Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee: IRAC Representatives Effectively Coordinate Federal Spectrum but Lack Seniority to Advise on Contentious Policy Issues;Report to the Congress

摘要

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) within the Department of Commerce manages the federal governments use of the radio frequency spectrum with coordination and policy input from the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC), comprised of 20 federal agencies that use spectrum. In recent years, the use of spectrum in wireless applications has expanded dramatically, leading occasionally to contentious disputes between government and commercial users over access to spectrum. Considering IRACs key role in spectrum management, Congress asked us to (1) describe the evolution of IRAC and (2) obtain IRAC agency representatives assessment of IRACs spectrum coordination and policy advice, role as an advisor, and whether IRAC needs to be reformed. GAO is recommending that the Secretary of Commerce: (1) seek IRACs assistance in establishing a set of best practices for training and succession planning to guide agencies participation in IRAC$ and, (2) establish a special IRAC committee comprised of senior level agency officials as needed to provide policy advice on contentious spectrum policy issues.In commenting on the report, the Department of Commerce indicated that it would prefer that a senior level advisory group be convened outside of IRAC.