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 $30,512.00 (FY2025) effective October 10, 2024.

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)

MITN Purchasing Group View Open RFPs

Sigma Vendor Self Service View Open RFPs

Bonfire View Open RFPs

Request for Proposals

GRPS Custodial Services

Scope of Work: GRPS is seeking custodial and general maintenance services beginning in June 2025.

Scheduled Walk-Through: Thursday – March 27, 2025, 2:00 p.m. EST

LOCATION: GRPS SERVICE BUILDING, 900 UNION AVE NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI
Specific Building Locations: Burton Elementary, Burton Middle, City High Middle and Ottawa Hills)

Deadline: Monday, April 7, 2:00 PM EDT

One signed original and 3 copies of the proposal must be submitted to the address specified at the beginning of this RFP. Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope labeled “Custodial RFP” by 2:00 p.m. EDT Monday, April 7, 2025

Diane Liggins, Director of Purchasing
Grand Rapids Public Schools
1331 Martin Luther King, Jr. Street SE
PO Box 117
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ ALOUD AT THE Service Building 900 Union Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered in connection with this bid (NO EXCEPTIONS).

View the GRPS Custodial RFP 2025-2026 School Year

Required Documentation

Addendum 1

Purpose: to identify the removal of CA Frost High and the addition of Cesar Chavez Elementary, City High Middle School, Martin Luther King Jr. and Ottawa Hills High School.

The pricing bid form and building maps have been updated to include the removal and addition of these building locations.

Advertisement and Invitation for Bids

Projects:

GRPS Kent Hills Elementary parking lot (1445 Emerald Ave NE)
GRPS Dickinson Academy renovations (448 Dickinson Street SE)
GRPS Cesar E. Chavez Elementary 2025 renovations (1205 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW)

Deadline:

Proposals must be submitted via Rockford Construction's BuildingConnected by Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM.

Click here to view the Advertisement & Invitation for Bids

School Program Moving and Coordination Services for Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary School and Riverside Middle School

Scope of Project: Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) seeks professional expertise to assist in preparing Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary School and Riverside Middle School for late summer 2025 construction activities. The Professional Service Contractor (PSC) selected to complete the moving and storage services must provide project management, supervision and physical move services to relocate existing school programs. In addition, on-site storage of materials or furniture to return to the renovated building may be required.

Deadline: All proposals are due on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to Mr. Dale Cammenda, Director of Design, Construction & Renovation at GRPS Facilities & Operations, 900 Union NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

View the complete Request for Proposal here.