Summary

Creates an Office of Public Safety Communications inside the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) led by a career Associate Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary. The office will run federal Next Generation 9‑1‑1 grant programs, oversee the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), lead studies and prototype deployments of advanced public safety communications technologies, advise on policy matters, and perform an annual audit of FirstNet activities.

• Establishes an Office of Public Safety Communications inside NTIA led by a career Associate Administrator.
• The Associate Administrator reports to the Assistant Secretary and must be a career SES appointee.
• The office will administer federal Next Generation 9‑1‑1 (NG9‑1‑1) grant programs on behalf of the Assistant Secretary.
• Gives the office responsibility to manage and oversee the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).
• Directs the office to oversee studies, prototypes, and deployments of advanced public safety communications technologies.
• Requires an annual GAAP audit of FirstNet activities; the office may hire contractors under title 41 to assist.
• Charges the office with policy analysis and advising the Assistant Secretary about communications matters before the FCC, Congress, and other entities.
• Allows the office to communicate policies to public and private entities at the Assistant Secretary’s direction.
• Does not specify appropriations or funding levels; establishing the office creates new statutory responsibilities that may require budgetary action.