Business Services

The Grand Rapids Public Schools Business Services Department supports the business operations of the district including purchasing, accounts payable and receivable, financial accounting and reporting, payroll, and retirement. 

Purchasing

Purchasing provides services and materials for district staff and outside customers by securing quality products and services in accordance with Board Policies in an efficient and timely manner. 

Thank you for your interest in doing business with Grand Rapids Public Schools! Follow the steps below to connect your business with GRPS and our Bid opportunities.

Step 1: Understand the Competitive Bid Process

GRPS Polices & Rules

Grand Rapids Public Schools is proud to work with reliable vendors who support our schools and operations.Board Policy 3610 andBoard Policy 3660 listed under our Fiscal Management Section 3000 should be used as a guide for doing business with the district.

Board Policy 3690-R highlights our local first purchasing preference. Review this policy for information on local first qualifications.

Competitive Bid Amount

According to the revised Michigan School Code, the State of Michigan annually designates a base amount above which school districts must obtain competitive bids. The Competitive Bid base amount is $30,512.00 (FY2025) effective October 10, 2024.  

Tips to be successful in the Public Sector

1. Thoroughly read, and follow, instructions to bidders
2. Submit a complete bid or proposal response
3. Be competitive
4. Be on time (late bids are NOT accepted)

Step 2: Create a Vendor Profile

Vendors interested in doing business with GRPS are encouraged to create a vendor profile on MITN Purchasing Group, Sigma Vendor Self Services, or Bonfire, our centralized bid portals that provides broader access to new opportunities throughout our region.

Step 3: View Open GRPS Request for Proposals (RFP)

Request for Proposals

Advertisement and Invitation for Bids

Projects:

• GRPS Kent Hills Elementary parking lot (1445 Emerald Ave NE)
• GRPS Dickinson Academy renovations (448 Dickinson Street SE)
• GRPS Cesar E. Chavez Elementary 2025 renovations (1205 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW)

Deadline:

Proposals must be submitted via Rockford Construction's BuildingConnected by Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM.

Click here to view the Advertisement & Invitation for Bids

School Program Moving and Coordination Services for Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary School and Riverside Middle School

Scope of Project: Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) seeks professional expertise to assist in preparing Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary School and Riverside Middle School for late summer 2025 construction activities. The Professional Service Contractor (PSC) selected to complete the moving and storage services must provide project management, supervision and physical move services to relocate existing school programs. In addition, on-site storage of materials or furniture to return to the renovated building may be required.

Deadline: All proposals are due on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to Mr. Dale Cammenda, Director of Design, Construction & Renovation at GRPS Facilities & Operations, 900 Union NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

View the complete Request for Proposal here.

Addendum #1

Attachment A: Preproposal Walk-Thru Sign-In Sheets

Attachment B: Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary Floor Plans