Did Susan Collins Trade Federal Contract Support for Navatek Campaign Donations?
Martin Kao alleged that Susan Collins knowingly linked Navatek campaign support to federal-contract assistance. Collins's office and other participants deny a quid pro quo, while official records establish separate illegal contributions by Navatek-linked actors.
Claim in dispute
Susan Collins knowingly participated in a pay-to-play arrangement in which Navatek campaign support was exchanged for her office's assistance obtaining federal contracts.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Navatek and its executives pursued federal research funding while donating to Susan Collins's campaign and to 1820 PAC, an independent committee supporting her 2020 reelection. Federal records later established that Navatek money had been routed through a shell company and reimbursed contributors in violation of campaign-finance law. Kao subsequently told FBI agents that donations were part of a broader pay-to-play method and alleged that Collins understood the exchange. ProPublica reported emails and internal records consistent with portions of his account. Collins's deputy chief of staff called the allegations categorically false and outlandish; an FBI spokesperson said an earlier investigation found nothing implicating Collins or her campaign. Scott Reed, Glen Mandigo and Andy Winer also denied communications, advice, knowledge or participation that would establish a contribution-for-official-action agreement. Kao was seeking sentencing consideration when he cooperated, and no one working for Collins was charged. The dispute is whether Collins knowingly participated in an exchange, not whether Navatek-linked illegal contributions occurred.
People in this case
Susan CollinsDirectly involved
Timeline
6 timeline entries on this page. Dates: August 6, 2019 to September 22, 2026
August 2019
1 event
Collins joins announcement of an $8 million Navy contract for Navatek
Incident
Susan Collins appeared with Martin Kao at Navatek's Portland office as the company announced an $8 million Navy research contract. Collins said she had strongly advocated for the funding; the later dispute concerns whether campaign support was knowingly tied to contract assistance.
[01]The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
Source excerpt
Kao told FBI agents and prosecutors that Navatek used campaign support to obtain government funding and that Collins was a willing participant; Collins's office, Reed, lobbyists and the FBI disputed material parts of that account.
Anchor investigation reporting previously undisclosed FBI cooperation interviews, internal company emails, campaign and lobbying communications, and responses from Collins's office, the FBI, Scott Reed, Glen Mandigo, Andy Winer and Steven Loui. The article says Kao had credibility incentives and that no one working for Collins was charged.
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
143 days between recorded events
December 2019
1 event
Navatek-funded shell company contributes $150,000 to 1820 PAC
Incident
The Society of Young Women Scientist and Engineers, an entity funded by Navatek and controlled by Martin Kao, contributed $150,000 to the pro-Collins 1820 PAC. Federal proceedings later established that the contribution unlawfully concealed its true source.
[02]Federal Election Commission Matter Under Review 7690
Source excerpt
The docket documents the complaint, investigation and $325,000 conciliation agreement concerning PacMar Technologies' use of a shell company to fund a $150,000 contribution to 1820 PAC.
Official administrative record for the donor-side campaign-finance violations. It establishes Navatek/PacMar's unlawful funding and concealment of the contribution but does not establish that Susan Collins knowingly participated in a quid pro quo.
Federal Election Commission Matter Under Review 7690Matter Under Review 7690; complaint, responses, general counsel reports, conciliation agreement and final disposition[03]Indictment of Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee for unlawful campaign contributions
Source excerpt
The indictment alleges that executives used Navatek funds, a shell company and reimbursed contributors to make prohibited contributions benefiting a federal candidate committee and political committee.
Federal charging document for the straw-donor, conduit-contribution and government-contractor contribution scheme. The document does not charge Collins, her staff, Collins for Senator or 1820 PAC personnel with bribery.
Indictment of Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee for unlawful campaign contributionsUnited States v. Kao, Chen and Lum Kee, D.D.C., indictment, pages 4–15
508 days between recorded events
May 2021
1 event
Axios reports an FBI investigation into Navatek-linked contributions
Source release
Axios reported that an FBI search-warrant application described a suspected scheme involving Navatek-linked donations benefiting Susan Collins's campaign and 1820 PAC. Collins's campaign said it had no knowledge of the alleged conduct.
[04]Feds investigating alleged illegal donations to Collins’ re-election bid
Source excerpt
“The Collins for Senator Campaign had absolutely no knowledge of anything alleged in the warrant.”
Contemporaneous reporting on the initial FBI investigation and unsealed search-warrant application. Axios reported there was no indication at that time that Collins or her team knew of the illegal donation scheme.
Feds investigating alleged illegal donations to Collins’ re-election bid · AxiosOpening section, “What’s happening” and “What they’re saying”
267 days between recorded events
February 2022
1 event
Federal grand jury indicts Kao and two former Navatek executives
Incident
A federal grand jury charged Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee in a conduit-contribution scheme involving money reimbursed by Navatek. No one working for Susan Collins was charged.
[03]Indictment of Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee for unlawful campaign contributions
Source excerpt
The indictment alleges that executives used Navatek funds, a shell company and reimbursed contributors to make prohibited contributions benefiting a federal candidate committee and political committee.
Federal charging document for the straw-donor, conduit-contribution and government-contractor contribution scheme. The document does not charge Collins, her staff, Collins for Senator or 1820 PAC personnel with bribery.
Indictment of Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee for unlawful campaign contributionsUnited States v. Kao, Chen and Lum Kee, D.D.C., indictment, pages 4–15
1100 days between recorded events
February 2025
1 event
FEC resolves the Navatek campaign-finance matter
Incident
The Federal Election Commission approved a conciliation agreement with PacMar Technologies, formerly Navatek, over prohibited contractor contributions and contributions made in the names of others. The company agreed to a $325,000 civil penalty.
[02]Federal Election Commission Matter Under Review 7690
Source excerpt
The docket documents the complaint, investigation and $325,000 conciliation agreement concerning PacMar Technologies' use of a shell company to fund a $150,000 contribution to 1820 PAC.
Official administrative record for the donor-side campaign-finance violations. It establishes Navatek/PacMar's unlawful funding and concealment of the contribution but does not establish that Susan Collins knowingly participated in a quid pro quo.
Federal Election Commission Matter Under Review 7690Matter Under Review 7690; complaint, responses, general counsel reports, conciliation agreement and final disposition[05]Major Victory: CLC Complaint Delivers Rare Accountability for Maine Voters
Source excerpt
“Collins had previously supported Navatek’s contract work with the government (the complaint did not allege involvement by Collins or her campaign).”
Campaign Legal Center account of the FEC matter and resulting PacMar penalty. It is useful for distinguishing the established campaign-finance violations from the later allegation that Collins knowingly participated.
Major Victory: CLC Complaint Delivers Rare Accountability for Maine VotersDiscussion of the 2020 complaint, FEC disposition and Collins limitation
586 days between recorded events
September 2026
1 event
ProPublica publishes Kao's allegations and the competing denials
Source release
ProPublica reported that Martin Kao told investigators Collins and people around her knowingly participated in a pay-to-play arrangement. Collins's office, an FBI spokesperson and several participants disputed the account, while Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson called for answers.
[01]The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
Source excerpt
Kao told FBI agents and prosecutors that Navatek used campaign support to obtain government funding and that Collins was a willing participant; Collins's office, Reed, lobbyists and the FBI disputed material parts of that account.
Anchor investigation reporting previously undisclosed FBI cooperation interviews, internal company emails, campaign and lobbying communications, and responses from Collins's office, the FBI, Scott Reed, Glen Mandigo, Andy Winer and Steven Loui. The article says Kao had credibility incentives and that no one working for Collins was charged.
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”[06]Annie Clark denies the Navatek pay-to-play allegations against Susan Collins
Source excerpt
“The seven-year-old allegations made against Senator Collins and her staff in this piece are categorically false.”
Primary statement from Collins's deputy chief of staff responding to the ProPublica report. Clark disputes the allegations, attacks Kao's credibility, describes the campaign's cooperation with investigators and says the FBI has not contacted the office about Kao since 2021.
Annie Clark denies the Navatek pay-to-play allegations against Susan CollinsX post 2102418037857022067[07]Troy Jackson calls the reported Collins–Navatek arrangement corruption
Source excerpt
“This is corruption of the highest order.”
Primary statement from Collins's Democratic Senate opponent reacting to the ProPublica investigation and demanding answers about contracts and conversations involving Collins's team.
Troy Jackson calls the reported Collins–Navatek arrangement corruptionX post 2102440681662710002
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
Susan Collins knowingly participated in a pay-to-play arrangement in which Navatek campaign support was exchanged for her office's assistance obtaining federal contracts.
Sources (1)
- The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
Disputed claim
The allegations that Susan Collins or her staff engaged in extortion, pay-to-play or bribery involving Navatek are categorically false.
Sources (3)
- Annie Clark denies the Navatek pay-to-play allegations against Susan CollinsX post 2102418037857022067
- The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
- Feds investigating alleged illegal donations to Collins’ re-election bid · AxiosOpening section, “What’s happening” and “What they’re saying”
Disputed claim
The FBI's earlier investigation found nothing implicating Susan Collins or her campaign.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Sources (1)
- The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the WayReporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
Response record
Responses
Latest recorded positions: 7. Dates: September 22, 2026
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Clear response filtersSources
(7)
Reporting
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
Relevant passage: Reporting Highlights; opening account of the Corner Bakery meeting; sections “Kao to Collins: ‘Here to Help’” and “Downfall, Cover-up”
Excerpt
"Kao told FBI agents and prosecutors that Navatek used campaign support to obtain government funding and that Collins was a willing participant; Collins's office, Reed, lobbyists and the FBI disputed material parts of that account."
About this source
Anchor investigation reporting previously undisclosed FBI cooperation interviews, internal company emails, campaign and lobbying communications, and responses from Collins's office, the FBI, Scott Reed, Glen Mandigo, Andy Winer and Steven Loui. The article says Kao had credibility incentives and that no one working for Collins was charged.
- Author
- William Turton, Avi Asher-Schapiro, Molly Redden, and Kirsten Berg
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Major Victory: CLC Complaint Delivers Rare Accountability for Maine Voters
Relevant passage: Discussion of the 2020 complaint, FEC disposition and Collins limitation
Excerpt
"“Collins had previously supported Navatek’s contract work with the government (the complaint did not allege involvement by Collins or her campaign).”"
About this source
Campaign Legal Center account of the FEC matter and resulting PacMar penalty. It is useful for distinguishing the established campaign-finance violations from the later allegation that Collins knowingly participated.
- Author
- Shanna Ports
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Indictment of Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee for unlawful campaign contributions
Relevant passage: United States v. Kao, Chen and Lum Kee, D.D.C., indictment, pages 4–15
Excerpt
"The indictment alleges that executives used Navatek funds, a shell company and reimbursed contributors to make prohibited contributions benefiting a federal candidate committee and political committee."
About this source
Federal charging document for the straw-donor, conduit-contribution and government-contractor contribution scheme. The document does not charge Collins, her staff, Collins for Senator or 1820 PAC personnel with bribery.
- Author
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Troy Jackson calls the reported Collins–Navatek arrangement corruption
Excerpt
"“This is corruption of the highest order.”"
About this source
Primary statement from Collins's Democratic Senate opponent reacting to the ProPublica investigation and demanding answers about contracts and conversations involving Collins's team.
- Author
- Troy Jackson
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Federal Election Commission Matter Under Review 7690
Relevant passage: Matter Under Review 7690; complaint, responses, general counsel reports, conciliation agreement and final disposition
Excerpt
"The docket documents the complaint, investigation and $325,000 conciliation agreement concerning PacMar Technologies' use of a shell company to fund a $150,000 contribution to 1820 PAC."
About this source
Official administrative record for the donor-side campaign-finance violations. It establishes Navatek/PacMar's unlawful funding and concealment of the contribution but does not establish that Susan Collins knowingly participated in a quid pro quo.
- Author
- Federal Election Commission
- Accessed
Reporting
Feds investigating alleged illegal donations to Collins’ re-election bid
Relevant passage: Opening section, “What’s happening” and “What they’re saying”
Excerpt
"“The Collins for Senator Campaign had absolutely no knowledge of anything alleged in the warrant.”"
About this source
Contemporaneous reporting on the initial FBI investigation and unsealed search-warrant application. Axios reported there was no indication at that time that Collins or her team knew of the illegal donation scheme.
- Author
- Lachlan Markay
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Annie Clark denies the Navatek pay-to-play allegations against Susan Collins
Excerpt
"“The seven-year-old allegations made against Senator Collins and her staff in this piece are categorically false.”"
About this source
Primary statement from Collins's deputy chief of staff responding to the ProPublica report. Clark disputes the allegations, attacks Kao's credibility, describes the campaign's cooperation with investigators and says the FBI has not contacted the office about Kao since 2021.
- Author
- Annie Clark
- Published
- Accessed