US Congressman's Brother Lands No-Bid Contract to Train DHS Snipers

"Finalized on September 2, the award went to Target Down Group Inc. 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. According to federal procurement records, the SRT contract was issued on a sole-source basis, with officials citing Target Down Group's prior work with Homeland Security Investigations, as well as its pre-clearance to conduct live-fire exercises at a law enforcement facility in Arizona."

"Reached by phone, Dan LaLota said his firm's deal with ICE has nothing to do with his brother's position in Congress. "I'm not a new guy on the block," he tells WIRED, adding there's only a few people qualified to provide the training DHS requested. "To say my company would be the only one eligible would not be unsound.""

The Department of Homeland Security issued a $30,000 no-bid contract to Target Down Group Inc., run by Dan LaLota, brother of Representative Nick LaLota. The contract, finalized September 2, funds a five-day precision fires and observation course for the Homeland Security Investigations Special Response Team (SRT) to help inform new DHS procedures and train law enforcement snipers for high-risk environments. The SRT operates as an agency SWAT team with advanced tactical training. Officials issued the contract sole-source citing prior work and pre-clearance for live-fire exercises. Representative and DHS offices did not respond; the contractor defended his qualifications.

Read at WIRED