Information for Policymakers from the National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)

April 25, 2018

GPS Program Sees Increase in FY 2018 Omnibus

On March 23, 2018, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, an omnibus funding measure that provides $1.18 billion to the Air Force GPS program, and $110.3 million to the Department of Transportation's GPS augmentation system (WAAS) in FY 2018. These funding levels represent an increase over the request.

Defense Appropriations

The omnibus funds the various Air Force GPS program elements at the requested levels, with the following exceptions:

• GPS Backup Technology Demonstration: The final measure adds $10 million to GPS III development for "GPS backup technology demonstration". The increase is offset by a $10 million cut labeled "Excess to need".
• Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE): The final measure adds $98.5 million to MGUE, noting, "Program increase - military GPS user equipment - Increment 2 - handhelds." The increase is offset by a $10 million cut labeled "Excess to need."

Transportation Appropriations:

• WAAS Program Guidance: The final measure provides an $8 million increase to WAAS and includes this direction to FAA: "Wide area augmentation system (WAAS) for GPS.—The agreement includes language consistent with House and Senate direction on WAAS dual frequency operations and directs the FAA to provide a briefing to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations to accomplish the direction within 120 days of enactment of this Act".
• GPS Vehicle Tracking: The final measure contains a provision regarding GPS vehicle tracking. Please see our Geolocation Privacy Legislation page for details.

Get full details on the GPS budget at GPS.gov

You are also welcome to contact Chris Mindnich at the National Coordination Office (chris.mindnich@gps.gov, 202-482-2004) to arrange a staff briefing with the relevant agencies.

Positive Train Control: GPS and Rail Systems 

Recent train accidents have gained national media coverage and have increased public interest in Positive Train Control (PTC). PTC refers to communication-based/processor-based train control technology designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, over speed derailments, incursions into established work zone limits, and the movement of a train through a main line switch in the improper position.

Signals from GPS enable continuous, precise, and dynamic positioning and navigation. GPS-derived PTC information can enable dramatic efficiency and safety improvements based upon real-time situation awareness for train control and synchronized communications over the entire national rail system.

PTC systems vary widely in complexity and sophistication based on the level of automation and functionality being implemented, the system architecture used including wayside systems (e.g., non-signaled, block signal, cab signal, etc.), and the degree of train control.

This advanced safety technology, required by federal law, will be operational on over 60,000 miles of the national rail system in the 2018 to 2020 time frame.  Recently, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released an update on the status of PTC  implementation. The deadline for implementation is December 31, 2018, under the Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015. Railroads, however, can gain FRA’s approval to extend the deadline beyond Dec. 31, 2018, but no later than Dec. 31, 2020.

Learn more about rail uses of GPS