“What in the world does NOAA and SSA need with bullets? “
NOAA has a fisheries enforcement division, basically cops on boats, and they board vessels that might be committing crimes. SSA has a cop section that investigates fraud, and they knock-knock on doors with indicted felons behind them (you have to give up SS benefits if you are being prosecuted for a felony). These guys serve warrants too, and they feel better packing.
So what is going on is cops buying ammo. Some transactions do look funny, but that’s the basics, cops buying ammo.
...and they have to stay qualified even if they never have reason to fire. So lots of time at the range is required and plenty of bullets.
But if that is what it takes to get more people to prep, then...whatever.