DeCA seeks new deli and bakery contractor for 22 commissaries

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Deli and bakery services at 22 commissaries in eight states could be temporarily suspended on March 1 while the Defense Commissary Agency seeks a new contractor. Sixteen of the 22 commissaries have sushi bars that would also be temporarily suspended.

DeCA is looking at both long-term and interim solutions to offer the valued deli and bakery services. Using an expedited contracting process, DeCA expects to have a new contract in place by mid-May. And as an interim solution, to avoid disruption of services, the Agency is pursuing the use of temporary employees to ensure delivery of limited services until a new contractor can be brought on board.

"Our goal is to offer our customers high-quality products and services in every aisle of the commissary," said Defense Commissary Agency Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu. "The difficult decision to not renew the contract option year with one of our current deli and bakery contractors was made in the best interest of our customers."

If a break in deli and bakery services does occur, customers can purchase cold cuts, potato and macaroni salad, fruit and vegetable trays and similar items in their commissary grocery and produce aisles. Store management has increased product quantities and will bring in new items to help fill in any short-term void.

"We apologize for the inconvenience to our customers," Jeu said. "We're working to return our deli and bakery operations in these impacted stores to normal as quickly as possible.

Commissaries impacted:
Colorado: Buckley Air Force Base, Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force Academy
Kansas: McConnell Air Force Base, Fort Leavenworth, Fort Riley
Nebraska: Offutt Air Force Base
New Mexico: Cannon Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, Kirtland Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range
Oklahoma: Altus Air Force Base, Fort Sill, Tinker Air Force Base, Vance Air Force Base
North Dakota: Grand Forks Air Force Base, Minot Air Force Base
South Dakota: Ellsworth Air Force Base
Texas: Fort Bliss, Sheppard Air Force Base
Wyoming: F.E. Warren Air Force Base