Fireworks Display July 4th

City of Suffolk, Virginia is soliciting firm fixed-price proposals under RFP #27013-KR for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Constant's Wharf Park and Marina, with electronic proposals due December 3, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Offerors must be licensed pyrotechnicians with the Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office, which is the primary filter for this procurement.

Offerors must have a minimum of two years' experience as primary contractors for fireworks display services and must provide at least five references from organizations receiving similar services, with public agency references preferred. The lead operator must be at least twenty-one years old, must have fired a minimum of six displays within the preceding eighteen months, and cannot be changed after award without City approval. Offerors must carry $1,000,000 general liability coverage and comply with NFPA 1123 and 1126, the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and City of Suffolk Code Section 38, Article 5.

The display must last a minimum of fifteen minutes, beginning at approximately 9 p.m., and include an opening display, a main aerial display with varied effects and colors, and a grand finale. Proposals must include a detailed program with materials lists, sequence of events, and timeframes for each section, plus a safety plan addressing fire prevention, emergency procedures, crowd safety, and communication protocols. Pricing must be submitted with and without barge rental.

The City anticipates a budget of $50,000 for the July 4 display. The contract runs from receipt of the signed contract through July 4, 2027, with four one-year renewal options through July 4, 2031, exercisable at the City's sole option on thirty days' written notice for non-renewal. Other City departments may use the contract for similar displays at pricing negotiated from submitted proposals. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, award to multiple vendors, or negotiate separately.

Evaluation weights the proposed fireworks display at 30%, fee schedule at 30%, quality of prior work at 25%, and qualifications and experience of key personnel at 15%.

The listing's jurisdiction field reads Williamsburg City (FIPS 51830), while the attached RFP is issued by the City of Suffolk.