OMB’s memo revives a narrow but real risk: furloughed feds’ back pay may need explicit language in the reopening bill. GEFTA creates the obligation, but startup text turns it into paychecks.
#FederalWorkforce #Appropriations https://washingtonhorizon.com/omb-agues-backpay-for-furloughed-feds-not-automatic/
OMB agues backpay for furloughed feds not automatic
American feds are again being leveraged by the Trump administration, now via a draft memo from the OMB’s counsel arguing that back pay for furloughed workers after the current shutdown is not automatic. As Roll Call reports, OMB argues Congress must explicitly appropriate funds in the bill that reopens
OFPP gets its first confirmed leader since 2019, IRS governance raises oversight questions, F‑35 engine buys slip to 2026, and a data‑driven program revives Army recruiting—your Cutting-room links for 8 October.
https://washingtonhorizon.com/horizon-cutting-room-links-8-october-2025/
Horizon cutting-room links: 8 October 2025
"Senate Confirms First OFPP Administrator Since 2019," Federal News Network
The Senate has confirmed Kevin Rhodes as the first permanent administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) since 2019, marking a significant moment in federal procurement reform. Rhodes, a senior adviser to OMB, has a history of leadership
The Starlink-powered “T-Satellite” service now supports WhatsApp, Google Maps, X, AccuWeather, and T-Mobile’s customer service app T-Life, alongside the AllTrails, CalTopo, and onX outdoor exploration apps.
https://www.theverge.com/news/790412/t-mobile-satellite-service-apps-x-whatsapp-google-maps
T-Mobile’s satellite service now supports Google Maps, WhatsApp, X, and more
T-Mobile has expanded its satellite-to-cell service to several popular apps in the US, allowing users to stay connected without cellular coverage.
#GAO rejects protest of no solicitation
#amendments—the Army’s
#TRADOC support RFP's place of performance hasn't changed despite rumor mill.
https://washingtonhorizon.com/united-defense-llc-b-423577/ 
United Defense, LLC (B-423577)
You should not care.
Category: Requirements
Date: 13 August 2025
URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-423577
United Defense protested the US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) intelligence support RFP, arguing the agency had to amend the solicitation due to leadership signals of TRADOC consolidation with Army Futures Command
Can’t meet agency’s sixty-day delivery requirement? GAO says you don’t have standing to protest other matters.
#Protest dismissed and request for
#costs denied.
https://washingtonhorizon.com/skyladder-corporation-protests-and-costs-b-423498-2-b-423498-3/
Skyladder Corporation—Protests and Costs (B-423498.2; B-423498.3)
You should not care.
Category: Technical compliance, interested party, protest costs
Date: 13 August 2025
URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-423498.2%2Cb-423498.3
Skyladder challenged DLA Aviation’s award of a wiring‑harness delivery order to GE and sought protest costs. GAO dismissed the protest as Skyladder admitted
GAO upholds DLA’s late‑delivery rejections—base access and weather delays don’t excuse missed proposal deadlines.
#lateislate https://washingtonhorizon.com/connectup-labasa-llc-sofx-inc-b-423557-b-423557-2-b-423557-3/
ConnectUP; Labasa LLC; SOFX Inc. (B-423557; B-423557.2; B-423557.3)
You should not care.
Category: Late is late, delivery logistics
Date: 12 August 2025
URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-423557%2Cb-423557.2%2Cb-423557.3
Three SDVOSBs protested DLA’s rejection of their proposals for Gen III Layer 7 extreme cold weather trousers after their product demonstration models (PDMs) arrived
In today's cutting-room links,
#GSA eyes a 5% cap on
#reseller markups, the UK renews a push for an
#iCloud encryption backdoor, and the
#USAF readies T‑7A Red Hawk training.
https://washingtonhorizon.com/horizon-cutting-room-links-3-october-2025/
Horizon cutting-room links: 3 October 2025
"Is GSA Attempting to Apply Price Controls to the Reseller Market?" Federal News Network
GSA is reportedly moving to impose a five percent cap on the markup for value-added resellers (VARs). It’s unclear whether this is profit or total markup.
* GSA plans to cap the markup for VARs at
Hegseth rails against the “fat” to military leaders, makes no mention of the stupid
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a rare, closed-door gathering of flag officers to press a throwback agenda heavy on grooming and fitness mandates and light on the complex realities of modern war, reports the New York Times. The message to 800 admirals and generals: lose the weight and shave the
"Someone who says I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro life,” said the Pope.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/266859/pope-leo-xiv-comments-on-cupichs-plan-to-bestow-award-on-illinois-senator
UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV wades into Durbin debate
Pope Leo XIV said U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin’s record should be considered in its totality and that Americans should search together for the truth on moral questions.
#Boeing has started clean-sheet development on a #737 replacement after steadying the ship after the MAX crashes. With certification of the
#MAX 10 and 777X in process, can the plane-maker plug the hole in its lineup?
https://washingtonhorizon.com/boeing-launches-737-replacement-program/ 
Boeing launches 737 replacement program
The Journal is reporting that Boeing has started work on a replacement for its aging 737 narrowbody jets, holding talks with engine-maker Rolls Royce. The so-called “clean sheet” replacement for the super-popular narrow-body jet (meaning only one aisle) will undoubtedly receive a ton of input from airlines as part of
