The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently awarded a $30,000 no-bid contract for sniper and combat training to Target Down Group, a firm owned by Dan LaLota, the brother of U.S. Congressman Nick LaLota. This contract, issued on September 2, will fund a five-day course designed to enhance the skills of the Homeland Security Investigations’ Special Response Team (SRT) in sniper operations for high-risk situations.
The SRT operates similarly to a SWAT team, employing specially trained agents equipped for critical scenarios requiring advanced tactical expertise. Members typically wear military-style gear and engage in various combative training programs, including breaching and close-quarters combat.
Federal procurement documents state that the contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, citing Target Down Group’s established relationship with Homeland Security Investigations and their ability to conduct live-fire exercises at an Arizona law enforcement facility. Congressman Nick LaLota, who previously served on the House Homeland Security Committee, could not be reached for a statement.
In a conversation with WIRED, Dan LaLota emphasized that the contract was independent of his brother’s congressional influence, asserting that his firm is one of the few capable of meeting the specific training requirements put forth by the DHS. He refrained from providing further details about the contract or its relation to prior government projects.
Additionally, although Target Down Group is listed in federal records as a Virginia company, state documents indicate it is no longer authorized to operate in Virginia due to regulatory issues but has a registered presence in Florida.
DHS policies permit sole-source contracts under specific conditions, allowing them to bypass the traditional competitive bidding process. An official memo from DHS justified the contract by mentioning a tight operational schedule and prior engagements between Target Down Group and law enforcement agencies in Arizona.
This contract comes amidst a backdrop of planned deployments of SRT units to various Democratic-leaning cities, following recent immigration raids that have incited protests and resistance from local officials.
