Drone Show

Location:	Georgia
Posted:	May 8, 2026
Due:	May 26, 2026
Agency:	City of Lawrenceville
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	99 - Miscellaneous
Solicitation No:	RP008-26
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Bid Number:	RP008-26
Bid Title:	Drone Show
Category:	Miscellaneous Services Bid Opportunities
Status:	Open

Description:

The City of Lawrenceville is soliciting competitive proposals from qualified contractors for the Community & Economic Development Department. The purpose of this RFP is to establish a contract, by means of a proposal, for a qualified provider of Aerial Drone Show for the America 250 event, in partnership with Gwinnett County.

Quotes should be typed or submitted in ink and returned to the Attention of Kenneth Morris, Purchasing Director. Quotes should be received by 2:00 P.M. local time on May 26, 2026 by e-mail to For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. .

Questions regarding quotes should be directed in writing to Kenneth Morris, Purchasing Director, at For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. . Quotes are legal and binding upon the bidder when submitted.

Publication Date/Time:

5/8/2026 3:00 PM

Closing Date/Time:

5/26/2026 2:00 PM

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RP008-26

Page 1

May 7, 2026

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RP008-26

The City of Lawrenceville is soliciting competitive proposals from qualified contractors for the

Community & Economic Development Department. The purpose of this RFP is to establish a contract, by

means of a proposal, for a qualified provider of Aerial Drone Show for the America 250 event, in

partnership with Gwinnett County.

Quotes should be typed or submitted in ink and returned to the Attention of Kenneth Morris, Purchasing

Director. Quotes should be received by 2:00 P.M. local time on May 26, 2026 by e-mail to

purchasing@lawrencevillega.org.

Questions regarding quotes should be directed in writing to Kenneth Morris, Purchasing Director, at

purchasing@lawrencevillega.org. Quotes are legal and binding upon the bidder when submitted.

Successful contractor will be required to meet insurance requirements. The Insurance Company should be

authorized to do business in Georgia by the Georgia Insurance Department, and must have an A.M. Best

rating of A-5 or higher.

The written quote documents supersede any verbal or written prior communications between the parties.

Award will be made to the contractor submitting a quote that’s in the best interest and value to the City

including shell count, previous performance (if applicable), experience, etc. The City of Lawrenceville

reserves the right to reject any or all quotes, to waive technicalities, and to make an award deemed in its

best interest. All quotes may be split or awarded in entirety.

We look forward to your quote and appreciate your interest in the City of Lawrenceville.

Kenneth Morris,

Purchasing Director

The following should be returned as your quote:

Quote Schedule, Page 6-7

References, Page 8

Contractor Affidavit, Page 9

RP008-26

Page 2

Scope of Work / Requirements

The City of Lawrenceville is seeking a contractor to design, produce, and execute a synchronized aerial

drone light show at 9:30 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as part of the City’s America 250 Celebration.

The anticipated budgeted amount for this display is $15,000.

The staging and launch area will take place at the Gwinnett County Justice & Administration Center

located at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. The viewing area and site footprint will be similar

to that utilized for the City’s annual fireworks display.

Proposer shall be responsible for all labor, machinery, tools, means of transportation, software, supplies,

equipment, materials, services, FAA compliance, permitting, and incidentals necessary to perform the

drone light show for the City of Lawrenceville.

The selected contractor shall design and execute a high-quality aerial drone light show consisting of 150

or more synchronized drones, creating animated formations in the sky through coordinated flight patterns

and LED lighting.

Preference may be given to local or regional drone show providers capable of conducting an in-person site

visit prior to proposal submission or contract award.

The proposals for Drone Displays must include the following:

Experience, Qualifications, and Past Performance

Proposers shall demonstrate at least three (3) years of experience providing professional drone light shows

at large public events.

Bidders must provide the City with the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at

least three (3) other organizations, municipalities, or government agencies for whom a similar type of

drone show has been performed in the past twenty-four (24) months.

Experience coordinating drone operations within FAA regulations, local airspace restrictions, and large

public event environments should be clearly described.

Preference may be given to firms with experience producing patriotic or civic celebration drone displays.

METHODOLOGY, APPROACH, AND QUALITY OF SHOW DESIGN/DISPLAY

Proposals shall include a detailed narrative describing the proposed drone light show design and

execution.

The proposal must include:

• Total number of drones to be used (minimum 150 drones).

• 20–23 total animations or visual sequences throughout the show.

• 4–8 customized animations specifically designed for the City of Lawrenceville and the America

250 Celebration theme.

• A storyboard or description of each animation, including sequence order and approximate

duration.

• Total length of the show (recommended duration: approximately 15 minutes).

• Description of synchronization with music, if included.

• Description of the control systems and redundancy protocols used to ensure safe and reliable

drone operation.

• A detailed price breakdown including production, programming, travel, staffing, setup, flight

operations, and teardown.

• All supplies and equipment necessary to perform the drone show as proposed.

• Transportation of equipment, supplies, and personnel necessary to present the display.

• A contingency plan in case technical issues arise during the drone show.

RP008-26

Page 3

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: CONTRACTOR must:

• Observe and comply with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, including

Part 107 requirements, as well as any applicable state and local aviation or safety regulations

governing drone flight operations.

• Provide a fully synchronized computer-controlled drone flight system capable of executing

programmed animations with precision and safety.

• Provide a minimum of 150 drones capable of producing coordinated light animations visible

to the public viewing area.

• Maintain appropriate flight safety zones and ensure safe operation throughout the duration of

the show.

• Obtain all required FAA waivers, flight authorizations, airspace approvals, and local permits

in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

• All permits and approvals shall be the responsibility of the Drone Company and must be

submitted to the City no later than four (4) weeks prior to the show (July 1, 2026).

• Allow access to operations by local public safety officials including Gwinnett County Fire

Marshal and law enforcement on the day of the event.

• Contractor will be responsible for setup, testing, operation, teardown, and removal of all

equipment, restoring the launch area to its original condition following the show.

SITE ACCESS AND EVENT OPERATIONS

• The drone launch area will be located at the Gwinnett County Justice & Administration

Center

• If the launch site changes, we will discuss new launch locations with the company.

• A site visit is required for the selected contractor to confirm staging area, safety perimeter,

and operational needs.

• The event footprint and required road closures will be similar to those used during the City’s

annual fireworks display.

• Contractor must coordinate with the City regarding:

• Right of Entry to Gwinnett County property

• Launch zone setup

• Crowd safety perimeter

• Event timing and staging logistics

PERSONNEL / OPERATIONS

• The contractor shall provide a sufficient number of qualified drone pilots, technicians, and

support personnel to safely conduct the show.

• All drone operators must possess appropriate FAA certifications and experience operating

synchronized drone fleets at large public events.

• The contractor must designate a lead operations manager responsible for coordinating with

City staff and public safety officials on the day of the event.

TIME OF DISPLAY

• The drone show shall begin promptly at 9:30 PM upon the Event Organizer’s signal to align

with the conclusion of the live entertainment portion of the event.

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contractor shall, at a minimum, ensure the following:

• Provide working cellular communications for the operations manager and designated CITY

staff on the day of the show.

• Provide to the designated CITY staff, no less than two (2) weeks prior to the event, a

finalized animation sequence list and show timeline.

• Provide to the CITY, as early as possible but no less than three (3) weeks prior to the event,

copies of all required permits, FAA authorizations, and regulatory approvals.

• Provide written procedures outlining plans for weather delays, technical malfunctions, or

operational interruptions.

• Allow access of contractor operations to the Gwinnett County Fire Marshal and public safety

officials on the day of the display.

RP008-26

Page 4

CITY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The City shall, at a minimum, ensure the following:

• Police presence to be available for patrolling the display area to maintain a safety zone

around the launch area.

• Coordination with Gwinnett County for Right of Entry and site access.

• A member from the CITY Community & Economic Development Department to coordinate

with the contractor and act as the City’s representative.

• Assistance coordinating road closures and event logistics consistent with previous fireworks

operations.

INCLEMENT WEATHER: In the event the show is postponed or canceled due to weather conditions (as

determined by CITY personnel), the CITY reserves the right to reschedule or cancel the display.

• Contractor shall outline within the proposal any fees or conditions associated with postponement,

rescheduling, or cancellation due to weather conditions.

BUDGET FOR DISPLAY

• The City budget for the drone display is $15,000

• Bidders may present the full value of the show; however, the total amount paid by the City shall not

exceed $15,000.

Design Requirements

The proposed drone light show should prioritize visual fullness, fluid motion, and dynamic

transitions throughout the performance. The animation sequences should maximize the visual impact

of the drone formations while maintaining continuous audience engagement.

To achieve this effect:

• Minimal static formations: Drone animations that remain stationary for extended periods

without movement or transformation will not be considered competitive. Formations should

evolve, transition, or morph into new designs to maintain visual interest.

• Full-sky composition: Each animation sequence should utilize the drone fleet to create

visually balanced formations that fill the viewing area of the sky. Displays should avoid

sparse arrangements and instead focus on bold, clearly recognizable imagery.

• Layered motion and transformation: Vendors are encouraged to design animations that

incorporate morphing shapes, expanding patterns, motion paths, and multi-stage transitions.

These layered movements should create depth, dimension, and fluid storytelling within the

show.

• Rhythmic variation: Momentary pauses or slower animation sequences may be included for

pacing but should be intentionally choreographed and limited in duration. Transitions between

animations should feel smooth and purposeful.

• Thematic storytelling: The animation sequence should follow a cohesive narrative or theme

appropriate for the America 250 Celebration, incorporating patriotic imagery, celebratory

symbols, or custom graphics relevant to the City of Lawrenceville.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS – The selected Drone Company agrees to provide Liability

Insurance containing contractual Indemnification Coverage in the amount of five million dollars

($5,000,000.00), in addition to Worker’s Compensation Insurance for operators and crew members no

later than thirty days prior to the scheduled event, naming the following on the Certificate of Insurance

as Additional Insured:

City of Lawrenceville

Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners

70 S. Clayton St.

75 Langley Drive

PO Box 2200

Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046

RP008-26

Page 5

REFERENCES

Offeror shall provide a list of references for the last three (3) clients/projects of similar size and scope as

proposed in this Request for Proposal.

The City reserves the right to contact references and utilize any additional information deemed necessary to

establish the ability of the offeror to perform the conditions of the contract.

The reputation of the Offeror regarding the adequacy of past performance on projects of this type and

magnitude shall be considered when making the award.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• The City will consider the following when awarding the contract:

• The ability, capacity, and skill of the bidder to perform the contract.

• The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the contractor.

• The quality of performance on previous contracts of similar size and budget.

• Ability to provide a creative, visually impactful drone show experience appropriate for the America

250 Celebration.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

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Drone Show

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