Carnival and Amusement Ride Safety Inspection Services

The District in Costa Mesa, California requests safety inspection services for carnival and amusement rides, covering construction, operational, and follow-up inspections throughout event periods.

Ride safety inspectors must hold current Level II or higher certification from Amusement Industry Manufacturers & Suppliers, International (AIMS) and National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), or Level III Professional Ride Inspector certification from AIMS or NAARSO, or a combination.
Bidder must have at least 10 years of relevant experience providing ride safety inspection services for equivalent venues, including experience with an insurance company, governmental body, field operating/maintenance, or design/construction/maintenance/repair/field inspection.
Contractor must have in-depth knowledge of California Department of Industrial Relations Temporary Amusement Ride (TAR) compliance and reporting requirements.
No inspector performing services shall have been decertified within the last 10 years for violating certification program rules (explanation required if applicable).
Contractor must inspect rides throughout all construction stages, including pre-assembly, assembly, final inspection, and approval for operation.
Contractor must verify all ride safety measures, including safety devices, restraint systems, appropriate signage, fencing, gates, and barriers.
Only carnival rides/attractions and independent amusements approved by the Contractor will be authorized for activation.
Contractor must verify each ride has a current permit from the California Division of Industrial Safety before operation.
Contractor must notify the District and ride owner/operator of any necessary corrective actions and maintain records.
Contractor must provide random follow-up inspections and monitor timely correction of deficiencies.
Contractor must validate that ride supervisors/operators have been trained according to industry-established practices.
Contractor must monitor daily ride and support equipment operation and operational procedures.
Contractor must verify satisfactory repair completion and re-inspect rides before re-opening after breakdown.
Contractor must conduct periodic inspections of grounds and facilities within carnival amusement areas for hazardous exposures.
Contractor personnel must be qualified to work professionally with District Management, law enforcement, and safety/security officers.
Contractor must provide ongoing support for accident investigations.
Contractor must maintain a daily grounds inspection log available for District review.
Ride safety inspectors must respond to safety-related accidents/incidents and generate in-depth investigation reports within 12 hours.
Contractor must manage data and inspection information, providing daily reports with specific ride details (name, serial number, DOSH permit, owner, manufacturer, date of manufacture, photo, inspection completion date, inspector name).
Contractor must maintain inspection sheets and all other reports for three years.
Reports must conform to manufacturer's requirements, applicable governing body rules, regulations, codes, and industry guidelines.
Contractor must maintain daily communication with specified District personnel and immediately notify of any issues impacting ride operation or safety.
Contractor must make District Management, Carnival Management, and ride owner aware of undue hazards.
Ride safety inspectors must be available to support the District's Communications Department regarding media coordination efforts (no direct media contact).
For the annual OC Fair, Contractor must provide a minimum of two qualified ride safety inspectors for pre-opening inspection.
For the annual OC Fair, one qualified ride safety inspector must be on-duty/onsite during all operating hours, with a second available or on-call.
For the annual OC Fair, Contractor must inspect a minimum of 10% of rides on a rotating basis each day of operation.
For the annual OC Fair, Contractor must maintain a log of all ride outages and submit it weekly.
For Year-Round Events, Contractor must provide one qualified ride safety inspector for pre-opening inspection and one onsite or on-call during operating hours.
Bidder must submit a signed cover letter on company letterhead containing a specific verbatim statement acknowledging terms and conditions.
Bidder must submit a technical proposal detailing company history, management team background and experience, an organization chart, key staff qualifications, prior experience providing ride safety inspection services, three letters of recommendation (within 12 months), and an operations plan.
Bidder must submit proof of current insurance coverage (Certificate of Insurance) and a commitment from the insurance carrier to provide the additional insured endorsement upon contract award.
Bidder must complete and sign the Financial Proposal Bid Form (A-3), Bidder/Contractor Status Form (A-4), Bidder Declaration (A-5), Darfur Contracting Act Attachment (A-6), and Iran Contracting Act Verification Form (A-7) if the bid is over $1,000,000.
Contractor must provide specific insurance coverages and limits as outlined in Exhibit E, including Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, Workers' Compensation, Medical Malpractice (if applicable), and Liquor Liability (if applicable).
Contractor must conduct sex offender registration screening for all employees, agents, subcontractors, and volunteers performing job-related duties on District premises and complete the OCFEC Megan's Law Screening & Certification Form (F).
Contractor must sign the OCFEC Uniform and ID Procedures & Certification (G) and agree to follow all procedures.
Contractor must maintain one or more English-speaking representatives authorized to take immediate action and make adjustments.
Contractor must obtain all required licenses, permits, and certifications at its own expense.
Contractor must comply with prevailing wage requirements if applicable.
Contractor must ensure all vehicles and equipment are owned/provided by Contractor, clearly marked with company name/logo, in proper operating condition, and stored in designated areas.
Contractor must ensure all drivers of vehicles and equipment possess a valid driver's license and are 18 years of age or older.
Contractor must keep the job site clean daily, sweep and blow debris daily, and dump green waste in the provided dumpster.
Contractor must adhere to all fire regulations prescribed by the State Fire Marshal.

$750,000 – $1,500,000

RFP Released: March 16th, 2026

Questions Due via Email: March 30th, 2026

Answers Sent to All Bidders via Email: April 1st, 2026

Proposal Deadline: April 7th, 2026, 11:00 a.m.

Scoring: April 8th, 2026

Notice of Proposed Award: April 10th, 2026

Protest Deadline: April 17th, 2026

Board Approval of RFP Award: April 23rd, 2026

Proposed Contract Commences: May 1st, 2026

32nd District Agricultural Association

Organization overview and procurement intelligence available on paid plans.

A government authority in Costa Mesa, California, seeks a qualified vendor to provide safety inspection services for carnival and independent amusement rides on District property. The selected vendor will be responsible for thorough inspections at all stages of ride construction, including pre-assembly, assembly, final inspection, and approval for operation.

The scope includes conducting random follow-up inspections during events, ensuring timely correction of any deficiencies found, and verifying complete and satisfactory repairs in the event of ride breakdowns. Rides must be thoroughly re-inspected before being allowed to re-open to the public. The vendor is also required to maintain a daily grounds inspection log and detailed reports, including photographic documentation, which must be readily available for District review upon request.

Carnival and Amusement Ride Safety Inspection Services

Overview

Fit Score

SUMMARY

KEY REQUIREMENTS

BUDGET

CONTRACT DURATION

TIMELINE

QUESTION DEADLINE

Issuing Agency

DESCRIPTION

Similar RFPs