Custodial Services

Elk Rapids Schools, a Michigan school district, is requesting proposals for custodial services across five facilities with proposals due July 13, 2026, and a mandatory pre-bid meeting and facility walk on July 6 at 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. at 308 Meguzee Point Road, Elk Rapids. Prospective bidders must attend the mandatory pre-bid meeting to be eligible.

The scope covers daily cleaning, maintenance, and special-event coverage for three years beginning August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029, across Elk Rapids High School (138,000 square feet), Cherryland Middle School (69,000 square feet), Lakeland Elementary (51,000 square feet), Mill Creek Academy (41,000 square feet), a bus garage/maintenance facility (2,500 square feet), and stadium bathrooms. Expected coverage hours range from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at secondary schools and 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at elementary schools and the academy. The contractor must supply all cleaning chemicals, small tools, microfiber products, mops, vacuums, and other cleaning supplies; the district provides consumable items such as toilet paper, paper towels, and hand sanitizer. All equipment must be purchased new. Detailed equipment lists and preventative maintenance plans are required as part of the proposal.

Bidders must provide a 5% bid guarantee of the first year's estimated costs through a certified check or bid bond and submit a certified letter confirming financial stability with a line of credit of at least $750,000. Proposals must be submitted in three copies by 9:00 a.m. on July 13, with public bid opening at 9:30 a.m.

Evaluation criteria prioritize overall program sustainability and likelihood of successful long-term performance, followed by price value, employee wage and benefit structures to promote retention, past custodial experience with references, and adequate staffing levels. The district reserves the right to audit payroll records to verify staffing levels match bid commitments, with penalties up to $1,000 per week for staffing shortages exceeding 5% district-wide or 10% at individual schools, and $500 fines for missed day shifts or building coverage.