2024 HHS & DOI Buy Indian Small Business Industry Day

The event started with an inspiring prayer by Robert Miguel, Chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Chairman Miguel, who has been leading his community since 2016, shared insights into his efforts to enhance education, support special needs services, and promote healthy lifestyles. He also highlighted a fun fact: In-N-Out Burger sources its French fries from Ak-Chin farms, exemplifying the power of small business in action.

Opportunities for Development for Indian Health Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs

The event focused on several key areas for small business development, particularly for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE). The discussions covered a wide range of federal procurement opportunities, including:

• Medical, surgical, and dental supplies and equipment
• Pharmaceuticals and intravenous solutions
• Professional services (both medical and non-medical)
• IT hardware, software, and support services
• Maintenance/repair of medical and non-medical equipment
• Construction, renovation/repair, and architectural & engineering services

Key NAICS Codes and Spending

Top 10 NAICS Codes for IHS (FY23)

Here are the top NAICS codes and their respective spending amounts in the Indian Health Service (IHS) procurements:

1. Temporary Help Services (561320) – $293M
2. Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412) – $138.5M
3. Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (236220) – $96.6M
4. All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541990) – $64.2M
5. Offices of Physicians (621111) – $50.8M
6. Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112) – $48.5M
7. General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (622110) – $47.7M
8. Offices of Miscellaneous Health Practitioners (621399) – $47.3M
9. New Multifamily Housing Construction (236116) – $47M
10. Other Computer Related Services (541519) – $41.5M

Native Spend by Top NAICS (FY23)

Highlighted below are the top areas where Native obligations were significant:

• Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (236220) – $79M
• Temporary Help Services (561320) – $61M
• Offices of Miscellaneous Health Practitioners (621399) – $37M
• Offices of Physicians (621111) – $29.1M

Finding IHS Business Opportunities

For those looking to explore business opportunities with IHS, the key steps are:

• Register on SAM.gov to receive alerts on IHS contracting opportunities.
• Search HHS Procurement Forecast (SBCX) for upcoming opportunities.
• Network: Attend industry day events and request meetings with IHS contracting and program staff.

Upcoming IHS Business Opportunities

Some notable upcoming opportunities include:

• Mobile Education Unit in Crow Agency, MT (June 2024)
• MRI Purchase in Gallup, NM (August 2024)
• Voice Over IP Managed Services in Bemidji Area (August 2024)
• Audiovisual Conference Equipment in Anchorage, AK (June 2024)
• PIMC Server Infrastructure Refresh in Phoenix Indian Medical Center (June 2024)

DOI/HHS Buy Indian Small Business Industry Day

The Small Business Industry Day provided valuable insights and opportunities for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises to engage with federal procurement processes, particularly in healthcare-related fields. By leveraging these opportunities, businesses like Ellsworth, LLC can continue to expand their footprint and contribute to the growth and well-being of Native American communities.

Visit the IHS Acquisition Forecast and the Division of Acquisition Policy (IHS) websites for more details and to stay updated on business opportunities.

Ellsworth UEI: E84NXMLHLMS5 confirms our eligibility under the Buy-Indian set-aside, under NAICS Code 561320 – Temporary Help Services, with a business model and services designed to meet these specific requirements, supported by our partnership with LiquidAgents Healthcare, LLC, and StaffingEngine, LLC, and over 22 years of combined recruiting expertise, ensuring culturally competent staffing solutions.