,i #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #dfgb ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,december #ah1 #bjag,ms4 ,eshoo 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,pallone1 and ,mrs4 ,torres7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to further deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services to enhance and upgrade the ,nation's #i-a-a systems1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,next ,generation #i-a-a ,act of #bjag4 #b4 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,the ,nation's #i-a-a systems1 while a model for the entire world1 lack the advanced functionality1 interoperability1 and capabilities that come with the adoption of new1 digital communications technologies4 7#b7 ,communications technologies currently available to the public1 including first responders and other public safety personnel1 have substantially outpaced the legacy communications technologies still used by most public safety answering points in the ,nation's #i-a-a systems4 7#c7 ,this lack of modern technology1 when coupled with other challenges1 is impacting the ability of the ,nation's #i-a-a systems to efficiently and effectively provide responses to emergencies4 7#d7 ,modernizing the ,nation's #i-a-a systems to incorporate the new and evolving capabilities of broadband voice and data communications is essential for the safety and security of the public1 including first responders and other public safety personnel4 7#e7 ,efforts to modernize the ,nation's #i-a-a systems to date1 while laudable and important1 have been limited due to a lack of funding and inconsistent or unclear policies related to the governance1 deployment1 and operations of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services4 7#f7 ,a nationwide strategy for ,next ,generation #i-a-a services has become essential to help guide the transition and create a common framework for implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services while preserving ,state1 regional1 and local control over the governance and technology choices of the ,nation's #i-a-a systems4 7#g7 ,accelerated implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services will-- 7,a7 increase compatibility with emerging communications trends2 7,b7 enhance the flexibility1 reliability1 and survivability of the ,nation's #i-a-a systems during major incidents2 7,c7 improve emergency response for the public1 including first responders and other public safety personnel2 7,d7 promote the functional interconnection of the ,nation's #i-a-a systems with the wireless nationwide public safety broadband network being deployed by the ,first ,responder ,network ,authority2 and 7,e7 increase the cost effectiveness of operating the ,nation's #i-a-a systems4 #c4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,nation's #i-a-a professionals perform important and lifesaving work every day1 and need the tools and communications technologies to perform the work effectively in a world with new1 digital communications technologies2 7#b7 the transition from the legacy communications technologies used in the ,nation's #i-a-a systems to ,next ,generation #i-a-a services is a national priority and a national imperative2 7#c7 the ,nation should complete the transition described in paragraph 7#b7 as soon as practicable1 with the goal of having full implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services not later than #aj years after the date of enactment of this ,act2 7#d7 the ,nation should develop a framework that facilitates cooperation among ,federal1 ,state1 and local officials on deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services in order to meet that goal2 and 7#e7 #i-a-a authorities and the public safety answering points should have sufficient resources to implement ,next ,generation #i-a-a services1 including resources to support associated geographic information systems 7commonly known as ,,gis71 cybersecurity measures1 and the necessary training and workforce to manage these advanced communications capabilities4 #d4 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states that-- 7#a7 ,next ,generation #i-a-a services should be technologically and competitively neutral2 7#b7 ,next ,generation #i-a-a services should have seamless interoperability1 including with respect to the transferability of information among public safety answering points2 7#c7 the design and implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services should conform to accredited1 non-proprietary1 consensus-based standards2 7#d7 the governance and control of the ,nation's #i-a-a systems1 including ,next ,generation #i-a-a services1 should remain at the ,state1 regional1 and local level2 and 7#e7 the ,american public should receive information on how to best utilize ,next ,generation #i-a-a services and on the capabilities and usefulness of those services4 #e4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,assistant ,secretary ,the term ,assistant ,secretary means the ,assistant ,secretary of ,commerce for ,communications and ,information4 7#b7 ,board ,the term ,board means the ,advisory ,board for ,next ,generation #i-a-a ,interoperability established under section #g of this ,act4 7#c7 ,first ,responder ,network ,authority ,the term ,first ,responder ,network ,authority has the meaning given the term in section #fjja of the ,middle ,class ,tax ,relief and ,job ,creation ,act of #bjab 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #adja74 7#d7 ,nationwide public safety broadband network ,the term nationwide public safety broadband network has the meaning given the term in section #fjja of the ,middle ,class ,tax ,relief and ,job ,creation ,act of #bjab 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #adja74 7#e7 ,next ,generation #i-a-a services ,the term ,next ,generation #i-a-a services has the meaning given the term in section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb71 as amended pursuant to this ,act4 7#f7 ,office ,the term ,office means the #i-a-a ,implementation ,coordination ,office established under section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb74 7#g7 ,public safety answering point ,the term public safety answering point has the meaning given the term in section #bbb of the ,communications ,act of #aicd 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #bbb74 7#h7 ,seamless interoperability ,the term seamless interoperability means that all networks1 services1 and equipment are interoperable and capable of seamlessly exchanging and processing data1 including interoperability among and between-- 7,a7 public service answering points2 7,b7 emergency services internet protocol networks2 7,c7 ,state1 regions1 localities1 and other jurisdictions2 7,d7 originating communications networks1 including wireline telecommunications networks1 wireless telecommunications networks1 internet service providers1 and voice over internet protocol service networks2 and 7,e7 the nationwide public safety broadband network4 #f4 #i-a-a ,implementation ,coordination ,office 7a7 ,additional responsibilities ,in addition to the responsibilities assigned to the ,office under section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb71 the ,office shall-- 7#a7 create a clearinghouse of information that contains resources and references for both technical and nontechnical aspects of development and deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services for ,federal1 ,state1 regional1 and local entities to assist with the development and deployment of such services2 7#b7 provide guidance to ,federal1 ,state1 regional1 and local entities with the development and deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services1 including with respect to-- 7,a7 model governance structures for ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 7,b7 network deployment models for seamless interoperability of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 and 7,c7 sustainable funding models for ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 7#c7 help ,federal1 ,state1 regional1 and local #i-a-a entities coordinate acquisitions and procurements related to the deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services1 including the development of model requests for proposals and related documents2 7#d7 work with the ,general ,services ,administration to determine the feasibility of allowing ,state1 regional1 and local entities to take advantage of any relevant ,general ,services ,administration blanket purchase agreements for acquisition of equipment related to ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 and 7#e7 work with all relevant ,federal departments and agencies that operate public safety answering points to promote implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services and effective seamless interoperability with other #i-a-a systems1 including ,next ,generation #i-a-a services operated by ,federal1 ,state1 regional1 and local entities4 7b7 ,coordination ,the ,office shall work with all relevant ,federal departments and agencies1 including the ,federal ,communications ,commission1 the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology1 the ,national ,highway ,traffic ,safety ,administration1 the ,first ,responder ,network ,authority1 and the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 to coordinate ,federal ,government activities related to the development and deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services at the ,federal1 ,state1 regional1 and local level4 7c7 ,annual reports 7#a7 ,in general ,beginning not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,office shall prepare a comprehensive report on the status of the implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services by ,federal1 ,state1 regional1 and local entities4 7#b7 ,publication ,each report under paragraph 7#a7 shall be published online and submitted to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#c7 ,combination of existing reports ,to the extent that the ,office is required by law to issue other reports1 such reports may be combined with a report under paragraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,submission of information ,the ,office may require1 as part of a grant issued by the ,office under this ,act or any other ,act1 that a grant recipient provide such information as the ,office considers necessary to prepare a report under paragraph 7#a74 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary4 7e7 ,repeal of sunset ,section #aeh7;d7 of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking 7#a7 ,in general4-- and indenting appropriately2 and 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#b74 #g4 ,advisory ,board for ,next ,generation #i-a-a ,interoperability 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established within the ,office the ,advisory ,board for ,next ,generation #i-a-a ,interoperability to recommend updates to the definition of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services under section #h4 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,voting members 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c71 not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,transportation1 shall appoint #ag voting members to the ,board4 7,b7 ,appointments ,in making appointments under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall appoint-- 7i7 #e members who represent #i-a-a professionals2 7ii7 #d members who represent companies offering services that originate communications to #i-a-a systems1 including wireline telecommunications providers1 wireless telecommunications providers1 internet service providers1 and voice over internet protocol service providers2 7iii7 #b members who represent manufacturers and vendors2 7iv7 #b members who represent companies with expertise in information technology1 networking1 and application development1 including consumer-focused technologies and services2 and 7v7 #d members who represent ,state1 regional1 or local #i-a-a entities and who reflect geographic and population density differences across the ,united ,states4 7,c7 ,required qualifications ,all voting members shall have-- 7i7 specific expertise and experience related to ,next ,generation #i-a-a systems2 and 7ii7 such other specific expertise as the ,secretary considers necessary1 such as technical expertise1 public safety communications expertise1 or commercial network experience4 7#b7 ,non-voting members ,the ,assistant ,secretary and the ,administrator of the ,national ,highway ,traffic ,safety ,administration shall each have the authority to appoint #a non-voting member to the ,board4 7#c7 ,period of appointment 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 each member of the ,board shall be appointed for the life of the ,board4 7,b7 ,removal for cause ,a member of the ,board may be removed for cause upon the determination of the ,office4 7#d7 ,vacancies ,a vacancy in the membership of the ,board-- 7,a7 shall not affect the powers of the ,board2 and 7,b7 shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment4 7#e7 ,chairperson and vice chairperson ,the ,board shall select a chairperson and vice chairperson from among the members of the ,board4 7#f7 ,quorum ,a majority of the members of the ,board shall constitute a quorum4 7#g7 ,travel expenses ,the members of the ,board shall be allowed travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter ,i of chapter #eg of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the ,board4 7c7 ,office participation ,the ,office may name #a employee of the ,office to serve as its liaison to the ,board and to assist the ,board as needed in carrying out its responsibilities under this section4 7d7 ,nonapplication of certain laws ,the following law1 including regulations1 shall not apply to the operations of the ,board3 7#a7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7#b7 ,chapter #e and chapter #g of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly known as the ,administrative ,procedure ,act74 7#c7 ,chapter #ce of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly known as the ,paperwork ,reduction ,act74 7#d7 ,federal ,acquisition ,regulations 7#dh ,c4,f4,r4 ch4 #a74 7e7 ,termination ,the ,board shall terminate on the date that is #ae days after the date the ,office approves the recommendations under section #h4 #h4 ,revised definition of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services 7a7 ,recommended updates to definition of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,board shall-- 7,a7 review the definition of the term ,next ,generation #i-a-a services in section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb72 7,b7 subject to paragraph 7#b71 recommend such updates to that definition as the ,board considers necessary2 and 7,c7 submit to the ,office the recommendations under subparagraph 7,b74 7#b7 ,considerations ,in recommending updates to the definition described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,board shall consider-- 7,a7 the need for the definition to-- 7i7 cover systems based on various internet protocols1 including ,transmission ,control ,protocol_/,internet ,protocol 7or any corresponding similar communication language or protocol of the internet72 7ii7 include support for all forms of emergency communications technologies2 7iii7 ensure seamless interoperability2 7iv7 incorporate the need to provide a secure environment for emergency communications1 including relevant cybersecurity measures2 and 7v7 incorporate the need to include support for geographic information systems2 and 7,b7 such other issues as the ,board considers relevant to the definition4 7b7 ,approval of recommendations 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 not later than #de days after the date the ,board submits the recommendations under subsection 7a77#a71 the ,office shall approve the recommendations1 with any revisions it considers necessary1 and transmit the recommendations to the ,assistant ,secretary and the ,administrator of the ,national ,highway ,traffic ,safety ,administration4 7#b7 ,public comment 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall provide the public with notice and an opportunity to comment on the recommendations developed by the ,board under this section prior to their approval4 7,b7 ,further ,board consideration ,after such public comment period has closed1 the ,office may refer questions raised by those comments to the ,board for further consideration1 including amendment of the recommendations submitted by the ,board4 7c7 ,revision of definition ,the ,assistant ,secretary and the ,administrator of the ,national ,highway ,traffic ,safety ,administration shall revise the definition of the term ,next ,generation #i-a-a services in section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb71 based on the approved recommendations under subsection 7b7 of this section1 as part of the rulemaking under section #i7;e7 of this ,act4 7d7 ,conforming amendment 7#a7 ,in general ,section #aeh7;e77#e7 of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb7;e77#e77 is amended to read as follows3 7#e7 ,next ,generation #i-a-a services ,the term ,next ,generation #i-a-a services has the meaning given the term by the ,assistant ,secretary and the ,administrator of the ,national ,highway ,traffic ,safety ,administration in the final rule published under section #h7;c7 of the ,next ,generation #i-a-a ,act of #bjag4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendment under paragraph 7#a7 of this subsection shall take effect on the date that a final rule is published under subsection 7c74 #i4 ,next ,generation #i-a-a grant program 7a7 ,grant requirements 7#a7 ,single point of contact ,section #aeh7;b77#c77;,a7 of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb7;b77#c77;,a77 is amended by amending clause 7ii7 to read as follows3 7ii7 has designated a single officer or governance body to serve as the ,state point of contact to coordinate the implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services for that ,state2 4 7#b7 ,additional requirements ,section #aeh7;b77#c77;,a7 of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb7;b77#c77;,a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in clause 7iii71 by striking 2 and and inserting a semicolon2 7,b7 in clause 7iv71 by striking or at the end2 and 7,c7 adding at the end the following3 7v7 has developed and submitted a ,state plan for deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services that-- 7,i7 uses an accredited1 non-proprietary1 consensus-based1 standards-based approach in the design1 deployment1 and implementation of all aspects of such services2 7,,ii7 incorporates the use of effective cybersecurity resources2 7,,iii7 uses open and competitive request for proposal processes1 or the applicable ,state equivalent1 for deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 7,,iv7 includes input from relevant public safety answering points1 regional authorities1 local authorities1 and tribal authorities2 7,v7 includes a governance body or bodies for the development and deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services that-- 7aa7 includes relevant stakeholders2 and 7bb7 consults and coordinates with the ,state point of contact required by clause 7ii72 and 7,,vi7 ensures sufficient staffing and training of staff at all levels to ensure the effectiveness of all aspects of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 or 4 7b7 ,grant commitments ,section #aeh7;b7 of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,additional grant certifications ,in addition to the certification required under subsection 7c77#b71 each applicant for a matching grant under this section1 at the time of application1 and each applicant that receives a grant shall certify that-- 7,a7 any funds received by the applicant will be utilized to support deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services that comply with accredited1 non-proprietary1 consensus-based standards and feature seamless interoperability 7as defined in section #e of the ,next ,generation #i-a-a ,act of #bjag72 7,b7 the applicant has taken all necessary steps to ensure that there is a sustainable funding mechanism for the ,next ,generation #i-a-a services to be deployed pursuant to the grant to support continued operations1 maintenance1 and upgrades2 7,c7 the applicant will coordinate with the ,first ,responder ,network ,authority to ensure that the implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services will be fully interoperable with the nationwide public safety broadband network 7as defined in section #fjja of the ,middle ,class ,tax ,relief and ,job ,creation ,act of #bjab 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #adja772 7,d7 the applicant has or will take steps to coordinate with adjoining ,states to establish and maintain interoperable and interconnected ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 and 7,e7 the applicant has developed a plan for public outreach and education on how to best utilize ,next ,generation #i-a-a services and on the capabilities and usefulness of those services4 7#f7 ,prohibition ,no grant funds under this subsection may be used-- 7,a7 for any component of the nationwide public safety broadband network 7as defined in section #fjja of the ,middle ,class ,tax ,relief and ,job ,creation ,act of #bjab 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #adja772 or 7,b7 to make any payments to a person who has been1 for reasons of national security1 prohibited by any department or agency of the ,federal ,government from bidding on a contract1 participating in an auction1 or receiving a grant4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendments ,section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking 2 and and inserting a semicolon2 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 administrative costs associated with planning and implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services1 including related to planning for and preparing an application and related materials as required by this section1 if-- 7i7 such costs are fully documented in materials submitted to the ,office2 and 7ii7 such costs are reasonable and necessary and do not exceed #e percent of the total grant award4 2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c77;,b71 by striking the entity has complied with clauses 7i71 7iii71 and 7iv7 of subparagraph 7,a71 and the ,state in which it is located has complied with clause 7ii7 of such subparagraph and inserting the entity has complied with clauses 7i71 7iii71 and 7iv71 and the ,state in which it is located has complied with clauses 7ii7 and 7v7 of such subparagraph2 and 7#b7 by amending subsection 7e77#c77;,c7 to read as follows3 7,c7 ,exception ,the term eligible entity does not include any entity that has failed to submit-- 7i7 the certifications required under subsection 7b77#e72 and 7ii7 the most recently required certification under subsection 7c7 within #cj days after the date on which such certification is due4 4 7d7 ,adjustment of matching requirement ,section #aeh7;b77#b7 of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb7;b77#b77 is amended by striking #fj and inserting #hj4 7e7 ,criteria 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ae months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,assistant ,secretary and the ,administrator of the ,national ,highway ,traffic ,safety ,administration shall issue regulations1 after providing the public with notice and an opportunity to comment1 prescribing the criteria for selection for grants under section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb71 as amended by this ,act4 7#b7 ,requirements ,the criteria shall-- 7,a7 include performance requirements and a schedule for completion of any project to be financed by a grant under that section2 and 7,b7 specifically permit joint1 regional1 or multi-,state applications for funds4 7#c7 ,updates ,the ,assistant ,secretary and the ,administrator shall update such regulations as necessary4 7#d7 ,prior regulations ,any regulations issued under section #aeh7;b77#d7 of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb7;b77#d77 before the effective date of this ,act may be incorporated into the regulations promulgated under this subsection4 7#e7 ,conforming amendment ,section #aeh7;b7 of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb7;b77 is amended by striking paragraph 7#d74 7f7 ,issuance of guidance ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,office shall issue guidance1 consistent with the regulations promulgated under subsection 7e7 of this section1 regarding the grant program under section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb71 as amended by this ,act4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,in addition to any funds already made available for grants under section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb71 there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out such grants such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb4 7#b7 ,use of funds ,any funds appropriated under this subsection shall remain available until expended4 7#c7 ,administrative costs ,the ,office may utilize up to #e percent of the funds appropriated under this subsection for reasonable and necessary administrative costs associated with the grant program required by section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb71 as amended by this ,act4 7h7 ,savings provision ,nothing in this ,act or an amendment made by this ,act shall affect any application pending or grant awarded under section #aeh of the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration ,organization ,act 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #idb7 prior to date of enactment of this ,act4 #aj4 ,encouraging deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services 7a7 ,consistent implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall implement1 to the maximum extent possible1 its responsibilities under this ,act in a technologically and competitively neutral manner4 7#b7 ,federal1 ,state1 and local action ,the ,office shall encourage and support efforts by the ,federal ,government1 ,states1 and localities-- 7,a7 to implement ,next ,generation #i-a-a services in a technologically and competitively neutral manner2 and 7,b7 to take such other steps as are necessary to harmonize and expedite the deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services4 7b7 ,deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,office1 after seeking public comment1 shall-- 7#a7 identify and recommend such changes to ,state and local law1 including regulations and policies1 that the ,office considers necessary to better support deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 7#b7 recommend model language a ,state or locality can adopt to support deployment of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 and 7#c7 report the findings and recommendations4 7c7 ,request for information 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,office shall issue a request for information seeking public comment on what additional actions the ,federal ,government could take to enhance and support ,next ,generation #i-a-a services4 7#b7 ,requirements ,at a minimum1 the request for information required by this subsection shall seek public comment on-- 7,a7 whether there is a need for a national public safety answering points certification or credentialing process with respect to ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 7,b7 whether ,federal or ,state law1 including regulations1 should be amended to include-- 7i7 specific liability and indemnification protections for ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 and 7ii7 privacy and data security protections for information conveyed through ,next ,generation #i-a-a services or retained by ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 7,c7 additional protections to ensure accessibility to ,next ,generation #i-a-a services for individuals with disabilities2 and 7,d7 recommended legislative and regulatory action related to subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c74 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,office shall publish a report-- 7,a7 summarizing the comments received in the request for information required by this section2 and 7,b7 including recommendations for such actions the ,office considers necessary to promote the effective and timely implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services4 #aa4 ,support for cybersecurity in ,next ,generation #i-a-a services 7a7 ,federal assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office1 in consultation with the ,department of ,homeland ,security and the ,national ,institute for ,science and ,technology1 shall provide support to ,states1 localities1 vendors1 and other entities in addressing cybersecurity issues related to ,next ,generation #i-a-a services4 7#b7 ,specific assistance ,after publishing the report under subsection 7b71 the ,office shall provide information1 training1 and other assistance to help implement the recommendations in the report4 7b7 ,,nist report ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology shall-- 7#a7 identify any cybersecurity vulnerabilities that are unique to the implementation of ,next ,generation #i-a-a services2 7#b7 identify and recommend best practices1 consistent with the most recent ,framework for ,improving ,critical ,infrastructure ,cybersecurity1 for affected entities to protect ,next ,generation #i-a-a services from the vulnerabilities identified under paragraph 7#a72 7#c7 identify and recommend specific assistance that can be provided by the ,federal ,government related to the adoption of any best practices identified under paragraph 7#b72 and 7#d7 publish a report on its findings and recommendations4 7c7 ,,fcc report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,federal ,communications ,commission shall publish a report on the adoption of and adherence-- 7,a7 by telecommunications carriers to the network reliability best practices established by the ,commission as part of its rulemaking related to ,improving #iaa ,reliability2 ,reliability and ,continuity of ,communications ,networks1 ,including ,broadband ,technologies 7#bh ,,fcc ,record #agdgf72 and 7,b7 by public safety answering points to the public safety answering point best practices for cybersecurity recommended by the ,task ,force on ,optimal ,public ,safety ,answering ,point ,architecture in its final report issued on ,february #ai1 #bjaf 7,,da #af-agi74 7#b7 ,data collection ,the ,federal ,communications ,commission may request from relevant telecommunications carriers and public safety answering points such data as may be necessary to prepare the report required by this subsection4 7#c7 ,public comment ,the ,federal ,communications ,commission shall seek public comment on the report required by this subsection prior to its publication4 #ab4 ,,gao study on the resiliency of public safety answering points 7a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study regarding the resiliency1 reliability1 and survivability of public safety answering points during natural disasters and other catastrophes4 7b7 ,contents ,in conducting the study under subsection 7a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall-- 7#a7 examine the affect recent natural disasters or other catastrophes have had on the operability of public safety answering points2 7#b7 identify the common issues that impaired the operations of public safety answering points during or after the natural disaster or catastrophe1 as applicable2 7#c7 identify the current best practices for public safety answering points and telecommunication carriers to ensure the resiliency of public safety answering points during a natural disaster or other catastrophe2 and 7#d7 determine how ,next ,generation #i-a-a services can improve public safety answering point resiliency and the overall resiliency of the ,nation's #i-a-a systems4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the findings of the study under subsection 7a71 including any recommendations for additional actions the ,federal ,communications ,commission or ,congress could take to enhance public safety answering point resiliency1 reliability1 and survivability4