While we're waiting for this manhunt to conclude, or some official story... [View all]

from WIRED

https://archive.ph/wchem


"THE US DEPARTMENT of Homeland Security (DHS) this month quietly awarded a $30,000 no-bid contract for sniper and combat training to a Virginia firm run by Dan LaLota, the brother of US representative Nick LaLota, a second-term Republican from New York.

Finalized on September 2, the award went to Target Down Group of Mechanicsville, Virginia, which will provide a five-day precision fires and observation course for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Special Response Team (SRT) sniper program. The course, intended to help inform new DHS procedures, is “aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively conduct law enforcement sniper operations in high-risk environments,” per records reviewed by WIRED.

The SRT functions as the agency’s version of a SWAT team, composed of special agents with advanced tactical training for situations deemed too dangerous for standard personnel. SRT members wear military-style camouflage and helmets, carry a range of weapons, and train in breaching, sniper tactics, and close-quarters combat....the company was registered separately in Florida as of July.

Federal acquisition rules allow sole-source contracts under certain conditions, effectively bypassing the competitive bidding process often required for federal awards. In a redacted justification memo, DHS said Target Down Group was the only vendor able to deliver the training, citing a tight operational schedule as well as the firm’s prior work with its sniper program and established ties to Arizona police, some of whom are participating in the exercise...."

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Because the more you know, right?