SHREVEPORT – Five North Louisiana defense and technology companies have been awarded contracts under the Missile Defense Agency’s Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) program, a multibillion-dollar contracting framework designed to accelerate defense innovation.
Archem, BetaFlix, Praeses, Small Business Consulting Corporation (SBCC), and Stephenson Stellar Corporation were selected for the SHIELD indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, which carries a ceiling of $151 billion. The program enables the rapid delivery of advanced technologies to the U.S. military through research, prototyping, testing, and production.
The SHIELD contracting vehicle allows the Missile Defense Agency to access next-generation technologies with increased speed and flexibility. Companies included in the framework may compete for task orders in areas such as modeling and simulation, advanced manufacturing, materials development, and systems engineering.
The inclusion of multiple firms from North Louisiana highlights the region’s growing role in the national defense and technology sector. The five selected companies represent expertise in artificial intelligence and data fusion, secure communications, materials and process technology, digital production, and mission support.
“Congratulations to these companies on their selection to the SHIELD IDIQ,” said BRF President and CEO John F. George Jr., M.D. “Their inclusion will enhance the region’s visibility as a contributor to national defense modernization, attract defense suppliers and investment to North Louisiana, and support job creation in high-skill technical fields.”
George said BRF has been working with partners to build a defense industry cluster around Barksdale Air Force Base and Air Force Global Strike Command.
The SHIELD program is one of the largest innovation platforms ever issued by the Missile Defense Agency. More than 2,400 companies submitted proposals nationwide, with just over 1,000 selected in the initial round. The participation of five North Louisiana firms positions the region among emerging U.S. defense industry hubs.