2026 town fireworks display

The Town of Manchester, Connecticut, located in Hartford County, is seeking a qualified fireworks vendor to conduct a 25-minute fireworks display for its annual 4th of July celebration on Saturday, July 11, 2026, with a rain date of Sunday, July 12, 2026. The event, which attracts over 8,000 attendees, will commemorate the country's 250th birthday and requires a unique display that may include special shells producing images like a flag or the number 250. The procurement is structured as a Request for Proposal (RFP) #24/25-59, with specific requirements for vendors to provide comprehensive details including the number of shooters, show design, custom soundtrack, ground work setup and cleanup, and a detailed weather postponement policy. Vendors must meet all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA requirements, and obtain necessary permits by coordinating with state and local fire departments. The RFP was released on March 7, 2025, with a deadline for questions on March 18, 2025, and a proposal response deadline of March 19, 2025, at 11:00 am, with the display to be conducted at Manchester Community College Campus.

The contract includes specific insurance requirements, mandating commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, along with automobile liability insurance, workers' compensation, and umbrella/excess coverage. The opportunity is subject to the Town of Manchester's Living Wage Ordinance, which requires covered employers to pay eligible employees a living wage of $17.25 per hour with comprehensive health care benefits or $25.46 per hour without such benefits. Bidders must complete a Living Wage Certification Form, indicating their status as a covered employer or claiming exemption based on criteria such as employing fewer than 25 eligible employees, having an annual contract value less than $25,000, or being a nonprofit organization with specific tax-exempt status. The total budget for the fireworks display is $32,000.00, and failure to submit the required certification may result in bid rejection. There are no specific set-aside designations or restrictions mentioned for disadvantaged enterprises, and no information is provided about incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure requirements.