Why make DeCA a PBO?
DeCA was formed in 1991 when the military services’ commissary systems were consolidated into one agency. DeCA has squeezed as much operational efficiency and savings as it can under existing policies and regulations. DeCA’s success in reducing costs, while maintaining a high level of service to its customers, made it an ideal PBO candidate. PBO status will let DeCA cut through more red tape, become more responsive to its customers and more accountable to the American taxpayer. The PBO allows DeCA to employ commercial grocery business practices to improve efficiency, enhance customer access and provide a more progressive operation. Many initiatives that the agency seeks can be done with Department of Defense approval. Others involve collaboration and partnership with unions, consent from federal agencies such as the Office of Personnel Management, or even approval by Congress through legislative action. Today’s military consumer is more mobile and discerning, more are married and more
