AXIOS (Brittany Gibson) - The last holdouts from the Kristi Noem era of the Department of Homeland Security
Some of the most senior officials who survived the purge after former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's departure have been associated with the contracting practices that now face intense scrutiny. Why it matters: More than $9 billion in agency business was awarded during Noem's tenure through less-than-fully competitive bidding processes, according to SAM.gov, which tracks government spending and procurement. - The Office of the Inspector General has open audits on every less than competitive contract doled out in fiscal year 2025. - There's also an audit into the spending spree for new detention space, including the 11 currently vacant warehouses . - During the same period, Noem implemented a sign-off system to personally…