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# DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce Symposium

By Connie BraeschDLA Energy Public Affairs

                FORT BELVOIR, Va.  –              
Defense Logistics Agency Energy welcomed 440 employees in person and virtually for the 2023 Acquisition Workforce Symposium at the McNamara Headquarters Complex on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, June 13-15. Employees chose from a variety of learning opportunities and experiences designed to inform, inspire, and empower their personal and professional development. 

“I encourage you all to take full advantage of these opportunities,” said DLA Energy Deputy Commander Dave Kless in his opening remarks. “To not only listen, but critically think about the concepts and ideas presented. Compare and contrast how the concepts relate to DLA Energy’s mission. Consider how the ideas can help you better serve the warfighter and our whole-of-government partners. Ask questions.”

Kless reminded the audience that one person can make the difference between mission success or failure. In an analogy, he talked about how the Buffalo Bills’ assistant athletic trainer, Denny Kellington, performed CPR to save football safety Damar Hamlin’s life after he collapsed on the field from cardiac arrest during a game in January.

“Denny didn’t just show up on game day to watch some football. He practiced. He prepared. He continued to stay sharp. He stayed alert, aware of his surroundings, never complacent or distracted,” Kless said. “Denny didn’t wait for anyone else to respond. He took immediate action. His instinct and training kicked in. He didn’t need to wait. He knew what to do.”

“Like Denny – even if you are an ‘assistant’ or in some position you feel inconsequential – your role is vital to the team’s success. We depend on you to stay alert, take notice if something seems ‘off,’ and take action when needed,” Kless said.

                DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce Symposium                            Defense Logistics Agency Energy welcomed 440 employees in person and virtually for the 2023 Acquisition Workforce Symposium at the McNamara Headquarters Complex on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, June 13-15. Gabriella Earhardt, DLA Energy Head of the Contracting Activity, encouraged attendees to break down the walls of mediocrity, escape the chains of complacency, and rise to greatness. Photo by DLA Photographer Chris Lynch            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Photo by DLA Photographer Chris LynchVIRIN: 230613-D-HE260-1072

Gabriella Earhardt, DLA Energy Head of the Contracting Activity, encouraged attendees to push their limits during the Contracting Community Session.

“With every chance that comes our way, we must break down the walls of mediocrity, escape the chains of complacency, and rise to greatness,” she said. “The truth is, today's standards of excellence might be tomorrow's standards of mediocrity. We must be prepared for any situation, push the boundaries of what we believe is possible, and never settle for anything less than our very best.”

DLA Acquisition Director Matt Beebe talked about ways to develop and support DLA’s acquisition team. He stressed the importance of having “diversity of experience” and to “know and be known.”

“Diversity of experience isn’t just taking a different job,” Beebe said. “It’s about raising your hand. ‘Yes, I want to be on that project team. Yes, I want to deploy. Yes, I want to be on that review. Yes, I want to do a rotation.’”

                DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce Symposium                            Defense Logistics Agency Acquisition Director Matt Beebe talked about ways to develop and support DLA’s acquisition workforce during the DLA Energy 2023 Acquisition Workforce Symposium at the McNamara Headquarters Complex on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, June 13-15. Employees earned Continuous Learning Points throughout the symposium which are required for acquisition-coded positions. Photo by DLA Photographer Chris Lynch            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Photo by DLA Photographer Chris LynchVIRIN: 230613-D-HE260-1044

Beebe explained that to “know and be known” means knowing your job and building interpersonal relationships. 

“Be more than two initials on a screen,” Beebe said. “Turn your camera on. Call people. Speak up. Be known.”

The symposium included sessions on contracting processes, building industry relationships and adapting to technological advances.

During a session titled “360 Degree Mission Excellence,” retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Giovanni Tuck, former DLA Energy commander, and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Eugene Lupia shared their experiences as senior military leaders and consultants to illustrate best practices and strategies for leveraging supplier partnerships.

In a discussion about building a technically savvy team, DLA Acting Deputy Chief Information Officer Adarryl Roberts described how market dynamics, transformative technologies, and tools like analytics and artificial intelligence are changing the way teams work together to support internal and external customers.

Defense Acquisition University President James Woolsey spoke on the future of acquisition training on Day Two, which focused on career development in contracting; lifecycle logistics; and engineering and technical management. Eileen Granfield, DAU 4th Estate Director for Acquisition Career Management Team deputy director, talked LCL strategic development and Eidila Correa, DLA Logistics Operations Technical and Quality Assurance Division chief, talked to the ETM community.

Day Three brought more guest speakers and discussions on the future of work, work-life balance, emotional intelligence, and leading in a virtual environment.

Employees earned Continuous Learning Points throughout the symposium. Defense acquisition workforce members must acquire 80 CLPs every two years as long as they remain in an acquisition position.

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