NEW ORLEANS –
My DCMA showcases the Defense Contract Management Agency’s experienced and diverse workforce and highlights what being a part of the national defense team means to them. Today, Christopher Kirk shares his story.
My name is Christopher Kirk, and this is “My DCMA.”
I am a quality assurance specialist at DCMA New Orleans. I enjoy working and living in New Orleans as there is no city in the world like this one.
My job duties include evaluating the processes of defense contractors to make sure they have quality assurance systems in place that are acceptable to the government based on their contract requirements. As a QAS, I inspect and accept product on behalf of the Department of Defense. I take pride in knowing I am supporting the DCMA mission by ensuring our warfighters receive the quality products they need.
I have been part of the DCMA team for 12 years. I like working at DCMA because it allows me the opportunity to make a difference in protecting our country by supporting the operational readiness of our military. Working at DCMA affords me the opportunity to serve my country with distinction and honor. It makes me proud to know the work I do contributes to the freedom of our country — in fact, public service is a public trust.
Some of the great things about working at DCMA New Orleans include working for a great supervisor: Ning Santiago; working with a terrific team who have a wealth of knowledge and experience; and having the opportunity to work on the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles for the Canadian government. My workload consists of a geographical location of 200 miles around New Orleans. For example, in New Iberia, Louisiana, I observe how oil booms prevent an oil leak from spreading. It is important that when leaks occur the oil booms prevent the spread so toxic chemicals do not have a significant negative impact on the environment.
DCMA is important to America’s warfighters because we are the eyes and ears for them. We are the first line of defense for the military. We ensure our customers receive quality products that assist them in defending our nation and accomplishing their missions.
Over the years, the agency and its mission has continued to evolve to meet the needs of the warfighter and the country. The agency has done a better job of defining functional specialists’ roles and establishing a multi-functional role to accomplishing its mission. DCMA has taken strides to include the IT equipment employees need to be more effective in executing their responsibilities.
I believe in DCMA’s mission and my fellow colleagues who work for this agency. I have confidence that our senior leadership team will guide us through the challenges we face during these unprecedented times. Regardless of the obstacles we face, we will continue to find a way to support our mission and help our warfighters.
My goals for 2021 are to graduate from the DCMA Dallas Tier II leadership program and ensure that the best quality products available are delivered to warfighters. I want to continue to pursue professional self-development opportunities and grow in my role as a QAS while representing the American people with honor, respect and integrity.
My future career goals include progressing up the chain of command through different leadership positions. I would like to start by becoming a supervisory quality assurance specialist. After serving in this capacity, my goal is to become a group chief at the contract management office or regional level. My ultimate goal is to hold a leadership position at the headquarters’ level to create and shape policy decisions for DCMA personnel.
Something unique about me is that I dip my biscuits in orange juice, and I can read Catalan. I can recognize numerous cities in pictures based off their skylines. My favorite hobbies include watching soccer and basketball, and photography. In my spare time, I also mentor local students.