GAO Offers GPS Complement Recommendations

As DOD develops positioning, navigation and timing technology to supplement or replace GPS, it should consider ways of coordinating across the agency to clarify responsibilities and authorities in prioritizing the need for PNT alternatives. That's per a GAO report Monday with other policy options for developing and integrating alternatives including selection of the most resilient technologies as the centerpiece of PNT for military missions rather than defaulting to GPS, and looking for ways DOD could clarify what level of performance is needed for missions rather than defaulting to requirements that match GPS performance. It said the Pentagon's alternative PNT portfolio is centered on two options: improved sensors to provide relative PNT data, and external sources to provide absolute positioning and navigation. It said Defense might use multiple PNT technologies to provide sufficient data.