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

Thoroughly read, and follow, instructions to bidders
Submit a complete bid or proposal response
Be competitive
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)

MITN Purchasing Group View Open RFPs

Sigma Vendor Self Service View Open RFPs

Bonfire View Open RFPs

Request for Proposals

21^st Century Community Learning Centers LOOP Program

Description: The purpose of this bid is to obtain proposals from qualified service providers to offer a variety of enrichment services for our 21^st Century Community Learning Centers(21stCCLC)LOOP programs: Burton Elementary School (K-5), Campus Elementary School (K-5), and Harrison Park Academy (K-8).

Issue Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Response Deadline: Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 2:00 PM EST

Submission Requirements: One signed original and 2 copies of the proposal must be submitted to the address specified at the beginning of this RFP. Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope labeled “21^st CCLC LOOP RFP” by 2:00 p.m. EST Wednesday September 3, 2025

Diane Liggins, Director of Purchasing
Grand Rapids Public Schools
1331 Martin Luther King, Jr. Street SE
PO Box 117
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Proposal Due Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 2:00 P.M. EST.

Any RFPs received after the due date and time will NOT be considered. Incomplete RFPs will not be accepted and will not be returned for revisions. The proposal must be signed by an authorized official to bind the VENDOR to the proposal provision.

Estimated Notification of Award: Monday, October 13, 2025

*District reserves the right to evaluate or reject any or all bids.

Required Documents:

Request for Proposals (RFP)Proposal Evaluation RubricDebarment and Suspension CertificationIran Business Relationship AffidavitForm of Sworn Statement of Familial Relationship

GRPS | Dean Transportation Fuel Tank Replacement

Scope of Services: Act as contractor for the construction of the Fuel Tank Replacement Project.

Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: Tuesday, August 26, at 1:00 pm at GRPS Service Building, 900 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Deadline: All bids are due Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10:00 am. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to Mr. Dale Cammenga, Director of Design & Construction, 900 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

View the Fuel Tank Replacement Request for Proposal here