Board renews ICS contract; reimbursable markup and termination terms updated

The Grand Rapids Public School District Board of Education approved a renewal of the district’s master contract with ICS, a facilities and construction services partner, incorporating updated American Institute of Architects contract language and two small contractual changes.

Nathan Norton, representing ICS, told the board the updated agreement uses the most current AIA forms (2019) and modifies two items: reimbursable costs will carry a 10% markup (the previous agreement used a 0% markup), and the termination fee was reduced under the new template from a prior 50% to 25% standard. Norton said reimbursable items are infrequent and the markup covers administrative processing for items such as vendor payments.

Superintendent Matt Gross said the facilities committee reviewed the contract and recommended approval. Board members said the agreement remains non‑exclusive and preserves flexibility for district-managed projects while allowing ICS to provide consulting or full project management as needed.

Board action: Board member Dave Cohen moved to accept the ICS contract renewal; Ashley Goodman seconded. The board approved the contract by voice vote; one abstention was recorded in the meeting transcript but not named.

Background: District staff said the contract renewal extends an established four‑year relationship. The board noted that professional services are not required to be competitively bid under state rules and that the district has a long working relationship with ICS and familiarity with their work in district buildings.