How to bid on Grounds Maintenance for the Department of Agriculture

What the agency is buying

The Department of Agriculture is looking for a small business to provide grounds maintenance services at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, Texas. This contract includes four option years.

The work involves 37 scheduled mowing and trash-pickup services. The contractor will need to haul away large debris and organic materials that do not fit in the agency's dumpsters. Fertilizer and weed control are not part of this contract.

Key dates and deadlines

The deadline for submitting questions about this solicitation is August 21, 2026, by 3:00 PM Central Standard Time. A site visit is scheduled for August 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST. If you plan to attend the site visit, you must email your name and company name to [email protected] by August 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM CST.

All quotes must be submitted electronically via email to [email protected] by August 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Standard Time. Faxed or hard copy quotes will not be accepted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is set aside for small business concerns. The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 561730, with a small business size standard of $9.5 million. Firms specializing in landscaping services, groundskeeping, or facilities maintenance are suitable.

The work involves regular scheduled services, so businesses with established routines for recurring outdoor maintenance will find this a good fit. The facility is fenced, and access will be granted by the front office during scheduled work hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM).

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to click the “View original source” link. You may need a free account to view all documents, but this is not always required.

Your quote must include a detailed description of your capability to provide the grounds maintenance services, any relevant experience with similar services for government agencies or other organizations, and your past performance history. Simply stating that you can provide the services as described in the Statement of Work will not be enough for your quote to be considered.

Tips for a competitive response

Ensure your business is actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) before submitting your quote and at the time of award. This is a mandatory requirement for all federal contractors. Payment will be processed through the Department of the Treasury Invoice Processing Platform (IPP.gov).

Pay close attention to the Statement of Work and the questions and answers provided. For example, the agency clarified that fertilizer and weed control are excluded, and that the contractor must haul away large debris. Your quote should reflect a clear understanding of these specific requirements and exclusions.

Since past performance and relevant experience are requested, provide concrete examples of similar grounds maintenance projects you have completed, highlighting your ability to meet schedules and manage waste disposal as required by this solicitation.