Hamden Firework Display Show

The Town of Hamden, Connecticut, through its Purchasing Department, is issuing Request for Proposals (RFP) #2607 for a fireworks display show scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, June 27, 2026. The procurement seeks materials and labor for a professional fireworks display to be launched from Hamden Middle School with viewing at Hamden Center Park, with firing commencing 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. 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. The contractor must submit a lump-sum all-inclusive price covering all equipment, materials, labor, travel, and setup costs, and is responsible for obtaining all necessary state and federal permits at its own expense. Evaluation criteria include technical understanding of the scope, competitiveness of fees, proof of state licensure, and professional references. Sealed proposals consisting of one original, three hard copies, and one electronic flash drive must be received at the Hamden Government Center Finance Office, 2750 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518 by Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT, with proposals publicly opened immediately following the deadline. Questions must be submitted by email to purchasing@hamden.com no later than Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM.

Connecticut's Public Act 15-5 set-aside requirements may apply if state funding is involved in this procurement, potentially requiring 25 percent of the contract value for small contractors and 6.25 percent for minority business enterprises on contracts exceeding $50,000. No incumbent contractor information is provided in the available solicitation materials. 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, and meals, as well as secure and store all fireworks and equipment at its own expense. 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 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 the available solicitation documents.