MDA Unveils SHIELD $151B Contracting Vehicle for Golden Dome

At SMD 2025 in Huntsville, Alabama, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) unveiled new details about its Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) program. This second major contracting vehicle under the Golden Dome initiative could exceed $151 billion over a decade, making it one of the largest U.S. missile defense acquisition efforts.

Flexible Enterprise Acquisition

SHIELD will operate as a versatile contracting vehicle for the Department of Defense. It will let DoD entities issue rapid orders across 19 or more mission areas. These include advanced prototyping, weapon system design, cybersecurity, systems engineering, and data mining. The aim is to shorten development cycles and bring capabilities to the field faster.

The presolicitation was issued in late July. Industry has until August 19 to respond. MDA plans to release the final Request for Proposal before October 1. This tight schedule shows the urgency of the program.

Part of the Golden Dome Architecture

SHIELD is the second major contracting route for President Donald Trump’s homeland missile defense vision. The first, the Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA), began earlier this year. MAA focuses on hypersonic defense, space-based interceptors, and command-and-control (C2) systems. It targets disruptive technologies from non-traditional suppliers.

Under MAA, MDA has sought proposals for advanced capability concepts, electromagnetic protection, and threat object discrimination. Together, SHIELD and MAA balance high-risk innovation with scalable deployment.

Next-Generation Launcher Concept

The agency is also studying a common launcher for future missile interceptors. This aligns with the July 22 Request for Information on “Next Generation Missile Defense Under Lay Site Launchers.” The goal is a system that can engage ballistic missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, and advanced cruise missiles.

Such modular launcher designs would streamline logistics. They would also increase operational agility by allowing multiple interceptor types to share the same launch platform.

Controlled Messaging and Industry Response

This briefing was one of the few official updates on Golden Dome during SMD 2025. Pentagon officials avoided public discussions to protect sensitive details. However, industry representatives actively showcased relevant capabilities.

“Golden Dome for America remains a strategic imperative for the Department of Defense,” a Pentagon official stated. The department continues to gather input from industry, academia, and national labs before releasing more information.

This tight control reflects the program’s classified nature and its importance to U.S. homeland defense.

Upcoming Engagements

MDA plans separate events on C2 data mesh architectures and the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). These will provide technical insight for contractors aiming to align their solutions with SHIELD’s requirements.

Internal Link: Missile Defense Modernization Trends

External Link: Missile Defense Agency Official Site

Conclusion

SHIELD is more than a funding framework. It is a strategic tool to accelerate missile defense readiness under the Golden Dome umbrella. By combining SHIELD’s broad scope with MAA’s disruptive focus, the U.S. aims to outpace rival missile technologies and strengthen homeland security.