Management HQ - MDA

The Management HQ - MDA program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0901598C, supports the core management and operational functions of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). This line item is essential for providing executive leadership, centralized policy development, and agency-wide oversight to ensure the effective execution of MDA's research, development, and acquisition programs. The primary objective is to maintain cost-efficient oversight and control of initiatives that assure best value, high quality, and timely performance of missile defense acquisition programs, in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 5100.73 on Major Headquarters Activities (MHA).

The MD38: Management Headquarters project is the sole budget line under this program element, encompassing all headquarters staff functions. The goals of this project include funding government civilian salaries and benefits, supporting mission-essential travel, and providing contract support services. These resources enable the MDA Headquarters to oversee and direct global missile defense activities, manage fielded systems, and implement Secretary of Defense and Presidential priorities.

The headquarters staff is responsible for planning, budgeting, responding to external inquiries, and ensuring compliance with DoD and federal directives.

The MHA Civilian Salaries subcomponent supports the salaries and benefits of government personnel who provide mission support, oversight, and management across a range of functions. These include acquisition management, international missile defense initiatives, administrative services, financial management, human capital, legal counsel, internal review, and public affairs. The objective is to ensure that the agency has the necessary human resources to manage complex acquisition and operational activities, both domestically and in support of international partnerships.

The MHA Travel line funds mission-essential government travel for MDA personnel. This travel is critical for supporting oversight, coordination, and management of missile defense programs and international initiatives. The travel budget enables staff to attend meetings, conduct site visits, and engage with stakeholders across the Department of Defense, allied nations, and industry partners. The FY 2026 request reflects a decrease due to Department-wide reductions mandated by Executive Order #14222.

The MHA Contract Services line item provides for contract support services that augment government staff in key mission areas. These services include acquisition support, business operations, internal review, legal counsel, administrative assistance, and public affairs. The objective is to leverage industry expertise to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of MDA operations, while also meeting small business participation goals.

The acquisition strategy emphasizes competitive awards and the use of existing contracts to provide engineering, technical, management, and professional services to MDA functional organizations and program offices.