AGR-ISF-Fireworks

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is seeking a qualified vendor to provide fireworks displays for the Illinois State Fair, with a four-year contract spanning from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029. The procurement requires a vendor to execute nine specific fireworks displays annually during designated fair evenings, including Agriculture Day, Kids Day, Veteran's Day, Senior and Scout Day, Governor's Day, First Responders and Healthcare Heroes Day, and Family Day. Each display must commence around 10:00 p.m., last a minimum of 5 minutes, be electronically fired, and comply with National Fire Protection Association Code 1123, utilizing shells no larger than 5 inches. The vendor must handle all materials delivery, setup, and teardown, and provide certified pyro-technicians for performances at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The solicitation requires electronic proposal submission through Bid Buy by May 22, 2025, with vendors expected to demonstrate technical expertise in pyrotechnic displays and ability to meet stringent safety and performance requirements.

The contract does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises and appears open to qualified pyrotechnic vendors meeting technical specifications. Potential bidders must carry specific insurance, including $1,000,000 in general commercial liability and $1,000,000 in auto liability, and comply with state regulations including prevailing wage requirements and tax obligations. Subcontracting is expressly prohibited, meaning the awarded vendor must perform all services directly. While precise contract value is not predetermined, the vendor will be expected to propose pricing for the four-year engagement. The contract includes provisions for termination with cause or convenience and is contingent on state appropriations, with potential early termination if funding becomes insufficient. The solicitation suggests this is a competitive procurement process seeking a technically proficient vendor capable of delivering high-quality, safe fireworks displays that meet the Illinois State Fair's entertainment requirements.