Landscaping Government Contracts
Government landscaping contracts cover grounds maintenance, mowing, tree care, irrigation, and snow removal at federal installations, parks, cemeteries, and state facilities. Solicited under NAICS 561730 with an $9.5M size standard, they are accessible first contracts for small firms: recurring scopes, local performance, and frequent small-business set-asides. Agencies evaluate equipment capacity, crew scheduling, and seasonal surge ability.
Common requirements in landscaping and grounds maintenance contracts
- Grounds maintenance schedule meeting PWS frequencies (mowing heights, edging, fertilization)
- Pesticide/herbicide applicator licenses for chemical applications
- Equipment list adequate for the acreage and surfaces specified
- Service Contract Act wage compliance for laborers
- Snow/storm response times where included in scope
- Disposal and composting practices per facility rules
Documents you'll need ready
- Capability statement with grounds maintenance references
- Active SAM.gov registration under NAICS 561720/561730
- State pesticide applicator licenses
- Equipment inventory list
- Insurance certificates
- Unit pricing per the schedule (per-acre, per-cut, or monthly)
Proposal checklist
- Walk the site — acreage on paper rarely matches conditions on the ground
- Price seasonal variation realistically across base and option years
- Document crew size and weekly schedule per area
- Address irrigation system responsibilities explicitly
- Include licensed applicator details for chemical work
- Confirm disposal site arrangements and costs
Who buys landscaping
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Frequently asked questions
Are landscaping contracts good first government contracts?
Yes. Scopes are familiar, performance is local, and set-asides are common. The National Cemetery Administration and military bases regularly award grounds contracts to first-time federal contractors.
How is government landscaping priced?
Usually firm-fixed-price monthly or per-service-event rates against defined frequencies, with option years. Build SCA wages, equipment depreciation, and fuel into the rate — change orders are hard to get for underpriced base work.
Do I need pesticide licenses?
If the PWS includes chemical application (weed control, fertilization, pest treatment), yes — state applicator licenses are typically required at proposal time or before performance. Subcontracting chemical work is an alternative.