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

Construction Management Services - Multiple Sites

Scope of Work: Grand Rapids Public Schools seeks professional Construction Management (CM) expertise to execute its construction projects. The Professional Service Contractor (PSC) selected to manage the renovation of the school buildings must provide the full range of CM capabilities for the entire scope of work:

• Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary
• Dickinson Elementary
• Cesar E. Chavez Elementary

Deadline: All proposals are due on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the GRPS Facilities Building, 900 Union Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

View the Construction Management Services RFP here

Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Construction Manager as Constructor

General Conditions of the Contract for Construction

Exhibit A - Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment

Contractor Cost Workbook - Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary

Contractor Cost Workbook - Dickinson Elementary and Cesar E. Chavez Elementary

Combined Project Costs

GRPS to issue RFP for Facilities Master Plan Owners Representative

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Grand Rapids Public Schools is taking a significant step forward in its Facilities Master Plan process by preparing to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an Owners Representative in early January 2025.

The Owners Representative will assist in managing and overseeing the process to find new uses for vacant GRPS properties. GRPS is committed to ensuring that district-owned properties are utilized in a way to add value to our community.

More details about the RFP and timeline will be announced in January.

Harrison Park Boiler Replacement

Scope of Work: Phased work for replacing four (4) cast iron sectional boilers and revisions to piping system. Phase 1 will include replacing a minimum of two (2) boilers immediately. Phase 2, after completion of the heating season, replace two (2) additional boilers and revise the piping system to eliminate the secondary piping loop as indicated on plans.

Deadline: All proposals are due on Wednesday, January 15, 2025,  at 10:00 am, at the GRPS Facilities Building, 900 Union Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

View the Harrison Park Boiler Replacement Project RFP here

Harrison Park Floor Plan

Harrison Park Heater Water Schematic