How Big Beautiful Bill Funds Golden Dome — and Opportunities for Contractors

The “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law on July 4, stands as a sweeping piece of legislation encompassing tax policy, national security priorities, infrastructure and defense modernization. One of its most ambitious undertakings is the Golden Dome project — an integrated air and missile defense system designed to protect the U.S. homeland. For contractors, Golden Dome represents not only a new horizon in advanced infrastructure and defense, but also a substantial set of funding opportunities shaped by specific congressional actions and unique provisions in the BBB.

Golden Dome will be a central topic at Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31. Not only will Gen. Michael Guetlein, who the president has tapped to lead the initiative, deliver a keynote speech, but POC will also host an all-industry panel discussion about how industry can best ready itself for Golden Dome. Don’t miss this fantastic GovCon brand-building and awareness opportunity!

Funding for Golden Dome: Legislative Context and Details

Golden Dome and the 2025 Reconciliation Law

The Golden Dome initiative—sometimes referenced in connection with the “Iron Dome for America”—is formally rooted in the 2025 reconciliation legislation, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and in President Trump’s January 27 executive order directing the development of a next-generation missile defense shield. While the bill text does not always refer to “Golden Dome” by name, congressional committee reports and White House briefings identify integrated air and missile defense funding as an “initial deposit” toward the Golden Dome initiative.

Funding Breakdown

Title II, Section 20003 of the BBB provides $24.4 billion in mandatory funding for the Department of Defense through FY2025, available until September 30, 2029. This money is set aside “for enhancement of Department of Defense resources for integrated air and missile defense”—Congressional documentation and executive statements confirm this is the funding foundation for Golden Dome.

Key allocations within Section 20003 include:

• $18.8 billion for next-generation missile defense technologies:
  • Directed energy capabilities (e.g., lasers)
  • Space-based interceptors
  • Advanced sensors and hypersonic defense
• $5.9 billion for layered homeland defense:
  • Acceleration of hypersonic defense systems
  • Modernization of ground-based missile defense and radar infrastructure
  • Test range upgrades and new systems integration

Additional funds within the BBB support related defense investments, including research and procurement to sustain and extend the capabilities of Golden Dome. The BBB also appropriates billions for shipbuilding, munitions and the broader modernization of America’s military posture.

BBB Legislative Process and Significance

The bill passed along party lines: after a narrow Senate passage (with a vice-presidential tiebreaker), the House followed, and President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4. Policymakers have described the Golden Dome as central to “21st-century security,” intended to defend against advanced missile threats from both rogue states and near-peer adversaries.

Golden Dome Opportunities for Contractors

With the Congressional mandate and a $24.4 billion funding stream, contractors can access project opportunities in several high-impact areas:

1. Design, Engineering and Construction

Golden Dome’s multi-layered defense architecture requires the development, construction and integration of new missile defense sites, radar arrays, command centers and support infrastructure. DOD funding covers advanced construction methods, seismic upgrades and secure facilities as mandated in the BBB’s missile defense sections. Both large federal contractors and specialized firms are encouraged to bid for core components and sub-projects.

2. Advanced Technology Integration

Critical project areas funded by the BBB include:

• Directed energy weapons and systems (lasers, non-kinetic defense)
• Space-based interceptors and sensors
• Integration of hypersonic defense and rapid-response command systems

Contractors specializing in aerospace, space systems, software integration, cybersecurity and AI-driven controls will find significant RFP/RFQ opportunities under the Golden Dome banner.

3. Research, Development and Prototyping

With billions designated for “next generation” capabilities and “special programs,” the BBB incentivizes partnerships between DOD, private industry and research institutions. Fast-tracked R&D programs require technical expertise in fields from materials science (for survivability) to quantum computing (for detection and tracking).

4. Sustainment, Maintenance and Upgrades

Long-term program success will depend on reliable operation and continuous improvement. The BBB’s multi-year funding horizon means the DOD will award contracts for lifecycle maintenance, system upgrades and periodic modernization — offering recurring work for firms with service and maintenance capacity.

5. Workforce and Regional Development Initiatives

Recognizing the scale of the effort, the bill links Golden Dome funding to jobs and training programs, especially in underserved or high-unemployment regions. Contractors who collaborate with government workforce development or regional grant programs can bolster their bids, ensuring projects meet both technical and socioeconomic criteria.

6. Public-Private and Interagency Partnerships

While primary funding flows from DOD appropriations authorized in Section 20003, the BBB also encourages cost-sharing and public-private partnership models. Contractors who can align with private investment or leverage matching funds will have access to additional opportunity streams.

Hear representatives from Raytheon, L3Harris, Booz Allen, Exiger and Mercury Systems lay out all of the potential benefits and opportunities Big Beautiful Bill and Golden Dome are providing for the industrial base at the 2025 Air and Space Summit, from Potomac Officers Club. Register today for the July 31 GovCon networking event!

Big Beautiful Benefits for Contractors

Participating firms can expect:

• Secure federal funding: Multi-year, congressionally-protected budgets lower financial risk.
• High-profile portfolio value: Golden Dome is a flagship national security program, elevating contractor reputations.
• Growth and innovation: Exposure to cutting-edge defense technologies and processes positions companies for future government and commercial work.
• Job creation and training support: Projects are designed to benefit American workers and communities, linking national security with economic development.

Next Steps for GovCons

Contractors should:

1. Monitor DOD, GSA and defense procurement portals for upcoming RFQs, RFPs and program announcements related to Golden Dome and integrated air and missile defense.
2. Build partnerships with academic, research and regional development organizations to boost technical and local engagement credentials.
3. Prepare to meet rigorous compliance, cybersecurity, and facility clearance standards associated with critical defense infrastructure.
4. Engage in workforce training and community programs that can enhance the competitive strength of their proposals.