RFP 2607_Apr_20_26_solicitation_doc.pdf

This is a Request for Proposals (RFP) document issued by the Town of Hamden, Connecticut, through its Purchasing Department for a professional fireworks display show. The RFP solicits materials and labor for a fireworks display scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, June 27, 2026. The display will be launched from Hamden Middle School with viewing at Hamden Center Park, with firing to commence between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM depending on sunset timing. Vendors must provide a continuous 20-minute aerial display with a minimum five-minute grand finale for a total show duration of 25 to 30 minutes. The solicitation period runs from March 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT through April 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT, with sealed proposals required to be submitted to the Hamden Government Center Finance Office, 2750 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518. Questions must be submitted by email to purchasing@hamden.com no later than Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM. Proposals will be publicly opened immediately following the April 14 deadline.

Vendors must submit a lump-sum all-inclusive price covering all equipment, materials, labor, travel, and setup costs, with the contractor responsible for obtaining all necessary state and federal permits at its own expense. Required deliverables include detailed shell specifications, National Fireworks Operators Association (NFOA) compliant firing system documentation, and references from three previous similar projects completed within Connecticut in the past three years. Evaluation criteria include technical understanding of the scope, competitiveness of fees, proof of state licensure, and professional references. Connecticut's Public Act 15-5 set-aside requirements may apply if state funding is involved, potentially requiring 25 percent of the contract value for small contractors and 6.25 percent for minority business enterprises on contracts exceeding $50,000. The contractor bears full responsibility for any damage to Town property and must arrange an inventory of the display with the Fire Marshal on the day of the event. Should the event be postponed to the rain date, the contractor shall bear all costs for overnight lodging, transportation, meals, and secure storage of fireworks and equipment. If the show is cancelled for any reason, including the rain date, the Town incurs no financial responsibility for costs associated with fireworks, materials, equipment, labor, storage, or shipping, and reserves the right to cancel the display within 15 days of the scheduled date without penalty. The estimated total contract value is not disclosed in the available solicitation documents.