Pentagon unveils $151B SHIELD missile defense program

Defence affairs - Def-Geopolitics

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency has released its final solicitation for the Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) program — a sweeping effort to transform how the United States develops and deploys next-generation missile defense capabilities.

According to the solicitation, SHIELD will function as a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract designed to streamline procurement and accelerate delivery of advanced systems across the Department of War. The contract vehicle anticipates a 10-year performance period, including a base ordering phase and multiple optional extensions, with a maximum ceiling value of $151 billion.

The agency said the new framework will allow MDA and other defense organizations to “rapidly issue orders under one enterprise flexible vehicle,” enabling the Pentagon to meet evolving threats with greater speed and agility. The RFP supersedes all previous draft releases and reflects changes following extensive industry engagement.

The SHIELD solicitation, published on October 2, invites industry proposals under a full and open competition. Individual task orders will use a variety of contract types and span multiple research and development domains under the NAICS code 541715 — Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

“The solicitation generated considerable interest,” the agency said in the announcement. “The purpose of Amendment 0001 is to update the solicitation based on inquiries from industry. The question period is now closed, and the MDA does not intend to initiate a subsequent question period.”

The Missile Defense Agency emphasized that offerors will not be disqualified if this specific NAICS code is not currently listed in their SAM registration, clarifying a key requirement after industry feedback.

The SHIELD program is designed as a critical part of the Pentagon’s layered defense strategy — aimed at rapidly developing, integrating, and fielding technologies that can counter a growing range of missile threats.

By consolidating efforts under a single, scalable contract vehicle, MDA intends to reduce acquisition timelines and foster collaboration with industry, allowing for faster prototyping, deployment, and fielding of emerging technologies.

Offerors are encouraged to review the full RFP and accompanying guidance materials, which include detailed instructions to support responsive proposal development. The agency also published an information resource document addressing frequently asked questions and outlining best practices for submission.

Proposals are due by October 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. CDT. According to the agency, the contract will support a range of missile defense research, development, and experimental projects across the Department of Defense and allied programs.

With its massive scale and open architecture, SHIELD is expected to become a central pillar of the U.S. homeland defense strategy — linking industry innovation directly with operational requirements.