Florida State University has secured a major role in coordinating a program that could be worth up to $151-billion from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's SHIELD program.
The program leverages FSU's research expertise in high-field magnets, materials and cybersecurity for the rapid delivery of innovative capabilities that help solve complex defense challenges. The SHIELD program is a central element of the emerging "Golden Dome for America" homeland defense initiative that seeks to enhance detection of advanced aerial threats.
"This is a gateway that allows FSU to compete for task orders, underscoring our standing as a top-tier national research hub for defense technology," says FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Dean Suvranu De.
IDIQ contracts — indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity — are a federal contracting method for procuring supplies or services when exact quantities are unknown. They provide a flexible, long-term vehicle (often for five years) that sets a minimum and maximum spending limit, allowing agencies to place task or delivery orders as procurement needs arise.
"This selection provides us with a 'seat at the table' to help develop the next generation of U.S. homeland defense." — Suvranu De, dean, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
HIGHER EDUCATION
- The University of West Florida has begun construction of a $50-million multiuse football and events facility that will expand current seating capacity from about 3,800 to 7,500. Named after UWF graduate and prominent Pensacola businessman Darrell Gooden, who donated $9 million toward the stadium's cost, the facility will include premium seating, club access and suites. The four-story multiuse stadium tower will feature luxury suites, club and venue spaces. Construction is on track for a 2027 kickoff.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- The Santa Rosa County Commission has approved entering formal negotiations with the U.S. Navy to acquire a long-coveted 700-acre parcel for development of an industrial park. Known as Outlying Field Santa Rosa, the site is used largely by the Navy for helicopter training. The field is near Interstate 10 and is near some of the county's other industrial parks. Santa Rosa officials are proposing a land swap and development of a new training field in exchange for the 700-acre site. A Navy spokesman said negotiations likely will take three to five years. "This is an actual official ask," Santa Rosa Commissioner Colten Wright says.
MANUFACTURING
- The American Magic yacht racing team's new $20.8-million "high performance center" has begun operations in its headquarters at the Port of Pensacola. The 56,000-sq.-ft. facility houses heavy machinery and a large indoor space for repairs and racing yachts storage. American Magic, the New York Yacht Club's international racing team, will be joined at the port by SailGP, which hosts worldwide sail racing team competitions. The facility is expected to create 170 jobs over the next few years.
SPORTS
- Pensacola-based sailing team American Magic has purchased the Danish SailGP team's Rockwool Racing for $60 million. The sale follows an early 2026 announcement of a formal partnership between American Magic and SailGP. SailGP is a professional international sail racing league founded in 2019 that aspires to become a premier commercial league for high-performance sail racing. American Magic co-founder Doug DeVos, who is also part of the family ownership group of the NBA's Orlando Magic, says the purchase brings together three organizations committed to high performance sail racing.
HOSPITALITY
- Construction is well underway on a new Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel in downtown Pensacola that will offer sweeping views of Pensacola Bay. Commercial real estate development company Kerioth Corp. is building the six-story, 132-room hotel. The property was purchased six years ago for $2.5 million.
TECHNOLOGY
- California-based Applied Intuition, an AI company that specializes in drones and munitions, is expanding operations into Okaloosa County. Company executives say its new Fort Walton Beach location will allow them to step up collaboration with the U.S. Air Force's Eglin and Hurlburt bases.
Ship Shape
Triumph Gulf Coast has approved a $76-million grant to aid in the construction of a 400,000-sq.-ft., $250-million shipbuilding facility at the Port of Pensacola. Denver-based shipbuilder Birdon says the facility has the potential to create some 2,000 jobs over the next several years. The company's main business divisions include shipbuilding, manufacturing and repair, design and engineering, and marine propulsion.