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

The 4th Annual Buy Indian Industry Day arrives in Oklahoma City on April 27–28, 2026. HHS and DOI are co-hosting this free two-day event at the OKANA Conference Center. It gives ISBEE-certified and Indian-owned businesses direct access to federal contracting officers, hands-on training, and one-on-one matchmaking with federal buyers.

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

In fiscal year 2025, IHS awarded more than $515 million to Indian-owned economic enterprises. That figure represents 28.5 percent of eligible contract dollars. Additionally, the Buy Indian Act of 1910 gives IHS and the Bureau of Indian Affairs authority to prioritize Indian-owned and controlled businesses in procurement. As a result, this event helps Our Relatives take full advantage of that preference.

All six Native APEX Accelerators are co-hosting, so attendees will receive 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

Ellsworth is a 100% Native owned small business and ISBEE-certified medical staffing company serving IHS facilities across Indian Country. We attended the 2024 event and gained actionable insights on contracting pathways for Native practitioners and healthcare services.

Notably, this year’s co-hosts include 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. Meanwhile, the top IHS procurement category in FY2023 was Temporary Help Services at $293 million — the exact space where Native health staffing companies compete and win.

Register Now and Get in Front of Federal Buyers

If you are an Indigenous business owner, an elder mentoring Native entrepreneurs, or a tribal health program leader, this is your event! Registration is free at mbmgo.com. You can also book your hotel by calling 405-934-1990. Ellsworth believes that when Our Relatives compete for federal contracts, the investment flows back into stronger, healthier Native communities. We want to see you in that room.