Forward Edge-AI's SHIELD MAA Contract to Boost US Homeland Defense Innovations

Innovating Homeland Defense: Forward Edge-AI's New SHIELD Contract

In a significant move aimed at bolstering the United States' national defense capabilities, Forward Edge-AI, a Texas-based leader in autonomous and quantum-resistant cybersecurity technology, announced it has been selected for the US Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) SHIELD Multiple Award Contract (MAA). This decision positions Forward Edge-AI among a select group of companies focused on advancing the technologies necessary for safeguarding the nation.

The SHIELD program, which stands for Scalable Homeland Innovation Enterprises Layered Defense, is one of the MDA’s most ambitious modernization initiatives. This undertaking seeks to establish a next-generation, multi-domain layered defense architecture capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing advanced threats, including hypersonic missiles and drones. The program integrates government, private sector, and dual-use technologies to rapidly deliver new capabilities to combatants, laying the foundation for a comprehensive national defense network referred to as the Golden Dome.

Eric Adolphe, CEO of Forward Edge-AI, expressed pride in the role his company plays in this urgent national mission, stating, “America is entering a new era of complex threats, and the SHIELD and Golden Dome architectures will shape the future of homeland defense.” The contract selection comes after a rigorous competition featuring over 2,463 submissions, from which 1,014 companies were initially chosen for this phase.

Pioneering Cybersecurity Solutions

Forward Edge-AI is renowned for its ground-breaking Isidore Quantum cybersecurity solution, which is the first drop-in post-quantum cybersecurity offering in the world. This cutting-edge technology promises to enhance the resilience of military and critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats, as it has successfully undergone trials across various branches of the US military, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Space Force, as well as with major commercial partners such as Microsoft and Lumen.

The performance of Isidore Quantum is notable; it achieves less than 0.5 milliseconds of latency with a throughput capacity of up to 800 Gbps, while operating with a power consumption of less than 9 watts. This high degree of efficiency ensures it can be integrated seamlessly into existing systems without adding significant strain on resources. Furthermore, Adolphe highlighted how other competitors are still in laboratory development stages, while Forward Edge-AI is delivering proven solutions in real-world environments.

Addressing the Future of Quantum Threats

The SHIELD MAA contract allows Forward Edge-AI to compete for task orders in several advanced technological fields, including artificial intelligence, sensing, and cybersecurity. Each of these areas is crucial in maintaining the technological edge needed to counteract the evolving landscape of threats. As articulated by Ross Kaufman, President of Forward Edge-AI and a retired Army general, there is an urgent necessity for solutions that are ready before upcoming federal deadlines mandating a shift towards quantum computing technologies.

The SHIELD initiative boasts a funding ceiling of $151 billion and a contract period spanning ten years, which facilitates the rapid acquisition of innovative technologies to bolster the nation’s multi-layered defense posture. The inclusion of Forward Edge-AI in this program solidifies its position as a trusted provider of advanced AI and cybersecurity solutions directly supporting national security.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

Aspiration Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, plays a vital role as a partner with Forward Edge-AI in bringing the Isidore Quantum solution to Japan. Koichi Ishizuka, President of Aspiration, emphasized the importance of integrating such groundbreaking cybersecurity technology to not only address current cyber threats but also to fortify defenses against potential quantum attacks anticipated in the near future. Ishizuka stated, “This initiative is a crucial step forward in enhancing Japan's national security infrastructure.”

The partnership aims to further develop cutting-edge quantum-resistant cybersecurity technologies, contributing to the country's overall defense strategy and resilience.

About Forward Edge-AI

Forward Edge-AI, Inc. specializes in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions and quantum resilience technologies for defense, government, and critical infrastructure. Their flagship product, Isidore Quantum®, provides a future-proof defense against emerging digital threats through an integration of post-quantum cryptography, AI-driven resilience, and software-defined network control.

With the world facing increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges, Forward Edge-AI’s commitment to innovation and excellence in technology remains a beacon of hope for national security.