Imagine having groceries from the commissary delivered to your doorstep. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) will soon make online grocery delivery a reality, including at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Agency officials have identified eight stores that will be part of a pilot program to test the idea of doorstep delivery of groceries to the homes or barracks of commissary customers.

Bill Moore, the director and CEO of DeCA, has made doorstep delivery central to his efforts to make it more convenient for customers to use their commissary benefit. This new step builds on the commissary agency's earlier rollout of its online ordering/curbside service known as Click2Go.

"Let us prove how we can be your grocery store of choice, delivering the exclusive commissary benefit you have earned through your service," he wrote in a news release.

Moore also pointed out that compared to off-base grocery stores, commissary shoppers saved an average of 25 percent in 2020.

The first eight stores to begin doorstep delivery are located at JBLM, as well as Fort Belvoir, VA; Fort Bragg, NC; MacDill Air Force Base, FL; Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, CA; Norfolk Naval Station, VA; San Diego Naval Base, CA; and Scott Air Force Base, IL.

At JBLM, it is unclear if both JBLM Main and McChord Field commissaries will participate in the program.

It is unknown at this time when the pilot program will begin, however, DeCa officials anticipate notice for the actual contract solicitation on Feb. 7. Information is not available on the program's projected timeline after the contract is finalized.

If the program meets with success, the plan is to eventually take the delivery of groceries from commissaries across the country.

According to the pre-solicitation notice for contractors, this much is known. Customers will place their grocery orders online. Once done, commissary employees will select the items ordered, bag them, and then stage them for a delivery driver to pick up.

A contractor will oversee the delivery process, to include ensuring that all delivery drivers are licensed, insured, and able to gain access to the base. The contractor will also maintain the equipment that allows for the packing and safe delivery of chilled and frozen groceries.

The delivery area will be a 20-mile "driven" radius from the commissary, and the driver will be responsible for completing the delivery to the customer's doorstep within a two-hour window.

DeCA will collect payments from the customer. This will include the cost of the groceries, a surcharge, delivery fees, and any applicable tips for delivery drivers. While a template in the pre-solicitation notice uses an example of a $10 delivery fee, it is expected that the dollar amount would be determined by the contract.

"Our patrons can now enjoy their hard-earned benefit from the comfort of their homes or barracks," said Moore.