Government Landscaping Contracts in 2026-2027: What Gets Bought and How to Bid

Federal agencies buy mowing, tree work, irrigation and cemetery grounds care through NAICS code 561730 and service code S208. Many of these jobs are set aside for small and veteran-owned firms. Search SAM.gov for those codes, walk the site before you price, and read the wage determination first.

What does the government buy under landscaping contracts?

Most of it is recurring work, not one-time projects. Typical scopes include:

• Mowing, trimming, edging and leaf removal
• Tree and shrub care, stump removal and irrigation service
• Cemetery grounds, where the contractor supplies all labor, supervision, equipment and materials
• Snow removal and storm cleanup at sites that need winter response
• Landscape renovation, such as ornamental grass or planting beds

Contracts usually run a base year plus option years. That makes one win worth several years of revenue if you perform well.

What do real 2026 grounds contracts look like?

The pattern is worth noticing. The VA's National Cemetery Administration posts many separate cemetery jobs, so a veteran-owned crew near one can build a steady route. Army installations buy through their contracting offices, often to small businesses.

Which codes should you search?

The NAICS code lookup and our SAM.gov bid search guide show how to set this up. Check the size standard in the SBA table before you bid, since it changes.

How do you bid on a grounds maintenance contract?

1. Save a search for NAICS 561730 and S208 in your state and neighboring ones.
2. Read the whole solicitation. The performance work statement, price schedule and wage determination are separate attachments.
3. Ask questions early. The Kerrville notice closed questions about two weeks before quotes were due.
4. Walk the site even if the visit is optional. Measure acreage, slopes, fencing and gates.
5. Price labor from the wage determination. These are service contracts, so a Department of Labor wage sheet sets minimum pay.
6. Fill every line of the price schedule for the base year and each option year.
7. Submit early, with licenses and your equipment list attached.

What works and what costs you money on grounds bids?

Frequently asked questions about government landscaping contracts

How do I find government landscaping contracts?

Search SAM.gov for NAICS 561730 and the service code S208, then add words like grounds maintenance, mowing or cemetery. Filter by your set-aside type and place of performance. Save the search so new notices reach you each day.

What NAICS code is used for landscaping contracts?

NAICS 561730, Landscaping Services. Recent VA solicitations list a $9.5 million size standard for it. Confirm the number in the SBA size standards table before you bid, because SBA adjusts them.

Are government landscaping contracts set aside for small business?

Many are. A 2026 VA cemetery solicitation in Texas was 100 percent SDVOSB, and a 2026 Army grounds contract at two New Mexico Reserve sites was set aside for small business. Each notice states its own set-aside, so read it first.

What is a bridge contract for grounds maintenance?

A short-term contract that keeps a site maintained while the agency finishes a new award. In January 2026 the VA posted a sole-source SDVOSB bridge for Omaha National Cemetery grounds care. Watch special notices for these.

Do I need a site visit to bid on a grounds contract?

Often one is offered, and sometimes it is made optional by an amendment. Go anyway. Measuring acres, slopes, gates and obstacles is how you price accurately, and a bad price is the fastest way to lose money.

What licenses or proof do grounds bids ask for?

It depends on the notice. A 2026 VA solicitation in Texas asked for an on-site supervisor with five years of experience, an equipment list and a Texas pesticide applicator license. Check each solicitation for state licensing.

Why does the wage determination matter?

Grounds contracts are service contracts, so a Department of Labor wage determination is attached and sets the minimum pay for your crew. Price your labor from that sheet, not from what you pay locally.