Missile Defense Agency - Advanced Capability Concepts
MDA is accepting white papers for innovative concepts, prototype demonstrations, and scientific breakthroughs that could improve missile defense system elements under an ongoing five-year solicitation.
⚑ Federal contract solicitation; eligibility is governed by attachment details and may include applicant restrictions. · Rolling white paper submissions accepted any time during the five-year solicitation period. · MDA Multiple Authority Announcement (HQ0860-25-S-0001).
This is a missile-defense technology solicitation aimed at innovative concepts, prototypes, and technical breakthroughs for system elements, which is not IPPRA’s social-science program. The team’s defense work is on public opinion, risk perception, and security attitudes—not weapons systems, engineering prototypes, or MDA capability development.
JUDGED AGAINST THE ROSTER'S PUBLICATION DOSSIER · GPT-5.4-MINI · 2026-10-06
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 60 good | technical depth: central; funds other (capped) |
| IPPRA | 45 partial | portfolio topic: national_security_defense (primary); social/behavioral work is none; funds other — not a research fit |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
10/5/2026: Amendment made to ACC Solicitation, Attachment 1, Amendment 2. See updated attachments. 9/11/2026: Amendments made to ACC Solicitation, Attachment 1 and Attachment 3. See updated attachments. 8/7/2025: Amendment made to Attachment 3, White Paper Requirements. See updated attachments. 5/9/2025: The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Advanced Capability Concepts solicitation provides industry an ongoing opportunity to present the Government with new, unique and innovative ideas. This solicitation seeks innovative concepts, technological innovations, prototype demonstrations, and scientific breakthroughs that will significantly enhance the robustness and effectiveness of all Missile Defense System elements. White papers will be accepted any time during the five (5) year period of the solicitation. See attachments for full details. [Note: This soliciation is issued under the MDA Multiple Authority Announcement, HQ0860-25-S-0001]
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: . Notice type: Special Notice. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) / MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA).
Apply
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.