Pyrotechnics services fireworks display

The Town of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland is requesting proposals for pyrotechnic fireworks display services to be launched from two 30 × 90 barges on the Chesapeake Bay, with proposals due November 3, 2026 at 9:30 AM and a mandatory pre-proposal conference on October 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

The scope requires a minimum 25-minute display on July 3 of each contract year (rain dates July 5 or 6) with one-mile line of visibility, using Class 1.3 Display Fireworks with shells ranging from 2.5 to 8 inches in diameter. The display must include opening barrage, main display, and grand finale segments. The contractor bears full responsibility for permit acquisition, fireworks delivery and security, barge coordination, event postponement management, and site cleanup.

Minimum qualifications require three years of experience providing pyrotechnic services for similar events with references demonstrating municipal or equivalent event experience. The Town's budget for pyrotechnics services is $55,000 for the initial contract year, with pricing for two optional renewal years required in the proposal. The contract term runs from execution through June 31, 2028, with options to renew for two additional one-year terms.

Compensation is structured as a fixed lump-sum annual rate: 50 percent due upon submission of a detailed inventory order list or March 1 of the display year (whichever is later), and the remaining balance within 10 days of successful event completion. Bidders must provide a 5 percent bid bond; the successful contractor must furnish performance bonds at 100 percent of contract value and payment bonds at 50 percent. Liquidated damages of $20,000 apply if the contractor fails to perform on the scheduled date.

Evaluation criteria weight contractor experience with water-based displays (20 points), background and performance capability (20 points), quality and variety of fireworks (20 points), display segment description (20 points), references (8 points), proposed staffing (10 points), and general proposal impression (2 points). Questions are due by 9:00 AM on October 19, 2026, with written responses posted by October 23, 2026.