Instead of making store inspections on a rotating basis, the IG office visits commissaries on the basis of need. Factors such as customer complaints, congressional inquiries, hotline calls, and regional director priorities help determine need. IG team visits are targeted to locations where the most benefit can be derived. As a result, DeCA saves money by making fewer site visits - and making them count. Customer feedback surveys show the DeCA IG has improved its customer service while reducing associated costs.
Contractors now bid on both the design and construction of the facility.
It was particularly appropriate that the Hammer Awards were presented at Fort Myer. The original building was constructed in 1920 as a stable, but the present commissary was built under the new design-build methods. As a PBO, DeCA is seeking waivers and legislation to cut through red tape and operate more like a private-sector business, saving money for customers and taxpayers.