SHIELD IDIQ

MULTIPLE AWARD SCALABLE HOMELAND INNOVATIVE ENTERPRISE LAYERED DEFENSE (SHIELD) IDIQ

Draft RFP #: HQ085925RE001
Agency: Department of Defense (DoD)
Contracting Office: Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
Contract Type: IDIQ – Multiple Award Contract (MAC)
Contract Ceiling: $151,000,000,000
NAICS Code: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Business Pools: Full and Open / Unrestricted
Release Date: September 10, 2025 (Deltek Estimate)
Proposal Due Date: October 10, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Link to Draft RFP / Opportunity: SAM.gov Opportunity Posting

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The SHIELD IDIQ is a high-priority, large-scale contract vehicle aimed at developing advanced, multi-domain defense capabilities for homeland protection. Spearheaded by the Missile Defense Agency, the initiative seeks to rapidly acquire cutting-edge solutions in detection, tracking, and neutralization of threats from land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Valued at up to $151B, this 10-year contract presents a significant opportunity for innovation-focused defense contractors.

rTurner Consulting is actively supporting capture strategies for clients aiming to participate. Contact us to get started with teaming, solutioning, or proposal development.

📄 View Draft RFP on SAM.gov
📄 Opportunity Details on GovWin IQ

CORE SCOPE AREAS

The government seeks industry solutions to deliver the following capabilities:

●    Multi-domain missile and aerial threat detection/interception
●    AI/ML-enabled defense platforms
●    Systems Engineering & Integration
●    Cybersecurity and Hybrid Threat Defense
●    Modeling, Simulation, and Test & Evaluation
●    Rapid Prototyping and Technology Insertion
●    Digital Engineering, Agile, and Open Architecture Delivery
●    Development and Fielding of Hardware/Software Systems

Tech Stack Considerations:
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Digital Engineering, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Open Systems Architecture, Agile Methods, Classified & Unclassified Environments

EVALUATION OR SELF-SCORING CRITERIA (IF APPLICABLE )

Mandatory Technical Domains or Task Orders

●    System Architecture
●    AI/ML
●    Cybersecurity
●    T&E
●    Rapid Prototyping
●    Digital & Model-Based Engineering

Additional Criteria

●    Facility Clearance
●    Experience across security domains
●    Experience with missile defense or similar application
●    Past classified contract execution
●    Participation in SBIR, OTA, or relevant DoD MACs

CAPTURE STRATEGY TIPS

Actionable Recommendations

●    Begin teaming outreach early – SHIELD supports classified/unclassified needs
●    Align key personnel with national defense mission sets
●    Review  RFP and submit questions before September 15, 2025
●    Prepare technical narratives and validated work samples in systems engineering, AI/ML, and rapid prototyping
●    Verify facility clearance and security credentials

Ideal Prime or Partner Profile

●    8+ technical capabilities across scope areas
●    Proven performance on large DoD tech contracts
●    Facility clearance for classified environments
●    Advanced R&D and prototyping capabilities
●    AI/ML integration in national security systems

TIMELINE & MILESTONES

Stay alert for updates—we’ll keep you posted as the opportunity evolves.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE

FPDSplus is our free GovCon procurement data search and analytics tool. It is FREE to use. Just register for an account and start building charts and graphs!

Top Vendors by Category (via FPDS / FPDSplus)

TOP Vendors (DoD, last 5 years)

Over the past five years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has concentrated its R&D spending in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences fields among a small group of top vendors. Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC leads with over $8.8 billion in obligations—far outpacing all others. Close behind are Lockheed Martin Corp and The Aerospace Corporation, each securing between $6–7 billion, reflecting their central role in defense innovation.

Other major recipients include MITRE Corporation, Johns Hopkins APL, and Northrop Grumman, all contributing critical research and engineering services. Lockheed Martin appears multiple times under different divisions, emphasizing its vast influence.

Lower down, universities like Georgia Tech and Penn State receive smaller but still meaningful funding, illustrating DoD’s investment in academic research. Overall, the chart highlights a sharp funding concentration among a few trusted vendors driving key defense R&D initiatives.

Source: FPDS Chart 1: Most successful Vendors within an Agency

🔗 Visit FPDSplus Dashboard
Use it to generate charts by agency, NAICS, award size, and more.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU

At rTurner Consulting, we help GovCon firms win complex technical opportunities. Our services include:

●    Strategic teaming and matchmaking
●    Proposal development and writing
●    Technical solutioning with DoD SMEs
●    Capture coaching and readiness reviews
●    Self-scoring analysis and improvement

Stay informed—our upcoming webinar is scheduled for August 12, 2025. Visit rTurner Consulting Webinar.

📬 Contact Us | 📞 Schedule a Call | 💬Email Us

RESOURCES & LINKS

●    SAM.gov Opportunity Posting
●    GovWin IQ Opportunity Posting 
●    FPDSplus Contract Analysis
●    rTurner Consulting Webinar

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