LGM-35A Sentinel

The LGM-35A Sentinel is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the U.S. Air Force, focused on developing and deploying a new ground-based strategic nuclear deterrent system to replace the aging Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile system. The program, also known as the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), represents a comprehensive modernization of the U.S. nuclear deterrent capabilities. The largest component of this effort is a $13.3 billion Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and Early Production and Deployment contract that extends through March 2029.

Contract awards associated with the program range from small equipment purchases to multi-billion dollar development efforts, with award values spanning from $38,000 to $13.3 billion and performance periods typically extending between 2018 and 2029. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation serves as the prime contractor for the core EMD effort, while other significant contractors include Booz Allen Hamilton for program management services ($83.7 million) and Dark Wolf Solutions for penetration testing ($21.3 million). The U.S. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and Air Force Materiel Command are the primary contracting authorities. Contract vehicles include both direct awards and orders through government-wide acquisition contracts such as Alliant II and SEWP V. While most large-scale contracts are unrestricted, the program does utilize Total Small Business set-asides for certain equipment purchases and facility services, such as the $5.5 million temporary office facility contract awarded to Boxx Modular, Inc.