Silly!  It says right there it's because they're "the only shotguns authorized for ED based on compatibility with ED existing shotgun inventory, certified armor and combat training and protocol, maintenance, and parts."

existing shotgun inventory?  armor?  combat training?

Exactly my point.

WTF are these needed for?

I mean, I know that No Child Left Behind was meant to have teachers ans schools toe the line, but geeeeeeez!! 

Are you really that ignorant?  These are used for the ROTC programs. 

"Place of Delivery: U.S. Department of Education
Office of Inspector General
c/o: Gary Pawlak, Special Agent
Chicago, IL"

Shotguns are useful in conducting raids on schools.  "I told you to keep your GD f@#king hands on your 1st grade heads you little maggot!!!!"

 ROTC programs?! You're kidding, right?

First off, the respective armed forces supply materiel for ROTC programs. They generally don't supply live weapons anymore like they used to. But back when my Dad was in Army JrROTC, they were supplied with weapons used by the Army, such as M-1 Garands, M-1 Carbines and 1919A4 belt-feds. I am not aware of any branch of the armed forces that uses Wilson Combat customized Remington 870s as general issue.

And secondly, how are 27 shotguns going to supply ROTC programs nationwide? My father's Army JrROTC corp at his high school had more than that many weapons in their storage locker.

No, these are for issue to agents of the department. And I want to know what agents of the Dept of Education could possibly be doing that requires toting a shotgun. Perhaps there is a legitimate need,...but WTF is it?!?!

McClatchy News catches up...at least they are paying attention: 

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/03/12/90315/agency-places-shotgun-order-fbi.html