Horizon cutting-room links: Wednesday, 8 May 2025

The Horizon's analysis of the Trump administration's FAR rewrite of Part I is now available for preview here. Please share your thoughts in a comment or here.

"DoD eliminated most DEI jobs well before Trump took office," Federal News Network

DOD’s elimination of DEI jobs, contrary to popular belief, began in 2024, driven by legislative mandates rather than political pressure.

• The Pentagon initiated DEI personnel cuts in 2024 due to a provision in the defense policy bill, eliminating thirty-two positions and restructuring 115 others before Trump took office.
• Despite the executive orders aimed at curbing DEI efforts, forty-one positions remained until they were ultimately disbanded, many of which were reassigned to roles focused on equal employment opportunity.
• GAO's review revealed that most DEI-related contracts were related to training, with the Defense Department planning to halt these activities following new executive directives.

"Sentinel ICBM program needs brand-new silos, Air Force says," Defense One

The Air Force's Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program requires construction of new silos rather than repurposing existing Minuteman III silos, a decision driven by structural assessments and budgetary constraints. This signals a major pivot in the program's strategy while raising questions about previous planning and cost projections

• The Sentinel program, intended to replace 400 aging Minuteman III missiles, may require hundreds of new silos, reflecting a larger-than-expected scope of construction.
• Recent cost estimates have pushed the Sentinel program's budget to nearly $141 billion, triggering a review under the Nunn-McCurdy Act due to rising expenses tied primarily to infrastructure needs rather than the missile technology itself.
• Air Force officials now acknowledge that reusing Minuteman III silos is less feasible than initially believed, highlighting significant misjudgments in early planning and the complexities of converting existing sites.

"E.P.A. Plans to Shut Down the Energy Star Program," New York Times

EPA has announced plans to eliminate the Energy Star program, a popular initiative recognized for promoting energy efficiency in household appliances. This decision comes amid a broader reorganization of the agency, which will also see the dissolution of divisions focused on climate change and energy efficiency.

• The Energy Star program has helped save households and businesses over $500 billion in energy costs since its inception in 1992 while preventing four billion metric tons of greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere.
• Nearly 90 percent of American consumers recognize the Energy Star label, which signifies energy efficiency standards set by the federal government, highlighting its impact on consumer purchasing decisions.
• The elimination of Energy Star has drawn backlash from various industry groups and trade organizations, emphasizing that it represents an effective partnership between the government and the private sector in promoting energy efficiency.

"Absurd: Black Hawk Helicopter Goes Off Course, Causes DCA Go Arounds," One Mile at a Time

A Black Hawk helicopter strayed off course, prompting two commercial jets to perform last-minute go-arounds at Washington National Airport (DCA). This incident raises serious concerns about airspace coordination and safety, especially in light of a recent tragic accident involving a similar helicopter.

• Close call: Two commercial flights had to execute go-arounds after the helicopter entered their flight path, with a dangerously close proximity of just 200 feet vertically.
• Lack of coordination: The incident highlights significant communication failures between the DCA air traffic controller and the Pentagon Heliport controller, leading to conflicting instructions that jeopardized civilian safety.
• Official outrage: US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed outrage over the incident, calling for stricter regulations on military flights in congested airspace to protect civilian lives.

"T-Mobile: Uplink is the next big thing," Fierce Wireless

T-Mobile has set a new record for 5G uplink speeds, reaching an impressive 550 Mbps using advanced technology. This milestone highlights the growing importance of uplink performance as consumer demands shift toward more content creation and real-time applications. As T-Mobile continues to innovate, the implications for mobile connectivity and user experience are profound.

• Record uplink speed: T-Mobile achieved an uplink speed of 550 Mbps, surpassing previous records and showcasing advancements in 5G technology.
• Consumer demand shift: As users increasingly upload videos and engage in real-time activities online, uplink performance is becoming a critical focus for the industry.
• Technological foundations: The record was made possible by utilizing 100 MHz of TDD spectrum at 2.5 GHz and 35 MHz of FDD spectrum around 1.9 GHz, demonstrating the effectiveness of carrier aggregation and new transmission techniques.

"NASA, in surprise shift, may launch rockets to Mars next year," Politico

NASA is considering a significant shift in its priorities, potentially launching rockets to Mars as early as next year. This decision aligns with increased funding outlined in the White House's 2026 budget proposal, signaling a renewed commitment to exploring the red planet.

• NASA's potential Mars missions could significantly benefit SpaceX, which aims to land a rocket on Mars by 2026.
• The White House's budget proposal includes an additional $1 billion for Mars-related projects, highlighting a shift in focus towards Mars exploration.
• The plan may conflict with existing legal mandates for NASA to prioritize lunar missions, leading to potential clashes with lawmakers concerned about funding allocations.