The SPS will be responsible to the IRAC for the carrying out of those functions that relate to planning for the use of the electromagnetic spectrum in the National interest to include the apportionment of spectrum space for the support of established or anticipated radio services, as well as the apportionment of spectrum space between or among government and non-federal activities, and such other matters as the IRAC may direct.

In the furtherance of the above the SPS shall:

1. Maintain a continuing appraisal of the current and future needs of the various radio services and make recommendations to the IRAC for changes in the Table of Frequency Allocations or other actions, as appropriate;
2. Consider:
   1. Current and planned National and International frequency uses, and the optimum placement of radio services with a view to the most effective use of spectrum in the overall National interest;
   2. The anticipated needs of all radio services at various points in the future, e.g., 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ahead;
   3. New developments in existing services;
   4. New techniques, the application of which may require revision of the Table of Frequency Allocations;
   5. New services for which the current Table makes no provisions;
   6. Specific proposals for expansion, reduction, or other changes in the allocated frequency bands; and the International aspects of changes recommended to the IRAC.
3. In order to ensure electromagnetic compatibility among electronic systems and observance of the provisions of Section 8.2.5 of the NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management, develop procedures enabling the Subcommittee to:
   1. Develop and maintain pertinent documentation on all planned and operational satellite systems including their technical and operational characteristics;
   2. Ascertain in the early stages of system concept development, where compatibility may not exist;
   3. Make recommendations as to potential electromagnetic compatibility problem areas, and proposed courses of action to resolve these problems;
   4. Make recommendations as to technical parameters necessary to facilitate sharing between systems;
   5. Review as appropriate the effectiveness of existing systems with a view toward rectifying compatibility deficiencies.

The SPS shall consist of a representative appointed by each of the following member departments and agencies:

• Agriculture
• Air Force
• Army
• Broadcasting Board of Governors
• Coast Guard
• Commerce
• Energy
• Homeland Security
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Interior
• Justice
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• National Science Foundation
• Navy
• State
• Treasury
• Veterans Affairs

Liaison between the SPS and the FCC is effected by a representative appointed by the Commission to serve in that capacity.

The officers of the SPS shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and a Secretary.

Chairman: Stephen Butcher
Phone: 202-482-4163
Fax: (202) 482-2830
E-mail: sbutcher@ntia.doc.gov

Vice Chairman: Craig Scammon
Phone: 202-482-0734
Fax: (202) 482-2830
E-mail: cscammon@ntia.doc.gov

Secretary: Alan Frable
Phone: 202-482-1670
Fax: (202) 482-3790
E-mail: afrable@ntia.doc.gov

(See Chapter 1.4.2, Article V, Section 3 of the NTIA Manual for further details concerning the Bylaws of the Spectrum Planning Subcommittee.)