Federal and state law across the American landscape (and certainly here in Washington State) almost uniformly declares schools to be “gun-free zones,” yet the U.S. Department of Education is in the process of purchasing more than two-dozen short-barreled police-style shotguns which are supposed to be delivered by March 22 to an address in Chicago, IL.
A source in New York stumbled over the solicitation notice, which carries the number: EDOOIG-10-000004.
The purchase is for 27 Remington Model 870 pump-action shotguns with 14-inch modified choke barrels (the legal minimum length for private citizens is 18 inches without a special license). These shotguns are to be fitted with Wilson Combat ghost ring rear sights, Knoxx adjustable stocks and Speedfeed fore-ends.
Even more intriguing is the fact that, according to the solicitation notice, these are the “only shotguns authorized for ED based on compatibility with ED existing shotgun inventory, certified armor and combat training and protocol, maintenance, and parts."
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) intends to purchase twenty-seven (27) REMINGTON BRAND MODEL 870 POLICE 12/14P MOD GRWC XS4 KXCS SF. RAMAC #24587 GAUGE: 12 BARREL: 14" - PARKERIZED CHOKE: MODIFIED SIGHTS: GHOST RING REAR WILSON COMBAT; FRONT - XS CONTOUR BEAD SIGHT STOCK: KNOXX REDUCE RECOIL ADJUSTABLE STOCK FORE-END: SPEEDFEED SPORT-SOLID - 14" LOP are designated as the only shotguns authorized for ED based on compatibility with ED existing shotgun inventory, certified armor and combat training and protocol, maintenance, and parts.
The required date of delivery is March 22, 2010.
Why does the Department of Education need short-barreled shotguns? Why does that federal agency apparently already have an “existing shotgun inventory?” Apparently, this is a legitimate purchase. You be the judge (and take some advice: Don't cheat on your math test!)
A spokesperson for the Department of Education says the guns are for use by officers with the agency’s Office of Inspector General. They have full federal law enforcement authority, and the IG’s office investigates “waste, fraud, abuse, and other criminal activity involving Federal education funds, programs, and operations.” And this requires short-barreled 12-gauge Remington pump-action shotguns? Makes you wonder what the FBI is doing. Oh, that’s right, they’re probably busy with those two $13,000 MagFed 20mm rifles that I discussed here last Dec. 9. A detailed account of this shotgun story will appear in the next issue of Gun Week, where I am senior editor.
They're already discussing it over on The High Road forum, where comments are blistering and sarcastic.
We contacted the office of Congressman Dave Reichert, the former King County sheriff now serving Washington’s 8th District. A staff person there was stunned by the shotgun purchase.
Q. If a Yakima kindergartner was found with an action figure of a Department of Education enforcement agent in his lunchbox, would he be suspended from school?
The Office of Inspector General is the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Education and is responsible for the detection of waste, fraud, abuse, and other criminal activity involving Federal education funds, programs, and operations. As such, OIG operates with full statutory law enforcement authority, which includes conducting search warrants, making arrests, and carrying firearms. The acquisition of these firearms is necessary to replace older and mechanically malfunctioning firearms, and in compliance with Federal procurement requirements. — Statement from Department of Education
The solicitation notice says that the shotguns are to be delivered to the DOE office of Inspector General in Chicago, IL.
While this revelation may raise a few eyebrows, here’s something else to think about: Last August, Winchester Ammunition announced that it had been awarded a contract by the Department of Homeland Security to supply the division of Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) with a maximum of 200 million rounds of .40 S&W-caliber ammunition over the next five years. That’s just over 3.3 million rounds a month for a 60-month period.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Winchester Ammunition was recently awarded a contract by the Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) division of the Department of Homeland Security to supply a maximum of 200 million, 40 cal. rounds over the next five years.
Winchester produces superb ammunition and this is certainly an economic shot in the arm for a company that has served American shooters and hunters faithfully for generations. But what is ICE doing with 3.3 million rounds of ammunition a month? That seems to be a great deal of shooting, whether it is on the practice range or in the field.
It’s just your tax dollars at work.
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Comments
Gee you would of thought they would of bought those toy "machine guns" the ATF confiscated. We all know how dangerous toy guns are.
So... they'll suspend a six-year-old from government school for pointing his fingers like a gun, but the same government department is running around with trench-brooms?
Why haven't we broken out the torches and pitchforks yet?
Maybe they'll be used to track down those bully's that steal kids milk money?
Oh, c'mon, Dave.
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You know how rug rats can be these days ...
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A 14" sawn-off shotty is just the thing to keep them all in-line, eh? ;-)
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See? Back in ye olden days, the teacher would remark: 'Don't make me go over there!'
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Nowadays, the teach merely remarks: 'Don't make me show you my gun!'
I feel like our Country completely falling apart.
There is nothing but ever more centralization of power away from decent lawabiding folks.
Where is the F---ing Mass Media on THIS!!!
Hey Jeffersonian,
My dear fellow, what good are torched and pitchforks against Trench-Sweepers?
Kinda puts us behind the 8 ball.
Cheers.
I would hate to see detention these days if the Department of Education thinks they need street sweepers to monitor the hallways and bathrooms. ICE needs three million rounds a month? Are they expecting a war with Mexico and time soon? It seems like every federal department is forming its own army and against who? We are their bosses or at least glance we were supposed to be. Something tells me they think the American public might not be too happy with their performanceif we find out the truth. They are looking pretty suspcious right now.
What city schools are more appropriate than Chicago's to take delivery of a batallion's allocation of trench guns?
CHICAGO DoE?!?! Though I AM worried about the potential for jack-booted thuggery, I'm more immediately concerned about these weapons "falling off a truck". What are the serial numbers? How often will they be inventoried to confirm that DoE is still in possession of them? Bad feeling about this.
since teachers can no longer spank a child they are only left with having sex with them or shooting them
They have changed the point of delivery in today's (3/11) version for the Solicitation. To be more precise, they have removed Chicago as the point of delivery.
"...readin' 'n writin' 'n 'rithmatic, taught to the tune of a hickory stick"...and a Remington SB 870 12 Ga. You know full good and well they ain't ordering them to train/issue to teachers to protect students. Those chronic truants have got to be convinced somehow they must attend school. Or maybe it's for those pesky Home Schoolers who need to be brought into compliance of State mandates.
I cannot believe how many ignorant people there are on here, let alone the number of errors there are in the story. These are sworn Federal Agents that put their lives on the line in the performance of their duties everyday.
Dallasdude, I bet you're either one of those dirty Feds or get money from the government. If he made so many mistakes why can't you point any out? Shut your stinking mouth.
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