The Federal Government Wants To Buy From Native Businesses — Here Is How To Get in the Room

The 4th Annual Buy Indian Industry Day is coming to Oklahoma City on April 27–28, 2026, and every Indian-owned business in Indian Country should pay attention.

Co-hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Interior, the free two-day event at the OKANA Conference Center gives ISBEE-certified and Indian-owned businesses direct access to federal contracting officers, training sessions, and one-on-one matchmaking with HHS and DOI buyers.

IHS Awarded Over $515 Million to Indian-Owned Businesses in FY2025

The numbers tell a powerful story. In fiscal year 2025, the Indian Health Service awarded more than $515 million — 28.5 percent of eligible contract dollars — to Indian-owned economic enterprises. The Buy Indian Act of 1910 authorizes IHS and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to give procurement preference to Indian-owned and controlled businesses, and this event is designed to help Our Relatives take full advantage of that authority. All six Native APEX Accelerators are co-hosting, bringing culturally competent guidance on SAM.gov registration, NAICS code strategy, and the federal procurement forecast.

Ellsworth Attended in 2024 and Recommends You Join This Year

As a 100% Native owned small business and ISBEE-certified medical staffing company serving IHS facilities and tribal health programs across Indian Country, Ellsworth attended the 2024 event and came away with actionable insights on contracting pathways for Native practitioners, healthcare services, and IT support.

This year’s event is co-hosted by all six Native APEX Accelerators — the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, NADC APEX Accelerator, American Indian Chamber APEX Accelerator, Tribal Government Institute APEX Accelerator, Northwest Native Chamber, and the Alaska Native APEX Accelerator — alongside HHS and DOI.

The top IHS procurement category in FY2023 was Temporary Help Services at $293 million, the exact space where Native health staffing companies can compete and win.

Register Now and Get in Front of Federal Buyers

If you are an Indigenous business owner, an elder mentoring the next generation of Native entrepreneurs, or a tribal health program looking to strengthen your federal contracting position, this is your event! Registration is free at mbmgo.com, and hotel reservations can be made by calling 405-934-1990.

Ellsworth believes that when Our Relatives compete for federal contracts, the investment flows back into stronger, healthier Native communities — and we want to see you in that room.