That the issue .30-'06 ammo would be commercial not surplus was first announced with the National Matches Program.

Likely it was a combo of dwindling supplies and complaints about HXP that brought the change.

As to the issue ammo being Federal vs Hornady, a lot depends on who was saying what, in what context, and what environment? I suspect it was either someone having a flashback to the days of Federal "Garandicon Match" ammo who misspoke (seems most likely) or Hornady couldn't meet the contract delivery date or quantity and Federal has been brought in to take over/make up the difference.

Either way I'll be very surprised if it's the 168gr Garand "Match" ammo Hornady has been hawking for the last year or so. I expect it will be a 150gr FMJ going around 2600fps. Plenty good for the SR at 200yd.

Maury