Cherokee Federal's Growth Capital Division Acquires Majority Stake in MSI, LLC

Federal contracting leader completes second investment under Sovereign Capital

TULSA, Okla., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cherokee Federal, a division of Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB), today announced its second investment under Sovereign Capital, a growth capital firm formed in 2024 to leverage Cherokee Federal's deep experience in the federal contracting market.

CNB has acquired a majority stake in Management Science and Innovation, LLC (MSI), a boutique Washington, D.C.-area consulting firm founded in 2002 with a focus on planning and implementing agency transformation and digitization initiatives. MSI has more than two decades of experience cultivating strong relationships with agency leadership while supporting complex modernization efforts. The firm specializes in strategy, process optimization, human capital, business transformation and digital transformation, including robotic process automation and intelligent automation for federal clients.

"This is another productive step in advancing our long-term growth strategy," said Steven Bilby, President of Cherokee Federal. "MSI's leadership, track record and alignment with our vision reflects the transformative impact we aim for Sovereign Capital to bring to the federal marketplace."

"This is a defining moment for our company and team," said Dan Heckman, MSI's Owner and CEO. "We have matured and succeeded because of our deep commitment to service, innovation and client trust. Partnering with Sovereign Capital and Cherokee Federal provides the resources and reach to take everything we have built to the next level, and I am energized about what lies ahead."

Sovereign Capital identifies and supports founder-led companies that serve the federal government and are poised for significant expansion. It provides both growth capital and strategic support to help companies scale faster and more effectively.

"MSI represents the type of company Sovereign Capital is designed to support. It is mission-focused, founder-led and ready to scale," said Squire Lawrence, Vice President and General Manager of Sovereign Capital. "As we expand the Sovereign portfolio, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and the exceptional companies we will continue to partner with."

For more information about Sovereign Capital, visit sovereign-capital.com. To learn more about MSI, go to msiconsulting.com.

About Cherokee Federal
Cherokee Federal is the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses — the economic engine of Cherokee Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the U.S. The mission of Cherokee Federal is to build a talented team that provides innovative solutions that solve America's greatest challenges and serves the Cherokee Nation with strong conviction and heart. For more information, please visit cherokee-federal.com or follow Cherokee Federal on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

About Sovereign Capital
Sovereign Capital is a growth capital firm owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses, the independent business arm of the Cherokee Nation. It specializes in funding founder-led companies in the government contracting marketplace, investing both capital and proven strategies for rapid growth and market dominance. For more information, please visit sovereign-capital.com.

About Management Science and Innovation, LLC
MSI is a strategy-first, innovation-forward consultancy that helps government agencies achieve mission outcomes. We are curious and energetic, and combine a data-driven approach with collaborative teams to create fresh new perspectives and solutions for public sector organizations. For more information, please visit https://www.msiconsulting.com/ or follow MSI on LinkedIn. 

About Cherokee Nation Businesses
Cherokee Nation Businesses is the tribally owned holding company of the largest Indian Nation in the United States. The Cherokee Nation and its businesses employ 11,000 people. CNB blends its heritage of ingenuity with modern business experience to solve complex challenges, serve clients nationwide and to remain one of the drivers of Cherokee Nation's prosperity and stability. CNB owns companies in the consulting, health sciences, hospitality, real estate, technology, distribution and logistics, engineering, manufacturing, construction and environmental services industries. For more information, please visit www.CherokeeNationBusinesses.com or follow CNB on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Cherokee Federal