49 CFR Part 1 -- Organization and Delegation of Powers and Duties

Subpart A: General

1.1 Overview

• Describes the organization of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
• Outlines the duties and powers vested in the Secretary of Transportation.

1.2 Organization of the Department

• The Secretary of Transportation heads the Department.
• Comprises the Office of the Secretary, Office of the Inspector General, and various Operating Administrations (e.g., FAA, FHWA, FMCSA, etc.).

1.3 Exercise of Authority

• Officials must adhere to applicable laws, Executive Orders, and regulations.
• Authority includes delegations within the DOT and specific Executive Orders.

1.4 Construction

• Defines terms used within the DOT organization (e.g., "Federal Aviation Administrator") as synonymous with their respective department roles.

Subpart B: Office of the Secretary

1.11 Overview

• Key responsibilities and structure of the Office of the Secretary (OST).
• Line of secretarial succession outlined.

1.13 OST Key Responsibilities

• Leadership in national/international transportation objectives.
• Chairing the Department's Safety Council.
• Overseeing transportation programs and financial assistance programs.

1.15 OST Structure

• Details the hierarchy under the Secretary and Deputy Secretary.
• Includes various offices like the Chief of Staff, Office of Civil Rights, and Office of Intelligence.

1.17 OST Line of Secretarial Succession

• Lists officials who can act as Secretary in order of succession.
• The President retains discretion in the order of succession.

1.20 Secretary of Transportation

• The Secretary oversees all OST components and Operating Administrations.

1.21 Reservations of Authority

• Certain powers and duties are reserved to the Secretary alone.
• Includes transportation leadership, report submissions, and security issues.

1.22 Deputy Secretary

• Assists the Secretary and serves as Chief Operating and Acquisition Officer.

1.23 Delegations to the Deputy Secretary

• Can exercise the authority of the Secretary, except where limited by law.

1.24 Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy

• Leads policy development and intermodal transportation coordination.

1.25 Delegations to the Under Secretary

• Oversees implementation of transportation policy and environmental programs.

1.26 General Counsel

• Chief legal officer, advises the Secretary, oversees legal compliance.

1.30 Assistant Secretaries

• Responsible for maintaining liaison and coordination among various departments.

1.33 Chief Financial Officer

• Provides budget and financial oversight.
• Oversees Credit Council and TIFIA program.

1.34 Delegations to the CFO

• Oversees financial management and budget operations.

Subpart C: Office of Inspector General

1.70 Overview

• Key responsibilities and structure of the Office of Inspector General.

1.71 Key Responsibilities

• Conducts audits and investigations to promote efficiency and prevent fraud.

1.73 Authority of Inspector General

• Operates independently and reports to the Secretary and Congress.

Subpart D: Operating Administrations

1.80 Overview

• Key responsibilities of various Operating Administrations within the DOT.

1.82 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

• Oversees aviation safety and regulations, and promotes U.S. commercial space activities.

1.84 The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

• Improves highway safety, mobility, and infrastructure through national leadership.

1.86 The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

• Regulates motor carrier safety and administers related programs.

1.88 The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

• Regulates railroad safety and promotes national rail systems.

1.90 The Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

• Supports the development of public transportation systems.

1.92 The Maritime Administration (MARAD)

• Develops and maintains the U.S. merchant marine and oversees maritime infrastructure.

1.94 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

• Sets highway safety guidelines and vehicle safety standards.

1.96 The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

• Oversees pipeline safety and hazardous materials transportation.

1.98 The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)

• Coordinates DOT's research and technological innovation efforts.

1.100 The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

• Manages the U.S. sector of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.