[Perseverando]

Sounds like the USDA is going to war with somebody.

Link to the FedBizOps site for the USDA solicitation for Ballistic Vests - https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=9dfebeda308f15074b832bcf24bfcb92&tab=core&_cview=0

USDA solicitation for FLIR T-70 Thermal Scopes -
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=4a0c8085f238dba5bcd0297ec8b83527&tab=core&_cview=0

USDA solicitation for .40 cal submachineguns - https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=9fc3a01217d03b0354e1e18b69aa7bad&tab=core&_cview=0

[Covenantor]

Good catch, especially on the thermal scopes.

A quick search reveals that the FLIR T-70 Thermal is a state of the art thermal scope and target acquisition system ( mfr term ).

There is an e-Bay listing advertising at $15,000 and in stock.

One wonders why the Agriculture Department has need for what is basically an assassin’s tool.

[DoodleDawg]

Sounds like the USDA is going to war with somebody.

Marijuana growers.

"For the last three summers, large marijuana operations have been discovered in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin. In each of those busts, law enforcement made numerous arrests, almost all natives of Mexico here illegally. Confiscated weapons included handguns, AK-47s and a .308-caliber rifle with ammunition magazines taped together." Forest Service to WI Hunters: Beware of Armed Marijuana Growers

[Oatka]

I read that they also ordered 30-round magazines.