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 $29,572.00 (FY2024) effective October 26, 2023.  

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

Environmental Consulting Services for Grand Rapids Public Schools 2023 Bond Projects

Scope of Project: GRPS issues this RFP in its process to obtain Environmental Consulting Services for asbestos abatement-related services for the project sites in Attachment A. The scope of work at these buildings shall correspond to the construction work being performed for each project. 

Deadline: All proposals are due on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, by 11:00 am at the GRPS Facilities Building, 900 Union Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

View the Environmental Consulting Services RFP here

Addendum #1

Attachment A: Projects List

Attachment B: Contract Documents

Attachment C: Environmental Consultant Unit Pricing Form

Attachment D: GRPS Asbestos Program Guidelines

Attachment E: GRPS AHERA Reports

Attachment F: Building Floorplans

Elevator/Hoist Engineering & Consulting Services

Scope of Project: GRPS issues this RFP in its process to obtain Elevator Design/Engineering and consulting services for all GRPS locations listed within Exhibit A. These improvements are a continuation of the 2023 Bond Program “Reimagine GRPS”. The anticipated work includes identifying all necessary elevator upgrades to ensure GRPS meets minimum code compliance by 2027.

Deadline: All proposals are due on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 by 11:00 am at the GRPS Facilities Building, 900 Union Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

View the Elevator/Hoist Engineering & Consulting Services RFP here

Exhibit A: List of GRPS locations

Exhibit B: Map

Exhibit C: Proposal Form

Addendum #1

Houseman Field Replacement & Briggs Field Replacement

Scope of Work: Project consists of:

• Houseman Field - Replacement of the existing artificial playing surface and running track sports field lighting, repair to press box masonry, and repair to masonry/stone/block wall along Houseman Avenue.
• Briggs Field - Replacement of running track, regrading and seeding of current grass field, improvements and installation of surface drainage system and irrigation, restoration of retaining wall and perimeter fencing, remodel to add restrooms to concessions building. 

Deadline: All proposals are due on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 by 2:00 pm at the GRPS Facilities Building, 900 Union Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

View the Houseman Field & Briggs Field Project Manual here

Addendum #1

Addendum #2

Houseman Field Construction Documents

Briggs Field Construction Documents

Coit Creative Arts Academy Asphalt Paving (Re-Bid)

Scope of Project: This project is contracted with Triangle Associates under a Construction Agreement whereby Triangle will act as the owner's contractor. Specialty subcontractors are being solicited for Coit Creative Arts Academy asphalt paving (re-bid). 

Deadline: All proposals are due on Thursday, December 5, 2025, by 10:00 am at the GRPS Facilities Building, 900 Union Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

View the Coit Creative Arts Academy Asphalt Paving Re-Bid Advertisement here

Sigsbee Re-Bid Drywall & Acoustical; Added Fire Protection and Fire Protection Sitework

Scope of Project: This project is contracted with Triangle Associates under a CM Agreement whereby Triangle will act as the owner's contractor. Special subcontractors are being solicited for:

• Drywall & acoustical (re-bid with added scope due to abatement
• Fire Suppression
• Fire Suppression Sitework

Deadline: All proposals are due on Thursday, December 5 at 10:00 am at the GRPS Facilities Building, 900 Union Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

View the Sigsbee Advertisement for Bids here