Short answer: landscaping companies get government contracts by registering in SAM.gov and local vendor portals under NAICS 561730 (Landscaping Services), getting small business certifications, finding grounds maintenance solicitations, walking every site, and pricing to the required wage rates. Parks, bases, schools, highways and public buildings all need recurring grounds care.
Who buys landscaping services?
Federal installations, national parks and forests, VA campuses, state transportation departments, cities, counties, school districts, water districts and housing authorities. Contracts range from one-time projects to multi-year grounds maintenance.
Register and choose codes
Start with SAM.gov registration and NAICS 561730. If you also install irrigation or hardscape, consider construction specialty codes, and remember that public works installation work may trigger prevailing wage and, in California, DIR registration.
Get certified
Small business, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB and SDVOSB set-asides are common for grounds maintenance.
Find and evaluate bids
Search SAM.gov, state and local portals for landscaping, grounds maintenance, mowing, tree trimming and irrigation. Walk the site, measure acreage, note slopes and access, and confirm frequency requirements before you price.
Price for the real cost
Include labor at required wage rates (Service Contract Act for federal maintenance work; prevailing wage where it applies), equipment, fuel, disposal, materials, insurance and overhead. Seasonal changes in frequency should be priced, not guessed.
FAQ
Are landscaping contracts good for small businesses?
Yes. They are often set aside for small businesses and provide steady multi-year revenue with option years.
Want a hand with this?
GERC is a woman-owned, PhD-led government contracting firm that works with small businesses nationwide. We handle SAM.gov registration, certifications like 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, DBE and DVBE, and bid writing — bids from $1,250 when you give us a month’s notice.