§  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 conferences and
   meetings (and, in consultation with the International Bureau, at
   various 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
   (in consultation with the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
   where appropriate) 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.

   (g) To render, in cooperation with the General Counsel and the Office
   of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis, 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
   formulation 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, 18 and § 63.100 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.

   (l) 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(c) of the Communications Act of 1934,
   as amended.

   (n) To assist the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau on issues
   involving informal consumer complaints and other general inquiries by
   consumers.

   (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;  60 FR 5323 , Jan. 27, 1995;  62 FR 4170 , Jan.
   29, 1997;  63 FR 37499 , July 13, 1998;  64 FR 60716 , Nov. 8, 1999;  67 FR 13217 , Mar. 21, 2002;  68 FR 11747 , Mar. 12, 2003;  69 FR 70337 , Dec. 3,
   2004;  71 FR 69034 , Nov. 29, 2006;  73 FR 9463 , Feb. 21, 2008]

Office of General Counsel