RFP for Custodial Services

Durand Area Schools, a Michigan general powers school district located in Sanilac County, is seeking qualified contractors through a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide comprehensive custodial and grounds maintenance services across seven district buildings totaling approximately 284,162 square feet, including two elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, an administrative office, an online academic center, and a transportation facility. The contractor must deliver daily custodial operations, light maintenance and repair services, grounds keeping, snow removal, and emergency response services to support 1,174 students and 170 staff members. The district currently operates with 11 custodial staff and 3 grounds/laborer positions, with specific shift assignments detailed in the staffing requirements: first shift custodians work from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and second shift custodians from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with an annual work schedule of 242 to 247 days including five paid holidays. Proposers must submit pricing as a total annual amount with detailed cost breakdowns, including alternative pricing for two additional one-year renewal terms and reduced pricing if the district procures cleaning supplies; all supplies, materials, equipment, and management staff costs must be included in the bid amount. Contractors must meet extensive insurance requirements, including workers' compensation with statutory coverage, general liability insurance with $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate coverage, and comprehensive automobile liability with $1,000,000 combined single limit, and all employees must pass criminal background checks as required by Michigan's Revised School Code, with these costs borne by the contractor. Key deadlines include a mandatory pre-bid facility walk-through on March 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., a deadline for requests for clarification and addenda on March 18, 2026, a proposal submission deadline of March 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., anticipated contract award by May 13, 2026, and service commencement on July 1, 2026, with an initial one-year contract term through June 30, 2027.

This RFP is open competition with no identified set-asides, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent contractor information provided, meaning any qualified contractor is eligible to respond. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents. The contract includes a one-year initial term with the district retaining the right to renew for up to two additional one-year periods at its sole discretion, and the district may terminate the contract with thirty days' written notice without cause. The district also retains authority to adjust service frequency and scope during the contract term, with corresponding price adjustments to be negotiated. Bidders with questions should submit inquiries using the provided Bidder Inquiry Form via facsimile to 989-288-3709 or email to szanger@durand.k12.mi.us, addressed to the Director of Finance; all questions received and the district's responses will be compiled and distributed to all participating bidders without attribution to specific sources.