Horizon cutting-room links: Monday, 15 September 2025

"Interior Dept Moves Ahead With IT Consolidation Plan Across Bureaus," Federal News Network

The Interior Department is advancing its IT consolidation strategy, aiming to unify support services across its various bureaus. This plan, which follows a broader initiative to centralize administrative functions, is expected to enhance efficiency but may also lead to job redundancies.

• The Interior Department will centralize IT support to a single helpdesk, consolidating services across various geographic locations rather than bureau affiliations.
• This reorganization is projected to eliminate hundreds of positions, as redundant roles are streamlined to improve operational efficiency, despite assurances of maintaining current service levels.
• The consolidation plan aligns with Secretary Doug Burgum's directive for greater administrative efficiency, reflecting similar moves in other federal agencies, such as the Treasury Department's unified service delivery model.

"US Army Awards Lockheed Record $9.8 Billion Missile Contract," Defense News

The US Army has made history by awarding Lockheed Martin a record $9.8 billion multiyear contract for nearly 2,000 advanced Patriot missiles, a decision driven by the increasing demand for missile capabilities amid global conflicts. The contract, effective from fiscal years 2024 through 2026, aims to enhance the Army's missile stockpiles and improve delivery timelines.

• The contract encompasses the procurement of 1,970 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors, marking the largest deal ever for Lockheed's Missiles and Fire Control unit.
• Lockheed plans to deliver over 600 interceptors in 2025, ramping up production to meet the urgent needs of the U.S. and its allies amid rising global tensions, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East.
• This agreement enables the Army to expedite missile procurement and inventory replenishment, supporting a faster response to emerging threats with the advanced hit-to-kill technology of the PAC-3 MSE missiles.

"Denmark Picks French-Italian SAMP/T Air Defense System Over Patriot," Defense News

Denmark has decided to procure the French-Italian SAMP/T air defense system, marking a significant shift in its military strategy. This investment, totaling around 58 billion kroner (US $9.1 billion), is aimed at enhancing Denmark's integrated ground-based air defense capabilities.

• Denmark will become the first EU export customer for the SAMP/T system, previously used only by France and Italy. This positions Denmark strategically within Europe, moving away from reliance on US systems like the Patriot.
• The Danish government intends to invest significantly more than previously planned, with the budget increasing from an initial estimate of 19-25 billion kroner to 58 billion kroner for eight air defense systems, which underscores the urgency of strengthening national defense.
• The SAMP/T system offers advanced capabilities, including a range of up to 150 kilometers against aerial threats and enhanced operational flexibility with multiple integrated systems, appealing to Denmark's strategic defense considerations in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

"FAR & Beyond: Time to Retire the Best-in-Class Regime?" Federal News Network

In the latest commentary from the GSA-focused Coalition, an association of govcons, Roger Waldren urges the retirement of the best-in-class program. The article argues that the FAR rewrite prioritizes existing governmentwide contracts over the previously favored best-in-class contracts, promoting efficiency and reducing bureaucratic complexity. (Just use the Schedules!)