ICE, CBP, USCIS Cluster 11 DHS Deals At $99,999 To Bypass Noem’s $100K Rule

Axios reports DHS components, including ICE, CBP and USCIS, issued 11 contracts priced between $99,999 and $99,999.99 since August, a clustering that effectively avoids Secretary Kristi Noem’s personal review threshold at $100,000. The workaround coincides with delays to routine payments and FEMA recovery spending while DHS touts cost savings. Examples include payments tied to Palantir, Quantico Tactical and MacGyver Solutions. DHS says the awards were for routine operational needs; lawmakers and watchdogs warn of oversight and operational risks.