fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A federal contracting firm owned by Waséyabek Development Co. LLC has begun work on a five-year, $161 million contract with the Department of Energy to provide site operations and support services at three National Energy Technology Laboratory locations, according to regional business publication MiBiz

Waséyabek President and CEO Deidra Mitchell (Courtesy photo).

The contract — Waséyabek Federal Services LLC’s largest to date — helps illustrate the growth story for the non-gaming investment arm of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. The Waséyabek parent company recently started work on the third floor of its Kendall Building headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids to convert apartment units into additional office space and a large conference room to support the expanding federal services division. 

“Right now, we’ve got about 15 positions that we’re advertising for, so we are growing and hiring,” Waséyabek President and CEO Deidra Mitchell MiBiz, a West Michigan-based publication.  “And then as we bring on more and more federal contracts, those support positions are going to have to grow, too — things like finance, contract administrators, legal support, technical writers, HR. We were already bursting at the seams.”

Waséyabek also launched FED95 LLC, a new Grand Rapids-based environmental remediation subsidiary. FED95 and the tribally owned Baker Engineering LLC, a precision performance engine manufacturer and defense R&D supplier based in Nunica, both received 8(a) minority business certifications in March and February, respectively, from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

For the entire story, visit MiBiz.

More Stories Like This

American Basketball Association Announces Native ABA Initiative
Four Winds South Bend Upgrades to Class III Gaming Casino
Native News Online Wins Two Awards from Native American Journalists Association
Wahlberg Brothers Are a Big Hit at Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in Las Vegas
Native Gro Offers Tribes a ‘One-Stop Shop’ for Entering the Cannabis Industry

Help us defend tribal sovereignty. 

At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.

Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.

That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.

Levi headshotThe stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.

Stand with Warrior Journalism today.

Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher

 
About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].