	Introduction

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is a bureau in the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). As the agency responsible for managing spectrum used by federal agencies, the NTIA often works in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on matters concerning spectrum access, technology, and policy. OPAD supports the NTIA's role as principal adviser to the executive branch and the Secretary of Commerce on telecommunications and information policies by conducting research and analysis and preparing policy recommendations. The Office of Public Safety Communications, which was created by the NTIA at the end of 2012 to administer some provisions of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, Title VI, also known as the Spectrum Act. 112-96 ). Public Safety

The Spectrum Act has given the NTIA responsibilities support the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) in planning, building and managing a new, nationwide, broadband network for public safety communications. In managing proposals and contracts, it is to "take such other actions as may be necessary" to accomplish the network build-out. Improving the efficiency of federal spectrum use and management. Many of the NTIA's functions are performed in conjunction with other agencies. As an example, policy makers may wish to consider if some of the NTIA's shared obligations might be effectively and efficiently transferred to its partners, allowing the NTIA to focus on communications policies that are considered by many to be key to future economic growth and development. For purposes of oversight, Congress may—for example—choose to examine the efficacy of the NTIA's spectrum management activities, and to evaluate the agency's compliance with the Spectrum Act ( P.L. 112-96 , Title VI). Oversight might cover requirements of the act regarding the transfer of spectrum from federal to commercial use and the act's provisions for public safety.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a bureau of the Department of Commerce, is the executive branch's principal advisory office on domestic and international telecommunications and information policies. Its mandate is to provide greater access for all Americans to telecommunications services, support U.S. efforts to open foreign markets, advise on international telecommunications negotiations, and fund research for new technologies and their applications. NTIA also manages the distribution of funds for several key grant programs. Its role in managing radio frequency spectrum allocated for federal use includes addressing policies for sharing, and monitoring and resolving questions regarding usage, including causes of interference. It is responsible for identifying federal spectrum that can be transferred to commercial use through the auction of spectrum licenses, conducted by the Federal Communications Commission. Many of the NTIA's responsibilities are shared with other agencies.
With the passage of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96), in February 2012, Congress has given the NTIA new responsibilities in spectrum management and the support of public safety initiatives. The 113th Congress may wish to review the NTIA's performance in meeting its obligations under the act. Policy makers may also wish to consider if some of the NTIA's shared obligations might be effectively and efficiently transferred to its partners, allowing the NTIA to focus on communications policies that are considered by many to be key to future economic growth and development.
For purposes of oversight, Congress may—for example—choose to examine the efficacy of the NTIA's spectrum management activities, and to evaluate the agency's compliance with the Spectrum Act (P.L. 112-96, Title VI). Oversight might cover requirements of the act regarding the transfer of spectrum from federal to commercial use and the act's provisions for public safety. In particular, the NTIA may be impeding the progress of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) by restricting access to funds appropriated by Congress in the Spectrum Act, as well as other actions that have delayed hiring and procurement.