Vancouver-based tech company Hootsuite has secured a significant contract to provide social media services to the Department of Homeland Security in the United States. The contract, valued at up to US$2.8 million, was awarded to Hootsuite in partnership with New York’s Seneca Strategic Partners.
These contracts were unveiled on a U.S. procurement website, marking the latest development in the collaboration between the U.S. government and Seneca Strategic Partners. The partnership has drawn attention amidst criticism of the tactics employed by American immigration officials operating under Homeland Security.
Initiated in August 2024, the contracts are set to run for two years, with the potential for a three-year extension until August 2029. The agreement outlines the provision of social media management platform Hootsuite and associated support services to the Department of Homeland Security.
While the exact nature of the relationship between Hootsuite and Seneca Strategic Partners remains unclear, Seneca Strategic Partners identifies itself as a federal government contracting firm wholly owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians.
Hootsuite, known for its global presence and workforce of about 1,000 employees, had ceased a previous contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2020 following internal concerns and backlash from its staff. Despite this history, Hootsuite has now entered into this new contract with the Department of Homeland Security.
The Department of Homeland Security highlighted its commitment to utilizing Hootsuite’s services to enhance communication with the public, promote transparency, and ensure accountability in providing information and services to those engaging with the department.
Founded in 2008, Hootsuite’s decision to part ways with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2020 was influenced by the strong emotional response from its employees, ultimately leading to the termination of that contract.
The involvement of Hootsuite in governmental contracts has once again brought attention to the operations and decisions made under the Department of Homeland Security, particularly in the context of the immigration policies and enforcement actions pursued by the U.S. government.