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 $31,321.00 (FY2026) effective October 2, 2025.  

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

Ottawa Hills High School Renovations

Scope of Project: Revnovations at Ottawa Hills High School, including earthwork, asphalt paving, athletic track resurfacing, landscaping, fencing, concrete, etc. 

Deadline: All bids are due on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 pm at O-A-K's Operations Center, 126 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 600, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Bids received after this time will neither be considered nor accepted. 

View the Advertisement for Bids for Ottawa Hills High School renovations here

2026 Asbestos Abatement at Kent Hills Elementary School

Scope of Project: 2026 asbestos abatement at Kent Hills Elementary School prior to scheduled renovations. 

Deadline: All bids are due on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Grand Rapids Public Schools, Service Building, 900 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, attention Dale Cammenga.

View the Instructions to Bidders here

GRPS Portfolio Opportunities

Scope of Project: GRPS has opened Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to help shape the future use of the former Alexander and Stocking school sites. 

Deadline: All bids must be submitted electronically on or before Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 4:00 pm to Chip Hurley (Chip.Hurley@JLL.com) and Jeff Karger (Jeff.Karger@JLL.com).

View the GRPS Portfolio Opportunities RFP here 

Playground Design and Installation for GRPS Schools

Scope of Project: Grand Rapids Public Schools seeks professional design and installation expertise to execute its playground projects at Kent Hills Elementary, Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School, and Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy. 

Deadline: All bids are due on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Grand Rapids Public Schools, Service Building, 900 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, attention Dale Cammenga. Submittal requirements are six (6) copies in a sealed, labeled envelope to the address above, and one electronic copy submitted to CammengaD@grps.org. 

View the Request for Proposals here.