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 and Board 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

GRPS Pool Improvement Projects

Scope of Project: The project consists of swimming pool upgrades at Ottawa Hills High School and Union High School for Grand Rapids Public Schools. 

Deadline: Bids may be mailed to Grand Rapids Public Schools, Service Building, 900 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Mailed bids must be received prior to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. 

Faxed, emailed or uploaded to building connected bids will NOT be accepted. 

View the Advertisement for Bids here.

Request for Qualifications & Fee Proposal: Construction Management Services 

City High Middle School Auditorium and Burton Middle School Auditorium

Scope of Project: The Grand Rapids Public Schools District (GRPS) seeks professional construction management expertise to execute its construction projects. The Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) selected to manage the construction of the City High Middle School auditorium and the Burton Middle School auditorium (the Projects) must provide the full range of construction management capabilities for the entire scope of work.

Deadline: All submissions are due on or before 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Review the Request for Qualifications and Fee Proposal for full submission requirements. 

View Request for Qualifications and Fee Proposal here.

Contractor Cost Workbook - City High Middle School Auditorium

Contractor Cost Workbook - Burton Middle School Auditorium

Request for Qualifications and Fee Proposal: Construction Management Services

Union High School, Union High School Auditorium (separate bid), Harrison Park Academy, and Campus Elementary

Scope of Project: The Grand Rapids Public Schools District (GRPS) seeks professional construction management expertise to execute its construction projects. The Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) selected to manage the construction of Union High School, Harrison Park Academy and Campus Elementary (the Projects) must provide the full range of construction management capabilities for the entire scope of work.

Deadline: All submissions are due on or before 11:00 am on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Review the Request for Qualifications and Fee Proposal for full submission requirements.

View the Request for Qualifications and Fee Proposal here. 

Contractor Cost Workbook - Union High School

Contractor Cost Workbook - Union High School Auditorium

Contractor Cost Workbook - Harrison Park Academy

Contractor Cost Workbook - Campus Elementary

Request for Qualifications and Fee Proposal: Architectural and Engineering Services

Union High School, Harrison Park Academy and Campus Elementary

Scope of Project: The Grand Rapids Public Schools District (GRPS) seeks professional design expertise to execute its Building Improvement Plan. The Professional Service Contractor (PSC) selected to design the construction of Union High School, Harrison Park Academy and Campus Elementary (the Projects) must provide the full range of architectural and engineering capabilities for the entire scope of work.

Deadline: All submissions are due on or before 11:00 am on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Review the Request for Qualifications and Fee Proposal for full submission requirements.

View the Request for Qualifications and Fee Proposal Here.