Mowing Contracts Up for Bid: How to Find & Apply

Landscaping and mowing contracts are a steady, recurring source of government spending. From military bases to municipal parks, agencies outsource grounds maintenance to private businesses every year.

In 2024, U.S. federal, state, and local governments spent an estimated $1.4 billion on landscaping and mowing services. These contracts are especially attractive to small businesses because many are set aside for local vendors.

Mowing contracts up for bid in 2025 will create new opportunities for landscaping and grounds maintenance companies across the country. This guide explains how to find them, apply successfully, and meet agency requirements.

What Are Government Mowing Contracts?

Government mowing contracts are agreements where agencies hire vendors to maintain grounds, lawns, or outdoor spaces for federal, state, or municipal properties.

They can cover:

• Routine lawn mowing
  
  
• Tree and shrub trimming
  
  
• Seasonal grounds maintenance
  
  
• Snow removal (in some regions, as part of facility contracts)
  

Step-by-Step: How to Find and Apply for Mowing Contracts

1. Register on SAM.gov

• Vendors must be registered to bid on federal mowing contracts.
  
  
• Registration ensures your business is visible to contracting officers.
  

2. Use the Right NAICS Code

• The most common code is 561730 – Landscaping Services.
  
  
• Some contracts may also fall under 561720 – Janitorial & Support (if bundled with facility work).
  

3. Search Federal Opportunities

• Go to SAM.gov.
  
  
• Filter by keyword: “mowing” or NAICS 561730.
  
  
• Set “Active” status and limit by state if you prefer local projects.
  

4. Explore State & Local Procurement Portals

• Many mowing contracts are issued by states and counties.
  
  
• Examples:
  
  
  • Texas Comptroller eProcurement
    
    
  • Maryland eMaryland Marketplace Advantage
    
    
  • California eProcure
    

5. Review Solicitation Requirements

• Key details to check:
  
  
  • Acreage or square footage to be maintained
    
    
  • Frequency of service (weekly, monthly)
    
    
  • Equipment standards (commercial-grade mowers, safety requirements)
    
    
  • Insurance and bonding requirements
    

6. Submit Your Bid

• Prepare pricing per acre or per month.
  
  
• Highlight prior experience in landscaping or municipal contracts.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
  

Data Snapshot: Sample Mowing Contracts (Q1 2025)

Source: SAM.gov + state procurement portals, January 2025

Common Challenges for Beginners

• Underestimating costs (fuel, equipment maintenance, labor).
  
  
• Missing bonding or insurance requirements.
  
  
• Failing to monitor deadlines (many bids close in <30 days).
  
  
• Not showcasing small business certifications (WOSB, SDVOSB, 8(a)).
  

Case Example

A family-owned landscaping company in North Carolina won a $60K mowing contract for a city park system in 2023. By emphasizing their local presence and past municipal contracts, they scored higher in evaluation than national competitors.

This demonstrates how small, community-based businesses can compete effectively in government landscaping contracts.

Mowing contracts are among the simplest and most approachable government contracting opportunities for small businesses in 2025. By registering on SAM.gov, using the correct NAICS code, and monitoring state/local procurement portals, vendors can secure steady seasonal revenue.

With values typically under $250K and many reserved for small businesses, mowing contracts are a strong entry point for landscaping companies aiming to expand into government contracting.