Federal Contract Alert: S208--Grounds Maintenance for the Asheville VAMC — VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.246-NETWORK CONTRACTI
S208 Grounds Maintenance Contract at Asheville VAMC: What Service-Disabled Veteran Contractors Need to Know
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking qualified contractors to provide grounds maintenance services at the Asheville Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in North Carolina. This is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) set-aside contract, making it an excellent opportunity for eligible veteran entrepreneurs to compete for federal work. Understanding the contract details, eligibility requirements, and submission process is critical to positioning your bid competitively.
Contract Overview and Scope
The S208 Grounds Maintenance contract covers landscaping, lawn care, grounds upkeep, and related maintenance services at the Asheville VAMC facility. This is a recurring maintenance contract essential to keeping VA healthcare facilities safe, functional, and presentable to veterans and staff. Typical services include mowing, trimming, seasonal plantings, debris removal, and grounds beautification. The contract represents steady work with a government entity committed to long-term vendor relationships.
Eligibility: SDVOSB Set-Aside and NAICS Code 561730
This opportunity is restricted to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). To qualify, your business must be:
- At least 51% owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran
- The service-disabled veteran must be the officer responsible for day-to-day operations
- Certified in the VA's Vendor Information Pages (VIP) system or by the Small Business Administration (SBA)
The contract falls under NAICS code 561730: Landscaping Services. This classification is critical for size standard compliance; your business must meet the small business size standard for this code, typically around $15.5 million in annual revenue. Verify your certification status before submitting any bid to avoid disqualification.
Key Deadline and Timeline
Deadline: July 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET
Posted on July 16, 2026, this opportunity provides only five business days for preparation. Act immediately to avoid last-minute rushes. Use GovWin IQ (https://iq.govwin.com) to track deadline changes and receive alerts, and consult Bloomberg Government (https://about.bgov.com) for competitive win-loss analysis on similar VA contracts.
How to Respond: Step-by-Step Process
- Register on SAM.gov: Ensure your SDVOSB certification is current and linked to your SAM account. Update your CAGE code and business information.
- Download the Solicitation: Visit SAM.gov or the direct link provided to access the full grounds maintenance specification and evaluation criteria.
- Review Technical Requirements: Understand scope, staffing, equipment, insurance, and performance standards specific to Asheville VAMC operations.
- Prepare Your Proposal: Include past performance on similar VA or federal grounds maintenance contracts, staffing plan, equipment inventory, and pricing. Emphasize your veteran ownership advantage.
- Submit Before Deadline: Upload via SAM.gov; submissions after 12:00 PM ET on July 21 will be rejected.
Competitive Intelligence Takeaway
VA maintenance contracts favor contractors with prior experience at VAMCs. Research competing bids using GovWin IQ to identify patterns in winning prices and qualifications. Many SDVOSB contractors win these contracts by bundling grounds maintenance with facility support services, demonstrating operational depth.
Three Actionable Tips for Winning This Bid
- Highlight VA Experience: If you have past performance at other VA facilities, lead with this. VA contracting officers value continuity and familiarity with federal healthcare environments.
- Demonstrate Veteran Leadership: Use your SDVOSB status as a differentiator. Emphasize how your service-disabled background informs your management approach and commitment to veteran hiring.
- Price Competitively but Sustainably: Research comparable state and local government landscaping contracts in the Asheville area. Price aggressively but ensure margin allows quality service and employee retention.
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