Griffiss Institute Awarded Position on Missile Defense Agency SHIELD IDIQ Contract

Rome, NY – January 23, 2026  Griffiss Institute is pleased to announce it was awarded a contract for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling of $151B. This contract encompasses a broad range of work areas that allows for the rapid delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter with increased speed and agility. 

The SHIELD IDIQ vehicle is designed to accelerate the transition of innovative technologies and capabilities in support of national defense priorities. Griffiss Institute’s selection positions the organization among a group of entities eligible to support future mission needs as they are identified by the Missile Defense Agency. 

“This award validates Griffiss Institute’s continued focus on building the systems, partnerships, and talent pipelines necessary to support national security innovation,” said Heather Hage, President and CEO of Griffiss Institute. “Under our Blueprint 2030 strategy, we are committed to stewarding an ecosystem that enables collaboration, readiness, and responsible translation of American innovation to secure the nation.” 

Blueprint 2030 is Griffiss Institute’s long-term strategic framework focused on strengthening national defense through science, technology, workforce development, and partnership-driven innovation. The Institute’s approach emphasizes institutional readiness, talent development, and ecosystem integration to support evolving mission needs. 

Media Contact: 
Carrie Klepaldo – Communications Strategist  
cklepadlo@griffissinstitute.org 

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