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

Asbestos Remediation at Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary

Scope of Work: The project involves the removal of all asbestos-containing materials affected by the planned renovations, as specified in the project drawings. The base scope encompasses selective demolition for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing upgrades, along with complete demolition of Unit E, including its roofing and foundations. Alternate drawings A-1 encompass salvaging a portion of Unit E.

Deadline: 

All RFI's are due November 20, 2025, by 2:00 pm.  Proposals must be submitted via email to Mr. Chris Decker at microairconsulting@gmail.com and Mr. Mark Bennett at BennettM@grps.org. 

Bids are due on November 25, 2025, by 11:00 am. Three copies of the bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to Mr. Marc Bennett, Design/Construction Coordinator, Grand Rapids Public Schools-Facilities Management & Planning, 900 Union Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 40503

View the Technical Specification for Asbestos Remediation at Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary here.

Elevator Upgrades at Various Locations for Grand Rapids Public Schools

Scope of Project: District-wide elevator upgrades.

Deadline: All bids are due on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Grand Rapids Public Schools, Service Building, 900 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, attention Dale Cammenga. 

A mandatory pre-bid conference has been scheduled on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 10:00 am at Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd., NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

View the Elevator Upgrades, Various Locations Instructions to Bidders here.

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 Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm at O-A-K's Operations Center, 6645 East Paris Ave., Caledonia, Michigan 49316. Bids received after this time will neither be considered nor accepted. 

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