State Fair Fireworks Display

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is requesting proposals for professional fireworks display services during the eleven-day North Carolina State Fair (October 15–25, 2026) under RFP #10-RFP-2189114180-YB, with proposals due July 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET and a mandatory site visit on June 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET. A 10% utilization goal applies for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontractors.

The scope is nightly fireworks displays at 9:45 PM across eleven evenings, with each show professionally designed and consisting of shells up to 2 inches in diameter and close proximity outdoor pyrotechnics, all compliant with NFPA 1123 and NFPA 1126 standards. Each show must run a minimum of ten minutes and conclude with a finale. The vendor must provide a turnkey contract covering all materials, labor, travel, permits, licensing, cleanup, and waste disposal at no additional cost to the state. All pyrotechnicians must be licensed and approved by the NC Office of the State Fire Marshal. Weather cancellations result in rescheduled shows later during the fair as designated by the Contract Manager. An optional provision allows the same show during two nights of the Got to Be NC Festival in May 2027 at identical cost.

The fixed price is $11,000 per show. The contract term is two years from the effective date of execution. Evaluation criteria in order of importance are vendor technical approach, specifications compliance, vendor experience, references, and pricing. Vendors must register with the NC Secretary of State prior to execution and provide proof of financial stability and insurance certifications within thirty days of award. Written questions are due July 7, 2026 by 12:00 PM ET, with state responses due July 10. The state reserves the right to award to a single vendor, make separate awards, negotiate with one or more vendors, or reject all offers.