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DHS scraps Noem policy requiring secretary's review of all contracts above $100,000
The change ends a bottleneck that delayed 1,034 FEMA contracts and grants, officials said, and keeps only contracts above $25 million under review.
- On Wednesday, Secretary Markwayne Mullin reversed a policy from former Secretary Kristi Noem requiring personal approval for all DHS contracts and grants exceeding $100,000. The change applies across all components, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- Noem's June 2025 memo inserted the secretary into thousands of procurement decisions, creating what Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee staff described as "extraordinary bureaucratic gridlock." This delayed 1,034 Federal Emergency Management Agency contracts, grants, or awards as of September 8, 2025.
- "I'm not a micromanager," Mullin stated, explaining that he wants to empower agency heads while maintaining oversight. Under the new guidance, the secretary will continue reviewing only those department contracts worth more than $25 million.
- The shift impacts major operations at CBP and ICE, which rely on routine contracting for border enforcement infrastructure and logistics support. DHS officials stated the reversal aims to streamline procurement and allow components to effectively protect the homeland.
- While the department remains hampered by a partial government shutdown, CBP and ICE continue operating using funding from last year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Mullin continues navigating fiscal constraints while re-evaluating internal agency detention and infrastructure plans.
12 Articles
12 Articles
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DHS Policy Change on Spending
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Wednesday rescinded a policy requiring the secretary to approve contracts over $100,000. The news followed a re-evaluation of the department’s contract process, DHS said, while adding that Mullin wanted to make sure the department is serving American taxpayers efficiently. Mullin’s cancellation of the policy came less than a week after he was sworn in to succeed former chief Kristi Noem. Con…
Homeland Security Policy Shift: Streamlined Contract Approvals
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has removed a policy requiring Secretary approval for contracts over $100,000. This decision, led by newly-appointed Secretary Markwayne Mullin, aims to enhance efficiency and was welcomed by Congressional Democrats. Contracts over $25 million still require secretary review.
Associated Press News
DHS boss rescinds restrictive $100,000 approval process, giving hope to FEMA relief efforts
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has rescinded a rule that DHS expenditures over $100,000 be personally approved by his office.
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