Horizon cutting-room links: Monday, 25 August 2025

"OHA Says: For a Size Protest, Bring the Receipts or Face Dismissal," SmallGovCon

In a recent ruling, SBA’s Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) clarified that filing a size protest requires substantial specificity and relevant documentation, emphasizing the importance of precise fiscal data and the risks of dismissal for vague allegations.

• A size protest must provide specific information and documentation to substantiate claims regarding a firm’s size, as merely alleging that a concern is "other than small" is insufficient.
• In the case of C4CJV, LLC, the OHA dismissed the protest because of the lack of specific evidence regarding the revenue relationship between the involved parties.
• The decision underscores a potentially stricter standard for protests, suggesting that more detailed documentation may now be necessary to avoid dismissal, impacting both protestors and firms facing protests.

"Trump’s Pay Freeze Plan Expected by End of Month," Government Executive

With just nine days remaining, President Trump is anticipated to announce a plan to freeze federal employees’ salaries for 2026. This unusual year has seen Trump deviating from the traditional budget proposal process.

• President Trump has until the end of the month to unveil his plan to freeze federal salaries, coinciding with imminent automatic pay increases that would typically apply.
• Trump previously proposed salary freezes during his first term, yet Congress has consistently intervened, granting raises ranging from 1.4 percent to 2.6 percent.
• In 2020, although Trump initially suggested a 1 percent increase, he later changed his stance to support a freeze, which Congress ultimately rejected in favor of the increase.

"Federal Law Enforcement Deployments Are Coming to Other Cities, Trump Says," Government Executive

President Trump announced plans to deploy federal law enforcement personnel to cities across the country, with Chicago being the next target after Washington. This decision comes amid ongoing federal operations in the capital, where nearly 500 officers are currently active.

• Trump indicated that federal personnel from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security will target cities with high crime rates, starting with Chicago, which he described as a "mess."
• The deployment of around 500 federal officers in Washington has resulted in 719 arrests, but it remains unclear how these figures compare to normal police activity in the city.
• Trump suggested he might extend federal control beyond the thirty-day limit imposed by the Home Rule Act by potentially declaring a national emergency, a move that could set a precedent for future federal interventions.

"Pilot Rescued After U.S. Fighter Jet Crashes Off Coast of Virginia," CBS News

A US Navy pilot was rescued after ejecting from an F/A-18E Super Hornet that crashed into the ocean off the coast of Virginia during a routine training flight. The incident, which took place on 20 August 2025, marks the latest in a series of crashes involving Navy F-18 aircraft, raising concerns over operational safety and training protocols.

• A pilot from Strike Fighter Squadron 83 ejected from the Super Hornet shortly before 10 am ET and was rescued approximately an hour later, though their condition was not disclosed.
• This incident marks the sixth F-18 loss for the Navy in the past ten months, highlighting a troubling trend in aircraft safety during routine operations.
• DOD is currently investigating the crash, while the aircraft remains unrecovered from the ocean, further complicating efforts to determine the cause of the incident.

"Spirit Airlines Hires Advisors as Second Bankruptcy Looms 5 Months After Exit," View from the Wing

Spirit Airlines is on the verge of a second bankruptcy just five months after emerging from its first. The airline has hired advisors to explore strategic alternatives as it continues to struggle financially, indicating a troubling trend for the low-cost carrier.

• Spirit Airlines is preparing for a potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy again, having previously filed in November 2024 and exited in March 2025, yet achieved little in restructuring its business.
• The airline's second-quarter revenue dropped more than 20 percent year-over-year to $1.02 billion, with a net loss of $246 million, highlighting ongoing financial difficulties.
• After shifting from a low-cost model to bundled fares and experiencing a significant reduction in capacity, Spirit Airlines has struggled to adapt to changing consumer preferences, leading to a loss of its competitive edge in the market.