for fee schedule amendments.
  • Has authority for non-substantive, editorial revisions of Commission rules.
  • Is delegated authority to grant tort claims against the Commission up to $5,000 (with General Counsel concurrence) and claims under the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees’ Claims Act up to $6,500.
  • Acts as Head of the Procurement Activity and Contracting Officer.
  • Performs administrative determinations under the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, including collecting and compromising claims.
  • Establishes, renews, and terminates Federal advisory committees and exercises management responsibilities under the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
  • Has authority to issue subpoenas for oversight of USF programs and other financial assistance programs, and review of financial and operational matters, with General Counsel approval.
• Office of Inspector General
  • Directly responsible to the Chairperson.
  • Provides policy direction and conducts, supervises, and coordinates audits and investigations related to the FCC’s programs and operations.
  • Reviews legislation and regulations, making recommendations for economy, efficiency, fraud prevention, and abuse detection.
  • Keeps the Chairperson and Congress informed about fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies, recommending and reporting on corrective actions.
• Office of Media Relations
  • Enhances public understanding of Commission regulatory requirements through information dissemination to the news media.
  • Acts as the principal channel for communicating information to the news media on FCC policies, programs, and activities.
  • Advises the Commission on information dissemination and manages the FCC’s Internet site and web standards.
  • Maintains liaison with the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau on press and media issues concerning consumer assistance.
  • Manages the FCC’s audio/visual support services and liaises regarding the broadcast of Commission proceedings.
• Office of Legislative Affairs
  • Directly responsible to the Commission.
  • Advises and makes recommendations on legislation proposed by Congress or the Executive Branch and coordinates FCC views.
  • Coordinates with the Office of General Counsel on responses to Congressional or Executive Branch inquiries about Commission policies.
  • Assists in preparing the annual report to Congress, Commission budget, appropriations legislation, and Commission appearances before Congressional Committees.
  • Coordinates the annual Commission legislative program and responses to inquiries from individual members of Congress.
  • Coordinates with the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau on informal consumer complaints and general inquiries.
• Office of International Affairs
  • Initiates and directs the development and articulation of international telecommunications policies.
  • Advises on international telecommunications policy and the adequacy of Commission actions to promote American public interests.
  • Represents the Commission on international communications matters, including spectrum allocation and frequency coordination at domestic and international conferences.
  • Directs and coordinates the negotiation of international agreements for radio frequency assignments.
  • Ensures fulfillment of the Commission’s responsibilities under international agreements and treaty obligations.
  • Serves as the single focal point for cooperation and consultation on international telecommunications matters with other Federal agencies, international/foreign organizations, and foreign governments.
  • Develops, recommends, and administers policies for international telecommunications facilities and services, submarine cables, international broadcast services, and foreign ownership issues.
  • Monitors compliance and pursues enforcement actions.
  • Develops and administers regulatory assistance and training programs for foreign administrations.
  • Provides advice and technical assistance to U.S. trade officials on communications trade agreements.
  • Conducts economic, legal, technical, and statistical studies in support of international telecommunications policies.
  • Collects and disseminates information and data on international communications.
  • Coordinates with the Office of Legislative Affairs on international policy matters.
  • Advises on international travel priorities and manages international standards activities.
  • Issues orders revoking common carrier operating authority in specific non-hearing cases.
  • Exercises authority to issue non-hearing related subpoenas with General Counsel approval.
  • Coordinates with the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau on public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management, and disaster management issues.
  • Is delegated authority to administer parts of chapter 2 dealing with international treaties and call sign provisions, and to make call sign assignments.
  • Makes technical and ministerial edits to rules related to foreign ownership policies.
• Office of Economics and Analytics
  • Advises and makes recommendations in areas of economic and data analysis and data management policy.
  • Reviews all Commission actions involving significant economic or data analysis and provides expertise and assistance.
  • Coordinates the Commission’s research and development activities related to economic and data analysis.
  • Serves as a principal resource for auction design, implementation, and administration.
  • Establishes and implements Commission data management policies.
  • Prepares a rigorous, economically-grounded cost-benefit analysis for major rulemakings.
  • Manages the Commission’s economic and data analysis research programs.
  • Coordinates with other Bureaus and Offices on communications policy issues involving economic and data analysis.
  • Seeks to ensure FCC policy promotes competitive markets.
  • Provides federal staff support for the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service and the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations.
  • Provides economic, financial, and technical analyses of communications markets and provider performance.
  • Prepares briefings, position papers, and proposed Commission actions.
  • Is delegated authority to deny or extend time for comments, dismiss repetitive rulemaking petitions, and dismiss/deny petitions for reconsideration.
  • Has authority for non-substantive, editorial revisions to specific parts of the Commission’s rules.
• Office of Engineering and Technology
  • Evaluates evolving technology for interference potential and facilitates its introduction.
  • Represents the Commission at national and international conferences devoted to communications progress and technical standards.
  • Conducts scientific and technical studies in advanced phases of terrestrial and space communications.
  • Advises the Commission on engineering matters, including privacy and security of communications.
  • Develops and implements procedures to acquire, store, and retrieve scientific and technical information.
  • Advises and represents the Commission on frequency allocation and spectrum usage matters.
  • Collaborates with other Bureaus on general frequency allocation proceedings and rulemaking affecting multiple Bureaus.
  • Administers parts 2, 5, 15, and 18 of the chapter, including licensing, recordkeeping, and rulemaking.
  • Performs engineering and management functions for rules, technical standards, and policies for parts 15, 18, and § 63.100, and for type approval/acceptance/certification of radio equipment.
  • Maintains liaison with other government agencies, foreign technical experts, and industry.
  • Calibrates and standardizes technical equipment used by the Commission.
  • Assists the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau on informal consumer complaints and inquiries.
  • Is delegated authority to adopt technical standards for hearing aid compatibility.
  • Administers the Equipment Authorization program.
  • Administers the Experimental Radio licensing program.
  • Is authorized to dismiss or deny repetitive or moot petitions for rulemaking.
  • Authorized to enter agreements with NIST and other accreditation bodies for test laboratory accreditation and TCBs (Telecommunication Certification Bodies).
  • Administers the database functions for unlicensed devices operating in television broadcast bands.
  • Jointly with the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, administers the Spectrum Access System (SAS) and SAS Administrator functions.
  • Administers the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system and AFC system operator functions.
  • Jointly with the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, establishes and administers review processes for point-to-endpoint-in-motion communications in specific GHz bands.
  • Jointly with the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, administers the Dynamic Frequency Management System (DFMS) and DFMS Administrator functions.
• Office of General Counsel
  • Advises and represents the Commission in litigation.
  • Advises on proposed legislation and submits agency views.
  • Interprets statutes, international agreements, and international regulations affecting the Commission.
  • Prepares and makes recommendations concerning procedural rules of general applicability and reviews all rules for consistency and legal sufficiency.
  • Conducts research in legal matters.
  • Cooperates with the Office of Engineering and Technology on general frequency allocation proceedings and other matters affecting multiple bureaus.
  • Cooperates with the Space Bureau on space policy and satellite communications.
  • Interprets statutes and executive orders affecting the Commission’s national defense responsibilities.
  • Performs all legal functions related to leases, contracts, tort claims, and other internal legal problems.
  • Issues determinations regarding the interception and recording of telephone conversations by Commission personnel.
  • Advises on ethics regulations and the implementation/administration of the Freedom of Information (FOIA), Privacy, Government in the Sunshine, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Acts.
  • Assists the Commission and individual Commissioners in disposing of adjudication cases and other hearing-designated cases.
  • Serves as the principal operating office on ex parte matters involving restricted proceedings, reviewing and disposing of all ex parte communications.
  • Acts as the “designated agency ethics official”.
  • Is delegated authority to act on requests for extension of time for filings, and to dismiss repetitive petitions for reconsideration or rulemaking.
  • In adjudicatory hearing proceedings before the Commission en banc, acts on requests for relief and issues appropriate orders (excluding final disposition on the merits of basic or comparative qualifications).
  • Makes every effort to submit draft orders within four months of the last responsive pleading in adjudicatory proceedings.
  • Is delegated authority to issue rulings on violations of ex parte rules and impose appropriate sanctions, referring forfeiture matters to the Enforcement Bureau.
  • Is delegated authority to make determinations regarding and waive the applicability of section 4(b) of the Communications Act and federal conflict of interest statutes.
  • Performs administrative determinations under the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, including collecting and compromising claims (excluding waiver authority under 31 U.S.C. 3720B).
  • Acts as the Commission’s Chief FOIA Officer, with authority to dismiss untimely, repetitious, or non-specific FOIA applications for review.
  • Decides requests for fee waiver or reduction for FOIA requests.
• Space Bureau (formerly International Bureau)
  • Develops, recommends, and administers policies, rules, standards, and procedures for the authorization and regulation of domestic and international satellite systems.
  • Monitors compliance and pursues enforcement actions related to its authorizations and licenses.
  • Facilitates the international coordination of U.S. spectrum allocations for space-based services and frequency/orbital assignments.
  • Directs and coordinates negotiation of arrangements for radio frequency assignments for space-based services.
  • Ensures fulfillment of Commission responsibilities under international agreements and treaty obligations related to space-based services, coordinating with the Office of International Affairs.
  • Oversees international consultation, coordination, and notification of U.S. frequency and orbital assignments.
  • Serves as a focal point for coordination with other U.S. government agencies on space policy, licensing, and governance.
  • Exercises authority to issue non-hearing related subpoenas for investigations within its jurisdiction, with Office of General Counsel approval.
  • Assists the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau on informal consumer complaints.
  • Coordinates with the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau on matters affecting public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management, disaster management, and related issues.
  • Is delegated authority to act upon applications for satellite systems and earth stations.
  • Notifies the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of U.S. terrestrial and satellite assignments.
  • Interprets and enforces rules under its jurisdiction not within the Enforcement Bureau’s jurisdiction.
• Media Bureau
  • Develops, recommends, and administers policy and licensing programs for the regulation of media, including cable television, broadcast television and radio, and satellite services.
  • Advises and acts on matters pertaining to multichannel video programming distribution, broadcast radio and television, and direct broadcast satellite service policy.
  • Processes applications for authorization, assignment, transfer, and renewal of media services (AM, FM, TV, cable TV relay service).
  • Conducts rulemaking proceedings concerning legal, engineering, and economic aspects of media service.
  • Administers and enforces rules and policies regarding political programming and children’s television programming commercial limits.
  • Administers and enforces rules and policies for radio and television broadcast industry services, cable television systems (including rates, technical standards, customer service, ownership, competition, signal retransmission, program access), open video systems, preemption of restrictions on over-the-air reception devices, commercial availability of navigational devices, accessibility of video programming to persons with disabilities, program access and carriage, Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act, and post-licensing for satellite consumer broadcast services.
  • Conducts rulemaking and policy proceedings regarding pole attachments.
  • Processes and acts on various applications, petitions, complaints, and requests for rulings/stays.
  • Assists the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau on informal consumer complaints.
  • Exercises authority to issue non-hearing related subpoenas with General Counsel approval.
  • Coordinates with the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau on public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management, and disaster management issues.
  • Is delegated authority for rulemaking involving the allotment of FM and television channels.
• Office of Workplace Diversity
  • Develops, coordinates, evaluates, and recommends policies, programs, and practices that foster a diverse workforce and promote equal opportunity for all employees and applicants.
  • Leads, advises, and assists the Commission in promoting inclusion and full participation of all employees.
  • Conducts independent analyses of policies and practices to ensure diversity and equal opportunity.
  • Advises on responsibilities under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Rehabilitation Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Executive Order 11478, and other EEO/civil rights statutes.
  • Serves as the principal advisor to the Chairperson and Commission officials on all aspects of workplace diversity, affirmative recruitment, EEO, non-discrimination, and civil rights.
  • Manages the Commission’s equal employment opportunity compliance program, including processing and mediating complaints, recommending final decisions, and providing counseling services.
  • Develops and administers the Commission’s program of accessibility and accommodation for disabled persons.
  • Represents the Commission at meetings with public and private groups on workplace diversity and EEO.
• Wireline Competition Bureau
  • Advises and makes recommendations on the regulation and licensing of communications common carriers and ancillary operations (excluding wireless).
  • Develops policy goals, objectives, programs, and plans for wireline telecommunications.
  • Acts on requests for interpretation or waiver of rules.
  • Administers provisions of the Communications Act regarding just and reasonable charges, practices, classifications, and regulations of common carriers providing interstate and foreign services.
  • Acts on applications for service and facility authorizations, including from Bell operating companies and for transfers/discontinuance of service.
  • Develops and administers rules and policies related to incumbent local exchange carrier accounting.
  • Develops and administers recordkeeping and reporting requirements for telecommunications carriers, interconnected VoIP service, and broadband services.
  • Provides federal staff support for the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service and the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations.
  • Reviews deployment of advanced telecommunications capability.
  • Provides economic, financial, and technical analyses of telecommunications markets and carrier performance.
  • Interacts with the public, state, local, and other governmental agencies and industry groups on wireline telecommunications regulation.
  • Assists the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau on informal consumer complaints.
  • Reviews and coordinates orders affecting wireline telecommunications to ensure consistency with overall Commission policy.
  • Addresses audit findings related to the schools and libraries support mechanism.
  • Coordinates with the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau on public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management, and disaster management issues.
  • Coordinates with the Office of Economics and Analytics and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau on the use of market-based mechanisms for universal service support.
  • Issues orders revoking common carrier operating authority in specific non-hearing cases.
  • Reviews and resolves appeals of STIR/SHAKEN authentication framework Governance Authority decisions.
  • Is delegated authority to issue non-hearing related subpoenas with Office of General Counsel approval.
  • Is delegated authority to enter into agreements with NIST for Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs).
  • Is delegated authority to act on applications for exempt telecommunications company status.
• Office of Communications Business Opportunities
  • Develops, coordinates, evaluates, and recommends policies, programs, and practices that promote participation by small entities, women, and minorities in the communications industry.
  • Leads, advises, and assists the Commission in ensuring competitive concerns of these groups are considered in rulemakings.
  • Conducts independent analyses of Commission policies and practices to ensure they consider the interests of small entities, women, and minorities.
  • Manages the Regulatory Flexibility Analysis process.
  • Develops and recommends Commission-wide goals and objectives for addressing the concerns of these groups.
  • Acts as the principal channel for disseminating information regarding FCC activities and programs affecting small entities, women, and minorities.
  • Promotes increased awareness within the Commission of policy impact on these groups.
  • Acts as the Commission’s liaison to other federal agencies on small business matters.
• Enforcement Bureau
  • Serves as the primary Commission entity responsible for enforcement of the Communications Act, other statutes, Commission rules, orders, and authorizations (excluding matters addressed in pending applications or licensing/registration administration).
  • Resolves various types of complaints, including those regarding common carriers, non-common carriers (Title II), accessibility for persons with disabilities, radiofrequency interference, Emergency Alert System rules, tower lighting/marking, indecent communications, children’s television programming commercial limits, unauthorized construction/operation, and false distress signals.
  • Handles pole attachment complaints and complaints related to multichannel video and cable television service.
  • Resolves universal service suspension and debarment proceedings.
  • Upon referral from the General Counsel, imposes sanctions for violations of ex parte rules.
  • Identifies and analyzes complaint information, conducts investigations and external audits.
  • Issues or drafts orders, including admonishments, damage awards, notices of violation, notices of apparent liability, hearing designation orders, and consent decrees.
  • Encourages cooperative compliance efforts and mediates/settles disputes.
  • Responsible for rulemaking proceedings regarding general enforcement policies and procedures.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for coordinating enforcement matters with other federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as foreign governments.
  • Resolves complaints alleging violations of open Internet rules and conducts audits/investigations regarding EEO requirements for Title III licensees/MVPDs.
  • Identifies suspected illegal calls and texts and provides written notice to providers.
  • Takes enforcement action related to the Robocall Mitigation Database, including de-listing providers and revoking section 214 authorizations for repeated violations of robocall rules.
  • Resolves complaints alleging violations of digital discrimination of access.
  • Serves as a party in hearing proceedings.
  • Coordinates with the Office of International Affairs on international monitoring and interference resolution.
  • Provides field support and representation.
  • Has authority to issue non-hearing related subpoenas with General Counsel approval.
  • Conducts annual registration and selects a consortium for robocall traceback.
  • Maintains field offices throughout the United States, including protected field offices at specific geographical coordinates.
• Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
  • Develops, recommends, and administers programs and policies for the regulation of domestic wireless telecommunications services and ancillary operations (excluding satellite communications).
  • Advises and acts on licensing and regulation of wireless telecommunications, including policy development, rulemaking, adjudicatory proceedings, waivers, applications for authorization, and compliance/enforcement activities.
  • Develops policy goals for meeting present and future wireless telecommunications needs, fostering economic growth, promoting efficiency in spectrum use, ensuring choice and opportunity, and encouraging investment in infrastructure.
  • Serves as a staff resource, in coordination with the Office of Economics and Analytics, for spectrum auction development and implementation.
  • Regulates charges, practices, and conditions for wireless telecommunications services.
  • Develops policies, rules, standards, procedures, and forms for the authorization and regulation of wireless telecommunications facilities and services.
  • Coordinates with the Space Bureau regarding frequency assignment, coordination, and interference.
  • Develops responses to legislative, regulatory, or judicial inquiries affecting wireless telecommunications.
  • Develops policies for collaboration and coordination between federal and state agencies on wireless issues.
  • Develops and recommends policies to ensure interference-free operation of wireless telecommunications equipment and networks.
  • Advises and assists consumers, businesses, and other government agencies on wireless telecommunications issues.
  • Administers the Commission’s commercial radio operator program (part 13), antenna structure registration, construction, marking, and lighting (part 17), and privatized ship radio inspection program (part 80).
  • Coordinates with the Office of International Affairs on treaty activities and international conferences concerning wireless telecommunications.
  • Certifies frequency coordinators and oversees their actions.
  • Administers the Commission’s amateur radio programs (part 97) and the issuing of maritime mobile service identities (MMSIs).
  • Exercises authority to issue non-hearing related subpoenas with Office of General Counsel approval.
  • Certifies volunteer entities for amateur station special event call signs.
  • Coordinates with the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau on public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management, and disaster management issues.
  • Extends Communications Act Safety Radiotelephony Certificates and grants emergency exemptions or waivers for ship inspections.
  • Jointly with the Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology, administers provisions for registration of event sites using wireless microphones.
  • Jointly with the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, is delegated authority to administer provisions related to Band Managers.
• Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
  • Develops and administers the Commission’s consumer and governmental affairs policies and initiatives.
  • Enhances public understanding of the Commission’s work and facilitates agency relationships with other governmental agencies and organizations.
  • Responsible for rulemaking proceedings regarding general consumer education policies and procedures.
  • Serves as the primary Commission entity for communicating with the general public regarding Commission policies, programs, and activities.
  • Administers the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program.
  • Advises and assists the public, state and local governments, and other governmental agencies on consumer matters.
  • Initiates, reviews, and coordinates actions regarding consumer education policies, and provides expert advice on disability and accessibility requirements.
  • Collects and analyzes information from industry, other Bureaus, media, and informal consumer inquiries/complaints; identifies consumer trends.
  • Researches, develops, and distributes materials to inform consumers and promote their participation in Commission activities.
  • Ensures alternative translations of Commission materials are available.
  • Plans and conducts consumer outreach and education initiatives.
  • Provides informal mediation and resolution of individual informal consumer inquiries and complaints.
  • Develops and fosters partnerships with state regulatory entities for information sharing.
  • Provides leadership for dissemination of consumer information via the Internet.
  • Handles Congressional and other correspondence related to specific informal consumer complaints.
  • Is delegated authority to develop, administer, and manage the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program, including issuing Notices of Funding Opportunity and making grant awards.
• Office of Administrative Law Judges
  • Composed of Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) qualified and appointed to hear and conduct adjudicatory cases designated for hearing, except those heard by the Commission en banc or by Commissioners.
  • Responsible for conducting other assigned hearing proceedings.
  • A presiding officer (other than the Commission) acts on all motions, petitions, and matters arising during a hearing proceeding until an initial decision is issued or the record is certified to the Commission.
  • May waive any rule governing Commission hearings for good cause.
  • May issue orders and conduct proceedings to best dispatch business and achieve justice.
  • For program carriage complaints, presiding officers are to release initial decisions within specified deadlines, with provisions for tolling.
• Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
  • Advises and makes recommendations on public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management and preparedness, disaster management, and ancillary operations.
  • Coordinates public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management, and disaster management activities within the Commission.
  • Develops, recommends, and administers policy goals, objectives, rules, regulations, programs, and plans to promote effective and reliable communications for public safety (e.g., 911, E911, emergency numbers, alert and warning systems like EAS).
  • Coordinates national security and emergency preparedness under the general direction of the Defense Commissioner.
  • Develops and administers rules and policies for priority emergency communications, including the Telecommunications Service Priority System.
  • The Chief, or designee, acts as FCC Alternate Homeland Security and Defense Coordinator and principal to the National Communications System.
  • Conducts rulemaking proceedings and acts on requests for interpretation or waiver of rules.
  • Advises and acts on the licensing and regulation of public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management and preparedness, and disaster management wireless telecommunications.
  • Conducts studies and administers recordkeeping and reporting requirements for communications companies pertaining to these issues, including communications disruption reporting.
  • Interacts with the public, state, local, and other governmental agencies and industry groups on these issues.
  • Maintains and operates the Commission’s public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management and preparedness, and disaster management facilities and operations, including the Communications Center and any Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
  • Develops and maintains the Commission’s plans and procedures for Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government functions.
  • Acts on emergency requests for Special Temporary Authority during non-business hours.
  • Oversees the Emergency Response Interoperability Center and establishes intergovernmental advisory committees.
  • Has authority to issue non-hearing related subpoenas with Office of General Counsel approval.
  • Administers the communications reliability and redundancy rules (part 9, subpart H) and ensures reliability of 911 service.
  • Jointly with the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, is delegated authority to administer provisions related to Band Managers.

The sources also refer to the Emergency Relocation Board which is convened if the full Commission or a quorum is unable to act due to an emergency. It comprises available Commissioners and senior officials, and can act upon matters normally handled by the Commission en banc, with some exceptions. It has the same jurisdiction and powers as the Commission for assigned functions.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) identifies several categories of records that are not routinely available for public inspection. These records are withheld based on statutory provisions or policy considerations, as detailed in § 0.457 of the Commission’s rules.

Here are the categories of records not routinely available for public inspection and the reasons for their withholding:

• Materials authorized by Executive Order (E.O.) to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy. This includes classified materials and information, such as maps showing the exact location of submarine cables and minutes of Commission actions on classified matters. Materials referred to another Federal agency for classification are also withheld while a determination is pending. This is based on 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(1) and 47 U.S.C. 154(j).
• Materials related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of the Commission. This is based on 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(2).
• Materials specifically exempted from disclosure by statute. This applies if the statute either requires the materials to be withheld without discretion or establishes specific criteria for withholding. Examples include:
  • Secret information affecting national defense under Section 4(j) of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 154(j)), such as maps of nationwide point-to-point microwave networks.
  • Records and data pertaining to the valuation of common carrier property if the Commission has ordered them withheld, though normally these are available. This is under Section 213 of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 213(f)).
  • Certain contracts, agreements, and arrangements between common carriers related to foreign wire or radio communication if their publication would disadvantage American companies against foreign competition and serving the public interest requires confidentiality. This is under Section 412 of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 412).
  • Information obtained during radio transmission monitoring activities that the Commission is prohibited from divulging, except for enforcement purposes. This is under Section 605 of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 605(a)).
  • Information prohibited from unauthorized disclosure by the Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. 1905).
• Trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from any person and privileged or confidential. This is based on 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4) and 18 U.S.C. 1905. Specific examples include:
  • Financial reports submitted by radio or television licensees.
  • Applications for equipment authorizations (e.g., type acceptance, certification) and related materials prior to the effective date of authorization. Portions of applications for equipment certification of scanning receivers are also withheld.
  • Information submitted in connection with audits, investigations, and examinations of records under 47 U.S.C. 220.
  • Programming contracts between programmers and multichannel video programming distributors.
  • Rates, terms, and conditions in agreements between U.S. and foreign carriers governing settlement of U.S.-international traffic, unless otherwise specified.
  • Outage reports filed under part 4 of the chapter.
  • Records of communications between the Commission and the ITU related to the international satellite coordination process, and documents prepared in connection with coordination, notification, and recording of frequency assignments and Plan modifications.
  • Information submitted with a 911 reliability certification consisting of descriptions of alternative measures, specific corrective actions, or supplemental requested information.
  • Confidential Broadcaster Information submitted in a broadcast television spectrum reverse auction, or in an application to participate, is generally not routinely available until certain conditions are met.
  • Copyrighted materials whose release would substantially harm the copyright holder’s market, unless considered fair use.
  • Lists and updates of U.S.-international routes for which a carrier has an arrangement with a foreign carrier for direct termination.
  • Any other materials that a submitter requests to be withheld under § 0.459, if it is demonstrated they contain trade secrets or privileged/confidential commercial, financial, or technical data. The Commission may also decide on its own motion to withhold materials in unusual instances.
• Interagency and intra-agency memoranda or letters and work papers of Commissioners or staff. These are generally privileged to encourage open internal communication, but will not be withheld if created 25 years or more before the request date. This is based on 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(5).
• Personnel, medical, and other files whose disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. This includes Official Personnel Folders, which are under the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and other records containing private, personal, or financial information. This is based on 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(6).
• Records compiled for law enforcement purposes. These are withheld to the extent their production could reasonably be expected to:
  • Interfere with enforcement proceedings.
  • Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication.
  • Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
  • Disclose the identity of a confidential source.
  • Disclose investigative techniques or procedures, or investigative guidelines that would risk circumvention of the law.
  • Endanger the life or physical safety of any individual. This is based on 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(7).

Requesting Non-Routinely Available Records: For records not routinely available for public inspection, a person must file a request for inspection that meets specific requirements, including a reasonable description of the records and a statement of reasons for inspection. These requests are typically filed electronically or mailed to the Managing Director, Attn: FOIA Request. The General Counsel serves as the Commission’s Chief FOIA Officer and handles applications for review of initial FOIA determinations. The FOIA Public Liaison is available to assist with such requests.

The safeguarding of Commission documents primarily falls under the responsibility of the Secretary.

Specifically, the sources indicate:

• The Secretary is the official custodian of the Commission’s documents.
• The Office of the Secretary also serves as the official FCC records custodian for designated records. This includes functions such as intake processing, organization and file maintenance, reference services, and the retirement and retrieval of records.
• The Secretary manages the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) and certifies records for adjudicatory and court proceedings.
• The Secretary is responsible for maintaining various manual and computerized files for public inspection, covering areas such as Broadcast Ownership, AM/FM/TV, Cable TV, Wireless, Auction, Common Carrier Tariff matters, International space station files, earth station files, DBS files, and other international files. They also maintain Time Brokerage and Affiliation Agreements, court citation files, and legislative histories concerning telecommunications dockets.
• The Secretary operates under the supervision of the Managing Director.
• The Secretary has the authority to appoint deputies for the custody and certification of documents located at established locations like Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

While the Secretary holds the primary role as custodian, the Reference Information Center also plays a crucial role in maintaining the official records of action for various bureaus and offices, including:

• The Space Bureau.
• The Office of Economics and Analytics.
• The Media Bureau.
• The Wireline Competition Bureau.
• The Enforcement Bureau.
• The Office of International Affairs.
• The record of actions taken by Administrative Law Judges.

The Reference Information Center provides public access to files for docketed cases, petitions for rulemaking, and related papers, and houses the Commission’s online public reference room.

The President designates one of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) members to serve as the Chairperson, who also acts as the chief executive officer of the Commission.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is composed of five (5) members. These members are appointed by the President and are subject to confirmation by the Senate. Normally, one Commissioner is appointed or reappointed each year for a term of five years.

The FCC Record is a publication that contains texts adopted by the Commission or a member of its staff on delegated authority and released through the Office of Media Relations.

Here are key details about the FCC Record:

• It is published biweekly in pamphlet form.
• Each biweekly pamphlet includes a table of contents and a current index.
• A consolidated index is published periodically.
• These pamphlets are available on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office.
• The FCC Record is a source for formal policy statements and interpretations that have general applicability, as well as Commission decisions and other documents that contain substantive interpretations and statements regarding policy.
• Documents published in the FCC Record (along with the Federal Register, FCC Reports, or Pike and Fischer Communications Regulation) may be relied upon, used, or cited as precedent by the Commission or private parties. If a document is not published in these venues, it cannot be relied upon or cited as precedent, except against persons with actual notice.
• Older materials that would typically be published in the FCC Record may be found in the FCC Reports; if not there, reference should be made to the Federal Register or Pike and Fischer Communications Regulation.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is organized as a multi-member body supported by various bureaus and staff offices, with distinct roles and responsibilities.

Here’s a breakdown of the Commission’s organization:

• Commissioners:
  • The FCC is comprised of five (5) members.
  • These members are appointed by the President and their appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.
  • Typically, one Commissioner is appointed or reappointed each year for a term of five years.
• The Chairperson:
  • One of the five Commission members is designated by the President to serve as the Chairperson.
  • The Chairperson also functions as the chief executive officer of the Commission.
  • Key duties of the Chairperson include:
    • Presiding over all meetings and sessions of the Commission.
    • Representing the Commission in matters related to legislation and legislative reports, although other Commissioners may present their own views.
    • Representing the Commission in communications and conferences with other governmental officers, departments, or agencies.
    • Coordinating and organizing the Commission’s work to ensure prompt and efficient disposition of matters.
  • In the event of a vacancy or the Chairperson’s absence, the Commission can temporarily designate one of its members to act as Chairperson. The Chairperson is also delegated responsibility for the general administration of internal affairs, including routine actions and developing proposals for the Commission on important matters.
• Principal Staff Units (Bureaus and Offices):
  • The Commission is assisted by its staff, which is divided into several principal units. These units perform specialized functions and include:
    • Office of Managing Director
    • Office of Engineering and Technology
    • Office of General Counsel
    • Office of Economics and Analytics
    • Office of Media Relations
    • Office of Legislative Affairs
    • Office of Inspector General
    • Office of Communications Business Opportunities
    • Office of Administrative Law Judges
    • Office of Workplace Diversity
    • Office of International Affairs (Note: While listed as a distinct office, some sections indicate its functions, particularly those related to satellite systems, are carried out by the Space Bureau, which is also listed as a separate bureau)
    • Wireline Competition Bureau
    • Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
    • Space Bureau
    • Media Bureau
    • Enforcement Bureau
    • Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
    • Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
• Delegations of Authority:
  • The Commission delegates authority to its staff to handle matters that are minor, routine, or settled, or those requiring immediate action.
  • Actions taken under this delegated authority have the same force and effect as actions taken by the full Commission but are subject to Commission review.
  • Staff units can also refer matters to the full Commission if they warrant higher-level consideration.
  • The Managing Director oversees the Bureaus and Offices on management and administrative matters, but not substantive regulatory policy or rulemaking.
  • The Secretary is the official custodian of the Commission’s documents.
• Commission Action Process:
  • Matters requiring full Commission action are addressed at regular monthly meetings or special meetings called for specific purposes.
  • Meetings are usually held at the Commission’s principal offices in Washington, DC, but can occur elsewhere.
  • Commission action can also occur “by circulation,” where a document is circulated to each Commissioner for approval.

The Chairperson of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) presides at all meetings and sessions of the Commission. The President designates one of the Commission’s five members to serve as the Chairperson, who also acts as the chief executive officer of the Commission.