The last holdouts from the Kristi Noem era of the Department of Homeland Security
Summary
Several senior officials remained at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after Secretary Kristi Noem left, despite concerns about how contracts were awarded during her time. These contracts, many made without full competitive bidding, are now under audit, and some practices have been reversed or questioned under new Secretary Markwayne Mullin.Key Facts
- Over $9 billion in DHS contracts were awarded with limited competition during Secretary Noem’s tenure.
- The Office of the Inspector General is auditing all contracts awarded that way in fiscal year 2025.
- Secretary Noem required personal approval for contracts over $100,000, causing delays in agency work and FEMA aid.
- About two dozen officials were removed or demoted after Noem left, mainly under Secretary Mullin.
- Some officials defending Noem's contracting policies remain in key DHS roles.
- A $200 million extension was recently approved on a $915 million contract connected to immigration enforcement, awarded with limited bidding.
- The winning company, Salus Worldwide Solutions, had not been a main government contractor before but was involved in ICE plane purchases.
- DHS says the contract process was fair and legal, and Secretary Mullin has ended the strict contract approval to speed up agency work.
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