What does a government contractor actually do all day, and does a small landscaping company count as one?

Jordan, Jo is correct that your city contract makes you a government contractor. The biggest change you will see is in how you get paid, how long it takes, and what information you must provide. Federal contracts require registration in SAM.gov, which includes your banking information for direct deposit. State and local government contracts will have their own vendor registration portals and may require you to set up direct deposit through their specific systems. The payment process will likely be slower than commercial clients, as government agencies often have longer invoice processing times and specific payment cycles. You will also need to understand any specific invoicing requirements, such as unique contract numbers or line item details, to ensure timely payment.

Yes, your landscaping company counts as a government contractor once you have a city contract. A government contractor is any business that sells goods or services to a government entity, whether that is federal, state, or local. Your city contract means you are now a local government contractor.

What changes is how you run your business to meet the requirements of your contract and the city's procurement rules. Federal contracts follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), but city and state contracts follow their own procurement codes. You will want to read your city's vendor guide and the contract terms closely. For example, if your city contract is for construction, you will encounter the Davis-Bacon Act requirements if the contract value is above the threshold. You will also need to understand the payment process, which might be different from your commercial clients. Always ensure you are compliant with all terms, as government contracts often have specific reporting and invoicing procedures. Learning these processes early will help you manage your new government client effectively.