Horizon cutting-room links: Friday, 13 June 2025

“GSA expands transactional data reporting for smarter purchasing," General Services Administration

GSA announced the expansion of Transactional Data Reporting (TDR).

• Mandatory TDR participation for all SIN holders: Starting at the end of June 2025, TDR will be required for 62 new product and cloud services SINs, expanding to all SINs by FY26.
• Reduction in administrative burdens: TDR minimizes the traditional reporting requirements, saving tens of thousands of hours for vendors and making it easier for small businesses to engage with the GSA MAS program.
• Enhanced pricing competitiveness: By sharing targeted pricing information, TDR aims to improve procurement outcomes across the board, ensuring taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently.

"Destination D.C.: District loses out on 41 meetings over Trump rhetoric, policies," Washington Business Journal

The economic impact of negative perceptions surrounding the Trump administration has led to significant losses for Washington, DC, in terms of international meetings and tourism. According to Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, the city has seen a decline in international visitation and has lost out on millions due to canceled events.

• Negative perceptions of the Trump administration have cost DC an estimated $52 million in economic impact due to the cancellation of seven international meetings and the exclusion of thirty-four others from consideration.
• A projected 6.5 percent decline in international visitation to the District this year reflects a substantial loss of momentum in tourism, following an increase in visitors post-Covid-19 pandemic.
• Ferguson warns that diverting funds from the Tourism Recovery District to other economic priorities could significantly hinder Destination DC's marketing efforts, especially when facing a negative perception abroad.

"Will Hegseth’s insourcing push really cut waste?” Federal News Network

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated a significant reduction in outside IT consulting and management services, challenging the Pentagon to insource. Some express skepticism about the effectiveness of these directives, citing historical issues with insourcing and the complexities of attracting and retaining technical talent within the government.

• Increased oversight on contracts: New directives require all IT and management contracts over $10 million to receive approval from the deputy secretary of Defense, necessitating thorough cost-benefit analyses and justifications for in-house capabilities.
• Challenges in attracting talent: Industry argues that the Defense Department's reliance on contractors stems from long-standing difficulties in hiring and retaining skilled personnel, suggesting that mere compliance-driven insourcing won't address the root issues.
• Historical context of insourcing efforts: Previous initiatives, such as those during the Obama administration, to reduce contractor reliance have proven costly and ineffective, often resulting in minimal savings and widespread frustration within military services from slow federal hiring.

"AT&T CFO: No pressing need for spectrum right now," Fierce Wireless

AT&T's CFO Pascal Desroches announced that the company currently does not see a pressing need for additional spectrum, despite ongoing discussions about the necessity for more airwaves in the industry. This statement has ignited controversy among competitors and industry advocates, highlighting the disparity between the company's public statements and its lobbying efforts in Washington, DC, where FCC Chair Brendan Carr has promised the industry more spectrum auctions.

• AT&T has confirmed it has sufficient spectrum for the immediate future, contradicting claims of a spectrum crunch made by industry lobbyists.
• Desroches indicated that while there is no immediate need for more spectrum, AT&T is always looking ahead to future demands.
• The comments from AT&T's CFO have sparked backlash from cable industry advocates, who argue that these statements reflect a larger contradiction between what wireless companies tell investors and policymakers.

"FCC’s last Democratic commissioner doesn’t know why Trump hasn’t fired her yet," the Verge

In a precarious position as the last Democratic commissioner at the FCC, Anna Gomez expresses uncertainty about her job security under President Trump, who has previously dismissed Democratic officials without cause. Despite her critical stance on current FCC leadership and ongoing censorship issues, Gomez maintains a working relationship with FCC Chair Brendan Carr.

• Anna Gomez, the sole remaining Democrat at the FCC, is concerned about her job security following the firings of other Democratic officials by Trump, raising questions about the independence of the agency.
• The FCC currently lacks a quorum to vote on significant actions, limiting its ability to address critical issues that require consensus among commissioners.
• Gomez emphasizes that her advocacy for First Amendment rights transcends political lines, aiming to protect democracy and prevent censorship from becoming the norm.