Space Systems Command has awarded up to $3.2 billion in other transaction authority agreements to support the development of a space-based missile defense capability under the Space Force’s Space-Based Interceptor program.
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What Companies Received SBI Awards?
Twenty OTA awards were awarded to a mix of traditional and emerging defense contractors: Anduril Industries, Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics Mission Systems, GITAI USA, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Quindar, Raytheon, Sci-Tec, True Anomaly and Turion Space, SSC said Friday.
The contracting approach allows the government to maintain flexibility while fostering competition across industry participants.
What Is the SBI Program?
The Space-Based Interceptor program is focused on developing a proliferated low Earth orbit constellation capable of intercepting missile threats across multiple phases of flight, including boost, midcourse and glide.
The effort aims to address increasingly sophisticated threats, including hypersonic and maneuverable systems, by integrating interceptors with advanced sensing and artificial intelligence.
How Does SBI Support Golden Dome?
The SBI program is part of the Pentagon’s initiative to build the Golden Dome layered missile defense architecture.
Defense officials have emphasized the urgency of the effort, with the Department of War accelerating development timelines and expanding investment in space-based sensing and interceptor capabilities. The initiative’s projected cost has grown to about $185 billion, with $18 billion requested in fiscal year 2027 to support development and deployment.
Why Use OTA Agreements?
According to SSC, OTAs are intended to attract a broader range of vendors and speed up development by reducing traditional contracting constraints.
Col. Bryon McClain, program executive officer for space combat power, said leveraging flexible acquisition methods helps ensure continuous competition and enables faster responses to evolving threats.
The Space Force aims to demonstrate an initial interceptor capability integrated into the Golden Dome architecture by 2028.
