RFP 2607 Hamden Firework Display Show Summary

This is a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Town of Hamden, Connecticut, Purchasing Department, for a professional fireworks display show. The procurement seeks materials and labor for a pyrotechnic display scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, June 27, 2026. The fireworks display will be launched from Hamden Middle School with public 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. Sealed proposals consisting of one original, three hard copies, and one electronic flash drive must be submitted to the Hamden Government Center Finance Office, 2750 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518 by Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM EDT. Questions must be submitted by email to purchasing@hamden.com no later than Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM. The RFP opened March 31, 2026, and proposals will be publicly opened immediately following the submission deadline.

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