ATLANTA –
Navy Vice Adm. David Lewis, the Defense Contract Management Agency director, visited DCMA Atlanta in April to learn more about the contract management office’s two new programs.
According to Vivian Hill, DCMA Atlanta’s deputy director, the programs are designed to ensure the office is prepared to meet the agency’s future needs and goals.
Navy Cmdr. Frank Miller, DCMA Atlanta commander, and the team briefed Lewis on the Capabilities Achievement Tool, also known as CAT. The tool links the agency’s strategic goals and objectives to the Business Capability Framework and DCMA’s contribution plans. CAT provides visibility on the office's performance metrics and is used as an internal control for many of DCMA Atlanta’s business processes.
“There were several highlights from (Vice) Adm. Lewis’ visit to DCMA Atlanta,” said Hill. “The proudest moment for me was introducing the admiral to the Capabilities Achievement Tool. We are all excited about the possibilities for CAT and how it will help us enhance our customer service.”
Lewis also inducted the first group of eight participants into the office's NexTIER leadership development program. The eight-month program is designed to develop the agency’s future leaders. The program focuses on helping employees grow their skills for the executive core qualifications, which helps them prepare for future career growth, including the Senior Executive Service. Employees who participate in the program also attend lectures by senior leaders from the public sector and private industry, as well as receive mentoring and career advice from office leaders.
Nicole Bragg, who serves as both the Contracting Group and NexTIER director, said she is proud of the inaugural group of employees who participated in the program.
“I was excited to present DCMA Atlanta’s NexTIER program and its first class of participants to the admiral,” said Bragg. “This program is the embodiment of DCMA’s strategic goal five, which includes preparing and equipping the next generation of leaders through interactive and innovative activities.
“It is my hope that our intentional engagement with both public and private sector leaders, like the Atlanta Braves Corporation and the Georgia Film Industry, will promote diverse leadership perspectives that will ultimately encourage innovative leadership within DCMA and the Department of Defense. This program will provide a path for individuals to grow and lead the agency towards the future.”
During the visit, Lewis also talked to employees from various functional areas.
Hill said Lewis spoke to the team about the importance of retention, the value of telework, and provided an information technology update.
“He voiced his appreciation for the hard work and diligence exemplified by every DCMA Atlanta team member every day,” she added. “We are glad he had a chance to speak to employees to learn more about how they support our nation’s warfighters.”