NEWS AND RECENT WINS
Ascension Federal Secures SHIELD IDIQ Contract from MDA to Support America's Golden Dome Defense System
January 16, 2026 – Ascension Federal Services, Inc. (AFS), a trusted mission partner supporting national security and defense initiatives, today announced it has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling value of $151 billion by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) under the Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) program.
This contract positions Ascension Federal Services to compete for future task orders supporting a broad and critical U.S. defense mission focused on strengthening homeland defense against evolving threats across land, sea, air, cyberspace, and space domains.
The SHIELD program represents a cornerstone of the nation’s layered defense strategy, integrating advanced technologies and operational capabilities to enhance resilience and mission effectiveness. “This award underscores Ascension Federal Services’ role as a trusted mission partner in advancing the nation’s defense and security objectives,” said Jay Morell, Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Federal Services, Inc. “Being selected for the Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD IDIQ reflects the confidence in our team’s technical excellence, operational rigor, and commitment to delivering mission-critical solutions that protect our nation and its interests.”
Through this IDIQ, AFS will provide innovative, scalable, and secure solutions that support MDA’s objectives, leveraging its expertise in cybersecurity, systems engineering, program management, and advanced technology integration.
The company remains committed to delivering high-impact capabilities that enable rapid response, operational superiority, and long-term strategic advantage for the U.S. defense enterprise.
Ascension Federal Services, Inc. Awarded State of Florida Contract for Information Technology Staff Services Tampa, FL – January 7, 2026 – Ascension Federal Services, Inc. (AFS), a Tampa Bay–based corporation, announced it has been awarded the State of Florida, Department of Management Services (DMS) Information Technology Staff Services State Term Contract. The multi-year statewide contract supports information technology and project-based services across Florida’s public agencies. In FY 2024–2025, the contract generated $197,396,662.49 in annual spend, making it one of the largest statewide IT staffing contracts in the country, encompassing more than 130 labor categories. “This award represents a significant milestone for Ascension Federal Services,” said Jay Morell, Chief Executive Officer of AFS. “Our team is honored to be a supplier for the State of Florida’s technology modernization and digital transformation efforts. This contract reinforces our commitment to delivering top-tier IT talent and innovative solutions that empower agencies to achieve mission success.” Under the agreement, AFS will provide highly qualified IT professionals to assist state and local government entities with a wide range of technology initiatives, including data analytics, software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The company will work closely with the Department of Management Services to ensure timely, cost-effective, and performance-driven results for each engagement. Ascension Federal Services, Inc. (AFS) is a Florida-based, CMMC certified, organization that delivers solutions in IT modernization, cybersecurity, program management, telecommunications, and security systems integration, combining innovation with operational excellence. The company’s mission is to advance client objectives through collaboration, technical expertise, and a commitment to government and commercial services.
Ascension Federal Services, Inc. - Achieves CMMC Certification
Tampa, FL – July 29, 2025 -Ascension Federal Services, Inc. (AFS) announced it has achieved certification under the U.S. Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0) framework, reinforcing its commitment to protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and supporting Department of Defense missions with secure, compliant cybersecurity operations.
CMMC 2.0 certification validates AFS’s ability to implement and sustain rigorous cybersecurity controls that safeguard sensitive data and strengthen the DoD’s digital supply chain.“CMMC represents more than compliance; it is a commitment to protecting our customers’ missions and the nation’s most critical information,” said Jay Morell., CEO of Ascension Federal Services, Inc. “This achievement reflects the strength, discipline, and maturity of our cybersecurity program.”
AFS’s certification reinforces its position as a trusted partner to federal and defense customers seeking secure, compliant, and operationally effective solutions. By aligning cybersecurity architecture, policies, and operational practices with CMMC requirements, AFS enables customers to reduce risk, streamline compliance, and confidently operate in highly regulated environments.
Ascension Federal Services, Inc. provides staff augmentation support for Connection IT (GDIT).
AFS provided cybersecurity and network support labor to the Army National Guard’s GECOS program. This work aligns directly with the solicitation by demonstrating AFS’s ability to supply skilled IT personnel, support enterprise network environments, and execute complex security tool migrations. Cybersecurity Cleared Labor Support: Provided SMEs to address vulnerabilities, maintain DoD compliance, and strengthen cyber hygiene.
Network Support: Performed troubleshooting, configuration updates, access control management, and continuous network monitoring. Cisco ISE to Forescout Migration: Supported device profiling, policy replication, NAC updates, and ensured operational continuity during the transition.Security Architecture Enhancements: Improved endpoint security, authentication systems, and access control configurations.Operational Sustainment: Delivered ongoing labor support across multiple cybersecurity workstreams to maintain stable NetOps functions.
This experience demonstrates AFS’s proven ability to: Provide qualified IT and cybersecurity personnel. Support enterprise identity, access control, and monitoring tools. Execute technology migrations without service disruption. Deliver staff augmentation and project-based IT services. Meet federal cybersecurity standards and performance requirements.
Outcome: AFS strengthened the Army National Guard’s security posture and ensured a smooth transition to a Forescout-based architecture, confirming AFS’s capability to deliver reliable, skilled IT and cybersecurity support aligned with this solicitation’s needs.
AFS’ alliance with COMTECH Telecommunications Corp.
Ascension Federal Services, Inc. (AFS) provides mission-critical cybersecurity and technical support as a subcontractor under Comtech’s initiative for the (JCAC). This effort directly supports the Department of Defense in developing highly skilled cyber operators for joint defensive and offensive operations.
AFS Contributions:• Instructional Support: Delivering course modules, hands-on labs, and scenario-based training in network defense, intrusion detection, incident response, and cyber operations.• Curriculum Development: Updating content to reflect emerging threats, doctrinal changes, and DOD cybersecurity standards.• Cyber Lab Support: Maintaining and troubleshooting virtual and physical lab environments for realistic training.• Technical Expertise: Providing SME support in cybersecurity fundamentals, network protocols, malware analysis, system administration, and adversary TTPs.• Operational Alignment: Ensuring training aligns with U.S. Cyber Command readiness and mission objectives.
AFS’ experience demonstrates the ability to:• Deliver cleared, qualified ongoing cyber professionals for DOD missions• Support large-scale, high-fidelity training programs• Maintain secure, enterprise-level cyber lab ecosystems• Provide flexible subcontractor support within multi-vendor programs• Enhance cyber mission force development via hands-on training and curriculum modernization
This work directly aligns with requirements for cybersecurity services, workforce development, training augmentation, and technical mission sustainment.