MDA Expands SHIELD Contract Pool with Over 1,000 Additional Firms for Golden Dome Initiative
The Missile Defense Agency has significantly broadened participation in its SHIELD program by adding 1,086 companies to the multiple-award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract vehicle. This expansion brings the total number of qualified vendors to more than 2,100. The SHIELD framework supports research, development, and integration efforts for advanced missile defense technologies. These efforts directly contribute to the Golden Dome homeland protection architecture.
The second tranche of awardees, announced on December 18, includes firms specializing in space-based sensing, quantum technologies, and precision navigation systems. Capella Space and Vector Atomic, subsidiaries focused on synthetic aperture radar satellites and atomic clocks, joined the pool. Other additions feature companies with expertise in neutral-atom quantum sensing and edge computing platforms. This phase emphasizes emerging capabilities beyond traditional missile interceptors.
The SHIELD IDIQ, valued at up to $151 billion over its lifespan, enables the MDA to issue task orders for specific projects without new competitive bidding. Initial awardees, selected earlier in December, primarily comprised established defense primes and system integrators. The latest inclusions incorporate innovative startups and specialized tech providers to accelerate multilayered defense solutions.
This vehicle funds prototyping, experimentation, and integration of sensors, interceptors, command systems, and supporting infrastructure. Golden Dome aims to create a comprehensive shield against ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic threats through ground, sea, air, and space assets. The expanded vendor base facilitates rapid incorporation of cutting-edge commercial technologies into national security applications.
Separately, L3Harris Technologies secured an $843 million contract to develop satellites enhancing the space-based missile tracking layer. This award bolsters orbital detection capabilities critical to the overall Golden Dome structure. The layered approach combines persistent surveillance with responsive interception to address evolving adversary missile arsenals.
