A Defense Contract Management Agency Financial and Business Operations employee recently earned an opportunity to attend the Data Analytics for Defense Management Certification Program at the Naval Postgraduate School. 

Course attendees learn data science methods to gain insights from large, complex data sets including basic statistics and data analysis, large data, and machine learning, according to NPS. 

Tyra Keys is only the second DCMA employee to be selected for this highly competitive program, according to Dr. Cherry Wilcoxon, FB comptroller.  

Applying to the program “felt like fate,” said Keys, because the course was announced just days after having a conversation with colleagues about the opportunities the NPS provides to support inspirational and innovational education for Department of War employees.  

“Being chosen for a program through the Naval Postgraduate School represents a significant milestone in my career and a unique chance to upskill and expand my technical capabilities in a way that directly aligns with the DCMA and DOW strategic mission,” said Keys. 

Keys will attend the 12-month program to build a foundational data literacy upon which modern defense managers rely. During the course, Keys will learn to perform complex descriptive and prescriptive analytics, manage data-intensive projects and processes, and apply tools and applications to manage critical areas like manpower, budgeting, and logistics, said Wilcoxon. 

“Utilizing analytics tools is exactly how I can help our agency maximize operational readiness, streamline workflows and truly do more with less.” said Keys. “More importantly, I look forward to applying these advanced techniques at DCMA to assist in fostering a culture of data literacy across the agency.” 

The NPS Data Analytics curriculum is geared specifically toward defense management, said Keys, and includes programming logic, database management, and the transformation of complex datasets into high-impact, easily digestible reports. 

“With the industry rapidly pivoting toward artificial intelligence, a certification in this area will help directly empower our leaders to make agile, data-driven decisions at the strategic level,” said Keys. 

According to Wilcoxon, this program will enable Keys to have advanced descriptive and prescriptive analytics capabilities, which will positively impact the agency’s manpower, budgeting and logistics processes.  

“DCMA eagerly anticipates the innovative perspectives and enhanced capabilities she will bring back to her role at FB upon completion of this program,” said Wilcoxon.