RUSTON, La. — Four companies affiliated with Louisiana Tech University’s Innovation Enterprise have received contract awards through a major U.S. missile defense program, positioning them to compete for work under a federal contract vehicle valued at up to $151 billion.
The companies — Archem LLC, BetaFlix, Small Business Consulting Corporation and Stephenson Stellar Corporation — were selected for the Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense, or SHIELD, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract managed by the Missile Defense Agency. The program allows approved companies to compete for task orders supporting U.S. missile defense development and operations.
The SHIELD contract vehicle has a ceiling of $151 billion and is designed to support the development, testing, fielding and sustainment of the U.S. missile defense system. It covers 19 technical and engineering activity areas, including cybersecurity, research and development and information technology services.
“We’re incredibly proud and excited for our Innovation Enterprise partners and the momentum these IDIQ contracts bring to the future of defense technology in our region and beyond,” said Donna Gallacher, chief innovation officer at Louisiana Tech. “This achievement reflects the unity and strength of North Louisiana’s defense and technology sectors.”
Officials said the program aligns with ongoing research and technology development collaborations between the university and its industry partners.
“BetaFlix is honored by the confidence demonstrated through the award of an IDIQ contract,” said Sree Sanakam, chief operating officer of BetaFlix. “Our team has deep experience in digital engineering and AI systems integration — areas that are critical to modern defense solutions.”
The awards also highlight Louisiana Tech’s efforts to expand applied research partnerships and strengthen the region’s defense technology sector, university officials said.
“The SHIELD IDIQ award is a powerful validation of the innovation ecosystem being built in North Louisiana,” said Alex Burke, CEO of Archem LLC.
Through the Innovation Enterprise, the companies also collaborate with the university to develop a workforce pipeline through internships and experiential learning programs. Archem, BetaFlix and Small Business Consulting Corporation have employed 15 Louisiana Tech student interns during the current academic year.
Stephenson Stellar Corporation recently partnered with the program to support workforce development through the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge initiative.
“The partnership between Louisiana Tech University’s Innovation Enterprise and Stephenson Stellar Corporation reflects the power of aligning academic excellence with mission-focused capabilities to advance our nation’s security priorities,” said Jamie O’Quinn, the company’s Shreveport site lead and program manager.
The SHIELD contract vehicle runs through December 2035, allowing the Missile Defense Agency to work with industry partners across multiple technical disciplines to rapidly develop and deliver new defense capabilities.