Horizon cutting-room links: Friday, 8 May 2025

"No More HUBZone Price Preference for Most Mentor-Protege Joint Ventures," SmallGovCon

In a significant regulatory shift, SBA has eliminated the price preference advantage for HUBZone mentor-protege joint ventures, which could impact many contractors looking to partner with HUBZone businesses.

• The HUBZone price evaluation preference now only applies to joint ventures between certified HUBZone small businesses and other small businesses, excluding those with large business mentors.
• The updated regulation clarifies that a HUBZone joint venture with a nonsmall mentor cannot claim the price preference, affecting the incentive for large businesses to partner with HUBZone firms.
• Contractors must understand these changes before forming mentor-protege agreements, as they could significantly alter competitive bidding dynamics in the HUBZone program.

"Republican senators question Trump’s plans to change FEMA," Roll Call

In a recent Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Republican lawmakers expressed significant concerns about the Trump proposal to restructure FEMA. This proposed overhaul could shift critical disaster relief responsibilities from the federal government to the states, raising fears about effectiveness and preparedness at the state level. Lawmakers are questioning the implications of such changes, particularly as many states frequently face natural disasters.

• Restructuring concerns: Senators, including Shelley Moore Capito and Cindy Hyde-Smith, voiced worries that shifting FEMA's responsibilities to states could hinder effective disaster response, especially for smaller states that rely heavily on federal assistance.
• Budget cuts justification: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended a proposed decrease of $646 million in non-disaster grant programs, arguing that these cuts are necessary to eliminate what the administration describes as "wasteful" spending associated with the previous administration.
• Bipartisan push for FEMA reform: A bipartisan group of House lawmakers is actively working on legislation to reform FEMA, aiming to make it an independent Cabinet-level agency that reports directly to the president.

"Army leaders clash with Connecticut lawmaker on future of Black Hawk helicopter," Defense One

In a recent posture hearing, Army leaders faced tough questioning from lawmakers on the future of the Black Hawk. The discussions highlighted tensions between the Army's plans to modernize its aviation capabilities and the concerns of Congress members representing districts with significant military manufacturing.

• The Army is considering a mix of manned, unmanned, and autonomous aircraft, potentially decreasing reliance on the Black Hawk helicopter in future operations.
• Rep. Rosa DeLauro expressed her constituents' concerns about the Black Hawk's future, challenging Army leaders on their transformation plans and contract assurances.
• Lawmakers raised concerns about the Army's unilateral decisions to divest from joint projects, which could impact other branches of the military, particularly the Marine Corps.

"F-15 Eagles Win Big In Supersized Defense Spending Bill," TWZ Newsletter

In a significant boost for tactical airpower, the latest proposed defense spending bill allocates substantial funding for the F-15EX and F-15E aircraft, highlighting the ongoing importance of these platforms even in the age of the F-35 in US military operations. With a proposed $7.2 billion earmarked for tactical aircraft procurement and modernization, the bill aims to enhance production capabilities and extend the operational lifespan of existing fleets.

• The F-15EX is set to receive an additional $3.1 billion to increase production, emphasizing its role in modern air superiority.
• The proposed legislation includes $127.46 million to prevent the retirement of F-15E aircraft, ensuring these critical assets remain operational until at least 2027.
• The bill also addresses funding for next-generation airpower programs, with significant allocations for the F-47 crewed fighter and the Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone program, reflecting a strategic shift towards advanced technologies.

"Trump admin fires acting FEMA administrator after House hearing," Federal News Network

The Trump administration has dismissed Cameron Hamilton from his role as acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) just one day after he expressed concerns about the agency's future during a House hearing. As lawmakers from both parties advocate for the agency's importance, the administration's budget proposals indicate a push for significant changes within FEMA, potentially impacting disaster response across the nation.

• Cameron Hamilton was removed from his role as acting FEMA administrator following his testimony before Congress, where he opposed plans to eliminate the agency.
• The administration’s proposed budget for fiscal 2026 seeks to cut $646 million from various FEMA grant programs while increasing funding for the Disaster Response Fund.
• Lawmakers from both parties are voicing strong concerns about the potential cuts to FEMA, emphasizing the need for a robust national response to disasters and pushing back against any plans to reduce the agency's role.

"Trump turns to Fox's Jeanine Pirro for D.C. attorney after cutting Ed Martin," Axios

President Trump is contemplating appointing Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the interim US Attorney for DC, following the withdrawal of Ed Martin's nomination. This decision comes amidst concerns regarding Martin's controversial stances and loss of Republican support.

• Controversial nomination rescinded: Ed Martin's nomination was withdrawn due to a lack of support from key Republican senators, particularly over his leniency toward the 6 January 2025 Capitol rioters.
• Jeanine Pirro's potential appointment: Pirro, a longtime Trump supporter and former judge, is seen as a reliable replacement who could align more closely with the administration's objectives, particularly regarding law enforcement.
• Effect on DC prosecutions: The U.S. Attorney for DC plays a crucial role in prosecuting both white-collar crimes and national security investigations, making the choice of Pirro potentially significant for future legal strategies in the capital.

"New B-52 Radar Program Has Nunn-McCurdy Cost Breach," Air & Space Forces Magazine

The rising costs associated with the B-52 Radar Modernization Program have triggered a Nunn-McCurdy breach, compelling the Air Force to notify Congress. This development could lead to a reduction in the program's scope as the service grapples with significant cost increases. The B-52H's transformation into the B-52J configuration hinges on these upgrades, which are critical for maintaining the aircraft's operational capabilities into the 2050s.

• The Air Force reported a significant cost increase of about 17 percent for the radar unit, which does not necessitate certification under the Nunn-McCurdy Act, as it remains below the critical threshold.
• Despite concerns about budget overruns, officials express confidence that the program can proceed affordably, with a focus on refining requirements to meet essential capabilities rather than expanding the scope.
• The modernization includes replacing an outdated analog radar system with a new hybrid AESA radar, aimed at enhancing ground-mapping functions and aerial threat detection, with an expected initial operational capability by 2027.