SD's America 250 Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration

The State of South Dakota is seeking proposals for a comprehensive fireworks display commemorating America 250 at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3, 2026. The procurement is for a full-service pyrotechnic event that includes all materials, labor, equipment, transportation, setup, firing, and cleanup services for a 20-30 minute continuous aerial fireworks display. Contractors must provide exclusively traditional fireworks without drones or alternative light devices, choreographed to patriotic and contemporary music. Key qualifications include certified pyrotechnic operators with extensive experience in complex mountain venues, state licensure, and demonstrated ability to comply with National Park Service (NPS) permitting requirements. Evaluation criteria encompass creativity, innovation, personnel experience, understanding of the project locale, cost of services, methodology, financial stability, references, and cancellation policy. Critical dates include site visits available until January 26, 2026 (must be scheduled by January 12), written inquiries due by February 2, 2026, proposal responses by February 9, 2026, and final proposals due by 5:00 p.m. CST on February 20, 2026. Oral presentations are potentially scheduled for the week of March 2, 2026, with an anticipated award decision the week of March 9, 2026.

The contract does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The total contract value is not to exceed $500,000, with payment made upon satisfactory completion of services through itemized invoices. Contractors must provide a performance bond equal to 100 percent of the contract price and maintain specific insurance coverages, including $1,000,000 commercial general liability, $1,000,000 professional liability, $1,000,000 business automobile liability, and workers' compensation as required by South Dakota law. The contract period is anticipated to run from approximately March 16, 2026, to August 14, 2026, spanning approximately five months. Successful contractors must adhere to strict NPS guidelines, including using US-manufactured biodegradable fireworks, establishing specific launch areas within the memorial, developing comprehensive safety and emergency plans, and coordinating with an incident management team. All deliverables, including reports, plans, specifications, and technical data, will become the property of the State of South Dakota. The State reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to award the contract to the highest-ranked offeror following negotiation discussions.