Missile Defense System

The Missile Defense System (MDS) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the Department of Defense (DoD) that focuses on developing and maintaining ballistic missile defense capabilities. The program encompasses multiple radar systems, including the AN/TPY-2, Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX), Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR), and Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), as well as interceptor facilities and supporting infrastructure. Operating under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway, this ID-category program involves extensive testing, development, and sustainment activities across multiple military installations and facilities.

Contract awards under this program typically range from small purchases of specialized equipment ($4,860) to large-scale development and sustainment efforts exceeding $300 million, with performance periods spanning 1-5 years. Primary contractors include Raytheon Company's Missile Defense Business Center Division, Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp., and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, who provide engineering services, radar development, testing support, and infrastructure construction. Major funding agencies include the Missile Defense Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, and Air Force Materiel Command. Key places of performance include Fort Greely (Alaska), Clear Space Force Station (Alaska), and various radar sites worldwide. While most large contracts are unrestricted, the program utilizes some small business set-asides, particularly for IT services and specialized equipment, including awards to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and 8(a) program participants.