Holiday Express Inflatables 2026

The City of Raleigh, North Carolina is requesting proposals for rental and operation of holiday-themed inflatables and event support services for the Holiday Express event at Pullen Park, with proposals due August 5, 2026 and a pre-proposal conference scheduled for July 15, 2026.

The scope includes provision and operation of at least four holiday-themed inflatables (slide, bounce house, obstacle course, and snow globe), associated staffing (operators and supervisors), lighting, weights, and power sources. The contractor must deliver set-up, layout, weighting, power connection, Fire Marshal inspection support, staffing during event operations December 1–17, 2026 (with rain dates December 18–21), backup equipment, repairs, and take-down and cleaning services for both rental and City-owned inflatables.

The contract term is three years with potential for new themes annually. Cost cannot be a determining factor in selection per North Carolina's Mini-Brooks Act (N.C.G.S. Chapter 143 Article 3D), meaning evaluation is non-price-weighted. Stage 1 evaluation criteria are proposed design and thematic approach (20 points), previous experience performing similar work (30 points), project understanding (30 points), and ability to meet project time constraints (20 points). Selected firms may advance to Stage 2 for interviews and demonstrations (up to 5 points).

Proposers must submit one signed original, three copies, and one electronic PDF version on USB drive, along with financial statements demonstrating financial viability, at least three references, and a separate sealed envelope containing hourly rate schedules and cost proposals. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, Auto Liability of $1 million, Workers Compensation per North Carolina statute, and professional liability as applicable. Contracts are subject to North Carolina public records law, E-Verify compliance, Iran Divestment Act certification, and Companies Boycotting Israel Divestment Act certification. Written questions are due July 22, 2026. Anticipated evaluation meeting is August 19, 2026, with interviews possible the week of August 24 and selection announcement tentatively September 2, 2026.