Gipson Play Plaza and Moore Square Holiday Lighting.pdf

(v.09/15/25)

Request for Proposals # 274-HolidayLighting2026

Title: Gipson Play Plaza and Moore Square Holiday Lighting

Issue Date: August 24, 2026

Due Date: September 11, 2026, no later than 5:00PM EST

*LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED*

Issuing Department: PRCR

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFP to:

Kimberly Oliver Administrative Support Specialist Email: Kimberly.Oliver@raleighnc.gov

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Background

1.3 RFP Timeline

1.4 Pre-Proposal Conference

1.5 Proposal Question

1.6 Proposal Submission Requirements & Contact Information

1.7 Business Engagement & Opportunities

1.8 Rights to Submitted Material

1.9 Communications

1.10 Lobbying

1.11 Conflicts of Interest

1.12 Proposer Expenses

1.13 Proposer Acceptance

2. Proposals

2.1 Request for Proposals Required Document Format

2.2 RFP Documents

3. Proposal Evaluation

3.1 Proposal Evaluation Criteria (Stage 1)

3.2 Interview/Demonstration (Stage 2)

3.3 Final Selection

3.4 Notice to Proposers Regarding RFP Terms & Conditions

3.5 Contract Term…………………………………………………………….11

4. Scope of Services

Appendix I – Site Maps

Appendix II – Dix Park/Gipson Play Plaza Photos

Appendix III – Proposal Cost Form

Appendix IV – Proposer Questionnaire

Appendix V – Reference Questionnaire

Appendix V – Reference Questionnaire Form

Appendix VI – Sample Contract

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

The City of Raleigh (COR) is solicitating proposals from one or more firm(s) with which to contract for the following services:

The City of Raleigh is seeking a qualified vendor to design, furnish, install, maintain, and remove coordinated holiday lighting displays at Gipson Play Plaza (Dix Park) and Moore Square.

A detailed scope of services is provided in Section 4 of this document.

All information related to this solicitation, including any addenda, will be posted to the North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) at https://evp.nc.gov/.

All questions related to this solicitation must be submitted in writing (via email) to the following individual – questions submitted via telephone will not be answered:

Contact Name Email Address Kimberly Oliver Kimberly.Oliver@raleighnc.gov

1.2 Background

The City of Raleigh, the Capital City of North Carolina, remains one of the fastest growing areas in the country. A great economy, top educational institutions, and exceptional health care facilities are some of the characteristics that attract people to the triangle area. The mild climate, diverse work force and proximity to Research Triangle Park combine to make Raleigh a great place to live.

Raleigh is a 21st Century City of Innovation focusing on environmental, cultural, and economic sustainability. The City conserves and protects our environmental resources through best practice and cutting-edge conservation and stewardship, land use, infrastructure and building technologies. The City welcomes growth and diversity through policies and programs that will protect and enhance Raleigh’s existing neighborhoods, natural amenities, history, and cultural and human resources for future generations. The City leads to improve quality of life for neighborhoods and standard of living for all citizens.

The City works with universities, colleges, citizens, and local partners to promote new technology, create new job opportunities, and encourage local businesses and entrepreneurs. The City enlists and prepares 21st Century staff with the skill sets to carry out the duties of the City through transparent civic engagement and by providing the very best customer service to our citizens.

Moore Square and Gibson Play Plaza at Dix Park seek to create festive atmospheres for their guests during the month of December with holiday-themed lighting.

https://evp.nc.gov/

1.3 Request for Proposal (RFP) Timeline

Provided below is a list of the anticipated schedule of events related to this solicitation.

The City of Raleigh reserves the right to modify and/or adjust the following schedule to meet the needs of the service. All times shown are Eastern Time (EST):

1.4 Pre-Proposal Conference

If the City of Raleigh elects to conduct a Pre-Proposal Conference or Site Visit, attendance by prospective proposers is strongly encouraged but is not mandatory. Prospective Proposers are encouraged to submit written questions in advance. Date, time, and location of pre-proposal conference is shown above in the RFP Timeline (Section 1.3).

RFP Process Date and Time

RFP Date August 24, 2026

Pre-Proposal Meeting/Site-Visit

While there will not be a formal pre-proposal meeting, interested vendors are encouraged to visit Dix Park and Moore Square during operating hours at the addresses below:

Gipson Play Plaza (715 Biggs Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603)

Moore Square Visitor Center (201 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601)

Deadline for Written Questions August 28, 2026, at 10 am

City Response to Questions (anticipated)

September 4, 2026

Proposal Due Date and Time September 11, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST

Evaluation Meeting (anticipated)

September 18, 2026

Interviews (if required)

Week of September 21, 2026

Selection Announced (tentative)

September 29, 2026

1.5 Proposal Questions

Requests for clarification and questions to this RFP must be received by the City not later than the date shown above in the RFP Timeline (Section 1.3) for the submittal of written inquires. The firm’s failure to request clarification and submit questions by the date in the RFP Timeline above shall be considered to constitute the firm’s acceptance of all City’s terms and conditions and requirements.

The City shall issue addenda reflecting questions and answers to this RFP, if any, and shall be posted to North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal (eVP). No information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any City personnel, whether made in response to a question or otherwise in connection with this RFP, shall be considered authoritative or binding. Proposers can only rely on written material contained in an Addendum to this RFP.

It is important that all Proposers submitting to this RFP periodically check eVP for any Addenda. It is the Proposers responsibility to ensure that all addenda have been reviewed and, if required signed and returned.

All questions related to this solicitation must be submitted in writing (via email) to the following individual – questions submitted via telephone will not be answered:

Contact Name Email Address

Kimberly Oliver Kimberly.Oliver@raleighnc.gov

1.6 Proposal Submission Requirements and Contact Information

Proposals must follow the format as defined in Section 2 (PROPOSALS), and be addressed and submitted as follows:

DELIVERED BY US POSTAL SERVICE

MAIL:

DELIVERED BY OTHER DEIVERY

SERVICES:

City of Raleigh City of Raleigh

ATTN: Kimberly Oliver ATTN: Kimberly Oliver

201 S Blount St 201 S Blount St

Raleigh, NC 27601 Raleigh, NC 27601

RFP No. 274-HolidayLighting2026 RFP No. 274-HolidayLighting2026

Proposals must be enclosed in an envelope or package and clearly marked with the name of the submitting company, the RFP number and the RFP Title.

Proposers must submit:

A. one (1) signed original;

B. one (1) electronic version of the signed proposal and;

C. and four (4) copies of the signed proposal.

The electronic version of the Proposal must be submitted as a viewable and printable Adobe Portable Document File (PDF) on a USB Flash Drive. Both hard copy and electronic versions must be received by the City on or before the RFP due date and time provided in RFP Timeline (Section 1.3). Proposals received after the RFP due date and time will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the return address on the submission envelope or package.

Proposers must respond to the entire Request for Proposals (RFP). Any incomplete proposal may be eliminated from competition at the discretion of the City of Raleigh. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals for any reason and to waive any informality it deems in its best interest.

Proposals that arrive after the due date and time will not be accepted or considered for any reason whatsoever. If the firm elects to mail in its response, the firm must allow sufficient time to ensure the City’s proper receipt of the package by the time specified in the RFP Timeline (Section 1.3). Regardless of the delivery method, it is the responsibility of the firm to ensure that their proposal arrives at the designated location specified in this Section by the due date and time specified in the RFP Timeline (Section 1.3).

1.7 Business Engagement & Opportunities

The City of Raleigh maintains processes to conduct business with all business enterprises, including small, emerging, growing, under-capitalized, and under-resourced firms or organizations.

1.8 Rights to Submitted Material

All proposals and supporting materials, as well as correspondence relating to this RFP, shall become the property of the City. The content of all submittals will be held confidential until the selection of the firm is made. Proposals will be reviewed by the Evaluation Team, as well as other City staff and members of the general public who submit public record requests. Any proprietary data must be clearly marked. In submitting a Proposal, each Prospective Proposer agrees that the City may reveal any trade secret materials contained in such response to all City staff and City officials involved in the selection process and to any outside consultant or other third party who serves on the Evaluation Team or who is hired by the City to assist in the selection process.

Proposals marked entirely as “confidential”, “proprietary”, or “trade secret” will be considered non-responsive and will be removed from the evaluation process.

1.9 Communications

All communications of any nature regarding this RFP with any City staff, elected City officials, evaluation committee members, are strictly forbidden from the time the solicitation is publicly posted until award. Questions must be submitted in writing to the individual designated in Section 1.1 (Purpose), prior to the deadline provided in the RFP Timeline (Section 1.3). Violation of this provision may result in the firm’s proposal being removed from consideration.

1.10 Lobbying

By responding to this RFP, the firm certifies that is has not and will not pay any person or firm to influence or attempt to influence an officer or employee of the City or the State of North Carolina, or any elected official in connection with obtaining a contract as a result of this RFP.

1.11 Conflicts of Interest

City of Raleigh contracts are controlled by three conflict of interest provisions.

First, federal procurement standards provide in 2 CFR 200.318 (c)(1), No employee, officer, or agent may participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by a Federal award if he or she has a real or apparent conflict of interest. Such a conflict of interest would arise when the employee, officer, or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or a firm which employs or is about to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in or a tangible personal benefit from a firm considered for a contract. The officers, employees, and agents of the non-Federal entity may neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors or parties to subcontracts.

Similarly, the North Carolina General Statutes provides a criminal statute for conflicts of interest in public contracting. N.C.G.S. § 14-234(a):

(1) No public officer or employee who is involved in making or administering a contract on behalf of a public agency may derive a direct benefit from the contract except as provided in this section, or as otherwise allowed by law. (2) A public officer or employee who will derive a direct benefit from a contract with the public agency he or she serves, but who is not involved in making or administering the contract, shall not attempt to influence any other person who is involved in making or administering the contract. (3) No public officer or employee may solicit or receive any gift, favor, reward, service, or promise of reward, including a promise of future employment, in exchange for recommending, influencing, or attempting to influence the award of a contract by the public agency he or she serves.

City of Raleigh Charter Section 3.9 regulates private transactions between the City and its officials and employees. The Charter states:

No member of the City Council, official, or employee of the City of Raleigh shall be financially interested, or have any personal beneficial interest, either directly or indirectly, as agent, representative, or otherwise, in the purchase of, or contract for, or in furnishing any materials, equipment or supplies to the City of Raleigh, nor shall any official or employee of the City of Raleigh accept or receive, or agree to accept or receive, directly or indirectly, from any person, firm or corporation to whom any contract may be awarded or from whom any materials, equipment or supplies may be purchased by the City of Raleigh, by rebate, gift, or otherwise, any money or anything of value whatsoever, or any promise, obligation or contract for future reward or compensation, for recommending or procuring the uses of any such materials, equipment or supplies by the City of Raleigh; no member of the City Council, official or employee of the City of Raleigh shall for his own personal benefit operate, directly or indirectly, any concession in any building or on any lands of the City of Raleigh, nor shall any official or employee of the City of Raleigh bid for or be awarded any contract granting concessionary rights of any nature or kind from the City of Raleigh; it shall be unlawful for any member of the City Council, official or employee of the City of Raleigh to bid for or to purchase or to contract to purchase from the City of Raleigh any real estate, equipment, materials, or supplies of any nature or kind whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, at either public or private sale, either singly, or through or jointly with any other person.

1.12 Proposer Expenses

The City of Raleigh will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any Proposer in the development of a response to this Request for Proposal or any other activities associated with this procurement including but not limited to any onsite (or otherwise) interviews and/or presentations, and/or supplemental information provided, submitted, or given to City of Raleigh and/or its representatives. Further, the City of Raleigh shall reserve the right to cancel the work described herein prior to issuance and acceptance of any contractual agreement/purchase order by the recommended Proposer even if the awarding authority for each entity has formally accepted a recommendation.

1.13 Proposer Acceptance

Submission of any proposal indicates a Proposer’s acceptance of the conditions contained in this RFP. Furthermore, the City of Raleigh is not bound to accept a proposal on the basis of lowest price, and further, the City has the sole discretion and reserves the right to cancel this RFP, and to reject any and all proposals, to waive any and all informalities and/or irregularities and reserves the right to re-advertise this RFP with either the identical or revised scope and specifications if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the City to do so.

The City of Raleigh reserves the right to accept or reject any or all of the items in the proposal, and to award the contract in whole or in part and/or negotiate any or all items with individual Proposers if it is deemed in the best interest of the City to do so. Moreover, the City reserves the right to make no selection if proposals are deemed to be outside the fiscal constraint or not in the best interest of the City.

2 PROPOSALS

Submitted proposals must follow the format outlined below. The City may reject as non-responsive at its sole discretion any proposal that does not provide complete and/or adequate responses or departs in any substantial way from the required format.

2.1 Request for Proposals Required Document Format

Proposals should be on 8-1/2” x 11” (A4-sized) paper, printed on both sides, bound with only removable clips or staples (no 3-ring binders), and divided into sections using tabs to easily identify and separate each section as follows:

2.1.1. Section/Tab 1: Cover Letter

Provide an introduction letter summarizing the unique proposal of your firm to meet the needs of this service requirement. This letter should be presented on the firm’s official letterhead and signed by an authorized representative who has the authority to enter into a contract with the City on behalf of the firm. Additionally, include the name, address, telephone and email address of the individual who serves as the point of contact for this solicitation.

2.1.2. Section/Tab 2: Corporate Background and Experience

Include background information on the firm and provide detailed information regarding the firm’s experience with similar projects. Provide a list of all similar contracts performed in the past ten (10) number of years, accompanied by at least three (3) references (contact persons, firm, telephone number and email address).

Include the total amount invoiced for each listed project, the length of the project, and list of those involved in the project who are also proposed for the subject project named in this solicitation. Failure to provide a list of all similar contracts in the specified period may result in the rejection of the firm’s proposal. The evaluation team reserves the right to contact any or all listed references, and to contact other public entities regarding past performance on similar projects.

2.1.3. Section/Tab 3: Financial Information

Review and provide one of the following three (3) financial statement options:

1. Recent audited or reviewed financial statements prepared by an independent certified public accountant (CPA) that shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income statement (i.e., profit/loss statement) and cash flow statement and, if the audited or reviewed financial statements were prepared more than six (6) months prior to the issuance of this RFP, the Proposer shall submit its most recent internal financial statements (balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement or budget with entries reflecting revenues and expenditures from the date of the audited or reviewed financial statements to the end of the most recent financial reporting period (i.e., the quarter or month preceding the issuance date of this RFP)).

OR

2. Recent compiled financial statements prepared by an independent CPA that shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income statement (i.e., profit/loss statement) and cash flow statement and, if the compiled financial statements were prepared more than three (3) months prior to the issuance of this RFP, the Proposer shall submit its most recent internal financial statements (balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement or budget with entries reflecting revenues and expenditures to date), and other evidence of financial stability such as most recently filed income tax return, evidence of a line of credit/loans/other type of financing with statement of amount in use/outstanding balance (e.g., a complete copy commitment letter, loan agreement, billing statement reflecting the line of credit or statement from lender acknowledging the commitment to fund the Proposer’s stated financing), personal guaranty with copies of personal income tax filing and statement of net worth or such other evidence that is accurate, reliable and trustworthy regarding the Proposer’s financial stability.

OR

3. Include a certified, signed statement from a licensed CPA regularly engaged in the review of the firm’s financial information verifying the financial viability of the firm.

All financial information, statements and/or documents provided in response to this solicitation shall be kept confidential provided that EACH PAGE is marked as follows:

“CONFIDENTIAL – DO NOT DISCLOSE EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF

PROPOSAL EVALUATION.“

“Recent” shall be defined as financial statements that were prepared within the 12 months preceding the issuance date of this RFP.

Consolidated financial statements of the Proposer’s parent or related corporation/business entity shall not be considered, unless: (1) the Proposer’s actual financial performance for the designated period is separately identified in and/or attached to the consolidated statements, (2) the parent or related corporation/business entity provides the State with a document wherein the parent or related corporation/business entity will be financially responsible for the Proposer’s performance of the contract and the consolidated statement demonstrates the parent or related corporation’s/business entity’s financial ability to perform the contract, financial stability and/or such other financial considerations identified in the evaluation criteria; and/or (3) Proposer provides its own internally prepared financial statements and such other evidence of its own financial stability identified above.

The firm’s failure to provide any of the above-referenced financial statements may result in the proposal being removed from consideration. Proposers are also encouraged to explain any negative financial information, and to provide documentation supporting those explanations and demonstrating the financial strength of the firm.

2.1.4. Section/Tab 4: Project Understanding, Approach and Schedule Provide a comprehensive narrative, outline, and/or graph demonstrating the firm's understanding and approach to accomplishing the tasks outlined in the Scope of Work section of this RFP. A description of each task and deliverable and the schedule for accomplishing each shall be included.

2.1.5. Section/Tab 5: Team Firm, Experience and Certifications This section must include the proposed staffing, deployment and firm of personnel to be assigned to this project. The Proposer shall provide information as to the Proposals and experience of all executive, managerial, legal, and professional personnel to be assigned to this project, including resumes citing experience with similar projects and the responsibilities to be assigned to each person. A project-specific firm chart which clearly illustrates the roles, responsibilities, and the reporting relationships of each team member should be included.

2.1.6. Section/Tab 6: Cost

In a separate sealed envelope provide a minimum of four (4) complete copies of the Proposal Cost Form and any additional itemized cost breakdown or price schedule.

Hourly rates shall be fully burdened to include all costs, all applicable overhead and profit (including lodging, meals, and transportation). Attach any additional pricing details.

2.2 RFP Documents

This RFP is comprised of the base RFP document, any attachments, and any addenda released before the contract is awarded. All attachments and addenda released for this RFP in advance of any contract award are incorporated herein by reference.

3 PROPOSAL EVALUATION

3.1 Proposal Evaluation Criteria (Stage 1)

This is not a bid. There will not be a public opening. The proposals received in response to this RFP will be evaluated and ranked by the evaluation committee in accordance with the process and evaluation criteria contained below. Responses will be evaluated in light of the material and substantiating evidence presented in the response and not based on what is inferred. After thoroughly reading and reviewing this RFP, each evaluation committee member shall conduct his or her independent evaluation of the proposals received and grade the responses on their merit in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the following table.

The maximum interview/demonstration points a Proposer can receive is five (5) points.

The Proposers selected for interviews/demonstrations under this section will be notified in writing of the date and time. The Proposers’ interview/demonstrations shall be based solely upon information provided in each Proposer’s original proposal. No new information may be presented.

Criteria (a)

Weight (b)

Score (0-3)

(a) x (b) Weighted

Score

Proposed design/thematic approach 30

Corporate background and previous experience

Past performance on similar projects 20

Project understanding 15

Proposed Cost 15

Total Score (without Interview/Demonstrations)

Interview/Demonstration (if applicable) (1-5 points)

Final Score (with Interview/Demonstrations)

Score Points 0- Missing or Does Not Meet Expectation 2- Meets Expectation 1- Partially Meets Expectation 3- Exceeds Expectation

Cost Formula: The cost criterion is rated by giving the proposal with the lowest total cost the maximum number of Cost points available. The remaining proposals are rated by applying the following formula:

1 - B - A x C = D A

A—the lowest Proposer’s cost.

B—the Proposer’s cost being scored.

C—the maximum number of cost points available.

D—Proposer’s cost score (points).

Note: If the formula results in a negative number (which will occur when the Offeror’s cost is more than twice the lowest cost), zero points shall be assigned.

3.2 Interview/Demonstration (Stage 2)

A short-list of firms may be invited to Stage 2, Interview/Demonstration, step of the evaluation process. Interview/demonstrations are an important aspect of the evaluation process that offers the City an opportunity to see how the proposer’s solution meets the critical components of the RFP.

3.3 Final Selection

Proposals will be evaluated and ranked according to the criteria and weighted values set forth in Section 3.1. Either a final selection for recommendation will be made at this time or the short-list of firms will be invited to participate in Stage 2 of the evaluation process.

If Stage 2 is implemented, each firm will be evaluated and assigned a score to determine the best firm for recommendation.

After which negotiations of a contract with the most qualified firm will commence. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the City will then pursue negotiations with the next most qualified firm. All Proposers will be notified of their standing immediately following the City’s decision.

The City shall not be bound or in any way obligated until both parties have executed a contract. The City also reserves the right to delay the award of a contract or to not award a contract.

3.4 Notice to Proposers Regarding RFP Terms and Conditions

It shall be the Proposer’s responsibility to read the RFP Instructions, the City’s contract terms and conditions (within the sample City Service Contract provided in Appendix IV), all relevant exhibits, attachments, and any other components made a part of this RFP and comply with all requirements and specifications herein. Proposers are also responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this RFP.

3.5 Contract Term

The contract issued by the City to the awarded proposer will define either a completion date by which the services are to be completed and finished, or a term date by which the services will begin and be provided repeatedly over a specific period. The details of the contract term and any options to renew or extend the contract, will be stated in the contract issued by the City. See Appendix IV for a sample-version of the City’s contract for services.

4 SCOPE OF SERVICES

Awarded proposer shall provide services, all as set forth in this RFP and more particularly described in this Section 4.

Design, furnish, install, maintain, and remove coordinated holiday light displays at Moore Square and Gipson Play Plaza in Dix Park.

For both locations:

• The selected vendor shall be responsible for all labor, equipment, materials, installation, testing, maintenance, and removal associated with the approved holiday lighting and decorative elements.

• The vendor shall coordinate installation and removal schedules with Dix Park and Moore Square staff to minimize disruption to normal park operations and scheduled programming.

• Because Dix Park and Moore Square are highly visible and heavily used public spaces, reliability throughout the display period is essential. The selected vendor must provide a designated point of contact and be capable of responding promptly to outages, damaged equipment, safety concerns, or other issues requiring attention throughout the duration of the display.

• All installations must be suitable for outdoor public use and installed in a manner that protects park visitors, existing trees, landscaping, structures, and other City property.

• Proposals should be modular and scalable. Vendors should provide clearly identified pricing for individual components or packages whenever practical. The final combination of elements will be determined in consultation with the selected vendor based on design, feasibility, and available budget.

Dix Park/Gipson Play Plaza:

The goal for Gipson Play Plaza’s (GPP) Holiday Lights Experience is to create an engaging, seamless, and passive program that the public can enjoy at their leisure during evening hours across the month of December.

Gipson Play Plaza’s Light Experience will be focused on two primary locations and four connecting pathways. The two primary locations will be the Woodland Garden and Fountain Plaza, which are adjacent to one another. The four Connecting Pathways will be the Fountain Plaza Stairs, the Woodland Walk, and the Lake Wheeler Road and Picnic Grove Paths respectively.

Woodland Garden Typically an underutilized area for events, the Woodland Garden represents one half of the core experience for GPP’s lights. The Garden faces GPP’s gravel parking lot, creating an opportunity for a “front gate” sort of display that guests can view as they park. Short walking paths make this a location that could be enjoyed easily while also allowing guests to take their time enjoying the display.

Fountain Plaza The Fountain Plaza will also be home to GPP’s Holiday Tree (not included in this RFP), which makes it the obvious second half of our Holiday Light’s experience. The benches and patio tables are the perfect spot for people to sit, relax, and enjoy the lights as they play off the tree.

Connecting Pathways The Fountain Plaza and Woodland Garden locations are connected by four pathways.

Extending the GPP Light Experience around these four short paths will create a seamless walk between our two primary locations.

1. The Stairs: Fountain Plaza’s Donor Staircase offers amphitheater-style seating and direct access between the Fountain Plaza and Woodland Garden.

2. Lake Wheeler Road Path: This paved walk runs alongside Lake Wheeler Road and connects the Fountain Plaza to the Woodland Garden and Donor Stairs.

3. Picnic Grove Path: Branching off of Gipson Plaza’s main thoroughfare, this paved path leads up to the Woodland Garden, passing between the Picnic Grove area and the Woodland Walk.

4. Woodland Walk: Flowing out of the Woodland Garden itself, the Woodland Walk is a grassy pathway that trails lazily down towards GPP’s Picnic Grove.

Please see Appendix II for photos of the locations and pathways.

Additional Considerations

• Proposals should include plans to run power to light fixtures, especially to the Connecting Pathways. If cost and functionality are an issue, priority should go to Fountain Plaza and Woodland Grove.

• Cords should be covered to reduce tripping hazards.

• Nightly activation should be simple, as staff presence will be limited to our security vendor during evening hours.

• Avoiding noise pollution from generators is a priority.

Moore Square:

The project is envisioned as having two complementary components: December Holiday Lighting, a foundational lighting display that creates an attractive and welcoming holiday atmosphere at Moore Square throughout the month of December, and a Winterfaire Enhancement, an additional or enhanced lighting and holiday features that may be temporarily added during Winterfaire (December 11–13, 2026) to create a more immersive festival environment.

The City anticipates that the month-long December display will focus primarily on lighting existing park features, including mature trees and the Moore Square café. Winterfaire may provide an opportunity to temporarily expand the display through additional decorative elements, entrance features, photo opportunities, or other enhancements.

Site Context Moore Square is an approximately four-acre historic urban park located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. The park consists of a large central lawn surrounded by mature canopy trees, along with a café and outdoor dining area, a playground located within a wooded portion of the park, walkways, and multiple entrances from surrounding downtown streets.

Lighting and decorative elements should complement the existing landscape and architecture while maintaining safe pedestrian circulation and preserving the overall character of the park.

December Holiday Lighting The foundational December lighting display should establish a cohesive holiday presence throughout the park and is anticipated to focus primarily on existing trees, landscape features, and the café building.

Priority areas include:

1. Café and Outdoor Dining Area Holiday lighting of the café is a high priority for the month-long display. At minimum, proposals should consider architectural lighting along the building roofline. Vendors may also propose complementary lighting for approximately two light poles or other appropriate elements within the outdoor café dining area.

2. Playground Feature Tree

A large tree located near the center of the playground is a priority feature for the December display. Creative approaches are encouraged and may include trunk and branch wrapping, suspended illuminated ornaments or light balls within the canopy, or other treatments appropriate for a mature tree.

3. Martin Street and Blount Street Tree Canopy

The City is interested in lighting selected mature trees along the Martin Street and Blount Street portions of the park perimeter. Depending upon cost and the proposed approach, approximately eight to ten trees may be considered. Vendors are encouraged to propose treatments such as trunk and branch wrapping, canopy lighting, suspended light elements, or combinations of techniques.

The City welcomes additional recommendations for the month-long display that create visual continuity among these areas without overwhelming the natural and historic character of Moore Square.

Winterfaire Winterfaire is a three-day European-style holiday market and festival featuring more than 60 vendors, food trucks, live music, Santa, s’mores, a beer garden, and other seasonal activities.

December 11–13, 2026, will mark the second annual Winterfaire. Feedback following the inaugural 2025 event identified additional lighting as an important opportunity to improve nighttime visibility and, equally importantly, strengthen the festive atmosphere and European holiday market character that Winterfaire strives to create.

During Winterfaire, the City is interested in exploring opportunities to increase the visual impact of the month-long lighting display and create a more immersive holiday festival atmosphere.

These enhancements are optional concepts for consideration and should not be interpreted as required elements of the final scope. Vendors are encouraged to propose creative options that can be individually evaluated based on design and cost.

Potential Winterfaire enhancements may include:

• lluminated archways, gateways, or similar features at one or more primary park entrances.

• A distinctive holiday-themed photo opportunity designed to encourage visitor interaction and social media sharing.

• Additional temporary lighting or illuminated décor within key festival areas.

• Enhanced lighting of existing trees or features beyond the level provided during the remainder of December.

• Other creative temporary elements that reinforce the character of a European-style holiday market and distinguish Winterfaire from the general December display.

Ideally, Winterfaire enhancements should work with the foundational December lighting rather than function as an entirely separate design.

Proposals should distinguish between month-long December lighting elements, Winterfaire-specific enhancements, and optional or alternate features that may be added or removed based on available budget.

The City encourages vendors to bring their professional and creative expertise to the project.

Proposed concepts do not need to be limited to the examples identified in this scope, provided they are appropriate for Moore Square, support the desired holiday atmosphere, and can be safely implemented within a heavily used public park.

The final design, quantities, locations, Winterfaire enhancements, installation schedule, and associated services will be negotiated with the selected vendor based upon the accepted proposal, available budget, site conditions, and the City's final priorities.

APPENDIX I

SITE MAPS

Dix Park/Gipson Play Plaza

Moore Square

APPENDIX II

DIX PARK/GIPSON PLAY PLAZA PHOTOS

Woodland Grove

Fountain Plaza

The Stairs

Lake Wheeler Road Path

Picnic Grove Path

Woodland Walk

APPENDIX III

PROPOSAL COST FORM

The awarded proposer shall perform the services to be performed as set forth in this RFP and more particularly described in Section 4 for a not to exceed total amount of:

Attach proposal cost itemization or breakdown to this Appendix I Proposal Cost Form.

Proposer/Company Name: ____________________________________________________

Authorized Signature _______________________________Date__________________

Signed by: _____________________________________________________________

[Type or Print Name]

Title of Signer: __________________________________________________________

APPENDIX IV

PROPOSER QUESTIONNAIRE

The following questions must be answered, and data given must be clear and comprehensive. If necessary, questions may be answered on separate sheets. The Proposer may submit any additional information desired.

Company Name: d/b/a (if applicable)

Street / PO Box:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Website (if applicable):

Sole Proprietor Partnership Corporation Other

Number of years in business under company’s present name:

Fed Tax ID #: DUNS #

Are you registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State to conduct business (if required)? (Check One) YES: NO: Not Applicable:

Are you properly licensed/certified by the Federal and/or State of North Carolina to perform the specified work?

YES: NO: Not Applicable: ATTACH COPY OF ALL APPLICABLE LICENSING/CERTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

Are/will you be properly insured to perform the work? YES: NO:

Contact for this Contract: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Have you ever defaulted or failed on a contract? (If yes, attach details) YES: NO:

List at least three (3) references for which you have provided these services (same scope/size) in the past three years - preferably government agencies. Do not include City of Raleigh as a reference to meet the requirement of listing at least (3) references.

PROPOSERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SENDING REFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE (APPENDIX III) TO THEIR

REFERENCES.

1. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

2. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

3. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

4. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

5. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

The undersigned swears to the truth and accuracy of all statements and answers contained herein:

Authorized Signature: Date:

APPENDIX V

REFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE

(Instructions)

274-HolidayLighting2026

Gipson Play Plaza and Moore Square Holiday Lighting

The City of Raleigh, as a part of the RFP, requires proposing companies to submit a minimum of three (3) business references as required within this document. The purpose of the references is to document the experience of the proposer relevant to the scope of services and assist in the evaluation process.

• The Proposer is required to send the reference form (the following two pages) to each business reference listed on Proposer Questionnaire.

• The business reference, in turn, is requested to submit the Reference Form directly to the City of Raleigh Point of Contact identified on the Reference Questionnaire form for inclusion in the evaluation process.

• The form and information provided will become a part of the submitted proposal. The business reference may be contacted for validation of the response.

• It is the Proposer’s responsibility to verify their references have been received by the

City of Raleigh Point of Contact by the date indicated on the reference form.

APPENDIX V

REFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE FORM

274-HolidayLighting2026 Gipson Play Plaza and Moore Square Holiday Lighting

(Name of Business Requesting Reference)

This form is being submitted to your company for completion as a business reference for the company listed above.

This form is to be returned to the City of Raleigh, Kimberly Oliver, via email to Kimberly.Oliver@raleighnc.gov no later than 5 p.m. EST, September 11, 2026 and MUST NOT be returned to the company requesting the reference.

For questions or concerns regarding this form, please contact the City of Raleigh, Point of Contact above.

Company Providing Reference

Contact Name and Title/Position

Contact Telephone Number

Contact Email Address

Questions:

1. In what capacity have you worked with this company in the past? If the company was under a contract, please acknowledge and explain briefly whether or not the contract was successful.

Comments:

2. How would you rate this company’s knowledge and expertise?

3= Excellent 2= Satisfactory 1= Unsatisfactory 0= Unacceptable

3. How would you rate the company’s flexibility relative to changes in the scope and timelines?

mailto:Kimberly.Oliver@raleighnc.gov

4. What is your level of satisfaction with hard-copy materials, e.g. reports, logs, etc. produced by the company?

5. How would you rate the dynamics/interaction between the company and your staff?

6. Who were the company’s principle representatives involved in providing your service and how would you rate them individually? Would you comment on the skills, knowledge, behaviors or other factors on which you based the rating?

(3= Excellent; 2= Satisfactory; 1= Unsatisfactory; 0= Unacceptable)

Name: Rating:

7. With which aspect(s) of this company’s services are you most satisfied?

8. With which aspect(s) of this company’s services are you least satisfied?

9. Would you recommend this company’s services to your organization again?

APPENDIX VI

SAMPLE CONTRACT

NORTH CAROLINA

WAKE COUNTY

CONTRACT FOR SERVICES

THIS CONTRACT (“Contract”) is entered into by and between__________, hereinafter referred to as the “Contractor”, and the City of Raleigh, a North Carolina municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as the “City”.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the City desires to procure a contractor to perform services; and

WHEREAS, the City has completed necessary steps for retention of professional and other services under applicable City policies; and

WHEREAS, the City has agreed to engage the Contractor, and the Contractor has agreed to contract with the City, for performance of services as described, and according to the further terms and conditions, set forth herein.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of sums to be paid to the Contractor, and other good and valuable consideration, the

Contractor and City do contract and agree as follows:

1. Scope of Services

The Contractor shall perform for the City the following described services:

2. Schedule/Time of Performance

[1.) For a One-time Service Completed by a Specific Date, use the following:]

In performing the services described in this Contract, it is mutually agreed that time is of the essence. The Contract shall be effective upon the date of the City’s signature.

The Contractor shall begin work on , and work shall be completed no later than .

In the event the services under the Contract are not completed by this date, the Contractor shall be assessed liquidated damages of for each day’s delay beyond the completion date.

[If liquidated damages are not applicable to this Contract, then remove this paragraph.]

[2.) For Repeated Services Over a Period of Time/Term (without renewal options), use the following:]

In performing the services described in this Contract, it is mutually agreed that time is of the essence. The Contract shall have a term of [written number (X) – example: five (5)] years, beginning on the Effective Date through and including

[enter term end date].

[3.) For Repeated Services Over a Period of Time/Term (with Renewal Options), use the following:]

In performing the services described in this Contract, it is mutually agreed that time is of the essence. The Contract shall have an initial term of years, beginning on the Effective Date through and including [enter initial term end date].

Prior to the expiration of the initial term or any subsequent renewal terms, the City shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to renew the Contract on the same terms and conditions as are set forth herein for up to a total of additional one-year terms, for a maximum contract term not to exceed five (5) years. The City shall exercise each such renewal option no later than days before the end of the Contract’s then-current term.

The parties acknowledge and agree that a written notice exercising one of the City’s renewal options that is sent to the

Contractor as an attachment to an e-mail (for example, as a PDF of a letter sent as an attachment to an e-mail), and which written notice does not contain an original, wet signature or a digital signature, shall nonetheless have the same force and effect as if such written notice contained an original, wet signature or digital signature.

Once the City has decided to exercise a renewal option as provided in this Section, the City hereby authorizes the director of the City department that is responsible for administering this Contract on behalf of the City to execute on behalf of the City the written notice to Contractor that so exercises one of the City’s renewal option(s), and the Contractor shall accept such written notice as the City’s exercise of the applicable renewal option. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for purposes of providing written notice of the City’s exercise of a renewal option as set forth herein, the parties acknowledge and agree that the City shall submit such written notice to Contractor by e-mail, to the attention of the Contractor representative specified in Section 4 below, “Notices”.

The Contractor shall be responsible for immediately notifying the City in writing of any changes to its contact information in

Section 5, “Notices”. The City’s inability to deliver to Contractor written notice of the City’s exercise of a renewal option because Contractor has failed to keep the City informed of any changes to its contact information in Section 5, below, shall not negate the effectiveness or validity of the City’s exercise of any such renewal option if written notice of the same has been timely submitted by the City to the last-known email address that the City has for the Contractor’s representative pursuant to Section 5, below.

3. Compensation; Time of Payment

For services to be performed hereunder, the City shall pay the Contractor a not to exceed total contract amount $

($ for the initial term and $ for each renewal term if exercised by the City), unless changed by a duly authorized amendment.

[if using option 3 in the Time of Performance section above, enter the total contract amount followed by the sub-total amounts of the initial term and the amount of the renewal options]

[if not using option 3 in the Time of Performance section above, delete the statement in the parenthesis ( ) with the sub-total amounts if the contract doesn’t include optional renewal terms]

3.1. The standard City of Raleigh payment term is NET 30 days from the date of invoice.

3.2. Send all invoices electronically by email accountspayable@raleighnc.gov (or send by mail to: City of Raleigh, Accounts Payable, PO Box 590, Raleigh, North Carolina 27602-0590).

3.3. All invoices must include the following Purchase Order Number __________. Invoices submitted without the correct purchase order number will result in delayed payment.

4. Workmanship and Quality of Services

All work performed under this Contract shall be performed as described in the Scope of Services, above, and in a workmanlike and professional manner, all to the reasonable satisfaction of the City, and shall conform to all prevailing industry and professional standards.

5. Notices

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Contract, all notices, requests for payment, or other communications arising hereunder shall be sent to the following:

City of Raleigh Contractor

Attn: Attn:

Title: Title:

Address 1: P.O. Box 590 Address 1:

Address 2: Raleigh, NC 27602 Address 2:

Telephone: Telephone:

E-mail: E-mail:

6. Non-Discrimination

6.1. To the extent permitted by North Carolina law, the Parties for themselves, their agents, officials, directors, officers, members, representatives, employees, and contractors agree not to discriminate in any manner or in any form based on actual or perceived age, mental or physical disability, sex, religion, creed, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial or marital status, economic status, veteran status or national origin in connection with this Contract or its performance.

6.2. The Parties agree to conform with the provisions and intent of Raleigh City Code §4-1004 in all matters related to this Contract. This provision is incorporated into the Contract for the benefit of the City of Raleigh and its residents and may be enforced by an action for specific performance, injunctive relief, or any other remedy available at law or equity. This section shall be binding on the successors and assigns of all parties with reference to the subject matter of the Contract.

mailto:accountspayable@raleighnc.gov

7.…