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
- 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)
Request for Proposals
Waste Removal Services Includes Trash and Recycling (Cardboard & Paper)
- Issue Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Mandatory Pre-Bid Microsoft Teams Meeting: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, email ligginss@grps.org for the Meeting ID.
- Last day to submit questions no later than Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT ligginss@grps.org
- Response Deadline: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT. One signed original and 2 copies of the proposal must be submitted to the address specified. Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope labeled “Solid Waste Removal includes Trash and Recycling (Cardboard & Paper)" by 2:00 p.m. EDT Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at which time bids will be opened and publicly read.
Diane Liggins, Director of Purchasing
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Service Building
900 Union Ave NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
*If the District is closed due to unforeseen circumstances on the day that the bids are due, bids will be due on the next day that District is open.
No Email or FAXED Bids WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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, May 11, 2026
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).
Contact Us
Accounts Payable
Call 616-819-2062
Email Accountspayable@grps.org
Accounts Receivable
Call 616-819-2061
Email Accountsreceivable@grps.org
Purchasing
Call 616-819-2175
Email Purchasing@grps.org
