Several senior officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who remained after former Secretary Kristi Noem's departure are under scrutiny for contracting practices. Over $9 billion in contracts were awarded during Noem's time through processes that were not fully competitive, as reported by SAM.gov, which monitors government spending.
The Office of the Inspector General is currently conducting audits on all less-than-competitive contracts awarded in fiscal year 2025. This includes an investigation into expenditures for new detention facilities, which currently have 11 vacant warehouses.
Noem had instituted a review system for contracts exceeding $100,000, which reportedly delayed agency operations and the distribution of FEMA recovery funds. Since Noem's exit, two dozen officials have been removed or demoted, particularly under Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who took office in March.
Some officials, such as General Counsel James Percival and Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar, have retained their positions despite the changes. DHS recently approved a $200 million extension on a $915 million contract related to a self-deportation initiative, which had been awarded under circumstances that raised concerns about competitive bidding.
A lawsuit filed by CSI Aviation, a vendor for ICE deportation flights, claimed that the bidding process favored a limited number of companies. Salus Worldwide Solutions, the winning contractor, had not previously been a prime contractor for the federal government but was involved in purchasing luxury jets for Noem.
A representative for Salus stated that the contracting process was fair and competitive. However, internal documents indicated that Rob Law, a political appointee, was involved with Salus's contract, although a DHS spokesperson denied this.
In response to the scrutiny, DHS emphasized the value of the remaining officials and noted that the contract review memo instituted by Noem has been rescinded to streamline the contracting process.
