SDVOSB Grounds Federal Contracts in Illinois

Grounds contracts in Illinois — questions

What types of grounds maintenance contracts are most common in the SDVOSB lane?

The most common are multi-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) grounds contracts at military installations, followed by standalone annual mowing contracts at VA facilities and national cemeteries. These contracts typically run one base year with four option years.

Do I need a specific license to perform grounds work on a federal installation?

Licensing requirements vary by state and contract scope. Most federal grounds contracts require general liability insurance and compliance with SCA wage determinations. Pesticide application work may require a state-issued applicator license. Some installations require contractor employees to hold an installation access badge.

Are grounds maintenance contracts typically small enough for a one-truck firm?

Yes — many grounds contracts at smaller installations or remote facilities are well within reach of a lean operation. Annual values often range from $50,000 to $400,000. IDIQs at large installations can exceed $5M but award task orders incrementally, which can accommodate phased growth.

How far in advance do grounds contracts post before the response deadline?

Presolicitations can post 30–90 days before the solicitation itself, giving you a significant runway. Monitoring presolicitations in the SDVOSB 561730 lane lets you prepare questions, scout the installation, and line up subcontractors before most competitors are aware the work is coming.