Seneca Nation Casinos and DoD Contracts: Bullets! Drones! Tanks! WAR!
“WHY THE HELL IS AN INDIAN NATION PROVIDING SERVICES TO DEFENSE CONTRACTORS?!”
Prepare yourself for a journey down a bizarre rabbit hole, by following the money trail between the Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI) and the United States Department of Defense/Intelligence Agencies. When a government investigator saw what you are about to read, he looked over at his partner and exclaimed “Why the Hell is an Indian Nation providing services to Defense contractors?!”
According to their own websites, SNI was “Once a member of the Hodinöhsö:ni´ Confederacy,” meaning SNI is no longer a member of the Six Nations. In fact, they have not been part of the Confederacy since 1848. There is a difference between SNI, a corporation registered under State of New York law, and the Tonawanda Band Senecas, who remain traditional (and unruled by SNI). SNI is a corporation masquerading as a sovereign nation. Last Real Indians asks: Who is wearing SNI like a mask?
SENECA HOLDINGS
According to their official corporate website, Seneca Holdings is the “investment arm of the Seneca Nation of Indians and parent company of the Seneca Nation Group (SNG). Formed in 2009, Seneca Holdings’ purpose is to pursue non-gaming related investment and development opportunities to diversify and strengthen the Seneca Nation’s economy.”
In 2009, SNI utilized casino revenue to form Seneca Holdings. Their company website once stated “Our primary objective is profit maximization by deploying $28 million in capital committed by the Nation in a diversified framework. To that end we actively identify, invest in and/or partner with new and existing business opportunities that capitalize on the Seneca Nation's substantial gaming income and the advantages inherent in its status as sovereign nation.” The website also stated “We are a separate corporate entity established with an appropriate level of separation from the Nation government.”
The money trail can be traced from Seneca casino revenue to Seneca Holdings, LLC; to the Seneca Nation Group and its subsidiaries. Several of these subsidiaries, including: Seneca Strategic Partners, LLC; Seneca Solutions and Executive Protection Systems, LLC; are in the business of producing/manufacturing small arms ammunition, military armored vehicles, drones and tanks; as well as providing services to defense and intelligence agencies.
Sometime between October 4th, 2022 and November 24th, 2022; the Seneca Holdings website underwent a complete reconstruction. Prior to November 24th, 2022; the website included a tab labeled “Contract Vehicles.” Underneath the website tab “Contract Vehicles,” Seneca Holdings boasted contracts from the United States Defense Intelligence Agency and partnerships/awards from other military branches.
Interestingly enough (and worth mentioning), on November 12th, 2022; LRI sent an unpublished draft of this article to the New York Times for publication (despite their original enthusiasm, there was no follow-up response). Right around this time, the “Contract Vehicles” portion of the Seneca Holdings website was abruptly removed, along with all trace of the DoD partnerships.
Luckily, the Internet Wayback Machine allows open access to archived versions of the Seneca Holdings website, prior to being wiped clean. The archives scanned the Seneca Holdings website on October 4th, 2022 - this was the last scan of the website in which the “Contract Vehicles” link was available before being removed; the next scan was on November 24th.
SENECA NATION GROUP
Seneca Nation Group (SNG) is a subsidiary of Seneca Holdings. The ABOUT US section of the SNG website states: “The Seneca Nation Group (SNG) is the federal government contracting business of Seneca Holdings, which is wholly owned by the Seneca Nation. We meet the mission-critical needs of our Federal Civilian, Defense, and Intelligence Community customers across a variety of domains. Our portfolio is comprised of multiple companies that participate in the Small Business Administration 8(a) program. We receive shared services support from Seneca Holdings.”
The ABOUT US section also claims that the SNG Mission Statement is to “Improve the economy of the Seneca Nation by providing products and services that support the critical missions of our federal government customers. We never forget that our mission is to serve and support the Seneca Nation.” One might question whether SNG prioritizes their relationship with the DoD over the welfare of the Seneca People.
The SNG website states, “The financial stability and support from the Seneca Nation of Indians enables SNG companies to confidently assert their ability to meet customer requirements in ways not normally available from small businesses.”
Since the Seneca Nation Group (SNG) is a business underneath Seneca Holdings, and since “the financial stability and support from the Seneca Nation of Indians enables SNG companies to confidently assert their ability to meet customer requirements in ways not normally available from small businesses;” it is reasonable to assume that casino revenue has helped provide “financial stability and support” to the Seneca Nation Group as needed.
The SNG brochure includes a wide array of acronyms and hyperbole that are intended for intelligence officers shopping for the best deal. However, they do list some of their services as providing “Antenna Concealment, Drones, Counter-Drones, Vehicles, Weapons, Tactical Gear, Sensors…” to name a few. The brochure also states that all SNG companies “are Native American, Certified SDB and have Top Secret Facility Clearance.” The corporate office is listed as: 14200 Park Meadow Drive Suite 125N, Chantilly, VA 20151.
Apparently you can slap a Native American person on just about anything and make money off of it!
According to the SNG brochure, there are many reasons why United States military contractors should utilize Seneca Nation Group services. These reasons vary but all center around the fact that the Seneca Nation of Indians is legally considered a sovereign nation, which allows it certain advantages when dealing with the United States government. Some of the advantages listed include: Directly negotiate contracts with the Government; Exemption from competitive thresholds; Department of Defense sole-source contracts do not require a J&A; Awards cannot be protested; Always considered Small Disadvantaged Businesses; Claim SDB and Native credits; and Indian Incentive Program.”
The Seneca Nation Group portfolio of companies includes:
Executive Protection Systems, LLC
RavenTek Solutions
Seneca Strategic Partners
Seneca Solutions
Seneca Global Services, LLC
SENECA STRATEGIC PARTNERS, LLC
One subsidiary listed on the SNG brochure is Seneca Strategic Partners, LLC (SSP). Anyone can go to https://senecanationgroup.com/companies/seneca-strategic-partners/ and find SSP listed.
According to the website OPENGOVUS, a publicly accessible database for US government agencies: “SENECA STRATEGIC PARTNERS LLC is an entity in Salamanca, New York registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) of U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The entity was registered on January 25, 2021 with Unique Entity ID (UEI) #V9BHF33RNSG1, activated on November 8, 2022, expiring on November 7, 2023, and the business was started on January 29, 2020. The officers of the entity include Matthew Jesinsky (PRESIDENT), Ken Spell (DIRECTOR, SPECIAL PROGRAMS).”
Address: 90 Ohi:yo Way, Salamanca, NY 14779, USA (also listed as SNG headquarters in the brochure).
Seneca Strategic Partners, LLC is authorized for 33 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes, including:
332992 - Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing
332994 - Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
336413 - Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
336992 - Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing
Ken Spell, who is listed as “DIRECTOR (SPECIAL PROGRAMS)” for Seneca Strategic Partners, LLC (SSP); worked in this position between December 2021 and April 2023 (according to his LinkedIn profile). Also according to his profile, he became the VP of Operations for SSP in April of 2023. Prior to working for Seneca Strategic Partners, Ken Spell was the VP of Commercial at RRDS (Rapid Response Defense Systems), a military contractor. Spell worked at RRDS from January 2018 to November 2021. Prior to this, he worked as Sales Manager - Defense Contractors for ADS, Inc.; a military equipment supplier. Ken Spell’s home is listed as “Virginia Beach, Virginia.”
Ken Spell’s LinkedIn profile.
EXECUTIVE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, LLC D/B/A RAVENTEK SOLUTIONS
The page for Executive Protection Systems, LLC d/b/a RavenTek Solutions was removed from the Seneca Holdings website; however, due to a programming error, the page still exists on the Seneca Holdings website. It can only be accessed by typing the URL directly into the task bar (or by clicking the hyperlink). This page cannot be reached via navigation from the main Seneca Holdings website, or any of its tabs. The URL is https://senecaholdings.com/eps/ (at least for now, until it gets deleted). Like the “Contract Vehicles” tab, it appears that any direct connection with DoD that appeared on the Seneca Holdings website has been relocated exclusively to the SNG website. One might ask: Why the scrubbing of information?
The Executive Protection Systems (EPS) page is still live/active on the Seneca Nation Group website at this link: https://senecanationgroup.com/companies/executive-protection-systems/
Among other things, EPS specializes in: Vehicle Armoring and Modification, Cybersecurity, and Mission Support Services (full range). They offer mostly computer & security technology related services to defense contractors.
Executive Protection Systems, LLC also does business under the name RavenTek Solutions.
According to the RavenTek website, RavenTek specializes in “Delivering Mission Critical Solutions.”
RavenTek is a full fledged contractor for military services. Their website is loaded with codes and hyperbole that can only be understood by intelligence contractors (or a researcher with a lot of time on their hands).
Regarding RavenTek, OPENGOVUS says: “EXECUTIVE PROTECTION SYSTEMS LLC (doing business as RAVENTEK SOLUTIONS) is an entity in Chantilly, Virginia registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) of U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The entity was registered on September 27, 2002 with Unique Entity ID (UEI) #WSUMT2ADVGJ1, activated on July 14, 2022, expiring on July 13, 2023, and the business was started on November 27, 2001. The registered business location is at 14200 Park Meadow Dr, Ste 125n, Chantilly, VA 20151-4211. The current status is Active.”
Executive Protection Systems, LLC (doing business as RavenTek Solutions) is authorized for 34 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes, including:
336111 - Automobile Manufacturing
336992 - Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing
OPENGOVUS also lists the following officers for RavenTek: “The officers of the entity include Matt Jesinsky (PRESIDENT), Matthew Gernstein, Matt Haaga, Traci Brasher.
Frank Watson, the founder of RavenTek Solutions, is an Alaskan Native. However, RavenTek Solutions is a d/b/a under Executive Protection Systems, LLC; the President of which is Matthew Jesinsky, who was also the Chief Operating Officer for Seneca Holdings, LLC from April 2012 to August 2016 (according to Jesinsky’s LinkedIn resume).
Jesinsky is listed on the Seneca Nation Group website as President of Seneca Global Services, LLC; Seneca Strategic Partners, LLC and Executive Protection Systems, LLC.
Matthew Jesinsky’s LinkedIn profile.
The last person listed on OPENGOVUS as a point of contact for Executive Protections Systems is Traci Brasher, who worked as the Director of Emergency Preparedness in the U.S. House of Representatives from March 2003 to June 2014. Brasher is currently the Recovery Division Director at FEMA - Region VI. (Brasher’s government email address is publicly listed under the EPS CAGE Report, confirming that this is the same individual. CAGE Code 3BVB7).
Also listed on OPENGOVUS as a point of contact for Executive Protections Systems, LLC is Matt Haaga - VP/Legal & Compliance - Seneca Nation Group. Haaga has a profile on Defense Industry Initiative, representing Seneca Nation Group.
According to Haaga’s LinkedIn profile, he graduated from George Mason University - Antonin Scalia Law School in Arlington, VA. Matthew Jesinsky is also a graduate of George Mason University; Jesinsky’s LinkedIn profile lists his home as Herndon, Virginia. Haaga’s home is listed as “Washington DC - Baltimore Area.”
Side-note: In 2021, George Mason University was awarded a $671,000 grant from the Department of Defense to “generate policy recommendations intended to assist in accelerating commercialization and innovation in dual-use technology.” The study is centered around the intellectual property practices of the DoD. According to a press release, Ken Randall, Allison and Dorothy Rouse Dean of the Antonin Scalia Law School (Haaga’s Alma Mater), said “The Scalia Law School is pleased to be involved in this interdisciplinary collaboration.”
SENECA SOLUTIONS
According to their website, “Seneca Solutions has an exceptional track record of success delivering these services to several agencies, including, but not limited to: Department of Defense (DoD); Defense Logistics Agency (DLA); U.S. Army; U.S. Navy; U.S. Air Force; and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Seneca Solutions’ leadership team consists of proven program managers and industry experts—each with decades of experience managing and deploying successful, complex projects both in government contracting and commercial sectors—enabling DoD and civilian government agencies at every level to meet their mission-critical objectives by providing integrated strategic planning and operational support worldwide.”
Seneca Construction Management Corporation - SCMC, LLC
According to the official website for the Seneca Construction Management Corporation (SCMC), “All SCMC projects are completed on the nation’s lands located on the Cattaraugus, Allegany and Oil Springs Territories and in the cities of Niagara Falls and Buffalo, New York.” Contrary to this, SCMC has been awarded contracts from DoD which were located outside of Seneca Nation of Indians territory.
According to Indian Country Today, Seneca Construction Management Corporation formed a subsidiary called SCMC, LLC in 2010 “specifically to pursue federal contracting opportunities.” However, the website governmentcontracts.us lists SCMC, LLC as having been founded in 2008.
Here is a list of SCMC, LLC/DoD contracts, according to https://govtribe.com/vendors/scmc-llc-scmc-54c79
$44.4 Million
Federal contract awards:
Department of the Army (DoD) - $31 Million (2011 - $18.4 M, 2012 - $400.4k, 2013 - $10.4 M, 2014 - $377.8k)
Air Force (DoD) - $10 Million (2013 - $6.4 M, 2014 - $3.2 M)
EPA - $1 Million
Department of the Navy (DoD) - $2.39 Million (2012 - $8 M, 2013 - $27.8k)
Missile Defense Agency (DoD) - $775.3k
Defense Logistics Agency (DoD) - $424.5k (2015)
Department of Agriculture - $200k
Once again, according to SCMC website: “All SCMC projects are completed on the nation’s lands located on the Cattaraugus, Allegany and Oil Springs Territories and in the cities of Niagara Falls and Buffalo, New York.”
Schenectady, NY - $19 Million (2011 - $18.2 M, 2012 - $255.6k )
“Definitive Contract W912QR12C0025 is a Firm Fixed Price Federal Contract Award. It was awarded to Scmc, LLC on May 3, 2012. The definitive contract is funded by the ENDIST Louisville (DOD - Army - USACE). The potential value of the award is $19,631,007. The NAICS Category for the award is 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. The PSC Category is Y1JZ - Construction Of Miscellaneous Buildings” Our Summary: D/B ARMY RESERVE CENTER SCHENECTADY, NY
Awarded - May, 2012 - Completed - May, 2015
Joint Base Andrews, Maryland - $10 Million (2013 - $6.4 M, 2014 - $3.2 M)
Buffalo, NY - $5 Million (2013 - $5.2 M)
Fort Drum, NY - $4 Million (2013 - $4.4 M)
“Definitive Contract W911S214C8001 is a Firm Fixed Price Federal Contract Award. It was awarded to Scmc, LLC on Jul 31, 2014. The definitive contract is funded by the Northeast Region (DOD - Army - IMCOM). The potential value of the award is $4,458,417. The NAICS Category for the award is 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. The PSC Category is Y1JZ - Construction Of Miscellaneous Buildings
Awarded - July, 2014 - Completed - August, 2015
Pensacola, Florida - $1 Million
Beale Air Force Base, California - $428.4k
Mobile, Alabama - $424.5k
Fort Belvoir, Virginia - $775.3k
Fort Benning, Georgia - $323.1k
Fort Rucker, Alabama - $127.1k
Jacksonville, Florida - $519.5k (2012 - $7.5 Million)
Calverton, Maryland - $132.4k
Childersburg, Alabama - $483.1k
2007
Chicago Street Improvements (As Agent)
2008
Airport Concourse Renovations (As Agent)
2011
LLC Rts. 5 & 20 (As Agent)
2012
LLC Business Development (As Agent)
2012
Schenectady (As Agent)
2012
Watervilet (As Agent)
2012
USDA Demolition (As Agent)
2012
Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino Offsite Utilities (As Agent)
