Directions: In accordance with the solicitation, a competitive range is to be established in a fireworks acquisition. The solicitation specified that cost and non-cost factors (in total) are equal to each other in relative importance. The solicitation also indicated that the non-cost factors are equal to each other in relative importance. Read the following government proposal summaries and establish a competitive range.

Extent of Competition

The solicitation was advertised on January 15. The package was sent to eighteen potential contractors on March 1. Five proposals were received.

Illinois Fireworks

This proposal fails to address a number of requirements. Although Illinois provides the required number of shells, it does not provide for a wide variety of shells. The video of the proposed program was less than impressive, lacking the variety and visual effects required. The provisions for cleanup are omitted entirely. Illinois has been in business for fourteen years; however its qualified operators have only satisfactory levels of experience. Illinois' proposed cost is $184,550. It received the following technical ratings:

Quality 19

Creativity 22

Qualifications (including past performance) 10

Vitale Fireworks

Vitale's proposal demonstrates a clear understanding of the program objective. The number and distribution of shells meets the requirement. Vitale proposes a very attractive display and the musical program is highly rated. Vitale has qualified operators with ten years of experience in the field. The offeror also has experience with televised displays. Vitale proposed to subcontract the cleanup and there are some deficiencies that must be resolved in this area. There are also concerns regarding Vitale's direct labor estimates. Vitale's proposed cost is $196,140. It received the following technical ratings:

Quality 27

Creativity 28

Qualifications (including past performance) 24

Burnett Fireworks

This proposal is well written and provides a detailed description of its program. Burnett has an impressive reputation in the industry and is known for its spectacular special effects. Burnett intends to use a relatively new "sparkler shell" for the July 4th program; however, the new type of shell is untested and is not guaranteed to perform as expected. Burnett clearly meets the requirements for number and distribution of shells. The provisions for setup and cleanup are also satisfactory. Burnett's proposed cost is $351,325. It received the following technical ratings:

Quality 26

Creativity 31

Qualifications (including past performance) 26

Elkton Sparkler

Elkton's proposal described a well rounded visual program. Elkton Sparkler Co. is fairly new to the industry and experience is of concern. It is not known if Elkton has ever produced a program of this magnitude. The proposed finale was also not as effective as hoped for. Elkton's proposal complies with the requirements for providing setup and cleanup. Its proposed cost is $191,410. It received the following technical ratings:

Quality 25

Creativity 25

Qualifications (including past performance) 20

Ohio Fireworks

Ohio Fireworks provided a well-organized and detailed proposal that reflects a solid understanding of the requirement. It proposes a visually effective program and earned high marks for the finale. Ohio rated highly in professional experience with an impressive background in national programs. Ohio Fireworks has been a family-owned business for 82 years. It has provided a subcontracting plan for cleanup. Ohio's proposed cost is $188,725. It received the following technical ratings:

Quality 24

Creativity 25

Qualifications (including past performance) 23