2026 Kent ISD Groundskeeping

Kent Intermediate School District (Kent ISD) in Michigan is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for groundskeeping and landscaping maintenance services covering three school locations: Pine Grove Learning Center in Wyoming, Empower U South in Wyoming, and Empower U North in Sparta. The contract period runs three years from April 1, 2026, through November 30, 2028, with eight monthly invoicing periods annually from April through November. The scope of work includes seasonal mowing with turf areas maintained between 3 to 4.5 inches in height, limiting grass blade removal to one-third per operation, with bi-weekly mowing permitted for field areas. Optional services include herbicide application, fertilizing, tree trimming, aeration, and mulching, with bidders required to indicate which services they will provide. Sealed bid proposals are due by 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Kent ISD Maintenance Building located at 1655 East Beltline NE in Grand Rapids, with public bid opening immediately following the deadline and formal award anticipated at the April 20, 2026, Kent ISD Board Meeting. Questions regarding bid specifications must be submitted by Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM through Sigma VSS or email to facilities@kentisd.org. Site visits are permitted at contractor convenience after 3:00 PM on weekdays or weekends to familiarize bidders with maintenance expectations and property specifications.

Kent ISD requests guaranteed pricing for all three years with individual pricing provided for each property and optional pricing available for multiple property awards. Required qualifications include Workers' Compensation insurance with statutory coverage, Comprehensive General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence with $2,000,000 general aggregate, and Business Automobile Liability of $500,000. All bidders must submit sworn and notarized affidavits confirming compliance with the Iran Economic Sanctions Act (Michigan PA 517 of 2012) and disclosing any familial relationships with school board members or the superintendent. Additionally, all contractor employees must undergo background checks including fingerprint-based criminal background checks through Michigan State Police prior to commencing work, with monthly staff lists required with updates within 24 hours of hiring or termination submitted with invoices. The RFP does not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, incumbent vendors, or budget ranges; however, the three-year contract structure and multiple property locations suggest a substantial service agreement with potential for significant annual revenues.