Management of GPS as a National Asset

The U.S. government manages GPS as a national asset that is integral to U.S. national security, economic growth, transportation safety, international leadership, and homeland security.

While the Department of Defense is responsible for operating the system, the GPS program receives national-level attention and guidance through the National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) -- a joint civil/military body established by presidential directive. Coordinating GPS-related matters across multiple federal agencies ensures the system addresses national priorities as well as military requirements.

The National Executive Committee is chaired jointly by the Deputy Secretaries of Defense and Transportation. Its membership includes top leaders from the Departments of State, the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and Homeland Security, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and NASA.

Joint management of GPS dates back to 1996, when President Clinton established the Interagency GPS Executive Board, the predecessor to the National Executive Committee.