The motive for stealing a receiver and stock is pretty much nill. I suspect it got mis-routed and shoved off in a corner and forgotten about or sent to a freight astray holding center.

As far as competent Government employees it is pretty much dependant upon the Branch of Government you are looking at. Department of Defense, The Treasury, FBI and CIA are pretty consistently excellent. The other Branches have centers of excellence as well with some having more than others.