SOSi charts a long-term course in national security contracting

Founded by Setian’s mother, a linguistics professor, SOSi initially supplied low-density language expertise to federal law enforcement agencies. That changed dramatically after 9/11, when demand for foreign language capabilities surged. SOSi became one of the government’s largest suppliers of language services, a position that opened doors to new mission areas.

Today, SOSi operates two subsidiaries and four core business units: technology and engineering, overseas logistics and supply chain, and professional and technical services supporting the intelligence community. The company has worked in nearly 40 countries and maintains operations in 16 today.

Driving growth through acquisitions

Setian says 2016 was a turning point. That year, SOSi committed to an acquisition-driven growth strategy, supported by financing from JP Morgan.

“This is the ultimate roll-up industry,” Setian said. “If you don’t factor M&A into your growth strategy, it’s really hard to scale and become a billion-plus dollar business.”

Unlike many competitors, SOSi has grown without outside equity or small-business set-asides. It remains privately held, with the same ownership structure for more than three decades. Setian has led the company for 25 years. That stability, he said, allows SOSi to take the long view on planning and investment.

“There just aren’t that many companies like us out there,” he said. “We really try to push that family-oriented culture down to the very last person within the organization.”

That culture is a differentiator in a crowded national security market dominated by large primes and aggressive newcomers. SOSi attracts talent with an entrepreneurial mindset and a desire to work closely with customers. Maintaining that culture across a global workforce is a challenge, but Setian said accessibility and engagement are key. He spends significant time in the field and uses technology to keep communication flowing.

“It’s about staying plugged in and keeping a flat decision-making structure,” he said.

Partnering to deliver innovative technology

Technology partnerships have become another growth driver. SOSi has forged relationships with nontraditional tech firms, acting as a channel to bring proven commercial solutions into the federal space. That approach aligns with changes in acquisition policy, including increased use of Other Transaction Authority agreements and a shift toward FAR Part 12 commercial item buys.

“Innovation really matters now,” Setian said. “We’re leading with technology and looking for opportunities to productize what we do.”

SOSi is investing in intellectual property and building branded offerings that stand out in a competitive market. The company is also adapting to trends that favor speed and flexibility, such as best-in-class vehicles and clustered services. Setian expects these dynamics to accelerate as agencies seek solutions tested in the commercial sector.

At its core, SOSi remains a national security contractor, aligning capabilities with mission imperatives. That focus, combined with a long-term outlook and a willingness to innovate, positions the company to thrive in a market where agility and credibility matter more than ever.

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