Why Greenland’s takeover by the US is not needed for Golden Dome
The Trump administration issued an executive order in January 2025 establishing the 'Golden Dome' missile defense system, though specific program details and budgetary information remain insufficient for Congressional oversight according to House and Senate appropriators. The initiative is linked to
Cabrillo Club
Editorial Team · February 16, 2026

Also in this intelligence package
Action Kit: Golden Dome Missile Defense Initiative
Event: Why Greenland's takeover by the US is not needed for Golden Dome
Severity: HIGH
Date Issued: January 2025
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Immediate Actions (This Week)
- [ ] Verify ITAR and EAR compliance posture — Confirm your organization's current registration status with DDTC and BIS. Golden Dome will involve controlled missile defense technology requiring export control compliance.
- [ ] Audit CMMC readiness — Review your current CMMC certification level (or assessment status). Missile defense programs typically require CMMC Level 2 minimum; identify gaps immediately.
- [ ] Review existing contract vehicle access — Confirm your company's active status on STARS III, OASIS+, GSA MAS, and SeaPort-NxG. These are the likely on-ramps for Golden Dome task orders.
- [ ] Conduct NAICS code alignment check — Verify your SAM.gov registration includes the relevant NAICS codes: 336414 (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing), 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation Instruments), 541715 (R&D in Physical, Engineering Sciences), 541330 (Engineering Services), 541512 (Computer Systems Design), 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts Manufacturing), 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting).
- [ ] Assign internal capture lead — Designate a senior business development or capture manager to own Golden Dome tracking and coordinate cross-functional response.
- [ ] Monitor Congressional appropriations committees — Set up daily monitoring of House and Senate Armed Services Committee and Appropriations Committee press releases for Golden Dome funding details.
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Short-Term Actions (30 Days)
- [ ] Establish teaming strategy — Identify prime contractors with Missile Defense Agency (MDA) IDIQ vehicles and Space Force relationships. Initiate teaming discussions if you're positioned as a subcontractor; map your technical differentiators if pursuing prime opportunities.
- [ ] Develop Golden Dome capability statement — Draft a 2-page capability brief highlighting relevant past performance in missile defense, radar/sensor systems, command and control, or space systems. Tailor messaging to Arctic/Greenland operational environments if applicable.
- [ ] Engage agency program offices — Request one-on-one meetings with MDA, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) small business liaisons or OSBP offices to signal interest and gather intelligence on program structure.
- [ ] Conduct competitive landscape analysis — Research incumbent contractors on existing MDA programs (e.g., Ground-based Midcourse Defense, Aegis BMD) and Space Force radar/sensor contracts. Identify white space and partnership opportunities.
- [ ] Validate NIST 800-171 implementation — Ensure all 110 security controls are documented and operational. Prepare for DIBCAA audits that will be required for Golden Dome CUI handling.
- [ ] Review DFARS 252.204-7012 compliance — Confirm cyber incident reporting procedures are current and all subcontractors flow down this clause. Golden Dome contracts will include this requirement.
- [ ] Prepare bid/no-bid criteria — Develop decision framework specific to Golden Dome opportunities: technical capability thresholds, past performance requirements, teaming prerequisites, and minimum contract value targets.
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Long-Term Actions (90+ Days)
- [ ] Build Arctic operations expertise — If your technical solution involves deployment or operations in Greenland or Arctic regions, develop white papers on cold-weather resilience, logistics, and environmental compliance. Highlight relevant experience.
- [ ] Invest in R&D alignment — Allocate IRAD funding toward technologies relevant to Golden Dome: hypersonic threat detection, space-based sensors, AI/ML for missile tracking, or integrated battle management command and control (IBMCS).
- [ ] Pursue strategic certifications — If gaps exist, initiate CMMC Level 2 certification process (allow 6-9 months). Consider ISO 9001 or AS9100 if not already certified, as these strengthen credibility for aerospace and defense manufacturing.
- [ ] Expand contract vehicle presence — If not currently on key vehicles, prepare proposals for upcoming OASIS+ on-ramps or GSA MAS modifications to add relevant SINs (e.g., 54151HACS for highly adaptive cybersecurity services).
- [ ] Develop past performance narratives — Document and format all relevant past performance into CPARS-style summaries emphasizing missile defense, radar systems, space operations, or Arctic/extreme environment work. Prepare reference letters from government customers.
- [ ] Monitor for RFI and Sources Sought notices — As program details emerge, agencies will issue market research requests. Respond promptly to all Golden Dome-related RFIs to ensure your company is on bidder lists.
- [ ] Establish agency relationship cadence — Schedule quarterly touchpoints with MDA, Space Force, and USNORTHCOM program offices to maintain visibility and gather early intelligence on acquisition strategies.
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Compliance Checklist
Golden Dome contracts will trigger multiple regulatory compliance surfaces. Ensure your organization meets these requirements:
Export Control Compliance
- [ ] ITAR Registration — Confirm current registration with DDTC (State Department). Missile defense technology is USML Category IV and VIII.
- [ ] EAR Compliance Program — Establish documented procedures for determining EAR jurisdiction (Commerce Department) for dual-use components.
- [ ] Export Control Training — All employees with access to technical data must complete annual ITAR/EAR training. Document completion.
- [ ] Technology Control Plan (TCP) — Develop or update TCP for handling ITAR-controlled technical data. Include physical and electronic access controls.
Cybersecurity Compliance (CMMC/NIST 800-171)
- [ ] CMMC Level 2 Certification — Obtain C3PAO assessment and certification. Golden Dome will require Level 2 minimum for CUI handling.
- [ ] NIST 800-171 Self-Assessment — Complete and document all 110 security controls. Maintain System Security Plan (SSP).
- [ ] DFARS 252.204-7012 Implementation — Establish cyber incident reporting procedures. Ensure 72-hour reporting capability to DoD.
- [ ] Supplier CMMC Verification — Audit all subcontractors and suppliers for CMMC compliance. Flow down requirements in subcontracts.
- [ ] SPRS Score Submission — Submit current NIST 800-171 assessment score to Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) in SAM.gov.
Contract-Specific Requirements
- [ ] Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) — If contract value exceeds thresholds, ensure CAS-compliant accounting system. Prepare Disclosure Statement (DS-2).
- [ ] Earned Value Management (EVM) — For contracts >$20M, implement EVMS compliant with ANSI-748. Prepare for DCMA surveillance.
- [ ] Counterfeit Parts Prevention — Implement DFARS 252.246-7007 and 252.246-7008 controls for electronic parts procurement and traceability.
- [ ] Supply Chain Risk Management — Document procedures for vetting suppliers against OFAC sanctions lists and Section 889 prohibited vendors.
Registration and Representations
- [ ] SAM.gov Active Registration — Verify registration is current with all NAICS codes and CAGE code active.
- [ ] Representations and Certifications — Update annual representations in SAM.gov, including small business status, CMMC level, and accounting system adequacy.
- [ ] Facility Security Clearance (FCL) — If not already held, initiate FCL application with DCSA. Golden Dome may require SECRET or TOP SECRET clearances.
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Resources
Official Guidance
- ITAR Regulations (22 CFR 120-130) (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M) — State Department export control regulations
- EAR Regulations (15 CFR 730-774) (https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/regulations/export-administration-regulations-ear) — Commerce Department dual-use export controls
- NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 (https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-171/rev-2/final) — Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information
- DFARS 252.204-7012 (https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars/252.204-7012-safeguarding-covered-defense-information-and-cyber-incident-reporting) — Cybersecurity requirements clause
- CMMC Program Overview (https://dodcio.defense.gov/CMMC/) — DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
Agency Resources
- Missile Defense Agency Small Business Office (https://www.mda.mil/small_business/) — MDA contracting opportunities and liaison contacts
- U.S. Space Force Contracting (https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197749/space-systems-command/) — Space Systems Command acquisition information
- U.S. Northern Command Contracting (https://www.northcom.mil/About/Contracting/) — USNORTHCOM procurement office
Contract Vehicles
- STARS III (https://www.eis.army.mil/programs/stars3) — Army enterprise IT services vehicle
- OASIS+ (https://www.gsa.gov/buy-through-us/products-and-services/professional-services/buy-services/oasis-plus) — GSA professional services vehicle
- GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) (https://www.gsa.gov/buy-through-us/purchasing-programs/gsa-multiple-award-schedule) — GSA schedule program
- SeaPort-NxG (https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Team-Acquisition/Seaport/) — Navy engineering and technical services vehicle
Congressional Oversight
- House Armed Services Committee (https://armedservices.house.gov/) — Monitor for Golden Dome hearings and reports
- Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee (https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/subcommittees/defense) — Track funding authorization
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How Cabrillo Club Automates This
Cabrillo Signals War Room has already detected this Golden Dome executive order within minutes of public disclosure and delivered this briefing directly to your dashboard. The War Room continuously monitors federal register publications, executive orders, agency policy memos, Congressional committee activity, and defense trade press—so you're alerted to program launches, funding shifts, and regulatory changes before your competitors even know they exist. For Golden Dome specifically, War Room is tracking MDA program office announcements, Space Force acquisition strategy releases, and Congressional appropriations markup language in real time.
Cabrillo Signals Match Engine automatically rescored your entire opportunity pipeline the moment Golden Dome was announced. Any open opportunities tagged with MDA, Space Force, USNORTHCOM, or the relevant NAICS codes (336414, 334511, 541715, etc.) received updated match scores reflecting the new strategic priority. If you have past performance in missile defense or Arctic operations, those opportunities now rank higher in your queue. The Match Engine also flagged contract vehicles (STARS III, OASIS+, SeaPort-NxG) where Golden Dome task orders are likely to appear, so your BD team knows where to focus capture efforts.
Cabrillo Signals Intelligence Hub is tracking all agencies, NAICS codes, and contract vehicles associated with Golden Dome. Use the saved search feature to create an alert for any new SAM.gov solicitations matching this profile: agencies = MDA, Space Force, USNORTHCOM; NAICS = 336414, 334511, 541715; vehicles = STARS III, OASIS+, SeaPort-NxG. You'll receive instant notifications when RFIs, Sources Sought notices, or RFPs drop—giving you first-mover advantage on teaming and proposal preparation.
Proposal Studio (Proposal OS) accelerates your response when Golden Dome solicitations are released. The AI-powered compliance matrix generator automatically maps RFP requirements to your technical approach, pulling from your past performance library and win theme database. For missile defense proposals, Proposal OS surfaces relevant Arctic operations experience, ITAR compliance documentation, and CMMC certifications from your knowledge base. The bid/no-bid decision engine factors in Golden Dome's strategic priority, your NAICS alignment, and teaming partner availability to recommend pursuit decisions backed by data.
Proposal Studio Workflow Tracker manages the entire capture lifecycle for Golden Dome opportunities through its 9-gate process. When you move an opportunity to "Capture," Workflow Tracker automatically routes ITAR compliance reviews to your export control officer, triggers CMMC certification verification with your security team, and generates supplier certification requests for subcontractors. The audit-ready documentation package compiles all compliance artifacts—NIST 800-171 SSPs, DFARS flowdown clauses, teaming agreements—into a single repository for government audits or DCMA reviews.
Ready to leverage these capabilities? Log into your Cabrillo Club dashboard to configure Golden Dome saved searches in the Intelligence Hub, review your updated match scores in the Match Engine, and explore Proposal Studio's missile defense template library. If you're not yet using these features, contact your account manager to activate full platform access.
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Editorial Team
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