The City of Ocala is currently seeking a qualified vendor to conduct a drone light show display for an Independence Day celebration that will be held in the vicinity of downtown Ocala on July 4, 2024.
The request for proposals and qualifications is currently posted through the City of Ocala’s Procurement and Contracting Office, and it runs through 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
Historically, the City of Ocala has not hosted a 4th of July event, and next year’s celebration will be the first drone show. The city expects the event to attract a large crowd, and it will be a “central feature of our Independence Day celebrations.”
According to the scope of work outlined in the request, the selected vendor will work closely with the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department for the drone light show project.
The city states that a synchronized nighttime drone and light display will serve as an alternative to fireworks. The complete show will consist of “custom formations, animations, and synchronization.”
The selected vendor will develop a “creative and visually captivating drone show concept” that aligns with the “Fourth of July theme.” The vendor will coordinate with local authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and to obtain necessary permits.
The scope of work for this projects states that the selected vendor will provide a “fleet of drones” that are “equipped with the latest technology to create intricate and synchronized aerial displays.” The drone light show will include patriotic and festive formations, patterns, and shapes, and it is expected to be synchronized with a soundtrack that “enhances the audience’s viewing experience.”
To be eligible for this project, interested vendors must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in providing drone shows for projects that are “similar in complexity.” In addition, the vendors must have completed at least three (3) “directly comparable projects.”
According to the city, all interested vendors are required to attend a pre-proposal meeting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the Recreation and Parks Department building located at 828 NE 8th Avenue in Ocala.
During the pre-proposal meeting, city staff will discuss the possible locations that could be used as a staging area for the drone light show, the best viewing area, and the possible coordination of live music with the show. The potential locations for the drone light show include Tuscawilla Park and Citizens’ Circle.
Interested vendors have until 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023, to submit all written questions and inquiries. Proposals must then be submitted by no later than 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
For more information on this request, or to view others, visit the City of Ocala Procurement and Contracting Office website.