GAO Dings DOD GPS Modernization Efforts

DOD has spent billions more than expected developing five interdependent GPS programs, with improvements to the current system years behind, and it could be years still before military code (M-code) signal receiver cards are ready as part of an interim, encrypted GPS signal system for military use, GAO reported Tuesday. It summarizes information given to congressional defense committees in 2016 and 2017 about GPS satellite system modernization. GAO said M-card costs will be "substantially higher" than the $2.5 billion budgeted through FY 2021. It recommended better coordination of development efforts on weapons systems with similar requirements to avoid unnecessary cost increases and schedule delays. It said the planned launch date for the first GPS III satellite to replace the current GPS constellation is now May -- four years later than originally scheduled.