Fireworks Display July 4th

The intent and purpose of this Request for Proposal is to obtain firm fixed pricing from qualified, licensed Offerors having experience with similar services providing fireworks to create/produce the annual Fourth of July displays for the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

As an option, other City departments may utilize the contract for similar displays during the contract period at a time and location acceptable to both parties. Pricing for each display, other than Fourth of July events, will be negotiated based on pricing submitted in the Offeror’s proposal.

The City of Suffolk is seeking proposals from qualified firms for the sole purpose of obtaining responsive proposals to provide annual fireworks displays for the City’s Fourth of July celebration at Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina.

The fireworks display shall be held each Fourth of July at a site approved by both the City and the Offeror commencing at 9 p.m., or at another agreed upon time, with a continuous display lasting fifteen (15) minutes as a minimum. The Offeror shall be required to provide a quality, display design using a wide variety of top quality shells and special effects.

Submit a copy of your proposed program with the proposal to include a list of materials, sequence of events, and approximate time requirements.

Preferred structure of the display is as follows:

• Opening Display: Designed to capture attention and signal the start of the show.
• Main Display: Aerial display with a variety of effects, colors, and sequences.
• Grand Finale: High-intensity, rapid-fire sequence to conclude the show.

Proposals should include the expected timeframe for each of the above display sections, as well as the number of shells used for each.

Should the show take place at Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina, as typically scheduled, all displays will be shot from a barge. Proposals should include pricing with or without barge rental.

The Offeror shall provide necessary manpower, safety equipment, and all tools and materials, including, but not limited to, mortar racks, containers, sand, lumber, stakes, etc., which may be required for the firing of the display. [...] The Offeror shall be responsible for removing all firing materials, debris, packing materials, etc., and filling all holes utilized for firing of the displays. [...] Removal of all materials shall be completed within six (6) hours after the firing of the display. [...] The Offeror shall be responsible for obtaining all other licenses and permits as required by City, State, and Federal government.

The Lead Operator in charge of firing the display shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age with experience performing similar displays and shall have fired a minimum of six (6) displays in the past eighteen (18) months. [...] A minimum staff of two (2) people shall be provided for each display.

Provide a detailed Safety Plan, including:

• Fire prevention measures.
• Emergency procedures.
• Crowd safety considerations.
• Communication protocols

An electronic document shall be submitted by e-mail attachment to proposals@suffolkva.us with the RFP number, title, and closing date in the subject line. Documents should be saved as a .pdf document and should conserve disk space to allow transfers of data. Zip files are not accepted. Paper proposals will not be accepted.

Proposals will be accepted through eVA.

The City anticipates awarding a contract for the July 2027 display, to include four (4) additional renewal options for the July 2028, July 2029, July 2030, and July 2031 events.

Evaluation criteria

• Proposed fireworks display (30%)
• Fees schedule with the offered services. (30%)
• Quality of prior work, including efficiencies, timeliness and cost control. (25%)
• Qualifications, credentials, and related experience of the Offeror, including key personnel. (15%)

The City anticipates a budget of **$50,000** for the Fourth of July displays.