Consultant sought for food truck plaza feasibility study in Lacey

The City of Lacey is seeking a consultant to study the next phase of its food truck plaza. The search follows several years of a pilot program to foster food entrepreneurship. 

The Lacey Community and Economic Development Department published a request for qualifications (RFQ) on Oct. 9. Consulting firms have until Nov. 9 to submit statements of qualifications. 

The city launched its pilot food truck plaza on city-owned property in 2021.

According to the RFQ, the project has proven successful in helping entrepreneurs overcome startup barriers, such as high operational costs, limited marketing resources and lack of essential infrastructure. The initiative has also created new economic opportunities and culturally diverse food options for people. 

For the permanent plaza, the selected consultant will evaluate at least three centrally located sites in the Depot District, Lacey Midtown or both. 

One site must be the current food truck location owned by the city, including the property east of Clearbrook Drive. All sites must accommodate a minimum of six food trucks and have access to water, sewer and electricity, plus on-site or adjacent parking. 

The current location is also a future museum site. The consultant must assess whether the existing food truck plaza is compatible with the approved museum site plan and associated Heritage Capital Project grant requirements. 

The evaluation will also need to analyze food trucks as an interim use until the museum is constructed, including estimated costs of improvements within the planned museum parking area. 

Fiscal analysis 

Identifying the infrastructure and amenities required to support a permanent food truck plaza is also required. That includes restrooms, electrical systems, potable water, gray water disposal, seating and dining areas, and a play area for children. Consultants must also evaluate the fiscal impact of implementing the elements and upkeep. 

A quantitative assessment is to be informed by community engagement activities, including interviews with food truck operators, event organizers, city staff and other key community stakeholders.

The consultant also needs to analyze site conflicts, development costs, infrastructure needs, ongoing operational expenses, and accessibility and visibility.  

The feasibility study report must recommend the most viable site for longer term development and include conceptual site plans. 

Firms must submit statements of qualifications in PDF format by 5 p.m. PST on Nov. 9. Submissions must not exceed 10 pages, excluding the title page and table of contents. The city will evaluate submissions based on firm experience and methods for analyzing the fiscal impacts of locations. 

For the complete RFQ and submission requirements, visit the city website.