Homecoming Carnival 2025

Western Carolina University is seeking a comprehensive carnival services contract for its 2025 Homecoming event scheduled for November 4th and 5th, 2025, from 4:00pm to 10:00pm on campus. The Request for Proposal (RFP) 73-RFP00734 specifically solicits a vendor to provide 4-7 carnival rides, with a preference for a single vendor capable of supplying rides including a Ferris wheel, swings, Sizzler/Merry Mixer, Round Up/Zero Gravity ride, Berry Go-Round/Spin ride, Spinner "Tea Cups", and Carousel. Each ride must meet specific adult rider capacity requirements and be operated by the vendor's staff. Vendors are required to provide their own generators and submit a Certificate of Insurance with commercial general liability limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. The proposal evaluation will be based on both cost and the specifications of individual rides submitted. Electronic proposals must be submitted by April 18, 2025, at 2:00pm ET, with the contract award date to be determined subsequently.

The RFP includes provisions for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB), indicating a potential preference for diverse vendor participation. Vendors must complete several attachments, including pricing forms, HUB supplemental information, customer references, worker location details, and a certification of financial condition. The contract is a one-time event arrangement that will expire upon successful completion and acceptance of all specified requirements. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement process suggests a competitive bidding environment where vendors will be assessed on both cost-effectiveness and the quality of their proposed carnival rides. The comprehensive documentation requirements and detailed ride specifications indicate the university's commitment to securing a high-quality, safe, and enjoyable carnival experience for the 2025 Homecoming event.