Sec. 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 communications policy; represent the Commission at 
appropriate discussions and conferences.
    (i) 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;  60 FR 5323 , Jan. 27, 1995]

                  Office of Engineering and Technology