Horizon cutting-room links: Monday, 21 July 2025

"Trump creates 'Schedule G' to add more political appointees to agencies top ranks," Government Executive

In a move that could reshape the executive branch, President Trump has introduced a new category of federal employee known as Schedule G, allowing for the appointment of political appointees in policy-making roles without the need for Senate confirmation. This executive order aims to enhance governmental efficiency and accountability but has drawn criticism for politicizing the federal workforce and complicating the existing appointment system.

• The new Schedule G positions will allow for an increased number of political appointees who do not require Senate confirmation, filling gaps in the current appointment system.
• Schedule G appointments are expected to last only for the duration of the presidential administration and will particularly target the Veterans Affairs Department.
• Critics argue that this new classification will further politicize the federal workforce, potentially compromising effective service delivery and disempowering the apolitical civil service.

"SBA introduces its new small business search system," SmallGovCon

SBA unveiled its Small Business Search (SBS) system, which replaces the older Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) platform. This transition aims to streamline the process for users to access vital business information while ensuring that existing profiles are preserved. However, users are encouraged to verify the accuracy of their data on this new platform.

• Migration of existing profiles: SBA assures that all existing business profiles have been successfully migrated to the new SBS platform, allowing for continuity and ease of access.
• Familiar interface with new features: While the appearance of SBS differs from its predecessor, it retains key information such as company details, certifications, and NAICS codes, making it easy for users familiar with DSBS to navigate.
• Potential data discrepancies: Some contractors have reported missing information in their SBS listings, prompting the SBA to provide guidance on updating profiles and troubleshooting issues related to business visibility in searches.

"GSA softens tone with consulting contractors, but long-term goals of effort remain vague," Federal News Network

GSA has shifted its approach toward consulting contractors, moving away from a confrontational stance to a more collaborative one. However, the agency's long-term objectives and clarity regarding future actions remain ambiguous.

• GSA's initial aggressive tone has been replaced with a more collaborative approach, as recent interactions with contractors have shown a willingness to listen and engage constructively.
• Despite the softening of GSA's tone, industry experts express concerns about the vague long-term goals of the consulting review initiative, which primarily focus on cutting costs without clear outcomes.
• The initiative has created a stigma for the top ten consulting firms, affecting their ability to secure new contracts and leading to confusion among agency customers about the review's implications.

"Trump’s big AI energy pitch is just microgrids by another name," Fierce Network

In a recent address at Carnegie Mellon University, President Trump urged data center operators to take control of their energy needs by constructing their own power generation facilities, which he framed as a solution to the increasing demand for power driven by AI advancements. This proposal, however, closely mirrors the established concept of microgrids, which have been in use for over a century. As data centers grapple with escalating energy demands, this approach may soon become a necessity rather than a choice.

• Trump suggested that data center operators could build their own power plants powered by various energy sources, allowing them to sell excess energy back to the grid.
• The microgrid concept, credited to Thomas Edison, is gaining renewed attention as data centers face power shortages and seek reliable energy solutions amid rising demands.
• Despite the high initial costs of microgrids, many data center operators are exploring this option to ensure they are prepared for future energy needs, especially as states begin to implement regulations affecting energy consumption.

"Air Force will buy more KC-46s, skip competition," Defense One

The US Air Force has decided to purchase additional KC-46 tankers rather than initiate a new competition for its next tanker acquisition, ending speculation about a contest between Boeing and Airbus. This decision is a significant shift in the Air Force's strategy regarding its aging fleet of KC-135s, marking a move toward a more immediate solution as the service anticipates budget pressures and the need for a reliable tanker capacity in the short term.

• The Air Force will acquire up to 75 additional KC-46 aircraft as part of a strategy approved for the KC-46 extension program, signaling a commitment to the troubled tanker amidst ongoing production and budget challenges.
• The decision to stick with Boeing’s KC-46 is largely driven by cost considerations, as continuing the current production is seen as more economical than investing in a new program.
• Ongoing issues with the KC-46, including significant deficiencies and delivery pauses, have raised concerns, but Air Force Chief Gen. David Allvin remains optimistic about progress in addressing these challenges and the aircraft's operational performance.

"Justin Fulcher, a top aide to Pete Hegseth, leaves the Pentagon" New York Times

Justin Fulcher, an adviser to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, has announced his departure after a brief tenure. Fulcher's exit marks the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the Pentagon, raising questions about stability and leadership within the department.

• Justin Fulcher joined the Trump administration through DOGE, and later became an adviser to Pete Hegseth.
• His resignation follows reports of internal confrontations and a notable turnover among senior officials at the Pentagon, including aides placed on leave amid a leak investigation.
• Fulcher emphasized the inspiration he drew from working with the Department of Defense and expressed pride in the accomplishments witnessed during his time, despite the chaotic environment surrounding his departure.

"AMD’s new 96-core Threadripper CPU will set you back $11,699,” Verge

AMD announced its latest CPU, the Threadripper Pro 9000 WX-Series, which features a staggering ninety-six cores and is priced at $11,699. Designed for high end workstations, this chip promises to deliver unparalleled performance in professional rendering and AI applications.

• The Threadripper Pro 9995WX, available for $11,699, boasts 96 cores and 192 threads, shipping on 23 July.
• Competing against Intel, AMD claims a 49 percent performance improvement in context-based prompting inference tests with the new processors.
• AMD will release several other models in the series, with prices ranging from $1,649 to $7,999, targeting a variety of professional needs.