Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation

Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation
Name	Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation
Founded	2020
Type	Nonprofit organization
Focus	GPS resilience, PNT security
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Key people	Dana Goward (President)
Website	https://rntfoundation.org

Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation. The Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in Washington, D.C. to advocate for and advance the security and resilience of critical PNT services. It focuses on mitigating vulnerabilities in systems like the GPS and promoting complementary technologies to ensure national and economic security. The foundation engages with policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to address threats from jamming, spoofing, and cyberattacks on essential infrastructure.

Overview

Founded in 2020, the organization emerged from growing concerns over the fragility of GPS-dependent systems within the United States and globally. Its creation was influenced by prior advocacy work, including efforts by the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board and studies from the Department of Homeland Security. The foundation is headquartered in Washington, D.C., positioning it centrally for engagement with key federal entities like the Congress, the White House, and agencies such as the Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense. Leadership includes President Dana Goward, a former Coast Guard captain and member of the FAA's Navigation and Timing team.

Mission and objectives

The primary mission is to ensure the uninterrupted availability of precise PNT data for critical national functions. Core objectives include advocating for the implementation of a national, terrestrial backup system for GPS, as envisioned in the National Timing Resilience and Security Act. It seeks to educate stakeholders on risks posed by jamming incidents, such as those observed near airports and seaports, and spoofing attacks documented by organizations like the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. A further goal is to promote the adoption of Assured PNT technologies across sectors including aviation, maritime transport, the financial sector, and emergency services.

Key initiatives and programs

A flagship initiative is the advocacy for a nationwide eLoran (enhanced LORAN) system as a resilient backup to GPS. The foundation actively supports legislative efforts, providing testimony to committees like the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. It conducts public awareness campaigns, publishing reports and hosting events such as the PNT Leadership Summit. The organization also collaborates on demonstration projects with entities like the U.S. Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command to test alternative PNT technologies. Educational outreach includes briefing officials from NATO, the European Union, and members of the United Kingdom's Parliament.

Governance and structure

The foundation operates under a board of directors comprising experts from fields such as satellite navigation, cybersecurity, and public policy. Day-to-day operations are managed by President Dana Goward, supported by a small staff of policy analysts and communications specialists. Strategic direction is often shaped in consultation with an advisory council that includes former officials from the Department of Commerce, the FCC, and retired flag officers from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. Funding is derived from grants, donations, and sponsorships from corporations within the aerospace and defense sectors.

Partnerships and collaborations

The organization maintains strategic partnerships with a diverse array of stakeholders. It works closely with industry groups like the Aerospace Industries Association and the RTCM. Collaborative efforts extend to academic institutions, including Stanford University's Center for Position, Navigation and Time and the University of Texas Radionavigation Laboratory. The foundation also coordinates with advocacy organizations such as the GPS Innovation Alliance and international bodies like the International Association of Institutes of Navigation. It frequently provides input to federal rulemaking processes led by the Department of Transportation's Volpe National Transportation Systems Center.

Impact and significance

The foundation has been instrumental in elevating PNT resilience as a critical national security issue within the Biden administration and the U.S. Congress. Its advocacy contributed to the inclusion of PNT provisions in significant legislation, including the National Defense Authorization Act and directives from the Office of Management and Budget. The organization's work highlights the systemic risks to infrastructure, from the power grid managed by NERC to telecommunications networks reliant on GPS timing. By promoting solutions like eLoran, the foundation influences global standards and preparedness, affecting policy discussions within NATO, the European Space Agency, and the International Maritime Organization.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Navigation organizations