Space Based Infrared System High
Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP)
Program facts
- Program number
- 210
- Short name
- SBIRS High
- Acquisition pathway
- Major Capability Acquisition (MCA)
- Acquisition category
- ACAT IC
- Acquisition status
- Full operational capability or full deployment (FOC/FD)
- Lead component
-
Air Force Space Command
Air Force, Department of Defense
- Contract awards
- 2,071
- Contract obligations
- $11,530,203,388 Since fiscal year 2004
Program details come from the Department of Defense's acquisition program list. Contract figures come from SAM.gov (formerly FPDS).
Contract obligations by fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Obligated |
|---|---|
| FY2026 | $464,554,266 |
| FY2025 | $436,596,698 |
| FY2024 | $416,565,203 |
| FY2023 | $354,267,458 |
| FY2022 | $400,697,867 |
| FY2021 | $319,084,073 |
| FY2020 | $430,986,862 |
| FY2019 | $766,870,549 |
| FY2018 | $509,547,388 |
| FY2017 | $432,348,401 |
Top contractors by obligations
| Rank | Contractor | Obligated | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lockheed Martin Corp | $8,224,397,740 | |
| 2 | Lockheed Martin Corp | $1,495,447,371 | |
| 3 | Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation | $202,776,143 | |
| 4 | General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. | $73,460,438 | |
| 5 | Arete Associates | $47,377,884 | |
| 6 | Science Applications International Corporation | $43,547,294 | |
| 7 | 3 Phoenix, Inc. | $37,604,689 | |
| 8 | Syntek Technologies, Inc. | $32,719,941 | |
| 9 | L3 Adaptive Methods, Inc. | $32,598,174 | |
| 10 | Physical Sciences Inc. | $28,439,870 |
10 of 837 contractors listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.
Contract awards
Show 40 more
Latest 50 of 2,071 listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.
About this program
The Space Based Infrared System High (SBIRS High) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway with an Acquisition Category IC designation. This satellite-based system provides persistent infrared surveillance and missile warning capabilities for national security purposes. The program encompasses both space and ground segments, requiring significant technological development across areas including infrared sensors, data processing, automation, and visualization applications.
Recent federal contract awards associated with SBIRS High range from $99,936 to $1.87 billion in value, with performance periods typically spanning 6 months to 3 years. Lockheed Martin Corporation serves as the prime contractor for the program's $1.87 billion Contractor Logistics Support contract, while numerous small businesses participate through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards from the Naval Sea Systems Command and Air Force Space Command Space and Missile Systems Center. These awards frequently focus on research and development in areas such as infrared sensors, autonomous systems, machine learning, data fusion, and visualization technologies. The majority of contracts are designated as small business set-asides, with both Firm Fixed Price and Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing arrangements common. Primary places of performance include Colorado, California, and Massachusetts. Notable subcontractors include Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, while academic partners include the University of Colorado and University of Minnesota.
Quick answers
What is SBIRS High?
Space Based Infrared System High (SBIRS High) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) led by the Air Force Space Command. It follows the Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) pathway and is ACAT IC. Its acquisition status is full operational capability or full deployment (FOC/FD).
How much has SBIRS High obligated on contracts?
2,071 contract awards are coded to SBIRS High, and their actions have obligated $11,530,203,388 since fiscal year 2004.
Who are the top contractors on SBIRS High?
The contractors obligated the most on SBIRS High contracts are Lockheed Martin Corp ($9,719,845,111 across 2 registrations), Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation ($202,776,143) and General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. ($73,460,438).
How much did SBIRS High obligate in fiscal year 2025?
Contracts coded to SBIRS High obligated $436,596,698 in fiscal year 2025.
What is the latest contract award for SBIRS High?
The latest contract award coded to SBIRS High is N0002426C3109, awarded to Tanner Research Inc. on June 26, 2026.
On GovTribe
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