The GPS program receives national-level attention and guidance from a joint civil/military body called the National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (NEC-SBPNT). This program was established by President Trump's directive in January of 2021 to succeed the Interagency GPS Executive Board established by President Clinton in 1996. The National Executive Committee coordinates GPS-related matters across multiple federal agencies to ensure the system addresses national priorities as well as military requirements.
NEC-SBPNT meetings take place in closed sessions at the Department of Commerce building in Washington. Agenda items usually include reviews of the GPS modernization and augmentation programs, assessments of federal budgets, discussions of national and international strategy, and other high-level issues.
A permanent staff in Washington, D.C. provides day-to-day support for the activities of the Committee. The Committee is chaired jointly by the Deputy Secretaries of Defense and Transportation or their designated representatives. Its membership includes leadership from the Departments of State, the Treasury, the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, and Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and NASA. The Committee meets at least annually in closed session.
An executive steering group and several working groups support the Committee through interagency collaboration on specific topics, and an advisory board provides independent advice to the Committee from outside the government.
