The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has published a pre-solicitation paper for the Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) program, advancing the Trump administration’s “Golden Dome” air and missile defense concept.
According to the notice, the agency seeks to procure a system capable of monitoring and neutralizing threats to the US homeland, deployed forces, and partner nations.
Once activated, investment for this initiative is expected to run up to $151 billion, with associated works having a 10-year base period and optional ordering phases.
Multiple contracts are expected for individual tasks and deliveries, covering research and development, prototyping, systems engineering, weapons modeling, production and fielding, testing and evaluation, cybersecurity, and modernization.
The SHIELD contract vehicle is designed to support a long-term plan that enables rapid tasking while incorporating digital engineering, AI, and machine learning, as well as open-systems architecture, maintenance solutions, and an agile acquisition process.
“The contract will support national defense objectives by providing continuous, layered protection against air, missile, space, cyber, and hybrid threats originating from any vector including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles,” the MDA said.
Progress in Golden Dome Effort
In January, US President Donald Trump ordered the planning for a nationwide missile defense plan dubbed “Golden Dome,” modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome air and missile defense system.
The weapon is designed to protect against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, as well as drones.
Washington announced $25 billion in initial funding and stated that the system could eventually cost up to $175 billion and be operational within three years.
The Golden Dome would rely on a constellation of advanced satellites and sensors to detect, track, and intercept threats. To support related development, L3Harris completed a $125-million expansion of its space manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The plan has drawn sharp criticism from North Korea, Russia, and China, who called it a destabilizing move that could escalate the militarization of space.
Trump also suggested Canada could join the system for free if it became the 51st US state; otherwise, participation would cost $61 billion.
