Ballistic missile defense: ~$18.8B to Boeing — a Ballistic Missile Defense Organization contract (USAspending)

1The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization

The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) is the body that oversaw U.S. missile defense and was later reorganized into the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

2Intercepting in the midcourse phase

Boeing is known as the lead contractor for "Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD)" — which intercepts long-range (intercontinental) ballistic missiles aimed at the U.S. homeland during their midcourse phase in space. GMD consists of interceptor missiles based in Alaska and California and forms the backbone of U.S. homeland missile defense. This award is part of that long-running development and sustainment lineage.

3A market concentrated among few primes

Missile defense is a major investment area alongside ships and aircraft, and one where long, large contracts tend to concentrate among a few prime contractors. This award illustrates that structure.

4The awarding organisation changed its name

The awarding organisation recorded here is the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, which was later reorganised into the Missile Defense Agency. When public data is aggregated by organisation name, a renaming of this kind splits the counts.

Boeing is known as the prime for Ground-based Midcourse Defense, which intercepts long-range ballistic missiles aimed at the US homeland during their midcourse flight through space. GMD comprises interceptors fielded in Alaska and California and forms the core of US homeland missile defence. Missile defence is a field in which long, large contracts gather with a limited number of primes.