Overview

• In late July, the Missile Defense Agency released a draft solicitation for the SHIELD multi-award, 10-year contract valued at $151 billion to equip the Golden Dome missile-defense network.
• The contract spans space-based interceptors, ground radars, sea systems designed to intercept EMP-capable warheads thousands of miles from U.S. territory.
• Department of Energy estimates warn that a high-altitude EMP detonation could keep up to 80% of the national power grid offline for years.
• Experts say compliance requirements under federal acquisition rules will limit nontraditional vendors to as little as 5–10% of contract awards.
• In July, General Michael Guetlein was confirmed to lead Golden Dome’s design effort with a three-year mandate to finalize its architecture.